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Science News Archive October 2015


Page 37 of 38

Improved fuel structure reduces explosive qualities

A new material with extremely long polymer chains has been developed to reduce fuel misting and consequential explosiveness. The polymers can break apart when sheared during flow but reassemble into super-long chains needed to prevent misting, resulting in significant reductions in misting and explosiveness.

Molecular switch keeps the circadian clock running on time

Researchers discovered a molecular switch that balances the activity of two key proteins in the circadian clock, PER2 and CK1. This finding provides insights into familial advanced sleep phase disorder (FASP) and may lead to new treatment strategies using drugs that inhibit these proteins.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Later bedtimes may lead to an increase in body mass index over time

A new study finds that going to bed late during adolescence is associated with an increase in body mass index over time. Researchers analyzed data from over 3,000 participants and found a significant link between later bedtimes and higher BMI. The study highlights the importance of adolescent bedtime habits in weight management.

Study reveals why men receive much more media coverage than women

A new study by the American Sociological Association found that men dominate media coverage due to their representation in leadership positions and the lack of female representation in these roles. The study analyzed data from over 2,000 US newspapers and magazines from 1983-2009.

Mission impossible?

A study by UCSB and NASA reveals that humans are inherently bad at watching computers work, with distractions and daydreaming leading to failures in practical monitoring tasks. Pilots missed 25% of altitude crossings despite high levels of cockpit automation, highlighting the challenges of task monitoring.

Ballistics imaging systems effective with good management

In Trinidad and Tobago, ballistic imaging technology was hindered by inefficient processes, backlogs, and delayed information transmission. The country's Integrated Ballistics Information System (IBIS) generated few hits due to database delays and insufficient evidence input.

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.

Collaborative behaviors, traditional practices

A new report by IOP Publishing and Research Information Network (RIN) analyzes the changing information practices of physical scientists, with 70% collaborating with researchers outside their department in the last five years. Researchers prefer building personal collections of research articles, with 87% storing electronically.

Late bedtimes could lead to weight gain

A new study from the University of California, Berkeley found that teenagers who go to bed late on weeknights are more likely to gain weight than their peers who hit the hay earlier. For every hour of sleep lost, participants gained 2.1 points on the BMI index over a five-year period.

Eco project takes center stage at World Forestry Congress, Durban

A EU-funded project led by the University of Huddersfield is empowering community-managed forest areas in Ethiopia, improving local livelihoods while protecting biodiversity. The project's Participatory Forest Management approach has enabled over 55 village communities to manage large forest areas.

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.

Language about climate change differs between proponents and skeptics

A study from the University of Waterloo found that climate change proponents use more cautious language to report on the science, while skeptics use more emotional and assertive language when interpreting studies. This suggests that political context plays a role in shaping scientists' communication style.

New polymer creates safer fuels

Researchers at Caltech have developed a polymeric fuel additive that reduces the intensity of postimpact explosions in jet engines, without affecting fuel performance. The additive works by inhibiting droplet breakup under impact conditions, thereby reducing explosion size and turbulence.

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.

Babies with drug withdrawal syndrome more likely to be readmitted

Infants diagnosed with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) are at increased risk for hospital readmission, particularly due to withdrawal symptoms. The study suggests that families of infants with NAS may benefit from additional post-discharge resources to mitigate this risk.

A natural history of neurons

Scientists have discovered that brain cells contain significant numbers of somatic mutations, which contribute to human development and disease. The study provides a new perspective on the role of these post-conception mutations in shaping brain cell lineages and potentially driving neurodegenerative disorders.

Researchers measure how specific atoms move in dielectric materials

Scientists have developed a new method to analyze the movement of specific atoms in dielectric materials when exposed to an electric field. This technique uses X-rays and advanced mathematical analysis to determine changes in atomic placement within the crystalline structure of the material.

A balanced diet is good for corals too, study finds

A new study published in Limnology and Oceanography found that a nutrient-rich, balanced diet is beneficial to corals during stressful thermal events. The researchers discovered that excess nitrogen alone and zooplankton made high-temperature bleaching events worse, while a balanced mix of nutrients afforded coral resilience.

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.

Boeing establishes analytics lab for aerospace data at Carnegie Mellon

Carnegie Mellon University has established an analytics lab with Boeing to develop AI-powered solutions for aerospace data. The lab aims to capitalize on the vast amounts of data generated in aircraft design, construction, and operation, enabling safer, more reliable, and efficient aircraft operations.

Languages less arbitrary than long assumed

A recent study by Mark Dingemanse and colleagues reveals that language is less arbitrary than previously thought. The researchers found that iconicity, where word forms suggest meaning, and systematicity, a statistical relationship between sounds and grammatical usage, complement arbitrariness in vocabulary structure.

Gene suppression helps form memories

A new study has identified specific genes that are repressed after memory formation, providing insights into how long-term memories are formed. The researchers found that estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1) and Nrsn1 genes play a crucial role in modulating gene-regulatory networks after learning.

Rescuing intestinal stem cells from attack in type 1 diabetes

Research at Boston Children's Hospital identifies IGFBP3 as the hormone destroying intestinal stem cells in type 1 diabetes, leading to a potential treatment strategy with TMEM219. The study also suggests a new approach to cell therapy by exploiting hormones controlling stem cell production.

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.

Blueprints for limbs encoded in the snake genome

Researchers at the University of Georgia found that the same genetic tools responsible for limb development in animals also control the formation of external genitalia in snakes. The study suggests that snakes retained DNA associated with limb development through millions of generations, as it may have been important for their reproduc...

National awards success for Plymouth dental researchers

Dental researchers at Plymouth University have won several prestigious awards, including the Unilever poster prize and a commendation in the Senior Colgate competition. The university's strong research culture was also recognized, with a notable increase in attention from dental research experts.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Maslow earns GSA's 2015 Maxwell A. Pollack Award for Productive Aging

Katie Maslow, MSW, of the Institute of Medicine, has been chosen as the 2015 recipient of the Maxwell A. Pollack Award for Productive Aging. She will receive the award for her innovative programs that demonstrate excellence in translating research into practical application or policy.

Are the blueprints for limbs encoded in the snake genome?

Researchers have found that snakes share similar genetic patterns with mammals and birds in their limbs and genitalia, suggesting a common ancestry. The study's findings suggest that these genetic elements may play a crucial role in phallus development and genital shape variation among species.

Asteroid impact, volcanism were one-two punch for dinosaurs

New evidence shows that asteroid impact on Earth 66 million years ago accelerated volcanic eruptions in India for hundreds of thousands of years. The eruptions, known as the Deccan Traps, likely suppressed recovery of life for 500,000 years after the KT boundary.

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.

New DNA stain lights up living cells

Researchers at EPFL have created a groundbreaking DNA stain called SiR-Hoechst, which enables the safe imaging of living cells for extended periods. This innovation allows biologists to track biological processes such as cell division in real-time, paving the way for further breakthroughs in bioimaging.

Gene therapy doubles survival in recurrent glioblastoma

A Phase 2 clinical trial found that gene therapy VB-111 increased overall survival to 15 months, compared to 8 months for those receiving chemotherapy Avastin alone. The therapy effectively starves tumors by blocking new blood vessel growth and is safe and well-tolerated.

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.

University of Montana student, professor discover earliest Jurassic corals

Researchers found the fossil record of the earliest North American coral species that reappeared after a mass extinction event, providing insights into survival and recovery. The study reveals that corals took over 20 million years to recover from the event, which was likely caused by massive global climate change.

Brain chemical aids tic control in Tourette Syndrome, say researchers

GABA's role in dampening hyperactivity has led researchers to believe that increased production during adolescence improves symptoms for the majority of people with TS. This finding could offer a new approach to treatments targeting GABA levels in brain areas controlling motor function.

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.

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.

Accurate timing of migration prolongs life expectancy in pike

A study on migrating pike in the Baltic Sea found that accurate timing is crucial for survival and that fine-tuning behavior improves life expectancy. The research showed that individuals who adjust their migration timing based on experience have higher life expectancies than those who do not.,

The ecology of microbial invasions

A review article in Trends in Microbiology reveals that microbial invasions follow a general ecological pattern, with invasion phases including introduction, establishment, spread, and impact. The study found that species diversity is the best defense against invading microbes.

Is beauty really in the 'eye of the beholder'? Yes, and here's why

Researchers found that people's aesthetic preferences for faces agree about 50% and disagree about 50% with others. Personal experiences, such as those with friends or media, play a significant role in shaping individual face preferences, according to the study published in Current Biology.

New dietary guidelines must be sustainable, regardless of politics

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans should incorporate sustainability considerations to address the health and wellbeing of Americans and the planet. Sustainability evaluations may lead to future regulation, change food-group guidance, and form new political coalitions that favor sustainable diets.

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.

New science redefines remote -- even pandas global

A new framework reveals how panda conservation efforts in China impact cities worldwide, including economic impacts and greenhouse gas emissions. The study also explores the effects of tourism and conservation on local ecosystems.

Nectar thieves are damaging rare orchids in North Dakota

Researchers have found that hawk moths and bumble bees are damaging rare orchids in North Dakota by stealing nectar without providing pollination services. The long-tongued hawk moth species are particularly problematic, as they have tongues longer than the orchid's spur, allowing them to access nectar without paying for it.

The golden anniversary of black-hole singularity

Sir Roger Penrose's 1965 theorem associates black holes with trapped surfaces that shrink over time. The theory also predicts the existence of singularities in extreme conditions, highlighting the limitations of Einstein's General Theory of Relativity.

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.

Extending a battery's lifetime with heat

Researchers from California Institute of Technology found that heat can shorten dendrites by up to 36% and possibly extend battery lifetimes. By analyzing the effect of temperature on individual lithium atoms, they discovered that increased temperatures trigger atomic motion, leading to the breakdown of dendrite structures.

CWRU researcher to transform clot makers into clot busters

A CWRU researcher has received a $1.9 million grant to transform synthetic platelet technology into devices that dissolve clots to prevent serious health risks like stroke and heart attack. The technology, called SynthoPlate, has already shown promising results in treating bleeding disorders.

Keeping the body ticking

A team of scientists discovered a molecular switch that regulates the body's circadian clock, allowing it to keep time. The 'phosphoswitch' maintains clock speed despite temperature changes and metabolic signals.

Deworming shows growth similar to placebo in pre-school children in Peru

A randomized controlled trial in Peru found that deworming treatment had no significant impact on growth in pre-school children, similar to a placebo. The study highlights methodological challenges and the need for further research to accurately detect the true effect of deworming on growth in early childhood.

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.