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Science News Archive 2014 - Page 263


Page 263 of 376

Fires in the Primorsky Province of Russia

Human-caused fires in the Primorsky Province of Russia are ravaging the landscape, with statistics showing that 94% of forest fires can be attributed to human activities. The uncontrolled burning of dry grass for centuries has led to widespread deforestation and degradation of forests, posing a significant threat to various species.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 23, 2014

A key to enjoying massive online photo files may be giving up some control

A study found that people reflected more on past events and developed a renewed interest in their online photos when a device called Photobox would randomly print four or five of those photos at varying intervals each month. This slower pace re-engage users with their own photos, making them a regular part of their everyday life.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateApr 23, 2014

Picky male black widow spiders prefer well-fed virgins

A study by University of Toronto researchers found that male black widow spiders overwhelmingly choose well-fed, unmated females as mates. The preference is driven by pheromones released by females indicating their nutritional status.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateApr 23, 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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New discovery helps solve mystery source of African lava

Scientists at Michigan State University have made a groundbreaking discovery that challenges long-standing theories on the origin of massive lava flows in Africa. The study found that some of these lavas came from within the African tectonic plate itself, rather than deep within the mantle.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalGeology·DateApr 23, 2014

On the defensive

Researchers found that protein aggregates in Huntington's disease are not toxic, but rather a defense mechanism for stressed brain cells. This discovery may lead to new therapeutic approaches by targeting the stress response instead of protein clusters.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 23, 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.

Quality control guidelines for genomics studies

The proposed guidelines focus on study design, gene-variant implication, and database implications, emphasizing the need for detailed statistical analysis and evidence-based claims. Researchers highlight the importance of sharing genetic and clinical data to accelerate research and infrastructure development.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature·DateApr 23, 2014

Steering chemical reactions with laser pulses

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have successfully controlled the splitting of hydrocarbons into smaller fragments using femtosecond laser pulses. By manipulating the distribution of electrons, scientists can induce chemical reactions and select specific reaction paths.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review X·DateApr 23, 2014

Some astronauts at risk for cognitive impairment, animal studies suggest

A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that rats exposed to high-energy particles simulating space radiation show lapses in attention and slower reaction times. The cognitive impairments are linked to protein changes in the brain and may be predicted by developing a biological marker for sensitivity to radiation's effects.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalRadiation Research·DateApr 23, 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.

Hundreds of genetic mutations found in healthy blood of a supercentenarian

Scientists discovered over 400 genetic mutations in the white blood cells of a 115-year-old woman, indicating that these mutations may not contribute to disease. The study also found extremely short telomeres in the blood cells, suggesting 'stem cell exhaustion' as a possible cause of death at extreme ages.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenome Research·DateApr 23, 2014

Novel compound halts cocaine addiction and relapse behaviors

A novel compound, RO5263397, has been found to severely blunt a range of cocaine addiction behaviors, including relapse behavior, in animal studies. The compound targets TAAR1 receptor and shows promise as a potential lead compound for treating cocaine addiction.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateApr 23, 2014

NASA satellites show drought may take toll on Congo rainforest

A new analysis of NASA satellite data reveals a gradual decrease in Congo rainforest greenness, suggesting a slow adjustment to long-term drying trend. The study found that climate factors such as land surface temperatures and decreased cloudiness contribute to the observed browning of the forest canopy.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature·DateApr 23, 2014
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Toward unraveling the Alzheimer's mystery

Researchers find prion protein attaches to amyloid-beta peptides, contrary to previous studies, and do not break them down into smaller pieces. This discovery bodes well for a potential approach using prion-protein-based compounds to treat Alzheimer's disease.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Chemical Neuroscience·DateApr 23, 2014

Pollutants from coal-burning stoves strongly associated with miscarriages in Mongolia

A study by Children's Hospital Los Angeles found strong correlations between seasonal ambient air pollutants and pregnancy loss in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The researchers discovered a striking seasonal pattern of variation in miscarriage incidence, with increases in December due to increased hours of darkness and coldest temperatures.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalBMC Pregnancy and Childbirth·DateApr 23, 2014

Citizen scientists match research tool when counting sharks

Researchers found a strong correlation between shark abundance observed by citizen scientists and those identified by telemetry, suggesting that citizen science can be a cost-effective means to monitor shark populations. The study also showed that shark behavior was unaffected by tourist divers' presence.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 23, 2014
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.

People with more education may recover better from traumatic brain injury

A study published in the American Academy of Neurology found that individuals with higher levels of education tend to recover better from traumatic brain injuries. This is attributed to the cognitive reserve theory, which suggests that educated individuals have a greater ability to maintain brain function despite damage.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateApr 23, 2014

WSU researchers tackle 'virtually ignored' psychological study of spite

Researchers at WSU have developed a scale to measure spitefulness, a behavior that involves hurting an opponent even when it comes at a cost to oneself. The study found that spitefulness is closely linked to other negative traits such as psychopathy and narcissism, and that people with guilt tend to score lower on the scale.

SourceWashington State University·JournalPsychological Assessment·DateApr 23, 2014

Microbes provide insights into evolution of human language

Researchers discovered that Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria use combinatorial communication to achieve an effect different from the sum of individual signals, a method previously thought to be unique to humans and some primates. This finding has serious implications for our understanding of language origins.

SourceDurham University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 23, 2014
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Study: Iron consumption can increase risk for heart disease

A new study from Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington found a strong association between heme iron consumption and coronary heart disease. Heme iron intake was shown to increase the risk for coronary heart disease by 57 percent, while nonheme iron had no such link.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateApr 23, 2014

Scientists discover a new shape using rubber bands

Researchers at Harvard's SEAS discovered a hemihelix shape, rarely seen in nature, by stretching and joining rubber strips. The shape has a predictable and deterministic growth from a two-dimensional state to a three-dimensional state.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 23, 2014

Child's autism risk accelerates with mother's age over 30

A recent study finds that older mothers are at higher risk of having a child with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), particularly when combined with intellectual disability. The risk is lower for fathers, who experience a more gradual increase in ASD risk as their age advances.

SourceDrexel University·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateApr 22, 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.

New tool helps doctors better predict, prevent deadly respiratory failure

A new prediction tool can help doctors identify patients at highest risk for respiratory failure after surgery, allowing them to take measures to prevent the condition. The tool uses nine predictors to determine a patient's risk level, enabling doctors to assign risk levels and use preventive measures more effectively.

SourceAmerican Society of Anesthesiologists·JournalAnesthesiology·DateApr 22, 2014

Risk of pregnancy greater with newer method of female sterilization

A new study by Yale University and UC Davis researchers found that hysteroscopic sterilization is more than 10 times more likely to result in pregnancy over a 10-year period compared to laparoscopic sterilization. The study highlights the need for informed decision-making among women considering sterilization.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalContraception·DateApr 22, 2014

Sleep disorder linked to brain disease

Researchers at the University of Toronto found a strong link between rapid-eye-movement sleep behavior disorder and neurodegenerative brain diseases. Up to 90% of people with RBD will develop a brain disease, making it an important warning sign for clinicians.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalTrends in Neurosciences·DateApr 22, 2014

Scientists pinpoint protein that could improve small cell lung cancer therapies

Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center have identified a critical protein called Noxa, which helps regulate the function of MCL-1 and makes cancer cells more sensitive to ABT-737. This breakthrough may lead to improved therapies for small cell lung cancer, overcoming resistance to conventional chemotherapies.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalCell Death and Disease·DateApr 22, 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.

Grant for research that could lead to new therapies for Parkinson's Disease

Researchers at Plymouth University will use drug and gene therapies to test whether altering mitochondrial fission or fusion improves dopamine-producing nerve cells in experimental models of Parkinson's Disease. The goal is to identify a potential new therapeutic strategy for this brain disorder, potentially slowing disease progress an...

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·DateApr 22, 2014

EORTC and SIOG update expert opinion on management of elderly patients with NSCLC

The EORTC and SIOG have updated their expert opinion on NSCLC management in elderly patients, highlighting the need for personalized treatment decisions based on life expectancy and biological age. Multidisciplinary geriatric assessments can improve treatment outcomes for this population.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateApr 22, 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.

NeuroPhage discovers GAIM-changing molecules to combat Alzheimer's and related diseases

Researchers have engineered a series of molecules with the potential to treat most neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's. The GAIM-changing molecules recognize characteristic common to many toxic misfolded proteins and can prevent new aggregates from forming while clearing existing ones.

SourceMacDougall Biomedical Communications, Inc.·JournalJournal of Molecular Biology·DateApr 22, 2014

Biting vs. chewing

A Cornell study published in Eating Behaviors found that children aged 6-10 who ate whole foods like drumsticks and apples were twice as likely to disobey adults and exhibit aggressive behavior compared to those eating cut-up foods. The researchers suggest cutting food can help reduce rowdy behavior at mealtime.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalEating Behaviors·DateApr 22, 2014

Ask yourself: Will you help the environment?

A Concordia University study found that consumers are more likely to buy eco-friendly products if they predict their own sustainable shopping behavior and feel observed. The study also discovered that this effect is stronger for individuals who define themselves based on social ties and peer opinions.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Business Ethics·DateApr 22, 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.

New challenges in internet of physical world addressed

The book explores the major challenges of wireless sensor and robot networks, including controlled mobility, energy efficiency, and coordination. These challenges affect various applications, such as fleet operations, sensor networks, and fully cooperative systems.

SourceWorld Scientific·DateApr 22, 2014

Multiple sclerosis: A review of current treatments for physicians

The article provides evidence-based information on the latest treatments for multiple sclerosis, highlighting the benefits and risks of various therapies. Steroids are found to be the most effective way to treat relapses, while immunosuppressants like natalizumab and fingolimod have varying degrees of success.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 22, 2014

Specialized ambulance improves treatment time for stroke

A specialized ambulance equipped with a CT scanner, laboratory, and telemedicine connection was shown to reduce treatment time for ischemic stroke patients. The study found that the average alarm-to-treatment time decreased by 25 minutes, and the rate of thrombolysis increased from 21% to 33%.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateApr 22, 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 drugs offer hope for migraine prevention

Two new studies release promising results for migraine prevention, with one study showing a 66% decrease in migraine days and another demonstrating a 63% reduction. The new treatments target calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a protein thought to be involved in migraine, and are considered safe and well-tolerated.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateApr 22, 2014

Neuroscientists discover brain circuits involved in emotion

Researchers at the University of Bristol have identified a key brain pathway linking emotional behavior to survival circuits, revealing potential therapeutic targets for anxiety and phobias. The study highlights the cerebellum's role in fear response and suggests its involvement in managing dysregulated emotional states.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateApr 22, 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.

Almost one-third of Canadian adults have experienced child abuse

A recent study found that 32% of adult Canadians have experienced child abuse, with physical abuse being the most common. The study highlights a strong association between child abuse and mental health issues, including suicidal ideation and attempts.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 22, 2014