Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive October 2015 - Page 6


Page 6 of 38

Mammoths might have survived except for bad 'mineral diet'

Researchers from National Research Tomsk State University found that mammoths suffered from skeletal diseases due to chronic mineral hunger, leading to high traumatism and eventual extinction. The study suggests that geochemical stress caused by acidic landscapes may have played a crucial role in the demise of these majestic creatures.

SourceNational Research Tomsk State University·JournalArchaeological and Anthropological Sciences·DateOct 27, 2015

How sensorimotor intelligence may develop

Robots develop self-taught behaviors through sensory input and adaptation, mirroring natural sensorimotor development. This concept has implications for understanding early stages of evolution and may lead to new strategies for robotic learning.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 27, 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.

Let your head do the talking

Researchers from McGill University found that people are highly accurate at judging emotions based on head movements alone, even without sound or facial expressions. This discovery could aid in the development of automated emotion recognition systems or human-interaction robots.

SourceMcGill University·JournalEmotion·DateOct 27, 2015

Brownian Carnot engine

ICFO researchers create a microscopic Carnot engine that operates between two thermal baths using a temperature difference, exactly as car engines work. The engine is powered by a single particle, lasers, and electrical fields, allowing for the experimental validation of thermodynamic principles.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalNature Physics·DateOct 27, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

QMUL Ph.D. student stumbles upon a new way for producing oldest chemical compounds

A QMUL PhD student has found a simple way to produce two ancient chemical compounds, sultones and sultines, which have applications in antiviral agents and may lead to new treatments for diseases such as HIV and Herpes. The breakthrough reduces the production process from five to two steps, increasing yield by nearly 100%.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateOct 27, 2015

Singing's secret power: The Ice-breaker Effect

A new study by University of Oxford researchers found that singing groups bonded more quickly than creative writing or craft classes. Singing broke the ice better, getting classmates closer right at the start of the course, but in the longer term, all group activities brought people together similarly.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateOct 27, 2015

Study finds complete symptom resolution reduces risk of depression recurrence

Researchers found that patients with complete symptom resolution have a significantly lower risk of depression recurrence compared to those with residual symptoms. Complete symptom resolution is associated with a nearly three times higher risk of returning to a full-blown depressive episode within one year.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateOct 27, 2015

On the road to ANG vehicles

Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have developed flexible metal-organic frameworks that can store methane efficiently, addressing the low energy density issue with natural gas as a transportation fuel. The new design enables higher usable capacity and internal heat management during adsorption and desorption.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateOct 27, 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.

Treatments offer hope for chronic fatigue syndrome

A follow-up study found that cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and graded exercise therapy (GET) improved fatigue and physical functioning in patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, maintaining these improvements over time. The treatments also reduced the likelihood of seeking additional therapy.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateOct 27, 2015

Artificial intelligence finds messy galaxies

PhD student Elise Hampton uses AI to analyze thousands of galaxy spectra, identifying the most turbulent and messy galaxies. Her goal is to understand how galaxies form, live, and die, and how different processes compete in these galactic systems.

SourceAustralian National University·DateOct 27, 2015

Grant funds computer simulation to train social work students, clinicians

A federal grant will fund a new course at the University of Illinois and support training for clinicians in conducting early interventions with people who abuse substances. The training uses a computer simulation called SBIRT, which identifies clients at risk of substance abuse problems and teaches clinicians how to respond accordingly.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateOct 27, 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.

Chicken study reveals evolution can happen much faster than thought

A new study of chickens overturns the popular assumption that evolution is only visible over long time scales. The researchers found two mutations in the mitochondrial genomes of the birds in just 50 years, revealing a rate of evolution that is 15 times faster than previously believed.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalBiology Letters·DateOct 27, 2015

Physics of booming and burping sand dunes revealed

A team of researchers from Caltech and the University of Cambridge discovered that booming and burping sounds emanating from sand dunes are different acoustic phenomena governed by distinct physical principles. The study found that booming sounds originate from linear P-waves, while burping sounds correspond to surface Rayleigh waves.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateOct 27, 2015

Singing calms baby longer than talking

Researchers from the University of Montreal found that singing calmed infants twice as long as talking, with an average duration of 9 minutes for songs and 4.5 minutes for baby talk. The study suggests that singing has emotion-regulatory properties that can help parents soothe their children.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalInfancy·DateOct 27, 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.

The great northern cod comeback

Researchers tracking northern Atlantic cod stock off Newfoundland and Labrador report significant recovery over the past decade, with tens of thousands to several hundred thousand tonnes of fish. The study credits favourable environmental conditions, including an increase in capelin as a key food source, and severe reduction of fishing.

SourceCanadian Science Publishing·JournalCanadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences·DateOct 27, 2015

UM researchers work on model to help restoration managers with decision-making

Researchers from UM and UFZ developed an ecological simplification concept to aid land managers in identifying restoration project priorities. The study found that man-made structures can create ecological niches and increase biodiversity in rivers, but also introduced new challenges such as invasive species.

SourceThe University of Montana·JournalBioScience·DateOct 27, 2015

May the 5th force be with you

Fischbach's work on the Eötvös Experiment led to a reevaluation of data suggesting a possible new force in the universe. Despite no experimental confirmation, his theory has stimulated novel experiments and theories, including the quest for new macroscopic fields of gravitational strength.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal H·DateOct 27, 2015
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.

Decreases seen in leading causes of death

The age-standardized death rate for all causes combined decreased by 43% between 1969 and 2013, driven by declines in heart disease, cancer, stroke, and unintentional injuries. While the rate of decrease has slowed for these leading causes, other factors such as tobacco control efforts and advances in early detection and treatment have...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateOct 27, 2015

Drug-device combination opens potential new path to treat stroke

Scientists have developed a novel method to quickly dissolve away clots that completely obstruct blood vessels in the brain. A drug-device combination using an intra-arterial device restores blood flow to obstructed vessels, effectively clearing the blockage.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalStroke·DateOct 27, 2015

Researchers create better algorithm for simulating particles in Fermi Sea

A new algorithm for simulating particle interactions in a Fermi sea demonstrates a smooth transition between quasiparticle and bound molecule states. The method may have implications for understanding impurities in various systems, including cold atoms, solid-state systems, and neutron stars.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·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.

Negative publicity reduces police motivation

A study by the American Psychological Association found that negative publicity surrounding police actions can reduce officers' motivation to perform their duties, but does not decrease their willingness to engage in community partnerships. Fair treatment and confidence in authority can counteract these effects.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalLaw and Human Behavior·DateOct 27, 2015

New growth charts developed for US children with Down syndrome

Pediatric researchers have developed new growth charts for U.S. children with Down syndrome, providing a tool for pediatricians to evaluate growth patterns and nutritional status. The new charts show improvements in weight gain and height for children under age three, while also creating BMI charts to screen patients for excess body fat.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateOct 27, 2015

Coating cancels acoustic scattering from odd-shaped objects

Scientists developed a more general approach for controlling acoustic scattering on complex, odd-shaped objects using a coating of two thin fluid layers. The coating significantly reduces the scattering strength, allowing for ideal acoustic measurements in laboratories.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·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.

Secrets of a rice-killing fungal toxin

Scientists have identified the enzyme responsible for synthesizing tenuazonic acid (TeA), a well-known fungus-killing toxin that affects rice and other crops. The unique TeA synthetase 1 (TAS1) enzyme has an NRPS-PKS structure, previously thought to be exclusive to bacteria.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 27, 2015

From science fiction to reality -- sonic tractor beam invented

A team of researchers has created a working sonic tractor beam that uses high-amplitude sound waves to generate an acoustic hologram, allowing them to lift and move small objects. The technique could be developed for applications such as transporting delicate objects or gripping drug capsules through living tissue.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 27, 2015

RI Hospital researcher confirms praziquantel safe after first trimester

Researchers at Rhode Island Hospital confirmed that the drug praziquantel is safe for use in pregnant women following their first trimester, a finding that could spur improved access to treatment for millions of women worldwide. The study showed no adverse events for pregnant women or newborns, and iron status improved in both groups.

SourceLifespan·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·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.

Distressed damsels cry for help

Researchers found that when damselfish release chemical alarm cues on coral reefs, additional predators are attracted, allowing prey a greater chance of escape. This mechanism boosts the sender's survival rate by about 40 percent.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·DateOct 27, 2015

Rates of mental health problems likely to increase in months after UK troops return from Afghanistan

A study by King's Centre for Military Health Research found that UK military personnel's symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression increased in the months following their return from Afghanistan. The researchers highlighted the need for greater psychological support during this transitional period to help troops adjust to civilian life.

SourceKing's College London·JournalJournal of the Royal Army Medical Corps·DateOct 27, 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.

Seismological Research Letters: Nepal earthquake was less intense than feared

A study published in Seismological Research Letters found that the 2015 Nepal earthquake produced less damage than expected, with researchers attributing this to the Kathmandu valley's ancient lake bed sediments. The shaking was reportedly amplified by these sediments for small and moderate earthquakes, but not as much for larger ones.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalSeismological Research Letters·DateOct 27, 2015

Attosecond physics: Film in 4-D with ultrashort electron pulses

Physicists have developed ultrashort electron pulses to capture atomic motions in four dimensions, providing a sharp snapshot of molecular processes. The new technique enables the visualization of single atoms and reconstruction of atomic structures, revolutionizing our understanding of molecular dynamics.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 27, 2015

Diabetes identified as a risk factor for surgical site infections

A new study published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology found that diabetic patients are 50% more likely to develop surgical site infections compared to non-diabetic patients. The study analyzed data from 94 studies and estimated the annual financial impact of SSIs to be over $3 billion nationally.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateOct 27, 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.

New finding helps explain why many alcohol drinkers also are smokers

Researchers at the University of Missouri have found that nicotine weakens the sleep-inducing effects of alcohol by stimulating the basal forebrain. This discovery sheds light on the close link between alcohol and nicotine usage, which affects millions of people worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Neurochemistry·DateOct 27, 2015

Graphene flakes as an ultra-fast stopwatch

Researchers developed a graphene broadband detector that reacts rapidly to incident light and works at room temperature. The device can synchronize laser pulses with high accuracy, enabling precise measurements at room temperature.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalOptics Express·DateOct 27, 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.

Wall-less Hall thruster may power future deep space missions

Researchers have optimized a novel wall-less Hall thruster design, suitable for long-duration deep space missions. The new design enables scientists to observe hidden plasma regions, facilitating investigation of plasma instability and anomalous electron transport.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateOct 27, 2015

WSU partners to develop new anti-inflammatory drug

Researchers at WSU will collaborate with Botanisol to study TAI-LCx, a newly identified active component of turmeric, and develop better means to isolate it. Early research showed TAI-LCx to be effective at reducing inflammation using biologic pathways different from NSAIDs.

SourceWashington State University·DateOct 27, 2015

Acid reflux medications may increase kidney disease risk

Two new studies show that increased use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may contribute to the CKD epidemic. PPI users were between 20% and 50% more likely to develop CKD than non-PPI users, even after accounting for baseline differences.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·DateOct 27, 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.

Identifying the European corn borer may become easier with new technique

A new technique developed by Polish scientists uses geometric morphometry to identify the European corn borer by analyzing the arrangement of veins in its wings. The method achieved an accuracy of 97% and has the potential to be used by farmers to control the pest at optimal times.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Economic Entomology·DateOct 27, 2015