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Science News Archive May 2015 - Page 28


Page 28 of 31

Survival rates in trauma patients after Massachusetts health insurance reform

A study of over 1.5 million patients found a passing increase in adjusted mortality rates following Massachusetts health insurance reform, suggesting that simply providing insurance incentives and subsidies may not improve survival for trauma patients. The study's findings resolve within a few years, but highlight the need for more com...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateMay 6, 2015

Geochemical process on Saturn's moon linked to life's origin

A team of scientists has developed a new chemical model to determine the pH of Enceladus' ocean, finding it to be salty and alkaline with a pH of 11-12. This suggests that serpentinization, a geochemical process, could have created conditions suitable for life on the moon.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalGeochimica et Cosmochimica Acta·DateMay 6, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NIMH funds major schizophrenia project

Researchers at the University of Virginia will use single-cell genome sequencing to examine brain samples from people with and without schizophrenia. By comparing these samples, they hope to identify genetic causes of the disease and develop more effective treatments.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·DateMay 6, 2015

Children's sleep and mental health are related

A comprehensive survey of nearly 1,000 toddlers reveals that serious sleep disorders can have long-term consequences for mental health. Four-year-olds with sleep disorders are at higher risk of developing psychiatric symptoms as six-year-olds, while those with psychiatric symptoms are more likely to develop a sleep disorder.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics·DateMay 6, 2015

When bosses 'serve' their employees, everything improves

Research by UIC Business found that servant leaders create a culture of trust, caring, cooperation, fairness, and empathy, leading to improved teamwork, loyalty, and dedication. This approach helps employees reach their full potential, driving business effectiveness.

SourceUIC Business·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateMay 6, 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.

Plant toxin causes biliary atresia in animal model

A plant toxin has been found to cause biliary atresia, a rare and debilitating liver disease, in animal models. The toxin, isolated from Australian plants, selectively destroys the bile ducts outside the liver, leading to scarring and preventing bile flow.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 6, 2015

Researchers reverse bacterial resistance to antibiotics

A team of researchers from UC Merced and American University has discovered a way to restore the efficacy of antibiotics and help doctors deal with resistant bacteria in a clinical setting. The study found that combining lab work with mathematics and computer technology can reverse bacterial resistance and provide optimal treatment opt...

SourceAmerican University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 6, 2015

Mobile phone microscope rapidly detects parasite levels in blood

Researchers have developed a mobile phone microscope that can quickly detect parasitic worm levels in blood, enabling safe resumption of mass drug administration campaigns. The device can identify people with high levels of microfilariae in under two minutes, reducing errors and increasing efficiency.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 6, 2015

Compiling a 'dentist's handbook' for penis worms

A new study from the University of Cambridge has enabled researchers to identify previously unrecognised fossil specimens by reconstructing the teeth of penis worms in fine detail. The results have aided in the identification of fossilised teeth from a number of species around the world.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPalaeontology·DateMay 6, 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.

Study finds foreclosures fueled racial segregation in US

A new study by Cornell University analysis found that foreclosures during the late 2000s housing bust led to a significant increase in racial segregation in the US. Black and Latino neighborhoods experienced significantly higher foreclosure rates than white areas, with some communities losing up to 8 homes per 100 homes.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateMay 6, 2015

Inkjet printing process for kesterite solar cells

Researchers have developed a novel inkjet printing process to produce high-efficiency kesterite solar cells with reduced material waste and lower toxicity. The process has already yielded solar cells with efficiencies up to 6.4%.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalAdvanced Science·DateMay 6, 2015

Educational app or digital candy? Helping parents choose quality apps for kids

Researchers provide guidelines to evaluate apps for real educational benefits, focusing on features that promote active participation, sustained engagement, and social interaction. They warn against apps with distracting 'bells and whistles' and those that present information in a vacuum.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science in the Public Interest·DateMay 6, 2015

Flower find provides real-time insight into evolution

A recent study by University of Stirling scientist Dr. Mario Vallejo-Marin discovered a new species of monkeyflower, Mimulus peregrinus, which provides real-time insight into evolution. The species has evolved multiple times in different regions, challenging the conventional understanding of species formation.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·JournalEvolution·DateMay 6, 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.

What the penis worm's teeth looked like

Researchers used microscopes to study the structure of Penis Worm teeth, discovering a 'dentist's handbook' for paleontologists. The findings uncovered previously unrecognized species worldwide, shedding light on ancient creatures.

SourceWiley·JournalPalaeontology·DateMay 6, 2015

Child behavior is worse when dads feel unsupported

A recent study published by the British Psychological Society found that children in families where fathers feel unsupported by their partners exhibit more troublesome behavior. In contrast, mothers' perceptions of support from their partners do not seem to impact their child's behavior.

SourceBritish Psychological Society·DateMay 6, 2015

Artificial muscles created from gold-plated onion cells

Artificial muscles made from gold-plated onion cells have been created by National Taiwan University researchers. The onions' cell structure allows them to bend and stretch in different directions depending on the applied voltage, enabling unique actuation modes.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMay 5, 2015

Study finds positive effects of job corps participation

A study by Xuan Chen and Carlos A. Flores found that Job Corps participants experienced average wage effects of 5.7-13.9% four years after graduation, with non-Hispanics seeing greater gains.

SourceAmerican Statistical Association·JournalJournal of Business and Economic Statistics·DateMay 5, 2015

Yap Island typhoon warning in place for Noul

Tropical Storm Noul poses a significant threat to Yap Island, with maximum sustained winds of 55 knots and wave heights reaching 20 feet. The storm is expected to intensify to 125 knots over the next five days.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 5, 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.

Hepatitis C common among HIV-positive patients in sub-Saharan Africa

A new study has found high levels of hepatitis C (HCV) infection across Africa, particularly in people infected with HIV. The report, published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases, found that around three per cent of people in sub-Saharan Africa have been infected with HCV infection, rising to 5.7 per cent in individuals with HIV.

SourceImperial College London·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateMay 5, 2015

Nail biters, beware: Teeth grinding is next

Research by Tel Aviv University finds that social anxiety elevates the risk of bruxism, a condition causing tooth wear and fractures. The study also found moderate-to-severe dental wear in 42.1% of socially anxious individuals.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal of Oral Rehabilitation·DateMay 5, 2015

Proteomics provides new leads into nerve regeneration

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have identified previously unrecognized proteins and pathways involved in nerve regeneration using proteomics techniques. Adding back the oncogene c-myc achieved unprecedented optic nerve regeneration in mice, promoting survival and axon growth.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNeuron·DateMay 5, 2015

Thoughts drive dieting plans but feelings drive dieting behavior, study finds

A new study published in the Journal of Health Psychology highlights the disconnect between dieting plans and behavior. Researchers found that people plan to change their eating habits based on thoughts, but when it comes to executing those changes, feelings play a crucial role in guiding behavior.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Health Psychology·DateMay 5, 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.

New chip architecture may provide foundation for quantum computer

Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed a microfabricated ion trap architecture that increases qubit density and brings us closer to building a quantum computer. The new design uses ball grid array techniques to fit more electrodes onto the chip, paving the way for increased scalability.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateMay 5, 2015

Profiling approach to enable right lung cancer treatment match

Researchers at the University of Manchester have developed a new genetic profiling approach to identify patients with right lung cancer who are eligible for targeted therapies. The method uses smaller tissue biopsies and has been shown to detect genetic changes in over 95% of samples.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalOral Oncology·DateMay 5, 2015

Shedding light on rods

Researchers use a novel technique involving focused light beams to study the activity of rods, the light-sensitive cells of the retina. They found that the electrical response of the nerve changes depending on the region of the cell being hit by the light.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 5, 2015
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.

Astronomers unveil the farthest galaxy

Researchers at Yale University and the University of California-Santa Cruz have detected an exceptionally luminous galaxy more than 13 billion years in the past, EGS-zs8-1. The galaxy is one of the brightest and most massive objects in the early universe, with a mass equivalent to over 15% of our Milky Way.

SourceYale University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMay 5, 2015

Enzyme responsible for obesity-related high blood pressure identified

A recent study has identified the enzyme responsible for obesity-related hypertension, which breaks down a molecule necessary for relaxing blood vessels. The research suggests that targeting this enzyme may lead to new treatment options for obese patients with high blood pressure.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalObesity·DateMay 5, 2015

SwRI reveals the first 'images' of thunder

Researchers from Southwest Research Institute image thunder for the first time, capturing the sound waves created by artificially triggered lightning. The technique allows scientists to study the origins of thunder and the energetic processes associated with lightning, revealing new insights into this natural phenomenon.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·DateMay 5, 2015

America's best teachers get creative

A new study by Michigan State University scholars found that exceptional teachers incorporate their personal interests into the curriculum to create interactive and effective learning experiences. The research suggests that teachers should be encouraged to take creative risks and bring diverse perspectives to the classroom.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalTeachers College Record The Voice of Scholarship in Education·DateMay 5, 2015

Changing attitudes about sex

A new study by SDSU psychology professor Jean M. Twenge shows a significant change in attitudes about sex and sexuality among different generations, with Millennials being the most accepting of premarital sex. The study also found that acceptance of same-sex relations has increased substantially over time.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·DateMay 5, 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.

Snow and avalanche research: Remote assessment of avalanche risk

A new system combining GPS and radar measures snow properties on slopes, enabling continuous and non-destructive monitoring of snow volumes and liquid water content. The method promises to enhance forecasting of avalanches and spring floods in Alpine areas.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 5, 2015

Study reveals how relaxation response may help treat 2 gastrointestinal disorders

A nine-week relaxation response training program improved symptoms and gene expression in patients with IBS and IBD. The study found significant improvements in disease-related symptoms, anxiety, and quality of life, with changes in the expression of nearly 200 genes in IBS patients and over 1,000 genes in IBD patients.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 5, 2015

Online training can teach psychotherapists evidence-based treatments, study finds

A RAND Corporation study found that online training programs can be as effective as in-person instruction in teaching psychotherapists evidence-based treatments. The approach may speed up the adoption of new treatments and improve patient outcomes by providing an efficient and scalable way to train large numbers of clinicians.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalPsychiatric Services·DateMay 5, 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.

NREL report estimates market potential of shared solar

A NREL report finds that shared solar programs can expand access to renewable energy, reaching 32-49% of the US distributed photovoltaic market in 2020. The program's structure and regulation impact its potential for deployment.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·DateMay 5, 2015

ASTRO issues guideline on definitive and adjuvant RT for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has issued a new guideline on definitive and adjuvant radiotherapy in locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer, citing 35 years of data to guide current treatment and future research. The guideline recommends RT as the ideal treatment for patients with locally advanced NSCLC.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·JournalPractical Radiation Oncology·DateMay 5, 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.

INL and NREL demonstrate power grid simulation at a distance

The Energy Department's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Idaho National Laboratory (INL) have successfully demonstrated the capability to connect grid simulations at their two labs for real-time interaction via the Internet. This new inter-lab capability enables the modeling of power grids in greater detail by allowing s...

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·DateMay 5, 2015

Chest strap heart rate monitor

A new chest strap ECG monitor has been developed using wettable electrodes that are kept moist by an artificial sweating process. The device can now be used for long-term heart rate monitoring, addressing previous limitations of gel electrodes.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·DateMay 5, 2015

How noise changes the way the brain gets information

Research found that prolonged noise exposure alters cells connected to the brain in mice, enabling them to conserve neurotransmitters and better cope with loud conditions. The cells also changed their structure to increase storage capacity for these chemicals.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 5, 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.

RIT researcher wins NIH award for developing new atrial fibrillation solution

Behnaz Ghoraani's novel algorithm allows improved and patient-specific localization of electrical disturbance sites, enabling clinicians to better target the problem. The technology helps doctors 'see' what's going on in the atrium by analyzing patterns of electrical signals, guiding them to where they need to sense.

SourceRochester Institute of Technology·DateMay 5, 2015

3-D models of neuronal networks reveal organizational principles of sensory cortex

Researchers created detailed 3D models of rodent brain's sensory cortex, showing interconnected networks across cortical columns. The study found that neurons in different cell types project to multiple columns, with non-uniform axon projection patterns, and these pathways can encode complex sensory information.

SourceMax Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateMay 5, 2015

Ontario adults who reported a TBI also reported more road rage than people who did not have a TBI

A new study published in Accident Analysis and Prevention found that Ontario adults who experienced a traumatic brain injury (TBI) also reported higher incidents of serious road-related driving aggression. The study, conducted by researchers at St. Michael's Hospital, analyzed data from almost 4,000 adults aged 18-97 and discovered a s...

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalAccident Analysis & Prevention·DateMay 5, 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.

Research charts a course for increasing edamame acreage in the Midwest

A US research team has identified promising edamame lines for commercial production in the Midwest, with improvements needed to overcome challenges such as poor seed germination and emergence. The study suggests that edamame plants can grow quicker than grain-type soybean, but require shorter plant sizes for efficient mechanical harvest.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalCrop Science·DateMay 5, 2015

Slowdown after Ice Age sounds a warning for Great Barrier Reef's future

Research links environmental factors to Great Barrier Reef's eight-thousand-year growth slowdown, highlighting the need for conservation efforts in the face of projected port expansions and nutrient runoff. The study suggests a two-thousand-year delay in reef growth following sea level rise and flooding of pre-existing reefs.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalMarine Geology·DateMay 5, 2015

Aarhus scientists look through the mirror to reveal the secrets of a new drug

Scientists at Aarhus University have discovered the three-dimensional structure of a Spiegelmer, a mirror-image molecule that can escape degradation and detection by the immune system. This breakthrough has enabled the development of a new class of oligonucleotide aptamers with potential therapeutic applications for treating diseases.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 5, 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.

The media is the message: How stem cells grow depends on what they grow up in

UC San Diego researchers use a statistical tool to determine the optimal media composition for growing human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), reducing variability and improving reproducibility. The findings aim to create a standard for hPSC cultures, enabling laboratories worldwide to access consistent results.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 5, 2015

Breast cancer vaccines may work better with silicon microparticles

Scientists from Houston Methodist report that porous silicon microparticles can potentiate anti-tumor immunity by enhancing cross-presentation and inducing a type I interferon response. This approach shows promise for treating HER2+ breast cancer patients, with potential applications for other types of cancers.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 5, 2015
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.