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Science News Archive March 2015 - Page 17


Page 17 of 38

The new frontier in plasma medicine

Researchers developed new plasma models applicable to medicine using data on oxygen ion transport and interaction with water molecules. These models account for how discharges are created in water vapour, enabling the development of novel therapeutic treatments for wound healing and dermatology.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateMar 18, 2015

Unaweep Canyon and Earth's deep-time past

Unaweep Canyon, the only canyon with two mouths, formed in multiple stages ~300 million years ago. The inner gorge was incised by the Gunnison River as part of the incision of the Colorado Plateau, linking events on the northern and southern Plates. This study highlights the preservation of ancient landscapes from Earth's deep-time past.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeosphere·DateMar 18, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

EU ban on ditching unwanted fish 'will be difficult for industry to comply with'

The EU's new Common Fisheries Policy aims to reduce waste and improve fish stocks, but a University of Strathclyde study suggests it may be difficult for the industry to comply. The study found that while overall catches have decreased, the proportion of catch discarded has increased due to an increase in small fish being caught.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 18, 2015

30 years after C60: Fullerene chemistry with silicon

Researchers at Goethe University have successfully synthesised a silicon dodecahedron, a structurally similar compound to C60. The molecule features an Si20 Platonic solid and opens up new possibilities for the semiconductor industry.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMar 18, 2015

Traffic fatalities spike during spring break

At popular spring break hotspots, traffic fatalities are significantly higher during the spring break weeks compared to other times of the year. The study found a 9.1% increase in weekly death tolls from car crashes and 16 more traffic deaths per year.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalEconomic Inquiry·DateMar 18, 2015

Natural sleep cycles identified in rural community -- new study finds

A study published in Scientific Reports identified a rural community in Brazil that still adheres to traditional sleep patterns, unlike many urban areas where artificial lighting has disrupted the natural day-night cycle. The researchers found that town residents and those living in the countryside have different preferred wake-up and ...

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 18, 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.

Extent of moon's giant volcanic eruption is revealed

Researchers used data from NASA's Lunar Prospector spacecraft to map the radioactive element thorium from an unnamed volcano in the Compton-Belkovich Volcanic Complex. The study found debris from the eruption spread over a vast area, comparable to Scotland's size.

SourceDurham University·DateMar 18, 2015

Is it dementia, or just normal aging? New tool may help triage

Researchers at Mayo Clinic developed a new scoring system to identify individuals at high risk of developing dementia. The study found that variables such as age, diabetes, heart health risk factors, slow gate, depression, and anxiety disorders are key contributors to the risk score.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNeurology·DateMar 18, 2015

Electronic waste has energy value

Researchers at the University of the Basque Country have developed a system to recover hydrogen from waste plastics in electronic boards. The technology has been patented and shows promise as a clean energy source.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalFuel Processing Technology·DateMar 18, 2015

Understanding proteins involved in fertility could help boost IVF success

Researchers have identified over 300 proteins in the uterus that can increase IVF success rates. By boosting or reducing these protein levels, embryos may implant more successfully. The study provides new insights into fertility treatments and could lead to improved IVF outcomes.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateMar 18, 2015

Melatonin can help you get a good night's sleep in a noisy environment

Researchers found that melatonin significantly improved sleep quality, reduced awakenings, and increased REM sleep compared to using earplugs and eye masks. Melatonin's effectiveness was attributed to its ability to boost brain activity, reduce anxiety, and promote cognitive restoration.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalCritical Care·DateMar 18, 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.

Ras protein regulates circadian rhythm

Researchers found that Ras activity determines circadian clock phase and induces phase-shifts in response to light. Artificially increased Ras activity alters the circadian rhythm.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalMolecular Neurobiology·DateMar 18, 2015

Beetles beat out extinction

Researchers found that beetles have among the lowest family-level extinction rates due to their ability to adapt to changing environments. The study suggests that beetle diversity may be due to an historically low extinction rate rather than a high rate of new species emerging.

SourceNational Evolutionary Synthesis Center (NESCent)·DateMar 18, 2015

Buckyballs become bucky-bombs

Scientists have created buckybombs, nanoscale explosives that could target and eliminate cancer cells at the cellular level without affecting surrounding tissue. The new explosives were built by attaching nitrous oxide molecules to a Bucky-Ball and then heating it, triggering a controlled explosion.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry·DateMar 18, 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.

Researchers identify protein needed for repair of injured kidney cells

A protein called MG53 is necessary for the repair of injured kidney cells, according to a study published in Science Translational Medicine. The discovery could lead to new preventive or therapeutic treatments for acute kidney failure, which affects over 30 million Americans.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 18, 2015

Sense of smell may reveal weight bias

Researchers found that visual cues associated with overweight people influence one's sense of smell, and participants with higher BMI tend to be more critical of heavier individuals. This study suggests that weight stigma may be more pervasive than previously thought, affecting everyday life in various ways.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateMar 18, 2015

Fatal uncoupling in the epileptic brain

Researchers at the University of Bonn have discovered a new cause of temporal lobe epilepsy: astrocyte uncoupling. This leads to hyperexcitability of neurons and epileptic seizures. The study suggests that inflammation plays a role in uncoupling astrocytes, which can be reversed at an early stage.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalBrain·DateMar 18, 2015

Potential treatment identified for myotonic muscular dystrophy

A potential treatment for myotonic muscular dystrophy has been identified, using an experimental drug that improves muscle function and reduces symptoms in mice. The therapy targets excessive activity of a cellular protein called TWEAK and its receptor Fn14, which correlates with disease severity.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateMar 18, 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.

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.

Buyer's remorse -- model shows people demand all that bad news

A new model by Washington State University researchers suggests that consumers derive greater happiness from reading negative news than positive news. This tendency creates a societal preference for negative news stories, with news outlets responding by reporting more bad news to attract readers.

SourceWashington State University·JournalInformation Economics and Policy·DateMar 18, 2015

WSU researchers show how fatty acids can fight prostate cancer

Washington State University researchers have discovered a mechanism by which omega-3 fatty acids inhibit the growth and spread of prostate cancer cells. The findings suggest that a potential new anti-cancer drug could be developed to target this process.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics·DateMar 18, 2015
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Kessler Foundation scientists test Actual Reality in functional assessment post-TBI

A study examining the use of Actual Reality in traumatic brain injury (TBI) found that individuals with TBI had difficulty performing internet-based tasks. The results suggest that Actual Reality is a potential tool for capturing the status of everyday functional activity in this population, supporting its use in clinical assessments.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalBrain Injury·DateMar 18, 2015

Planets in the habitable zone around most stars, calculate researchers

Researchers used the Titius-Bode law to calculate planetary positions and found billions of stars with 1-3 planets in their habitable zone. This suggests that a significant number of these planets could have liquid water and support life.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Niels Bohr Institute·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMar 18, 2015

The ecstasy and the agony: Compression studies of MDMA

Researchers investigated MDMA's behavior under extreme pressure, finding no change in polymorph despite elevated pressures. The study suggests that non-hydrostatic conditions may lead to a polymorphic change.

SourceInternational Union of Crystallography·JournalActa Crystallographica Section B·DateMar 18, 2015
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.

Light as puppeteer

Scientists at OIST successfully demonstrated a more robust method for controlling single, micron-sized particles with light using higher order modes. The technique allows particles to move up to eight times faster along a microfiber, with applications in physics, biology, and quantum research.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 18, 2015

Superradiant matter: A new paradigm to explore dynamic phase transitions

Physicists harness superradiant state to study dynamic phase transitions, mirroring water cycle and Higgs field condensation. The experiment introduces a controlled coupling to the environment, expanding scope for understanding imperfect crystallization and defects.

SourceUniversity of Hamburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 18, 2015

Leaf odor attracts Drosophila suzukii

Scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology identified a leaf odor, beta-cyclocitral, that specifically attracts Drosophila suzukii, a devastating fruit crop pest. This specialization allows the fly to pinpoint ripe fruits by tracking the distinct leaf odor.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalJournal of Chemical Ecology·DateMar 18, 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.

NASA-JAXA's GPM satellite close-up of Cyclone Pam's rainfall

The Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) satellite provided data on rain rates throughout Cyclone Pam, revealing a well-defined inner eyewall with intense precipitation features. The cyclone's maximum sustained winds were estimated at 135 knots (~155 mph), indicating a near category 4 storm.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 18, 2015

Computer sims: In climatic tug of war, carbon released from thawing permafrost wins handily

New computer simulations suggest that thawing permafrost will release more carbon into the atmosphere than plants can absorb, leading to potential acceleration of climate change. The models also indicate a large range of uncertainty in the outcomes, highlighting the need for further research.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 18, 2015

Parasite turns shrimp into voracious cannibals

A new study found that a parasite significantly increases cannibalism among freshwater shrimp in Northern Ireland. Infected shrimp become voracious and consume their victims twice as much as uninfected animals. The research suggests that the parasite may be weakening the shrimp's resistance to invasive species.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateMar 18, 2015

Viewers vs. doers

A new study by the Cornell Food & Brand Lab found that women who watch cooking shows for entertainment and don't often cook tend to weigh less than those who watch for inspiration and cook from scratch. The researchers surveyed 501 women aged 20-35 and discovered a significant association between TV viewing habits and weight.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalAppetite·DateMar 17, 2015
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

How we became nature -- Anthropocene

The Anthropocene epoch is characterized by human impact on the environment, including climate disruption, overpopulation, and pollution. The authors present evidence of a new geological era where human activities determine the planet's behavior.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalChemistry-Didactics-Ecology-Metrology·DateMar 17, 2015

Graphene 'gateway' discovery opens possibilities for improved energy technologies

Researchers have created a new basis for streamlined and more efficient energy technologies by discovering graphene's ability to serve as a proton-selective permeable membrane. This breakthrough could facilitate improvements in fuel cell production, transportation, and use, addressing key issues like size and efficiency.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 17, 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.

The need for a more open attitude towards invasive alien species data

Recent research emphasizes the need for open data to effectively manage and control invasive alien species. Despite various initiatives, access to suitable data remains patchy due to restrictive licensing, technical barriers, and cultural attitudes of organizations.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalManagement of Biological Invasions·DateMar 17, 2015

Imperfect graphene opens door to better fuel cells

Researchers discovered that slightly imperfect single-layer graphene can shuttle protons from one side to the other in mere seconds, outperforming conventional membranes. This new mechanism could lead to improved fuel cell design and fast-charging batteries for transportation.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 17, 2015

Emerging diseases likely to be more harmful in similar species

A study by University of Cambridge researchers found that closely-related fruit fly species show similar levels of virulence when infected with an RNA virus. The team's findings suggest a simple rule of thumb: if a pathogen causes high levels of mortality in one host, it may also be deadly in closely-related hosts.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMar 17, 2015

Scientists unknowingly tweak experiments: ANU media release

A new study by ANU scientists found widespread p-hacking, a type of publication bias where researchers manipulate data to get desired results. This can lead to exaggerated conclusions and misleading information, especially when combining results from multiple studies.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 17, 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.

UTSW neuroscientists identify cell type in the brain that controls body clock circadian rhythms

Researchers have identified a group of SCN neurons expressing neuromedin S that are necessary and sufficient for controlling circadian rhythms. The study provides new insights into the mechanisms by which light synchronizes body clock rhythms, offering potential targets for future treatments of diseases related to circadian dysfunction.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNeuron·DateMar 17, 2015

Diet soda linked to increases in belly fat in older adults

A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that diet soda intake is directly linked to greater abdominal obesity in adults 65 years of age and older. Increasing waist circumference was associated with escalating cardiometabolic risk in older adults.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMar 17, 2015

A pinch of baking soda for better vision?

A new study suggests that bicarbonate modifies the visual signal generated by rod and cone photoreceptors, leading to improved tracking of moving objects while slightly reducing sensitivity to light. The researchers hope to explore the potential of controlling bicarbonate levels in the eye to slow or prevent eye diseases.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalBiological Chemistry·DateMar 17, 2015

The secret to an effortless, split-second slime attack

Researchers at Harvard University have discovered the secret to the velvet worm's rapid and perfectly aimed slime attack, which could inspire new microfluidic devices. The unique anatomy of the worm's papillae and elasticity of its slime allow for a wide-spraying jet that entraps prey with great speed.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 17, 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.

NASA sees Tropical Cyclone Bavi losing steam

Tropical Cyclone Bavi is losing steam due to moderate to strong southwesterly vertical wind shear, resulting in waning convection and developing thunderstorms. The storm is expected to dissipate in the next day or two as it tracks along the southern edge of a sub-tropical ridge.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 17, 2015

Hormones with statins may help women's hearts after menopause

A Swedish population study found that hormone therapy combined with statins significantly lowered the risk of death from any cause and cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women. The study compared over 40,000 women who took statins with those who used hormone therapy alone or had no treatment.

SourceThe Menopause Society·JournalMenopause·DateMar 17, 2015
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

First in human nanotherapy brain cancer trial launched at CTRC

Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio have launched a groundbreaking clinical trial using tiny radioactive liposomes to treat brain cancer. The technology has shown promising results with minimal side effects in the first patient, and the team expects to start the second patient soon.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·DateMar 17, 2015