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Science News Archive 2014 - Page 254


Page 254 of 376

Study: Low-fat diet helps fatigue in people with MS

A low-fat diet may help alleviate fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). The study found that participants who followed a plant-based diet very low in saturated fat had significantly less fatigue at the end of the year compared to those who didn't follow the diet.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·DateMay 1, 2014

Penn Vet research identifies compounds that control hemorrhagic viruses

Researchers at Penn Vet have identified several compounds that can reduce a virus' ability to spread infection, making it easier for the immune system to control. The compounds target specific interactions between viral proteins and host cells, potentially reducing mortality rates for diseases like Ebola and HIV.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of Virology·DateMay 1, 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.

New model can predict therapy outcomes in prostate cancer with bone metastasis

A new computational model simulates bone metastasis of prostate cancer and accurately predicts the impact of potential therapies on cancer cells and normal cells of the bone. The model was validated by comparing its predictions with tumor growth rates in mice, and identified critical players and events in the process of bone metastasis.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Research·DateMay 1, 2014

Statins for kidney disease patients: Protection for the heart but no effects on kidneys

A recent study found that statin therapy lowers LDL cholesterol and reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke in patients with chronic kidney disease, but has no effect on kidney function or progression. The Study of Heart and Renal Protection (SHARP) included 6,245 patients who received a placebo or cholesterol-lowering treatment w...

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMay 1, 2014

JCI online ahead of print table of contents for May 1, 2014

Researchers investigated the role of atrogin-1 in cardiac homeostasis and found that its deficiency promotes cardiomyopathy and premature death via impaired autophagy. Additionally, endothelial HIF-2 was shown to protect kidney from hypoxia-induced damage. These findings highlight the importance of protein turnover regulation and HIF-2...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 1, 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.

Researchers find the accelerator for molecular machines

A Danish/American research team has discovered an accelerator pedal that controls the speed of a molecular machine. By varying the distance between the starting and stopping points, researchers can increase or decrease the speed of the molecule.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 1, 2014

The real difference between how men and women choose their partners

A recent study by Concordia University researchers found that women are more likely to be deterred by negatively framed descriptions of potential partners, while men respond more strongly to positive frames. This suggests that evolutionary factors may influence decision-making biases in mate selection.

SourceConcordia University·JournalEvolution and Human Behavior·DateMay 1, 2014

Clinical opinion published in American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Dr. Charles Rardin suggests hospitals and physicians consider four issues to promote a balanced approach to Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS), including case criteria, quality management, and support for all forms of MIS. This approach is necessary to ensure patients receive the best care and avoid 'robotic factories'.

SourceCare New England·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateMay 1, 2014

Studies identify spinal cord neurons that control skilled limb movement

Two types of spinal cord neurons were identified as enabling skilled forelimb movement: excitatory interneurons for accuracy and inhibitory interneurons for smooth movement. The discovery may lead to understanding normal human motor function and potentially treating movement disorders.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature·DateMay 1, 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.

Human fat: A trojan horse to fight brain cancer?

Johns Hopkins researchers have successfully used stem cells derived from human body fat to deliver biological treatments directly to the brains of mice with glioblastoma, a deadly form of brain tumor. The treatment extended the mice's lives by an average of 24 days, offering new hope for treating aggressive brain cancer in humans.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateMay 1, 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.

Vitamin D deficiency linked to aggressive prostate cancer

A new study from Northwestern Medicine and the University of Illinois at Chicago finds that vitamin D deficiency is a predictor of aggressive forms of prostate cancer diagnosis in African-American and European-American men. Regular screenings for vitamin D deficiency could be crucial to prevent advanced tumor progression.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateMay 1, 2014

Humans have a nose for gender

Scientists found that smelling certain steroids affects people's perception of movement as masculine or feminine, depending on their biological sex and sexual orientation. The study reveals a sexually dimorphic response to pheromones in both heterosexual and homosexual individuals.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 1, 2014

China study improves understanding of disease spread

A new study from the University of Liverpool surveyed 1,821 people in Guangdong to understand how diseases such as bird flu spread among communities. The research found that people met around ten others each day and spent between five and ten hours a day with other people.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·DateMay 1, 2014

Sperm precursors made from stem cells of infertile men

Researchers successfully coaxed induced pluripotent stem cells from infertile men into producing sperm cell precursors after transplantation into mice testes. This breakthrough helps explain genetic causes of male infertility and holds potential for clinical applications.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 1, 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.

Tree rings reveal nightmare droughts in the West

A study analyzing tree rings reveals that droughts in the Rocky Mountains can be even more severe than the 1930s Dust Bowl, with some scenarios suggesting prolonged periods of below-average stream flow and intense droughts like 1580's record low river flow.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJAWRA Journal of the American Water Resources Association·DateMay 1, 2014

Oral cancer linked to human papillomavirus: No increased HPV risk for long-term partners

A study published in Journal of Clinical Oncology found low transmission rates among long-term partners of patients with oral HPV infection. The prevalence of oral HPV among partners was comparable to the general population, confirming that couples do not need to change their intimacy due to cancer diagnosis.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateMay 1, 2014

The Lancet Psychiatry: Around 60 percent of people who contemplate or attempt suicide do not receive treatment

The Lancet Psychiatry article highlights the underuse of mental health resources among individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts. According to researchers, approximately 60% of people experiencing suicidal ideation or behavior do not receive treatment, underscoring the need for more effective psychological interventions and increas...

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateMay 1, 2014

Investigators find something fishy with classical evidence for dietary fish recommendation

A new investigation in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology challenges the long-held recommendation to include oily fish in a heart-healthy diet. Researchers found that Greenland Eskimos, who were initially believed to have low rates of coronary artery disease, actually suffered from CAD at the same rate as other populations.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·DateMay 1, 2014
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.

A 30-year puzzle in breast cancer is solved

A new study published in Cell Reports demonstrates that mice lacking one copy of the CTCF gene are predisposed to cancer due to abnormal DNA methylation. The research also reveals deletions or mutations in CTCF are common events in breast, endometrial, and other human cancers.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 1, 2014

Can money buy happiness? For some, the answer is no

Researchers at San Francisco State University found that material buyers who purchase life experiences are not happier due to a lack of identity expression. Similarly, spending money on material items does not improve their happiness levels either.

SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalJournal of Research in Personality·DateMay 1, 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.

Researchers link age, general health and antidepressant use with eye disorders

A study from the University of Waterloo found a correlation between abnormal binocular vision, general health, and antidepressant use in older adults. Binocular vision disorders affect depth perception and may increase fall risk, affecting up to 38% of those over 80 years old.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateMay 1, 2014

Statistical analysis unveils the hidden patterns in Eurovision voting

A study analyzing Eurovision voting patterns over two decades found that cultural and geographical factors drive support for certain countries' acts, rather than prejudice. The analysis revealed clusters of countries with similar voting behaviors and identified the probability of each country belonging to a particular bloc.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Applied Statistics·DateMay 1, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Increased drought portends lower future Midwest crop yields

Research suggests that Midwest corn and soybean yields could drop by 15-30% over the next half-century due to harsher drought conditions. The study, published in Science, found that corn and soybeans are becoming increasingly sensitive to drought, with yields struggling in dry conditions in Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience·DateMay 1, 2014

Small variations in genetic code can team up to have a big impact

Researchers found that individual variations in the genetic code can collectively produce significant changes in an organism's physical characteristics, depending on other variants. This study may help explain the 'missing heritability' problem, where additive genetic variants do not entirely explain many inherited diseases and traits.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMay 1, 2014

Some Ohio butterflies threatened by rising temperatures

A new study finds that climate change and urbanization are threatening Ohio butterflies, with eight species showing significant delays in lifecycle events. The findings suggest that these changes may render the species unfit for parts of the state, highlighting the importance of monitoring butterfly populations.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalEcology·DateMay 1, 2014

Amphibians in a vise: Climate change robs frogs, salamanders of refuge

Researchers develop tools to help land managers and biologists identify areas where fish removal can protect amphibians from climate-induced habitat loss and predation. New hydrologic models and remote-sensing techniques can be used to map wetlands and evaluate the effects of projected climate change.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateMay 1, 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.

New combination therapy developed for multiple myeloma

Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center have developed a novel combination therapy that reduces Mcl-1 expression and disrupts its interactions to effectively kill multiple myeloma cells. The therapy combines Chk1 and MEK inhibitors, showing promise in overcoming resistance caused by high expressions of Mcl-1.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 1, 2014

Experimental drug prolongs life span in mice

A new experimental drug has been developed that inhibits the aging protein PAI-1, quadrupling the lifespan of rapidly aging mice. The drug, TM5441, also protects organs from accelerated aging and may one day be used to treat human diseases like chronic kidney disease and diabetes.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 1, 2014

Edgy look at 2-D molybdenum disulfide

Scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have recorded the first observations of strong nonlinear optical resonances along the edges of a single layer of molybdenum disulfide. These one-dimensional edge states are key to enabling novel nanoelectronics and photonic devices.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateMay 1, 2014

How do our cells move? Liquid droplets could explain

EPFL scientists have discovered a new relationship between cell shape and migration efficiency, explaining how cells move using a simple model of liquid droplets. The study found that spherical cells are faster movers, and this phenomenon is influenced by surface characteristics.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 1, 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.

Whales hear us more than we realize

A study by the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory found that commercially available sonar systems produce signals within the hearing range of killer whales and other marine mammals. The sounds are quiet but audible to animals beyond a few hundred meters, potentially affecting their behavior.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 1, 2014

Parents just as likely to use cell phones while driving, putting child passengers at risk

A University of Michigan study found that 90% of parent drivers engaged in at least one distraction while their child was a passenger. The study highlights the need to consider multiple sources of driver distraction when kids are passengers and emphasizes the importance of reducing distractions to prevent crashes.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAcademic Pediatrics·DateApr 30, 2014

Direct current, another option to improve the electrical power transmission

Researchers propose using direct current lines to improve power transmission and balance renewable energy production. The GISEL group develops new VSC technology for converters, offering advantages in controlling power transmission and reducing losses.

SourceUniversidad del País Vasco·JournalInternational Journal of Electrical Power & Energy Systems·DateApr 30, 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.

Stem cells from teeth can make brain-like cells

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have discovered that stem cells taken from teeth can grow to resemble brain cells, suggesting they could be used as a therapy for stroke. These cells have the potential to form complex networks and communicate like normal neurons, offering hope for new treatments.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalStem Cell Research & Therapy·DateApr 30, 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.

Want a young child to 'help' or 'be a helper'? Choice of words matters

A new study found that using nouns like 'helper' instead of verbs like 'helping' motivates young children to participate in household tasks. The researchers used two experiments with over 150 preschoolers and found significant differences in helping behavior between the two groups.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateApr 30, 2014

Watch out: Children more prone to looking but not seeing

A new UCL study found that children under 14 are more prone to inattentional blindness, failing to notice their environment while focused on simple tasks. This can lead to increased risk of accidents and safety hazards, especially for young children crossing roads or engaging in activities.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateApr 30, 2014

Whey beneficially affects diabetes and cardiovascular disease risk factors in obese adults

A study published in ACS' Journal of Proteome Research found that whey protein slows down stomach emptying and lowers fatty acid levels, increasing insulin levels in obese adults. The results suggest that whey protein may be a beneficial addition to diets for those at risk of developing type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateApr 30, 2014

Sell-side analysts lean towards high valuation companies for comparison

A study from the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management found that sell-side analysts tend to compare companies in the same category but with expensive stock prices. This can lead to undervalued companies being perceived as good buys compared to high-valuation peers. The research also shows a greater tendency to choose hig...

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalReview of Accounting Studies·DateApr 30, 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.

Hope for better drugs to treat stroke and heart attacks

Researchers have taken 'snapshots' of a critical receptor involved in blood coagulation, paving the way for novel, reversible blood-thinning substances. These new therapies aim to provide more effective control over platelet aggregation, reducing side effects and improving patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature·DateApr 30, 2014