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Science News Archive 2014


Page 25 of 376

NIH-led scientists describe new herpes treatment strategy

Researchers have developed a novel treatment approach for persistent viral infections like herpes by blocking the activity of host cell protein LSD1, reducing HSV infection, shedding, and recurrence. This epigenetic therapy shows promise as an antiviral strategy to control shedding and reactivation of latent virus.

Separate and unequal in suburbia

A new study reveals that suburban blacks and Hispanics live in poverty-stricken neighborhoods with lower test scores compared to their white and Asian counterparts. The research, part of the US2010 Project, highlights the persistent disparities in suburban segregation and unequal access to resources.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Laser sniffs out toxic gases from afar

Scientists have developed a system that can identify chemicals in the atmosphere from up to one kilometer away. The technique uses terahertz radiation and an infrared laser to detect toxic gases, including nerve gas, chemical spills, and industrial pollutants.

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.

Glass houses: Your personality helps predict your real estate choices

A new study by Dr. Danny Ben-Shahar and Roni Golan found a correlation between personality traits and individual real estate choices, with neurotic individuals opting for homeownership over renting. The research also showed that local 'personality types' in America are associated with statewide real estate trends.

Small drains mean big problems at 'baby beaches'

Researchers at UC Irvine found that small drainpipes at enclosed ocean bays produce high fecal counts during summer months, impacting calmer waters. The team suggests green remedies like bioswales and drought-inspired reductions in irrigation runoff to capture urban slobber before it reaches drains.

Study to investigate the role of proteins in dementia

A study at Plymouth University is exploring how proteins interact to build up in nerve cells, potentially leading to dementia diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The research aims to understand the mechanism behind protein deposits and may one day lead to new therapies for patients with dementia with Lewy bodies.

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.

Birds conform to local 'traditions'

Researchers found that great tits learn new foraging techniques by observing others in their social network, adopting the dominant behavior and creating a stable tradition. Even when birds discover multiple methods, they tend to conform to the majority behavior, passing it down to the next generation.

Why does physical activity during childhood matter?

Research finds that physically active children outperform their inactive peers in the classroom and on tests of achievement. Physical activity is associated with larger brain volumes, increased concentration, and enhanced attention spans.

Nanotubes may restore sight to blind retinas

A groundbreaking study published in Nano Letters describes a revolutionary novel device that has the potential to treat a number of eye diseases. The proof-of-concept artificial retina is more efficient, flexible, and can stimulate neurons more effectively than previous designs.

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.

Managing reefs to benefit coastal communities

A new study highlights the importance of inclusive reef management policies to address unequal access to reef benefits. Coral reefs provide essential resources such as food and income opportunities, but not everyone has equal access to them.

Overweight and obesity in pregnancy linked to greater risk of infant death

A Swedish-US research team analyzed over 1.8 million births to find that maternal overweight and obesity increase infant mortality risk, with grade 2-3 obesity linked to more than doubled infant deaths. The study found modest increased risks for overweight mothers and significant increases for those with severe obesity.

Inflammatory discovery sheds new light on skin disease

Researchers at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute discovered that inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis are linked to abnormal apoptosis, while necroptosis is associated with systemic inflammation. This finding could lead to the development of new treatments for these conditions.

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.

Meteorology meets metrology: Climate research high up in the clouds

Researchers have developed a highly accurate airborne hygrometer, HAI, which simultaneously measures the amount of water present in the atmosphere as vapour, condensation, droplets, or ice. The device provides precise data on natural and anthropogenic cloud formation processes and their influence on climate development.

Study of deadly bat disease finds surprising seasonal pattern of infections

A new study found that the fungus responsible for white-nose syndrome, which causes bat populations to crash, can infect nearly every bat in a colony during hibernation. Bats that survive the winter can clear the infection after they become active again, but this leads to high mortality rates at the end of winter.

University of Illinois researchers develop inexpensive hydrolysable polymer

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a cheap, hydrolysable polymer called poly(hindered urea)s (PHUs), which can be designed to degrade over time. This material has potential applications in drug delivery, tissue engineering, and packaging, offering advantages over traditional hydrolyzable polymers.

Another case against the midnight snack

Researchers at Salk Institute discover that confining caloric consumption to an 8- to 12-hour period can significantly reduce weight gain, improve body composition, and even reverse obesity and diabetes in mice. The study's findings add to mounting evidence highlighting the importance of time-restricted eating for overall health.

Heavier newborns show academic edge in school

Research from Northwestern University found that heavier newborns have higher test scores from third through eighth grade. Even among twins, heavier-born twins have higher average test scores. However, other factors such as maternal education can be a larger predictor of academic achievement.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Losing air

Researchers found that tens of thousands of small impacts could efficiently jettison Earth's entire primordial atmosphere, while giant impacts would be less effective. The team's calculations suggest that the early Earth was likely devoid of its original atmosphere, with Venus and Mars also experiencing significant atmospheric loss.

NASA sees Tropical Storm Hagupit as Micronesia posts warnings

Tropical Storm Hagupit has become a Category One typhoon with maximum sustained winds near 70 knots, posing threats to islands in Micronesia. The storm is expected to continue moving west-northwest through the region and intensify before weakening on December 6.

People putting their lives at risk by dismissing cancer symptoms

A study by Cancer Research UK found that people often dismiss cancer symptoms as less serious and attribute them to other causes. Only two per cent thought cancer was a possible cause, despite experiencing red-flag symptoms such as unexplained coughs or persistent changes in bowel habits.

Tailor-made pharmaceuticals as basis for novel antidepressants

Researchers at Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry developed the first potent and highly selective inhibitor of FKBP51, called SAFit-ligand. This inhibitor enhances neuronal cell growth and improves stress-coping behavior in mice, providing a structural and functional basis for mechanistically novel antidepressant treatment.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Tracking elephants, ecstasy, and emerging diseases

Research highlights the surge of infectious disease in northern latitudes, driven by climate change and close contact between species. The study also explores the use of accelerometers to track an animal's internal state, including emotions and diseases.

Alcohol abuse linked to newly identified gene network

A study published in Molecular Psychiatry has identified a network of genes associated with alcohol dependence. The researchers found that certain sets of genes were co-expressed together in individuals who consumed the most alcohol, but not in non-alcoholics. This discovery could lead to better screenings and treatments for alcoholism.

Do concussions have lingering cognitive, physical, and emotional effects?

A study of US Marines who suffered concussions found persistent post-concussive symptoms and lingering cognitive effects are due to concussion-related brain trauma. Multiple concussions were associated with worse emotional and post-concussive symptoms, an important finding for military and civilian settings.

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.

A novel technique for gene insertion by genome editing

A novel gene knock-in technique using PITCh enables accurate and efficient insertion of exogenous genes into human cells, silkworms, frogs, and other organisms. This method overcomes technical hurdles associated with homologous recombination in cultured cells and organisms.

Health boost for fitness centers

Millions die each year from obesity-related issues, with Australia projected to be third fattest nation by 2020. Fitness facilities can mitigate risks by implementing pre-activity screening, automated defibrillators, regular inspections, and staff training.

Crime Victims' Institute investigates human trafficking

Human sex trafficking is a significant public health issue affecting the US, with an estimated 600,000 to 800,000 victims worldwide annually. The average age of entry into the sex trade for children is between 12 and 14, with lasting mental and physical health consequences.

New techniques for estimating Atlantic bluefin tuna reproduction

Researchers used a new endocrine-based approach to determine the age at sexual maturity for wild stocks of western Atlantic bluefin tuna, finding they mature at a considerably younger age than currently assumed. This discovery could lead to changes in fisheries scientists' estimates of population size.

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.

Cutting F-35 manufacturing costs, time earns ONR top award

The Office of Naval Research has developed an automated process to make F-35 canopies, saving $125 million over the life of the program. The new method uses a control system with cameras to ensure uniform shape formation and eliminates worker exposure to hot ovens.

Warming reaches maximum 10 years after carbon dioxide emission

A study by Carnegie Institution scientists Katharine Ricke and Ken Caldeira found that climate warming caused by a single carbon emission reaches its maximum effect within 10 years. This refutes the common misconception of decades-long delays and benefits current generations, not just future ones.

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.

West Antarctic melt rate has tripled: UC Irvine-NASA

The study reveals that the Amundsen Sea Embayment in West Antarctica is losing ice at an incredible rate, with the total amount of loss averaging 83 gigatons per year. This is equivalent to Mt. Everest's worth of water weight lost every two years over the past 21 years.

Even mild coronary artery disease puts diabetic patients at risk

A new study found that diabetic patients with even mild coronary artery disease are at a comparable risk of heart attacks and major adverse events to those with severe obstructive disease. Researchers used cardiac computed tomography angiography data from 14,000 patients to evaluate long-term prognostic value in diabetic patients.

Growing cooperation: First the carrot, then the stick

Researchers developed game-theoretical model to examine different incentive schemes, finding rewarding cooperative agents first leads to higher cooperation levels. The optimal strategy shifts to punishing wrongdoers after a sufficiently large proportion of agents cooperate, promoting highest level of cooperation at lowest cost.

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.

King Richard III -- case closed after 529 years

International research confirms King Richard III's identity to 99.999% accuracy using DNA and genealogical study. The study also reveals his likely appearance, including almost certainly blue eyes and probably blond hair, as seen in the Arched-Frame Portrait.

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.

Want to get male millennials on board with your cause? Focus on feelings

A study from Concordia University reveals that male millennials need specific emotional prods to engage with non-profits, unlike female millennials who respond to causes on an emotional level. Marketers must focus on the benefits of supporting a cause to successfully engage millennials in charitable efforts.

Researchers control adhesion of E. coli bacteria

A team of scientists has created a synthetic surface that can control the adhesion of E. coli bacteria using light. By switching on and off specific wavelengths, researchers can reverseorientate carbohydrate structures to influence bacterial bonding.

New molecules to burst malaria's bubble: ANU media release

Scientists have identified a range of new chemicals with potent anti-malarial properties that could lead to new treatments for the disease. The compounds block a molecular salt pump at the surface of the parasite, causing it to swell and burst.

The ryanodine receptor: Calcium channel in muscle cells

Researchers at Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology studied the three-dimensional structure of the ryanodine receptor using electron cryo-microscopy and a new technique for detecting electrons. The high-resolution structure reveals how the protein changes its shape upon binding calcium ions.

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.

Missing ingredient in energy-efficient buildings: People

A study by Julia Day found that occupants who had effective training in using the features of their high-performance buildings were more satisfied with their work environments. The study, which examined over 50 high-performance buildings across the US, highlighted the importance of creating a culture focused on conservation.

Fighting air pollution in China with social media

Researchers found that online activism did force the Chinese government to take some actions on air pollution, but corporate and government interests largely shaped the online discussion. The study shows both the power and limits of online activism in China, highlighting the need for more nuanced approaches to addressing complex social...

University of Chicago to establish Genomic Data Commons

The University of Chicago is establishing the nation's most comprehensive computational facility to store and harmonize cancer genomic data, expanding access for scientists. The Genomic Data Commons will provide an interactive system for researchers to analyze and identify potential therapeutic targets.

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.