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Science News Archive May 2015 - Page 25


Page 25 of 31

Naturally occurring amino acid could improve oral health

Researchers at the University of Michigan discovered that L-arginine can break down dental plaque, a biofilm that contributes to cavities, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. This naturally occurring amino acid may provide an alternative to current antimicrobial treatments, which can affect taste and stain teeth.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 7, 2015

When the baby comes, working couples no longer share housework equally

A new study found that when highly educated, dual-career couples have their first child, women add significantly more daily housework and childcare responsibilities than men. Before the baby was born, both spouses thought their workloads would increase equally, but detailed time diaries showed a stark contrast.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateMay 7, 2015

New care approach to colorectal operations speeds patients' recovery times

A new study finds that combining an evidence-based enhanced recovery program with infection prevention significantly reduces hospital stay time and costs for patients undergoing colorectal operations. The program also decreases surgical site infections and sepsis rates.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateMay 7, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Penn researchers develop custom artificial membranes with programmable surfaces

Penn researchers have developed a novel model of artificial membranes with programmable surfaces, allowing for precise control over glycan structures. This breakthrough enables the study of membrane-sugar-protein interactions, which are crucial for understanding diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 7, 2015

Role of obesity and depression in excessive daytime sleepiness

Researchers found obesity and depression to be underlying causes of regular drowsiness, with low-grade chronic inflammation a primary mechanism for fatigue in obese individuals. Depressed individuals also experienced high incidence of EDS, likely due to physiologic sleep disturbances.

SourcePenn State·JournalSLEEP·DateMay 7, 2015

GTEx -- How our fenetic code regulates gene expression

The GTEx project analyzed over 54,000 genes across 43 body sites from 175 individuals to identify distinct regions in the genome that affect gene expression. This work sheds light on how genetic variation predisposes people to disease and provides a resource for future studies investigating genetic control of gene expression.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 7, 2015

Alzheimer protein's structure may explain its toxicity

The study reveals amyloid beta-42 forms three flat structures with a 'salt bridge' that stabilizes its toxic shape. This discovery provides new insights into amyloid propagation in Alzheimer's disease and may impact the effectiveness of existing treatments.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateMay 7, 2015

Mercury's core dynamo present early in planet's history

Scientists have discovered a magnetization signal emanating from an ancient region of Mercury's crust, indicating the presence of a dynamo-driven magnetic field 3.8 billion years ago. This finding suggests that Mercury's core dynamo has persisted for billions of years.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 7, 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.

Electrons corralled using new quantum tool

Researchers have created a new 'whispering gallery' effect for electrons in graphene, allowing precise control over the reflecting region. This confinement could lead to the development of electronic lenses and other quantum-based electron-optics devices, enabling the study of subtle charge carrier behavior at a microscopic level.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateMay 7, 2015

How climate science denial affects the scientific community

A new study from the University of Bristol argues that climate science denial is seeping into the scientific community's discussion of climate change, causing them to overemphasize scientific uncertainty. This 'seepage' of contrarian claims has led scientists to downplay the degree of threat and undercommunicate knowledge, despite know...

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·DateMay 7, 2015

IRF5, a new player in the occurrence of obesity complications

Researchers discovered IRF5 helps prevent metabolic complications by storing fat subcutaneously. In contrast to intra-abdominal fat, which leads to type 2 diabetes, this storage form reduces inflammation and promotes tissue remodelling.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalNature Medicine·DateMay 7, 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.

New intervention pioneered at UC Davis helps mothers address depression

The Motivating our Mothers (MOM) program uses pediatricians for diagnosis and coaching mothers to seek additional help. The intervention showed a remarkable impact, with 74% of mothers in the intervention group seeking help compared to 54% in the control group.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalAcademic Pediatrics·DateMay 7, 2015

Biting back: Scientists aim to forecast West Nile outbreaks

A new study by NCAR and CDC researchers finds strong correlations between warmer temperatures and higher rates of West Nile virus disease in the US. Precipitation also influences disease outbreaks, but with varying regional impacts. The study aims to develop a system to forecast outbreaks weeks or months in advance.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateMay 7, 2015

Fragments of tRNA suggest a novel mechanism for cancer progression

Researchers at Rockefeller University found that short stretches of genetic material called tRNA fragments can reduce the growth and spread of breast cancer cells. These fragments bind to a key player in the life cycle of cancer cells, known as an oncogene, reducing its ability to promote cell division and metastasis.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalCell·DateMay 7, 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.

Facebook users the main filter of content

Researchers analyzed Facebook activity of over 10 million users, finding that users chose to ignore about 70% of challenging posts despite algorithm filtering. The study suggests that social media platforms like Facebook can still promote ideological diversity if users actively seek out diverse perspectives.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 7, 2015

The opioid epidemic and its impact on orthopaedic care

A literature review highlights the alarming rise of opioid use in the US, with orthopaedic surgeons as the third highest prescribers. The study emphasizes the need for comprehensive risk assessment and patient-physician relationship trust to avoid overprescribing opioids.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateMay 7, 2015

Thirty-day wait before tubal sterilization is unjust, say ob/gyn experts

Elective tubal sterilization is readily available to women with private payment, but Medicaid beneficiaries face a 30-day wait. Experts argue that this violates healthcare justice and access to permanent contraception for low-income women. The policy restricts nearly half of annual deliveries paid by Medicaid.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateMay 7, 2015

If you want change, tell a relevant story -- not just facts

A USC study found that culturally relevant stories increased cervical cancer screenings among Latinas, while non-narrative approaches were less effective. The research used narrative videos with Mexican-American characters to reach this demographic and showed significant improvements in screening rates within six months.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMay 7, 2015
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.

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Mobile tracking application may help users meet vitamin D requirements

A new study in Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found a mobile application for tracking vitamin D and calcium intake to be valid. The Vitamin D Calculator app was used by 25 men and 25 women to record their dietary intake, which showed significant positive correlation with orally recalled values.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateMay 7, 2015

WSU ecologist warns of bamboo fueling spread of hantavirus

Bamboo landscaping popularity could lead to increased spread of hantavirus, as deer mice thrive on plant's seeds and reproduce rapidly, posing a risk to human health. Experts recommend changing U.S. and Canadian plant quarantine policies to prevent non-native bamboo invasions.

SourceWashington State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 7, 2015

Popular media influences choice of childbirth

A Monash University study found that women's expectations and attitudes about birth are shaped by popular media, particularly magazines, leading to biased decision-making. Women exposed to magazine articles endorsing non-medicalised birth were more likely to change their intention towards a natural birth.

SourceMonash University·JournalWomen & Health·DateMay 7, 2015

Cells amplify messenger RNA levels to set protein levels

A new statistical analysis of mRNA and protein levels in budding yeast found that mRNA levels account for 85% of differences in protein levels, amplifying the relationship between the two. This discovery contradicts previous studies suggesting that post-transcriptional regulation overrides mRNA levels.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMay 7, 2015
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.

Gene required for plant growth at warmer temperatures discovered

Researchers have identified a new gene, ICARUS1, that enables plants to grow optimally in different temperatures. This discovery could lead to the development of crops that can withstand elevated temperatures, addressing the impacts of climate change on agricultural productivity.

SourceMonash University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMay 7, 2015

Brandeis researchers identify potential cause of schizophrenic symptoms

Researchers at Brandeis University have discovered an abnormality in the schizophrenic brain that may be responsible for its wide-ranging symptoms. Abnormal neural oscillations, or delta waves, have been linked to cognitive deficits such as memory impairment in patients with schizophrenia.

SourceBrandeis University·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateMay 7, 2015

How to build a new global health framework

Global health experts offer a new framework for creating a robust global health system with national health systems at its foundation. The framework proposes key priorities, including funding, technical excellence, operational capacities, normative standards, regional offices, and engaging non-state parties.

SourceO'Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 7, 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.

Large landslides lie low: Himalaya-Karakoram ranges

Large landslides in the Himalaya-Karakoram ranges predominantly occur in the lower portions of the landscape, whereas glaciers and rock glaciers occupy the higher elevations almost exclusively. The study also introduces a new method called excess topography (ZE) to identify potentially unstable rock-mass volumes.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateMay 7, 2015

Populated Puget Sound sees stark shifts in marine fish species

Declines in Pacific herring and surf smelt have been observed in the most densely populated areas of Puget Sound, while jellyfish blooms have increased, diverting energy away from highly productive forage species. This shift may affect larger fish, birds, and marine mammals, highlighting the need for habitat protection and restoration.

SourceNOAA Fisheries West Coast Region·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·DateMay 7, 2015

The hairy past

A team of scientists from the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna developed a method to analyze horse tail hair to determine its ecological significance. By aligning hair segments to time using satellite information, they found that tail hair growth rates vary greatly between species and even within individuals.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalRapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry·DateMay 7, 2015

'Fracture' prints, not fingerprints, help solve child abuse cases

Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered that skull fractures can create distinct fracture patterns, also known as 'fracture prints', which can aid in determining the cause of head injuries. These findings could help investigators reconstruct events and solve child abuse cases with greater accuracy.

SourceMichigan State University·DateMay 7, 2015
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Study shows that children sleep better when they have a nightly bedtime routine

A multinational study found that children with a consistent bedtime routine had better sleep outcomes, including earlier bedtimes and increased sleep duration. The positive impact of bedtime routines on sleep increases with consistency and age, making it a simple yet effective step for families to improve their child's sleep.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalSLEEP·DateMay 7, 2015

Baiting the hook

Researchers found that customers tend to gravitate towards a chain's digital channel for their first online purchases but may drift to other chains once familiar with online shopping. For customer retention and attracting new ones, retailers must offer an equal or better online product assortment than their offline stores.

SourceJournal of Retailing at New York University·JournalJournal of Retailing·DateMay 7, 2015

Lopsided star explosion holds the key to other supernova mysteries

Recent NuSTAR observations of supernova SN 1987A confirm the predicted lopsided nature of stellar giant deaths, with most material moving away from the observer. This finding supports supercomputer simulations that assume asymmetrical core collapse and could help solve the mystery of dual black hole and neutron star formation.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateMay 7, 2015
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.

Potential for a more personalized approach to womb cancer

A study by Manchester researchers has identified genetic subtypes in high-risk endometrial cancer patients, allowing for more targeted treatments. The classification of these subtypes can predict patient relapse and identify specific mutations that can be targeted with anti-cancer drugs.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalModern Pathology·DateMay 7, 2015

UTHealth's Carlos Moreno gets family medicine leadership award

Carlos Moreno, M.D., M.S.P.H., is recognized for his contributions to family medicine education at UTHealth Medical School. He has been awarded the F. Marian Bishop Leadership Award for his efforts to enhance the credibility of family medicine in academic settings.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·DateMay 7, 2015

As life slips by: Why eye movement doesn't blur the picture

Two proteins, Contactin-4 and amyloid precursor protein, bind during embryonic development to stabilize brain cells involved in image stabilization. This finding suggests precise neural connections are crucial for accurate sensory perception and behavior.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNeuron·DateMay 7, 2015

Study finds metabolic link between bacterial 'biofilms' and colon cancer

Researchers discovered a metabolic link between bacterial biofilms and colon cancer, finding that removing biofilms could be a key strategy for preventing and treating the disease. The study also identified an apparent metabolic marker of biofilm-associated colon cancers, which may help diagnose early-stage cancer.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMay 7, 2015

Chagas disease vaccine shows long-term protection in mice

A candidate vaccine has been shown to induce long-lasting immunity against the parasite that causes Chagas disease. Mice vaccinated with a combination of two parasite proteins showed reduced parasite numbers and improved immune response compared to uninfected mice.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMay 7, 2015
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.

Patient cancer cells help to test treatments

Researchers used organoids derived from human tumor samples to test cancer drugs and predict patient response. The findings demonstrate the power of organoids to capture complex mutations in tumours.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalCell·DateMay 7, 2015

Next generation science: James Brogan of Boston College

James Brogan, a double major in physics and chemistry, has been awarded a Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship for his research on aerosol behavior and its effects on human health. He plans to combine physics and medicine to advance techniques in medical physics.

SourceBoston College·DateMay 7, 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.

Fresh evidence for how water reached Earth found in asteroid debris

New research published by the University of Warwick finds evidence that water-rich asteroids or comets are common around other stars than the Sun. The study suggests that water can be delivered to planets like Earth via these bodies, potentially creating a suitable environment for life to form.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMay 7, 2015

Soil security

The world's soil resources are under threat from erosion, nutrient exhaustion, urbanization, and climate change, which could lead to disruptions in food production and geopolitical conflicts. Experts call for better management of Earth's soils to address this issue.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalScience·DateMay 7, 2015

Hip strengthening might ease pain of clogged leg arteries

A new study suggests that exercise training to strengthen hip flexor muscles can increase walking distance and reduce calf pain in patients with clogged leg arteries. Researchers found that PAD patients use their ankle flexors more during walking due to weakness in hip muscles.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMay 7, 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.