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Science News Archive 2014 - Page 114


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.

SourcePenn State·JournalWork and Occupations·DateSep 11, 2014

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.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of General Physiology·DateSep 11, 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.

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.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateSep 11, 2014

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.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateSep 11, 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.

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.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalEcological Applications·DateSep 11, 2014

Penn medicine study reveals profile of patients most likely to delay hospice enrollment

A new Penn Medicine study reveals that certain patient characteristics, such as being male, married, and younger than 65, may be associated with shorter hospice stays. The study also found that patients with blood cancers and Medicaid or uninsured status tend to enroll in hospice earlier in their illness

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateSep 11, 2014

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.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalCell·DateSep 11, 2014
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.

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.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalInfection and Immunity·DateSep 11, 2014

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.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateSep 11, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The Lancet: Combining gut hormone with insulin proves more effective at controlling type 2 diabetes than other common treatments

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that combining basal insulin with a GLP-1 agonist resulted in improved blood sugar control, similar rates of hypoglycaemia, and greater weight loss compared to other anti-diabetic treatments. This combination therapy showed a 92% greater likelihood of achieving target blood sugar control.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 11, 2014

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.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·DateSep 11, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalPsychological Science·DateSep 11, 2014

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.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Community Psychology·DateSep 11, 2014

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.

SourceNational Geographic Society·JournalScience·DateSep 11, 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.

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.

SourceThe University of Montana·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 11, 2014

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.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalAnnals of the Entomological Society of America·DateSep 11, 2014

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.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateSep 11, 2014

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.

SourceNortheastern University·JournalScience·DateSep 11, 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.

Original northern border of Illinois was south of Chicago and Lake Michigan

The original northern boundary of Illinois was south of Chicago and Lake Michigan due to a proposed straight line from the southernmost tip of Lake Michigan to the Rock and Mississippi River confluence. This would have resulted in a smaller population and footprint for Illinois if it had been approved.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Earth Science and Engineering·DateSep 11, 2014

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.

SourceCell Press·JournalImmunity·DateSep 11, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 11, 2014

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.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 11, 2014

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.

SourceHarvard University·JournalSoft Robotics·DateSep 11, 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.

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 11, 2014

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.

SourceLunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute·JournalCell·DateSep 11, 2014

'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.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateSep 11, 2014

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.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·DateSep 11, 2014
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.

Penn Medicine bioethicists call for greater first-world response to Ebola outbreak

Penn Medicine bioethicists emphasize the duty to provide humanitarian assistance, global justice, and ethical requirements to combat the Ebola outbreak. The experts also discuss the importance of randomized clinical trials in advancing research and ensuring fair benefits for communities affected by the disease.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateSep 11, 2014

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.

SourceSAGE·JournalVascular Medicine·DateSep 11, 2014

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.

SourceArizona State University·JournalEurosurveillance·DateSep 11, 2014

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.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalCell Reports·DateSep 11, 2014

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.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalNature·DateSep 11, 2014
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

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.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateSep 11, 2014

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.

SourceHarvard University·JournalCell·DateSep 11, 2014

Chemical signals in the brain help guide risky decisions

Research from University of British Columbia suggests dopamine plays a key role in guiding risky decisions. The study found that altering dopamine signals can impact decision-making, leading to more or less conservative choices.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNeuron·DateSep 11, 2014

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.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature·DateSep 10, 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.

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateSep 10, 2014

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...

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateSep 10, 2014

Even small stressors may be harmful to men's health, new OSU research shows

Research from Oregon State University found that both everyday hassles and significant life events are harmful to men's health. Men who experience several stressful life events do not necessarily have high levels of stress from everyday hassles, suggesting a person's reaction to stress is key.

SourceOregon State University·JournalExperimental Gerontology·DateSep 10, 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.

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.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 10, 2014

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.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalBiogeochemistry·DateSep 10, 2014

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.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalNature·DateSep 10, 2014