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Science News for May 15, 2015


Corporate greed

Research by University of Delaware professor Katalin Takacs Haynes and colleagues links excessive CEO compensation to negative company outcomes. The studies examine the impact of greed, hubris, and risk-taking on business performance.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalJournal of Management·DateMay 15, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Raising groundwater keeps valleys from sinking: Santa Clara Valley, Calif.

A new study by USGS researcher R.T. Hanson reveals that California's Santa Clara Valley has recovered its water levels and halted land subsidence through targeted groundwater recharge. This innovative approach, combined with the management of urbanization and industrialization, has helped to preserve the valley's hydrological framework.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeosphere·DateMay 15, 2015

New article from Brain: A Journal of Neurology

A study found that smaller volumes in certain brain regions, such as the amygdala and medial prefrontal cortex, predict an increased likelihood of escalating stimulant use. Researchers identified individual differences in brain structure as potential biomarkers for vulnerability to drug addiction.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalBrain·DateMay 15, 2015

Little Bobtail Lake fire in British Columbia

The Little Bobtail Lake fire has grown significantly, burning over 13,000 hectares and threatening nearly 700 homes. Drought conditions and dry debris are fueling the fire, with unpredictable weather patterns making it difficult to contain.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 15, 2015

Even Olympic athletes have cardiac abnormalities and may be at risk of CVD

A screening study of over 2,000 elite athletes revealed a surprisingly high prevalence of cardiovascular conditions, including life-threatening heart problems. The study found that 7.3% of athletes had some form of cardiovascular abnormality, highlighting the need for more accurate assessments and screenings in elite athletes.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateMay 15, 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 screening method for prostate cancer recurrence

Researchers have developed a new screening method for prostate cancer recurrence using spatial light interference microscopy. The study found that disorganized connective tissue surrounding the glands is a key indicator of higher risk for recurrence.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 15, 2015

Probing iron chemistry in the deep mantle

Researchers have discovered that carbonates in the deep mantle can contain significant amounts of iron, contrary to previous thought. The study found that these minerals undergo a spin transition under pressure, redistributing iron between them.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalAmerican Mineralogist·DateMay 15, 2015

Where the rubber meets the road

Researchers have discovered that rubber friction on asphalt is influenced by the deformation of molecules when pushed against rough road surfaces, as well as shearing movement. This finding could lead to more efficient tire materials and manufacturing processes.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateMay 15, 2015

New tool to save salmon: Isotope tracking

Researchers develop new method to trace salmon migration and habitat use by analyzing ear bones for strontium signatures. This technique may aid conservation efforts for threatened salmon populations facing climate change, industrial development, and overfishing.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 15, 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.

Chemical tags in ear bones track Alaska's Bristol Bay salmon

Researchers used chemical signatures on otoliths to track Alaska's Bristol Bay salmon, revealing birthplaces and life histories. The technique can help scientists understand freshwater habitats and conservation efforts for Chinook salmon populations.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 15, 2015

Activity after ICD implantation may predict survival

Researchers found that patients with higher activity levels after ICD implantation had a 40% lower risk of death at four years compared to those with lower activity. The study analyzed over 98,000 patients and showed that even small increases in activity were associated with a significant reduction in mortality.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateMay 15, 2015

New life for old data

A new research paper demonstrates how XML markup can address challenges presented by unstructured legacy data, extracting primary biodiversity data from such sources. The project visualizes these data as standard charts to reveal key information about species and their habitats.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalBiodiversity Data Journal·DateMay 15, 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.

Penn research points to omega-3 as an intervention for childhood behavioral problems

A new study by University of Pennsylvania researcher Adrian Raine suggests that omega-3 supplements can have long-term neurodevelopmental effects, reducing antisocial and aggressive behavior problems in children. The study found a 42% reduction in externalizing behavior and 62% reduction in internalizing behavior after six months, with...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateMay 15, 2015

Typhoon Dolphin looms over Guam

Typhoon Dolphin passed close to Guam, bringing powerful winds and heavy rain. The storm's strong curvature reveals a well-formed cyclonic circulation, indicating it may intensify in the coming days.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 15, 2015

The world's first mercury-free film-type ultraviolet light source

Kobe University has developed a mercury-free film-type ultraviolet light source for medical applications, which can deliver high-intensity radiation to only the affected area, reducing treatment time and patients' stress. The technology uses plasma excitation similar to plasma televisions and is expected to begin sales in October 2015.

SourceKobe University·DateMay 15, 2015

Translating thought to print

Scientists create 3D-printed synthetic spider webs using multiscale modeling and mechanical analysis, offering insight into how spiders optimize their own webs. The study reveals a significant relationship between web structure, loading points, and failure mechanisms.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 15, 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.

Epilepsy has been found to reduce the generation of new neurons

Researchers have found that epilepsy reduces the generation of new neurons in the hippocampus, a brain region crucial for learning and stress response. The study's findings suggest that preserving neural stem cells could prevent or mitigate epilepsy symptoms.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMay 15, 2015

Quantum physics on tap

Researchers at McGill University successfully tested the Tomonaga-Luttinger theory by creating a mini-faucet that slowed down superfluid helium flow as predicted. The experiment pushed the limits of nanoscale understanding, shedding light on cooperation among atoms in superfluid states.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 15, 2015

Cancer survivors have evolving information needs

A three-year study of 2,000 cancer survivors found that information needs differ depending on cancer type and stage. Breast cancer survivors sought more information about late effects and family risks in early years, while female colon cancer survivors increased their interest in these topics later on.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania Annenberg School for Communication·DateMay 15, 2015

Phage spread antibiotic resistance

Researchers found that nearly half of chicken meat samples contained viruses capable of transferring antibiotic resistance genes. Phages were able to transfer resistance to multiple antibiotics, including extended spectrum betalactam antibiotics.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateMay 15, 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.

New mobile app extends outreach of SAWBO educational videos

The SAWBO Deployer app allows users to view, download, and share animated educational videos on Android devices, covering topics such as health and agriculture in developing countries. The app enables offline access and sharing through Bluetooth connections, making it an essential tool for outreach workers and community organizations.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateMay 15, 2015

Solving streptide from structure to biosynthesis

Researchers at Princeton University have revealed the structure and biosynthesis of streptide, a peptide involved in bacterial quorum sensing. The study used a combination of chemical and biological approaches to determine the structure of streptide and its mechanism of production.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMay 15, 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.

Soft-tissue engineering for hard-working cartilage

Researchers at TUM developed a new combination of 3-D printed microfiber scaffolding and hydrogels to restore cartilage, showing elasticity and stiffness comparable to knee-joint tissue. The approach also has potential applications in breast reconstruction and heart tissue engineering.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 15, 2015

New guidelines aim to resolve conflicts in treating critically ill patients

The new guidelines emphasize the importance of early and intensive communication between healthcare teams and families to prevent conflicts. In cases where disputes remain unresolvable, a fair process of dispute resolution involving expert consultants and mediation is recommended.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMay 15, 2015

Tackling obesity needs a number of magic bullets

A growing number of people will be overweight or obese by 2030, with significant health and economic consequences. The UK's obesity problem requires a multi-disciplinary approach, combining scientific research, environmental factors, personal behavior, and policy interventions.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·DateMay 15, 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.

UTHealth research: Grass plants can transport infectious prions

Researchers at UTHealth discovered that grass plants can bind, uptake and transport infectious prions, which can act as carriers of the disease. The study suggests that plants may play an important role in environmental prion contamination and horizontal transmission of diseases like CWD.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 15, 2015

Revealing the ocean's hidden fertilizer

A new study reveals a complex marine phosphorus cycle with a hidden role for microbial communities. Microbes transform phosphorus into phosphonates at varying rates depending on depth, shedding light on the ocean's ability to absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalScience·DateMay 15, 2015

Pain reliever investigation wins top NIH Addiction Science Award

A high school student's project identifying novel compounds for pain relief won the top NIH Addiction Science Award. The project also analyzed the toxicological effects of e-cigarettes on lung cell viability and the impact of smartphone dependence on stress and anxiety in developing adolescents.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·DateMay 15, 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.

Researchers call for interdisciplinary look at sexual violence on campus

National thought leaders convene at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health to identify gaps in understanding prevention of sexual violence on college campuses. The SHIFT study aims to address social and structural factors that contribute to vulnerability, engaging students, faculty, and administrators.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·DateMay 15, 2015

Researchers discover new ways to shut down signals involved in brain diseases

Scientists at the University of Eastern Finland have identified two separate sites on the protein NOS1AP that can be blocked to reduce damaging signals caused by NOS-1 in brain cells. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new drugs for neurological diseases such as stroke, chronic pain, depression, and anxiety disorders.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·DateMay 15, 2015

Age-friendly communities essential to urban elders' well-being, journal says

The report emphasizes the importance of age-friendly communities in promoting aging-in-place and improving the quality of life for older citizens. By developing cities that meet the needs of all generations, economic and social policies can be transformed to support vulnerable populations.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·JournalPublic Policy & Aging Report·DateMay 15, 2015

It's best to make friends of friends

A new study from NIMBioS found that cohesive clustering of friends of friends is key to the long-term dynamics of spotted hyena social structures. Researchers analyzed over 55,000 observations and found that this type of social bonding facilitates efficient cooperation, leading to improved fitness.

SourceNational Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS)·JournalEcology Letters·DateMay 15, 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.