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Science News Archive 2014


Page 183 of 376

New medication shows promise in treating common skin disease

A new medication called dupilumab has shown promising results in treating atopic dermatitis, a chronic and debilitating skin disease. Dupilumab blocks the action of two proteins involved in inflammation, leading to a marked improvement in disease activity and itch.

Wake-up call for more research into cell metabolism

A review article by scientists from VIB and KU Leuven suggests that thorough research into the cell metabolism of stromal cells, endothelial cells, and immune cells could result in new treatment options for these diseases. This would also improve current cancer treatments.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

My brother's keeper

A study by Concordia University found that siblings naturally teach each other skills like counting, building towers, and recognizing shapes. The researchers observed spontaneous interactions between two children aged four and six, revealing that both older and younger siblings initiate learning activities.

Smokers with mental health issues cost UK nearly £2.5 billion a year

Research published in Tobacco Control finds that people with mental health issues who smoke incur significant economic costs due to premature death, lost productivity, and healthcare expenses. The total estimated annual cost is around £2.5 billion, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to help this group quit smoking.

Night-time brilliance lights up political patronage

A new study by Monash University researchers links night-time light intensity to regional favouritism and GDP growth, finding that countries where political leaders were born tend to have higher night-time light levels and regional GDP. The study also highlights the impact of authoritarian leadership on foreign aid distribution.

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Vasectomy may increase risk of aggressive prostate cancer

A study from Harvard School of Public Health found that vasectomy is associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer, including advanced and lethal forms. The association remained even among men who received regular PSA screening, suggesting a potential link between the procedure and aggressive prostate cancer.

Projecting a 3-dimensional future

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a new holography technology based on nanoantennas, enabling dynamic and complex three-dimensional projections without replotted images. The technology has vast applications in security, medical, recreational, and scientific research.

Food imagery ideal for teaching doctors... who must have strong stomachs

A range of food descriptors is used in medicine to identify conditions and ailments, from 'anchovy sauce' to 'oat cell carcinoma.' Dairy products and fruit also feature prominently in the medical lexicon., These time-honored allusions serve as a lively learning inducement for generations of physicians.

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.

Bee foraging chronically impaired by pesticide exposure: Study

A study published in Functional Ecology found that long-term pesticide exposure hampers bumblebees' ability to collect pollen. Bees exposed to neonicotinoid pesticides became less successful at collecting pollen and developed different flower preferences over time.

Harmful hookahs: Many young smokers aren't aware of the danger

A UCLA School of Nursing study found that 57% of young adults believe hookah smoking is not harmful to their health. Despite this, hookahs contain toxic chemicals and nicotine, posing serious health risks. The study aims to increase public knowledge on the dangers of hookah smoking among young adults.

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.

AAU launches STEM education initiative website, announces STEM network conference

The Association of American Universities (AAU) has launched the AAU STEM Initiative Hub, a website providing resources for universities to showcase innovative efforts improving undergraduate STEM teaching. The hub will also profile efforts by eight AAU STEM Project Sites and provide a platform for sharing strategies and challenges.

Collisions with robots -- without risk of injury

A new study by Fraunhofer Institute explores the biomechanical loads resulting from collisions between robots and humans. Researchers use a pendulum to measure force, pressure distribution, and impact velocity to identify thresholds for injuries.

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.

Astronomers bring the third dimension to a doomed star's outburst

Researchers used extensive observations to develop the first high-resolution 3D model of the Homunculus Nebula, confirming features like arm-like protrusions and trenches. The new model suggests intense interactions between Eta Carinae's stars played a significant role in shaping the nebula.

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.

Transmission of hepatitis C virus following antiviral treatment

Researchers discovered that trace amounts of HCV RNA in successfully treated patients can be infectious. The study used an animal model to show that blood from these patients could cause HCV infection, which may be hard to detect due to delayed onset of disease.

Ancient arachnid brought back to life

Researchers used exceptionally preserved fossils and computer graphics to recreate the most likely walking gait of a 410-million-year-old arachnid. The study, published in the Journal of Paleontology, provides new insights into the evolution of early land animals.

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.

Minimally invasive surgery underused at many US hospitals

A new study finds that minimally invasive surgery is underutilized in many US hospitals, with significant variability in procedure types and complication rates. The study suggests that differences in physician training and hospital practices contribute to this disparity.

Damage assessment of runaway barges at Marseilles lock and dam

A synchronized lock and dam system failed during a severe flood in April 2013, resulting in seven unmoored barges crashing into the dam. The incident caused significant damage to the navigation channel, flooding adjacent land and disrupting agricultural shipments.

Recalled yogurt contained highly pathogenic mold

A study by Duke University scientists identified a highly virulent strain of Mucor circinelloides fungus in Chobani yogurt that caused severe symptoms in consumers. The researchers found that the fungus can survive passage through the gastrointestinal tract and produce a lethal systemic infection in diabetic mice.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

EPA funds free, online environmental enforcement training

The Environmental Crime Program Training (Project EnCriPT) offers a range of free, online courses on environmental enforcement and public health issues. These courses will help strengthen enforcement efforts across various levels and provide hands-on experience in processing hazardous materials scenes.

UI researchers find early predictor for preeclampsia

University of Iowa researchers have identified a biomarker that can predict preeclampsia at least 6 weeks into pregnancy, enabling early detection and potentially preventing severe health issues. The study's findings hold significant implications for obstetric care in rural and underserved communities.

Rockefeller scientists first to reconstitute the DNA 'replication fork'

Researchers at Rockefeller University developed the first model system to understand the DNA 'replication fork' process in eukaryotic cells. This breakthrough enables scientists to study the molecular tools involved in cell division and may have significant implications for human disease research, particularly cancer.

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.

A hotspot for powerful cosmic rays

Researchers at the Telescope Array observatory detected a disproportionate number of high-energy cosmic rays emanating from a specific area in the northern sky. The discovery provides a promising lead in identifying the sources of these enigmatic particles, which are believed to originate from beyond our galaxy.

Gene mutation may lead to treatment for liver cancer

A study found that genetic mutations in liver cells drive tumor formation in iCCA, with mutant proteins impairing liver cell development and increasing the risk of metastasis. Researchers discovered a potential treatment option by targeting IDH1/2 mutations, opening a new line of investigation for biomarkers and life-saving decisions.

Removing gall bladder for suspected common duct stone shows benefit

Patients with possible common duct stones who underwent immediate laparoscopic cholecystectomy had a shorter median length of hospital stay compared to those who received endoscopic evaluation first. The study found fewer common duct investigations in the former group, with no significant difference in illness or quality of life measures.

Three NASA satellites dissect powerful Typhoon Neoguri

Typhoon Neoguri was analyzed by NASA's Aqua, TRMM, and CloudSat satellites, gathering data on its eye wall structure, cloud heights, and rainfall rates. The storm showed a large eye with meso vorticies and moderate to heavy rainfall south of the eyewall.

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.

Travel campaign fuels $1B rise in hospitality industry

A study led by Michigan State University found a positive economic impact of the Travel Promotion Act, increasing the value of the hospitality industry by $1 billion. The program is associated with an increase in hotel firm values and may lead to expansion and job creation.

Varenicline combined with nicotine patch improves smoking cessation rates

A study published in JAMA found that combining varenicline with nicotine replacement therapy significantly improved smoking cessation rates at 6 months compared to varenicline alone. The combination treatment resulted in higher continuous abstinence and point prevalence abstinence rates, but also more side effects.

NASA's SDO spots a summer solar flare

A mid-level solar flare peaked at 12:20 p.m. EDT on July 8, 2014, and was captured by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory. The event had an M6.5-class rating and may have affected Earth's atmosphere, potentially disturbing GPS and communications signals.

Silicon sponge improves lithium-ion battery performance

Researchers developed a porous silicon material to replace traditional graphite in lithium-ion batteries, allowing for more energy storage capacity and longer runtime. The new material maintained over 80% of its initial capacity after 1,000 charge-and-discharge cycles.

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.

Same genes drive maths and reading ability

A study published in Nature Communications found that around half of the genes influencing reading ability also impact mathematics skills. The research suggests a substantial overlap in genetic variants affecting both traits, with complex interactions between genetics and learning environment playing a crucial role.

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.

Virtual reality crowds produce real behavior insights

A team of researchers at Brown University developed a wireless virtual reality system to study how pedestrians interact with each other and how their individual behaviors generate patterns of crowd movement. The system, which allows for the creation of virtual crowds, has shown that people tend to match the speed and direction of their...

Satellite sees newborn Tropical Storm Fausto being 'chased'

Tropical Storm Fausto strengthened quickly after forming as Tropical Depression Six-E on July 7. Satellite imagery shows the storm being pursued by a developing area of low pressure to its east, with NOAA's GOES-West satellite capturing the scene.

A possible pathway for inhibiting liver and colon cancer is found

A group of scientists have revealed the structure of two proteins involved in liver and colon cancers, opening up research opportunities for drugs that can inhibit cancer cell growth. By blocking a specific region of these proteins, it is possible to prevent tumour cell reproduction without affecting other life-sustaining functions.

Cosmic accounting reveals missing light crisis

A recent study finds a 400% discrepancy between expected and observed ultraviolet light in the cosmic budget, with implications for our understanding of dark matter. Scientists are working to shed light on the mystery, which may be explained by exotic new sources or decaying dark matter.

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.