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Science News Archive October 2015 - Page 31


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.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateOct 7, 2015

Predictive policing substantially reduces crime in Los Angeles during months-long test

A UCLA-led team developed a mathematical model to predict crime hotspots, which was tested in Los Angeles and Kent, England. The model accurately predicted crime locations more often than human analysts, leading to a significant reduction in crime rates in Los Angeles, with potential annual savings of $9 million.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJournal of the American Statistical Association·DateOct 7, 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.

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.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 7, 2015

If you made money buying a first home in 2000s, you probably weren't black

A Johns Hopkins University study found that race was a significant factor in whether low- and moderate-income black first-time homebuyers made money when buying a home in the 2000s. The researchers analyzed data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, which revealed stark disparities by race.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalReal Estate Economics·DateOct 7, 2015

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...

SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·DateOct 7, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·DateOct 7, 2015

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.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·DateOct 7, 2015

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.

SourceConcordia University·JournalBMJ Open Respiratory Research·DateOct 7, 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.

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.

SourceThe Reis Group·JournalAmerican Journal of Medical Quality·DateOct 7, 2015

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.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·DateOct 7, 2015

Distinguishing coincidence from causality: Connections in the climate system

Scientists developed a new method to analyze air pressure data from thousands of measurements, revealing key gateways for teleconnections between climate changes. The East Pacific, Indonesia, and tropical Atlantic are most important regions, where air masses play a crucial role in transmitting perturbations.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 7, 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.

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateOct 7, 2015

Therapy reduces the risk of fragility fractures by 40 percent

A new study shows that anti-osteoporotic therapy can decrease the risk of subsequent fractures by 40% over three years. The treatment significantly reduces fracture risk for hip, spine, wrist, and upper arm fractures.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateOct 7, 2015

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 7, 2015

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.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·DateOct 7, 2015

Many use prescription painkillers, most see abuse as major health concern

A majority of Americans support policies to control opioid painkiller abuse, including better medical training, patient verification, and treatment. The study found that most people blame doctors and abusers for the crisis, with broad backing for most policy recommendations.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAddiction·DateOct 7, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Warsaw, Faculty of Physics·JournalClassical and Quantum Gravity·DateOct 7, 2015

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 7, 2015

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.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateOct 7, 2015

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 7, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 7, 2015
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.

Berkeley's soda tax boosts retail prices of sugary drinks, study confirms

A new study by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, confirms that the city's soda tax is increasing the retail price of sugary drinks. The study found that about 70% of the tax was passed through to retailers, with prices increasing around half a cent per ounce.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateOct 7, 2015

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.

SourceQueen's University·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateOct 7, 2015

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...

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 7, 2015

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.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 7, 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.

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.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateOct 7, 2015

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.

SourceWashington State University·JournalBiological Conservation·DateOct 6, 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.

Treatment for heparin-induced blood disorder revealed in structure of antibody complex

A team of researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine has elucidated the structure of a protein complex at its root, which may hold therapeutic potential for treating heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). The study found that an antibody called RTO disrupts this complex, preventing platelet activation and clot ...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 6, 2015
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.

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.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateOct 6, 2015

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.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·DateOct 6, 2015

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.

SourceLinköping University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 6, 2015

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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateOct 6, 2015

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.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalJournal of Mammalogy·DateOct 6, 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.

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.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalContraception·DateOct 6, 2015

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.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateOct 6, 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.

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.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateOct 6, 2015

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 6, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalClimate Dynamics·DateOct 6, 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.

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.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateOct 6, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateOct 6, 2015

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.

SourceHenry Ford Health·JournalProgress in Transplantation·DateOct 6, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalJournal of Cross-Cultural Psychology·DateOct 6, 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.

Researchers uncover new genetic markers for wheat improvement

Researchers have identified three agronomically important genes in a wild wheat relative that can help breeders develop resistant varieties of wheat. The study provides a breakthrough in exploring wheat wild relatives for future crop improvement.

SourceKansas State University·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateOct 6, 2015

Lack of D1 receptor leads to slowness of movements in Parkinson's disease

Research reveals dopamine transmission via D1 receptors is essential for information flow through the basal ganglia to control movements. Lack of D1 receptor-mediated dopamine transmission disrupts 'direct pathway' and results in slowness of movements in Parkinson's disease.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateOct 6, 2015

From trees to power: McMaster engineers build better energy storage device

Researchers develop lightweight and high-power density capacitors using nanocellulose-based materials, paving the way for more efficient and environmentally friendly electronics. The new devices offer faster charging abilities and can accumulate energy during braking to release it during acceleration.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateOct 6, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 6, 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.

Rebates a cost-effective way to boost healthy eating among low-income people, study finds

A new study suggests that providing low-income households with financial incentives to buy fruits and vegetables can encourage them to purchase and consume more healthy food. According to the study, these incentives, in the form of rebates, are unlikely to prompt consumers to increase their spending on junk food.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateOct 6, 2015

Flu vaccine helps reduce hospitalizations due to influenza pneumonia

A study published in JAMA found that more than half of hospitalizations due to influenza pneumonia could be prevented by influenza vaccination. The study used data from 2,767 patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia during three consecutive influenza seasons.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJAMA·DateOct 6, 2015