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Science News Archive May 2015


Page 5 of 31

How container-grown plants capture sprinkler irrigation water

Container-grown plant researchers developed a formula to evaluate irrigation capture in ornamental plants, revealing factors that affect CF, including plant size, growth habit, and sprinkler type. This knowledge can aid growers in adjusting irrigation rates and reducing water use.

The safe use of flavorings in e-cigarettes

A new guide provides a systematic approach to evaluating the safety of e-cig flavorings, considering toxicological thresholds and thermal breakdown products. The guide aims to fill data gaps and provide guidance for regulatory standards, ensuring safer e-cigarette production.

Pre-surgery beta blockers, risk of death examined in noncardiac surgery

A study found that pre-surgery beta-blockers may increase the risk of death in patients with no cardiac risk factors undergoing noncardiac surgery. However, the use of beta-blockers was beneficial for patients with three to four cardiac risk factors. The analysis included over 326,000 patients and measured 30-day surgical mortality.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study could explain why ovarian cancer treatments fail

Researchers discovered ovarian cancer cells can lock into survival mode and avoid chemotherapy destruction. The study, published in Nature, used whole genome sequencing to analyse tumour DNA samples from 91 patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer.

Linking superconductivity and structure

Researchers have discovered a key link between superconductivity and structure in iron arsenide compounds, which could potentially lead to higher-temperature superconductivity. Under pressure, the compound undergoes a structural change that leads to a loss of superconducting ability.

Beliefs and family crucial in South Asian people's management of diabetes

A study published in BMC Family Practice reveals that South Asian individuals with diabetes often struggle due to conflicting views on the causes of their condition. However, strong family support networks can help manage the disease, highlighting the need for culturally sensitive treatment plans and education guidelines.

How spacetime is built by quantum entanglement

Physicists at University of Tokyo unify general relativity and quantum mechanics by showing how spacetime emerges from quantum entanglement. Quantum entanglement generates extra dimensions of gravitational theory, shedding light on the microscopic structure of spacetime.

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.

Global climate on verge of multi-decadal change

A study published in Nature reveals that ocean circulation is driving decadal-scale climatic change, with a potential half-degree cooler phase bringing drier summers in Britain and Ireland. The Atlantic Multi-decadal Oscillation (AMO) influences temperature, rainfall, drought, and hurricane frequency worldwide.

Pennington Family Foundation awards $200,000 grant to LIBD for autism research

The Lieber Institute for Brain Development (LIBD) has been awarded a $200,000 grant by the Pennington Family Foundation to investigate the factors contributing to varying outcomes in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. The study aims to identify biological associations that can improve treatment strategies and prevent long-term ...

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.

'Hidden' fragrance compound can cause contact allergy

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg found that linalyl acetate, a common fragrance chemical, can react with oxygen to form allergenic hydroperoxides. Approximately 2% of tested individuals had allergic reactions to oxidized linalyl acetate, highlighting the need for broader testing and declaration on cosmetic products.

New electronic stent could provide feedback and therapy -- then dissolve

Researchers have developed a drug-releasing electronic stent that provides diagnostic feedback by measuring blood flow, which slows when an artery starts narrowing. The device can also heat up on command to speed up drug delivery, and it can dissolve once it's no longer needed, reducing the risk of blood clot formation.

Glacier changes at the top of the world

Researchers warn that Himalayan glaciers in the Everest region could experience dramatic change, with sustained ice loss likely through the 21st century. The study suggests that increased temperatures and changes in precipitation patterns will lead to reduced glacier growth and increased melt, impacting water availability and river flows.

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.

Robots can recover from damage in minutes

A new algorithm allows robots to automatically adapt to injury, learning a compensatory behavior in under two minutes. The Intelligent Trial and Error algorithm enables robots to quickly discover a new way to walk or perform tasks despite damage.

The analogy that builds human thought

Researchers discovered that infants as young as 7-9 months old possess the ability to identify abstract relations between objects and generalize them to new pairs. This suggests that analogical thinking is an innate cognitive function that precedes linguistic abilities.

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.

Similarities between aurorae on Mars and Earth

Researchers predict that Mars' aurorae can be visible to the naked eye, displaying colors similar to those on Earth. The study suggests that carbon dioxide in the Martian atmosphere contributes to the formation of blue, green, and red aurorae.

Zebrafish model gives new insight on autism spectrum disorder

Researchers used zebrafish to study the impact of dysregulation of SYNGAP1 and SHANK3 genes on brain development and behavior. The study found that disrupting these genes leads to hyper-excitable behaviors, delayed development, and changes in brain structure.

Treatments of hot water with calcium found effective for kiwifruit

A new study from Iran recommends treatments of hot water with calcium to extend storage life and improve quality in kiwifruit. The research evaluated the effect of hot water combined with Ca solution treatments on qualitative characteristics of kiwifruit during cold storage, showing that these treatments significantly suppressed color ...

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Discovery shows what the solar system looked like as a 'toddler'

An international team of astronomers has identified a young planetary system, located 360 light years away, with a disc-shaped bright ring of dust around a star similar to the sun. The disc's brightness and composition are consistent with the Kuiper Belt in our solar system.

When children with autism grow old

A new NIH grant will help researchers at SDSU study brain connections and cognitive abilities in older adults with autism. This is a significant step towards understanding how autism affects individuals across the lifespan.

AACR and Bayer partner to fund fellowships to advance cancer research

The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) has partnered with Bayer HealthCare to expand its Basic Cancer Research Fellowship Program. The partnership aims to support young scientists conducting basic cancer research, addressing the current funding crisis in biomedical research.

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.

Lawrence Livermore scientists 1 step closer to mimicking gamma-ray bursts

Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have created a record high number of positrons using lasers, which could help study gamma-ray bursts and extreme astrophysical processes. The team used three laser systems to produce nearly a trillion positrons, opening opportunities for antimatter research.

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.

Experiments in the realm of the impossible

Physicists at Jena University successfully simulated charged Majorana particles, a theoretical concept long considered impossible. The experiment allows for the study of non-physical processes and may lead to breakthroughs in quantum computing.

NEH funds international project to digitize Coptic texts

The University of the Pacific has been awarded a $192,500 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities to digitize Coptic texts. This two-year project, called KELLIA, is an international collaboration between US universities and German institutions.

'Do' is better than 'don't' when it comes to eating better

A new study by Cornell Food & Brand Lab found that emphasizing healthy food benefits over warning about unhealthy foods is more effective for most people. Focusing on the positive consequences of eating healthy, such as broccoli's benefits, can lead to better dietary habits.

A new era for genetic interpretation

ClinGen aims to standardize genetic variant interpretation, resolving differences between labs and clinicians. The program uses ClinVar, a database of over 170,000 variant submissions, and has formed expert working groups to interpret gene-disease relationships and improve clinical decision-making.

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 and controlling the propagation of waves

The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) has secured funding for two collaborative research centers (CRCs): one focused on wave phenomena in mathematics and the other on enhancing weather forecasting. The CRCs aim to analytically understand, numerically simulate, and manipulate wave propagation under realistic scenarios.

How longhorned beetles find Mr. Right

Beetle species segregate mating activity by time of day and seasonal changes, allowing females to choose mate from specific species. This discovery provides a framework for understanding how insects produce separate signals with the same pheromone.

Expanding the code of life with new 'letters'

Two new nucleotides, 'Z' and 'P', have been found to form double helix structures similar to those made by the four natural bases C-G-A-T, opening up possibilities for creating new proteins with medical applications.

Notre Dame paper examines how students understand mathematics

A new study by Nicole McNeil and Emily Fyfe found that using abstract labels to identify patterns improves preschoolers' problem-solving skills. The researchers compared concrete labels to abstract labels in a set of patterning problems, with children assigned to the abstract labels condition solving more problems correctly.

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.

Better fine motor skills with delayed cord clamping

A four-year follow-up study of 263 children found that delayed cord clamping (DCC) was associated with improved fine motor skills, particularly in boys. The study did not find a significant impact on IQ or overall development.

Changes in forest structure affect bees and other pollinators

A new study by U.S. Forest Service scientists shows that changes in forest structure may be contributing to declines in native bee populations. Bees prefer open forests with diverse herbaceous communities, which require prescribed fire to maintain. Managing for open forests can also help sustain other species and pollination.

Protecting South America's iconic golden dorado fish

A new study by University of Massachusetts Amherst fisheries biologist Andy J. Danylchuk is assessing the impact of catch-and-release fishing on the golden dorado fish in South America. The study aims to develop conservation strategies and sustainable fishing practices for this iconic species, which is crucial to the regional ecotouris...

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Clinical trial reduces stress of cancer caregivers

A clinical trial at University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus demonstrates an intervention that successfully reduces caregiver stress in cancer patients treated with stem cell transplantation. The study shows significant lower stress levels and improved quality of life for caregivers.

Therapy-resistant breast cancer mechanism revealed

A study published in Nature Communications reveals that a specific type of non-coding RNA, known as Eleanors, plays a key role in the development of endocrine therapy resistance in ER-positive breast cancer cells. Resveratrol was found to repress these RNAs, inhibiting the proliferation of resistant cancer cells.

Friendships start better with a smile

A study led by Belinda Campos found that people are highly attuned to others' positive emotions and can form new social bonds based on these displays. Awareness of others' positive emotions can provide important relationship information, helping individuals feel secure in their relationships and resolve conflicts.

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.

Simple recipe to make sensory hair cells in the ear

Researchers at the Molecular Medicine Institute and University College London Ear Institute have created a protocol to produce inner ear hair cells, crucial for hearing and balance. The study's success suggests that similar strategies might work in humans, paving the way for cell transplantation therapies or high-throughput drug screens.

Pitt team IDs two new, very large classes of RNAs linked to cancer biomarker

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have identified two new classes of RNAs associated with breast cancer biomarker YB-1, which may play a role in prostate cancer progression. The discovery could lead to the development of new cancer treatments and provide insights into human biology.

TVs and second screens a bad combination for advertisers

A study by Ohio State University found that viewers struggle to recall brand messages on TV when using a second screen, as they get distracted by social media and other online activities. The research suggests that brands may need to rethink their marketing strategies to effectively reach consumers.

Study examines umbilical cord clamping and neurodevelopment

A study examining umbilical cord clamping and neurodevelopment found that delayed cord clamping was associated with higher scores in fine-motor and social skills in children at age 4, especially in boys. The results suggest positive effects from delayed cord clamping without any adverse effects on overall IQ or behavior.

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.

The first fraction of ejaculate is the most effective for conception

A recent study led by the Ginemed fertility clinic found that sperm in the first fraction of ejaculate are more numerous, move faster, and have better DNA integrity than those in the second phase. This discovery could lead to improved fertilization rates and embryonic development.

Psychedelic drugs should be legally reclassified as they may benefit patients

A psychiatrist advocates for the reclassification of psychedelic drugs as Schedule 2 compounds, citing their potential benefits in treating various psychiatric disorders. He notes that these substances were extensively used and researched before prohibition in 1967, but are now subject to strict regulations that hinder further research.

You're driving yourself to burnout, literally

A study by Annie Barreck of the University of Montreal found a significant link between commuting patterns and burnout symptoms. Long commutes, particularly by car in urban areas, increase the risk of professional burnout. Employers can mitigate this by adopting flexible commuting arrangements.

What is the most humane way to kill a cane toad?

Researchers from the University of Sydney have found a humane way to kill cane toads by placing them in a refrigerator for a few hours before transferring them to a freezer. This method induces unconsciousness without causing pain, solving a long-standing dilemma for communities affected by the invasive species.

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.