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Science News Archive November 2015 - Page 13


Page 13 of 35

Dark matter dominates in nearby dwarf galaxy

Astronomer Evan Kirby measures high concentration of dark matter in small dwarf galaxy Triangulum II, potentially making it a leading candidate for direct detection. The galaxy's unique characteristics and minimal background noise make it an ideal location to search for gamma-ray signals from colliding dark matter particles.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateNov 18, 2015

Weekday sleep changes may raise risk of diabetes, heart disease

A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism has found that weekday sleep changes may raise the risk of developing metabolic problems such as diabetes and heart disease. Researchers discovered a link between social jetlag, which refers to the mismatch between an individual's biological...

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateNov 18, 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.

Whale sharks in Gulf of Mexico swim near the surface, take deep dives

Researchers tracked whale sharks in the Gulf of Mexico, revealing they use both near-surface and deeper waters for feeding, with some staying at depth greater than 50 meters continuously for over three days. The study found complex patterns of habitat utilization likely driven by shifting ocean conditions and prey distribution.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 18, 2015

Neuroscientists reveal how the brain can enhance connections

MIT neuroscientists have discovered a new way that the brain strengthens connections between neurons. The presynaptic neuron plays a crucial role in this process, releasing neurotransmitters to stimulate growth of new connections and enhancing synaptic function.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNeuron·DateNov 18, 2015

Cereal science

Researchers at San Diego State University have discovered a new phenomenon in materials science using puffed rice cereal. They found that highly porous, brittle materials can deform differently depending on compaction velocity, with three distinct deformation patterns emerging at low, medium, and high velocities.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalNature Physics·DateNov 18, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Electron partitioning process in graphene observed, a world first

Scientists from Osaka University have observed the electron partitioning process in graphene for the first time, a world-first discovery that could lead to the development of electron interferometer devices. The study found that electron partitioning took place in the p-n junction of graphene in the Quantum Hall regime.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 18, 2015

Dartmouth scientists shed light on how our brains see the world

A Dartmouth study shows that the brain processes motion differently for animate and inanimate objects, interacting between two visual pathways. This discovery has potential applications in improving motion recognition algorithms for public security systems and treating motion blindness and object agnosia.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalNeuroImage·DateNov 18, 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.

New study suggests more than 8 percent of children with cancer have genetic predisposition

Researchers analyzed genomic data from 1,120 pediatric cancer patients and found that 8.5% had pathogenic germline mutations in cancer predisposition genes. This study suggests that comprehensive genomic screening may be necessary for all pediatric cancer patients, not just those with a family history of cancer.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 18, 2015

Rotman Professor wins Financial Times/McKinsey Award for Young Business Writers

University of Toronto Rotman School professor András Tilcsik won the Financial Times/McKinsey Award for Young Business Writers for his book proposal on managing catastrophic failure risk. The proposal, 'Rethinking the Unthinkable,' aims to help managers rethink existing organizational practices and build more robust systems.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·DateNov 18, 2015

FDA-approved drug protects mice from Ebola

A new study found that gamma interferon, an FDA-approved drug, completely protects mice from death when given either before or up to 24 hours after exposure to Ebola. The treatment targets macrophages and blocks the infection of those initial cell targets, preventing a second round of infection.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateNov 18, 2015

Obesity spells problems for trauma patients

A study found a strong association between obesity and an increased need for surgery, longer hospital stays, and higher treatment costs in orthopaedic trauma patients. Patients with obesity were more likely to be discharged to a care facility rather than home.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateNov 18, 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.

Key barriers to quality end-of-life care for ethnic minorities

A new study reveals that ethnic minority populations face significant barriers to receiving quality end-of-life care, with financial resources and insurance being the biggest obstacle. The researchers emphasize the need for education, training, and support to improve end-of-life care among diverse patient populations.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Palliative Medicine·DateNov 18, 2015

Chemical engineers have figured out how to make vaccines faster

Researchers at Brigham Young University create a system to speed up vaccine production by storing the biological machinery in a freeze-dried state. This allows labs to rapidly produce vaccines with just the addition of water, reducing the time from months to days.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalBiotechnology Journal·DateNov 18, 2015

Light therapy effective for depression: UBC study

A UBC study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that light therapy can effectively treat non-seasonal depression and improve the overall wellbeing of people suffering from the disease. The research, which followed 122 patients, showed that light therapy was most beneficial when used with antidepressants.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateNov 18, 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.

Vanderbilt study finds erectile dysfunction drug may benefit patients at risk for diabetes

A Vanderbilt study found that sildenafil improves insulin sensitivity in people at risk for diabetes, potentially reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The researchers discovered that sildenafil inhibits an enzyme called phosphodiesterase 5, resulting in relaxation of smooth muscle and increased blood flow.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateNov 18, 2015

Sound deprivation leads to irreversible hearing loss

Researchers at Mass Eye and Ear found that chronic conductive hearing loss can lead to permanent hearing impairment if left untreated. The study, published in PLOS ONE, showed dramatic changes in the inner ear after a year of sound deprivation.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 18, 2015

Low-oxygen 'dead zones' in North Pacific linked to past ocean-warming events

A new study finds a link between abrupt ocean warming and low-oxygen conditions that led to vast marine dead zones in the North Pacific. The researchers discovered a clear connection between two prehistoric intervals of abrupt ocean warming that ended the last ice age, resulting in an increase in diatom production and subsequent hypoxia.

SourceOregon State University·JournalNature·DateNov 18, 2015
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.

Prevalence of lifetime drug use disorders nearly 10 percent in US

A large national survey found nearly 10% of Americans have lifetime drug use disorder diagnoses, resulting in significant impairment and comorbidities. The study also highlights the importance of treatment, with only 24.6% of those with lifetime diagnoses receiving treatment.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateNov 18, 2015

Strategy based on human reflexes may keep legged robots and prosthetic legs from tripping

A robotic prosthetic control strategy based on human reflexes has shown promise in simulation and laboratory testing, producing stable walking gaits over uneven terrain and improved balance recovery from trips. The technology will be further developed and tested using volunteers with above-the-knee amputations over the next three years.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering·DateNov 18, 2015

New technology for dynamic projection mapping

Researchers from Osaka University developed a technology that projects images onto moving objects, aligning them with the object's movement. The technology uses visual markers and radiometric compensation to achieve accurate registration.

SourceOsaka University·DateNov 18, 2015

Parents' top fears about teen cellphone use

While parents' fears about teens' digital habits are often overstated, there are valid concerns about cyberbullying and sleep disruption. Teens' online lives mirror their offline experiences, but excessive screen time can lead to negative effects for vulnerable adolescents.

SourceDuke University·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateNov 18, 2015

Mutations in key cancer protein suggest new route to treatments

Researchers have identified mutations in the STAT3 protein that can block its ability to act as a transcription factor, suggesting a basis for new cancer treatments. The discovery reinforces the importance of targeting transcription factors like STAT3 in fighting cancer.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 18, 2015
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.

Powering the next billion devices with Wi-Fi

The Power Over Wi-Fi system can wirelessly power low-power devices, such as cameras and wearable trackers. The technology attracts attention for its potential to enable Internet of Things development.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateNov 18, 2015

Research shows benefits, danger of Ultraman competition

Researchers analyzed competitors before the Ultraman competition and found that body fat percentage dropped significantly, but weight remained unchanged due to fluid retention. The study also revealed signs of muscle damage, elevated cortisol levels, and reduced insulin sensitivity.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalEuropean Journal of Applied Physiology·DateNov 18, 2015

Forming planet observed for first time

Researchers from the University of Sydney and other institutions have directly observed a planet in formation for the first time. The planet, located 450 light years away, is surrounded by a vast disc of dust and gas, and its presence has been confirmed through images and spectral fingerprint analysis.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature·DateNov 18, 2015

Master switch for brain development

Researchers at the Institute of Molecular Biology in Mainz have identified a key gene that drives brain cell development, revealing a complex regulatory mechanism. The discovery has significant implications for understanding neurodegenerative disorders and developing new treatments.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateNov 18, 2015
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.

Warming ocean worsened Australia's fatal 2010/2011 floods

A recent study by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution researchers reveals that long-term ocean warming significantly increased the risk of devastating floods in northeast Australia during the 2010/2011 event. The study found that warmer sea surface temperatures contributed to record-breaking rainfall and extreme weather conditions.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 18, 2015

NASA sees In-fa become a Typhoon near Micronesia

Typhoon In-fa intensified into a typhoon near Micronesia, prompting warnings and advisories for the region. The storm is expected to continue intensifying as it moves west-northwest through Micronesia and the Marianas, bringing stronger winds and heavier showers.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 18, 2015

College studies may reduce risk of dementia for older adults, research finds

A study by the American Psychological Association found that older adults who take college courses show significant increases in cognitive capacity compared to those who don't. The research suggests that mentally stimulating activities like college studies can enhance cognitive reserve and potentially reduce dementia risk.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalNeuropsychology·DateNov 18, 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.

Stormy space weather puts equatorial regions' power at risk

Smaller geomagnetic storms cause fluctuations in wholesale electricity prices in equatorial regions due to the amplified effects of the electrojet. The research highlights the need for scientists to investigate the infrastructure and economic implications on countries near the equator.

SourceRMIT University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 18, 2015

Research using CO2 keeps even small fry invasive carp at bay

A recent study found that high concentrations of carbon dioxide deter even small invasive carp from entering areas with elevated CO2 levels. The gas causes stress and avoidance behavior in fish as young as eight days old, providing a non-physical barrier against the species.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalBiological Invasions·DateNov 18, 2015

A focus on fairness

A new study from Harvard University found that children globally quickly reject unequal distributions of rewards, but in three countries (U.S., Canada, and Uganda), they also accept deals that favor themselves. This suggests that fairness behaviors may vary across cultures.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateNov 18, 2015

Bringing the chaos in light sources under control

A study investigates how to control noise in quantum dot LEDs by modulating bias current, leading to stabilized light sources suitable for optical telecommunications. The researchers found that spiking competition of quantum dots enhances self-feedback and affects noise perturbation.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateNov 18, 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.

One very brainy bird

A new study finds that pigeons can accurately categorize digitized microscope slides and mammograms of benign and malignant human breast tissue. With training, they perform as well as humans in this task, demonstrating a remarkable ability to perceive and process visual cues.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 18, 2015

Geordie Williamson to receive 2016 AMS Chevalley Prize

Geordie Williamson will receive the inaugural AMS Claude Chevalley Prize in Lie Theory for his work on representation theory, including proofs of longstanding conjectures and counterexamples to expected bounds. His research has re-opened the field of modular representations and revealed inadequate numerical evidence.

SourceAmerican Mathematical Society·DateNov 18, 2015

Spider webs yield clues to stickier glues (video)

Researchers create synthetic adhesives that mimic the viscosity and tackiness of spider web glues, improving performance in humid environments. The study's findings suggest that adding salts to synthetic adhesives could enhance their stickiness.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateNov 18, 2015

Tel Aviv Univ discovery may redefine classifications in the animal kingdom

Researchers have discovered a microscopic parasite in fish that's a close cousin to jellyfish, challenging current animal kingdom classifications. The study found that myxozoans, a group of parasites, are highly degenerated cnidarians, sharing essential genes with jellyfish.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 18, 2015
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

New urban heat island study shows surprising variation in air temperatures across Twin Cities

A new study from the University of Minnesota used a network of 180 sensors to capture detailed temperature patterns across the Twin Cities metropolitan area, highlighting the strength and variability of the urban heat island effect. The research provides valuable insights into efforts to reduce heat-related harm in metro areas globally.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalJournal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology·DateNov 18, 2015

Babies have logical reasoning before age one, study finds

Research reveals that infants can make transitive inferences about social dominance by 10-13 months of age, demonstrating an ability to reason logically. The study's findings suggest that this skill is evolutionarily important and may be shared with other animals.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalDevelopmental Science·DateNov 18, 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.

Nondrug interventions improve quality of life for Chinese cancer patients

A meta-analysis of traditional Chinese medicine and nonpharmacological interventions found that they alleviate symptoms such as depression, fatigue, and pain in Chinese cancer patients. These interventions include acupuncture, therapeutic massage, stress management, cognitive behavioral therapy, and physical training.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateNov 17, 2015

Study compares risk of anaphylaxis among marketed IV iron products

A study analyzed data from 688,183 recipients of IV iron products and identified a higher risk of anaphylaxis with certain formulations, including iron dextran. The researchers found that the cumulative risk of anaphylaxis was highest with iron dextran and lowest with iron sucrose.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateNov 17, 2015

'Shrinking bull's-eye' algorithm speeds up complex modeling from days to hours

MIT researchers developed a new algorithm that reduces computation time for complex models by 200 times, using probability distributions and relevant data. The 'shrinking bull's-eye' algorithm can apply to various fields, including engineering, geophysics, and subsurface modeling.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Statistical Association·DateNov 17, 2015

Chemists create adaptable metallic-cage gels

Researchers developed polyMOCs, hybrid materials combining metallogels and MOCs, with tunable properties. These gels can be used for various functions, including controlled release of molecules and gas storage.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Chemistry·DateNov 17, 2015
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Navy researchers recruit luminescent nanoparticles to image brain function

Researchers at the US Naval Research Laboratory have developed luminescent nanoparticles to image brain function, enabling real-time mapping of neural connections. The nanoparticles, specifically quantum dots, can track action potential changes with high fidelity and are ideal for interfacing with neurons.

SourceNaval Research Laboratory·JournalNano Letters·DateNov 17, 2015