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Science News Archive 2014 - Page 132


Page 132 of 376

Lifetime of fitness: A fountain of youth for bone and joint health?

Research suggests that comprehensive fitness and nutrition regimens can minimize bone and joint health decline and maintain overall physical health in seniors. The study recommends individualized exercise programs with resistance, endurance, flexibility, and balance training, as well as proper nutrition to optimize performance.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateAug 27, 2014

Protected areas proven to protect biodiversity

Researchers from Monash University and international collaborators analyzed past 30 years of research to determine the impact of protected areas on biodiversity. The study found that these areas generally have larger plant and animal populations and more species than adjacent non-protected areas.

SourceMonash University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 27, 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.

Southwest may face 'megadrought' this century

A study by Cornell University and the U.S. Geological Survey warns that the Southwest US is at risk of a 'megadrought', with a 50% chance of a decade-long drought and 20-50% chance of a drought lasting over 30 years

SourceCornell University·DateAug 27, 2014

Satellite shows Hurricane Marie about to swallow Karina

Hurricane Marie is expected to swallow Tropical Depression Karina, which is being drawn into the powerful circulation of the hurricane. Karina's maximum sustained winds have dropped to 30 mph (45 kph), weakening the depression as it moves southeast at 6 mph (9 kph).

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 26, 2014

In sync and in control?

A study by UCLA social scientists found that men who march in unison with others perceive a potential foe as smaller and less intimidating, leading to increased feelings of power and aggression. The researchers theorize that this phenomenon may be an evolutionary adaptation that favors individuals moving in coordination with groups.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalBiology Letters·DateAug 26, 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.

Targeting estrogen receptors prevents binge eating in mice

A study published in JCI Journals suggests that estrogen replacement therapy can suppress binge-eating behaviors in mice. The effect required the presence of estrogen receptors in serotonin neurons, and direct delivery of an estrogen conjugate also reduced binge eating in these animals.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 26, 2014

Do we live in a 2-D hologram?

Scientists use the most sensitive device ever created to measure the quantum jitter of space itself, probing the limits of the universe's ability to store information. The Holometer experiment could reveal whether we live in a holographic universe with 2-D encoded information.

SourceDOE/Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory·DateAug 26, 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.

WSU flu outbreak provides rare study material

The 2009 H1N1 outbreak at Washington State University provided valuable data for researchers to study the rapid spread of the virus. A computer model revealed that only a few initial infected individuals sparked the outbreak, with a high transmissibility rate among close-knit student communities.

SourceWashington State University·DateAug 26, 2014

A high-resolution bedrock map for the Antarctic Peninsula

A new high-resolution bedrock map for the Antarctic Peninsula provides detailed insights into the region's geology and ice thickness. The study reveals that 34% of the ice volume is grounded below sea level, with a potential to raise global sea levels by 69mm.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalThe Cryosphere·DateAug 26, 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.

Collaborative care intervention improves depression among teens

A collaborative care intervention that included patient and parent engagement and education resulted in greater improvement in depressive symptoms among adolescents with depression. The study found that 68% of intervention youth had a 50% or greater reduction in depressive symptoms, compared to 39% among control youth.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateAug 26, 2014

Sorting cells with sound waves

Researchers have devised a new way to separate cells by exposing them to sound waves as they flow through a tiny channel, overcoming existing cell-sorting technologies' limitations. The device successfully recovered about 71 percent of breast cancer cells from white blood cells in tests.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 26, 2014

Introducing the multi-tasking nanoparticle

Researchers have developed dynamic nanoparticles that can be used as contrast agents for MRI and PET scans, deliver chemotherapy directly to tumors, and respond to light to destroy tumor cells. The particles are biocompatible, non-toxic, and can be easily made, making them a promising tool in cancer treatment.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 26, 2014

Laser pulse turns glass into a metal

Scientists at Vienna University of Technology have managed to explain how a laser pulse can change the electronic properties of glass, making it conduct electricity. The effect happens so quickly that it can be used for ultra-fast light-based electronics.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 26, 2014

Sheepdogs use simple rules to herd sheep

Researchers used GPS technology to study sheepdog behavior, finding that they employ two basic rules: collecting dispersed sheep and driving aggregated ones forward. This model can be applied to various fields like livestock management, environmental cleanup, and robotics.

SourceNatural Environment Research Council·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateAug 26, 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.

NSF expands the National Innovation Network with 2 new I-Corps nodes

The NSF has awarded two grants to expand its National Innovation Network through the I-Corps program, supporting innovation education, research, and infrastructure in Southern California and Texas. The new nodes will join five existing regional hubs, fostering mentorship, research, and entrepreneurship.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateAug 26, 2014

Expanding the age of eligibility for measles vaccination could increase childhood survival in Africa

A new report by Princeton University researchers suggests that expanding the age of eligibility for measles vaccination from 12 to 15 months could significantly increase coverage in Africa. The study found that increasing the age range would have the most impact on countries with high rates of unvaccinated children.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalEpidemiology and Infection·DateAug 26, 2014

EPO: Protecting the brains of very preterm infants

Researchers found that administering EPO immediately after birth significantly reduces brain damage in premature babies. This study builds on previous research showing EPO's neuroprotective effects and holds promise for preventing long-term consequences of preterm birth.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalJAMA·DateAug 26, 2014

Researchers discover fever's origin

Fever is triggered by prostaglandin signaling substance produced in the brain's blood vessels. A new study confirms this origin, shedding light on inflammation symptoms and potential drug targets.

SourceLinköping University·DateAug 26, 2014
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.

Coal's continued dominance must be made more vivid in climate change accounting

A new study from Princeton University and the University of California-Irvine finds that future coal-fired and natural-gas power plants will commit the world to decades and billions of tons of greenhouse gas emissions. The 'commitment accounting' method assigns all future emissions to the year a facility begins working, revealing a sig...

SourcePrinceton University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateAug 26, 2014

No purchase required to win? Devoted customers not so sure

A new study finds that loyal customers feel they are more likely and deserving than others to win perks from businesses, even in randomly given out contests. This 'lucky loyalty' effect is driven by people's sense of deservingness, believing they have earned special treatment.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateAug 26, 2014

HIV antibodies block infection by reservoir-derived virus in laboratory study

In a laboratory study led by NIH scientists, broadly neutralizing HIV-specific antibodies (bNAbs) were found to effectively block HIV from entering immune cells. The researchers also demonstrated that these antibodies could completely block HIV replication in infected individuals receiving antiretroviral therapy.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 26, 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.

Study identifies upside to financial innovations

A new study by USC Marshall professor Gerard J. Tellis and colleagues reveals that financial innovations can deliver significant positive returns, particularly in the United States. The research found that radical innovations, such as home mortgages and auto loans, generate higher cumulative abnormal returns due to their ability to cha...

SourceUSC Marshall School of Business·JournalJournal of Product Innovation Management·DateAug 26, 2014

Wii Balance Board induces changes in the brains of MS patients

A new study published in Radiology found that using the Wii Balance Board system can induce favorable changes in brain connections associated with balance and movement in patients with multiple sclerosis. The device helps improve balance, reducing the risk of accidental falls and related comorbidities.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateAug 26, 2014

Study calls into question link between prenatal antidepressant exposure and autism risk

A recent study published in Molecular Psychiatry found no statistically significant link between prenatal antidepressant exposure and autism risk after accounting for severe maternal depression. However, an increased risk of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) persisted even after controlling for factors related to a mother...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateAug 26, 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.

Chameleon: Cloud computing for computer science

The NSF has awarded $10 million to create a cloud computing testbed called Chameleon, enabling researchers to develop and experiment with novel cloud architectures. The testbed will provide persistent infrastructure clouds, 'bare metal' provisioning of hardware, and pre-configured software stacks for users to build cloud services.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·DateAug 26, 2014

Researching fundamental rhythms of life

Casey Diekman is leading a research effort to understand the biological clock's role in regulating daily behavior patterns. Preliminary results suggest that circadian rhythms are deeply encoded in neuronal electrical programming, influencing hormone production and other physiological indicators.

SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·DateAug 26, 2014

Scientists craft atomically seamless, thinnest-possible semiconductor junctions

Researchers have developed the thinnest-possible semiconductor junctions, made in sheets only three atoms thick, allowing for flexible and transparent computing, LEDs, and solar technologies. The discovery enables new kinds of transistors, LEDs, nanolasers, and solar cells to be developed within a single atomic plane.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 26, 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.

New estrogen-based compound suppresses binge-like eating behavior in female mice

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine developed an estrogen-based compound that inhibits binge-like eating behavior in female mice. The study found that the compound, GLP-1-estrogen, works by delivering estrogen to specific brain regions where serotonin neurons are present, reducing binge eating.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 26, 2014

New tool to probe cancer's molecular make-up

Researchers have developed a new method to identify and measure vital molecules that control cell behavior, paving the way for better diagnosis, prediction, and monitoring of cancer. The study identified over 200 protein kinases and created a technique to quantify their levels in biological samples.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Methods·DateAug 26, 2014

Piglet weaning age no bar to litter frequency

Research at the University of Adelaide found that providing daily contact with boars during lactation stimulates oestrus in sows, allowing for increased piglet weaning age without compromising litter frequency. This could lead to improved post-weaning growth and better welfare for piglets.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalAnimal Reproduction Science·DateAug 26, 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.

Unprecedented detail of intact neuronal receptor offers blueprint for drug developers

Scientists have obtained an atomic-level picture of the intact NMDA receptor, a massive multi-subunit complex that integrates chemical and electrical signals in the brain. The structure reveals how the receptor is regulated and offers new insight into its function, which is tightly controlled and associated with neurological diseases.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateAug 26, 2014

Key to speed? Elite sprinters are unlike other athletes -- deliver forceful punch to ground

Researchers at Southern Methodist University found that elite sprinters use a unique gait feature to maximize speed, delivering a firm and rapid punch to the ground upon contact. The study, which compared data from competitive sprinters to other fast-running athletes, suggests that there is only one way to achieve high speeds.

SourceSouthern Methodist University·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateAug 26, 2014

Yale journal explores advances in sustainable manufacturing

A Yale School of Environment special issue examines life cycle engineering for a more sustainable manufacturing sector. The study finds that product design and maintenance can significantly reduce environmental impact.

SourceYale School of the Environment·JournalJournal of Industrial Ecology·DateAug 26, 2014

Trash burning worldwide significantly worsens air pollution

A new study estimates that more than 40% of global waste is burned in unregulated fires, releasing pollutants such as particulates, carbon monoxide, and mercury. These emissions have been linked to serious medical issues, including decreased lung function and cancer.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·DateAug 26, 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.

Fear, safety and the role of sleep in human PTSD

Researchers found that increased safety signaling is associated with improved REM sleep consolidation and better management of fear conditioning in individuals with PTSD. This suggests that addressing sleep disturbances before treating daytime symptoms may lead to more beneficial outcomes for exposure-based treatments.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateAug 26, 2014

Composition of Earth's mantle revisited

Scientists have discovered two separate phases of ferromagnesian silicate in the lower mantle, one containing nearly no iron and the other rich in iron. This finding has significant implications for seismology and the study of earthquakes, highlighting the need to reconsider existing models.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateAug 26, 2014

Crohn's disease gene discovery points towards new treatments

Researchers have identified chemical changes in DNA that could screen people for Crohn's disease and reveal possible targets for new treatments. These genetic changes can be detected in blood samples, opening the door to a simple test for the condition.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalInflammatory Bowel Diseases·DateAug 26, 2014
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Symphony of nanoplasmonic and optical resonators produces laser-like light emission

Researchers at the University of Illinois have created a new optical amplifier design that combines plasmonics and optical microresonators to produce laser-like light emission. This breakthrough enables power-on-a-chip applications with improved speed performance and reduced energy consumption.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 26, 2014

Sleep apnea treatment is effective for older people

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is an effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in older people, reducing daytime sleepiness and healthcare costs. The study found that CPAP can improve quality of life and reduce the risk of road accidents, heart disease, and other conditions associated with OSA.

SourceImperial College London·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·DateAug 26, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

What can 14th century Venice teach us about Ebola and other emerging threats?

Experts say 14th century Venice's response to the plague holds lessons on how to mitigate the consequences of today's emerging threats. The city's use of resilience management, including physical movement management and quarantine measures, can inform strategies for dealing with highly infectious diseases like Ebola.

SourceSpringer Science+Business Media·JournalEnvironment Systems & Decisions·DateAug 26, 2014

NASA sees huge Hurricane Marie slam Socorro Island

Hurricane Marie has extended hundreds of miles from its eye, causing heavy rainfall and hurricane-force winds on nearby Socorro Island. The storm is also generating dangerous surf along the western coast of mainland Mexico.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 26, 2014