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Science News Archive 2014


Page 102 of 376

A step in the right direction to avoid falls

Researchers at Ohio State University have gained insight into how the body moves when walking by watching people walk naturally on a treadmill. They discovered that tiny variations in pelvis movement and foot placement can predict future steps with high accuracy.

Big changes in the Sargasso Sea

Researchers found that animal communities in Sargassum rafts were significantly less diverse than those observed in the 1970s, with 13 species missing from recent samples. The study suggests that long-term shifts in ocean conditions may be contributing to the decline, but further research is needed to confirm this.

Eating five a day may keep the blues away

Fruit and vegetable consumption consistently associated with high and low mental wellbeing, suggesting potential role as driver of mental health in the general population. High mental wellbeing linked to healthier lifestyle habits, while low mental wellbeing strongly linked to mental illness and physical diseases.

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.

Moving to the 'burbs is bad for business

A Concordia University study found that businesses located furthest from market expansion have higher profits than those chasing customers. Retailers should analyze the market and secure good locations early on to maximize profits.

Water-quality trading can reduce river pollution

A new study by Duke University researchers suggests that water-quality trading programs can significantly lower costs of achieving Clean Water Act goals. By allowing polluters to buy, sell or trade credits, these programs can reduce pollution in river basins and estuaries faster and at a lower cost than requiring facilities to meet com...

Could suburban sprawl be good for segregation?

Researchers found that low-density neighborhoods are more likely to stay integrated, while high-density areas become segregated. The study uses a mathematical model to simulate the movement of families between neighborhoods and shows that cities can quickly become segregated once a certain density threshold is reached.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Researchers identify brain areas activated by itch-relieving drug

Researchers identify butorphanol's target areas in the brain responsible for relieving itch, shedding light on its effectiveness against histamine-mediated and nonhistaminergic types of itch. The study's findings suggest that opioid receptors play a crucial role in modulating itch transmission.

'Bendy' LEDs

A Korean research team has successfully grown gallium nitride micro-rods on graphene substrates, enabling the creation of bendable light-emitting diodes. The technology has significant implications for next-generation electronics and optoelectronics devices.

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.

Smart meters could cause conflict for housemates, study shows

A study by University of Nottingham researchers found that smart meters displaying individual and communal energy usage can lead to feelings of shame, anger, and guilt among housemates. This may result in increased conflict and negative emotions, particularly when one or more housemates are free-riding on others' energy usage.

New NIH/DOE grant for life science studies at NSLS-II

The new grant will operate three powerful experimental stations at NSLS-II, allowing researchers to study protein structures and biological processes in detail. The facilities will also enable the development of new technologies for addressing challenging biological questions.

EORTC presentations at ESMO 2014 Congress

The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) will showcase its latest cancer research findings at the ESMO 2014 Congress. The conference will feature various sessions, including a joint symposium on clinical trials and posters focused on immunotherapy and gastrointestinal tumors.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Infant cooing, babbling linked to hearing ability, MU researcher finds

Researchers found that infants with profound hearing loss who received cochlear implants reached vocalization levels of their hearing peers. This suggests that hearing is a critical aspect of motivation for making early sounds, and that auditory feedback plays a dynamic role in infant behavior.

Beating stress outdoors? Nature group walks may improve mental health

A large-scale study has found that group nature walks are linked with lower depression, less perceived stress, and enhanced mental health. Regular participants in the Walking for Health program experienced a mood boost after outdoor group walks, especially those who had recently experienced stressful life events.

Stop taking patients in cardiac arrest to hospital, says expert

A leading expert suggests that taking patients in cardiac arrest to hospital may be actively harmful and recommends empowering ambulance staff with skills to optimise CPR at the scene. This approach could save lives and reduce unnecessary transports, but experts acknowledge the complexity of applying guidelines in different regions.

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.

Does the belief in guardian angels make people more cautious?

A recent study published in SAGE Open found that individuals who believe in guardian angels tend to be less likely to take risks compared to non-believers. The researchers surveyed 198 participants and discovered that the majority of those who believe in guardian angels are more cautious when making decisions, with a higher risk percep...

Note to young men: Fat doesn't pay

Researchers analyzed data from Sweden, UK, and US, finding obese teen boys earn up to 18% less than peers. The study attributes the penalty to lower cognitive and non-cognitive skills linked to obesity, bullying, and discrimination. Targeting early-life obesity could reduce socio-economic inequalities.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Study finds gallbladder surgery can wait

Researchers found that patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy during normal working hours were more likely to receive minimally invasive procedures. The study also revealed no significant differences in complication rates or length of stay between day and night surgeries.

The mechanics of tissue growth

Carnegie Mellon researchers found that mechanical processes, not just chemical signaling, are essential for cell communication during tissue growth. The study used a microfluidic control system to analyze cellular mechanics and revealed that disabling these connections impairs cell communication.

Search for better biofuels microbes leads to the human gut

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that human gut microbes can digest fiber and ferment it into nutrients for human cells. The microbes appear to have enzymes that break down complex plant fiber components more efficiently than cow rumen microbes, which could aid in biofuels production.

Antifreeze proteins in Antarctic fish prevent both freezing and melting

Researchers discovered that antifreeze protein-bound ice crystals resist melting even when temperatures warm, leading to potential adverse physiological consequences for the fish. The study also found ice superheating in nature, a phenomenon where internal ice crystals fail to melt at their normal melting point.

Lack of sleep increases risk of failure in school

A Swedish study found that adolescents with sleep disturbance or short sleep duration are less likely to succeed academically. The research suggests that sleep may play a crucial role for adolescents' performance at school, with around 30% of participants reporting regular sleep problems.

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.

Nanotubes help healing hearts keep the beat

Researchers at Rice University created patches infused with conductive single-walled carbon nanotubes to overcome limitations in current patches, which hinder the transfer of electrical signals between cardiomyocytes. The patches can serve as full-thickness repairs without inducing abnormal cardiac rhythms.

Researchers reveal new rock formation in Colorado

A new rock formation, Tava sandstone, has been discovered in the Colorado Rockies, featuring an unusual relationship with older rocks. The formation is believed to have resulted from large earthquakes or other catastrophic events, and its age dates back to ~750 million years ago during the Cryogenian Period.

Patients accept false-positives to achieve diagnostic sensitivity

A study found that patients and healthcare professionals are willing to accept high rates of false-positives in cancer screening tests in exchange for increased diagnostic sensitivity. This means they are more likely to undergo unnecessary testing, such as radiologic or invasive follow-up tests, than accurate but inconclusive results.

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.

First drink to first drunk

A study found that early age of first drink and quick progression to intoxication are associated with high school student alcohol use and binge drinking. The research suggests that teenagers who start drinking at an early age tend to drink more heavily and engage in binge drinking.

Case Western Reserve University on track to become No. 1 synchrotron lab in world

The Case Center for Synchrotron Biosciences will assemble cutting-edge Nnew beamlines at Brookhaven National Laboratory, delivering ultra powerful x-rays to visualize nano-scale structures of molecules and proteins. The new facility will enable scientists to pinpoint disease-causing vulnerabilities and target therapeutic interventions.

NIH funds next phase of Tissue Chip for Drug Screening program

The National Institutes of Health will award $17 million to support the development of human tissue chip technology, which could revolutionize predicting drug failure or success. Integrating chips mimicking human organ functions into a full body system will enable real-time measurement of drug effects and improve biomedical research.

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.

Microplastic pollution discovered in St. Lawrence River sediments

Researchers found microplastics in nearly every sediment sample from the St. Lawrence River, with concentrations rivaling those in the world's most contaminated ocean sediments. The discovery raises concerns about the potential impact of microplastics on freshwater ecosystems.

Researchers develop new DNA sequencing method to diagnose tuberculosis

Researchers have developed a new DNA sequencing method that can detect and characterize the bacteria causing tuberculosis in a matter of days, without the need for time-consuming laboratory culture. The technique, known as metagenomics, uses high-throughput sequencing technologies to analyze DNA extracted from sputum samples.

Gene mutation discovered in blood disorder

A gene mutation in ACD has been linked to aplastic anemia by disrupting telomere function and protecting cells from DNA damage. Researchers hope this discovery will lead to new treatments for the disease.

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.

New analysis of human genetic history reveals female dominance

A new study using high-resolution Y chromosome sequencing has found that female populations have been larger throughout human history and remain so in most populations. The research suggests that processes like polygyny and women's tendency to move with their husbands contribute to females making a greater genetic contribution.

Immune system is key ally in cyberwar against cancer

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new two-step strategy for weakening cancer by harnessing the power of the immune system. The study found that alternating cycles of radiation or chemotherapy with immune-boosting treatments can alter the balance between cancer and the immune system, ultimately bringing the cancer to a wea...

Obesity and stress pack a double hit for health

A recent study by Brandeis University found that overweight individuals experience higher levels of stress-induced inflammation, which can contribute to chronic diseases. The researchers measured interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in normal-weight and overweight individuals during psychological stress tests.

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.

Good bowel cleansing is key for high-quality colonoscopy

The US Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer released new consensus guidelines highlighting the importance of good bowel cleansing for high-quality colonoscopy. The guidelines aim to reduce missed precancerous lesions and increase patient safety, with an 85% target for adequate cleansing rate.

Finding hints of gravitational waves in the stars

Researchers have found that stars that oscillate at the same frequency as gravitational waves can absorb energy from those waves and brighten temporarily. This effect could provide scientists with another method to indirectly detect gravitational waves.

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.

Old drug may be key to new antibiotics

A new class of antibiotics could be developed using the anticonvulsant drug lamotrigine, which inhibits bacterial ribosome assembly. Researchers at McMaster University discovered that lamotrigine stops ribosomes from being created in bacteria, a breakthrough in tackling antibiotic resistance.

News from Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet -- Sept. 23, 2014

The USPSTF recommends intensive behavioral counseling to reduce risky sexual behaviors among all sexually active adolescents and adults at risk for STIs. Chlamydia and gonorrhea screening is recommended for young women under 24 and older women at increased risk, including pregnant women.

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.

Brainwave test could improve autism diagnosis and classification

A new study suggests that measuring how fast the brain responds to sights and sounds can help classify people on the autism spectrum and diagnose the condition earlier. The study found a strong correlation between the speed of processing auditory signals and the severity of autistic symptoms.