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Science News Archive May 2015


Page 27 of 31

UCSF team proposes new clinical model

A new clinical model proposes addressing trauma to improve patient health outcomes, with four components: environment, screening, response, and foundation. The model aims to create a trauma-informed environment that promotes safety, reliability, trust, and empathy.

Attosecond physics: A new gateway to the microcosmos

Physicists at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München have developed a new Ytterbium:Yttrium-Aluminium-Garnet (Yb:YAG) disk laser, which produces pulses lasting 7.7 femtoseconds and enables the study of ultrafast physical processes on attosecond timescales.

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Explosive volcanoes fueled by water, say Oregon researchers

Researchers at the University of Oregon have found that water plays a key role in forming magma and producing explosive volcanoes in the Cascade Range. The discovery, driven by computer modeling and data from olivine-rich basalt samples, helps solve a puzzle about plate tectonics and the Earth's deep water cycle.

Comprehensive stroke centers may improve bleeding stroke survival

Treatment at comprehensive stroke centers is associated with a 7% reduced risk of death for all hemorrhagic strokes and a 27% reduced risk for subarachnoid hemorrhage. Patients transferred within 24 hours to these centers have a 36% lower mortality rate compared to those remaining in primary care centers or non-stroke centers.

A step toward avoiding the dreaded chocolate 'bloom'

Researchers discovered that lipids in chocolate products move through pores and cracks, softening and dissolving solid cocoa butter into liquid form. By reducing pore number and liquid cocoa butter content, chocolatiers can minimize the formation of blooming coatings.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Carrot or stick? Punishments may guide behavior more effectively than rewards

A recent study found that losses had a measured impact two to three times greater than gains on behavior, leading researchers to suggest using negative feedback as an effective teaching strategy. This approach may help students avoid making the same mistake again and could provide insights into learning behaviors.

A 'super-cool' way to deliver drugs

Tel Aviv University researchers have engineered membranes that can crystallize at a specific time, revolutionizing drug delivery. The breakthrough enables the precise and effective release of drugs at targeted biological locations in the body.

Scientists X-ray chocolate

Researchers at Hamburg University of Technology, DESY, and Nestle found that reducing porosity, storing products at ideal temperatures, and controlling crystallization can help minimize fat bloom. This study provides new insights into the formation of fat bloom, an issue affecting millions in the food industry.

Thermometer-like device could help diagnose heart attacks

Scientists have developed a simple thermometer-like device to detect troponin levels in blood, which can help diagnose heart attacks. The device uses nanoparticles, ink, and a glass vial to measure the protein's concentration, making it accessible for point-of-care use in low-income areas.

A healthy lifestyle before bowel cancer diagnosis could help improve survival

Following a healthy lifestyle, including diet and physical activity guidelines, is associated with improved survival when diagnosed with bowel cancer. A large study of over 500,000 participants found that men with a high lifestyle score had a lower risk of mortality, while women who breastfed also showed increased survival.

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.

Insight into the Ebola virus nucleocapsid assembly mechanism

Researchers solved the structure of Ebola virus nucleoprotein core domain to 1.8 Å resolution, revealing RNA binding groove similarities with other viral NPs. The findings provide valuable insights into EBOV genome assembly and transcription mechanism, as well as potential antiviral therapies targeting RNP formation.

Brain chemical may offer new clues in treating chronic pain

A new study suggests that dopamine contributes to chronic pain states by targeting A11 neurons. Removing these neurons can selectively diminish chronic pain in mice. The findings offer potential clues for developing new treatments for chronic pain.

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.

Tiny silicone spheres come out of the mist

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new method for making tiny silicone microspheres, which could enable targeted drug delivery and improved medical imaging. The breakthrough uses technology found in household humidifiers to create ultrafine droplets that solidify into small spheres.

Tropical Depression 93W forms near Micronesia

Tropical Depression 93W formed on May 6, 2015, about 155 miles south-southeast of Pohnpei Island. The storm has maximum sustained surface winds estimated at 17-22 knots (19.5-25 mph) and a high likelihood of transitioning to a typhoon within the next six to twenty-four hours.

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.

Study discovers negative regulator of natural killer cell maturation

A new study at Ohio State University has identified Foxo1 as a negative regulator of natural killer cell maturation and homing behavior. The findings suggest that reducing Foxo1 expression can enhance NK-cell maturation, providing an opportunity to boost cancer and viral immunity.

A better way to build DNA scaffolds

The McGill team has devised a method to create longer DNA strands, including custom-designed sequence patterns, using an enzyme called ligase and polymerase. This approach produces large amounts of these longer strands in just a few hours, making the process potentially more economical and commercially viable than existing techniques.

An airflow model to reduce time on the tarmac

A new mathematical tool calculates turbulent air flow produced by plane wing tips, aiding in improved takeoff procedures and reduced delays. The study aims to establish strict separation standards for different aircraft sizes, enhancing aviation safety.

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.

Blood markers could help predict outcome of infant heart surgery

Researchers analyzed metabolites in the blood of children undergoing heart surgery for congenital heart disease and found a link between certain molecules and clinical outcome. The presence of ketone bodies correlated with better outcomes, while other metabolites such as citrate, lactate, and alanine were associated with poorer outcomes.

In late post-surgical colon 'leaks,' finger points to microbes

Researchers identify Enterococcus faecalis as primary microbial culprit behind post-surgical colon leaks. The bacteria degrades intestinal connective tissues and activates enzymes that cause small holes in the intestine during healing, leading to leaks. Identifying E. faecalis could lead to more effective ways to reduce leak rates.

New clues into how stem cells get their identity

Researchers have identified a mechanism by which stem cells choose to become specific cell types, such as liver and pancreas cells. This discovery could lead to better understanding of how to generate insulin-producing cells in the lab for Type I diabetes therapy.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

QUT new study calls for changes to childcare 'mandatory' sleep rules

A recent QUT study suggests that excessive mandatory napping in childcare settings is associated with reduced nighttime sleep duration. The research found that children who received over an hour of mandatory naptime had, on average, 24 minutes less night-time sleep when in childcare.

Securing the supply of sea scallops for today and tomorrow

A new computer program simulates ocean conditions, sea scallop population dynamics, and economic impacts on the fishery, providing a tool for informed discussion among stakeholders. The model predicts potential declines in sea scallop harvests over several decades if current carbon dioxide emissions continue.

Non-Euclidean geometries for grid cells

Scientists developed a new model to simulate grid cells in non-Euclidean spaces, revealing heptagonal symmetry on a pseudospherical surface. This finding suggests that the brain may be able to encode non-conventional geometries and abstract spaces.

New stem cell may overcome hurdles for regenerative medicine

Researchers at the Salk Institute have discovered a novel type of pluripotent stem cell capable of developing into any type of tissue. The new cells, dubbed region-selective pluripotent stem cells (rsPSCs), were easier to grow in the laboratory and offered advantages for large-scale production and gene editing.

Viewing violent news on social media can cause trauma

A study by Dr Pam Ramsden found that nearly a quarter of participants who viewed violent news events on social media scored high on clinical measures of PTSD. Those with outgoing personalities were also more at risk. The study highlights the need for support and awareness about the risks of viewing traumatic content online.

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.

Project seeks climate clues deep in Indonesian lakebed

Researchers are drilling sediment cores from Lake Towuti on Sulawesi, which date back a million years or more, to reconstruct the climate history of the region. The sediments hold signatures of the hydrological cycle and can help scientists test climate model predictions.

Channeling valleytronics in graphene

Berkeley Lab researchers have discovered topologically protected one-dimensional electron conducting channels at the domain walls of bilayer graphene. These conducting channels feature a ballistic length of about 400 nanometers at 4 kelvin, making them suitable for applications such as quantum computing.

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.

Fishermen, communities need more than healthy fish stocks

A new assessment tool evaluates fisheries' ecological health alongside economic and community benefits, revealing surprising results. Alaska salmon ranks high in ecology but low in economics and community performance, while Colombian artisanal shrimp performs well in community impact despite low ecological stock levels.

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.

How managers and colleagues can help staff who witness workplace aggression

A study by Dr Christine Sprigg found that social support from managers and co-workers, as well as personal optimism, can mitigate the negative effects of witnessing workplace aggression on employees' psychological wellbeing. Co-worker support was particularly significant in limiting burnout from witnessing aggression.

UW mapping app turns art into a sharable walking route

Researchers developed a mobile app that transforms digital sketches into walking routes, allowing users to share unique experiences with friends. The app aims to encourage reflection and communication, rather than competition or efficiency, and explores how GIS mapping technology shapes our experience of walking.

System model for calculating mine profitability

The new system dynamic model supports investment decision-making and optimizes production guidance in mining investments. The model has already sparked interest among international mining companies.

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.

Scientists go high-tech to study fragile cold-water reefs

Cold-water coral reefs, found in subarctic waters, are known for their vast biodiversity and ability to turn over carbon. Recent advances in underwater technology have enabled researchers to investigate these hidden reefs, revealing significant damage caused by deep-sea trawling and ocean warming.

Local media helps communities to cope after traumatic events

A study found that local media played a sensitive role in helping West Cumbrian communities cope with traumatic events, while national media was often invasive. The research showed that communities responded positively to local support and shared experiences.

Extreme excavation: Fire ant style

Researchers discovered fire ants can excavate tunnels regardless of grain size, with moisture affecting only dry soils. The ants use mechanical factors and capillary forces to build stable structures.

Expanded hospice improves care but raises Medicare costs

A new study found that expanded hospice care improved indicators of care quality, including reduced reliance on intensive care and feeding tubes. However, it also led to increased costs to Medicare of $6,761 per patient on average due to longer stays and increased provider numbers.

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.

Is diet or exercise the best way to reduce diabetes risk?

A new study published in Diabetes Care found that calorie restriction and exercise both improve insulin sensitivity, with combining the two approaches resulting in greater reductions. This suggests that both diet and exercise play important roles in managing Type 2 diabetes risk.

The next step in DNA computing: GPS mapping?

Researchers build programmable DNA-based processor that calculates shortest routes on a map of six locations, offering cost- and time-savings over other DNA-based computers. The system may also help scientists understand the brain's internal GPS mechanism.

Cal State L.A. receives $5 million NASA grant for research center

The university will establish a Data Intensive Research and Education Center to create academic opportunities for students from underserved communities. Faculty and students will focus on collaborative research in areas such as hydrology, climate change, and cloud computing.

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.

Age matters in health messages

A study by Dr Mark Moss and colleagues found that age has the biggest influence on motivators and barriers to exercise among older people. The researchers suggest that new health messages should tailor their information to account for differences between 'young' and 'older' older adults.

Not so cold-blooded creatures

Endothermic fish, including sharks and tunas, can swim two and a half times faster and twice as far as cold-blooded species. This unique physiological characteristic allows them to maximize their swimming distance and speed, providing benefits for hunting and reproduction.

Solomon Islands dolphin hunts cast spotlight on small cetacean survival

The Solomon Islands study highlights the increasing vulnerability of small cetaceans worldwide, with over 15,000 dolphins killed by villagers from 1976 to 2013. The drive-hunting of dolphins in the Solomon Islands is a significant threat to their survival, with the hunt being as much about culture as economic value.

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.

Perception of US care for the dying worsens

A new study reveals that the perception of quality care for the dying in the US has worsened over the last decade, with loved ones reporting a decrease in satisfaction. Despite efforts to improve end-of-life care, significant gaps remain between patient and provider preferences.