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Science News Archive September 2015


Page 1 of 35

Four gut bacteria decrease asthma risk in infants

Researchers at UBC and BC Children's Hospital found that acquiring four specific gut bacteria can protect infants from developing asthma. The study analyzed fecal samples from over 300 children and confirmed the finding in mice, opening the door to probiotic treatments for premature babies.

Scientists create world's largest catalog of human genomic variation

The 1000 Genomes Project Consortium has created the world's largest catalog of genomic differences among humans, identifying over 88 million sites that vary among people. This database will help researchers understand how inherited genetic variations contribute to disease risk and drug response, enabling the development of improved dia...

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Islamist insurgency strongly influences where polio occurs

New research shows Islamist insurgency has a strong impact on where polio cases occur, particularly in the past few years, likely due to counterinsurgency strategies. The study suggests that improving vaccines and administration is not enough to eradicate polio; political and social barriers must be addressed.

New predictor of health complications can identify high-risk preemies

Researchers at the University of Missouri have discovered a strong link between elevated blood eosinophilia and late complications in preterm infants with necrotizing enterocolitis. High levels of eosinophils after NEC onset can predict life-threatening conditions like bowel rupture, fibrosis, and intestinal strictures.

Genes that protect African children from developing malaria identified

Researchers have discovered a new gene locus that explains why some African children develop severe malaria while others do not. The genetic variant, found in Kenyan children, reduces the risk of severe malaria by about 40% and lies within a region of the genome shared with chimpanzees.

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.

Are American schools making inequality worse?

A study published in Educational Researcher found that unequal access to rigorous mathematics content exacerbates the gap in performance on international math literacy tests. The study revealed that nearly a third of the relationship between socioeconomic status and math literacy in the US is due to inequalities in math coverage.

Rock samples from Western US teach how to hunt for life on Mars

Researchers analyzed Eocene rocks found in the Green River Formation and identified features that visually indicate the presence of life. They used chemical analysis to confirm the presence of lipid biomarkers, which are preserved remnants of lipids synthesized by organisms.

Surface of the oceans affects climate more than thought

A recent study by Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research and Institute of Catalysis and Environment in Lyon reveals that oceans produce significantly more isoprene, a gas formed by both vegetation and oceans. This finding suggests that the climate models need to be improved to accurately predict temperature and precipitation changes.

High-volume facilities better for nursing hip fractures

A recent study suggests that experienced skilled nursing facilities are more likely to successfully discharge patients back to the community within 30 days of breaking a hip. Facilities with over 24 cases in the prior year had a discharge rate of 43.7%, compared to 18.8% for those with fewer cases.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Latest technology could help curb repeat Ebola crisis, experts say

Recent developments in surveillance technology could enable a swifter response to potentially deadly outbreaks of disease. A team of infectious disease experts found that shortcomings in the global response to Ebola highlight the need for state-of-the-art techniques to detect and monitor outbreaks.

More obesity among the less educated in rich countries

A new study from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health confirms that obesity is more common among those with lower education levels in wealthy countries. The research, which analyzed data from 70 countries, suggests that economic growth and increasing calorie-rich food availability contribute to this trend.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Strokes in children linked to infections, inadequate vaccinations

A recent study published in Neurology suggests that children who have suffered from recent infections or are not up-to-date on their vaccinations are at a higher risk of stroke. The study, which analyzed data from over 350 children, found that 18% of those who experienced strokes had recently contracted an infection.

Colds, flu may temporarily increase stroke risk in kids

A study published in Neurology found that colds and flu may increase stroke risk in children, but routine childhood vaccines can decrease this risk. Researchers analyzed medical charts and conducted interviews with over 700 children to reach these findings.

3-D printing techniques help surgeons carve new ears

Researchers have developed a low-cost pediatric rib cartilage model using 3D printing, allowing aspiring surgeons to practice auricular reconstruction. The models closely resemble real cartilage and offer the opportunity for individualized practice, potentially improving surgical outcomes.

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.

Severely obese children may be at higher risk of heart disease and diabetes

A new study found that severely obese children are more likely to develop heart disease and diabetes, with the risk increasing as obesity severity increases. The study suggests that implementing a more complex classification system could help target interventions and treatments for these high-risk children.

Relationship quality affects siblings' mental health, risky behaviors

The study found that Mexican-origin adolescents with positive sibling relationships had fewer depressive symptoms and engaged in less risky behavior. Siblings with negative relationships, on the other hand, were more likely to engage in risky behaviors, including those with sexual risks. The research highlights the importance of family...

Why do people with schizophrenia misinterpret social cues?

People with schizophrenia are more likely to misinterpret ambiguous social cues due to increased self-inference and hyper-mentalisation. Researchers found that patients' confidence in their interpretation is strongly associated with hallucinatory symptoms.

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.

New way of retaining quantum memories stored in light

Researchers developed a novel method to confine light, allowing for the retention of quantum memories encoded in photons. This breakthrough could lead to hybrid devices using quantum information for communication networks or quantum computing.

Scientists discover how to trap cancer cells before they spread

A new study by the University of Copenhagen and Cancer Research UK shows that targeting fibroblasts can block cancer cell movement, trapping them in healthy tissue. The research uses a drug that targets PHD2, an inhibitor currently in clinical trials for anaemia.

Light does not have to be a (rapid) killer of chemical molecules

Researchers from the Institute of Physical Chemistry of Poland discover that oxygen plays a crucial role in accelerating photodestruction of molecules. By slowing down oxygen permeation through polymer layers, they can extend the lifetimes of these molecules by several hundred times.

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.

Doctors often overtreat with radiation in late-stage lung cancer

A study of 47,000 patients found that nearly a third received more than 25 radiation treatments, despite guidelines recommending no more than 15. Privately insured patients were 40% more likely to be overtreated, highlighting the need for education and financial transparency.

NIH awards Einstein $2.9 million for child sleep research

Researchers at Einstein College of Medicine will partner with Head Start to promote healthy sleep among preschoolers, aiming to improve social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. The study's goal is to embed 'sleep health literacy' into early childhood education policy.

Scientists refine model to predict dangerous errors in cell division

Researchers at Virginia Tech have refined a mathematical model that simulates genetic mutations and their impact on cell division. The model's accuracy has been improved through laboratory experiments and is expected to be useful in understanding how certain mutations thrive and reproduce, particularly in the context of cancer.

Solar energy: Hydrogen for all seasons

Chemists at LMU München have created a new class of porous organic materials that can be used as molecularly tunable photocatalysts for light-driven hydrogen gas production. These materials exhibit features facilitating photocatalytic processes and offer a combination of practicality and efficiency.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Doctors trained to be confidantes for risk-taking teenagers

A world-first trial by the University of Melbourne has successfully reduced risk-taking behavior in teenagers through trained doctors. The study found that after discussions with GPs, young people reported fewer instances of illicit drug use, sexually transmitted illnesses, and unplanned pregnancies.

Mummification was commonplace in Bronze Age Britain

Researchers found that microscopic bone analysis can identify previously mummified skeletons, revealing a wider practice of mummification in Bronze Age Britain. The study suggests that ancient Britons used different methods to mummify their dead, including smoking over fires and burial in peat bogs.

Switching on paternal behavior

A study in mice reveals that specific brain areas control paternal versus infanticidal behavior. The activation patterns of these areas determine whether a male mouse will show caring or aggressive behavior towards newborn pups. This discovery could have implications for understanding societal problems such as child-directed aggression...

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.

Swap the couch for a walk to avoid an early death

A University of Sydney study found that swapping one hour of sitting with physical activity decreases the chance of an early death by 12 to 14 per cent. Replacing one hour of sitting with standing is linked to a five per cent reduction in risk of premature death.

Math and me: Children who identify with math get higher scores

Researchers at University of Washington found that children who identify with math tend to score higher on standardized tests. The study measured students' subconscious math self-concepts and found that stronger implicit math stereotypes for boys and weaker ones for girls are related to their actual math achievement scores.

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.

Bold research into recycling CO2

Researchers at Aarhus University are working with international partners to find ways to convert CO2 into valuable materials. The goal is to make CO2 a sustainable resource, potentially even using it as a raw material for future manned missions to Mars.

Mobile apps and online reviews influence consumer behavior

A new Iowa State University study finds that mobile app engagement directly impacts consumer purchasing behavior, leading to increased spending among customers who use interactive features. Companies must create value-driven apps to capitalize on the growing market, with ongoing monitoring and maintenance crucial for success.

Penn Dental Medicine study blocks inflammatory bone loss in gum disease

A new study led by University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine researchers demonstrates that protein Del-1 can inhibit bone loss associated with periodontitis. The protein curbs the activity of osteoclasts, cells that absorb bone tissue, leading to a mechanistic explanation of how Del-1 can prevent periodontal bone loss.

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.

Real-time analysis of metabolic products

Scientists at ETH Zurich have developed a method to analyze hundreds of metabolites simultaneously in real-time, allowing for rapid analysis of cellular responses to external stimuli. This breakthrough enables the study of complex biological processes and has potential applications in developing new pharmaceutical agents.

Mechanism of explosions and plasma jets associated with sunspot formation revealed

A team of scientists analyzed observations of sunspots as they formed using data from Hinode, SDO, and IRIS satellites. They modeled the observations using state-of-the-art numerical simulations performed on the Pleiades supercomputer at NASA Ames Research Center. The study reveals that the territorial struggles between magnetic bundle...

The flaws of HIV

Researchers from UNIGE and Trento University have deciphered the mechanism by which HIV infectivity is destroyed, revealing a new antiretroviral protein called SERINC5. SERINC5 enhances cell defense against HIV, rendering Nef's ability to neutralize it ineffective.

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.

Vitamin D3 supplementation helps women build muscle even after menopause

A new study demonstrates that vitamin D3 supplementation can increase muscle strength in postmenopausal women by up to 25.3% and reduce the loss of muscle mass, while also reducing the risk of falls. The trial found that vitamin D supplements provided significant protection against sarcopenia, a degenerative loss of skeletal muscle.

MSU partners with ExxonMobil to advance biofuel research

Michigan State University has partnered with ExxonMobil to improve the efficiency of photosynthesis in microalgae to produce biofuels and bioproducts. The project aims to determine which algae are most efficient under various conditions, leveraging new technologies developed by MSU researchers.

Study: Children with autism benefit from theater-based program

A Vanderbilt study found significant differences in social ability among children with autism who participated in a 10-week theatre-based program compared to those who did not. The program improved social cognition, interaction, and communication skills, including face recognition and group play.

A micro-supercapacitor with unmatched energy storage performance

Researchers at INRS have developed a micro-supercapacitor with unprecedented energy density, exceeding existing electrochemical capacitors by 1,000 times. This innovation combines the strengths of supercapacitors and lithium-ion batteries, making it suitable for various applications.