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Science News Archive 2014 - Page 124


Page 124 of 376

NASA sees Tropical Storm Norbert affecting Mexico's west coast

Tropical Storm Norbert is expected to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds to Mexico's west coast, with tropical storm conditions forecast for La Paz to Santa Fe by Thursday night. The storm is currently located near the southern tip of Baja California and is moving northwestward at 8 mph.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 3, 2014

Natura 2000 could do a great deal more for nature protection

The European Union's Natura 2000 network has a positive impact on maintaining biodiversity, but lacks connections between protected areas. The researchers recommend establishing minimum standards for conservation in these areas to improve species migration and genetic stability.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·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.

Is a gluten-free diet enough to control the complications of celiac disease?

A new study reveals that a lifelong gluten-free diet may not be enough to control the complications of celiac disease. Researchers found that patients with celiac disease may experience metabolic disorders and functional abnormalities due to inflammation, which can lead to malnutrition and impaired glucose metabolism.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Medicinal Food·DateSep 3, 2014

A 'clear' choice for clearing 3-D cell cultures

Researchers at Brown University have developed a method to clear 3-D cell cultures, allowing for clearer imaging and analysis of neural tissues. The ClearT2 method works within 1.5 hours and preserves the size of the tissue, making it ideal for studying neural growth and development.

SourceBrown University·JournalTissue Engineering·DateSep 3, 2014

Unplanned births out-of-hospital increases risk of infant mortality

Research finds young multiparous women and those living in remote areas are at greatest risk of unplanned deliveries, which may increase infant mortality. The study suggests that limited access to proper medical care contributes to the increased risk.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica·DateSep 3, 2014

Can sleep loss affect your brain size?

A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found a link between sleep difficulties and rapid brain volume decline in adults. The research, which included 147 participants aged 20-84, revealed that poor sleep quality was associated with faster declines in brain regions including frontal, temporal, and parietal areas.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateSep 3, 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.

Lead and cadmium found in some chocolate bought in Brazil

A study by Solange Cadore and colleagues found that dark chocolates in Brazil contained high levels of lead and cadmium. The researchers tested 30 commercial samples and found that the highest amounts of these metals were present in dark chocolate products, posing a health risk to children who consume them.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateSep 3, 2014

So... do you know what is in your water?

Researchers at Virginia Tech find that 50% of the population can't detect high levels of manganese in water, leading to potential health risks. The study's findings highlight the importance of considering water safety not only in tap water but also in humidified air.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateSep 3, 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.

Study links healthy sleep duration to less sick time from work

A study published in the journal Sleep found that sleeping 7 to 8 hours per night is associated with the lowest risk of absence from work due to sickness. The optimal sleep duration was between 7 and 8 hours, with shorter or longer sleep durations increasing the risk of work absences.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalSLEEP·DateSep 3, 2014

Are rising health care costs inevitable?

A new study suggests that focusing on improving utilization rates and quality outcomes could help reduce US healthcare expenditures. Researchers analyzed Medicaid and commercial insurance claims in Vermont to evaluate the impact of patient-centered medical homes on inpatient services and cost of care.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalPopulation Health Management·DateSep 3, 2014

Enjoying the possibility of defeat

A study by Sami Abuhamdeh and colleagues found that players' enjoyment of games is linked to suspense and uncertainty, not just winning. Participants preferred playing games with close margins over those with predictable outcomes. This suggests that games with unpredictable outcomes can be more engaging and enjoyable for some players.

SourceSpringer·JournalMotivation and Emotion·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.

Penn study demonstrates wearable sensors to detect firearm use

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania demonstrates the feasibility of using low-cost wearable inertial sensors to detect firearm usage with over 99% accuracy. The technology has the potential to enhance deterrence and detection of firearm use in community-supervised populations.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 3, 2014

Study finds wide gap in compensation from '07 South Korean oil spill

Researchers found a significant gap between the economic loss claimed by residents and the compensation received after the Hebei Spirit oil spill. Only 11 percent of the claims were approved for compensation. The study highlights the need for better consideration of social and ecological impacts in oil spill compensation.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalOcean & Coastal Management·DateSep 3, 2014

Nature or nurture? It's all about the message

A new study from Michigan State University found that messages about intelligence can immediately impact brain activity, making people more willing to work hard. The research suggests that the human brain is receptive to the message that intelligence comes from environment, regardless of its accuracy.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalBiological Psychology·DateSep 3, 2014

UNH survey: Milk prices top concern of Northeastern organic dairy farmers

A survey of Northeastern organic dairy farms found that 85% ranked a steady, fair milk price as their top challenge. The cost of organic mixed grain feed has increased substantially, leading to declining profit margins for farmers. This is the first study to assess the research and educational needs of organic dairy farmers in the region.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·DateSep 3, 2014
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.

Why HIV patients develop dementia

Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum found that HIV-infected cells activate specific immune cells in the brain, leading to chronic inflammation and neuronal cell death. This discovery may help develop biomarkers and therapeutic strategies for HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalExperimental Neurology·DateSep 3, 2014

Leaky gut -- A source of non-AIDS complications in HIV-positive patients

Scientists at Case Western Reserve University have found that a leaky gut is the underlying cause of non-AIDS complications in HIV-positive patients. The study, published in PLOS Pathogens, reveals that bacterial products seep out of the colon and trigger inflammation throughout the body.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateSep 3, 2014

Breakthrough for carbon nanotube solar cells

A Northwestern University research team has created a new type of CNT solar cell that absorbs more sunlight, increasing efficiency by a significant margin. The polychiral CNT mixture is able to capture a broader range of solar-spectrum wavelengths, including near-infrared light.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNano Letters·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.

UT Dallas researchers win nearly $1 million in defense grants for equipment

Researchers at UT Dallas have won nearly $1 million in defense grants to develop high-frequency integrated circuit design equipment. The instrumentation, including a hybrid load pull system and a millimeter wave antenna measurement system, will be available for use by TxACE members and outside industrial users.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·DateSep 2, 2014

New synthesis method may shape future of nanostructures, clean energy

A new synthesis method enables the creation of nanostructures that efficiently split water into hydrogen fuel using sunlight. The approach allows for the design and construction of higher-order nanostructures with specific symmetries or shapes, enabling potential applications in quantum computing, sensors, and clean energy.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 2, 2014

Surprising new role for calcium in sensing pain

Researchers at Duke University have made a surprising discovery about the role of calcium in pain sensation using Caenorhabditis elegans worms. Calcium flow through pain-sensing channels helps worms adapt to repeated painful stimuli by desensitizing them, suggesting a potential survival advantage.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 2, 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.

Discharged patients return to the ER because 'better safe than sorry'

According to a study by American College of Emergency Physicians, discharged patients often return to the emergency department because they're anxious about their symptoms. The main reasons cited are fear or uncertainty about their medical condition, distrust in the healthcare system, and difficulties accessing care due to lack of insu...

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateSep 2, 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.

Cool calculations for cold atoms

Researchers at Joint Quantum Institute develop universal theory for Efimov states, enabling prediction of chemical processes involving three or more atoms. The new theory successfully incorporates short-distance regime and van der Waals force, predicting a series of Efimov states with varying binding energies.

SourceJoint Quantum Institute·JournalNature Physics·DateSep 2, 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.

NYC teens and young adults who abuse prescription at high risk for overdose

A NYU study found that young adult non-medical prescription opioid users are at high risk for overdose due to their lack of knowledge about overdose awareness, avoidance, and response strategies. The study highlights the need for education about naloxone and overdose prevention services for this population.

SourceNew York University·JournalInternational Journal of Drug Policy·DateSep 2, 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.

NSF renews grant for biological physics research at Rice

The Center for Theoretical Biological Physics at Rice University has received a five-year, $11.75 million grant from the NSF to support its work on applying physical science to new aspects of the natural world. Researchers will develop concepts, models and methods that quantitatively describe processes in living systems.

SourceRice University·DateSep 2, 2014

Childhood trauma could lead to adult obesity

A meta-analysis of 112,000 participants found that childhood trauma significantly increases the risk of obesity in adulthood. The study revealed a 34% higher risk among adults who experienced abuse as children, with physical and emotional abuse leading to increased risks of 28% and 36% respectively.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalObesity Reviews·DateSep 2, 2014

The Lancet Respiratory Medicine: Household air pollution puts more than 1 in 3 people worldwide at risk of ill health and early death

A third of the world's population uses plant-based solid fuels for cooking, heating, and lighting, resulting in high levels of household air pollution. The Commission concludes that an estimated 600-800 million families worldwide are at increased risk of illnesses such as respiratory tract infections and lung cancer.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·DateSep 2, 2014

A handsome face could mean lower semen quality

A recent study found that males with more masculine faces tend to have lower semen quality due to increased testosterone levels impairing sperm production. Males often overestimate the attractiveness of other men to females.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Evolutionary Biology·DateSep 2, 2014

In pro baseball pitchers, weak core linked to more missed days

A study of 347 professional baseball pitchers found that those with weak core stability were more likely to miss 30 or more days in a season due to injury. Pitchers with better lumbopelvic control showed less tilt and missed fewer days, suggesting improved performance and reduced risk of injury.

SourceOhio State University·DateSep 2, 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.

How well does bariatric surgery work?

Bariatric surgery has been shown to prolong life and prompt reductions in weight and associated conditions like diabetes and heart attacks. However, the long-term effectiveness of different procedures is unclear, and more research is needed to standardize reporting and design trials.

SourceGroup Health Research Institute·JournalJAMA·DateSep 2, 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.

Changing microbial dynamics in the wake of the Macondo blowout

A study on the Gulf of Mexico microbial communities revealed significant changes in population sizes and community structures after the 2010 Macondo blowout. Oil-degrading microbes were found to persist even after the dissipation of the initial plume, while large flocs of marine "snow" formed rapidly and settled near the wellhead.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateSep 2, 2014

University of Houston researcher looks at the future of higher education

The University of Houston researchers focused on what students need to succeed in the future, identifying three key themes: a shift in power balance towards students, blurred lines between aspects of student life, and the impact of information and communication technologies. They also highlighted eight major needs for the future, inclu...

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateSep 2, 2014

ASHG and NHGRI award first genetics and education fellowship

The ASHG/NHGRI Genetics and Education Fellowship aims to help early-career geneticists expand their skills and network for a career in genetics education. Ms. Tuck's diverse experience will be leveraged to address challenges in genetics education.

SourceAmerican Society of Human Genetics·DateSep 2, 2014

Clean air halves health costs in Chinese city

Air pollution regulations in Taiyuan, China have reduced the cost of loss of life and disability by over 50% since 2001, resulting in 2,810 fewer premature deaths. The study also found significant reductions in hospital admissions, outpatient visits, and cases of bronchitis.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalEnvironment International·DateSep 2, 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.

Rediscovering our mundane moments brings us unexpected pleasure

New research reveals that capturing ordinary experiences can lead to pleasurable rediscoveries in the future. Studies show that people underestimate the value of everyday events, leading to missed opportunities for enjoyment. By documenting mundane moments, individuals can give their future selves the joy of rediscovery.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateSep 2, 2014