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Science News Archive March 2015 - Page 4


Page 4 of 38

Princess Margaret scientists convert microbubbles to nanoparticles

Researchers at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre successfully converted microbubble technology into nanoparticles that retain their imaging properties. The discovery has the potential to enhance drug delivery, prolong tumour visualization, and improve cancer treatment precision.

SourceUniversity Health Network·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMar 30, 2015

Only 1 of 32 hockey helmets tested earn 3-star rating

Virginia Tech has released its five-star ratings of hockey helmets, with only one model earning a three-star rating. The study found that hockey helmets share the same basic design as football helmets but are smaller and more prone to injury.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalAnnals of Biomedical Engineering·DateMar 30, 2015

Hidden costs: The unseen way organisms cope with climate change

Researchers measured the unseen toll of environmental stress on living creatures, finding they can increase metabolic energy by over 200% without showing signs. The study uses a sea urchin model organism to demonstrate how organisms cope with climate change by reallocating their 'metabolic budget'.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 30, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

Wearable technology can help with public speaking

A team of researchers from the University of Rochester has created a system called Rhema that uses smart glasses to give real-time feedback on public speaking volume and rate. This feedback helps speakers adjust their performance, with tests showing an improvement in delivery compared to users who received no or continuous feedback.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·DateMar 30, 2015

Reviewing online homework at scale

A new system called OverCode automatically compares students' programming assignments by clustering similar student programs together. Instructors can then use this information to provide more effective feedback to a broader range of students, improving the design of computer science courses both online and on campus.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateMar 30, 2015

Roll up your screen and stow it away?

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a novel DNA-peptide structure that can be used to produce thin, transparent, and flexible screens. The new material is light, organic, and environmentally friendly, emitting a full range of colors in one pliable pixel layer.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMar 30, 2015

Study: Worked-based wellness programs reduce weight

A two-year study found that workplace wellness programs can effectively reduce the number of people considered overweight or obese by almost 9 percent. Employee involvement in designing and participating in these programs was key to driving broader participation and meaningful improvements in health.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMar 30, 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.

Early stage NSCLC patients with low tumor metabolic activity have longer survival

Researchers found that patients with stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and low tumor metabolic activity have increased overall survival. A diagnostic test using fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG/PET) can help identify patients who may benefit from post-surgical chemotherapy.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateMar 30, 2015

From tobacco to cyberwood

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a highly sensitive temperature sensor called cyberwood, which mimics the properties of temperature-sensitive plants. By incorporating plant cells and pectin molecules, the material responds to small temperature fluctuations with large changes in conductivity.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 30, 2015

Setting a dinner table for wildlife can affect their risk of disease

A study by University of Georgia ecologists found that supplemental feeding can affect the spread of infectious diseases in wildlife, with some pathogens increasing transmission and others reducing it. The study provides practical suggestions for wildlife disease management and a roadmap for future research.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalEcology Letters·DateMar 30, 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.

Carnegie Mellon researchers create 'Wikipedia' for neurons

Researchers created a publicly available website, neuroelectro.org, to collect and standardize data on neuronal function. The site enables the comparison of physiological information across different types of neurons, promoting new methods of analysis.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalJournal of Neurophysiology·DateMar 30, 2015

Mother's diet influences weight-control neurocircuits in offspring

Research by Penn State College of Medicine found that maternal high-fat diets during pregnancy and lactation may prime offspring for weight gain and obesity. Neural activity involved in energy balance and appetite regulation was compromised, suggesting a link between maternal diet and obesity later in life.

SourcePenn State·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateMar 30, 2015

Panel predicts whether rare leukemia will respond to treatment

Researchers identified a panel of genetic markers that predicted which tumor samples would likely respond to treatment for chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, a cancer affecting older adults with limited treatment options.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 30, 2015

Pesticides in fruit and vegetables linked to semen quality

A study published in Human Reproduction found a link between eating high-pesticide residue fruit and vegetables and lower sperm counts and percentages of normally-formed sperm. However, the total amount of fruit and vegetables consumed was unrelated to semen quality overall.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateMar 30, 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.

Climate change costing soybean farmers

A recent study published in Nature Plants found that climate change is reducing soybean yields across the United States, with an average decline of 2.4% for every one-degree rise in temperature. The study suggests that soybean farmers can minimize yield losses by adopting practices such as earlier planting and no-till farming.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Plants·DateMar 30, 2015

Consumption of peanuts with a meal benefits vascular health

A study found that peanut consumption with a high-fat meal improved post-meal triglyceride response and preserved endothelial function in overweight males. Peanuts were shown to be atheroprotective as part of a high-fat meal, potentially reducing the risk of coronary disease.

SourceAmerican Society for Nutrition - 2017·DateMar 30, 2015

Publication bias and 'spin' raise questions about drugs for anxiety disorders

A new analysis found that studies supporting the value of second-generation antidepressant drugs for anxiety disorders have been distorted by publication bias, outcome reporting bias, and 'spin'. The researchers concluded that these medications may not be significantly more useful than a placebo in treating anxiety disorders.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateMar 30, 2015

Stop blaming the moon, says UCLA scientist

A UCLA professor of planetary astronomy confirms that the timing of human births and hospital admissions is not influenced by the lunar cycle. The study highlights the persistence of flawed beliefs despite evidence, attributed to confirmation bias, and societal costs including measles outbreaks.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNursing Research·DateMar 30, 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.

Identification of drug combinations that reverse HIV-1 latency

Researchers have developed a multifaceted approach to identify drug combinations that reverse HIV-1 latency. Several 2-drug combinations were found to be able to reactivate HIV-1 without triggering an inflammatory response, and a model was created to correlate changes in viral RNA with virus secretion from T cells.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 30, 2015

Direct evidence for a positive feedback in climate change

A new study confirms a positive feedback operating in climate change, where warming amplifies greenhouse gas emissions and additional warming. This is evident from direct analysis of ice-core data, showing that temperature has a profound effect on atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMar 30, 2015

Glimpses of the future: Drought damage leads to widespread forest death

A new modeling tool predicts that drought-induced forest mortality will occur across the US and Canada by the 2050s due to climate change. The model simulates widespread aspen mortality caused by the 2000-2003 drought, highlighting the importance of understanding tree physiology under water-stressed conditions.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMar 30, 2015

Researchers observe major hand hygiene problems in operating rooms

A study at a Swedish hospital found that caregivers missed 90% of opportunities for using alcohol-based hand rub and aseptic techniques during invasive procedures. The lack of adherence to aseptic techniques led to an increase in hospital-acquired infections, highlighting the need for improved teamwork and training.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalAntimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control·DateMar 30, 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.

Ice hockey helmets to get safety stars

Researchers developed a new Hockey STAR rating system to evaluate helmet protection against concussions and head injuries in ice hockey. The system assigns a value to each helmet based on its ability to protect players from head impacts, driving manufacturers to advance helmet design.

SourceSpringer Science+Business Media·JournalAnnals of Biomedical Engineering·DateMar 30, 2015

Eating fruits and vegetables with high pesticide residues linked with poor semen quality

Men who consumed more produce with high pesticide residue levels had lower sperm counts and poorer sperm quality. Conversely, those who ate less of such produce had better semen health. The study suggests that minimizing pesticide exposure through organic or low-residue foods may be beneficial for reproductive health.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateMar 30, 2015

Could antibodies from camels protect humans from MERS?

Researchers found that camel antibodies protected uninfected mice from MERS and helped infected mice expunge the disease. The study suggests these antibodies might be therapeutic for MERS patients and protect uninfected household members and healthcare workers.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalJournal of Virology·DateMar 30, 2015

The killer protein, properly explained

A new review of the amyloid-beta peptide, a key component of senile plaques in Alzheimer's disease, has been published in Chemical Reviews. The study combines experimental and theoretical aspects and provides a comprehensive state-of-the-art overview of research on this protein.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalChemical Reviews·DateMar 30, 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.

Date syrup shows promise for fighting bacterial infections

Date syrup's antibacterial compounds inhibit growth of disease-causing bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The natural syrup outperforms manuka honey in lab tests, offering potential health benefits through its antibacterial activities.

SourceMicrobiology Society·DateMar 30, 2015

Smart phone app monitors depression in real time

A new mobile phone app, LifeRhythm, detects depression symptoms by analyzing user behavior such as activity levels and social interactions. The technology has the potential to revolutionize depression diagnosis, providing an objective and automated screening method.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·DateMar 30, 2015

Sea change: What took decades to destroy in oceans took millennia to recover

A new study by UC Davis researchers finds that ocean ecosystems can take thousands of years to recover from rapid climate change, with the recovery period being on a millennial scale. The study analyzed fossilized ocean fauna and found that even minor changes in oxygen levels could result in dramatic changes for seafloor communities.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 30, 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.

Exercise can outweigh harmful effects of air pollution

A new University of Copenhagen study found that exercise reduces premature mortality risk more than air pollution, even in polluted urban areas. The research suggests exercising in green spaces with low air pollution is still beneficial.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateMar 30, 2015

Oxygen therapy in COPD patients is associated with burn injury

Patients with COPD receiving home oxygen face a higher risk of burn injury, with a 10-fold greater mortality rate associated with these injuries. Risk factors include male gender, multiple medical conditions, and low socioeconomic status.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateMar 30, 2015

'Atomic chicken-wire' is key to faster DNA sequencing

Researchers at the University of Melbourne have discovered a new method for DNA sequencing using graphene, a one-atom thick sheet of carbon. This technique promises to improve speed, throughput, reliability and accuracy while reducing costs compared to current methods.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 30, 2015

Crowdsourced tool for depression

A new peer-to-peer networking tool has been developed to build online support communities and practice therapeutic techniques for depression. The tool, called Panoply, yielded better outcomes in training subjects to use cognitive reappraisal and improving mood in those with severe symptoms.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateMar 30, 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.

High-tech method allows rapid imaging of functions in living brain

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a high-speed imaging method that enables the visualization of blood flow, blood oxygenation, and oxygen metabolism in living mouse brains. The new technique, called photoacoustic microscopy, achieves high-resolution images with capillary-level resolution at a rate of 100 ...

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Methods·DateMar 30, 2015

Next important step toward a quantum computer

Researchers from the University of Bonn and Cambridge successfully linked two different quantum systems, quantum dots and ions, to work together as a team. This hybrid system combines the strengths of both components, enabling faster calculations and improved memory storage.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 30, 2015

BMC study: New Hepatitis C treatments cost-effective, but only for selected patients

A study by Boston Medical Center researchers finds that new Hepatitis C treatments are highly effective but only cost-effective for patients with advanced liver disease or those who have previously failed treatment. The therapy's wholesale cost of $85,000 per course is prohibitively expensive for healthier patients.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 30, 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.

Massive study is first to explore historical ocean response to abrupt climate change

A massive 30-foot-long core sample of Pacific Ocean seafloor has shown that marine ecosystems can take thousands of years to recover from climate-related upheavals. The study analyzed over 5,400 invertebrate fossils and found that ecosystem recovery from climate change and seawater deoxygenation might take place on a millennial scale.

SourceCalifornia Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 30, 2015

Antibiotic resistance risk for coastal water users

A study published this week found that over 6.3 million people may be exposed to antibiotic-resistant bacteria while engaging in water sports, with surfers and swimmers at highest risk. The research highlights the importance of maintaining good water quality standards to minimize exposure to these harmful microbes.

SourceMicrobiology Society·JournalEnvironment International·DateMar 29, 2015

UTA researcher earns NSF grant to study biodiversity in Africa

The $670,797 grant will support research on biodiversity in West and Central Africa, with a focus on amphibian and reptile wildlife. The project aims to identify the processes driving high species diversity in the region and develop efficient approaches for maintaining biodiversity.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateMar 29, 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.

'Google Maps' for the body: A biomedical revolution

A UNSW Australia collaboration uses previously top-secret technology to image whole body organs at a cellular level, reducing analysis time from 25 years to weeks. The technology, developed with Google algorithms, explores osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, revealing connections between blood, bone, lymphatics, and muscle.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·DateMar 29, 2015

Prevention of costly hip fractures should be a priority in UK

A new study reveals UK hospital costs for hip fractures to be approximately £1.1 billion annually, highlighting the need for preventive measures. Fracture liaison services have been shown to reduce secondary fractures and improve quality of life.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateMar 29, 2015

Gap between parental perceptions of child's weight and official classifications

Research found that parents are less likely to recognize their child's weight status accurately, especially if the child is from a deprived background or South Asian. The study highlights the need for measures to bridge the gap between parental perceptions and official guidelines.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalBritish Journal of General Practice·DateMar 29, 2015

Fecal transplants successful for treating C. difficile infection

A recent study published in Microbiome reveals that fecal microbiota transplantation can effectively treat C. difficile infections, with sustained changes observed for up to 21 weeks. The research has significant implications for the regulation of treatment and suggests that current frameworks may not be applicable.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalMicrobiome·DateMar 29, 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.