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Science News Archive October 2015


Page 31 of 38

Mormon + Mormon = Higher home price

A study by University of California, Riverside researcher Timothy Gubler found that home sellers who use a real estate agent from the same Mormon church congregation earn an average of $4,000 more than those without such an affiliation. This increase occurs without significantly impacting market time or sale probability.

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.

Dirt-cheap catalyst may lower fuel costs for hydrogen-powered cars

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have developed a new, efficient catalyst using molybdenum disulfide that can produce four times the amount of hydrogen as before. The catalyst's action can be triggered by sunlight, making it an off-the-grid means of securing hydrogen fuel.

NJII wins $49.6 million federal grant to improve clinical care practices in N.J.

The New Jersey Innovation Institute will work with thousands of medical practices to implement a value-based care system, compensating caregivers for keeping patients well through ongoing disease management. The program aims to reduce hospital readmissions and improve health outcomes for patients with complex conditions such as diabete...

Treating aortic aneurysms through virtual reality

A new virtual reality approach has been developed to improve the treatment of aortic aneurysms by providing more accurate visualization of the area needing treatment. The approach uses 3D images and simulations to predict the risk of rupture and optimize treatment options, including open surgery and endovascular grafting.

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.

Smart vehicles in the urban traffic of the future

The UR:BAN project is working on making traffic safer and more efficient by integrating cognitive assistance, connected traffic systems, and human factors. The researchers are also studying bicyclists' tactical behavior and developing information systems to present data to drivers.

Just 30 minutes a day: Regular exercise relieves asthma symptoms

A study published in BMJ Open Respiratory Research found that regular physical activity can significantly reduce asthma symptoms. The research, led by Concordia University, suggests that even moderate exercise such as walking or yoga can have a positive impact on asthma control.

Factors influencing patient satisfaction vary by care settings

Research found that physician care has the largest impact on overall pediatric patient satisfaction in outpatient specialty care, while nursing care was valued as most important in inpatient settings. Personal concern and ease of scheduling were also key factors in primary care.

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.

Dan's House of Hope to receive ASTRO Survivor Circle grant

Dan's House of Hope will receive the award to continue providing a place to live, programs, and home-away-from-home services for older adolescents and young adults with cancer. The organization helps reduce isolation, decrease financial burdens, and nourish hope for patients aged 15-39.

Risk of suicide appears to increase after bariatric surgery

A large group of adults who underwent bariatric surgery showed an increase in self-harm emergencies after the procedure. The study found that nearly all events occurred in patients with a history of mental health disorders, and intentional self-poisoning by medications was the most common mechanism.

Satellite sees the long arms of Hurricane Oho

Hurricane Oho appears to have extremely long arms in imagery from NOAA's GOES-West satellite, drawing moisture northeast along a stationary front to the storm's northeast. The storm is weakening due to cooler waters and warming cloud tops indicating less uplift in the air.

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.

Cleaning hospital rooms with chemicals, UV rays cuts superbug transmissions

A new study from Duke University Medical Center found that using a combination of chemicals and UV light to clean patient rooms reduces the transmission of four major superbugs by 30 percent among overnight patients. This method was more effective than standard cleaning strategies, which often fail to eliminate germs on surfaces.

Perfectly accurate clocks turn out to be impossible

Physicists from Warsaw and Nottingham show that in systems moving with enormous accelerations, no clock will accurately measure proper time due to the Unruh effect. This has significant consequences for measurements of space-time.

48-million-year-old horse-like fetus discovered in Germany

A well-preserved 48-million-year-old horse-like fetus was discovered near Frankfurt, Germany, revealing significant details about the fossil record of a placental mammal. The study suggests that the reproductive system of early horses may have been highly developed during the Paleocene epoch.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Advanced device improves health and saves costs for patients with lymphedema

A new pneumatic compression device has been shown to significantly reduce cellulitis episodes in patients with lymphedema, resulting in an 80% decrease. The device also leads to a 37% reduction in lymphedema-related healthcare costs. This study highlights the potential benefits of advanced devices in managing chronic conditions.

NASA measuring the pulsating aurora

Researchers used satellite and ground-based measurements to study pulsating auroras, finding that low-energy secondary electrons play a crucial role in their structure and shape. The discovery suggests that these electrons may be more important than previously thought in creating the glowing lights of auroras.

Review addresses value and waste in biomedical research

A recent review of the effects of a series of biomedical research reviews found that some initiatives have reduced waste and increased value, but more needs to be done. The reviewers questioned whether it's time to reconsider the current system for awarding research funding, which may not reflect changing biomedical research needs.

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.

Expanding global access to radiotherapy

A recent study found that up to 90% of people in low-income countries lack radiotherapy treatment, leading to millions of deaths and lost economic benefits. Expanding access could save an estimated 26.9 million life-years by 2035.

A village of bacteria to help frogs fight disease

Researchers at Virginia Tech found that naturally occurring bacteria on a frog's skin can respond to infection and adjust their structure and function to compensate for it. The study suggests that the whole community of bacteria is important, not just a single protective bacterium. This discovery offers hope in limiting the impact of c...

Medical diagnosis: Will brain palpation soon be possible?

Inserm researchers have developed a noninvasive brain imaging method using MRI that provides the same information as physical palpation, allowing for early diagnosis of brain tumors or Alzheimer's disease. The technique uses noise correlation to detect natural shear waves in the brain, enabling building images of the brain's elasticity.

Experts recommend assessing individual benefits, risks of menopausal therapies

The Endocrine Society published a Clinical Practice Guideline on treating menopausal symptoms, recommending that women assess their individual benefits and risks of hormone therapy. The guideline suggests using various therapies, including hormonal and non-hormonal options, to manage symptoms such as hot flashes and genitourinary issues.

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

WSU study proposes first nationwide wildlife conservation network

A WSU study suggests linking isolated wildlife sanctuaries by a national network of protected river corridors to provide animals with connected habitats. The research builds on existing environmental policies, including the Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Knee-deep in spider leg evolution

A new study reveals that spiders' knees evolved from a duplicated gene called dac, allowing for a unique leg structure. The research team discovered that the dac2 gene is specific to spider development and plays a crucial role in forming the kneecap.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Chile to create Patagonia Marine Protected Area network

The Government of Chile has announced a plan to design a network of Marine Protected Areas for Patagonia's unique wildlife and ecosystems. With funding from the Waitt Foundation, the new MPA network will protect over 100,000 square kilometers of oceanic waters, meeting Chile's goal of 10% ecosystem protection by 2020.

The predator survives -- but the ecosystem crashes

Researchers find overexploitation of resources by adaptable predators can cause long-term negative effects on food webs. The change in prey can trigger an extinction cascade where species are wiped out in a domino effect.

Double the (quantum) fun

A team of researchers has developed a detailed analysis of the electrical characteristics of double-quantum-dot transistors, which could help design better devices for manipulating single electrons. The device's stability and geometry were found to be crucial in determining its electrical parameters.

New species discovered: Hog-nose rat

Scientists have discovered a new genus and species of shrew rat on Sulawesi Island in Indonesia, featuring an extremely large nose, long hind legs, and unusual dental characteristics. The Hog-nosed rat is genetically distinct from other rodents and has a weak jaw musculature, indicating a diet that does not require vigorous chewing.

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.

More women may have option to get IUD minutes after giving birth

A growing number of state Medicaid agencies cover contraceptive devices immediately after delivery, improving maternal and child health outcomes. IUDs inserted postpartum have a slightly higher risk of falling out than delayed placement, but the risk of complications is low.

Study finds considerable differences in bowel cancer deaths across Europe

A study published in The BMJ reveals significant disparities in bowel cancer mortality rates across Europe, with notable variations between men and women and different regions. Colorectal cancer mortality has decreased in many European countries over the past two decades, but important differences remain.

Of skin and teeth: Identifying key differences in Asians

A study identified significant DNA differences in the human kallikrein cluster among Eastern Asian populations, including those related to KLK4 gene activity. These findings may contribute to unique dental traits and a lower risk of skin conditions like eczema.

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.

NASA gets Hurricane Oho by the tail

Hurricane Oho intensified into a hurricane on October 6, with extremely cold cloud top temperatures of -63F (-53C), indicating powerful storms capable of generating heavy rainfall. The storm is expected to turn towards the northeast and speed up late in the day.

Now anyone can run a climate model

Researchers at University of New South Wales have developed a simple online climate model that allows anyone to explore Earth's atmosphere and environment. The model enables users to compare how the world would change with different climate scenarios, making complex concepts clearer for students and the general public.

Vaginal microbes influence whether mucus can trap HIV virus

Research reveals that certain vaginal bacteria species can trap HIV particles, while others allow them to diffuse freely. The study suggests that altering a woman's vaginal microbiota could improve protection against STIs by increasing the barrier properties of cervicovaginal mucus.

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.

UC Davis granted $15.5 million to build world's first total-body PET scanner

A UC Davis research team has been awarded $15.5 million to develop the world's first total-body PET scanner, which could revolutionize cancer tracking and treatment. The new technology allows for simultaneous imaging of the entire body, reducing radiation dose by a factor of 40 and scanning time from 20 minutes to just 30 seconds.

Study: Burnout impacts transplant nurses

A recent study by Henry Ford Hospital found that over half of transplant nurses in the US suffer from emotional exhaustion and low personal accomplishment. The researchers suggest that organizations must create environments that nurture both patients and caregivers to prevent burnout.

Study shows how dominant parents affect kids' self-worth

A new study suggests that a parent's behavior plays a significant role in shaping their child's self-esteem. The research found that English children whose mothers displayed negative parenting traits reported lower self-esteem, while Indian children were more affected by their fathers' behavior.

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.

Cell's waste disposal system regulates body clock proteins

A new study has identified partner molecules of cell-waste disposal proteins, which regulate the body's clock. The researchers found that ligase Fbxl3 regulates Cry proteins and Seven in absentia 2 (Siah2) targets RevErbα on a 24-hour cycle.

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.