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Science News Archive March 2015 - Page 10


Page 10 of 38

Physicists solve low-temperature magnetic mystery

Researchers have made an experimental breakthrough in understanding the Kondo Effect, a phenomenon affecting electrical resistance in materials. The discovery could lead to new technologies, including magnetic refrigeration and magnetocaloric properties, which could significantly reduce energy costs and carbon dioxide emissions.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·DateMar 24, 2015
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.

The price of delirium: New study finds nearly half of patients have delirium

A new study found that 48% of hip fracture patients experienced delirium during hospitalization, leading to significantly longer hospital stays and higher costs. The study suggests that reducing the rate of delirium would simultaneously increase quality of care while decreasing costs for elderly patient care.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateMar 24, 2015

Rethinking wetland restoration: Smaller wetlands more valuable than previously thought

A new study from the University of Waterloo reveals that smaller, isolated wetlands are being lost at a higher rate than larger ones, with significant consequences for aquatic species and water quality. The research emphasizes the importance of considering ecosystem services provided by different wetland types in restoration efforts.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalEcological Applications·DateMar 24, 2015

Cancer patients want more information about medical imaging risk

A new study found that cancer patients have variable knowledge about imaging tests, with most wanting basic education about radiation use and understanding how tests differ. Patients also desired information on potential long-term risks and participation in decision-making about medical imaging.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateMar 24, 2015

Researchers find link between genetic variation and alcohol dependence

A study by Virginia Commonwealth University researchers has found a biological clue that may help explain why some drinkers develop a dependence on alcohol. The discovery could lead to the development of more effective drugs to combat alcoholism.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 24, 2015
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.

'Goldilocks material' could change spintronics

A team at Trinity College in Dublin has discovered a new class of magnetic materials based on Mn-Ga alloys, which could revolutionize data storage and increase wireless data transmission speeds. The material has unique properties that make it immune to external magnetic fields and free from demagnetizing forces.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMar 24, 2015

Lung transplant patients in the UK fare better than publicly insured Americans

A study found that UK patients with cystic fibrosis who received transplants had better survival rates than publicly insured Americans. The research suggests that a single-payer national health care system can provide complex, coordinated and expansive care with long-term outcomes similar to those achieved by private insurance.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateMar 24, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NASA sees Nathan weakening near Darwin, Australia

Tropical Cyclone Nathan's maximum sustained winds dropped to 30 knots (34.5 mph/55.5 kph) as it continued to move across land in the Top End of Australia's Northern Territory. The storm was weakening inland and had low potential for regeneration over the next few days.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 24, 2015

Higher volume of scoliosis surgeries linked to reduced reoperation rates

Researchers at NYU Langone found that adolescent patients who undergo high-volume scoliosis surgery have significantly lower reoperation rates compared to those with low-volume surgeons. The study suggests that experienced spine surgeons can reduce complications and need for revision surgeries.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·DateMar 24, 2015

Got (fresh) milk?

Researchers have developed a new technology to preserve milk without refrigeration or chemicals, reducing waste and increasing income for small farmers. Pulsed electric fields can kill bacteria and extend shelf life without constant electricity supply.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalTECHNOLOGY·DateMar 24, 2015

The challenges for anthropologists when they're the expert in the courtroom

Researchers examine how anthropology is applied in the courtroom, highlighting differences between cultural anthropologists' definitions of culture and the legal system's understanding. Leila Rodriguez presents her own experience testifying in a sexual abuse case, discussing approaches to data collection and its impact on testimony.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateMar 24, 2015
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Diabetics with ankle fractures have longer lengths of stay, more health care costs

A study published by NYU Langone researchers found that patients with diabetes who undergo ankle fracture surgery have significantly longer lengths of stay and total hospital charges compared to non-diabetics. Patients with complicated disease also experience worse trends, with increased costs and prolonged hospital stays.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·DateMar 24, 2015

Quarantine yes/no?

A novel decision tree assesses quarantine's impact on disease spread and individual freedoms. The authors warn against premature quarantine measures without evidence-based data.

SourceSociety for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Inc.·JournalDisaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness·DateMar 24, 2015

Malaria-infected cells produce odors attractive to mosquitoes

Research finds that malaria-infected cells produce specific terpenes attractive to mosquitoes, which can be detected in breath or sweat. This discovery may lead to new diagnostic tests and improve malaria control by understanding mosquito attraction.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateMar 24, 2015
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

New technique paints tissue samples with light

Researchers developed a new imaging technique that enables fast and broad diagnostic assessments using infrared light, eliminating the need for chemical stains. This allows pathologists to obtain precise information from tissue samples without damaging them.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalTECHNOLOGY·DateMar 24, 2015

Building shape inspires new material discovery

Researchers at Australian National University have created a topological insulator that can bend light around corners with no loss of signal, opening possibilities for nanoscale light sources, efficient antennas, and quantum computing.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 24, 2015
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.

Marketing, prescribing testosterone and growth hormone for aging is disease mongering

The marketing, prescribing, and selling of testosterone and growth hormone as solutions for aging-associated problems is considered disease mongering. The FDA has recently acknowledged that these treatments are not indicated for age-related decline in serum testosterone, with potential risks outweighing benefits.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMar 24, 2015

Genetic discovery may offer new avenue of attack against schistosomiasis

Researchers at Oregon State University have discovered a group of genes in snails that provide natural resistance to the flatworm parasite causing schistosomiasis. This finding offers potential new avenues for treatment and control of the disease, which can cause chronic disability and even lead to bladder cancer.

SourceOregon State University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMar 24, 2015

A vineyard's soil microbes shape the grapes' microbial community

Researchers found that soil microbes are the primary source of bacteria colonizing grapevines, affecting disease resistance, stress tolerance, and productivity. The study's findings could lead to biotechnological advances in producing hardier crops and improving wine quality.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateMar 24, 2015

Milk could be good for your brain

New research at KU Medical Center found a correlation between milk consumption and increased levels of glutathione in the brain. Participants who drank milk recently had higher glutathione levels, which could help stave off oxidative stress and its associated diseases.

SourceUniversity of Kansas Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMar 24, 2015
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.

More flavorful, healthful chocolate could be on its way

Researchers have developed a new technique to retain more antioxidants in chocolate by storing cocoa pods for a few days before fermentation. This process, called pulp preconditioning, resulted in higher antioxidant activity and more polyphenols in the beans.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 24, 2015

Child with autism improves with antibiotic; prompts new investigations into autism

A child with autism improved dramatically while taking an antibiotic for strep throat, prompting a quest by the parent to understand the phenomenon. The collaboration led to a scientific conference and special issue in a scientific journal featuring articles on the microbiome's involvement in autism.

SourceN of One: Autism Research Foundation·JournalMicrobial Ecology in Health and Disease·DateMar 24, 2015
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Brain tumor cells decimated by mitochondrial 'smart bomb'

Researchers have designed a drug called MP-MUS that targets the energy source of brain tumor cells, crippling their ability to grow and divide. In animal models and human tissue cultures, MP-MUS destroyed 90-95% of malignant glioma cells without affecting healthy brain cells.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalChemMedChem·DateMar 24, 2015

A call for more research on brain damage in American football

Experts say research is needed to develop strategies to protect athletes from brain injury, citing a lack of long-term studies and unclear causes. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) has been linked to repeated blows to the head, but diagnosis requires autopsy and more research is needed to understand its development.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateMar 24, 2015

Fat turns from diabetes foe to potential treatment

Researchers have discovered a new class of potentially therapeutic lipids, FAHFAs, which are found at lower levels in people with insulin resistance. Administering FAHFAs to diabetic mice improved glucose metabolism and insulin secretion, suggesting a potential avenue for developing novel medications.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 24, 2015
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Air pollution linked to increased risk of anxiety and stroke

A new series of articles examines the association between air pollution and health, with studies finding links between short-term exposure and increased risks of stroke and anxiety. The research highlights the need for policy changes to reduce exposure in highly polluted regions.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateMar 24, 2015

Concerns over the online market of human breast milk

The unregulated online market for human breast milk puts infants at risk due to lack of pasteurization and proper testing. Experts call for legal regulation and training for healthcare workers to ensure safe alternatives are offered to mothers struggling with breastfeeding.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateMar 24, 2015

After learning new words, brain sees them as pictures

A Georgetown University Medical Center study found that brain neurons learn words quickly by tuning to recognize complete words as visual objects, not parts of them. The 'visual word form area' in the left side of the visual cortex remembers how whole words look, facilitating fast reading and helping people with reading difficulties.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·DateMar 24, 2015

NASA satellites catch 'growth spurt' from newborn protostar

Astronomers have discovered an outburst from a young protostar called HOPS 383, revealing a sudden accumulation of gas and dust. The eruption is thought to be caused by instabilities in the disk around the protostar, leading to an extreme hot spot that heats up the surrounding material.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 24, 2015
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Children less likely to come to the rescue when others are available

Research shows that children as young as 5 years old exhibit the bystander effect when others are present and available to help, suggesting they take responsibility into account. The study's findings highlight the complexity of young children's helping behavior and indicate that interventions should address diffusion of responsibility.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 24, 2015

New study shows non-invasive imaging tests can detect coronary artery disease long before it strikes

A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that adding two non-invasive imaging tests to traditional cardiovascular disease risk factor assessment can more accurately predict a healthy patient's future risk of heart attack, stroke, or premature death. The study identified subclinical atherosclerosi...

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 24, 2015
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.

Disturbingly little known about microbeads and plastics in the Great Lakes

A comprehensive assessment of microplastics in the Great Lakes finds high concentrations of plastic debris, including microbeads, in all five lakes. The study reveals that plastics can persist in the environment for thousands of years and are easily ingested by aquatic organisms.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalJournal of Great Lakes Research·DateMar 24, 2015

NASA-funded mission studies the Sun in soft X-rays

Scientists have made significant discoveries about the Sun's behavior in soft X-rays, shedding light on heating mechanisms and coronal composition. The study found that nanoflares, tiny explosions on the Sun, could be responsible for increased soft X-ray emissions, which also affects space weather events near Earth.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMar 24, 2015
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

What is the definition of 'natural' foods? Consumers want to know

A lack of regulatory definition for natural foods has led to increased consumer lawsuits, forcing companies to reformulate products. The FDA and FTC have previously abandoned efforts to define natural products due to limited progress.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Public Policy & Marketing·DateMar 24, 2015

Pay gap between male and female RNs has not narrowed

A study analyzing salaries of registered nurses in the US from 1988 to 2013 found that male RNs consistently outearned their female counterparts across settings, specialties, and positions. The pay gap remained unchanged over time, with an estimated $5,148 difference in adjusted earnings.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMar 24, 2015
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.