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Science News Archive 2014


Page 114 of 376

Some male scientists willing to forsake careers for family

A study by Penn State researchers found that one-third of men in academic science are willing to reduce their career intensity to focus on family. The majority of men studied desired more involvement at home but faced challenges balancing work and family life due to long hours and intense devotion to their field.

How bacteria battle fluoride

Recent studies have uncovered the mechanisms that allow bacteria to battle fluoride toxicity. Researchers found that bacteria use two types of proteins, fluoride/hydrogen antiporters and passive channels like Fluc, to rid themselves of unwanted fluoride. This knowledge could lead to new treatments for harmful bacterial diseases.

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.

Inflammation may be key to diabetes/heart disease link

Researchers found that excess glucose enters cells via inflammatory pathways, sparking escalating inflammation and damaging blood vessels. Lifestyle changes like exercise and weight reduction can reduce both blood sugar and inflammation.

Dartmouth research links genetic mutation and melanoma progression

Researchers at Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine have found that the genetic mutation BRAFV600E promotes melanoma tumor growth by modifying normal cells around the tumor. Targeting this mutation with Vemurafenib reduces aggressive growth and suggests new treatment options for melanoma therapy.

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.

Volunteer 'eyes on the skies' track peregrine falcon recovery in California

A new report confirms the American peregrine falcons' recovery trajectory is within predicted trends, with volunteer-generated data supporting population viability analysis. The study highlights the importance of considering geographic group health and behavior for threatened species, such as sea turtles and grizzlies.

Tipping the balance of behavior

Researchers at Caltech have discovered a seesaw-like circuit in the mouse amygdala that controls whether animals engage in social or repetitive asocial behaviors. The discovery, led by Weizhe Hong, may have implications for understanding neural circuit dysfunctions underlying autism in humans.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Commensal bacteria help orchestrate immune response in lung

Research in mice demonstrates that commensal bacteria enhance the immune system's ability to kill Klebsiella pneumoniae by boosting alveolar macrophage production of reactive oxygen molecules. The study suggests that signals from these beneficial bacteria play an active role in regulating immune function, even in the absence of infection.

Ceramics don't have to be brittle

Caltech materials scientist Julia Greer and her colleagues have developed a method to create ceramics with unusual properties, such as being strong, lightweight, and nonbreakable. The researchers used direct laser writing to produce three-dimensional nanolattices that can recover their original shape after deformation.

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.

Favoritism linked to drug use in 'disengaged' families

A recent study published in Journal of Family Psychology found that favoritism in parenting is strongly associated with alcohol, cigarette, and drug use among teenage children in disengaged families. Children who perceive themselves as less favored are more likely to engage in substance abuse.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Sometimes, adolescents just can't resist

A University of Iowa study found that teenagers' brains are more sensitive to immediate rewards, leading to impulsive behavior. The researchers suggest limiting distractions to help teens develop impulse-control skills.

Childhood mentors have positive impact on career success

A new study from North Carolina State University found that childhood mentors have a lasting positive impact on career success. Mentees with mentors were more likely to find work early in their careers with greater intrinsic job rewards, such as authority and autonomy. These characteristics are associated with long-term career success.

Scientists report first semiaquatic dinosaur, Spinosaurus

The Spinosaurus, a massive Cretaceous-era predator, was found to have developed various aquatic adaptations, including small nostrils and giant teeth suited for catching fish. These findings indicate that Spinosaurus was the largest known predatory dinosaur, measuring over 9 feet longer than Tyrannosaurus rex.

UM research reveals secrets of animal weapons

Researchers at the University of Montana discovered each species' weapon is structurally adapted to its own functional demands of fighting. Horns are found to be stronger and stiffer when exposed to species-typical fighting styles, suggesting performance in battle played a crucial role in their diversification.

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.

Two new species of carabid beetles found in Ethiopia

Scientists have discovered two new species of carabid beetles in the Ethiopian Highlands, Calathus juan and Calathus carballalae. These beetle species were found at high elevations and were named after their collaboration partners. The study was published in Annals of the Entomological Society of America.

Scientists discover neurochemical imbalance in schizophrenia

Researchers found that neurons from schizophrenia patients secrete higher amounts of dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. This discovery offers a new insight into the chemical basis of schizophrenia, potentially leading to new drug targets and therapies.

Microbes evolve faster than ocean can disperse them

A team of researchers used a neutral evolution model to simulate the distribution of marine bacteria cells. They found that microbes evolve faster than the ocean can disperse them, resulting in dynamic biogeographic patterns. This study sheds light on how ocean microbes may respond to global climate change.

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.

Gut microbes determine how well the flu vaccine works

A new study reveals that gut microbes play a vital role in stimulating protective immune responses to the seasonal flu vaccine. Researchers found that mice with altered gut microbiota showed reduced antibody responses to vaccination, highlighting the importance of gut microbes in vaccine efficacy.

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.

The quantum revolution is a step closer

Researchers have discovered a new way to run a quantum algorithm that could solve problems classically impossible, using simpler methods than previously thought. This breakthrough has increased the likelihood of demonstrating a quantum device beating a classical computer, which would be a major milestone.

You can classify words in your sleep

Researchers found that parts of the brain continue to make word classifications even while asleep. This ability may help explain everyday experiences like being sensitive to one's name or alarm clock sounds during sleep. The study also suggests unconscious processing isn't limited by task complexity but rather by automation.

Cutting the cord on soft robots

Engineers at Harvard University have created an untethered soft robot, measuring over half a meter in length, which can carry up to 7.5 pounds on its back. The robot, designed using composite silicone rubber and Kevlar fabric, has withstood extreme conditions such as snow, water, flames, and being run over by a car.

NASA research gives guideline for future alien life search

Simulations by NASA researchers found that atmospheric gases like ozone, oxygen, and methane can be produced non-biologically, challenging the detection of life. However, combinations of these gases remain strong biosignatures, suggesting their presence is likely linked to biological activity.

Researchers make scientific history with new cellular connection

Scientists have discovered a unique biochemical connection between cell membranes and mitochondria, regulating cellular energy production. This finding has implications for understanding diseases linked to mitochondrial dysfunction, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.

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.

'Hot Jupiters' provoke their own host suns to wobble

Researchers found that hot Jupiters, large gas giants outside our solar system, can make their suns wobble due to gravitational influence. This phenomenon leads to chaotic spin-axis changes in the star, similar to weather and climate patterns.

Meditation may mitigate migraine misery

A pilot study found that mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) significantly reduced headache duration and disability in adults with migraines. MBSR participants also experienced increased mindfulness and self-efficacy, leading researchers to conclude that the intervention is a safe and feasible therapy for migraine sufferers.

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.

VALUE study reports on accreditation status

The VALUE study reveals that only 13% of vascular testing facilities are IAC accredited, with significant regional variations in utilization. The study also highlights the importance of IAC accreditation in setting practice standards and ensuring quality performance.

Ebola paper demonstrates disease transmission rate

Researchers analyzed case counts to find consistent high transmission rates, with Liberia and Sierra Leone reporting one to two new cases for every existing case. The study suggests that controlling the epidemic could be achieved by preventing more than half of secondary transmissions.

Compound protects brain cells after traumatic brain injury

A new class of compounds has been shown to protect brain cells from damage caused by blast-mediated TBI. The compounds, called P7C3 series, block axon damage and preserve normal brain function, even when treatment is delayed until 24-36 hours after injury.

LSU scientists lead research on speciation in the tropics

Researchers find that geographic isolation is more often due to bird movements across physical barriers, suggesting a generalizable explanation for speciation initiation. The study also highlights the importance of prolonged landscape stability and human alterations in killing the speciation process.

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.

New genetic targets discovered in fight against muscle-wasting disease

Scientists have pinpointed two new genetic target genes SUN1 and SUN2 that may lead to developing new treatments for Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy, a devastating condition causing muscle wasting and stiffening. The discovery opens up new possibilities for patients with the disease, who currently have no effective treatment options.

A non-toxic strategy to treat leukemia

A study by Harvard University scientists has identified a non-toxic way to target leukemia cells' metabolism without harming normal cells. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for leukemia patients.

Mysterious quasar sequence explained

New research from Carnegie Institution solves a 20-year puzzle in quasar research by demonstrating that the Eddington ratio is the driving force behind the main sequence of quasars. The study also reveals the importance of an astronomer's line-of-sight orientation in observing fast-moving gas innermost to the black hole.

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.

Association between sunshine and suicide examined in study

A study found that daily sunshine hours before a suicide event were associated with reduced rates of suicide among women, while men showed an opposite correlation. The researchers also noted that long-term exposure to sunshine was linked to lower suicide rates in Austria between 1970 and 2010.

Racing ahead of disease outbreaks: $12 million in new research grants

The US National Science Foundation, NIH, and USDA have awarded over $12 million in new research grants to study the ecological and biological mechanisms behind human-induced environmental changes and infectious diseases. Researchers will investigate topics such as landscape structure on disease dynamics and host vaccinations' impact on...

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.

Researchers watch lipid molecules in motion

Researchers have developed an X-ray stroboscope to study the movement of lipid molecules, revealing their dynamic properties and behavior. The technique allows for high-resolution imaging of molecular structure and dynamics, shedding light on the biology of cell membranes.

US cityscapes show consistent patterns of 'urban evolution'

A series of studies published in Biogeochemistry found that US cityscapes exhibit consistent patterns of urban evolution, shaped by human activities and ecosystem changes. These patterns can result in rapid losses or gains of ecosystem functions, depending on how cities are managed.

Researchers discover 3 extinct squirrel-like species

The discovery of three new extinct squirrel-like species confirms that mammals originated at least 208 million years ago in the late Triassic period. The findings support earlier research suggesting a common ancestor for mammals existed during this time, and provide new insights into ancient mammalian evolution.