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Science News Archive 2014 - Page 109


Page 109 of 376

How learning to talk is in the genes

Researchers discovered a genetic link between changes near the ROBO2 gene and the number of words spoken by children in early stages of language development. The study found significant association between genetic variations and expressive vocabulary in infancy, suggesting a strong role for genetics in early language skills.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 16, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Sam Houston State study examines use of GIS in policing

A Sam Houston State University study examines the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in policing, identifying key uses and limitations. The review found that while GIS is widely used for crime mapping and profiling, there is a lack of independent evaluations on its effectiveness in curbing crime.

SourceSam Houston State University·JournalInternational Journal of Applied Geospatial Research·DateSep 16, 2014

36 Pit Fire in Oregon

The 36 Pit Fire in Oregon began on September 13, 2014 and is still under investigation. Firefighters have made progress in establishing an anchor point and constructing a fireline on the West and North sides of the fire.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 16, 2014

Combination therapy for COPD associated with better outcomes

A study found that combination therapy with long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs) and inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) is associated with a lower risk of death or COPD hospitalization among older adults with COPD, particularly those with asthma. The therapy also showed promise for patients without asthma.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateSep 16, 2014
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.

A novel therapy for sepsis?

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have found that PTX3, a protein involved in innate immunity, can reduce mortality from sepsis by protecting endothelial cells from damage. The study's findings suggest that PTX3 may be used to develop a novel therapy for sepsis.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScience Signaling·DateSep 16, 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.

Good networkers make prime targets

Pathogens specifically target highly networked proteins with multiple functions to weaken their host. The plant model Arabidopsis thaliana shows that different pathogens attack the same proteins, suggesting a convergent targeting strategy.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateSep 16, 2014

Pairing social networks with social motives to close the science gap

Researchers are using social networks to spread messages about public health knowledge, aiming to close the gap between scientific discoveries and practical applications. A study combining social networks with knowledge about social motives is exploring how to craft effective messages for influential individuals.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 16, 2014

Sharks' skin has teeth in the fight against hospital superbugs

Researchers have developed a surface micropattern called Sharklet that mimics shark skin's natural texture, reducing bacterial contamination by up to 94% compared to smooth surfaces. This technology could potentially curb the spread of MRSA and MSSA in hospital settings.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalAntimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control·DateSep 16, 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.

Meteorite that doomed dinosaurs remade forests

A study of fossilized leaves reveals that the meteorite impact that ended the dinosaurs' reign favored fast-growing, deciduous plants. This shift from slow-growing evergreens to fast-growing species indicates that the extinction was not random, but rather a response to the major disturbance caused by the impact.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 16, 2014

Exxon Valdez 2014: Does media coverage of manmade disasters contribute to consumer complacency?

A new study reveals that news coverage of environmental disasters like the Exxon Valdez 2014 oil spill calms consumer anxieties instead of driving change. The media coverage creates a 'disaster myth' that directs attention to the company responsible, providing a dramatic closure, and distracting from systemic risks.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateSep 16, 2014

Single fraction RT as effective as multiple fraction RT for bone metastases

A study found that single fraction radiation therapy (SFRT) is equally effective as multiple fraction radiation therapy (MFRT) in improving patients' pain, function, and quality of life, including for those with excluded characteristics. The results support the generalizability of prior randomized controlled trials to real-world practice.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·DateSep 16, 2014

Tornadoes occurring earlier in 'Tornado Alley'

A new study reveals peak tornado activity in the central and southern Great Plains of the US is starting and ending earlier than it did half a century ago. The shift in tornado activity could help states in 'Tornado Alley' better prepare for these violent storms, with some states experiencing an average shift of 14 days compared to 1954.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 16, 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.

Counting fish teeth reveals regulatory DNA changes behind rapid evolution, adaptation

Scientists have discovered that a single genetic change in the Bmp6 gene is associated with an increase in tooth number in freshwater sticklebacks, which can lead to cleft palate deformities. The study suggests that regulating this gene may hold the key to replacing human teeth and improving tooth formation.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 16, 2014

Study identifies when and how much various prostate cancer treatments will impact urinary and sexual functioning

Researchers analyzed data from over 17,000 surveys to track changes in urinary and sexual symptoms following various prostate cancer treatments. The study found that certain treatments, such as surgery and low-dose rate brachytherapy (LDR), may cause temporary increases in symptoms, while others, like intensity modulated radiation ther...

SourceFox Chase Cancer Center·DateSep 16, 2014

Waistlines of US adults continue to increase

The prevalence of abdominal obesity and average waist circumference increased significantly among US adults between 1999-2012. The overall age-adjusted average waist circumference rose by 1.2 inches in men and 1.5 inches in women, with significant increases seen across different racial groups.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateSep 16, 2014
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.

And so they beat on, flagella against the cantilever

Scientists at Boston University and Stanford University School of Medicine attach E. coli colonies to a microcantilever, allowing real-time monitoring of bacterial motion and communication patterns. The new system enables rapid assessment of antibiotic susceptibility and potential applications in cancer drug development.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateSep 16, 2014

Results of IVUS-CTO trial reported at TCT 2014

A randomized trial found that IVUS-guidance significantly improved 12-month clinical outcomes after new-generation drug-eluting stent implantation, compared to conventional angiography-guided CTO intervention. The IVUS-CTO study showed lower rates of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and target-vessel revascularization in the IVUS-...

SourceCardiovascular Research Foundation·DateSep 16, 2014

Making quantum dots glow brighter

Researchers have discovered a way to control the properties of quantum dots by using ultrathin layers of metal oxides. This new approach makes quantum dots glow brighter and enhances their emission efficiency, which is crucial for applications such as sensors, light-emitting diodes, and solar cells.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateSep 16, 2014
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.

Select group of stage IV lung cancer patients achieve long-term survival after aggressive treatments

A meta-analysis of 757 Stage IV NSCLC patients found that factors such as timing of metastases and lymph node involvement impact overall survival. The study identified three risk groups with different five-year OS rates, and highlighted the importance of identifying patients who are most likely to benefit from aggressive treatments.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·DateSep 16, 2014

Artworks are people!

A new study suggests that artworks are perceived as an extension of the creator, with original pieces valued more highly than copies. The researchers propose a concept called 'magical contagion,' where the artist's physical presence imbues the work with their essence.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Booth School of Business·JournalTopics in Cognitive Science·DateSep 16, 2014

Prostate cancer patients who receive hypofractionated RT report consistent QoL

A phase I/II trial of hypofractionated radiation therapy found that prostate cancer patients reported similar quality of life, bladder and bowel function before and after treatment. The study's results also indicated that different regimens of hypofractionated RT produced similar outcomes in terms of patient-reported quality of life.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·DateSep 16, 2014

New gene research helps pinpoint prostate cancer risk

A global study of 80,000 men with prostate cancer has identified another 23 prostate cancer risk loci, bringing the total to 100 genetic regions associated with the disease. The study found that these genetic variants explain 33% of familial risk and can be used to predict aggressive form of prostate cancer.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalNature Genetics·DateSep 16, 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.

UCI team is first to capture motion of single molecule in real time

Researchers from UCI capture moving images of a single molecule as it vibrates and shifts between quantum states, opening a window into the realm of quantum mechanics. This breakthrough could lead to applications such as lightning-fast quantum computers and uncrackable encryption.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNature Photonics·DateSep 16, 2014

NASA's HS3 mission covers transition of Hurricane Cristobal

The HS3 mission gathered data on Hurricane Cristobal as it became an extra-tropical storm, revealing strong winds and dry air moving eastward across the western side of the storm. The data showed a shift in the strongest winds outward from the center compared to earlier stages in the storm's lifecycle.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 16, 2014

Slimy fish and the origins of brain development

Researchers studied lamprey embryology to understand the evolutionary origins of modern vertebrates. They discovered that Hox genes play a crucial role in hindbrain segmentation, which is conserved across vertebrates.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateSep 16, 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.

'Smart material' chin strap harvests energy from chewing

Researchers have created a smart material-based chin strap that generates electricity from chewing, eating and talking, with potential to power hearing aids, cochlear implants and other small electronic devices. The device harnesses piezoelectric fiber composites to convert mechanical stress into electric charge.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalSmart Materials and Structures·DateSep 16, 2014
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.

Evidence of genetic link to PTSD in soldiers exposed to childhood trauma

Researchers at Columbia University and the University of Michigan found an interaction between the ADRB2 gene and childhood adversity in a study of Ohio National Guard soldiers. The study suggests that genetic variations can influence PTSD symptoms, particularly in individuals with two or more experiences of childhood trauma.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateSep 16, 2014

Do ads showing sexy women make male consumers less charitable?

A recent study found that men who viewed images of sexy women felt less connected to others and were less likely to make charitable contributions. Exposure to such images temporarily decreased male consumers' sense of psychological connectedness with others, making them less receptive to ads promoting social benefits.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateSep 16, 2014

Do wearable lifestyle activity monitors really work?

Researchers analyze 13 wearable activity monitors to determine their effectiveness in promoting healthy behaviors. While many apps are in line with health community recommendations, some lack key features such as action planning and problem-solving tools.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateSep 16, 2014

Scientists twist radio beams to send data

Researchers at USC have developed a technique to twist radio beams and transmit data at high speeds of 32 gigabits per second. This method outperforms traditional optical systems and could enable ultra-high-speed links for next-generation cellular systems.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 16, 2014
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.

Study compares effectiveness of treatments for blood clots

A network meta-analysis of nearly 50 randomized trials compared the efficacy and safety outcomes of eight anticoagulation options for venous thromboembolism. Rivaroxaban and apixaban were associated with the lowest bleeding risk, while UFH-vitamin K antagonist combination was linked to higher recurrent venous thromboembolism rates.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateSep 16, 2014

Camera developed at WUSTL sheds light on mate choice of swordtail fish

Female northern swordtail fish are attracted to specific patterns visible in polarized light, increasing mating chances for males with higher polarization. The camera developed by Viktor Gruev captures real-time polarization properties of light, revealing new insights into vertebrate behavior.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 16, 2014
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.

Results of OCT STEMI trial reported at TCT 2014

A new randomized trial demonstrated that optical coherence tomography (OCT) guidance during stent implantation in primary PCI for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) improves patient outcomes. The OCT STEMI trial found lower area stenosis and fewer uncovered struts after nine months, indicating better long-term results.

SourceCardiovascular Research Foundation·DateSep 16, 2014

Unraveling cell division

Researchers have found that Topo 2, an essential enzyme for chromosome separation, needs more time to untangle long chromosomes, which can lead to mutations and cancer. The study suggests that chromosome length affects the enzyme's action and highlights the importance of understanding cell division.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateSep 16, 2014

Contaminated water in 2 states linked to faulty shale gas wells

A study by researchers from five universities found that contamination in drinking water wells in Pennsylvania and Texas stems from well-integrity problems such as poor casing and cementing. The analysis used noble gas and hydrocarbon tracers to identify the source of fugitive methane and determine if it is natural or not.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 15, 2014

New drug target could prevent major global cause of maternal death

Researchers have identified a novel drug target, Kir7.1, that induces acute and sustained uterine contractions to treat postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), a major global cause of maternal mortality. The treatment bypasses biochemical pathways exhausted during prolonged labour, promising effective treatment at low doses.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalMolecular Medicine·DateSep 15, 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.