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Science News Archive September 2015 - Page 12


Page 12 of 35

New Geosphere themed issue: The anatomy of rifting

A new themed issue explores the anatomy of rifting, revealing diverse extensional processes, including plate thinning, magma intrusion, and volcanism. The study documents active processes at divergent plate boundaries and transforms, synthesizing key research topics on plate extension.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeosphere·DateSep 22, 2015

Multi-tasking in the ER: More is not better

A study found that commercial electronic health records (EHRs) increased emergency physicians' tasks performed per minute by nearly 12 percent, leading to potential patient safety hazards. The introduction of a commercial EHR imposed cognitive burdens on physicians, causing stress and frustration.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateSep 22, 2015

Confusion afoot

A University of Oxford study reveals people can't accurately identify their toes even when prodded, with errors in toe identification associated with brain damage and conditions like anorexia nervosa.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalPerception·DateSep 22, 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.

New research suggests not all trans fatty acids are bad for you

A study found that higher concentrations of naturally occurring trans fatty acids were associated with a lower risk of sudden cardiac death and fewer deaths from any cause. Researchers also discovered that low levels of industrially produced trans fatty acids did not pose a health risk, contradicting previous warnings.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateSep 22, 2015

Are we wiser about tsunamis? Expert says yes and no

A Northwestern University expert found mixed results on human preparedness for tsunamis, with significant progress made in tsunami science and education. However, substantial challenges remain, including the impact of 'tsunami earthquakes' and the need to incorporate new knowledge into warning procedures.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (A )·DateSep 22, 2015

CSI -- on the metabolite's trail

A team of bioinformaticians at the University of Jena has developed a new search engine, 'CSI:FingerID', that significantly simplifies the identification of molecular structures of metabolites. The tool reduces the number of possible compounds from thousands to ten, making it feasible for precise lab tests to identify specific compounds.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 22, 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.

WSU researcher receives grant to build family audio database

A Washington State University researcher is building a comprehensive family audio database with funding from the National Science Foundation. The database will combine recordings of children's communications with their parents and siblings, enabling researchers to study family communication dynamics and disorders in greater detail.

SourceWashington State University·DateSep 22, 2015

New graphene oxide biosensors may accelerate research of HIV and cancer drugs

Researchers have developed a novel type of graphene oxide-based biosensor that can detect biomolecules at a few trillionth of a gram per millimeter square. The sensor's sensitivity is three times higher than commercially available chips, making it ideal for analyzing chemical reactions with small drug molecules.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateSep 22, 2015

Regenstrief and IU develop innovative ethics-based model for academia-industry collaboration

Researchers from Regenstrief Institute and Indiana University developed an innovative ethics-based model to ensure academic-industry partnerships are conducted with the highest ethical standards. The nine-principle framework includes academic freedom, conflict of interest policy, governance, protection of human subjects, and transparency.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateSep 22, 2015

Chemistry for the methanol economy

A Franco-Swiss research team has proposed a new explanation for the starting mechanism of the MTO process. They found that alumina, present in zeolites, can transform methanol into ethylene and other hydrocarbons, which can then be converted into carbenium ions. This discovery sheds light on how the MTO process begins.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalACS Central Science·DateSep 22, 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.

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.

Researchers reveal when global warming first appeared

New research shows clear signs of global warming appeared in the tropics as early as the 1960s, but in parts of Australia and Africa as far back as the 1940s. The study's findings closely match observational datasets used by the IPCC, indicating a growing trend in increasing temperatures.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateSep 22, 2015

Dirty, crusty meals fit for (long-dormant) microbes

Researchers used exometabolomics to study the interactions between soil microbes and their adaptations in desert biocrusts. The team found that diverse microbes target specific metabolites, supporting diverse microbial communities. This discovery suggests a possible mechanism for promoting soil biodiversity by specialization.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 22, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Methane observatories successfully deployed in the Arctic

CAGE has deployed two methane observatories on the ocean floor in the Arctic Ocean, monitoring methane and CO2 releases, ocean acidification, and circulation. The observatories will collect crucial data for a full year, helping to understand processes related to climate change.

SourceUiT The Arctic University of Norway·DateSep 22, 2015

Superbug study reveals how E. coli strain acquired deadly powers

A team of researchers decoded genetic sequences of E. coli O157, revealing its ancestor has been around for over 175 years. The study found that the bacteria's ability to produce shiga-toxins has evolved, making some strains more deadly than others.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalMicrobial Genomics·DateSep 22, 2015

A new view of the content of Earth's core

A new model of Earth's core formation suggests the magma ocean started out oxidized and became reduced over time through oxygen incorporation into the core. Higher oxygen concentrations were found in the core, contradicting previous estimates.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 22, 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.

A fast cell sorter shrinks to cell phone size

A team of researchers developed a cell sorter based on acoustic waves that can compete with existing fluorescence-activated cell sorters, sorting up to 13,000 cells per second while gently manipulating individual cells. The device is compact, inexpensive, and preserves cell viability and functions.

SourcePenn State·JournalLab on a Chip·DateSep 22, 2015

Tracking down the beam

Scientists create 'Prompt Gamma Timing' method using just one detector to measure time span between beam entry and gamma radiation hit, allowing real-time adjustment of radiation parameters. Initial tests show significant improvement in accuracy compared to existing methods.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalPhysics in Medicine and Biology·DateSep 22, 2015

NASA's Terra satellite sees Tropical Storm Ida meandering

Tropical Storm Ida was observed by NASA's Terra satellite as it meandered in the Central Atlantic Ocean due to wind shear. The storm's movement is expected to change after a couple of days, with wind shear decreasing and Ida moving slowly to the north-northwest.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 22, 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.

Overweight firefighters more likely to attempt weight loss if advised by doctor

Research reveals that healthcare providers' weight loss advice boosts firefighters' weight perception and weight loss attempts. Firefighters who receive weight loss guidance are twice as likely to attempt weight loss and 4.8 times more accurate in their weight perceptions.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateSep 22, 2015

Research uncovers microsopic key to reducing ocean dead zones

Scientists at Brigham Young University have made a breakthrough in reducing ocean dead zones by studying the potential of rhizobia, a type of beneficial bacteria. By understanding how these bacteria interact with plants, researchers aim to develop more sustainable farming practices that minimize fertilizer use and reduce water pollution.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 22, 2015

'Mind-reading' kids are more discriminating learners

A study by Concordia University researchers found that kids with good theory of mind skills selectively learn from accurate individuals, not just those who appear physically strong. This suggests that children's learning abilities are more complex than previously thought.

SourceConcordia University·DateSep 22, 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.

Feeling anxious? Check your orbitofrontal cortex and cultivate your optimism

A new analysis found that healthy adults with larger orbitofrontal cortices tend to be more optimistic and less anxious. The study suggests that a thicker OFC may act as a buffer against anxiety by boosting optimism, and that increasing optimism can reduce anxiety.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateSep 22, 2015

Do women experience negative emotions differently than men?

A study by researchers at the University of Montreal found that women's brains react more strongly to negative images than men's, possibly due to greater emotional sensitivity. The connection between the amygdala and prefrontal cortex was stronger in men, suggesting a more analytical approach to negative emotions.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalPsychoneuroendocrinology·DateSep 22, 2015

Germany: East-west divide in life expectancy almost overcome

Life expectancy has increased everywhere in Germany, with the biggest gains seen in Eastern regions. Regional economic development is becoming a key factor in determining life expectancy, with areas like Baden-Württemberg and Saxony consistently having higher life expectancies.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalKZfSS Kölner Zeitschrift für Soziologie und Sozialpsychologie·DateSep 22, 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.

Attosecond physics: Laser-based molecular fingerprinting

A team of researchers has developed a unique source of coherent radiation for identifying and quantifying molecules in complex mixtures. The new laser can detect minimal amounts of disease markers present in exhaled breath, with the potential to diagnose potentially lethal diseases early.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Photonics·DateSep 22, 2015

Green barriers of cypresses could reduce fire initiation risk

Researchers found that cypress trees have a low degree of ignitability, high combustibility, and high sustainability. They propose using cypress barriers to construct a system reducing fire initiation risk in Mediterranean regions.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·DateSep 22, 2015
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Hell hath no fury like a female superhero scorned (by fans)

Researchers say that the Black Widow controversy sparked by her romantic subplot with Bruce Banner fueled a surge in online sexism and misogyny. Fan anger over the scene where Natasha Romanoff confesses to being sterilized was partly due to a growing female fan culture, as well as the underrepresentation of women in comics.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateSep 22, 2015

NIST team breaks distance record for quantum teleportation

Researchers at NIST have teleported quantum information over 100km of optical fiber, four times farther than the previous record. The experiment confirmed that quantum communication is feasible over long distances in fiber.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalOptica·DateSep 22, 2015

Benign by design

The UCSB organic chemistry team, led by Bruce Lipshutz, developed an ecofriendly approach to the Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction, significantly reducing palladium requirements. By using iron salt as a palladium substitute, they eliminated heat input and organic solvents, creating a more sustainable process.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScience·DateSep 22, 2015

The Karoo Basin and the end Permian mass extinction

New study on Karoo Basin finds no support for climate aridification, floral collapse, and tetrapod turnover as part of the extinction event. Multidisciplinary data indicate that terrestrial response occurred earlier than previously thought.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateSep 22, 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.

First circularly polarized light detector on a silicon chip

A team of engineers from Vanderbilt University developed the first integrated circularly polarized light detector on a silicon chip. The device uses metamaterials to detect the polarization state of light and has potential applications in drug screening, surveillance, optical communications, and quantum computing.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 22, 2015

Scientists develop rice variety with high folate stability

Researchers from Ghent University have developed a new rice prototype with stable folate content, which remains effective upon long-term storage. This breakthrough can offer a solution to health problems related to folate deficiency in developing countries.

SourceGhent University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateSep 22, 2015

Permanent data storage with light

Scientists of KIT and universities develop the first all-optical, non-volatile on-chip memory using phase change materials, allowing for fast data storage and potentially increasing computer performance and reducing energy consumption. The new memory can store data for decades even when power is removed.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalNature Photonics·DateSep 22, 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.

Researchers isolate human muscle stem cells

Researchers have successfully isolated human muscle stem cells that can robustly replicate and repair damaged muscles when grafted onto an injured site. The findings hold promise for patients with severe muscle injury, paralysis, or genetic diseases like muscular dystrophy.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateSep 22, 2015

Better trap for greenhouse gases

Researchers have discovered that vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNTs) can be used to capture and store greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide more effectively than traditional adsorption materials. The study found that adjusting the morphological parameters of VACNTs can significantly impact gas adsorption.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateSep 22, 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 smart robot accelerates cancer treatment research

A new smart lab robot system optimizes cancer treatment by finding the best combination of drugs to kill cancer cells without harming healthy ones. The robot is part of a broader effort to improve cancer treatment research and find new drug compounds for resistant cells.

SourceUppsala University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 22, 2015

Unexpected link between choroid plexus and chronic pain

Researchers found a novel connection between the size of the choroid plexus and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), with nearly one-fifth larger choroid plexus in CRPS patients compared to healthy control subjects. The study suggests that the central nervous system plays an important role in the disease.

SourceAalto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 22, 2015

Scientists identify key morphine regulator that may reduce risk of pain-killer abuse

A new study by the Scripps Research Institute has identified a specific molecule called RGS7 that controls morphine receptor signaling in brain cells. Without this protein, animals were more prone to morphine addiction. The findings suggest that RGS7 could be a potential drug target for developing less-addictive pain medications.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateSep 22, 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.