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Science News Archive 2014 - Page 221


Page 221 of 376

New device isolates most aggressive cancer cells

A Cornell research team has developed a new microfluidic device to isolate and study the most aggressive cancer cells. The device separates these cells from less aggressive ones, enabling researchers to analyze molecular changes that contribute to metastasis.

SourceCornell University·JournalTECHNOLOGY·DateJun 3, 2014

Astronomers discover ancient worlds from another galaxy next door

Scientists have detected two planets orbiting Kapteyn's star, one of which could support liquid water and potentially harbor life. The discovery was made using HARPS spectrometer data and reveals a third of the mass of the Sun.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJun 3, 2014

Night owls may be more sedentary, less motivated to exercise

A new study found that night owls are more likely to be sedentary and experience barriers to exercise. Later sleep times were associated with more self-reported minutes sitting and perceived difficulties in exercising. Circadian factors should be considered when discussing exercise participation, especially for less active adults.

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

Breaking down barriers

Researchers at Vetmeduni Vienna warn of the impact of fencing and railway development on migratory ungulates in Mongolia's Gobi-Steppe Ecosystem. The authors advocate for structural modifications to fences, removal of unnecessary barriers, and re-routing of railway lines to minimize negative effects on ecosystem integrity.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalConservation Biology·DateJun 3, 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 new, greener cement to meet future demand

EPFL-led consortium develops new cement blend that substitutes up to half of Portland cement, promising to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 40%. The new blend, called LC3, is stronger and more robust than traditional cement, thanks to synergistic chemistry between calcined clay and ground limestone.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·DateJun 3, 2014

New health services needed for rise in 100-year-olds

A recent study by King's College London found that centenarians in England are more likely to die from pneumonia, with many succumbing to infections. The researchers emphasize the need for tailored health services to address this growing demographic group's increasing frailty and vulnerability.

SourceKing's College London·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 3, 2014

Climate change at the movies

Researchers found that climate change films often perpetuate limiting identity politics, reinforcing racial, gender, and sexual stereotypes. The study suggests that dominant representations in these films fail to align with key sustainable development goals of equity, freedom, and shared responsibility.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Sustainable Development·DateJun 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.

UGA ecologists provide close-up of coral bleaching event

Coral reefs support 25% to 35% of ocean fish, providing protein for millions. Ecologist study reveals how corals respond to high water temperatures by expelling heat-sensitive algae, which can have long-term consequences.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalLimnology and Oceanography·DateJun 3, 2014

Bacterium causing US catfish deaths has Asian roots

A study published in mBio suggests that the virulent US fish epidemic emerged from an Asian source, with the bacterium Aeromonas hydrophila causing serious infections in catfish. Researchers identified a common ancestor responsible for the virulent strains of A. hydrophila affecting both China and the United States.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateJun 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.

Study: New test predicts if breast cancer will spread

Researchers developed a new test that assesses metastatic risk by identifying specific cell types in tumor microenvironments. The test was more accurate than existing methods in predicting distant tumor spread and showed promise in tailoring therapy for breast cancer patients.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJun 3, 2014

Modeling and simulation in the big data era

The big data era presents both challenges and opportunities for modeling and simulation, as it requires adapting to novel research thinking and methods. The paper highlights the need for exploratory research combining simulation-based engineering and science to develop a new simulation paradigm.

SourceScience China Press·DateJun 3, 2014

Liver cancer vaccine effective in mice

Scientists have developed a liver cancer vaccine that is effective in preventing the disease in mice, with the goal of improving patient survival rates. The vaccine targets a specific protein expressed by most liver cancer cells, allowing the immune system to recognize and attack them.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalHepatology·DateJun 3, 2014

Security guard industry lacks standards, training

A Michigan State University study finds that private security guards lack formal training, making them unprepared to handle problematic individuals and altercations. The $7 billion industry demands more stringent standards and requirements.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalSecurity Journal·DateJun 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.

New insight into drug resistance in metastatic melanoma

Researchers at the University of Manchester have discovered how melanoma drugs can lead to cancer progression when treatment is stopped. Using a combination of BRAF and MEK inhibitors shows promise in combating drug resistance in advanced metastatic melanoma.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalScience Signaling·DateJun 3, 2014

How NASA builds a space laser

The Advanced Topographic Laser Altimeter System (ATLAS) will measure Earth's elevation with six beams, generating a more detailed portrait than the original ICESat. Scientists will track change, including melting glaciers and sea ice, using precise height measurements.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 3, 2014

Controlling thermal conductivities can improve energy storage

Scientists have developed a way to modulate the thermal conductivity of lithium cobalt oxide, a key material for rechargeable batteries. This breakthrough enables dynamic control of heat evolution and dissipation, leading to improved performance and safety.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 3, 2014

Reduced neurosurgical resident hours: No significant positive effect on patient outcomes

A study analyzing hospital-based data found no significant changes in patient outcomes after duty hour restrictions were implemented for neurosurgery residents. The researchers examined data from 2000-2002 and 2004-2006, comparing outcomes before and after the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) mandate.

SourceJournal of Neurosurgery Publishing Group·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·DateJun 3, 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.

2-D transistors promise a faster electronics future

Berkeley Lab researchers have developed the world's first fully two-dimensional field-effect transistor (FET) using layered materials with van der Waals interfaces. This breakthrough promises to improve the performance and scalability of electronic devices, enabling the creation of faster and more efficient electronics.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 3, 2014

Toxic computer waste in the developing world

India's population of 1.3 billion will generate over 900 million notebook computers past their life expectancy by 2025, highlighting the need for effective e-waste recycling infrastructure. The study estimates that over a billion PCs will be obsolete by 2020, posing significant risks to human health and the environment.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Science and Technology·DateJun 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.

Fatty liver disease prevented in mice

Scientists discovered that blocking GLUT8, a molecule carrying large amounts of fructose into liver cells, prevents fatty livers in mice. The study suggests the liver acts as a sink for processing fructose, potentially harming overall metabolic syndrome.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJun 3, 2014

Environmental 'one-two punch' imperils Amazonian forests

Research reveals Amazonian forests are being altered by multiple environmental factors, creating greater perils for the world's largest rainforest. The study found that fragmented forests change rapidly, with trees dying and vines proliferating, while nearby undisturbed forests also experience changes.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalEcology·DateJun 3, 2014

Community program helps lower blood pressure among minorities

A community-based program significantly lowered blood pressure among minority populations at high risk of developing hypertension. Participants who engaged more with the program showed greater reductions in blood pressure, highlighting the importance of regular monitoring and education.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateJun 3, 2014

ASU researcher leads national effort to transform undergraduate biology education

A new core concept template called BioCore Guide aims to provide an updated blueprint for educators to clarify the learning outcomes for undergraduate students majoring in general biology. The guide builds on previous reform efforts and provides overarching principles for each core concept, as well as 40 statements that illustrate the ...

SourceArizona State University·DateJun 2, 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.

Common cholesterol drug greatly alters inflammatory response to common cold

Researchers discovered that statins can alter the inflammatory response to rhinovirus, a common cause of the cold, in individuals with asthma. This finding suggests that statins may help prevent or reduce asthma symptoms resulting from colds, and could lead to further research into novel asthma control strategies.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateJun 2, 2014

Computer scientists develop tool to make the Internet of Things safer

Computer scientists at UC San Diego have developed a tool to test security in hardware design, addressing the growing concern of device vulnerabilities. The tool can detect confidentiality and integrity breaches, such as timing channels and critical subsystem interference.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalIEEE Micro·DateJun 2, 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.

No apparent link between chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency and MS

Researchers enrolled 120 MS patients and 60 healthy controls, finding no significant difference in diagnosed chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency between groups. The study's findings dispute the theory linking CSVI to MS due to methodological concerns and questionable diagnosis criteria.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJun 2, 2014

News from Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet June 3, 2014

Colorectal cancer screening should continue beyond age 75 for previously unscreened patients, according to new guidelines. Practices that implement a patient-centered medical home model with electronic health records (EHRs) have shown improved quality of care compared to non-PCMH practices.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 2, 2014

Small businesses less likely to offer health promotion programs

A review of 19 studies found that small businesses are less likely to offer health promotion programs due to costs and lack of financial incentive. However, when implemented, these programs can lead to improvements in employee health outcomes, including diet, physical activity, and emotional well-being.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateJun 2, 2014

CU Denver study shows public health often ignored in transportation policy

A CU Denver study reveals that major roads built through lower-income neighborhoods often neglect public health issues, including air pollution and crime. The study's author emphasizes the importance of incorporating public health into transportation planning to minimize hazards and create healthier environments.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Planning Education and Research·DateJun 2, 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.

Marijuana use is associated with impaired sleep quality

A new study reveals that marijuana users are more likely to experience sleep problems, including difficulty falling asleep and feeling daytime sleepiness. The association is strongest in adults who started marijuana use before age 15, with those who began early being twice as likely to struggle with severe sleep issues.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalSLEEP·DateJun 2, 2014

Astronomers find a new type of planet: The 'mega-Earth'

A team of astronomers has discovered a new type of planet, Kepler-10c, a mega-Earth with a diameter of approximately 18,000 miles. The planet's mass is 17 times that of Earth, indicating it is composed primarily of rocks and other solids.

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·DateJun 2, 2014

Surgeons report fewer postoperative blood clots using risk-based preventive measures

A standardized prevention program implemented in a hospital department of surgery significantly reduced the rate of deep venous thromboses (DVT) and pulmonary emboli among patients. The program, which scored individual risk factors and provided risk-based prophylaxis, led to an 84% drop in DVT rates and a 55% decrease in pulmonary emboli.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJun 2, 2014

Young women fare worse than young men after heart attack

Women aged 55 or younger are more likely to experience poorer physical functioning, mental functioning, quality of life, chest pain, and physical limitations after a heart attack. This disparity is attributed to various factors, including undetected chest pain, access issues, and increased work-life responsibilities.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateJun 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.

Harsh space weather may doom potential life on red-dwarf planets

A new study reveals that red dwarf planets may be stripped of their atmospheres due to harsh space weather, making life potentially even rarer. The extreme environment also triggers spectacular aurorae, but would lead to constant darkness and hurricane-force winds.

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·DateJun 2, 2014

The quest for the bionic arm

Researchers are working on bionic arms with full motor and sensory function to treat veterans with upper extremity amputations. While advancements have been made, challenges remain in creating prostheses that meet the abilities of a human arm and hand.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateJun 2, 2014

Increased mucins pinned to worsening cystic fibrosis symptoms

Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have found that mucins play a major role in failing lung function in cystic fibrosis patients. The study reveals that diluting the concentration of mucins in CF mucus may be key to improving treatments.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 2, 2014

JCI online ahead of print table of contents for June 2, 2014

Researchers discover that mucin concentration in cystic fibrosis airway secretions contributes to decreased mucus clearance and promotes lung infection and inflammation. Meanwhile, an aptamer-based strategy delivers a specific siRNA to tumor cells and Tregs, reducing STAT3 expression and promoting anti-tumor responses.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 2, 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.

Doing more with less; in cellulo structure determinations

Scientists have developed a method to study protein crystals inside cells using X-ray analysis, bypassing complex sample preparation. This breakthrough enables the analysis of micron-scale in vivo samples with improved signal-to-noise ratio.

SourceInternational Union of Crystallography·DateJun 2, 2014

Neuron tells stem cells to grow new neurons

Duke researchers discovered a novel neuron population in the adult brain that instructs stem cells to produce new neurons. The finding opens up possibilities for brain repair and regeneration through neural circuits.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJun 2, 2014

New therapies harness power of the immune system against cancer

Researchers have made significant strides in developing innovative immunotherapies that activate the body's immune response to fight cancer. The new treatments show high activity against advanced melanoma and demonstrate substantial decrease in melanoma recurrence risk.

SourceAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology·DateJun 2, 2014

Success for scientists in the academic job market is highly predictable

Researchers found that an individual scientist's chances of landing a faculty position are highly predictable based on their publication record. A machine-learning model was used to analyze the data of over 25,000 scientists, showing a strong correlation between publication metrics and success in the academic job market.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 2, 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.

Expanded health coverage may improve cancer outcomes in young adults, study suggests

A recent study suggests that expanded health coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) may lead to better cancer outcomes for young adults. The study found that patients with insurance coverage were more likely to receive definitive therapy and had a higher survival rate compared to uninsured individuals.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJun 2, 2014

Scientists capture most detailed images yet of tiny cellular machines

A team of researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison has captured the most detailed images yet of spliceosomes, which help make proteins in our bodies. The images reveal new details about how these cellular machines work and provide insight into the relationship between RNA and protein.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJun 2, 2014

Speaking 2 languages benefits the aging brain

A recent study published in Annals of Neurology found that individuals who speak two or more languages may experience slower cognitive decline and improved cognitive abilities later in life. The research controlled for childhood intelligence and showed a significant impact on general intelligence, reading, and other cognitive functions.

SourceWiley·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateJun 2, 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.

Same face, many first impressions

Researchers found that slight variations in facial expressions can lead to varied first impressions, challenging the assumption that face images accurately represent an individual's personality. The study suggests that online images can have unintended consequences on how others perceive us.

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

Britain's urban rivers cleanest in 20 years

Over 2300 British rivers have shown significant improvements in cleanliness, with many clean-water organisms returning to previously polluted areas. Improved water quality has helped offset the negative impacts of climate change on river ecosystems.

SourceCardiff University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJun 2, 2014

Stopping the spread of breast cancer

Scientists identified a new protein, hnRNPM, that plays a key role in reprogramming breast cancer cells to spread. Removing this protein significantly reduces the ability of breast cancer cells to metastasize to other organs.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalGenes & Development·DateJun 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.