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Science News Archive November 2015 - Page 20


Page 20 of 35

Researchers call for hospitals to establish bereavement programs

Researchers recommend hospitals create bereavement programs to support families through grief, preventing physical and mental health problems. The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's program has shown positive effects, including a reduction in dysfunctional bereavement and its associated health issues.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalJournal of Palliative Medicine·DateNov 11, 2015

Study cites gap between theory and practice in natural resource management

A new study by Indiana University law professor Robert L. Fischman and Vanderbilt University's J.B. Ruhl finds that natural resource agencies often apply adaptive management in ways that don't promote learning, leading to a gap between theory and practice. The study cites examples of court decisions where judges overturned resource man...

SourceIndiana University·JournalConservation Biology·DateNov 11, 2015

Dartmouth scientists unravel brain circuits involved in cravings

Researchers used designer neural receptors to suppress cravings in rats by activating a specific brain region. The study's findings may help scientists develop new treatments for addiction and overeating by stripping away value from reward-paired cues.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalEuropean Journal of Neuroscience·DateNov 11, 2015

Computer assisted CBT provides little or no benefits for depression

A large-scale randomized control trial found that computerized cognitive behavioral therapy (cCBT) offered little to no benefit over usual GP care in treating depression. Patients generally struggled with sustained engagement and highlighted difficulties with logging onto computer systems while clinically depressed.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalThe BMJ·DateNov 11, 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.

Oregon study suggests some gut microbes may be keystones of health

Researchers discovered that a minority population of right bacteria can regulate a balanced environment in the intestines. They found that low-abundant bacterial species secreted molecules that dampened the immune response to the community, paving the way for predicting and preventing disease.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateNov 11, 2015

Quantum dots made from fool's gold boost battery performance

Researchers at Vanderbilt University have discovered a way to overcome the limitations of nanoscale materials in batteries by using iron pyrite quantum dots. These ultrasmall nanoparticles allow for faster charging and longer cycle life, making them a promising solution for future battery technology.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalACS Nano·DateNov 11, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Global health team pioneers development of a new antimalarial drug screening model

A University of South Florida research team developed a novel chemogenomic profiling approach to identify drug targets for the most lethal strain of malaria. The study identified six new genes critically involved in P. falciparum's response to artemisinin, providing insights into the drugs' mechanisms of action.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 11, 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.

Blood test detects when hormone treatment for breast cancer stops working

A new blood test can detect when breast cancers become resistant to standard hormone treatment, allowing for early identification and alternative treatment options. Researchers developed the test to identify ESR1 mutations, which convey resistance to hormone treatment.

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 11, 2015

Imitating synapses of the human brain could lead to smarter electronics

Scientists develop first-of-its-kind synthetic synapse that mimics the plasticity of the real thing, allowing for learning and self-healing capabilities. The novel dynamic system made from aluminum oxide and twisted bilayer graphene has the potential to aid in the development of biology-inspired electronics.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalNano Letters·DateNov 11, 2015

Contact, connect and fuse: An ultra-structural view of the muscle formation process

Researchers used electron microscopy to study the dynamic process of myoblast fusion with muscle cells, revealing a series of distinct stages that require communication between transmembrane elements and actin cytoskeleton. The study provides insights into understanding muscle development and repair processes in vertebrates.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateNov 11, 2015

Commercial sea salt samples purchased in China contaminated with microplastics

A study by scientists has reported that commercial sea salt samples purchased in China are contaminated with microplastics, with concentrations ranging from 7 to 681 particles per kilogram. This raises potential health concerns for consumers who regularly use these salts as a seasoning.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateNov 11, 2015
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.

How did plate tectonics start on Earth?

A team of international researchers suggests that a large and hot mantle plume was necessary to break the early Earth's lithosphere, leading to the first subduction and Plate Tectonics. The conditions required for this process included a thick and heavy lithosphere, liquid water in the oceans, and a large enough plume to produce signif...

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalNature·DateNov 11, 2015

World first blood cancer drug trial reveals life-changing results

Researchers from the University of Leicester have announced a breakthrough advance in treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients who are refractory or resistant to current chemotherapies. The new drug, ONO/GS-4059, targets BTK protein and has shown promising results with minimal toxicities.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalBlood·DateNov 11, 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.

Snake venom could make surgery safer for patients on blood thinners

Researchers developed a new therapy by pairing snake venom with nanofibers to promote localized blood clotting at wound sites. The therapy, tested on rats treated with heparin, shows promise for making surgery safer for human patients on blood thinners.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering·DateNov 11, 2015

The Lancet: Progress against cancer in low-income and middle-income countries possible with package of targeted priority interventions

A package of targeted priority interventions can significantly decrease the cancer burden in low-income countries by 2030 and even greater declines by 2050. The essential package includes access to opioid-based pain medications, tobacco control measures, and HPV vaccination, which are feasible, cost-effective, and affordable.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 11, 2015

Computer assisted CBT provides little or no benefits for depression

A large study found that computer-assisted cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) provides little or no benefits for depression, with low patient adherence and engagement being the main reason. The study suggests that routine promotion of computer-based CBT should be reconsidered due to its ineffectiveness as a treatment.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateNov 11, 2015

Hospital readmission common after emergency general surgery

A study found hospital readmission rates to be common after emergency general surgery procedures, with varying rates depending on patient factors and diagnosis. The most common reasons for readmission were surgical site infections, gastrointestinal complications, and pulmonary complications.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateNov 11, 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.

Study: Too much foot traffic in and out of operating rooms

A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that nearly one-third of knee and hip arthroplasty surgeries had excessive door openings, potentially defeating the safety effects of positive pressure systems. The researchers suggest planning better to prevent unnecessary door openings and exploring reasons behind frequent door opening.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalOrthopedics·DateNov 11, 2015

Batten disease may benefit from gene therapy

Researchers found that injecting viruses carrying gene codes into the brain's ventricles can slow down Batten disease progression. The treatment improved symptoms and reduced damage caused by the disease in dogs with a similar disorder.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 11, 2015

Early farmers exploited beehive products at least 8,500 years ago

Researchers detected beeswax in ancient pottery vessels from over 150 European archaeological sites, indicating a widespread association between early farmers and honeybees. This discovery pushes back the chronology of human-honeybee association to substantially earlier dates.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature·DateNov 11, 2015

'Sorry' doesn't heal children's hurt, but it mends relations

A University of Virginia psychology study shows that apologies are crucial even in childhood, repairing relationships despite not easing hurt feelings. Children who received an apology shared more stickers and felt better when helped rebuild a knocked-over tower.

SourceUniversity of Virginia·JournalSocial Development·DateNov 11, 2015

Machine learning could solve riddles of galaxy formation

Researchers developed a machine-learning simulation system to create accurate galaxy models, reducing computational time. The method uses algorithms to approximate properties from rare simulations, producing nearly identical galaxy distributions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateNov 11, 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.

Mixing an icy cocktail to safely cool hot plasma

Scientists at DIII-D National Fusion Facility successfully tested Shattered Pellet Injection (SPI) technique, rapidly cooling hot plasma to prevent disruptions. The innovative approach involves injecting frozen neon and deuterium pellets into the plasma, reducing localized heating and mechanical forces on the tokamak walls.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 11, 2015

Titan takes on the big one

Researchers are using the Titan supercomputer to create physics-based earthquake simulations to better understand earthquake systems and predict ground shaking in large earthquakes. The team has completed its highest resolution simulation map for Southern California, providing a tool for engineers to design and build critical infrastru...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·DateNov 11, 2015

More young adults are failing to launch or 'boomerang' home: Study

A study by the University of Melbourne found that changing family living situations lead to avoidable conflict among young adults. The research shows that kids staying at home longer is often driven by stability and additional support needs, while parental factors like education and household income also play a role.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalMaturitas·DateNov 11, 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.

Going native -- for the soil?

Researchers found that native prairie gardens showed a general trend towards lower soil density, better root penetration, and greater water movement compared to adjacent lawns. However, the differences were not enough to conclude that prairie gardens are flat out better for soil than lawns.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateNov 11, 2015

A 'nervous system' for ant colonies?

Researchers studied ant colonies subjected to simulated predator attacks, revealing differentiated responses based on location. The results show that ants respond appropriately to damage, similar to single organisms, with colony-wide responses triggered by loss of workers within the nest.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 11, 2015

Smart but shy: What women want in a sperm donor

A QUT study found that men with these traits were more likely to be chosen as sperm donors. The research also showed that women kept in touch with their donor children through various means.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalApplied Economics·DateNov 11, 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.

New exoplanet in our neighborhood

Scientists have discovered a new exoplanet, GJ 1132b, that is rocky and Earth-sized, orbiting a small star just 39 light-years from Earth. The planet's surface temperature is estimated to be around 500 degrees Fahrenheit, making it uninhabitable for life as we know it.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateNov 11, 2015

Plate tectonics thanks to plumes?

Researchers propose that mantle plumes played a crucial role in initiating plate tectonics on Earth. Computer simulations suggest that plume-induced weaknesses in the lithosphere could have led to the formation of subduction zones and the emergence of modern plate boundaries. The study provides a possible explanation for the early hist...

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateNov 11, 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.

PFOA exposure in utero linked to child adiposity and faster BMI gain

Children exposed to high levels of PFOA during pregnancy experience rapid body fat gain and higher body fat by age 8 compared to those with lower exposure. The study found a significant association between prenatal PFOA levels and childhood adiposity, raising concerns about potential effects on type 2 diabetes.

SourceBrown University·JournalObesity·DateNov 11, 2015

Gene therapy makes advances against a lethal childhood disorder

Researchers have developed a gene therapy approach that delays symptoms and extends lifespan in dogs with a comparable disease to Batten disease. The treatment involves delivering a working version of a gene to produce a key enzyme, resulting in striking clinical improvements and slowed disease progression.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 11, 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.

Discovery of a new confinement state for plasma

Researchers at National Institute for Fusion Science have discovered a new confinement state inside a magnetic island, essential for improving fusion reactor plasma confinement. This breakthrough was achieved through the 'momentary heating propagation method' and has implications for future fusion research.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 11, 2015

Self-calibration enhances BrainGate ease, reliability

A new study improves BrainGate's user experience and performance with three software innovations, allowing users to control electronic devices without frequent recalibration. The advancements enable longer use sessions and improved accuracy, paving the way for a practical BCI assistive technology.

SourceBrown University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 11, 2015

Made to order: Researchers discover a new form of crystalline matter

A team of researchers from Auburn University, the University of Iowa and the University of California, San Diego, discovered a new form of crystalline-like matter in strongly magnetized dusty plasma. The lattice properties can be imposed arbitrarily by an external grid/mesh structure, creating unique geometric patterns.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 11, 2015

CCNY researchers open 'Golden Window' in deep brain imaging

Researchers at City College of New York have introduced a new optical window, dubbed the Golden Window, which enables deeper brain tissue imaging. This breakthrough has significant implications for the noninvasive study of the brain and breasts, reducing scattering that causes blurring in previous methods.

SourceCity College of New York·JournalJournal of Biophotonics·DateNov 11, 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.

What's the best time to launch a video game?

Researchers at the University of Maryland studied console and game sales data to understand how base proportions of console owners change over time. The study found that companies should weigh tradeoffs between early adopters and later adopters when releasing games, with optimal timing depending on console adoption patterns.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalInternational Journal of Research in Marketing·DateNov 11, 2015

Microbes map path toward renewable energy future

Researchers at PNNL found that Cyanothece uses both stored energy and direct sunlight to produce hydrogen. The organism's ability to create robust amounts of hydrogen makes it a viable catalyst for hydrogen production.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 11, 2015
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.

So long, stethoscope? New device and iPhone alter exams

A new portable device called HeartBuds detects sounds inside the body as well as traditional stethoscopes, while also being more sanitary. The technology has been shown to perform just as well as expensive stethoscope models in detecting heart murmurs and carotid bruits.

SourceMediaSource·JournalJournal of Mobile Technology in Medicine·DateNov 11, 2015

Scientists ID genetic factors that influence body weight and neurological disorders

A new study by Berkeley Lab researchers has identified genetic factors that influence motor performance and body weight in a genetically diverse group of mice. The findings show significant overlaps with genes related to neurological disorders and obesity in humans, providing a new framework for studying these connections.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 11, 2015