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Science News Archive 2014 - Page 280


Page 280 of 376

New light shed on key bacterial immune system

Bacteria have been found to possess a surprisingly flexible immune system that can recognize and neutralize viruses and other foreign DNA invaders. This adaptive immunity, termed CRISPR-Cas, allows bacteria to store genetic memories of past infections and respond quickly to future exposures.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 7, 2014

Ancient shrimp-like animals had 'modern' hearts and blood vessels

Researchers discovered an ancestor of modern crustaceans with a sophisticated cardiovascular system, including a heart and blood vessels. The finding sheds light on the evolution of body organization in the animal kingdom and suggests that even ancient creatures had internal systems similar to those found in their modern descendants.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 7, 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.

Faster eye responses in Chinese people not down to culture

Research reveals that Chinese ethnicity is a stronger factor than culture in determining eye movement patterns, contrary to previous reports. The study found that similar numbers of British Chinese and mainland Chinese participants made high numbers of express saccades.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 7, 2014

Characteristics of patients in states expanding or not expanding Medicaid

Uninsured low-income adults in non-expansion states have delayed healthcare, emergency department visits, and multiple health conditions. Those in expansion states also experience poor health, but to a lesser extent. The study highlights the benefits of Medicaid expansion for those in need.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateApr 7, 2014

Hi-tech innovation gauges science learning in preschoolers

The iPad application is used to streamline behavior mapping, a research technique that records children's interactions in natural settings to assess their science skills and interests. The app allows for flexible data collection and upload, ensuring the safety of participant data.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateApr 7, 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.

Longer catch-and-release time leaves largemouth bass nests more vulnerable to predators

A study found that catch-and-release angling creates a window of opportunity for brood predators to consume young largemouth bass. After being caught and released, the male takes an average of 30 minutes to return to its nest, allowing predators to quickly exploit the vulnerability.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Biology of Fishes·DateApr 7, 2014

Health benefits of 'green exercise' for kids shown in new study

Children who engage in 'green exercise' while cycling experience lower post-activity blood pressure compared to those without visual stimulus. The study suggests that nature scenes promote positive health effects, potentially encouraging public health practitioners to prescribe outdoor exercise.

SourceCoventry University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateApr 7, 2014
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.

Genes increase the stress of social disadvantage for some children

A study found that genes amplify stress from harsh environments for some children, while supportive environments help mitigate this effect. The research used telomere length as a biomarker of stress and showed that genetic pathways play a role in the stress response.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 7, 2014

Solution to platelet 'puzzle' uncovers blood disorder link

Melbourne researchers solved a puzzle on how an essential hormone stimulates platelet production. They found that bone marrow cells can become overstimulated and produce too many platelets, leading to blood diseases such as essential thrombocythemia.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 7, 2014

Caffeine against Alzheimer's disease

Researchers have found that caffeine can positively affect tau deposits in Alzheimer's disease, improving spatial memory and reducing pathogenic processes in genetically altered mice. The study suggests a new class of drugs may be developed for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease using an A2A antagonist.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNeurobiology of Aging·DateApr 7, 2014

Chikungunya poised to invade the Americas

Research warns of a potential catastrophic epidemic in the Americas due to chikungunya's high transmission rates. The FIFA World Cup is expected to bring more people together, increasing the risk of disease spread.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalJournal of Virology·DateApr 7, 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.

Experts unveil recommendations for 'best practice' when caring for kids on dialysis

The updated guidelines emphasize a multidisciplinary approach to care, targeting growth, neurocognitive development, quality of life, and risk for complications. Children's Mercy Hospital has led the Chronic Kidney Disease in Children study, identifying factors that lead to kidney disease progression in children.

SourceChildren's Mercy Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Kidney Diseases·DateApr 7, 2014

A middle road for Medicaid expansion?

A team from the University of Michigan examines state-by-state navigation of the politics of health reform in a new JAMA article. The analysis shows signs of an emerging middle way toward reducing the ranks of the uninsured, with 11 states expanding Medicaid and going with federal or partnership exchanges, including six led by Republic...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA·DateApr 7, 2014

Experience helps restaurant managers stick with local foods

A study found that restaurant chefs and food purchasing managers prefer buying local foods with quick response times, accurate labeling, and training staff on local food handling. This was revealed in a Penn State research project investigating management's attitudes toward purchasing locally grown foods.

SourcePenn State·JournalInternational Journal of Hospitality Management·DateApr 7, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Switching off anxiety with light

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum have created a novel method for controlling serotonin receptors using light, which could lead to more effective treatments for anxiety disorders. By utilizing optogenetic tools, the scientists were able to modulate mouse emotional behavior and reduce anxiety-like behaviors.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNeuron·DateApr 7, 2014

Parental obesity and autism risk in the child

A new study from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health found a doubled risk of developing autism and Asperger's syndrome if a father is obese compared to a normal-weight father. The researchers also found that maternal obesity had little association with the development of autism in children.

SourceNorwegian Institute of Public Health·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateApr 7, 2014

Scientists find missing piece of air particle equation hiding in the walls

A study by UC Davis researchers found that laboratory chamber walls can suppress the formation of secondary organic aerosol in the atmosphere. This effect has contributed to underpredictions of SOA concentrations in regional air quality models, which impacts air quality and climate.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 7, 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.

The tiniest greenhouse gas emitters

A new study from IIASA and the University of Vienna suggests that soil microbes can break down organic matter more efficiently, emitting fewer carbon dioxide emissions. This finding has significant implications for understanding climate feedbacks and the role of soil in the global carbon cycle.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalEcology Letters·DateApr 7, 2014

Targeting sperm protection in mosquitoes could help combat malaria

Researchers have discovered a way of reducing the fertility of malaria-carrying mosquitoes by targeting an enzyme called HPX15. This could provide a new tactic to combat the disease, potentially leading to a reduction in the number of malaria-carrying mosquitoes in circulation.

SourceImperial College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 7, 2014

Blood test could provide rapid, accurate method of detecting solid cancers

Researchers at Stanford Medicine have developed a highly sensitive and specific blood test that can accurately identify stage-1 lung cancer patients and detect rare cancer mutations. The CAPP-Seq technique analyzes tumor DNA in the blood to provide non-invasive monitoring of cancer progression and treatment responses.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateApr 6, 2014

Amino acid fingerprints revealed in new study

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a technique to identify amino acids, including subtly modified variants, by analyzing electrical activity signals. This breakthrough advances the prospect of clinical protein sequencing and discovery of new biomarkers for diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer's.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateApr 6, 2014
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.

Columbia scientists identify key cells in touch sensation

Researchers use optogenetics to study skin cells called Merkel cells, which play a crucial role in sensing fine details and textures. The discovery may lead to the development of new prosthetics and treatments for skin diseases.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature·DateApr 6, 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.

Sweden has 2-3 times as many adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes as previously thought; Findings have potential implications for other high-income countries

Research published in Diabetologia suggests Sweden may have 2-3 times more adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes than estimated. The study used a new method to estimate incidence rates among young people, finding a significant disparity between previous estimates.

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetologia·DateApr 6, 2014

Friedreich's ataxia -- an effective gene therapy in an animal model

A gene therapy approach using adeno-associated virus (AAV) successfully treated heart disease in mice with Friedreich's ataxia, restoring full functionality to the hearts. The treatment, which introduced a normal copy of the FXN gene, prevented the development of heart disease and even fully cured advanced-stage cases.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalNature Medicine·DateApr 6, 2014

Researchers find arid areas absorb unexpected amounts of atmospheric carbon

Researchers found that arid ecosystems, which cover nearly half the earth's land surface, can take up a significant amount of carbon as CO2 levels rise. The study suggests that these ecosystems could account for 15-28% of current carbon absorption, potentially offsetting 4-8% of current emissions by 2050.

SourceWashington State University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateApr 6, 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.

Increased risk of developing lung cancer after radiotherapy for breast cancer

Researchers found that women who underwent radiotherapy for breast cancer have a small but significantly increased risk of developing a primary lung tumour. The risk increases with the amount of radiation absorbed by the tissue, with an estimated relative risk of 8.5% per delivered Gy to the lung.

SourceEuropean Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO)·DateApr 6, 2014

Field study shows why food quality will suffer with rising CO2

A field study has demonstrated that elevated carbon dioxide inhibits the conversion of nitrate into protein in a field-grown crop, compromising the nutritional quality of food crops. This finding indicates that the nutritional quality of food will suffer as climate change intensifies.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Climate Change·DateApr 6, 2014
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.

Smoking visibility mapped for the first time

Researchers from the University of Otago used mapping methods to track smoking visibility in public areas of downtown Wellington. They found that up to 116 smokers could be seen outside bars and cafés, highlighting the need for smokefree policies to reduce the normalisation of smoking.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalBMC Public Health·DateApr 6, 2014

IOF Olof Johnell Science Award presented to Dr. Jonathan D. Adachi

Dr. Jonathan D. Adachi has been awarded the IOF Olof Johnell Science Award for his internationally recognized contributions to osteoporosis research, including epidemiological studies and clinical trials. He is also a prominent advocate for osteoporosis prevention and treatment.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·DateApr 5, 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.

Helium ions may provide superior, better-targeted treatment in pediatric radiotherapy

Researchers have developed a method to calculate the optimal dose of helium ions for radiation treatment, showing promising results in treating pediatric patients with neuroblastoma and Hodgkin's lymphoma. The use of helium ions may provide greater accuracy and reduced uncertainties compared to conventional radiotherapy or proton therapy.

SourceEuropean Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO)·DateApr 5, 2014

Cleft palate discovery in dogs to aid in understanding human birth defect

UC Davis researchers have identified a genetic mutation responsible for cleft palate in Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers, providing a new model for studying the craniofacial defect. This discovery may lead to a better understanding of cleft palate in humans and its associated complications.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateApr 5, 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.

Visualizing a safe place reduces procedural pain

Research presented at EuroHeartCare 2014 found that visualizing a safe place reduced operative pain in patients undergoing ablation of atrial fibrillation. Patients who used visualization during the procedure were in pain less often and asked for fewer painkillers, with perceived pain intensity possibly also reduced.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateApr 5, 2014

Zombie cancer cells eat themselves to live

A University of Colorado study shows that cancer cells can outlive chemotherapies by using autophagy, a process where cells recycle damaged parts. This finding has implications for developing drugs that inhibit autophagy to sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapy.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·DateApr 5, 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.

Poor sleep doubles hospitalizations in heart failure patients

A recent study published at EuroHeartCare 2014 found that poor sleep doubles the risk of unplanned hospitalizations in patients with heart failure. The researchers analyzed data from nearly 500 patients and discovered that those with chronic sleep problems were two times more likely to be hospitalized than those without sleep issues.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateApr 5, 2014

Ankle fractures could be significant risk factor for subsequent fracture

A study of 749 postmenopausal women found that ankle fractures were associated with lower areal BMD and altered bone microstructure, similar to forearm fractures. These findings suggest that ankle fractures should be considered osteoporotic fractures in fracture risk assessment.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateApr 5, 2014