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Science News Archive April 2016


Page 1 of 39

Scientists establish first map of the sea lion brain

Researchers at Vanderbilt University have created a detailed map of the California sea lion's brain, highlighting its unique somatosensory system. The study revealed specific areas in the brain responsible for processing touch information from whiskers and flippers, similar to those found in mice and humans.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalJournal of Comparative Neurology·DateApr 27, 2016

Breastfeeding app shows promise in supporting first-time mothers

A mobile phone app providing supportive texts and an online community increased breastfeeding rates among new mothers, with 95% continuing to breastfeed three months postpartum. The app also boosted confidence in breastfeeding issues, leading to higher rates of exclusive breastfeeding.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateApr 30, 2016

Inadequate financial savings tied to increased childhood health risks

A new study by UCLA researchers reveals that children in households with less than three months of savings are at a higher risk of obesity and chronic illnesses. Having enough savings to cover basic expenses for three months is crucial in avoiding debt and maintaining good health, according to the study.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·DateApr 30, 2016
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.

Diluted apple juice, preferred fluids for treating mild gastroenteritis in kids

A study published in JAMA found that children with mild gastroenteritis and minimal dehydration experienced fewer treatment failures when offered half-strength apple juice followed by their preferred fluid choice compared to those who received electrolyte maintenance solution. The results suggest that diluted apple juice may be an appr...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateApr 30, 2016

Study identifies factors that can help children thrive in the face of adversity

A new study suggests certain family, social and community assets can boost a child's chances of flourishing in the face of adversity. Researchers found protective factors such as access to medical care, mothers' mental health, fathers' mental health, and community supports like trustworthy adults and good neighborhood amenities.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateApr 30, 2016

Survey suggests children of gay fathers are well adjusted

A study of 732 gay fathers found that they rate their children's self-esteem, peer relationships, and other measures of well-being similarly to parents in the general US population. The findings suggest that children of gay fathers do as well in every way as children whose parents are heterosexual.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateApr 30, 2016

Stress and depression is linked to HPV-related health problems

A new study suggests that stress and depression play a significant role in whether a woman with human papillomavirus (HPV) can clear her infection or not. Women who reported self-destructive coping strategies and those who were depressed were more likely to develop an active HPV infection.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateApr 30, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

One-third of autistic children likely to wander, disappear

A study of 1,420 autistic children found that one-third had wandered away within the past 12 months. The researchers identified behavioral traits that increase the likelihood of elopement, highlighting the need for effective strategies to prevent such tragedies.

SourceNorthwell Health·DateApr 30, 2016

Mental health diagnoses rise significantly for military children

A recent study found a significant rise in mental health diagnoses among military-connected children, with anxiety and suicidal ideation experiencing the largest increases over the past 15 years. Diagnoses for other disorders also rose, with treatment visits doubling during the same period.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateApr 30, 2016
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.

Combination of face-to-face and online bullying may pack a powerful punch

A new study shows that teens who experience both face-to-face and cyber-bullying are more than twice as likely to engage in aggressive behaviors. Victims of multiple forms of bullying have over twice the odds of showing hostile behavior, such as verbal hostility, physical fighting, or damaging property.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateApr 30, 2016
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.

Breast milk linked to significant early brain growth in preemies

A study found that premature babies fed mostly breast milk had larger brains and more brain tissue than those given little or no breast milk. The researchers used MRI scans to measure brain volume and cortical surface area, and the results showed a significant correlation between breast milk consumption and brain development.

SourceWashU Medicine·DateApr 30, 2016

Concerns raised with products marketed as 'first finger foods'

A study found that many products marketed as first finger foods for babies do not meet American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations, posing a risk of choking. The study tested nine products and found only two to meet the criteria, raising concerns about four others.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateApr 30, 2016
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.

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.

Study suggests breastmilk promotes brain development in preemies

A new study suggests that breastmilk consumption can promote brain development in premature infants, leading to better developmental outcomes. The research found a positive correlation between the amount of breastmilk consumed and increased brain volume and cortical surface area in preterm babies.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateApr 30, 2016
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.

Finding sheds light on what may kill neurons after stroke

Researchers found that acidity can reactivate dormant N3A receptors, causing neurons to become more sensitive to glutamate, which can kill them. This finding sheds light on the role of N3A receptors in brain function and may lead to new treatments for strokes, seizures, and schizophrenia.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 29, 2016

Cancer drug may treat sepsis, other uncontrollable immune responses to infection

Researchers found that topoisomerase 1 inhibitors suppress inflammation in mice, potentially treating sepsis and other immune disorders. These drugs have shown promise in rescuing mice from a lethal inflammatory response caused by bacterial infections, suggesting a new approach to controlling acute infections.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalScience·DateApr 29, 2016

Experts link up to improve South Asia's potatoes

A new public-private partnership aims to develop better potatoes for tropical and subtropical conditions in South Asia. CIP, HZPC, and SFSA will combine their expertise to breed and select potato varieties suitable for local markets.

SourceInternational Potato Center / Centro Internacional de la Papa·DateApr 29, 2016
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.

Exposure to particulate air pollutants associated with numerous cancers

Researchers found that long-term exposure to environmental pollutants, specifically fine particulate matter (PM2.5), was linked to a higher risk of death from multiple types of cancer in an elderly Hong Kong population. The study showed a significant association between PM2.5 and increased mortality from breast, lung, and other cancers.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·DateApr 29, 2016

Scientists map brain's 'thesaurus' to help decode inner thoughts

Researchers create a detailed semantic atlas of the brain's language processing areas, revealing similarities in semantic topography across individuals. The study has potential applications in brain-machine interfaces, decoding difficult-to-speak patients, and translating languages.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature·DateApr 29, 2016
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.

Nanoparticles present sustainable way to grow food crops

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have found a way to improve the growth of protein-rich bean crops by using zinc oxide nanoparticles, reducing the need for rock phosphorus fertilizer. The nanoparticles increase nutrient uptake and enzyme activity, leading to a lesser need for external phosphorus application.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateApr 29, 2016

Birds of prey constrained in the beak evolution race

Researchers found that raptors' skulls change shape predictably with species size, linking beak and skull shapes. This constraint may limit the evolutionary flexibility of birds of prey.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 29, 2016

Scientists discover oral sexual encounters in spiders

Researchers found that male Darwin's bark spiders salivate onto female genitalia as an obligatory behavior before and after copulation. This unusual practice is thought to boost the male's chances of paternity by signaling quality or favoring one sperm over rivals.

SourceZRC SAZU·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 29, 2016

Screening method uncovers drugs that may combat deadly antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have developed a method to identify new antimicrobials that target antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Approximately 10,000 compounds were screened, and three approved drugs showed promise in inhibiting the growth of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE).

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalAssay and Drug Development Technologies·DateApr 29, 2016
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Spintronics for future information technologies

Researchers have successfully controlled spin currents in topological insulators using circularly polarised laser light, opening the door for ultra-energy efficient data processing. The findings, published in Physical Review B, demonstrate the potential of these materials for spintronic applications.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalPhysical Review B·DateApr 29, 2016

Why can't a woman play tennis like a man?

Researchers found that modifying tennis to match men's and women's physical characteristics could increase competitiveness in women's matches. The study controlled for physical factors like height and body mass index, but not other variables like strength and speed.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalJournal of Sports Economics·DateApr 29, 2016

HPV infection can be identified in self-collected vaginal swabs

Researchers have developed a method to identify HPV infections using self-collected vaginal swabs, which provides accurate results similar to clinician-collected cervical specimens. This technology enables same-day screening and treatment, critical for preventing premature deaths from HPV-associated cancers in low-income countries.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalJournal of Clinical Microbiology·DateApr 29, 2016

Trauma in a bee

Entomologists have described a traumatic insemination process in which male twisted-winged parasites inject semen directly into the female's body cavity. The fertilization process is unusually prolonged, lasting up to 30 minutes, and is likely used to reduce sperm competition.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 29, 2016
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.

Don't retweet if you want to remember

Experiments at Cornell University and Beijing University found that retweeting creates cognitive overload, leading to poor comprehension and recall of information. The study suggests that web interfaces should be designed to promote rather than interfere with cognitive processing.

SourceCornell University·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateApr 29, 2016

Clay nanotube-biopolymer composite scaffolds for tissue engineering

Researchers developed clay nanotube-biopolymer composite scaffolds that improve mechanical strength, water uptake, and thermal properties. The scaffolds demonstrated enhanced biocompatibility and encouraged cell adhesion, proliferation, and neo-vascularization in vitro and in vivo.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalNanoscale·DateApr 29, 2016

Ebola virus genome provides clues to repeated disease 'flare-ups' in Western Africa

Genomic analysis of Ebola virus samples from Liberia in June 2015 indicates a re-emergence of a persistently infected source, highlighting the risk of disease flare-ups even after an outbreak is declared over. The study's findings suggest that the virus replicates at a lower rate during persistent infections.

SourceUS Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 29, 2016
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.

Stansfield honored by Southern Society for Pediatric Research

Dr. Stansfield received a Clinical Science Young Investigator Award for his studies of cardiovascular risks associated with being a low- or high-birthweight baby. His research shows that extreme birthweights increase the risk of visceral adiposity and heart disease.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateApr 29, 2016

The gut microbiomes of infants have an impact on autoimmunity

A global study found that gut microbiomes of infants in Finland and Estonia are dominated by Bacteroides species, while Russian Karelian infants have an overrepresentation of Bifidobacterium. This difference may contribute to the spike in immune disorders seen in western societies.

SourceAalto University·JournalCell·DateApr 29, 2016

'Machine learning' may contribute to new advances in plastic surgery

Researchers explore machine learning's potential to enhance plastic surgery with algorithms for predicting burn healing times and suggesting reconstructive approaches. The field also holds promise for improving microsurgery, craniofacial surgery, hand and peripheral nerve surgery, and aesthetic surgery outcomes.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateApr 29, 2016

Good long-term quality of life after 'DIEP flap' breast reconstruction

A study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that DIEP flap breast reconstruction provides good long-term quality of life for women who have undergone mastectomy for breast cancer. The reconstruction method allowed patients to maintain a good QOL in the long-term, comparable to women without breast cancer.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateApr 29, 2016
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Salts in the brain control our sleep-wake cycle

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have made a groundbreaking discovery about the role of salts in the brain controlling our sleep-wake cycle. By influencing salt levels, it is possible to control a mouse's sleep-wake cycle independently of neuromodulators like adrenalin.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalScience·DateApr 29, 2016

Evidence points to widespread loss of ocean oxygen by 2030s

A new study led by NCAR scientist Matthew Long finds that ocean deoxygenation caused by climate change will become detectable between 2030 and 2040, posing a major threat to marine life. The researchers used the Community Earth System Model to quantify large-scale changes in oxygen in the oceans.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalGlobal Biogeochemical Cycles·DateApr 29, 2016
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.