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Science News Archive 2014 - Page 257


Page 257 of 376

Model sheds new light on sports-related brain injuries

Researchers developed a new mouse model to study the behavioral damage caused by repeated blows to the head. The study shows that mice with mild TBI develop similar behavioral problems as humans with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), including difficulty sleeping, memory issues, depression, and poor judgment.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·DateApr 29, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Coral reefs provide potent new anti-HIV proteins

Researchers have discovered a new class of proteins called cnidarins that can block HIV virus penetration into T-cells, providing a potent barrier against infection. The proteins were found in a feathery coral collected off Australia's northern coast and show a unique mechanism of action.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·DateApr 29, 2014

NASA Goddard to bring satellite data to African agriculture

A new program combines NASA's LabNotes and FieldNotes technologies with the mFarms platform to provide relevant satellite data to African farmers and distributors. This collaboration aims to improve crop health, reduce food insecurity, and enhance agricultural productivity in sub-Saharan Africa.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 29, 2014

Vitamin D may raise survival rates among cancer patients

A study found that vitamin D levels are linked to better outcomes in several types of cancer. Patients with higher vitamin D levels tend to have better survival rates and remain in remission longer than those who are deficient.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateApr 29, 2014

Simple tests of physical capability in midlife linked with survival

Papers published on bmj.com suggest low physical capability in midlife is associated with poorer survival rates, while time spent in light intensity physical activity may ward off disability and reduce mortality. These simple tests can identify those at high risk of achieving a long and healthy life.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateApr 29, 2014

In a commanding position -- and now cheaper

Researchers at EMPA have developed a water-based method for applying transparent conductive oxide (TCO) films, reducing energy consumption and costs. The new process uses molecular self-organisation to grow the TCO film without high-temperature thermal treatment.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 29, 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.

'Lonely' bacteria increase risk of antibiotic resistance

Researchers discovered that 'lonely' microbes are more likely to mutate, resulting in higher rates of antibiotic resistance. The rate of mutation varies according to the number of bacteria present, with more 'lonely' bacteria developing greater resistance to antibiotics like Rifampicin.

SourceWellcome Trust·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 29, 2014

CNIO team presents a new strategy to personalise cancer therapies

Researchers at CNIO developed a new strategy to personalize cancer therapies for advanced patients by analyzing genetic mutations and testing drugs in 'Avatar' mice. The study showed clinical responses in up to 77% of patients, providing a promising approach for personalized medicine.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateApr 29, 2014

NASA satellite spots tornado track near Conway, Ark.

A violent tornado in Arkansas on April 27, 2014, left a distinct trail of damage visible from space. The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA's Aqua satellite captured images of the area before and after the storm, showing pale brown trails where trees were uprooted.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 29, 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.

NRL researchers develop harder ceramic for armor windows

The NRL research team has developed a method to fabricate nanocrystalline spinel that is 50% harder than current spinel armor materials, offering improved protection and weight savings. The new material demonstrates increased hardness even at extremely small grain sizes, making it suitable for high-performance applications.

SourceNaval Research Laboratory·JournalActa Materialia·DateApr 29, 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.

Declines in large wildlife lead to increases in disease risk

Research by UCSB professor Hillary Young finds that large wildlife decline leads to an increase in rodent populations, resulting in more fleas and a higher risk of human disease. The study's findings highlight the importance of protecting large and at-risk wildlife species to mitigate this risk.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 29, 2014

Information technology can simplify weight-loss efforts; social support still important for success

Research at the University of Missouri-Columbia found that information technology, such as smartphone apps, can aid in weight loss by streamlining tracking and providing visual feedback. Social support, however, remains essential for long-term success, with in-person connections preferred over online networks.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Telemedicine and E-Health·DateApr 29, 2014

'Feel good' factor higher when you own, not just use, luxury items

A study found that owning luxury products leads to higher satisfaction with life, whereas using them has a detrimental effect. Participants who kept luxury versions of durable items or consumable goods were more satisfied than those who only used them.

SourceSpringer Science+Business Media·JournalApplied Research in Quality of Life·DateApr 29, 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.

Girls make higher grades than boys in all school subjects, analysis finds

Research spanning nearly a century reveals that girls have consistently higher grades than boys across various subjects, including math and science. The study's findings contradict recent claims of a 'boy crisis' and suggest social and cultural factors may contribute to the difference in performance.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalPsychological Bulletin·DateApr 29, 2014

Anti-smoking TV ads should use anger, Dartmouth-Cornell study suggests

A Dartmouth-Cornell study found that anti-smoking TV ads using anger are more effective in increasing anti-smoking attitudes and intentions. The research, which manipulated the actor's expressed emotions, showed that the anger-framed ad increased perceived dominance of the speaker.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalJournal of Health Communication·DateApr 29, 2014

Solving a mystery of thermoelectrics

Researchers have finally found a theoretical explanation for the differences in thermal conductivity between similar materials, which could lead to the discovery of new thermoelectric materials. The findings are reported in the journal Nature Communications and were partly supported by the U.S. Department of Energy.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 29, 2014

OCULLAR sees ocean color day and night

The OCULLAR instrument can measure ocean color under low-light conditions, allowing scientists to monitor the health and chemistry of the oceans around the clock. This capability will enable researchers to study phytoplankton, microscopic ocean plants that form the base of the oceanic food web.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 29, 2014

Diabetes duration and severity associated with brain atrophy

A study found that longer diabetes duration is associated with brain volume loss and grey matter shrinkage, contrary to previous assumptions about its impact on small vessel ischemic disease. The researchers suggest potential implications for cognitive decline in patients with diabetes.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateApr 29, 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.

New analysis of 7 ant genomes reveals clues to longer life spans associated with sociality

Researchers identified 24 functional categories of genes with strong positive selection in ant lineages, including those related to nervous system development and immunity. Ant-specific signals on mitochondrial activity genes may be responsible for increased queen lifespan up to 30 years.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateApr 29, 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.

Study: WHO tool underestimates need for osteoporosis treatment

A recent study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that the World Health Organization's Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) underestimates the true dangers for people who are younger than 65 or have been treated for a single broken bone. The study used the Canadian BMI-FRAX form of...

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateApr 29, 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.

Saving crops and people with bug sensors

UC Riverside researchers created a method to classify different species of insects with up to 99% accuracy using inexpensive wireless bug sensors. The sensors track multiple insect flight behavior patterns and generate large amounts of data for classification algorithms.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Insect Behavior·DateApr 29, 2014

Anti-bullying policy must focus on all of society

Researchers from the University of Warwick warn that socio-economic status is not a reliable indicator of bullying behavior, contrary to common assumptions. The review found that bullies come from all social backgrounds and are only marginally less likely to be from high socioeconomic levels.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateApr 29, 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.

Search for extraterrestrial life more difficult than thought

A new study suggests that detecting life on exoplanets is more difficult than previously thought, as a lifeless planet can mimic the same results as one with a biosignature. The resolution needed to distinguish between genuine and false positives is impossible with current telescopes.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 29, 2014

Study confirms increased prevalence of GI symptoms among children with autism

A new study reveals that children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are more likely to experience gastrointestinal (GI) complaints, including constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The research highlights the need for standardized screening instruments and clinical guidelines to detect and address GI symptoms in ASD patients.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateApr 29, 2014
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.

Widespread tetraradial symmetry among early fossil sponges

A new study finds early fossil sponges exhibiting tetraradial symmetry, a four-fold arrangement of spicules, in well-preserved fossils from the Cambrian period. This symmetry was previously unknown in living sponges and suggests a more complex ancestry than previously thought.

SourceScience China Press·JournalChinese Science Bulletin·DateApr 29, 2014

Graphene only as strong as weakest link

Researchers from Rice University and Georgia Tech measured graphene's fracture toughness for the first time, finding it to be somewhat brittle. The study highlights the importance of fabricating high-quality graphene sheets without defects to ensure its structural applications.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 29, 2014

Tapah through infrared satellite eyes: Now a typhoon

NASA's Aqua satellite captured infrared data on Typhoon Tapah, showing strong thunderstorms and cold cloud-top temperatures. The storm is expected to weaken and curve northeast before reaching Iwo To, due to increasing vertical wind shear in its path.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 29, 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.

Stress research in therapy dogs reveals animals' needs

Researchers investigated four trained therapy dogs and found no stress during group therapy. The study established that freedom relaxes the dogs, reducing cortisol levels, and symptoms of stressed dogs include hair loss and anxiety-like behaviors. Regular supervision is recommended for therapy dogs to ensure their well-being.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalJournal of Veterinary Behavior·DateApr 29, 2014

A protein key to the next green revolution sits for its portrait

A team at Washington University in St. Louis solved the structure of NolR, a master off-switch for the nodulation process that converts bacteria into nitrogen-fixing organisms. The discovery provides insight into the biological machinery of nitrogen-fixing and may lead to re-engineering crop plants with on-site nitrogen-fixing systems.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 29, 2014

New tool for Joint Lab to investigate the chemistry of nature

Scientists at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin have developed a new tool to investigate the chemistry of nature using ultrashort laser pulses. The tool allows for insights into electronic and structural dynamics of molecules and molecular complexes, revealing mechanisms of molecular processes on subpicosecond timescales.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalOptics Express·DateApr 29, 2014

Snobby staff can boost luxury retail sales

Researchers at the University of British Columbia found that consumers who experience rudeness from sales staff are more likely to purchase and wear luxury brands. The study suggests that a 'snobbish' attitude is beneficial for high-end retailers, but only if the salesperson appears authentic.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateApr 29, 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.

Mobile users may not buy into instant gratification cues

Researchers found that mobile users tend to distrust sites with instant gratification messages, and are more willing to share sensitive information after viewing security alerts. This phenomenon suggests that users prioritize privacy over convenience in digital interactions.

SourcePenn State·DateApr 29, 2014

'Tell-tail' MRI image diagnosis for Parkinson's disease

Researchers have identified a new and accurate test for Parkinson's disease using 3T MRI scanning technology, known as the 'swallow tail' appearance of the healthy nigrosome. This sign is absent in Parkinson's disease, making it a potential diagnostic tool for clinicians.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 29, 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.

Study yields potential drug targets for preeclampsia patients

A new study has identified molecules that send detrimental signals in preeclampsia patients, which may lead to poor health outcomes in babies born to mothers with the syndrome. The researchers found that these molecules are associated with increased risk of disease later in life.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·DateApr 29, 2014

NAI Fellows paper on patents and commercialization for tenure, career advancement in PNAS

The paper argues that universities should value faculty patents and commercialization activities equally in decisions related to tenure and academic advancement. The authors suggest that encouraging innovation and supporting bright young faculty can lead to a culture change that recognizes the value of these activities.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 29, 2014

Risk of birth defects small with HIV drugs

A French study found a small link between HIV drug use during pregnancy and an increased risk of heart defects in children. However, the benefits of antiretroviral therapy in preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV outweigh the risks.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 29, 2014

Genealogy and biogeography meet personalized medicine

A team of researchers has developed a tool to accurately identify the biogeography of worldwide individuals using genetic distribution and geographical distance. This method, called GPS, is sensitive and specific, allowing it to identify place of origin even in ethnically diverse regions like the US.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 29, 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.