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Science News Archive October 2015 - Page 5


Page 5 of 38

Land-facing, southwest Greenland Ice Sheet movement decreasing

Research found that southwest Greenland Ice Sheet movement decreased by 12% between 2007 and 2014, despite increasing surface melt. The study suggests that further increases in melting may not speed up the ice sheet's flow due to drainage channels established at its base.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature·DateOct 28, 2015

Seaweed extract benefits petunia, tomato transplants

Researchers found that rockweed substrate drenches significantly improved postharvest shelf life of petunia and tomato transplants. In contrast, foliar sprays showed no effect on drought tolerance. The study recommends using seaweed extracts as a substrate drench to enhance plant growth.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortTechnology·DateOct 28, 2015

Alerting the immune system's watchmen to improve vaccines

Researchers have developed a new way to enhance the effectiveness of antigen-based vaccines by mimicking the natural arrangement of multiple TLR agonists. This triply-linked activator more effectively triggers an immune response than mixing individual components, paving the way for improved vaccine design.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateOct 28, 2015

Retroviral RNA may play a part in liver cancer

Research suggests that retroviral long-terminal-repeat promoters may contribute to the emergence of hepatocellular carcinoma. The study found that these elements are highly activated in liver cancer tumors and non-tumor tissue from patients with different etiologies, including viral hepatitis or alcohol use.

SourceRIKEN·JournalGenome Research·DateOct 28, 2015
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.

Place could impact health disparities more than race

Researchers found that living environments contribute to health disparities among US men, with integrated communities showing less difference in behaviors compared to national data. Socio-economic factors and environmental conditions play a significant role in explaining racial disparities.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalFamily & Community Health·DateOct 28, 2015

NASA's Webb Telescope science instruments begin final super cold test

The James Webb Space Telescope's Integrated Science Instrument Module has begun its final cryogenic test at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. The test, which will last several months, aims to ensure the instruments are ready for flight and can withstand the extreme temperatures they will encounter in space.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 28, 2015

Early humans linked to ancient Australian extinction

New data suggests that ancient humans played a role in the extinction of large mammals, birds and lizards in Australia. The study's findings place human predation as the most likely cause, with a 10,000-year lag between human arrival and impact on megafauna.

SourceSociety of Vertebrate Paleontology·DateOct 28, 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.

Electric eel: Most remarkable predator in animal kingdom

The electric eel has been found to possess intricate maneuvering techniques, allowing it to double its electrical shock on larger prey. Its electrical system also enables remote control over prey muscles, producing strong muscle contractions. The eel uses high-voltage pulses to track fast-moving prey and detect hidden meals.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 28, 2015

Signs point to imminent public health workforce exit

A new study reveals that 38% of state public health workers plan to leave the workforce by 2020, with those aged 25-40, racial and ethnic minorities, and those with fewer than 10 years of experience being most likely to exit. The study also highlights pay disparities between different groups in the public health sector.

SourceAssociation of State and Territorial Health Officials·JournalJournal of Public Health Management and Practice·DateOct 28, 2015

Manipulating cell signaling for better muscle function in muscular dystrophy

Researchers have identified a new way to trigger the instructions given by the muscle protein dystrophin, which is found in muscles used for movement and in cardiac muscle cells. The study suggests using drugs that activate AMPK signaling to bypass defective steps in the protein complex pathway.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 28, 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.

Factors in breast milk may play a role in transmission of obesity

A new study suggests that variations in complex carbohydrates found in breast milk, called human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), are associated with variations in infant growth and obesity. Higher levels of certain HMOs at 6 months of age were linked to greater fat mass, while others were protective against obesity.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateOct 28, 2015

Older beats younger when it comes to correcting mistakes

A new study found that older adults were better than young adults at correcting their factual errors, with improved performance on low-confidence errors. This challenges the notion that older adults are less accurate and suggests a focus of attention driven by a desire to prioritize truth over confidence.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 28, 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.

Often decried, polygyny may sometimes have advantages

A new study finds that polygynous households in northern Tanzania have better access to food and healthier children, as well as more cattle and farmed land. However, the practice is associated with low food security and poor child health in marginalized ethnic groups.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 28, 2015

Do hospitals tell patients about charity care options? Study finds room for improvement

A new study from the University of Michigan Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation found that nearly all nonprofit hospitals have written charity care policies, but many fail to notify patients about their potential eligibility or charge them fairly. Hospitals in states without expanded Medicaid reported having less generous ch...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 28, 2015

Scientists call for unified initiative to advance microbiome research

A group of 17 US scientists has formed the Unified Microbiome Initiative to coordinate microbial research and inform funding recommendations. The initiative aims to integrate research objectives across disciplines to better understand the role of microbes in human health and ecological systems.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalScience·DateOct 28, 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.

Change the shape, change the sound

Computer scientists at Columbia Engineering and Harvard have developed an algorithm to 3D print vibrational sounds by optimizing the shape of objects. The 'zoolophone' is a metallophone with keys in the shape of zoo animals that produces professional-sounding notes.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateOct 28, 2015

Predicting the human genome using evolution

Researchers developed an approach to predict human genome variation by compiling data from 46 vertebrate species and applying evolutionary probability analysis. The method predicts probable mutations and identifies evolutionarily improbable variations, which may be strong candidates for adaptive evolution.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateOct 28, 2015

Adults with schizophrenia more likely to die; high cardiovascular death rates

A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that adults with schizophrenia are more than 3.5 times as likely to die as the general population, particularly due to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. The research also highlights tobacco use as a key modifiable risk factor for premature death among individuals with schizophrenia.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateOct 28, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New NASA study reveals origin of organic matter in Apollo lunar samples

A NASA team analyzed seven Apollo samples and found amino acids at low concentrations, likely from terrestrial sources. Isotopic analysis and molecular orientation revealed a stronger connection to Earth than previously thought, ruling out the solar wind and lunar module exhaust as sources.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalGeochimica et Cosmochimica Acta·DateOct 28, 2015

Language, immigrant status tied to toxic exposure

Economically disadvantaged, non-English speaking Latino immigrant neighborhoods are disproportionately exposed to toxic air pollution in the US. Liévanos' study reveals a one-in-three chance of high-level air pollution in these areas.

SourceWashington State University·JournalSocial Science Research·DateOct 28, 2015

Could your job be making you obese?

A new study published in Social Science & Medicine suggests that having skills and freedom at work is linked to lower BMI and smaller waist size, while needing to make many decisions is linked to bigger waist size. The findings highlight the importance of considering job control components separately when assessing their impact on health.

SourceElsevier·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateOct 28, 2015
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.

Genetic tests of amniotic fluid could guide timing of delicate births

Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have identified a way to test RNA and specific genetic signatures in amniotic fluid to determine fetal lung maturity. This test could help doctors decide when it is safe to deliver premature babies, allowing for better preparation and care for neonatal morbidities.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalBMC Medical Genomics·DateOct 27, 2015

Intestinal worms 'talk' to gut bacteria to boost immune system

Researchers found that intestinal worm infections can increase short-chain fatty acid production, activating receptors that influence the immune system. This discovery highlights the microbiome as a new pathway for helminths to modulate host immune function.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalImmunity·DateOct 27, 2015

Mental maps: Route-learning changes brain tissue

Carnegie Mellon researchers find that practicing route-learning leads to structural brain changes in the hippocampus and improves functional connectivity between brain areas. This study establishes a critical link between spatial learning and brain alterations, providing new insights into the neural mechanisms underlying cognitive maps.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalNeuroImage·DateOct 27, 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.

Lower doses of common product ingredient might increase breast cancer risk

A new study suggests that lower doses of parabens, commonly found in personal care products, may stimulate breast cancer cell growth at concentrations 100 times lower than previously thought. The researchers also found that parabens can interact with other agents to increase breast cancer risk.

SourceSilent Spring Institute·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateOct 27, 2015

Helping kids hear better

Researchers found that children with mild to severe hearing loss have poorer language development than their peers, but provide well-fit hearing aids can help. Optimal early services enable hard of hearing children to catch up or close gaps with hearing peers.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalEar and Hearing·DateOct 27, 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.

The world's fastest nanoscale photonics switch

Researchers created a compact photonic switch on silicon nanostructures, enabling ultrafast optical pulse switching at femtosecond rates. This device could revolutionize computing by transferring data at tens and hundreds terabits per second, outperforming traditional electronic devices.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalNano Letters·DateOct 27, 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.

Study reveals brain mechanism for creating durable memories

A University of Sussex study reveals that rehearsing information immediately after being given it strengthens memory, as the posterior cingulate region of the brain activates when laying down and rehearsing a memory. This area integrates episodic details into knowledge and understanding, making memories resistant to forgetting.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·DateOct 27, 2015

'Spring-mass' technology heralds the future of walking robots

Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a 'spring-mass' walking system that combines passive dynamics with computer control, allowing robots to blindly react to rough terrain and maintain balance. The technology has the potential to enhance legged robots and enable new roles in industries such as manufacturing and firefig...

SourceOregon State University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Robotics·DateOct 27, 2015

X-rays uncover gut of 320-million-year-old animal

Researchers studied a 320-million-year-old fossil using X-ray microscopy, revealing evidence of its digestive system for the first time. The discovery sheds light on the early evolutionary history of echinoderms and highlights previously unknown differences between ancient and modern species.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalBiology Letters·DateOct 27, 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.

Dartmouth-led study explores wave-particle interaction in atmosphere

A Dartmouth-led study investigates the resonance of relativistic electrons with electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves in the Van Allen radiation belts. The findings reveal that low proton temperature is the primary factor influencing the lower minimum resonant energy, contrary to previous assumptions about high density.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateOct 27, 2015

Bodily maps of touch and social relationships are tightly linked

A study by Aalto University and the University of Oxford reveals that bodily maps of touch are tightly linked to social relationships, with pleasure caused by touching influencing what areas can be touched. The results highlight the importance of non-verbal communication in maintaining social relationships.

SourceAalto University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 27, 2015

Prolonged TV viewing linked to 8 leading causes of death in US

A new study found an association between prolonged TV viewing and increased risk of death from most major causes, including cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and Parkinson's disease. The researchers suggested that sedentary behavior may be an indicator of overall physical inactivity.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateOct 27, 2015

A gender revolution -- minus the bigger paycheck

A new study spanning two generations in the US found that women have surpassed men in bachelor's-degree attainment and white-collar jobs, yet continue to earn less. Women have increased their mobility across generations better than men, leading to a gender revolution in education and job attainment.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalDemography·DateOct 27, 2015
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center introduces MyICU

MyICU provides a two-way communication platform for patients and family members to access important information, share updates, and request meetings with the care team. The app also includes a journal section where patients can record personal and medical information after discharge, facilitating healing and recovery.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·DateOct 27, 2015

Seals not competing with Irish fishing stocks, according to new research

Seals are having no significant impact on commercial fish populations off the south and west coasts of Ireland, according to a new study. The researchers found that seals primarily eat smaller fish, which are abundant in numbers, thereby not competing with fishermen for the valuable stocks.

SourceQueen's University Belfast·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateOct 27, 2015

UC3M researches simulator of human behavior

The UC3M is investigating a system that replicates human behavior. This technology could be used to predict social crises, create more realistic robots and AI avatars. The project aims to understand individual behavior using experiments with thousands of participants.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·DateOct 27, 2015

New finding offers clues for blocking cancer gene

Researchers discovered a protein called Zmiz1 that sticks to the Notch gene, triggering its cancer function. Deleting Zmiz1 from Notch eliminates the cancer effect while preserving normal health functions.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalImmunity·DateOct 27, 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.

New role for insulin: Studies tie the hormone to brain's 'pleasure' center

Researchers found that insulin stimulates the release of dopamine in the brain, leading to a feeling of pleasure. The study also suggests that people may choose high-carb or low-fat meals based on their insulin levels, potentially affecting weight and type II diabetes.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 27, 2015