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Science News Archive November 2015


Page 30 of 35

Estrogen drug may not benefit women with Alzheimer's dementia

A study published in Neurology found that raloxifene, an estrogen-like drug, had no demonstrated benefit on memory and thinking skills for women with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. The results suggest that the drug may not be effective as a treatment for this condition.

Supervolcanoes likely triggered externally, study finds

A new study suggests that massive magma chambers in supervolcanoes may erupt when the roof above them cracks or collapses, rather than building up internal pressure. The researchers found that the size of the magma chamber is a key factor in triggering eruptions, and that external forces such as earthquakes or faults may play a role.

Scarlet fever making a comeback

A recent study by University of Queensland researchers has tracked the re-emergence of scarlet fever-causing bacteria, resulting in a significant increase in cases worldwide. The rise in scarlet fever could pre-empt a future rise in rheumatic heart disease, highlighting the need for swift identification and treatment.

Growing pains in a cluster of protostars

Researchers have found that young stars in Serpens South form through distinct, episodic growth spurts. CARMA-7 experienced 22 episodes of gravitational push-pull during star formation, indicating a chaotic environment common for star birth.

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.

OU collaborating in NSF South Big Data Regional Innovation Hub

The University of Oklahoma is collaborating with the National Science Foundation's South Big Data Regional Innovation Hub to tackle regional challenges using big data analysis. The hub aims to develop new approaches for integrating data from disparate sources, enabling effective decision-making in areas like healthcare, coastal hazards...

Physicists measure force that makes antimatter stick together

Scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory have measured the attractive force between pairs of antiprotons for the first time, shedding light on antimatter's existence and symmetry. The study's findings may help explain why the universe is dominated by ordinary matter and not antimatter.

Mooving manure beyond drug-resistant bacteria

Research found that composting is most reliable to kill bacteria with resistance genes in cow manure. Composting speeds up decomposition and reduces volume of manure. Manure management practices like composting and stockpiling can make it difficult for resistant bacteria to travel from farm to environment.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Illegal marijuana farms continue to threaten fishers in California

A study published in PLOS One reveals that fishers in California are being poisoned by rat poisons used on illegal marijuana farms, leading to a 233% increase in poisoning-related deaths. The toxicants are particularly deadly for male fishers, which are five times more likely to die from poisoning than predation compared to females.

A way to target the Achilles heel of neuroblastoma

Australian scientists identified a critical molecular feedback loop in neuroblastoma that accelerates cancer development. Experimental drug CBL0137 has the potential to interrupt this loop and halt tumour progression, showing promising results in laboratory models.

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.

Can scientists agree on a definition of curiosity?

Researchers propose a working definition of curiosity as a drive state for information, which can be observed in organisms as simple as nematode worms. They also discuss the benefits and drawbacks of curiosity, including its role in learning and decision-making, and how it relates to attentional disorders.

Urban environments boost pathogen pressure on honey bees

Researchers found that urban areas have higher pathogen abundance and lower honey bee survival rates compared to rural environments. The study suggests that increased transmission rates in urban areas may be the primary cause of this effect.

NIH grant helps SMU, U-Maryland combat pediatric asthma

A team of psychologists and engineers from SMU and the University of Maryland have received a $2 million NIH grant to create a wearable device for pediatric asthma patients that monitors air quality and identifies individual triggers. The device aims to alert patients before an attack, improving treatment outcomes.

Study shows some 3-D printed objects are toxic

Researchers found that parts from both types of 3D printers were toxic to zebrafish embryos, with liquid-based printer parts being the most toxic. A post-printing treatment using ultraviolet light reduced toxicity levels.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Relapsing infections could challenge malaria eradication

A new study reveals that relapsed malaria infections are a significant obstacle to malaria eradication in the Asia-Pacific region. Most childhood infections in Papua New Guinea are caused by relapsed P. vivax infections, which can hide in the liver and re-emerge after treatment.

Student scientists, dusty data, and dirty discoveries

Undergraduate and graduate students in Arizona and Michigan used open-access data to discover the influence of soil composition on microbial life. The students, part of a revolutionary virtual class, used social media and online forums to collaborate and analyze large-scale datasets.

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.

Higher physician spending linked with fewer malpractice claims, finds US study

A US study found that physicians who spend more resources are less likely to face malpractice claims, regardless of whether it's for defensive or non-defensive reasons. The study analyzed data from nearly 19 million hospital admissions and found associations across seven specialties, with family medicine physicians being the exception.

System automatically converts 2-D video to 3-D

A team of researchers from MIT and QCRI developed a system that can automatically convert 2-D video of soccer games into 3-D. The system uses detailed 3-D maps stored in video games to create broadcast-quality 3-D video, achieving real-time processing without visual artifacts.

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.

The Ministry of Silly Walks? In each of your cells!

Recent research by IPC PAS reveals how kinesin transports large molecules within cells, utilizing a unique 'silly walk' mechanism. By controlling the movement of kinesin, researchers confirmed one of earlier-known proposals of its mechanism.

GVSU nursing faculty member to present findings on 2 older adult studies

A Grand Valley State University nursing faculty member is presenting research on the effectiveness of text messaging for medication adherence among older adults. The study found that enrolling patients through a specialty pharmacy resulted in higher enrollment rates, and that adults over 60 were more likely to participate.

Newly discovered fossil sea urchin is the oldest of its kind

A newly discovered fossil sea urchin has been found in Texas, pushing the evolution of this type of sea urchin back by 10 million years to the Roadian age. The discovery provides valuable insights into the processes that occur during major evolutionary changes.

More than skin deep

Researchers at LSU have identified a new gene regulation pathway that prevents inflammation and speeds up the skin's healing process. A nanoparticle-carried small interference RNA blocks the Nax sodium sensor, enabling faster healing.

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.

Does defensive medicine work?

A new study published in The BMJ found that higher-spending physicians face significantly fewer malpractice claims, with malpractice rates ranging from 1.6% to 4.1% per physician-year across specialties. This suggests that increased spending may signal defensive practice and reduce errors or liability.

New low-cost battery could help store renewable energy

Researchers have developed a new battery that uses low-cost materials to store renewable energy, potentially making it more affordable for homes. The battery's energy density is close to that of lithium-ion batteries, but with the potential for an additional two- to three-fold boost.

GME squeeze for US med school graduates unlikely, commentary says

Researchers at George Washington University Health Workforce Institute analyze data on US medical graduates and residency positions, finding a surplus of slots for the next decade. The study suggests that despite increased competition, US medical students will have ample training opportunities.

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.

Should psychiatric hospitals ban smoking completely?

Experts argue that banning smoking in all areas of psychiatric hospitals can lead to better patient engagement with treatment and improved mental health. Studies show that patients with serious mental health problems are more likely to die prematurely due to smoking-related diseases.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Warning over online access to sleeping tablets

Experts warn that easily accessible online prescription sleeping tablets pose a significant risk of addiction and misuse, particularly for vulnerable individuals. The BMJ report highlights the need for regulatory authorities to ensure websites comply with medicines regulations.

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.

Image release: Protostar growth spurts

Astronomers have discovered an adolescent protostar, CARMA-7, exhibiting rapid-fire growth spurts and intermittent jets streaming away from its poles. This finding provides insights into chaotic stellar formation in the densely packed Serpens South star cluster.

A slim by design breakfast

A study by Cornell Food & Brand Lab found that healthy-weight individuals tend to eat nutritious breakfasts including fruits and vegetables. The research revealed that egg consumption was higher than expected among slim people, highlighting the importance of breakfast in weight management.

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.

Who's the 'enviest' of them all?

A recent study by UC San Diego researchers found that young adults experience envy more frequently than older adults, particularly in regards to physical appearance and academic success. The study also revealed that men and women tend to envy someone of the same age group, with younger participants reporting envy over looks and romance.

Shape of bird wings depends on ancestors more than flight style

Research challenges scientific beliefs that wing shape is primarily determined by flight style, finding that ancestry plays a more significant role. The study analyzed wing geometry across major bird groups and found varying wing shapes within closely related species.

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.

Spending more on patients lowers doctors' malpractice risk, study finds

A new study by researchers at USC, Harvard and Stanford universities found that spending more on patients lowers doctors' malpractice risk. The study analyzed Florida physician and claims data and found an inverse correlation between adjusted hospital spending per physician year and malpractice claim rates.

Bottle-brush design enhances cellular imaging

Researchers developed bottle-brush nanotags to enhance cellular imaging by containing thousands of fluorophores, overcoming the limit of self-quenching and amplifying signal detection. The design permits the use of different dyes, enabling a wide range of colors for these fluorescent nanotags.

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.