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Science News Archive May 2015


Page 6 of 31

Fertilization regimen reduces environmental impact of landscape palms

A study found that controlled-release fertilizers can reduce the environmental impact of landscape palms by limiting nitrogen and phosphate application. Areca palms, in particular, showed growth comparable to traditional fertilization methods when using a 0-0-16 fertilizer formulation.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Babies can think before they can speak

Researchers found that infants as young as 7 months old can understand the abstract relation of sameness and difference between two things. This ability is present from birth and does not require language skills. Infants exhibit similar patterns of learning as older children and adults, highlighting a fundamental human skill.

Measuring arm circumference is a more reliable indicator of malnutrition

Research by Adam C. Levine found that arm circumference is a more accurate predictor of under-nutrition in children with diarrhea than traditional weight-based measures. This method is particularly useful in resource-limited settings where dehydration does not significantly affect the child's weight, but can impact their overall health.

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.

Researchers say anti-pollution rules have uncertain effects

Researchers analyzed nine air quality regulations and estimated potential lives saved ranging from none to over 80,000 per year due to uncertainty on fine particle health effects. The analysis found better information is needed on the economic effects of air regulations to accurately assess their impact.

NYU researchers find 'decoder ring' powers in micro RNA

Researchers at NYU have found that microRNA can serve as a decoder ring to understand complex biological processes, highlighting the potential for miRNA to shed light on diseases such as coronary artery disease and cleft palates. By analyzing miR-200, the team identified a trio of glycans critical to cell movement and tumor metastasis.

Obese male mice produce more disease-promoting immune cells than females

A new study suggests that obese male mice produce higher levels of white blood cells that encourage inflammation, contributing to insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes. In contrast, female mice exhibit a mild inflammatory response to obesity, indicating differences in immune system responses between sexes.

One to ovoid?

A new study uses 3D printed eggs to test how birds identify and reject parasitic eggs with greater precision. Researchers found that robins accepted 100% of blue-green eggs but rejected 79% of cowbird-like eggs, similar to past studies but with less variability and precise reproduction.

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.

Protein scaffold

Researchers at OIST Graduate University mapped the points along the genome where a scaffolding protein called condensin binds. Condensin is essential for reassembling copied genomic fragments into chromosomes and maintaining genetic integrity.

Collaboration could lead to biodegradable computer chips

A team of researchers has developed a semiconductor chip made almost entirely of wood, using cellulose nanofibril as a biodegradable material. The new device demonstrates the feasibility of replacing traditional chip substrates with a more environmentally friendly alternative, reducing waste and toxicity.

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.

Researchers identify new target for Ebola drugs

Researchers have identified Niemann-Pick C1 (NPC1) as a critical protein for the Ebola virus to infect a host, providing a new target for drug development. Blocking NPC1 could lead to effective treatments for this deadly disease.

Honesty can keep companies' stock prices up during hard times

A recent study by the University of Missouri found that companies which accept blame for poor performance experience a significant recovery in their share prices. In contrast, those that blame external factors continue to face falling share prices, highlighting the importance of corporate honesty in maintaining investor confidence.

NIST develops first 'roadmap' for public safety communications research

The US Commerce Department's NIST has published a roadmap for the next 20 years of research needed to establish seamless public safety communications networks. Location-based services are expected to improve situational awareness for first responders, enabling more efficient allocation of personnel and equipment.

On-demand X-rays at synchrotron light sources

Researchers at Berkeley Lab developed a technique called PSB-KAC, which provides full control of single X-ray pulses without affecting beams for other users. This allows for timed experiments with optimized signal-to-noise ratios and reduced radiation damage.

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.

Study suggests using excess stress to kill therapy resistant breast cancer

Researchers found that HER2-positive breast cancer cells become addicted to the ERAD pathway, allowing them to survive chemotherapy. Inhibiting this pathway and promoting JNK activation selectively kills these cancer cells. The study proposes a new strategy for cancer treatment by maximizing cell stress.

Cannabis use can be prevented, reduced or delayed

Researchers at the University of Montreal found that targeted interventions can prevent, reduce, or delay cannabis use amongst high-risk youth. The study showed a significant reduction in cannabis use rates among sensation-seekers, with a 75% decrease six months post-intervention.

How racial stereotypes impact the way we communicate

UBC researchers found that non-verbal social cues, such as photographs of Chinese Canadians, can affect speech comprehension. Participants rated Chinese Canadian speakers with less foreign accent when aware of their ethnicity due to the photo prompt.

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.

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.

Wrasse project offers production boost to Scottish salmon industry

A £4 million project is increasing production in Scotland's salmon farming industry by utilizing wrasse as a cleaner fish to reduce sea lice challenges. The research aims to improve the quality and delousing efficacy of farmed wrasse, advancing hatchery technologies and optimising welfare.

Study examines association of genetic variants with cognitive impairment

A study published in JAMA Network examines the association between genetic variants and cognitive impairment, revealing that intermediate-size copy number variations may negatively affect educational attainment. The research suggests a potential link between these genetic variants and intellectual disability.

Extrusion, unroofing, buoyancy, denudation: Lithosphere, May 13-21, 2015

Research sheds light on the kinematic evolution of the Himalayan orogen, uncovering cryptic thrust-sense discontinuities that help understand processes in continent-continent convergent margins. The Klamath Mountains' unroofing process is also explored, revealing a new mechanism to produce plate margin orogens.

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.

Blueprint for a thirsty world from Down Under

Residents and commercial users slashed their water use to 41 gallons per person per day by 2010, thanks to a culture shift among ordinary water users. An integrated water management system was key to Melbourne's success in reducing demand during the drought.

Climate change debate fueled by 'echo chambers,' new study finds

Researchers found that echo chambers in U.S. climate policy networks contribute to the persistence of climate change denial despite scientific consensus. The study suggests that individuals who rely on limited sources of information from like-minded viewpoints may be misled about the dominant perspective.

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.

Surgical skills lab and dissection curricula train neurosurgical residents

Neurosurgeon authors establish a surgical skills laboratory and dissection curriculum for resident education, improving surgical skills and understanding of anatomical relationships. The program has been implemented at the Cleveland Clinic, providing a comprehensive training environment and enhancing future standards in surgical training.

Squeezed quantum cats

Scientists have created a hybrid state of being both 'alive' and 'dead' by combining Schrödinger's cat with squeezed quantum states, enabling more stable quantum computing and precise measurement capabilities.

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.

A chip placed under the skin for more precise medicine

Researchers at EPFL have developed a chip placed under the skin that can detect multiple molecules, including glucose, lactate, cholesterol, and drugs, using induction-powered biosensors. The device has been successfully tested on mice with promising results, paving the way for clinical trials in humans within three to five years.

Tiny heart, big promise

Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles identified a new source of cells that can develop into coronary vessels and found the signaling protein CXCL12 guiding this process. The study may have clinical relevance, helping diagnose abnormal coronary vessels and developing interventional strategies to prevent heart attacks.

Researchers develop intelligent handheld robots

The University of Bristol has developed intelligent handheld robots with increasing levels of autonomy, enabling cooperation between users and tools. Users tend to prefer fully autonomous tools, which show a significant impact on completion time and reduced perceived workload.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

MCW researcher to study gene therapies for hemophilia

Dr. Qizhen Shi's team aims to investigate a novel gene therapy approach that induces immune tolerance for hemophilia A, overcoming the challenge of inhibitory antibodies. The project seeks to develop a clinically translatable gene therapy protocol that provides therapeutic FVIII protein.

Breakthrough measures Parkinson's progression in the brain

Researchers have discovered a novel biomarker that tracks Parkinson's progression in the brain, providing a new tool for diagnosis and treatment. The study uses MRI-based diffusion imaging to measure changes in brain tissue fluid levels, which can inform treatment decisions and identify promising new therapies.

Advance in quantum error correction

Researchers have developed a new quantum error correction code that can correct errors afflicting a specified fraction of qubits, not just the square root of their number. This protocol requires little measure of quantum states and can correct virtually all errors in quantum memory.

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.

Hospice use linked to fewer depressive symptoms for surviving spouses

A study found that hospice use was linked to fewer depressive symptoms in surviving spouses, with benefits lasting a year after death. The research team analyzed data from over 1,000 deceased patients and their surviving spouses, suggesting high-quality care can have a positive impact on caregivers as well.

Seeing the action

Researchers at UCSB have developed a novel device that enables real-time observation of the forces involved in cell membrane hemifusion. By combining the Surface Forces Apparatus and fluorescence microscopy, they were able to visualize the rearrangement of lipid domains during this process.

Sarah Teichmann and Ido Amit awarded EMBO Gold Medal 2015

The 2015 EMBO Gold Medal was awarded to Sarah Teichmann and Ido Amit for their groundbreaking research on gene expression, protein complexes, and immune systems. Their work has significantly advanced our understanding of cellular regulation and disease mechanisms.

Changing diagnosis codes will challenge emergency medicine

A recent study found that nearly a quarter of ER clinical encounters could pose difficulties due to the new ICD-10 coding system. The researchers identified convoluted mappings in 27% of commonly used emergency room ICD-9 codes, which may lead to incorrect reporting or reimbursement.

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.

From worker to queen at the drop of a gene

Biologists from the University of Leicester have discovered that buff-tailed bumblebees develop into queens or workers based on gene expression. The study found that differentiation is not caused by inherited genetic differences, but rather by distinct expression patterns in adults.