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Science News Archive 2014 - Page 123


Page 123 of 376

Live from inside a battery

Lithium-ion battery researchers observed the phenomenon of 'lithium plating' during charging, which can cause short-circuits and reduce battery performance. The study used neutron diffraction to investigate the mechanism at work, shedding light on how lithium plating occurs and potentially paving the way for faster-charging batteries.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of Power Sources·DateSep 3, 2014

Is type 2 diabetes 'diabetes' as currently understood?

A new study published in PLOS ONE suggests that the current way of diagnosing type-2 diabetes using blood glucose levels needs to be revised. The researchers found changes in blood fat metabolites before glucose levels increased, indicating a potential alternative approach for diagnosis and treatment.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 3, 2014

The Aboriginal world and the challenges of living together

A seven-year research partnership aims to improve socioeconomic conditions for Aboriginal Peoples through greater involvement in education, health care, and sustainable development. The project also explores Aboriginal civil society, governance, and relations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·DateSep 3, 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.

IU researchers isolate process that damages lungs of donors with traumatic brain injury

Researchers at Indiana University have isolated a process that damages the lungs of donors who suffered from traumatic brain injury, which may lead to improved lung transplant outcomes. The study found that fluid accumulation in the lungs occurs within hours after head trauma, limiting oxygenation and reducing lung function by nearly 80%.

SourceIndiana University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 3, 2014

Wind energy cuts the electricity bill

A study by the University of the Basque Country found that wind energy produced savings of between 25 and 45 euros per megawatt hour in the early stages of renewable energy integration. However, as the penetration of renewable energy grew exponentially from 2010 onwards, the regulatory costs rose excessively, imposing a positive net co...

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalEnergy Policy·DateSep 3, 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.

Estrogen increases cannabis sensitivity

A new study from Washington State University found that estrogen levels significantly increase tolerance to THC in female rats, making them more vulnerable to negative side effects. The research suggests that women are at higher risk of experiencing anxiety, paranoia, and addiction when using cannabis.

SourceWashington State University·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateSep 3, 2014

Airlock-like transport protein structure discovered

Researchers have elucidated the atomic structures of sugar transporters, revealing an 'airlock-like' mechanism that moves sugars in multiple stages. This discovery is crucial for understanding diseases like diabetes and improving crop yields.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature·DateSep 3, 2014

Forming consensus in social networks

Researchers developed a novel computational model to capture the process of reaching consensus in social networks. The model analyzes communication patterns and handles uncertainties associated with soft data, establishing conditions for agents to reach a consensus that is consistent with the ground truth.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalIEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Signal Processing·DateSep 3, 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.

Researchers unlock new mechanism in pain management

A team of researchers at the University of Calgary has discovered a new mechanism that can reverse chronic pain conditions. They found that interfering with the communication between a specific enzyme and calcium channels in nerve cells can shut off pain signals.

SourceUniversity of Calgary, Faculty of Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateSep 3, 2014

Study finds 'family meal' ideal is stressful, impossible for many families

Research from North Carolina State University reveals that home-cooked meals and family dinners can be stressful and impossible for many families due to financial limitations. The study found that middle-class and poor families face significant challenges in accessing healthy food, including transportation and kitchen tools.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·Journalسياقات اللغة والدراسات البينية·DateSep 3, 2014

Research finds crowdsourcing is vulnerable to malicious behavior

Researchers found that crowdsourcing openness makes it susceptible to malicious behavior, including sabotaging progress and submitting misinformation. The study published in Journal of the Royal Society Interface highlights the need for effective deterrents against attackers.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateSep 3, 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.

Exposure of pregnant women to certain phenols may disrupt the growth of boys

A study published in Epidemiology found that exposure to parabens and triclosan during pregnancy may hinder boys' growth, while bisphenol A was not associated with any significant impact. The research also suggested a link between parabens and increased weight at birth and three years old.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalEpidemiology·DateSep 3, 2014

Tree frogs speed up their life cycle when becoming lunch

Hansen's tree frog embryos hatch earlier after being preyed upon by katydids, responding to chemical cues. This flexible hatching behavior allows the frog an adaptive advantage, as it gives them time to escape into the next life-stage.

SourceSpringer Science+Business Media·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateSep 3, 2014

CNIO experts discover the genomic origin of telomere protectors

Researchers have identified the specific chromosomes where telomere-protecting RNAs (TERRAs) originate from. The study reveals that TERRAs exclusively come from chromosome 18 and to a lesser extent from chromosome 9. This discovery will help design tools to study their role in telomere biology and disease.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 3, 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.

40 percent of women with severe mental illness are victims of rape or attempted rape

A new study led by University College London found that 40% of women with severe mental illness have suffered rape or attempted rape in adulthood, compared to 7% of the general population. Women with severe mental illness are also more likely to suffer domestic violence, with 69% reporting childhood abuse and 49% reporting adult abuse.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateSep 3, 2014

Fingerprints for freight items

Researchers at Fraunhofer IFF are developing a digital fingerprint system for freight items to verify security status throughout the transport chain. This system aggregates features like 3D contours and RFID identifiers into one central profile, allowing for accurate information on security status.

SourceFraunhofer-Gesellschaft·DateSep 3, 2014

Researchers demonstrate direct brain-to-brain communication in human subjects

A team of neuroscientists and robotics engineers has demonstrated direct brain-to-brain communication in humans, transmitting information via the internet between two human subjects separated by 5,000 miles. The study used advanced precision neuro-technologies to directly transmit a thought from one person to another without them havin...

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 3, 2014

Scientists discover how to 'switch off' autoimmune diseases

Researchers at the University of Bristol have made a breakthrough in understanding how cells convert from attacking healthy tissue to protecting against disease. This discovery could lead to the development of a new treatment approach using antigen-specific immunotherapy, which may improve the lives of millions worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 3, 2014

Penn study: Sepsis patients fare better in hospitals with higher case volumes

A new study from Penn Medicine found that patients with sepsis who are treated at high-volume hospitals have a 36% increase in their odds of inpatient survival compared to those treated at lower-volume hospitals. The study suggests that regionalized severe sepsis care centers may improve outcomes for critically ill patients.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateSep 3, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New deep sea mushroom-shaped organisms discovered

Scientists have identified two new species of sea-dwelling, mushroom-shaped organisms in the deep sea. The organisms, belonging to the family Dendrogrammatidae, share characteristics with ancient life forms and potentially belong to the Ctenophora or Cnidaria phyla.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 3, 2014

Genetic 'hotspot' linked to endometrial cancer aggressiveness

Scientists at MD Anderson Cancer Center have discovered genetic mutations in a subset of endometrial cancer patients that are associated with a more lethal form of the disease. The identification of these mutations could lead to the development of targeted treatments and improved patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateSep 3, 2014

Mouse studies advance treatment for common eye diseases

A team of researchers has identified a new target for treatment of common eye diseases, including wet macular degeneration and diabetic macular edema. Activating a biochemical pathway that suppresses VEGF's effects may offer a safer alternative to current treatments.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 3, 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.

Newly identified galactic supercluster is home to the Milky Way

The Milky Way galaxy is part of a new, massive galactic supercluster called Laniakea, which spans 500 million light-years and contains 100,000 galaxies. The discovery clarifies the boundaries of our local Universe and provides new insights into the motion of galaxies.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalNature·DateSep 3, 2014

UTHealth researchers gain insights into severe form of dwarfism

Researchers at UTHealth discovered a potential treatment window for pseudoachondroplasia by creating genetically engineered mice with the human COMP gene mutation. They found that administering certain medications at age 2 could reduce damage to chondrocyte cells in the growth plate, offering new hope for this disorder.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateSep 3, 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.

How much gravity is enough?

A new study suggests that the reason for astronauts falling on the lunar surface might be due to insufficient gravity, which affects perception of 'up'. The study found that a 15% gravity level is needed to influence orientation judgment, close to what's found on the moon.

SourceYork University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 3, 2014

NIH-led scientists discover HIV antibody that binds to novel target on virus

Researchers have identified a new vulnerability in the HIV armor that a vaccine could exploit, with an antibody called 35O22 preventing 62% of known strains from infecting cells. The discovery suggests it may be easier to elicit this antibody through vaccination compared to other broadly neutralizing antibodies.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNature·DateSep 3, 2014

Study shows cellular RNA can template DNA repair in yeast

Scientists have discovered that cellular RNA can be used to repair DNA breaks in yeast, providing a novel mechanism of genetic recombination. This process reveals the existence of a new way for cells to maintain their genome stability, which could potentially lead to new treatments for genetic diseases.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateSep 3, 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.

Innovative algorithm spots interactions lethal to cancer

Researchers have developed an innovative algorithm that identifies synthetic lethal interactions in cancer, enabling personalized treatment and predicting patient prognosis. The study's findings show promise for repurposing existing drugs to target specific cancer types.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalCell·DateSep 3, 2014

Widely used depression drug associated with dental implant failure

A retrospective cohort study found that SSRIs were associated with an increased risk of osseointegrated implant failure. The study revealed a significant association between SSRI use and higher failure rates, with small implant diameters, bone augmentation, and smoking habits also linked to increased failure risk.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateSep 3, 2014

The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology: Global epidemic of diabetes threatens to jeopardise further progress in tuberculosis control

A new series published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology finds that the growing global diabetes epidemic is hampering progress in controlling and eliminating tuberculosis. With over 1 million cases annually, diabetes-associated TB cases are expected to offset the present downward trend in global TB cases by 8% or more by 2035.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateSep 3, 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.

Breast vs. bottle feeding in rhesus monkeys

Infant rhesus monkeys receiving different diets early in life develop distinct immune systems that persist months after weaning. Breast-fed macaques had more memory T cells and T helper 17 cells, which are known to fight Salmonella and other pathogens.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 3, 2014

Peptoid nanosheets at the oil-water interface

Scientists create two-dimensional biomimetic materials with customizable properties, forming at an oil-water interface. The new development enables designing peptoid nanosheets of increasing structural complexity for various applications.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 3, 2014

Seizures and sudden death: When SUMO 'wrestles' potassium channels

A new animal model reveals that SENP2 deficiency leads to seizures and sudden death due to hyper-SUMOylation of potassium channels. This finding may lead to new treatment opportunities for SUDEP, which affects epilepsy patients at a rate 20-fold higher than the general population.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNeuron·DateSep 3, 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.

'Drink responsibly' messages in alcohol ads promote products, not public health

A new study found that most alcohol ads in US magazines from 2008-2010 used 'drink responsibly' messages to promote products, not provide clear warnings about the risks of excessive drinking. The ads failed to convey basic public health information, and instead often contradicted scenes depicted in the ads.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateSep 3, 2014

Could a protein be linked to heart attacks?

Scientists at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute have discovered a connection between elevated PCSK9 levels and acute heart attacks in patients. Elevated PCSK9 levels were found in blood samples from patients who had experienced a heart attack, but not in those who had never had one or had recovered from a previous attack.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa Heart Institute·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 3, 2014

E-cigarettes may promote illicit drug use and addiction

Research suggests that e-cigarettes with nicotine can alter brain biochemistry and prime users to respond to other substances. This could lead to increased risk of addiction to marijuana and cocaine among adolescents and young adults.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 3, 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.

Biodiversity in the balance

A new study explores how biodiversity is developed and maintained, challenging a long-held theory on ecological niches. Researchers found that species can co-exist by reacting differently to resource fluctuations, but this mechanism may not be evolutionarily stable.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 3, 2014

Changing temperature powers sensors in hard-to-reach places

Researchers have created a power harvester that uses natural fluctuations in temperature and pressure to power sensors, enabling them to detect water leaks or structural deficiencies in areas with limited access. The device can harness energy from even slight changes in air conditioning temperatures.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateSep 3, 2014

Polyester clothes stink after exercise; cotton, not so much

Research published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology found that polyester clothes smell worse than cotton after exercise due to bacteria growth. Bacteria like micrococci thrive on polyester surfaces, breaking down sweat and hormones into odor-causing molecules.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateSep 3, 2014

LA BioMed researcher honored for research paper

Dr. Rowan Chlebowski, a leading expert in women's health, has been recognized by the North American Menopause Society for his groundbreaking research on estrogen alone and joint symptoms. His work has significantly impacted clinical use of menopausal hormone therapy worldwide.

SourceLA BioMed·DateSep 3, 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.

Team develops new, inexpensive method for understanding earthquake topography

Researchers developed a new system using high-resolution topography models and structure from motion to study active faults and their role in earthquakes. The method produces comparable quality data at lower costs, enabling geologists to analyze prehistoric ruptures and surface rupture formed during earthquakes.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeosphere·DateSep 3, 2014

Airline pilots, cabin crews have higher incidence of melanoma

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 19 studies found that airline pilots and cabin crews have a higher incidence of melanoma, with a combined standardized incidence ratio of 2.21 for any flight-based occupation. This increased risk is attributed to exposure to UV radiation during flights.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateSep 3, 2014

Galapagos invasion is global warning

A new study reveals nearly half of Galapagos Island's canopy is comprised of non-native trees, shrubs, and grasses, competing with native species for resources. The research provides a map and database to help managers prioritize invasive species control efforts.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalNeoBiota·DateSep 3, 2014