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Science News Archive 2014


Page 28 of 376

Supplemental co-enzyme Q may prevent heart disease in some individuals

Research published in The FASEB Journal suggests that low birth weight in rats can lead to reduced co-enzyme Q levels in the aorta, but supplementing with extra CoQ may prevent age-associated damage and heart disease. This study provides potential steps towards developing a diagnostic test for blood co-enzyme Q levels.

UGA study finds it's mean boys, not mean girls, who rule at school

A new study from the University of Georgia found that boys engage in relationally aggressive behavior more often than girls across all grade levels. The longitudinal study analyzed data from over 600 students and found that almost all of them had experienced relational aggression at least once.

The human eye can see 'invisible' infrared light

Researchers found that the retina can sense infrared light when laser pulses rapidly deliver a double hit of energy, allowing the eye to detect light outside the visible spectrum. This discovery may lead to developing new tools for examining and stimulating the retina.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Sophisticated HIV diagnostics adapted for remote areas

Researchers have developed a low-cost, electricity-free device capable of detecting HIV-1 DNA using a small scale chemical reaction. The NINA system can detect infection at an early stage, allowing for immediate treatment and reducing the risk of loss to follow-up.

NASA's CATS eyes clouds, smoke and dust from the space station

The Cloud-Aerosol Transport System (CATS) instrument on the International Space Station measures aerosols and cloud layers, providing data to improve air quality forecasts and track hazardous events like wildfires. This information will also feed into climate models to better understand Earth's energy balance.

Breast cancer vaccine shows promise in small clinical trial

A new breast cancer vaccine developed at Washington University School of Medicine has shown safety and preliminary evidence of biological efficacy in patients with metastatic breast cancer. The vaccine targets a protein called mammaglobin-A, found almost exclusively in breast tissue, and primes the immune system to attack tumor cells, ...

NYU researchers find silver lining playbook for performance

A novel silver lining theory establishes that believing a weakness can be a strength leads to increased productivity in that domain. In experiments, impulsivity was found to be related to creativity when participants believed it, but not when they disbelieved it.

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.

Ground-based detection of super-Earth transit achieved

Astronomers have successfully detected a super-Earth's transit using a ground-based telescope, marking the first time this has been done. The transit occurred in front of a bright Sun-like star and demonstrates that small planets can be characterized with existing facilities.

Quantum leap as Clark unveils UK's network of Quantum Technology Hubs

The UK has unveiled a £120 million national network of Quantum Technology Hubs, exploring the properties of quantum mechanics and harnessing them for technology. The hubs will deliver transformative impacts in key areas such as quantum metrology and sensors; quantum simulators; quantum computers and quantum secure communications.

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.

Research suggests ability of HIV to cause AIDS is slowing

Research suggests that HIV's rapid evolution is slowing its ability to cause AIDS, while access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) enables infected individuals to progress more slowly. The study found that HIV adaptation to the immune system comes at a cost, making the virus less virulent.

Therapeutic bronchoscopy performed on a dolphin

A bottlenose dolphin with breathing difficulties underwent pioneering therapeutic bronchoscopy, marking the first time such a procedure was performed on a marine mammal. The dolphin's respiratory cycle improved significantly after the treatment, and she returned to her normal behavior.

PET/CT shows pituitary abnormalities in veterans with PTSD

A new study using PET/CT technology found that military veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often have abnormal pituitary gland function. The research suggests that hormone imbalances in the pituitary gland may be a key factor in the development of PTSD in veterans who have also suffered from mild traumatic brain injury.

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.

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.

Mutation associated with premature ovarian failure identified

A new study identifies a specific mutation in the MCM8 gene as a cause of premature ovarian failure. The mutation leads to chromosomal instability and DNA repair problems, affecting women's reproductive health. Researchers found that siblings without the mutation did not experience similar symptoms.

NASA's 2014 HS3 hurricane mission investigated four tropical cyclones

The HS3 mission investigated the processes underlying hurricane formation and intensity change in the Atlantic Ocean basin. The study focused on four tropical cyclones: Cristobal, Dolly, Edouard, and Gonzalo. Data collected by NASA's Global Hawk aircraft revealed strong winds and dry air shifts near Hurricane Cristobal's center.

Institute of Food Research announces test for horse meat

Scientists at Institute of Food Research developed a fast and cheap alternative to DNA testing for distinguishing horse meat from beef. The new method uses NMR spectroscopy to analyze the chemical composition of fat in meats, with results available in just ten minutes.

Study: Different species share a 'genetic toolkit' for behavioral traits

Researchers have discovered a common 'genetic toolkit' for behavioral traits across different species, including house mice, stickleback fish, and honey bees. Shared gene expression patterns were found in response to intruder threats, suggesting molecular similarities run deeper than brain structural differences.

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.

Vitamin D reduces lung disease flare-ups by over 40 percent

A new study from Queen Mary University of London found that vitamin D supplements can significantly reduce the risk of COPD flare-ups in patients with a vitamin D deficiency. The trial, which included 240 patients, showed a 40% reduction in flare-ups among those who received vitamin D supplements.

Widening wage gap linked to more deaths among black Americans

A study by University of California, Berkeley researchers found that greater income inequality is linked to more deaths among African Americans, with each unit increase resulting in an additional 27-37 deaths. In contrast, white Americans experienced fewer deaths, suggesting a protective effect for high-income whites.

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.

UW team explores large, restless volcanic field in Chile

A team led by UW-Madison is investigating the Laguna del Maule volcanic field in Chile's Andes, where a mega-eruption could be as large as Mount St. Helens. The team aims to document the volcano's behavior before an eruption using geology, geochemistry, and seismology techniques.

Researchers use 3-D printing to guide human face transplants

A study by researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that using 3D printed models of the recipient's head improved pre-operative data, allowing surgeons to better appreciate complex anatomy and bony defects. This reduction in procedure time led to improved overall patient outcomes.

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.

Study links sleep apnea to impaired exercise capacity

A new study reveals that obstructive sleep apnea is associated with lower predicted peak oxygen uptake, a measure of aerobic physical fitness, in patients. Sleep apnea severity alone explained 16.1 percent of this variability, indicating a strong independent relationship between the two.

Love at first smell

Researchers found that birds can compare their own odor with potential mates and choose unrelated individuals as breeding partners. This suggests a link between mate choice and disease-resistance in birds, similar to mammals.

Anticholesterol rosuvastatin not associated with reduced risk for fractures

A large study found no association between rosuvastatin statin therapy and reduced fracture risk in participants with elevated inflammatory biomarkers. Despite potential biological pathways linking cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis, the results contradict previous studies suggesting a protective effect of statins on fractures.

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.

Stressed-out cancers may provide drug target

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have discovered that cancer cells with chromosomal instability are vulnerable to mild metabolic disruption, making them a potential target for new therapy. The study's findings suggest that targeting these unstable cells could lead to more effective treatments with fewer side effects.

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.

Review of 90 studies confirms that men's sperm quality declines with age

A review of 90 studies found consistent declines in semen volume and sperm performance, as well as increases in malformed and DNA-damaged sperm with increasing male age. This decline in semen quality is a significant concern for couples delaying childbearing and may contribute to increased infertility rates.

Canada funds 11 new global health innovations in La Francophonie member states

Canada has awarded $1.2 million in grants to 11 new global health innovations in La Francophonie member states, aiming to address pressing health challenges such as malaria, malnutrition and sanitation. The projects focus on improving maternal, newborn and child health, with a particular emphasis on low- and middle-income countries.

DFG to fund 8 new Collaborative Research Centers

The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) is funding eight new Collaborative Research Centers (CRCs), with a total budget of €62 million. The centers will focus on near-wall turbulent chemically reacting multiphase flows, spin excitations in semiconductor materials, and the discourse of weakness and resource regimes after acute trauma.

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.

Duality in the human genome

Scientists at Max Planck Institute find millions of gene forms, 85% genes without predominant form, and 4,000 disease genes. The dual nature of human genomes reveals individual diversity in interactions between genes.

New material makes water and oil roll off

Researchers have developed a new material, called fluoropore, that can repel both water and oil due to its super-repellent surface. The material has the potential to produce universal protective coatings against any type of staining.

The emergence of modern sea ice cover in the Arctic Ocean, 2.6 million years ago

Scientists have found that the Arctic Ocean's sea ice cover began to form around 2.6 million years ago, with significant expansion occurring around this time. This new knowledge can be used to improve future climate models and predict potential ice-free periods, which could have major implications for the planet's climate system.

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.

Girls better than boys at making story-based computer games, Sussex study finds

A University of Sussex study reveals that teenage girls are more adept at designing and programming their own computer games than boys. The research used a new visual programming language called Flip, which helps pupils understand the code they write. Girls created more complex programs and learned more about coding compared to boys.

New substance overcomes treatment-restistance in leukemia

Researchers from Frankfurt and Moscow develop kinase inhibitor PF-114 effective against Philadelphia chromosome-positive leukemia, including resistant cases. The new substance offers a more favorable profile than existing Ponatinib, paving the way for further clinical trials.

Highly evolvable malaria-carrying mosquitoes

A team of researchers sequenced the genomes of 16 Anopheles species to understand their genetic differences and how they adapt to new environments. The study offers new insights into the evolutionary history of these mosquitoes and their ability to transmit malaria parasites.

Iberian orcas, increasingly trapped

Researchers have identified key habitats for Iberian orcas, showing they are closely tied to tuna migration patterns. The small population faces threats from human activity in their limited habitat.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Scientists film magnetic memory in super slo-mo

Researchers at DESY used high-speed photography to observe the formation of magnetic microvortices in ultrafast memory cells. The study provides a better understanding of magnetic storage materials and their dynamics, with potential implications for faster and better data storage media.

Bitter food but good medicine from cucumber genetics

Researchers identify nine genes involved in making cucurbitacin, a compound with anti-cancer and diabetes properties. Domestication tweaked cucumber genetics to make fruit more edible, but the same compounds have potential therapeutic applications.