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Science News Archive 2014


Page 109 of 376

NOAA team reveals forgotten ghost ships off Golden Gate

A NOAA research team has located the 1910 shipwreck SS Selja and an unidentified steam tugboat wreck near San Francisco's Golden Gate strait. The team also discovered the 1863 clipper ship Noonday, which was previously obscured by mud and silt.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

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.

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.

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.

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-...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

'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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.