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Science News Archive March 2015


Page 9 of 38

A difficult climate: New study examines the media's response to the IPCC

A recent study in Nature Climate Change analyzed how Twitter, TV, and newspapers reported the IPCC's latest climate evidence. The researchers found that different media sources used distinct frames to emphasize or downplay various aspects of climate change, with some frames being more engaging for audiences than others.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

HBV exposure matures infants' immune systems

A Singapore-led study reveals that HBV exposure before birth matures infants' immune systems, countering bacterial infections. This paradigm shift may change treatment guidelines for chronic hepatitis B patients, especially young adults and potentially even children.

Hydrolyzed fish fertilizer tested in organic vegetable production

A study published in HortScience found that hydrolyzed fish fertilizer is an economically feasible nitrogen source for growing organic vegetables, even when yields are reduced. The authors concluded that the premium price and resultant profit associated with organic products can offset the yield reductions.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Gastrointestinal symptoms reported by moms more common in kids with autism

A study found that children with autism spectrum disorder were more likely to experience gastrointestinal symptoms, such as constipation and diarrhea, and food allergies/intolerances than their typical development peers. Mothers of children with ASD also reported more persistent GI symptoms in the first three years of life.

ASHG and ESHG issue position statement on non-invasive prenatal screening

The American Society of Human Genetics and the European Society of Human Genetics issued a joint position statement on non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), exploring its promise and drawbacks. NIPT has improved accuracy and safety in prenatal screening, but raises concerns about over-expansion and loss of ultrasound data.

Unexplained warm layer discovered in Venus' atmosphere

Researchers found a mysterious warm layer at altitudes of 90-100 km on Venus' night side, 20-40 degrees warmer than predicted. This anomaly may be connected to the ozone layer and could be caused by chemical reactions involving chlorine-based substances.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

A new spin on Saturn's peculiar rotation

A new system devised by Dr. Ravit Helled measures Saturn's rotation period, offering a more accurate determination of the planet's internal structure, weather patterns, and formation process. The method applies to other gas planets in the solar system, including Uranus and Neptune.

ORNL-led team demonstrates desalination with nanoporous graphene membrane

A team of researchers from ORNL has successfully demonstrated an energy-efficient desalination technology using a porous graphene membrane. The new method, which uses a one-atom thick graphene sheet with pores as small as 0.5 nanometers, can purify water at an order of magnitude higher rate than traditional methods.

Thousands of atoms entangled with a single photon

Researchers at MIT have developed a technique to entangle 3,000 atoms using a single photon, promising improved accuracy in atomic clocks. This breakthrough could lead to more precise timekeeping and potentially overcome the standard quantum limit.

Algae from clogged waterways could serve as biofuels and fertilizer

Researchers at Western Michigan University are working on a multi-pronged nutrient bio-remediation system to clean up algal blooms in waterways. The algae can be used as a feedstock for biofuels, while the waste is high in nutrients and carbohydrates, suitable for recycling back into farm fields as organic fertilizer.

MDC researchers greatly increase precision of new genome editing tool

Researchers at the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine have discovered a method to increase the efficiency of precise genetic modifications using the CRISPR-Cas9 technique. By inhibiting a key enzyme, they achieved an eightfold increase in precision, paving the way for more accurate gene editing applications.

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Greenhouse gases unbalanced

Human intervention in arctic and boreal wetlands results in significant increase of CO2 emissions, leading to overall warming effect despite decrease in methane emission. Conversion of temperate wetlands into agricultural land causes higher climate impact due to increased radiative forcing.

Snowflakes become square with a little help from graphene

Scientists found small square crystals of ice at room temperature in a transparent nanoscale capillary made from graphene, which allowed them to see individual water molecules. The researchers used computer simulations to find that thin layers of water can form square ice independently of the material's chemical makeup.

Ebola more deadly for young children

New research reveals that Ebola progresses quickly and is fatal for young children, with a lower chance of survival compared to adults. The study found that nearly 90% of children under one year old and around 80% of children aged one to four years who are infected have died.

New autism-causing genetic variant identified

A Johns Hopkins-led team of researchers has identified a rare genetic cause of autism, which may also be linked to other complex genetic conditions. The study used a novel approach that focused on families severely affected by autism to pinpoint the CTNND2 gene as a potential culprit.

Perceived open-mindedness explains religion-based dating

Non-religious participants associated religious individuals with less openness and devalued them as romantic partners. Religious individuals were preferred by others who shared similar values, highlighting the role of perceived open-mindedness in religion-based dating.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Study finds why drug for type II diabetes makes people fat

A new study found that medication for type II diabetes activates sensors on brain cells, increasing hunger and leading to weight gain. Researchers at Georgia State University discovered the role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor Upsih (PPAR&Upsih) sensors in controlling eating behavior.

Hospitals and physicians should improve communication for better patient care

A study by University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus highlights the need for better communication between hospital clinicians and primary-care physicians to prevent missed test results and hospital readmissions. The researchers found that establishing accountability for pending tests and home health care via formal service agreeme...

CeBIT: Panoramas for your tablet

Researchers at Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft have developed a tablet app called Ultra-HD-Zoom that allows users to navigate and zoom into high-resolution panoramic images. The technology uses ultra-high-definition cameras to capture 360-degree views, making it ideal for live events coverage.

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Complex genetic ancestry of Americans uncovered

Researchers analyzed DNA samples from 64 populations in Europe, Africa, and the Americas to uncover the genetic fingerprints of the slave trade and colonization. The study found that Americans have a complex genetic profile, with varying proportions of African and European ancestry.

GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Study shows racial and socioeconomic disparities in hip fracture care

A new study by researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery found significant racial and socioeconomic disparities in hip fracture care, with black patients, Medicaid patients, and those from impoverished communities facing increased risks of delayed surgery, hospital readmissions, complications, and mortality. The study analyzed data f...

Legally high? Teenagers and prescription drug abuse

A new study found that teenagers who struggle with anxiety and feel pressure to be popular are at a higher risk of abusing prescription drugs. The researchers recruited teens in shopping malls across the US and asked them about their substance use, finding a strong link between psychological states and prescription drug abuse.

Leaders and their followers tick in sync

Research from Max Planck Institute finds that leaders' brain activity in left temporo-parietal junction synchronizes with followers', predicting leader emergence. The quality, not quantity, of communication determines leadership.

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

UC Riverside ecologist receives 2015 Prigogine Gold Medal

Bai-Lian Li, a professor of ecology at UC Riverside, has been awarded the 2015 Prigogine Gold Medal for his work on mathematical and statistical modeling applications in ecological studies. His research focuses on self-organization, emergence, and non-equilibrium biological systems.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Manganese speeds up honey bees

A study by Washington University in St. Louis found that low levels of manganese increased dopamine levels in honey bee brains, speeding up their behavior, while high doses caused toxicity. The findings suggest that honey bees may serve as early warning indicators for environmental toxins.

Running barefoot may increase injury risk in older, more experienced athletes

A study by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons found that older runners (age 30 and older) are less likely to adapt their running style to barefoot shoes, putting them at increased risk of injury. Despite this, many experienced runners continue to use a heel-first strike pattern when running without shoes.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

IQ of children in better-educated households is higher, study indicates

A recent study found that young adults raised in educated households have higher cognitive ability than those from less ideal environments. The study compared IQ scores of Swedish male siblings raised by biological or adoptive parents, with adopted males showing a significant 4.4-point advantage.

PNNL team wins American Chemical Society award

The PNNL Hydrogen Catalysis team received the American Chemical Society's Catalysis Lectureship for Advancing Catalytic Science. Their breakthrough research revolutionized understanding of proton movement, enabling faster and more energy-efficient catalysts.

A cancer research breakthrough

A breakthrough discovery by Queen's University researcher Madhuri Koti has identified biomarkers that can predict the success of chemotherapy in ovarian cancer patients. This finding holds promise for improving treatment options and increasing patient survival rates.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Survey defines advance practice dietitians, paving way for career path

A nationwide survey of registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) has defined advanced practice dietitians, distinguishing them from entry-level and early-career RDNs. The new credentialing exam will assess autonomy, clinical knowledge, and specialized skills in areas like support nutrition care and research.

Searching for traces in the atmosphere

Researchers at Empa measure first generation of coolants in the Swiss atmosphere, finding a faster decay rate than predecessors. The study highlights environmental concerns related to these substances, including their potential impact on ecosystems and human health.

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

American Association of Anatomists awards Young Investigators

The American Association of Anatomists has awarded Young Investigators to R.R. Bensley Award winner Bungo Akiyoshi for his discovery of unconventional kinetochores in Kinetoplastids, and Feng Zhang for his contributions to comparative neuroanatomy through genome manipulations using CRISPR-Cas9.

Discovery of heat-tolerant beans could save 'meat of the poor' from global warming

Scientists have discovered 30 new types of heat-beater beans that can thrive in drastic weather extremes, offering a climate-friendly option for farmers. The development of these heat-defying beans is a landmark result of urgent efforts to adapt crops to environmental stresses and could save the 'meat of the poor' from global warming.