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Science News Archive 2014 - Page 101


Page 101 of 376

Indian scientists significantly more religious than UK scientists

A new study reveals significant differences in religiosity between Indian and UK scientists. While 65% of UK scientists identify as non-religious, only 6% of Indian scientists share this trait. The study also found that Indian scientists are more likely to attend religious services than their UK counterparts.

SourceRice University·DateSep 24, 2014

King Fire in California still blazing

The King Fire in California has burned over 92,960 acres since its start in September 2014. The fire is currently 38% contained, with arson as the suspected cause, and is being battled by over 7,600 personnel. Extreme weather conditions, including strong winds and low humidity, are exacerbating the fire's behavior.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 24, 2014
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.

Recreational activity a major pollutant on Canadian coast of Pacific Ocean

A recent study published in Applied Geography highlights the significant impact of oil discharges from human maritime activity on the Canadian coast. The research, led by University of Calgary geographer Stefania Bertazzon, shows that recreational activities such as boating and fishing are major contributors to ocean pollution.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalApplied Geography·DateSep 24, 2014

Identification of genetic risk factors for stroke

A new study has identified two genes, FOXC1 and PITX2, that underlie the development of cerebral small-vessel disease (CSVD), a risk factor for stroke. The study found that patients with mutations in these genes exhibited signs of CSVD, while zebrafish models with reduced Foxc1 levels mimicked symptoms of CSVD.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 24, 2014

New study shows increased risk of venous thromboembolism among NSAIDs users

A new study published in Rheumatology found that NSAID users have a higher risk of developing venous thromboembolism, which includes deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. The study's lead author notes that physicians should be cautious when prescribing NSAIDs to patients already at high risk of VTE.

SourceOxford University Press UK·JournalRheumatology·DateSep 24, 2014

Tonsil stem cells could someday help repair liver damage without surgery

Scientists have developed a method to inject tonsil-derived stem cells into damaged livers, potentially treating liver disease without surgery. The technique uses a heat-sensitive liquid to grow liver cells on a 3-D scaffold, showing promise as an injectable tissue engineering approach.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateSep 24, 2014
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Less costly to screen for and treat early-stage lung than to treat late-stage lung cancer

A new study found that high-risk individuals screened for early-stage lung cancer using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) can reduce treatment costs by up to 85%, resulting in a significant reduction in mortality rates and improved patient outcomes. The average cost per-person for LDCT screening was $453, while the mean cost for diag...

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateSep 24, 2014

Immune activity shortly after surgery holds big clue to recovery rate, Stanford team finds

A study published in Science Translational Medicine found that immune cell activity within the first 24 hours after surgery can predict a patient's recovery time. The researchers used single-cell mass cytometry to analyze blood samples from patients undergoing hip-replacement procedures, revealing a unique pattern of immune response.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 24, 2014

2-D materials' crystalline defects key to new properties

Scientists have found that defects in a 2D material called tungsten disulphide can create unusual characteristics, making it useful for electronic devices and hydrogen gas liberation. The researchers used an advanced microscope to visualize the defects, revealing a low-energy barrier that allows them to be easily displaced.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 24, 2014

Future flexible electronics based on carbon nanotubes

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) show promise as a successor to silicon for smaller, faster and cheaper electronic devices. A new method improves their reliability and performance by coating them with PVDF-TrFE, a fluoropolymer that mitigates impurities and defects.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateSep 23, 2014
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.

Facial masculinity not always a telling factor in mate selection

Researchers found no universal preference for high testosterone faces and nuanced effects of culture on mate choice. Across 12 populations, women preferred slightly less masculine faces, suggesting factors beyond infectious disease rates influence attractiveness.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 23, 2014

Research shows alcohol consumption influenced by genes

A study published in Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research found that people's perception of alcohol taste varies due to genetic differences in bitter taste receptors. These differences can influence drinking habits, with some individuals experiencing more bitterness and lower liking for alcoholic beverages.

SourcePenn State·DateSep 23, 2014

Paraffins to cut energy consumption in homes

A new prototype developed by UPV/EHU researchers uses latent heat from paraffin materials to store thermal energy, offering a compact and modular solution for homes. The system can achieve up to 50% less volume and flexible design, making it suitable for spaces with limited availability.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalEnergy·DateSep 23, 2014

New hope for beloved family pets

Researchers at the University of Leicester have developed a novel electronic system for diagnosing canine lymphoma in its early stages and monitoring remission after chemotherapy. The cLBT test detects biomarkers associated with the disease, offering improved diagnostic capabilities for veterinarians and pet owners.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·DateSep 23, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Being sheepish about climate adaptation

Researchers identified 230 SNPs associated with climate change and found that gene TBC1D12 became advantageous in colder climates, suggesting a link between sunlight and vegetation availability. The study could inform breeding practices for more resilient livestock breeds.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateSep 23, 2014

New research suggests sleep apnea screening before surgery

Patients with untreated sleep apnea are at increased risk of serious cardiovascular complications, but those diagnosed and treated prior to surgery can experience a significant reduction in risk. The study found that respiratory complications were also twice as likely to occur in patients with OSA, compared to those without the condition.

SourceAmerican Society of Anesthesiologists·JournalAnesthesiology·DateSep 23, 2014
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.

Protecting our processors

The NSF/SRC STARSS program aims to reduce the likelihood of unintended behavior in semiconductors. Researchers will focus on strategies and tools for authentication throughout the supply chain and in the field.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateSep 23, 2014

New supplemental awards apply sex and gender lens to NIH-funded research

The National Institutes of Health has awarded $10.1 million in supplemental funding to bolster the research of 82 grantees exploring sex effects in preclinical and clinical studies. This investment encourages researchers to consider sex as a fundamental variable, leading to greater awareness of the need to study both sexes.

SourceNIH/Office of the Director·DateSep 23, 2014

NASA sees Tropical Depression Fung-Wong becoming more frontal

Tropical Depression Fung-Wong is transitioning from a tropical to an extra-tropical storm, gaining frontal characteristics. The depression has strongest thunderstorms stretched out in a cold front-like appearance, according to NASA's Aqua satellite data.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 23, 2014
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.

Termites evolved complex bioreactors 30 million years ago

Termite fungus farmers developed a sophisticated system of cooperation between fungi and gut bacteria to break down complex plant components. The symbiotic community optimized for efficient plant decomposition involves division of labor, with fungi handling carbohydrates and gut microbes contributing enzymes for final digestion.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 23, 2014

New measure provides more data on oxygen levels during sedation

A new study introduces the 'area under the curve of oxygen desaturation', which provides a more comprehensive approach to monitoring blood oxygen levels during procedures. This measure, known as AUC Desat, includes information on the depth, duration, and rate of episodes of oxygen desaturation.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalAnesthesia & Analgesia·DateSep 23, 2014

Medical students who attended community college likelier to serve poor communities

Researchers found that medical students from underrepresented minority backgrounds are more likely to have attended a community college at some point. Additionally, community college students who were accepted to medical school were more likely to commit to working with underserved populations.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalAcademic Medicine·DateSep 23, 2014

UTSA microbiologists discover regulatory thermometer that controls cholera

Researchers at UTSA's South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases have discovered a regulatory thermometer in Vibrio cholerae bacteria that controls the expression of virulence factors leading to cholera. The discovery could lead to new therapeutic strategies against this deadly disease.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 23, 2014

Brain wave may be used to detect what people have seen, recognize

New research suggests that a specific brain wave, P300, can be used to identify details that a person has seen and recognized from everyday life. A study found that this method could potentially be used in criminal investigations and courtrooms, with promising results.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateSep 23, 2014
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.

Federal food program puts food on the table, but dietary quality could be improved

A new study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that SNAP participants had lower dietary quality scores overall and lower scores for fruits and vegetables, seafood and plant proteins. The researchers highlight the need for interventions to encourage healthier diets among SNAP participants, particularly in subgroups at risk.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateSep 23, 2014

A multi-function protein is key to stopping genomic parasites from 'jumping'

A multi-function protein called Sirt6 plays a crucial role in keeping 'jumping genes' inactive. The protein becomes busier repairing DNA damage with age, allowing the genes to become active and contribute to age-related diseases like cancer. Increasing Sirt6 levels may help protect older cells from aging.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 23, 2014

Life, liberty, and the pursuit of healthcare?

A Tel Aviv University study reveals that the US' private-based healthcare system contributes to wealth-health inequality, with wealthy older Americans experiencing poorer health outcomes than their foreign counterparts. The research supports a move towards state-sponsored healthcare systems.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateSep 23, 2014

'Space bubbles' may have aided enemy in fatal Afghan battle

Researchers suggest that plasma bubbles may have contributed to communications outages during the Battle of Takur Ghar. A new computer model predicts the impact of such bubbles on future military operations, allowing for minimization of their effects.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalSpace Weather·DateSep 23, 2014
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Results of the 1st EORTC Cancer Survivorship Summit

The 1st EORTC Cancer Survivorship Summit has reported improved survival rates for patients with cancer, while also highlighting the need to address late adverse treatment effects. The summit addressed various topics including second malignancies, cardiovascular disease, and psycho-social problems following cancer treatment.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·JournalEuropean Journal of Cancer·DateSep 23, 2014

Dying brain cells cue new brain cells to grow in songbird

A study on Gambel's white-crowned sparrows reveals how dying brain cells trigger the growth of new neurons each spring. The researchers hope to apply this knowledge to develop treatments for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and depression.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateSep 23, 2014
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

'Brain Breaks' increase activity, educational performance in elementary schools

A recent Oregon survey found that the 'Brain Breaks' DVD increases physical activity and improves educational performance among elementary school students. The program, developed by Oregon State University, offers short breaks of physical activity to improve children's mental awareness and educational success.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateSep 23, 2014

Advancing the understanding of an understudied food allergy disorder

Eosinophilic gastritis is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by high levels of eosinophils in the blood and gastrointestinal tract. The study found that it involves allergy-associated-immune mechanisms and has a distinct gene expression pattern, paving the way for improved diagnosis and treatment.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateSep 23, 2014
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.

Southampton scientists grow a new challenger to graphene

Researchers from the University of Southampton's Optoelectronics Research Centre have grown a new material, molybdenum di-sulphide (MoS2), with properties similar to graphene. This development expands the potential applications of MoS2 for nanoelectronic and optoelectronic devices.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalNanoscale·DateSep 23, 2014

Rate of diabetes in US may be leveling off

The prevalence of diagnosed diabetes in the US population has plateaued for adults between 2008 and 2012, with a slight decrease in incidence. However, certain subgroups continue to experience an increase in diabetes rates, exacerbating existing racial and socioeconomic disparities.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateSep 23, 2014

Study helps assess impact of temperature on belowground soil decomposition

A new study finds that soil organic carbon decomposition does not accelerate under climate warming, but its storage remains constant. Ecosystem productivity increases with temperature change, while coarse wood decomposition and plant growth rates rise.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Pacific Southwest Research Station·JournalNature Climate Change·DateSep 23, 2014
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.

Airway muscle-on-a-chip mimics asthma

A Harvard team developed a human airway muscle-on-a-chip that accurately mimics the way smooth muscle contracts in the human airway. The chip can be used to test new drugs and measure human responses to asthma triggers, paving the way for patient-specific treatments.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalLab on a Chip·DateSep 23, 2014

Increased knowledge of HPV vaccines does not predict a higher rate of vaccination

A year-long study found that increased knowledge of HPV vaccines did not lead to higher vaccination rates among adolescents. Only about 14% of participants were ultimately vaccinated. The study highlights the importance of targeted interventions and convenient vaccination options in increasing vaccine uptake.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania Annenberg School for Communication·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateSep 23, 2014
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.