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Science News Archive March 2015 - Page 31


Page 31 of 38

UH professor helps South-Asian countries manage water resources

Hyongki Lee, a University of Houston researcher, is training South Asian government officials to independently manage their water resources. With the help of a novel software toolbox, these officials can better predict and prepare for floods and monsoons, saving lives and reducing devastation.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateMar 5, 2015

Semi-veggie diet effectively lowers heart disease, stroke risk

A study of 451,256 Europeans found that a pro-vegetarian diet lowers cardiovascular disease risk by 20%. The research analyzed the eating habits of participants and categorized them based on their plant-based food intake. A high-protein, low-animal-based diet reduced mortality rates from heart disease and stroke.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation·DateMar 5, 2015
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

New paint makes tough self-cleaning surfaces

A new paint developed by researchers at UCL creates self-cleaning surfaces that resist everyday wear and tear. The paint's unique properties allow it to withstand damage and maintain its self-cleaning abilities, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScience·DateMar 5, 2015

Black holes and the dark sector explained by quantum gravity

The Nexus theory provides a self-consistent explanation for Quantum Gravity, reconciling GR with Quantum Theory. It introduces the Nexus graviton, a composite particle that induces constant rotational motion and constitutes space-time.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalInternational Journal of Geometric Methods in Modern Physics·DateMar 5, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Antibodies to brain proteins may trigger psychosis

A new study has identified antibodies targeting dopamine D2 receptors and NMDA glutamate receptors in children experiencing their first episode of psychosis. This finding suggests that autoimmunity may play a role in the development of psychosis, offering hope for new treatment approaches.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateMar 5, 2015

Protecting crops from radiation-contaminated soil

Researchers have identified a chemical compound that prevents plants from taking up cesium, reducing the harmful effects of radiation-contaminated soil. The compound, CsTolen A, selectively binds to cesium, preventing its entry into plant cells and promoting physiological processes.

SourceRIKEN·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 5, 2015

Human brains age less than previously thought

Researchers challenge current theories of ageing by finding that brain activity in older adults is not reduced as previously thought. A new study using resting state fMRI measurements suggests that age-related differences in brain signal amplitude are due to vascular health, rather than brain function.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·JournalHuman Brain Mapping·DateMar 5, 2015

Evidence indicates Yucatan Peninsula hit by tsunami 1,500 years ago

Researchers found a large, wedge-shaped berm about 15 feet above sea level, with washing machine-sized stones, indicating an ancient tsunami. The berm stretches for at least 30 miles along the Caribbean coast near Cancun and Playa del Carmen.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalJournal of Coastal Research·DateMar 5, 2015

Study: Little evidence that executive function interventions boost student achievement

A federally funded meta-analysis of 25 years' worth of research found no conclusive evidence that developing students' executive function skills leads to better academic performance. The study analyzed 67 studies and controlled for various characteristics, including parental education and socioeconomic status.

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalReview of Educational Research·DateMar 5, 2015
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.

Astronomers see star explode 4 times

Astronomers have observed a distant star exploding four times due to a massive galaxy cluster, providing a rare opportunity to test Albert Einstein's General Theory of Relativity. The discovery also offers clues about the strength of gravity, dark matter, and dark energy in the universe.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalScience·DateMar 5, 2015

Surviving the 'most explosive era of infrastructure expansion' in 9 steps

The study highlights nine issues that must be addressed to limit the environmental impacts of infrastructure projects. These include preserving wilderness areas, recognizing the consequences of paved roads, and considering indirect effects in cost-benefit analyses. The researchers emphasize the need for a new approach to protect vulner...

SourceJames Cook University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 5, 2015

Hot flashes at younger age may signal greater cardiovascular risk

Women who experience hot flashes earlier in life have poorer endothelial function and increased cardiovascular risk compared to those with later onset or no symptoms. The study found that the number of hot flashes matters, with more frequent hot flashes associated with greater evidence of endothelial dysfunction.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 5, 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.

Video reveals acrobatic feats of praying mantises

Researchers observed young praying mantises jumping to a target with precision and accuracy, rotating their bodies at 2.5 times per second. The insects' unique ability to maintain stability and control during flight has implications for the development of tiny robots.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 5, 2015

Study reveals how dietary phosphate can increase heart disease risk

A new study found that high phosphate levels cause a stress signal inside blood vessel cells, leading to the release of microparticles that promote blood clot formation. This process is a common cause of injury and death, particularly in patients with kidney disease who lose the ability to excrete excess phosphate.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMar 5, 2015

VTT: New flavors for lager beer -- successful generation of hybrid yeasts

Researchers at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland have successfully generated new hybrid lager yeast strains, inheriting properties from their parent species. The new yeasts accelerate fermentation processes, improve ethanol production, and enhance flavor profiles for beer.

SourceVTT Technical Research Centre of Finland·JournalJournal of Industrial Microbiology & Biotechnology·DateMar 5, 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.

New study links antidepressants with improved cardiovascular outcomes

A new study found that antidepressants may be more important than statins in reducing the risk of heart disease in patients with moderate to severe depression. Patients who took antidepressants alone had a 53% lower risk of death, coronary artery disease, or stroke during a three-year follow-up period.

SourceIntermountain Medical Center·DateMar 5, 2015

Reliance on smartphones linked to lazy thinking

Research suggests that smartphone users who rely on gut feelings tend to use their device's search engine rather than their own brainpower. Highly analytical thinkers spend less time using smartphones, indicating a possible link between heavy smartphone use and lowered intelligence.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateMar 5, 2015

Turning a vole into a mighty rodent

A new study found that a vole's aerobic exercise metabolism increased by 48% and basal metabolic rate rose after 13 rounds of selection for enhanced oxygen consumption. Gene expression changes in the heart and liver were identified as the primary adaptive response.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateMar 5, 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.

Stuck-in-the-mud plankton reveal ancient temperatures

Research reveals how tiny creatures' movements affect temperature estimates, allowing scientists to refine past climate studies. By analyzing plankton shells and ocean currents, researchers created a tool to estimate the impact of drift on temperature estimates.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 5, 2015

New study points to better classrooms for children with disabilities

A pilot study in 51 N.C. classrooms shows the Inclusive Classroom Profile (ICP) to be a reliable instrument assessing quality practices in inclusive preschools. The ICP reveals types of inclusive settings best serving preschoolers with disabilities, including Head Start and public pre-k programs.

SourceFrank Porter Graham Child Development Institute·JournalJournal of Early Intervention·DateMar 5, 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.

Distant supernova split 4 ways by gravitational lens

Astronomers have discovered a distant supernova split into four images by a massive galaxy lens, allowing for the study of dark matter distribution and the type of star that exploded. The 'Einstein cross' will enable researchers to measure time delays between the arrival of light from the supernova in different images.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·DateMar 5, 2015

The price of protection

A new study by University of Pittsburgh sociologists reveals that women who petition for restraining orders against abusers typically experience decreased earnings due to financial instability and hardship. The researchers found that the period of petitioning is accompanied by serious losses, which are not recouped later.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateMar 5, 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.

Researchers discover protein's pivotal role in heart failure

A study published in Cell Reports identified RBFox2 as a critical protein in the progression from weakened heart muscle to heart failure. The researchers found that reduced RBFox2 expression coincides with weakening of the heart muscle, suggesting a causal role in heart failure.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell Reports·DateMar 5, 2015

Safer drug combination found for patients with high-risk atrial fibrillation

A recent study found that the apixaban-amiodarone combination significantly decreased stroke risk for patients with AFib who require both heart rhythm regulation and blood thinning medication. This alternative to warfarin offers a better option for managing high-risk atrial fibrillation.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 5, 2015

Menopausal whales are influential and informative leaders

Researchers found that post-reproductive female killer whales act as leaders and share valuable ecological knowledge, helping their younger kin survive. This discovery suggests a potential explanation for the evolution of menopause in humans.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 5, 2015

Achieving gender equality in science, engineering and medicine

The New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF) has proposed seven strategies to advance women in science, engineering, and medicine, including flexible family care spending and recruiting gender-balanced review committees. The initiatives aim to promote gender equality and break down barriers to advancement in these fields.

SourceNew York Stem Cell Foundation·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMar 5, 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.

Understanding how the stomach responds to injury could help target therapy against gastric damage

Researchers have found that IL-33 is a critical messenger triggering changes in the stomach's inflammatory response to H. pylori infection, potentially leading to new therapies targeting gastric damage. Elevated IL-33 levels may be associated with chronic infection and metaplasia.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalCellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateMar 5, 2015

Scientists report breakthrough in detecting methane

Researchers have made a significant breakthrough in detecting methane using TILDAS, which provides details on the environment in which methane-producing microbes thrive and helps identify the temperature at which methane forms.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalScience·DateMar 5, 2015

Abnormal brain rhythms tied to problems with thinking in schizophrenia

Researchers found that abnormal fast-spiking interneuron activity contributes to cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. Correcting these abnormalities, either through drug treatment or direct stimulation, can reverse cognitive symptoms, suggesting new potential therapies for the disorder.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNeuron·DateMar 5, 2015

Fluid-filled pores separate materials with fine precision

Researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute have developed a novel system for separating materials using fluid-filled pores, which can precisely separate liquids, gases, and solids without clogging. The system harnesses dynamic control over a highly sensitive mechanism, allowing for efficient separation of complex mixtures.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature·DateMar 5, 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.

Mars: The planet that lost an ocean's worth of water

Scientists have estimated that Mars once had a massive ocean covering 19% of its surface, which would have made the planet habitable for longer. The new research uses detailed observations of water in Mars' atmosphere to determine the amount of water lost over time.

SourceESO·JournalScience·DateMar 5, 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.

From chick to bedside: Removing the Wnt barrier

By disabling the Wnt signaling pathway, researchers may be able to repair damaged white matter in the brain, a potential breakthrough in treating cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis. The study's findings suggest that targeting the Daam2/PIP5K interaction could accelerate oligodendrocyte differentiation and promote myelination.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateMar 5, 2015

Mutation in APC2 gene causes Sotos features

A recent study has found that mutations in the APC2 gene cause Sotos-like symptoms, including nervous system-related issues and abnormal brain structure. The research team also discovered that APC2 is a crucial downstream gene of the NSD1 gene, which is responsible for Sotos syndrome.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalCell Reports·DateMar 5, 2015

Medical nanoparticles: Local treatment of lung cancer

Researchers have developed nanocarriers that selectively release drugs in lung tumor areas, improving treatment efficacy by 10-25 times compared to traditional methods. This approach also reduces the total dose of medicines, minimizing undesirable effects.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalACS Nano·DateMar 5, 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.

An explosive quartet

Astronomers spot four images of a distant supernova in a massive galaxy cluster, bending light due to gravitational lensing. The discovery provides insights into dark matter's distribution and helps refine estimates of its amount.

SourceESA/Hubble Information Centre·JournalScience·DateMar 5, 2015

How rain is dependent on soil moisture

Researchers at ETH Zurich found that rain falls most frequently in areas with lower soil moisture, which warms air and allows water vapor to rise higher. High soil moisture, on the other hand, can lead to more evaporation and precipitation, but the relationship is complex and still not fully understood.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 5, 2015

Improving your fitness could improve your spouse's fitness

New research suggests that counseling couples about physical activity can improve the health of both spouses. When a wife meets recommended exercise levels, her husband is 70% more likely to meet those levels at subsequent visits.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·DateMar 5, 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.

Magnetic material attracts attention for cancer therapy

Researchers have discovered a magnetic material that can heat cancer cells to high temperatures without harming healthy tissue. This breakthrough material uses a unique Curie temperature-dependent heating effect that stops quickly and cannot get hotter.

SourceMonash University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMar 5, 2015

Multitasking hunger neurons also control compulsive behaviors

Researchers at Yale University found that Agrp neurons, which control food intake, also initiate repetitive behaviors seen in OCD and anorexia nervosa. These neurons play a crucial role in psychiatric conditions, highlighting the multitasking nature of brain function.

SourceYale University·JournalCell·DateMar 5, 2015

No link between psychedelics and mental health problems

A study of over 135,000 people found no correlation between psychedelic use and mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts. The researchers suggest that psychedelics may even be linked to fewer mental health problems, with benefits including deeply meaningful experiences and lasting positive effects.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Psychopharmacology·DateMar 5, 2015