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Science News Archive November 2015


Page 14 of 35

Researchers create cheaper, high performing LED

Researchers from Florida State University have created a new type of high-performing LED using organometal halide perovskites, which outshines traditional LEDs by about 25 times. The material is also quick and easy to produce, reducing production costs.

Many hands make light work and improve health, researchers have found

A new study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B found that cooperative bird behavior can reduce oxidative stress and cell damage during the breeding season. In groups with shared workload, birds showed stronger antioxidants and lower free radical damage compared to those with heavy breeding workloads.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Study quantifies risk of cardiac arrest in children during spine surgeries

Children with neuromuscular disorders such as cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy are three times more likely to experience cardiac arrest during spine surgeries. The study found that the absolute risk of cardiac arrest is minuscule, but knowing who's at highest risk can improve preparedness and response time.

Self-help books: Stressed readers or stressful reading?

Researchers found that consumers of problem-focused self-help books present greater depressive symptoms, while growth-oriented book consumers show increased stress reactivity. Further research is needed to determine the cause of this observation.

Understanding seal movement can help mitigate seal-fishery conflict

A new study reveals differences in seal species' behavior, influencing effective measures to mitigate seal-fishery conflict. The study suggests that developing fishing gear and practices can provide more effective mitigation measures than removing individual seals away from fishing gear.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UT Dallas researchers use vagus nerve stimulation outside the forebrain

Researchers at UT Dallas have made a breakthrough in developing vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy for spinal cord injuries outside the forebrain. The study found that VNS paired with rehabilitation can restore 75% more forelimb strength after a cervical spinal cord injury, opening up new possibilities for treatment.

Stacking instead of mixing

Scientists at Jülich and Aachen have developed a method to control the conducting properties of topological insulators more precisely. By stacking materials instead of mixing, they optimized conductivity and reduced energy requirements. This breakthrough could lead to faster and more efficient computers and mobile phones.

NASA measures India's deadly flooding rains

Heavy flooding in southeastern India has caused at least 70 reported deaths, with Chennai experiencing exceptionally high casualties. NASA's Integrated Multi-satellite Retrievals for GPM (IMERG) data indicate rainfall totals of over 200mm in large areas of Tamil Nadu and northern Sri Lanka.

Endurance athletes who 'go against the grain' become incredible fat-burners

In a new study, elite ultra-endurance runners who eat very few carbohydrates burned more than twice as much fat as high-carb athletes during maximum exertion and prolonged exercise. The study reveals that low-carb diets can augment physical performance and recovery, challenging conventional sports nutrition advice.

Electrons always find a (quantum) way

Researchers at the University of Basel successfully transport electrons from a superconductor through a quantum dot into a metal with normal conductivity. The team measured discrete resonances, confirming theoretical predictions and demonstrating the phenomenon's applicability to quantum technology applications.

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.

Mathematical model helps show how zebrafish get their stripes

A mathematical model developed by Brown University researchers sheds light on how zebrafish get their iconic stripes. The model simulates the movement of pigment cells and birth and death of cells to recreate the development of stripes as seen in experiments.

Eating to impress

A Cornell University study found men will eat significantly more food in the company of women than other men, consuming 93% more pizza and 86% more salad. When dining with men, many women felt they overate and were rushed through their meal.

Success in producing a completely rare-earth free Feni magnet

Scientists successfully produced a high-quality FeNi magnet using natural meteorite material in just ten days, significantly reducing the production time from billions of years. This breakthrough resolves issues related to rare-earth supply and paves the way for industrial superiority in future magnets.

Obesity and type 2 diabetes harm bone health

Researchers found obesity and Type 2 diabetes negatively impact bone health, while exercise prevents weight gain, diabetes, and increases bone strength. This study informs interventions to improve bone health in individuals with obesity and Type 2 diabetes.

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.

Hallucinations linked to differences in brain structure

Research found structural differences in brain regions of people with schizophrenia who experience hallucinations compared to those without hallucinations. The paracingulate sulcus, a fold towards the front of the brain, was shorter in individuals prone to hallucinations.

Bright prospects: Repairing neurons with light

Researchers successfully promoted the repair of an injured neural circuit in zebrafish using a special form of inducible adenylyl cyclase that responds to blue light, increasing repair rates by up to 30%. This breakthrough has potential therapeutic implications for conditions like diabetes-related neuropathies.

Research reveals connections between social science and high fashion

A University of Cincinnati professor examines how casting agents with anthropological training navigate conservative views in the fashion industry. Her research reveals that these individuals often turn to creative outlets like documentaries and blogs, highlighting the evolving role of anthropology in understanding professionals.

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.

What's in a name? More than you think...

A study by psychologists at the University of York analyzed anonymized data from League of Legends to find correlations between user names and in-game behavior. Positive usernames were linked to positive personality traits, while anti-social expressions correlated with similar behavior. Age was also indicated by numbers in user names.

Perpetual youth for batteries?

Researchers at Technical University of Munich identify key mechanisms behind lithium ion battery capacity loss due to aging. The study reveals that a pacifying layer on the anode consumes active lithium and protects the electrolyte from decomposition.

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.

Melting Scandinavian ice provides missing link in Europe's final Ice Age story

Researchers have found evidence that the melting of Scandinavian ice sheet drove a catastrophic freshwater flood, plunging the planet into a sudden cold snap, reconciling climate models with reconstructions. The study provides the missing link to understanding current inconsistencies between climate models and reconstructions.

Gene mutation linked to reckless drunken behavior

Researchers at the University of Helsinki have found a genetic mutation that renders carriers susceptible to impulsive and reckless behavior when drunk. The study, led by Dr. Roope Tikkanen, discovered a point mutation in the serotonin 2B receptor gene associated with increased impulsivity, particularly in response to alcohol consumption.

Ranibizumab found effective against diabetic retinopathy

Researchers have found ranibizumab to be an effective alternative to laser therapy for treating proliferative diabetic retinopathy, a disease that causes extensive harm to the blood vessels in the retina. The drug carries fewer side effects and improves vision by about half a line on an eye chart compared to the laser group.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

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Scientists take aim at disease-carrying 'kissing bug'

Researchers identify unique expansions of gene families related to chemoreception and feeding in Rhodnius prolixus, the kissing bug that transmits Chagas disease. These findings may lead to novel approaches for controlling or eliminating the disease by targeting specific genes or processes.

For kids prone to wheezing with respiratory infections, early antibiotics help

Researchers found that giving common antibiotic azithromycin at the first sign of cold symptoms can reduce the risk of severe lower respiratory tract illness in children. The study tested azithromycin against placebo in 607 children and showed a significant difference in the severity of infections between the two groups.

OU-led study links deep-time dust with major impacts on carbon cycling

A University of Oklahoma-led study reveals that vast amounts of iron-rich dust deposits from 300 million years ago had a significant impact on ecosystem fertilization and atmospheric carbon levels. The research offers insights into the potential consequences of geoengineering schemes to control climate change.

Team approach may reduce readmissions due to falls in seniors

A comprehensive care program involving a team of specialists from multiple medical disciplines has reduced hospital readmissions for seniors due to falls by 10%. The multidisciplinary approach emphasizes early intervention and patient-centered care, leading to improved safety outcomes and reduced risk of future complications.

Merging alcohol giants threaten global health, warn experts

The merger of Anheuser-Busch InBev and SABMiller poses significant global health risks, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The new company's expansion plans in Africa are driven by targeting low-income consumers, echoing the strategies of transnational tobacco 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.

Recognizing the basic structure of language is not unique to the human brain

The study reveals that both humans and monkeys have a common brain area that recognizes the orderliness of sound sequences, suggesting evolutionary origins of cognitive functions underlying language. This knowledge may help understanding how we learn and lose language, such as in aphasia after a stroke or dementia.

Social and practical barriers keep HF patients from benefits of exercise therapy

New research from the American Heart Association found that heart failure patients who face lack of social support and practical barriers such as transportation are less likely to benefit from supervised aerobic physical activity. In contrast, those with higher perceived social support and fewer barriers exercised more, on average.

Blood test results vary from drop to drop in fingerprick tests

A Rice University study found that hemoglobin content, platelet count, and WBC count vary significantly from drop to drop in fingerprick tests. To achieve accurate results, healthcare professionals must take care to avoid skewed data when designing new protocols and technologies.

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.

Studies find decline in rates of PSA screening, early-stage prostate cancer

Two studies found a decline in early-stage prostate cancer incidence and PSA-based screening rates among men 50 years and older following the 2012 USPSTF screening recommendations. The decline was most pronounced in younger men, with significant reductions in PSA screening rates observed between 2010 and 2013.

Can data on TV watching predict presidential election outcomes?

Researchers used TV viewing data from 99 programs with predictive accuracies over 59% and three that predicted outcomes above 79%. The model forecasts election outcomes at the state and county levels, providing insights into key drivers of election results. The study's findings suggest a potential application to future elections.

Scarcity, not abundance, enhances consumer creativity, study says

Research by Ravi Mehta shows that scarcity leads to increased product-use creativity without compromising appropriateness. In contrast, abundant resources may negatively impact creativity. Mehta's findings suggest that marketers should activate a general sense of scarcity to promote innovation.

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.

Every species counts

Researchers found that biodiversity facilitates processes in an ecosystem, especially under harsh environmental conditions. The team tested this hypothesis using microbial communities and demonstrated that functional redundancy varies with prevalent environmental conditions.

Brooding brittle star babies in 3-D

Researchers used microCT scanning to visualize brooding chambers and juveniles in live-bearing brittle stars. The 3D images provide an in situ view of developing young and the position of bursae inside adults, allowing for comparative morphological analyses.

Living in thin air

A collaborative team of researchers identified over 100 genes crucial for high-altitude adaptation in fruit flies, including more than 40 human equivalents. These genes prioritize respiratory system development and metabolic rewiring, enabling organisms to thrive in low-oxygen environments.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Adelie penguin numbers may expand as glaciers retreat

Adelie penguins' population has seen a 135-fold increase over the last 14,000 years due to retreating glaciers. However, regional variability means some populations are declining despite current favorable environmental conditions.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Small landscape changes can mean big freshwater gains

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that reducing cropland to below 60% or restoring wetlands to above 6% can bring about significant improvements to surface water quality. Small tweaks to landscape composition may also enhance freshwater benefits in urban areas by adding rain gardens or parks.

Researchers devise new diabetes diagnostic tool

Researchers at the University of Exeter have created a genetic test to identify young adults at risk of type 1 diabetes. The new tool combines genetic variants to provide a single score, helping doctors diagnose and treat patients more effectively.

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.