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Science News Archive 2014


Page 265 of 376

International team sequences rainbow trout genome

Researchers have sequenced the rainbow trout genome, revealing that roughly half of protein coding genes have been deleted since a genetic doubling event 100 million years ago. The study also shows retention of microRNA genes and original genes involved in embryonic development.

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.

US medical innovation needs smarter incentives to cut health spending, study finds

A new study suggests that US policymakers should incentivize pharmaceutical companies and device makers to develop products with more value. The aim is to reduce healthcare spending while preserving health benefits, potentially through novel approaches such as increased creativity and risk-taking in scientific research and development.

Brain size matters when it comes to animal self-control

A new study of 36 species found that brain volume – not body size – is the key to self-restraint. Animals with varied diets showed superior cognitive powers, while those with larger brains were more likely to inhibit counter-productive behavior.

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.

Cougars' diverse diet helped them survive the Pleistocene mass extinction

A new analysis of cougar teeth found significant variation in dietary habits among the species, suggesting a more generalized approach that allowed them to survive the Pleistocene mass extinction. This contrasts with the more finicky diets of extinct cousins like saber-tooth cats and American lions.

Energy Secretary Moniz announces 2013 Ernest Orlando Lawrence Award Winners

The US Department of Energy has recognized six exceptional scientists and engineers with the 2013 Ernest Orlando Lawrence Award for their contributions to research and development supporting energy, science, and national security missions. The award recipients have made significant advances in various scientific fields.

Why alcoholism saps muscle strength

Researchers found that mitochondria unable to self-repair are responsible for muscle weakness in both long-time alcoholics and patients with mitochondrial disease. The study identified a key protein, Mfn1, involved in skeletal muscle cell fusion.

Lack of breeding threatens blue-footed boobies' survival

A study published in Avian Conservation and Ecology reveals that the iconic Blue-footed Booby population has declined by over 50% in less than two decades. The drastic drop is attributed to a lack of sardines in their diet, leading adult birds to elect not to breed, which in turn causes the population to shrink.

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.

Today's Antarctic region once as hot as California, Florida

Parts of ancient Antarctica reached temperatures similar to today's California coast and Florida heat due to high CO2 levels. The study used a new method to measure past temperatures, providing insights into the sensitivity of the climate system to greenhouse gases.

Ecology team improves understanding of valley-wide stream chemistry

Researchers applied a geostatistical approach to assess headwater stream chemistry at high resolution, finding patterns that vary over short and long distances. The analysis reveals the influence of landscape processes on stream network chemistry, challenging traditional assumptions about water quality.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

'Dustman' protein helps bin cancer cells

Researchers have discovered a new role for Cullin-5 in killing cancer cells by targeting proteins that drive cell division. The study suggests a possible test to identify responsive patients and develop more effective drugs.

Mental illness not usually linked to crime, research finds

A study of 429 crimes committed by 143 offenders with serious mental disorders found that only 7.5% were directly related to symptoms of mental illness. Most offenders who committed crimes with mental illness symptoms also had unrelated crimes for other reasons, such as poverty or substance abuse.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The future of high-speed rail in the US and beyond

Wayne State University leads a two-and-a-half-year study on the imagination of high-speed rail in America, examining what motivates decision makers and users to champion or use trains. The research aims to understand how railway futures are shaped by urban growth plans and transportation visions.

Scientists target receptor to treat diabetic retinopathy

Researchers found that activating a receptor, Gpr109a, can inhibit inflammation in the retina and prevent vision damage in diabetes. The new grant will enable long-term studies to evaluate the therapeutic potential of this approach.

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.

Queuing theory helps physicist understand protein recycling

Using the subway analogy, a physicist is applying queuing theory to study protein traffic jams in cells. By understanding these bottlenecks, he aims to discover mechanisms for alleviating them and develop new tools for synthetic biology. This research has the potential to impact areas such as development, inflammation and cancer.

Malfunction in molecular 'proofreader' prevents repair of UV-induced DNA damage

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh discovered a malfunction in the molecular 'proofreading' machinery that repairs DNA damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) light. The protein UV-DDB makes stops along the DNA strand and transiently attaches to it, causing a proofreading change in its conformation, preventing repair in damaged areas.

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.

'Upside-down planet' reveals new method for studying binary star systems

Astronomers confirm first self-lensing binary star system, where the closer star's mass is measured by its magnifying effect on light from its companion. This discovery improves research on white dwarfs and galaxy age, using gravitational lensing to reveal new insights into these celestial objects.

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.

Grant to fund research on possible cell contaminants

Scientists at the University of Texas at Dallas are investigating the potential human health effects of multi-walled carbon nanotubes, tiny structures used in various products. The researchers will use advanced microscopy techniques to track how these nanotubes interact with human cells and determine their impact on health.

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.

Teachers' scare tactics may lead to lower exam scores

A recent study published by the American Psychological Association found that students who felt threatened by their teachers' messages about failing performed worse on exams than those who did not. The researchers suggest that teachers should consider using more positive and supportive messages to motivate students.

MSU physicists push new Parkinson's treatment toward clinical trials

Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a promising new treatment for Parkinson's disease using a molecular tweezer that prevents protein aggregation. The molecule, CLR01, speeds up protein reconfiguration and has shown success in slowing the first step of aggregation, paving the way for clinical trials.

Study: Centuries of sand to grow Mississippi Delta

Researchers found that the river's supply of sand, a key ingredient for rebuilding marshlands, will remain constant for at least 300 years. The study suggests that despite reduced sediment loads, the abundance of sand in the lower Mississippi River channel will continue to replenish wetlands.

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 plague in your family

The study analyzed 224 strains of Yersinia family members, revealing parallel independent evolution of pathogenicity in species like Yersinia pestis and enterocolitica. The researchers found that acquisition of specific genes and loss of metabolic functions are key traits for pathogenic species.

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for April 22, 2014

The American College of Physicians advocates for a patient- and family-centered approach to physician training, recognizing the value of partnerships between healthcare professionals and their loved ones. The organization's proposal includes establishing guidelines for active participation of patients and families in medical care.

Taking the pulse of mountain formation in the Andes

Scientists have found evidence that the Andes mountain range formed through periodic rapid pulses, not continuous gradual uplift. The Altiplano plateau rose by about 2.5 kilometers between 16 million and 9 million years ago, indicating a rapid rate in geologic terms.

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.

Progress made in developing nanoscale electronics

Scientists have successfully directed charges through single molecules using a bi-layer arrangement of organic molecules, enabling precise control over electronic properties. This breakthrough brings us closer to nanoscale circuitry, which could be used in various applications such as OLEDs and biomedical devices.

Safer alternatives to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain killers

Researchers have identified a potential new class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that target the mPGES-1 enzyme, which reduces oxidative damage and slows atherosclerosis in macrophages. This could lead to safer pain relief options without increasing heart disease risk.

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.

Edible flowers may inhibit chronic diseases

Common edible flowers in China have excellent antioxidant capacity due to their high phenolic content, which has anti-inflammatory activity and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and certain cancers.

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.

Fast, simple-to-use assay reveals the 'family tree' of cancer metastases

Researchers developed an assay to analyze poly-G repeat mutations in human cancer samples, revealing evolutionary relationships among tumor sites. The study found that individual patients had varying levels of genetic differences between primary tumors and metastases, suggesting early or late metastatic spread.

The anti-inflammatory factory

Researchers at Lomonosov Moscow State University and Pittsburgh University have identified a new biosynthetic pathway for lipid mediators, producing molecules that regulate inflammation and cell death. The study's findings could lead to the development of new anti-inflammatory drugs.

NASA sees wind shear affecting newborn Tropical Cyclone Jack

Tropical Cyclone Jack strengthened quickly after forming on April 20, but strong vertical wind shear is expected to weaken the storm. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center notes that despite this, the storm continued to build thunderstorms and elongate to the southeast.

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.

How often are unauthorized immigrant workers trafficked and abused?

A recent study published in The ANNALS found that more than 30% of undocumented migrant laborers are victims of labor trafficking, while 55% experience other forms of labor abuse. The research highlights the importance of improving working conditions for vulnerable workers and addressing the root causes of exploitation.