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Science News Archive 2014 - Page 276


Page 276 of 376

Researchers say Neanderthals were no strangers to good parenting

Researchers challenge traditional views on Neanderthal childhood by finding strong emotional attachments and social relationships within their group. They also discovered children played a key role in symbolic expression and were cared for until sick or injured for extended periods.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalOxford Journal of Archaeology·DateApr 9, 2014

UCLA/RAND community research team win prestigious translational science award

The UCLA/RAND community research team won a prestigious award for their 10-year effort to improve depression care in low-income areas. The team's collaborative approach showed that community engagement can provide measurable added value, leading to improved mental and physical health outcomes.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·DateApr 9, 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.

ORNL study pegs fuel economy costs of common practices

A recent study by the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory found that using a rooftop cargo box can decrease fuel economy by up to 9% and driving with all four windows down can lower it by 4-8.5%. The study tested various configurations, including underinflated tires and towing a trailer.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·DateApr 9, 2014

TGen identifies growth factor receptors that may prompt metastatic spread of lung cancer

A study by TGen found that specific growth factor receptors, HGFR/MET and FN14, are elevated in metastatic tumors of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Suppression of these receptors reduces tumor cell invasion. These findings suggest new targets for therapy to prevent or halt the spread of this deadly cancer.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·JournalClinical & Experimental Metastasis·DateApr 9, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Skulls of red and giant pandas provide insight into coexistence

Researchers found that red panda skulls are better at distributing mechanical stress during chewing, while giant panda skulls can withstand greater forces. These differences reflect distinct bamboo feeding preferences, with the giant panda eating harder and larger pieces of bamboo.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalBiology Letters·DateApr 9, 2014

EASL publishes online recommendations on the management of hepatitis C

The European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) has published online recommendations for managing hepatitis C, which reflect the approval of three new direct-acting antivirals. The guidelines provide best practice on key areas, including treatment indications, available drugs, and measures to improve treatment adherence. Wit...

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of the Liver·DateApr 9, 2014

Older people with faster decline in memory/thinking skills may have lower risk of cancer death

A study published in Neurology found that older adults with rapid memory and thinking skills decline may be less likely to die from cancer. The research followed over 2,600 participants aged 65 and above for nearly 13 years and found a significant difference in cancer mortality rates between those with fast versus slow cognitive decline.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateApr 9, 2014

Identified a new possible target to combat muscle wasting

Scientists have identified DOR protein as a plausible target against muscle deterioration in certain diseases. The researchers found that inhibition of DOR would only partially reduce autophagy, maintaining beneficial levels for cells.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 9, 2014

Physical function and sense of autonomy determine life-space mobility in older people

Research conducted by Erja Portegijs and colleagues found that physical function and sense of autonomy are independent determinants of life-space mobility in older people. Life-space mobility, which reflects an individual's opportunities to participate in society, is affected by both physical limitations and psychological factors.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateApr 9, 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.

Rabbits kept indoors could be vitamin D deficient

Researchers at the University of Illinois have found that indoor rabbits can develop a vitamin D deficiency due to lack of UVB radiation exposure. This deficiency can lead to various health problems, including dental issues and weakened immune systems.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAmerican Journal of Veterinary Research·DateApr 9, 2014

Genome sequencing of MRSA infection predicts disease severity

A study used genome sequencing to predict which MRSA isolates were highly toxic, allowing for personalized treatment. Researchers identified over 100 genetic loci associated with toxicity and found that highly toxic isolates shared a common signature, enabling prediction of disease severity.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenome Research·DateApr 9, 2014

Most schools meet USDA drinking water mandate; more steps needed to encourage consumption

A new study found that most schools in the US meet the USDA drinking water mandate, but additional measures are needed to promote better access and encourage students to drink more water. The study suggests that collaboration among school staff and educational activities can be effective strategies to promote water consumption.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateApr 9, 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.

Study tests theory that life originated at deep sea vents

Researchers found an abundance of methanethiol in low-temperature fluids with markers of microbial organic matter, suggesting breakdown of existing subseafloor life produces methanethiol. This contradicts the 'metabolism first' hypothesis and provides evidence that life is widespread below the seafloor.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 9, 2014

Pharma firms turn attention to hearing loss

The pharmaceutical industry is turning its attention to hearing loss, a condition affecting 36 million Americans. Researchers are developing potential therapies targeting the inner ear and central nervous system, with several drug candidates already advancing through clinical testing.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateApr 9, 2014

Farming for improved ecosystem services seen as economically feasible

Midwest farmers are willing to adopt environmentally improved farming practices in exchange for payments, which can lead to up to 50% reductions in nitrogen pollution and mitigate greenhouse warming. The study suggests that sustainable agriculture can be economically viable and contribute to ecosystem services.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateApr 9, 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.

Are chromium supplements helpful in lowering blood sugar levels?

A study analyzing nearly three decades of data found chromium supplements are ineffective in reducing fasting glucose levels in both diabetic and non-diabetic populations. Despite this, the researchers suggest other dietary supplement ingredients may have positive effects on fasting blood sugar levels.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalBiological Trace Element Research·DateApr 9, 2014

Genetic defect may confer resistance to certain viral infections

A recent NIH study found that a rare genetic disorder, CDG-IIb, can confer resistance to severe or recurrent viral infections like HIV and influenza. The researchers discovered that these viruses replicate less efficiently in cells with the disease, creating fewer and less infectious viruses.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 9, 2014

Patients over 65 have more complications after colorectal cancer surgery

A study published in JAMA Surgery found that patients over 65 have a higher risk of complications and longer hospital stays after colorectal cancer surgery compared to younger patients. The study analyzed over 1 million patients with colorectal cancer and found that mortality rates improved across all age groups during the decade studied.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateApr 9, 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.

Age does not predict success for those in court-based mental health treatment programs

New research by Kelli Canada finds that older adults in mental health courts experience the same substance use and housing instability as younger adults, challenging assumptions about age as a protective factor. This study highlights the need for tailored assessments and effective treatment plans to address the unique needs of older ad...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalAmerican Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateApr 9, 2014

Synthetic collagen promotes natural clotting

Researchers at Rice University have developed a synthetic collagen, KOD, that mimics the body's natural collagen to promote natural clotting and heal surgical wounds. Lab tests showed KOD hydrogel traps red blood cells to stop bleeding and binds platelets to form clots, improving upon commercial hemostats.

SourceRice University·JournalBiomacromolecules·DateApr 9, 2014

Unity is strength in the marketing of smallholder farm produce

A study by the World Agroforestry Centre found that collective action improves market access for smallholder farmers of agroforestry products, reducing transaction costs and increasing income. The experience from Cameroon offers an opportunity to implement effective collective action to benefit smallholder producers.

SourceWorld Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF)·JournalCurrent Opinion in Environmental Sustainability·DateApr 9, 2014

Spike in postoperative cardiac surgery deaths may be linked to 30-day survival measurement

A study analyzing national hospital data found a significant increase in postoperative cardiac surgery deaths at the 30-day mark, suggesting an unintended consequence of prioritizing this measurement. The researchers suggest that emphasizing 30-day survival as a key metric may lead to delayed end-of-life decisions and unnecessary treat...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalHealth Services Research·DateApr 9, 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.

New 'switch' could power quantum computing

Scientists at MIT and Harvard have developed a method to couple individual atoms with photons, enabling the creation of quantum switches that can transmit information. This technique allows for the scaling up of quantum computing processing available within small spaces.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateApr 9, 2014

Gusev Crater once held a lake after all, says ASU Mars scientist

A new analysis by ASU scientist Steve Ruff suggests that Lake Gusev on Mars once held a lake, with evidence of low-temperature surface waters introducing carbonates into rocks. The discovery sheds light on the crater's geological history and potential astrobiological significance.

SourceArizona State University·JournalGeology·DateApr 9, 2014

CU researchers unraveling what's behind the sniffles, hoping for a treatment

Scientists at the University of Colorado School of Medicine have identified solitary chemosensory cells as potential causes of non-allergic rhinitis. These cells detect irritants and trigger an inflammatory response, leading to symptoms such as a runny nose and difficulty breathing.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 9, 2014

Polysaccharides from Angelica sinensis alleviate oxidative damage to neurons

Polysaccharides from Angelica sinensis have been shown to protect PC12 neuronal cells from H2O2-induced cytotoxicity, reduce apoptosis and intracellular reactive oxygen species levels, and increase mitochondrial membrane potential. In a rat model of local cerebral ischemia, Angelica sinensis polysaccharides enhanced antioxidant activit...

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateApr 9, 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.

New research reveals the reality of adoption breakdowns

A comprehensive study found that 3.2% of children in England moved out of their adoptive home prematurely, citing factors like child abuse, neglect, and domestic violence. Services are urged to develop support for adopted teenagers and improve mental health services for young people.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·DateApr 9, 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.

Organization of cellular photosystems

The new Research Unit will analyze the assembly of thylakoids using a systematic approach to understand the molecular details of the photosynthetic process. Thylakoids are specialized membrane systems found in some bacterial species and plant cells that capture sunlight and convert it into chemical energy.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·DateApr 9, 2014

Violence intervention program effective in Vanderbilt pilot study

A targeted violence intervention program was found to reduce violent behavior and increase competencies to deal with violence among middle school students. The program showed a significant decrease in violent behavior and victimization rates, with students reporting 'never' getting beaten up or threatened with a gun.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Injury and Violence Research·DateApr 9, 2014

Sunken logs create new worlds for seafloor animals

Research reveals that wood-boring clams serve as 'ecosystem engineers,' making organic matter available to other colonizing animals. Larger logs support more diverse communities, while smaller ones have fewer inhabitants.

SourceMonterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute·JournalBiology Letters·DateApr 9, 2014

Researchers discover how the kissing disease virus hijacks human cells

University of Montreal scientists discovered how Epstein Barr (EBV) virus takes over gene regulating machinery to replicate itself. The viruses trick the human defense systems by mimicking components, allowing them to survive and cause diseases like infectious mononucleosis and lymphoma.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateApr 9, 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.

Green is good

Researchers at the University of Iowa have discovered a natural compound in green tomatoes that stimulates muscle growth and protects against muscle wasting. Tomatidine, found in green tomatoes, generates changes in gene expression opposite to those that occur in muscle cells affected by muscle atrophy.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateApr 9, 2014

Researchers looking to create new bone tissue generation technique

Researchers have developed a new method to generate bone tissue using the body's own stem cells, which could replace traditional bone grafting techniques. The process, known as biodegradable polymer scaffolding material and BMP, has been successful in lab experiments and shows promise for future clinical trials.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 9, 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.

Medication therapy management works for some but not all home health patients

A study led by Purdue University found that medication therapy management by phone reduced hospitalizations by 86% in low-risk Medicare patients, who were three times less likely to be hospitalized. However, the intervention had no significant impact on higher-risk patients, highlighting the need for tailored strategies.

SourcePurdue University·JournalHealth Services Research·DateApr 9, 2014

DNA data could help doctors treat MRSA shows new study

A new technique predicts MRSA toxicity from its genome sequence, allowing clinicians to personalize treatment for individual infections. The study identified 125 genetic mutations associated with high or low toxicity, enabling the prediction of severe disease.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalGenome Research·DateApr 9, 2014

Stressful environments genetically affect African-American boys

A study of 40 black boys aged 9 found that those from disadvantaged environments had shorter telomeres, a biomarker for aging, than their advantaged peers. Boys with genetic sensitivities to stress also showed accelerated telomere shortening.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 9, 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.

Tiny step edges, big step for surface science

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have discovered that tiny step edges on titanium oxide surfaces enable the accumulation of electrons, allowing oxygen atoms to attach more strongly. This finding offers opportunities for creating more efficient solar cells and catalysts.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateApr 9, 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.

The motion of the medium matters for self-assembling particles, Penn research shows

Researchers attach DNA-coated building blocks to form structures, but simulations predicted defects. They found hydrodynamic effects play a critical role in the structures' formation, making some patterns more likely than others. This discovery improves our understanding of particle assemblies and has implications for various systems.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 9, 2014