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Science News Archive March 2015 - Page 19


Page 19 of 38

How rocket science may improve kidney dialysis

A team of UK researchers has designed Arterio-Venous Fistulae with reduced failure rates using computational simulation software from the aerospace industry. The new design aims to decrease blockages in dialysis connections, improving clinical outcomes for patients with end-stage renal disease.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateMar 17, 2015

Improving productivity of welding by reducing groove angle

Researchers at LUT reduced welding groove angle from 45 to 30 degrees, increasing productivity and reducing additives and mistakes. The new method results in lighter, thinner, and more durable structures with improved environmental friendliness.

SourceLappeenranta University of Technology·DateMar 17, 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.

HIV not as infectious soon after transmission as thought

Researchers estimate that newly infected individuals with HIV are less likely to spread the virus to others during the acute phase of infection, which may improve strategies to control HIV's spread. This finding bolsters the approach of treating patients with antiretroviral drugs before the onset of AIDS to prevent transmission.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 17, 2015

Winter hack: Textured rubber that grips slick, icy surfaces

Researchers have created a textured rubber material that provides better traction on ice, offering a potential solution for slip-resistant winter boots. The material, made of glass fibers embedded in a compliant rubber, was developed to reduce incidents of pedestrian slips and falls on icy surfaces.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMar 17, 2015
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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New possibilities for the treatment of breast cancer arise, with the help of mathematics

A Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics-led trial demonstrates the potential of mathematical modelisation and experimentation in treating breast cancer. By combining clinical and experimental oncology with modelisation, researchers identified mechanisms that enable tumour cells to shape monocyte activities for their advantage.

SourceSwiss Institute of Bioinformatics·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMar 16, 2015

Scientists move closer to '2 for 1 deal' on solar cell efficiency

Researchers explain the causes of singlet exciton fission, a process that could double electrical current from blue and green light in solar cells. By understanding this mechanism, they may develop new materials to enhance solar cell efficiency.

SourceSt. John's College, University of Cambridge·JournalNature Photonics·DateMar 16, 2015

Routine clot removal after heart attack not beneficial, may increase risk

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that routine thrombectomy during angioplasty for heart attacks does not provide a benefit and may increase the risk of stroke. The study included over 10,000 patients and randomly assigned half to receive angioplasty alone or with manual thrombectomy.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 16, 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.

Heart bypass surgery outperforms new generation stents

Patients with multivessel coronary artery disease receive better outcomes with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) than angioplasty and stent implantation, according to a study. This is in line with past studies that have shown CABG leads to better outcomes for patients with multiple narrowed arteries.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 16, 2015

Tropical Cyclone Bavi moving through Philippine Sea

NASA's Aqua satellite tracked Tropical Cyclone Bavi as it moved westward through the Philippine Sea, revealing strong thunderstorms and cold cloud top temperatures. The storm is expected to continue on a westerly trek before weakening into a depression near the northern Philippines.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 16, 2015
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.

Finger lengths may indicate risk of schizophrenia in males

Research suggests a link between finger length ratios and schizophrenia in males, with those having shorter index fingers indicating high testosterone exposure. The 2D:4D ratio has been found to be an effective predictor of schizophrenia, showing significant differences between patient and control groups.

SourceWiley·JournalClinical Anatomy·DateMar 16, 2015

Cyborg beetle research allows free-flight study of insects

Researchers have used cyborg insect technology to study the behavior of giant flower beetles in flight, revealing a key muscle used for steering. The findings demonstrate improved control over the beetles' free-flying movements, with potential applications in search-and-rescue operations.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 16, 2015

As diagnosis codes change, data lost in translation -- in both directions

Researchers found that mapping ICD-10 to ICD-9 is complex and challenging, with convoluted mappings and some codes not translating at all. A new web portal tool provides guidance on ambiguous translations, helping clinical researchers and analysts work with both old and new codes.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateMar 16, 2015

Medications used to treat diabetes may trigger heart failure, study finds

A comprehensive study of over 95,000 patients found that glucose-lowering therapies prescribed to diabetes patients may pose an increased risk for the development of heart failure. The study showed a 14% overall increased risk of heart failure with intensive blood sugar-lowering drugs or strategies.

SourceUniversity Health Network·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateMar 16, 2015
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.

Depictions of race on TV news can influence perception of police

A study by North Carolina State University found that depictions of black men and women as criminals or suspects in TV news programs led to lower support for police among non-white viewers. Conversely, representations of white suspects had little impact on public opinion.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Social Issues·DateMar 16, 2015

Researchers find 'affinity switch' for proteasome assembly process in cells

A Kansas State University-led study identified an 'affinity switch' that regulates the formation of proteasomes, complexes responsible for protein degradation. This discovery may provide new target sites for drugs and improve human health by understanding how cells assemble these molecular machines.

SourceKansas State University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 16, 2015

Scientists discover gecko secret

A research team at James Cook University discovered how geckos manage to stay clean in dusty environments by using tiny hair-like spines that trap water droplets and release energy. This process has important implications for human applications, including the development of marine-based electronics and superhydrophobic clothing.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalInterface·DateMar 16, 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.

Finding fault: New information may help understand earthquakes

Scientists have made new discoveries about fault development, which could lead to more accurate predictions of earthquake hazards. By analyzing fault geometry, researchers found that the efficiency of faults increases as new ones grow and link, but never reaches the same level as straight faults.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateMar 16, 2015

Nano piano's lullaby could mean storage breakthrough

Scientists have successfully recorded sound and audio files onto a non-magnetic plasmonic nanostructure, increasing storage capacity by 5,600 times. The technology uses novel gold nanoantennas to store audio information as a temporally varying intensity waveform or frequency varying intensity waveform.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 16, 2015

How Millennials get their news

Millennials consume news across various platforms, including social media, for civic, problem-solving, and entertainment purposes. The study finds that 70% of their social media feeds contain a diverse mix of viewpoints.

SourceNORC at the University of Chicago·DateMar 16, 2015

Study identifies 'lethal' subtype of prostate cancer

A recent study defines a distinct subtype of aggressive prostate cancer marked by MAP3K7 and CHD1 gene loss, accounting for 10% of all cases and 25% of fatal outcomes. Researchers used stem-cell models to show that these genetic changes disrupt healthy tissue formation, leading to hybrid cells with aggressive characteristics.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalCancer Research·DateMar 16, 2015

Development of a carnivorous pitcher leaf

Researchers in Japan studied Sarracenia purpurea to understand how carnivorous pitcher leaves form. They found that oriented cell division is the key factor behind pitcher leaf development, resulting in a hollow structure.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 16, 2015
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.

The dangers of reintroducing lions and other carnivores for ecotourism

The reintroduction of lions in the Tembe Elephant Park in South Africa highlights the competition between humans, endemic herbivores, and carnivores. The analysis found that lions compete with humans throughout the year, except winter, while also competing with endemic herbivores in all seasons.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Zoology·DateMar 16, 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.

Research calls for new policies to support women veterans' health care needs

Research from VA's Women's Health Research Network highlights key barriers and unmet needs for women veterans in accessing care, with a focus on primary care, reproductive health, mental health, and military service-related issues. The studies inform policy recommendations to guide quality improvement efforts.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalMedical Care·DateMar 16, 2015

Winter months SAD for US Treasury securities, study reveals

Research finds that US Treasury securities show a significant swing in returns between October and April due to seasonal depression. The average monthly return difference is 80 basis points, indicating a substantial impact of SAD on investment decisions.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalCritical Finance Review·DateMar 16, 2015

Die-hard college sports fans defy expectations

A new Duke University study finds that die-hard college sports fans are rare, making up only about 2% of published obituaries of adults. These ardent fans were more likely to be white, mainline Protestants, and participate in coaching, but not linked to a college's academic reputation.

SourceDuke University·JournalSocial Science Quarterly·DateMar 16, 2015

Consistency is the key to success in bread baking and biology

Researchers at the University of Michigan found that genetic mutations affecting yeast gene expression can impact evolutionary fitness. The study revealed that natural selection favors consistent gene expression, suggesting a link between gene variability and evolutionary outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature·DateMar 16, 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.

Uncovering the secrets of super solar power perovskites

Researchers at the University of Utah have uncovered the secrets behind hybrid perovskite solar cell performance, enabling rapid testing using magnetic fields. The study confirms a new mechanism that explains the material's high efficiency, shedding light on its behavior and potential for optimization.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature Physics·DateMar 16, 2015

Genetics: No evidence of role in racial mortality gap

A new study by McGill University researchers found that genetic data from African and European populations did not explain the racial mortality gap in cardiovascular disease. Lifestyle, education, and socio-economic factors are now considered more promising avenues for understanding racial health disparities. The study suggests that fu...

SourceMcGill University·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateMar 16, 2015

University of Sydney: Discovery holds promise for gene therapy and agriculture

Researchers at the University of Sydney have discovered a key RNA mechanism that helps plants adapt to their environment, which could lead to improved crop yields and gene therapies for diseases like cancer. The findings also suggest similar mechanisms exist in humans, providing new avenues for medical research.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Plants·DateMar 16, 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.

Supercomputers help solve puzzle-like bond for biofuels

Researchers used supercomputers to analyze a biomolecular interaction that behaves like a Chinese Finger Trap puzzle. The study identified the nature of cellulosomal proteins' adhesion complex, showing extreme resistance to force, and boosted efforts to develop catalysts for biofuel production from non-food waste plants.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 16, 2015

Survival gardening goes global via cellphone animations

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's SAWBO initiative uses animated educational videos to teach subsistence farmers how to construct raised planting beds and install drip irrigation systems. These techniques can increase agricultural productivity, conserve water, and even combat desertification.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateMar 16, 2015

Predicting prostate cancer

Researchers developed a nanotechnology-based method to assess prostate cancer risk, enabling doctors to identify aggressive forms of the disease and tailor treatment recommendations. The study's findings suggest that this approach may improve patient outcomes by minimizing side effects.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 16, 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.

How do students use video in higher education?

A new SAGE white paper reveals that 68% of students watch videos in their classes, with 79% using them to enhance learning. The most compelling videos feature charismatic speakers, and preferred lengths range from 5-20 minutes, depending on the topic.

SourceSAGE·DateMar 16, 2015

Routine clot removal after heart attack not beneficial, may have risk

A large study has found that routine blood clot removal during heart attack treatment does not benefit patients and may increase the risk of stroke. The TOTAL trial involved over 10,700 patients and showed no differences in cardiovascular outcomes between those who received clot removal and those who did not.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 16, 2015

The devil's helmet for a legendary tiger moth

The Menetries's tiger moth was recorded feeding on the native devil's helmet host plant, Aconitum rubicundum, for the first time. This discovery confirms that the species is polyphagous and may rely on aconite alkaloids for protection against diseases.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalNota Lepidopterologica·DateMar 16, 2015

Risk patterns identified that make people more vulnerable to PTSD

A new computational tool identifies 800 ways people are at increased risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), allowing for personalized prediction guides. The algorithm, developed by NYU Langone Medical Center researchers, can predict PTSD risk less than two weeks after a traumatic event.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalBMC Psychiatry·DateMar 16, 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.

UNC-Chapel Hill researchers collaborate to develop revolutionary 3-D printing technology

Researchers at UNC-Chapel Hill have developed CLIP, a 3D printing technology that manipulates light and oxygen to fuse objects in liquid media. This method allows for the creation of commercially viable objects with feature sizes below 20 microns, making it possible to produce parts 25-100 times faster than traditional technologies.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalScience·DateMar 16, 2015