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Science News Archive 2014 - Page 115


Page 115 of 376

The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology: 1 in 4 people with diabetes worldwide live in China, but a new approach could help transform their care

A collaborative registry and community support approach could improve diabetes care in China, where 12% of adults have diabetes and half are at risk of prediabetes. The disease is linked to cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and cancer unless effective national intervention prevents it.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateSep 10, 2014

Autism early detection program expands

A new grant-funded program seeks to expand a 5-year-old autism early detection model, which assesses toddlers for ASD around their first birthday. The program's goal is to reduce the mean age of ASD diagnosis in multiple cities across the U.S., with potential benefits for children's brain development.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateSep 10, 2014
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.

NASA sees a significant flare surge off the sun

A powerful solar flare was detected by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory on Sept. 10, 2014, peaking at X1.6 intensity. The flare disturbed the atmosphere in the layer where GPS and communications signals travel.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 10, 2014

NASA catches birth of Tropical Storm Odile

NASA's Aqua satellite detected Tropical Depression 15-E on September 10, which strengthened into Tropical Storm Odile shortly after. The storm is expected to create swells and rough surf along Mexico's southwestern coast over the next day or two.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 10, 2014

Working during depression can offer health benefits to employees

A collaborative study estimated long-term costs and health outcomes of depression-related absence compared to working employees with depression. Researchers found that continuing to work while experiencing a depressive illness may offer certain health benefits.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 10, 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.

New method to detect prize particle for future quantum computing

Researchers from the University of Surrey and Ben-Gurion University in Israel have developed a new method to detect the elusive Majorana particle, potentially leading to the creation of topological Q-Bits. This breakthrough could significantly enhance the power of quantum computers, breaking the barriers on scaling up computation.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 10, 2014

Pain tolerance levels between men and women are similar

Researchers found that men and women have similar pain tolerance levels, with resilience being the main determining factor. Patients who accept their chronic pain experience less anxiety, depression, and improved quality of life.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Pain·DateSep 10, 2014

Endometriosis a burden on women's lives

A Monash University study found that endometriosis often takes a long time to be diagnosed and impacts various areas of a woman's life. Common symptoms include painful menstruation, heavy menstrual bleeding, and infertility.

SourceMonash University·JournalJournal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care·DateSep 10, 2014
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

New study examines impact of violent media on the brain

A new study found that watching violent images causes different brain activity in people with and without aggressive traits. Participants with aggressive tendencies had less brain activity in the orbitofrontal cortex while watching violent movies, but increased blood pressure.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 10, 2014

ESA names winners of AFRI student travel grants

The Entomological Society of America has awarded ten graduate students with AFRI travel grants to attend Entomology 2014 in Portland, Oregon. The winners include Heather Connelly, Adam Dale, Carrie Deans, and Michael Garvey, who will receive funding for research opportunities, presentations, and networking.

SourceEntomological Society of America·DateSep 10, 2014

Teens' neural response to food commercials predicts future weight gain

Researchers at Oregon Research Institute found that watching junk food ads can activate reward regions in the brain of adolescents, leading to increased risk of weight gain. This study suggests that individual differences in neural vulnerability may identify youth at risk for excess weight gain.

SourceOregon Research Institute·JournalObesity·DateSep 10, 2014

Research identifies drivers of rich bird biodiversity in Neotropics

A new study reveals that tropical bird speciation is driven by movements of birds across physical barriers, contradicting the long-held view that it's linked to geological and climate changes. The research found most speciation occurred in the Pleistocene era, long after the origin of mountain ranges.

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

Healthcare workers wash hands more often when in presence of peers

A study found that healthcare workers' adherence to hand hygiene is improved when other workers are present, with a 7% higher rate of hand hygiene compliance. The results suggest the importance of social environment in healthcare settings and have implications for understanding disease spread within hospitals.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateSep 10, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers search for Venus-like planets

Researchers developed parameters to distinguish Venus-like planets from Earth-like ones based on distance from stars. The study identified 43 potential Venus-like planets with characteristics like size and orbit, but atmospheric conditions remain unknown.

SourcePenn State·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateSep 10, 2014

Non-dominant hand vital to the evolution of the thumb

The study found that the non-dominant hand played a vital role in shaping modern human hand morphology, particularly in stone tool production. The researchers discovered that the thumb on the non-dominant hand was stronger and more robust than the fingers, enabling early humans to securely manipulate stone cores.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalJournal of Human Evolution·DateSep 10, 2014

Sharks more abundant on healthy coral reefs

A study published in PLOS ONE found that sharks thrive in healthy coral reefs with no fishing zones. The research revealed a significant increase in shark abundance in non-fished areas of the Great Barrier Reef, emphasizing the importance of preserving coral health for shark conservation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 10, 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.

Penn research shows how brain can tell magnitude of errors

Researchers at University of Pennsylvania showed how brain distinguishes between errors of different magnitudes, critical for fine-tuning motor control. They found that longer air puffs corresponded to more climbing fibers sending signals to Purkinje cells, allowing the brain to learn and adapt.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·DateSep 10, 2014

Molecular self-assembly controls graphene-edge configuration

A research team at AIMR has developed a new bottom-up fabrication method that produces defect-free graphene nanoribbons with periodic zigzag-edge regions. The method controls GNR growth direction and length distribution, enabling the potential for self-assembling single graphene devices at desired locations.

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalACS Nano·DateSep 10, 2014

MARC travel awards announced for: 2014 SACNAS National Conference

The FASEB MARC Program has announced the winners of its 10 travel awards, totaling $18,500, to promote diversity in biomedical research. The recipients include students and postdoctorates from underrepresented groups, recognized for their participation at the SACNAS National Conference.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·DateSep 10, 2014

'Fat shaming' doesn't encourage weight loss

A study of 2,944 UK adults found that those who experienced weight discrimination gained more weight than those who did not, on average gaining 0.95kg while those without discrimination lost 0.71kg over four years. This contradicts the common perception that fat shaming might encourage weight loss.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalObesity·DateSep 10, 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.

A Mexican plant could lend the perfume industry more green credibility

A Mexican plant-based fixative alternative to expensive ambergris could significantly reduce the environmental impact of perfumery. Researchers found that producing this new fixative could generate $20 million in local profits and create hundreds of jobs, while minimizing its environmental cost through renewable energy use.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateSep 10, 2014

A new way to look at diabetes and heart risk

Researchers have discovered a six-fold higher risk of developing heart failure among people with diabetes who appear healthy. A highly sensitive test found elevated troponin levels indicating microscopic heart muscle damage, unrelated to high cholesterol.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalCirculation·DateSep 10, 2014

Unnecessary antibiotic use responsible for $163 million in potentially avoidable hospital costs

Research finds 70% of potential unnecessary therapies represented by three specific drug combinations used to treat anaerobic infections. This overuse can contribute to antimicrobial resistance and increase healthcare costs. The study highlights the need for hospitals to improve their antimicrobial usage efforts.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateSep 10, 2014

Sandia cyber-testing contributes to DHS Transition to Practice

The Transition to Practice program assists in bridging the gap between laboratory and practical cybersecurity technologies. The program uses testing and evaluation methods, such as dynamic testing of executable files, red-teaming, and implementation cost analysis, to help move research discoveries into practical use.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·DateSep 10, 2014
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.

Advanced light source sets microscopy record

Researchers at Berkeley Lab set a new record for X-ray microscopy, achieving resolutions of five nanometers using soft X-rays and ptychography. This breakthrough enables the visualization of chemical phase transformations and mechanical consequences at the nanoscale.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Photonics·DateSep 10, 2014

Seismic gap may be filled by an earthquake near Istanbul

Researchers from MIT and Turkey analyzed 20 years of GPS data to predict a major earthquake near Istanbul. The analysis suggests that the next large earthquake will occur along a seismic gap beneath the Sea of Marmara, west of Istanbul.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 10, 2014

Monitoring the response of bone metastases to treatment using MRI and PET

Recent EORTC Imaging Group review highlights MRI and PET's potential for early detection of bone metastases and monitoring treatment response. The study emphasizes the need to overcome current limitations, such as those related to imaging techniques' sensitivity and specificity.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·JournalEuropean Journal of Cancer·DateSep 10, 2014

ASU astrophysicists to probe how early universe made chemical elements

A team of researchers from Arizona State University and other institutions will develop computer models of stars to simulate the process of element creation. The project aims to understand the formation of heavier elements in the early universe, shedding light on the universe's evolution and diversity.

SourceArizona State University·DateSep 10, 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.

Ancient swamp creature had lips like Mick Jagger

Scientists have named an extinct swamp-dwelling creature after Mick Jagger due to its oversized lips. The Jaggermeryx naida fossils, found in Egypt's desert, belonged to a family of ancient hoofed animals called anthracotheres.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Paleontology·DateSep 10, 2014

ESA announces winners of 2014 Monsanto Student Grant winners

The Entomological Society of America has announced the winners of the 2014 Monsanto Research Grant Awards and Student Travel Awards. Flor Edith Acevedo, Carrie Deans, and Zachary DeVries are among the recipients, recognized for their research projects on insect-plant interactions.

SourceEntomological Society of America·DateSep 10, 2014

Study examines vitiligo, alopecia areata and chronic graft vs. host disease

A study of 282 patients with chronic graft-vs-host disease found a link between female donors and the development of vitiligo and alopecia areata. The study identified risk factors, including sex mismatch and certain antibodies, which may lead to better understanding of autoimmune manifestations in this condition.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateSep 10, 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.

Small weight gain can raise blood pressure in healthy adults

A recent study by American Heart Association found that small weight gain of five to 11 pounds can increase blood pressure, particularly abdominal visceral fat. This discovery suggests that even healthy individuals who experience a slight weight gain may be at risk for higher blood pressure.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateSep 10, 2014

Missing piece found to help solve concussion puzzle

Researchers developed a new test to assess vestibular ocular system, which is predictive of longer outcomes from sports-related concussions. The Vestibular/Ocular Motor Screening (VOMS) was shown to be 90% accurate in identifying patients with concussion, providing a more comprehensive assessment.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·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.

Living liver donors ambivalent with donation

A new study found that living liver donor candidates often experience ambivalence regarding donation, which is linked to physical, psychosocial, and financial concerns. Providing social support can help mitigate these concerns and reduce ambivalence among living liver donors.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateSep 10, 2014

Is spooning really the best position for men with back pain?

A new study using motion capture technology recommends alternative sexual positions for men with low back pain, finding 'quadruped' and 'missionary' positions to be less straining than previously thought. The study aims to provide a scientific basis for individualized recommendations on sexual activity for men with back pain.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalSpine·DateSep 10, 2014

New study shows impact of movies on dog breed popularity

A new study from the University of Bristol and partners found that movies featuring dogs can increase breed popularity by up to 10 years, with the strongest influence in the early twentieth century. The research analyzed data from the American Kennel Club and found a correlation between movie viewership and breed registration trends.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 10, 2014

Study: Role of emergency contact is mistaken for advance directive

A new study by Henry Ford Hospital found that over 95% of patients treated in an Emergency Department incorrectly assume their emergency contact is their designated medical decision maker for end-of-life care. This misunderstanding can lead to invasive treatments and unnecessary suffering. The study emphasizes the importance of educati...

SourceHenry Ford Health·DateSep 10, 2014

Gibbon genome and the fast karyotype evolution of small apes

The gibbon genome study provides new insights into the biology and evolutionary history of this family of apes. Factors contributing to gibbon diversity and adaptability are reported, highlighting the dynamic evolution of mobile elements in primate genomes.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalNature·DateSep 10, 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.

'Green wave' explains migratory bird routes

New research reveals that many North American bird species use looped migration routes, following the flush of green vegetation in spring and avoiding harsher winter conditions. By analyzing large datasets from eBird and satellite imagery, scientists have uncovered a general pattern common to many species.

SourceCornell University·DateSep 10, 2014

Smartphones may aid in dietary self-monitoring

A recent study found that smartphone apps can help users track their dietary data more consistently and accurately than traditional methods. The research used a commercially available app, recording dietary intake using the memo function of smartphones, and paper and pencil for comparison.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateSep 10, 2014

Excitonic dark states shed light on TMDC atomic layers

Researchers discovered excitonic dark states in single-layer tungsten disulfide monolayers, revealing intense many-electron effects in 2D semiconductors. This finding holds promise for exploiting unusual light-matter interactions and enabling better designs of heterostructures.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateSep 10, 2014
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.

2014 Entomology Awards from the Entomological Society of America

The 2014 ESA awards honored Dr. John C. Palumbo for his translational research and outreach program, providing innovative insect management solutions in desert vegetable crops. Dr. Peter C. Ellsworth received the Award for Excellence in Integrated Pest Management for his work on IPM science-based solutions and cotton agroecosystem rese...

SourceEntomological Society of America·DateSep 10, 2014

Ocean warming affecting Florida reefs

Researchers found that water temperatures in the Florida Keys have increased by nearly 2 degrees Fahrenheit over the past few decades, stressing corals and causing more frequent bleaching events. The study indicates that August is the peak month for ocean temperatures, which can lead to coral mortality if prolonged.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalEstuaries and Coasts·DateSep 10, 2014

NASA tracks Norbert moisture to Arizona's drenching thunderstorms

Post-tropical storm Norbert generated drenching thunderstorms over Arizona, with TRMM satellite data showing rainfall rates of over 2 inches per hour. The moisture from Norbert caused flooding over inland areas of southern California and led to a state of emergency in Arizona.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 10, 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.

Halving the risk of preterm birth for some twin pregnancies

A new study has discovered that progestogen hormones can significantly reduce the risk of preterm birth for a specific group of high-risk twin pregnancies. Women with short cervices who are pregnant with twins saw a 50% decrease in preterm birth, highlighting a potential game-changer in obstetric care.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalBritish Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology·DateSep 10, 2014

'Electronic skin' could improve early breast cancer detection

Researchers have developed an electronic skin device that can detect and image small lumps in the breast, allowing for earlier identification of breast cancer. The device has been tested on a silicone breast model and shown to be highly accurate, with a potential survival rate increase of over 94%.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateSep 10, 2014

Cyberbullying increases as students age

A recent study published in School Psychology Quarterly found that cyberbullying increases with age, especially during transitions from elementary to middle school. The research highlights the importance of targeted interventions to address gender- and culturally sensitive bullying prevention strategies.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalSchool Psychology Quarterly·DateSep 10, 2014