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Science News Archive 2014 - Page 289


Page 289 of 376

Genetic mutations warn of skin cancer risk

Researchers have discovered that specific genetic mutations can increase the risk of melanoma by deactivating a gene that protects chromosomes from damage. This finding has significant implications for early detection and treatment strategies.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateMar 30, 2014

The Atlantic Ocean dances with the sun and volcanoes

Researchers at Aarhus University found a correlation between Atlantic Ocean temperature fluctuations and external forces like the Sun's energy cycle and volcanic eruptions since the Little Ice Age. This challenges previous theories of internal variability in ocean circulation, suggesting a complex interaction between mechanisms.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 30, 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.

Meeting climate targets may require reducing meat and dairy consumption

A recent study at Chalmers University of Technology found that greenhouse gas emissions from food production threaten the UN's 2-degree Celsius limit for global warming. Reducing meat and dairy consumption could bring agricultural climate pollution down to safe levels, but broad dietary change can take time.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalClimatic Change·DateMar 30, 2014

Effect of important air pollutants may be absent from key precipitation observations

A groundbreaking study from the University of Exeter reveals a significant discrepancy between observed and modelled precipitation levels in the Northern Hemisphere mid-latitudes. The study suggests that aerosol concentrations in the atmosphere may be underestimating the impact on regional temperature and precipitation changes.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMar 30, 2014

Cardiac resynchronization improves survival in heart failure patients

A new study found that cardiac resynchronization therapy with a defibrillator (CRT-D) significantly reduces mortality in mildly symptomatic heart failure patients with left bundle branch block. The five-year survival rate was close to 90% among CRT-D patients.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 30, 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.

Blood test helps predict heart attack risk for patients with chest pain

A blood test using high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T can accurately predict heart attack risk in patients with chest pain, allowing for targeted admissions and reduced hospital costs. The test's negative predictive value was found to be 99.8 percent for heart attack within 30 days.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 30, 2014

Renal denervation shows no benefit in resistant hypertension

A large randomized trial found that renal denervation did not significantly lower systolic blood pressure in patients with severe resistant hypertension. Despite rigorous design and blinding, the treatment failed to meet primary efficacy goals, highlighting the need for further research.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 29, 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.

Fewer deaths with self-expanding TAVR versus surgery at 1 year

A study found that self-expanding TAVR significantly lowers death rates compared to traditional surgical valve replacement in high-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis. The treatment resulted in lower all-cause mortality and heart attack/stroke-related deaths at one year.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 29, 2014

Study finds astronauts' hearts become more spherical in space

The study found the heart becomes more spherical by 9.4% in microgravity, similar to predicted models, and may benefit certain cardiovascular patients on Earth. The temporary shape change appears after spaceflight, but long-term health effects are unknown.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 29, 2014

Too many diet drinks may spell heart trouble for older women

A large study found that postmenopausal women who consume two or more diet drinks per day are 30% more likely to have a cardiovascular event and 50% more likely to die from related disease. The association persists even after adjusting for other risk factors.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 29, 2014

Daylight saving impacts the timing of heart attacks

A new study found a 25% jump in heart attacks on Mondays after springing forward and a 21% drop on Tuesdays after falling back. Researchers suggest that the time change may alter the timing of when heart attacks occur, potentially putting vulnerable individuals at greater risk.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 29, 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.

Efforts to curb hospital readmissions take center stage

Researchers focus on identifying vulnerable patients, early follow-up, medication, and engagement to lower readmission rates. Studies show that starting ACE inhibitors or ARBs prior to discharge and using risk stratification tools can significantly reduce 30-day readmissions.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 29, 2014

Role of type-2 astrocytes on the repair of spinal cord injury

A study found that co-culturing dorsal root ganglion neurons with type-2 astrocytes increases neuronal survival rates and process lengths. However, the effect is weaker compared to type-1 astrocytes and oligodendrocyte precursor cells.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateMar 29, 2014

A new study shows that even micro heart attacks are a major problem

Researchers used cardiac magnetic resonance imaging to identify patients with mild heart disease who were at high risk of developing more serious heart problems. The study found that these patients had nearly three times the likelihood of experiencing a major cardiac event over time compared to those without a mild heart attack.

SourceMinneapolis Heart Institute Foundation·DateMar 29, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Analysis supports use of risk equations to guide statin therapy

A new analysis found that using risk equations can help guide statin therapy for heart disease patients, suggesting they are helpful for clinical decision making. The study also suggests the Pooled Cohort risk equations are valid for informing clinical management decisions.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMar 29, 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.

Efforts to curb hospital readmissions take center stage

Researchers have identified key strategies to reduce hospital readmissions for heart failure patients, including starting ACE inhibitors or ARBs prior to discharge, analyzing demographic risk factors, and using automated tools to predict individual risk. These innovative approaches aim to improve patient outcomes and alleviate economic...

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 29, 2014

Are statins good for your love life?

Researchers found that statins significantly improve erectile function in men with both high cholesterol and erectile dysfunction. Erectile function scores increased by 24.3% in men taking statins, outperforming lifestyle modifications. The study suggests that statins may help improve blood flow to the penis and reduce symptoms of ED.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 29, 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.

UNC researchers show cancer chemotherapy accelerates 'molecular aging'

Researchers measured p16 levels before, after and a year after chemotherapy to determine its impact on molecular aging. The study found that curative chemotherapy increased molecular age by an equivalent of 15 years in breast cancer patients. This suggests the p16 test may help evaluate treatment effects on long-term health and survival.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 28, 2014

Researchers develop technique to measure engineered nanomaterials delivered to cells

Scientists at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health have discovered a technique to accurately determine the amount of nanomaterials interacting with cells and tissues. The Volumetric Centrifugation Method (VCM) enables hazard rankings of engineered nanoparticles, enabling risk assessors to perform accurate assessments.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 28, 2014

Research clarifies health costs of air pollution from agriculture

Research clarifies that ammonia emissions from agricultural exports have a substantial impact on air quality, with the study estimating an annual health cost of $36 billion. The findings suggest that reducing ammonia emissions could lead to significant societal benefits, particularly in the Northeast and Great Lakes region.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMar 28, 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.

Ancient African cattle first domesticated in Middle East, MU study reveals

A team of University of Missouri researchers completed the genetic history of 134 cattle breeds worldwide, revealing that ancient domesticated African cattle originated in the Fertile Crescent region. This finding proves that cattle were brought to Africa as farmers migrated south and interbred with wild aurochs.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMar 28, 2014

Multimillion pound award supports 76 Ph.D.s in global risk

The University of Liverpool will fund 76 PhD students researching areas like financial crashes, nuclear disasters, and environmental crises over eight years. The Centre for Doctoral Training offers a multi-disciplinary approach with industrial partnerships and placements.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·DateMar 28, 2014

Drilling into the trends in genetics and epigenetics of aging and longevity

A comprehensive analysis of government grants and publications revealed that only a minor fraction of the funding was intended for aging research. Gerontogenes, which increase lifespan when overexpressed or mutated, are involved in stress response pathways that confirm the existence of a genetics-longevity program.

SourceLandes Bioscience·JournalCell Cycle·DateMar 28, 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.

Great earthquakes, water under pressure, high risk

Researchers analyzed the Chile earthquake of February 2010, finding that fluid pressure in rocks affects earthquake rupture processes. The study revealed that mechanical coupling between plates controls stress build-up and seismic energy release, with fluid pressure variations linked to subduction zone dynamics.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMar 28, 2014

Underweight people at as high risk of dying as obese people, new study finds

A recent study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Public Health found that being underweight increases the risk of death for both adults and fetuses. Adults with a BMI under 18.5 are 1.8 times more likely to die than those with a normal BMI, while obesity is associated with a 1.2-1.3 times higher risk of mortality.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateMar 28, 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.

Erectile dysfunction can be reversed without medication

A new study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that 29% of men with erectile dysfunction were able to reverse their condition through lifestyle changes. The study highlights the importance of addressing risk factors such as obesity, alcohol intake, and sleep disorders to improve sexual health.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalThe Journal of Sexual Medicine·DateMar 28, 2014

Revolutionary solar cells double as lasers

Researchers have developed perovskite solar cells that excel at absorbing and emitting light, with a remarkable 70% efficiency rate. These 'wonder cells' can also produce cheap lasers, opening up new applications in telecommunications and light-emitting devices.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateMar 28, 2014

Eating fruits and vegetables linked to healthier arteries later in life

A study found that women who ate a diet high in fruits and vegetables as young adults were less likely to have plaque build-up in their arteries 20 years later. In contrast, men did not show the same benefit. The study's findings support the importance of developing healthy eating habits early in life.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 28, 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.

Married people less likely to have cardiovascular problems

A large-scale survey of 3.5 million Americans found that married people have a significantly lower risk of heart disease than singles, divorced, or widowed individuals. The study also revealed age-related differences in cardiovascular disease risk among married couples.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·DateMar 28, 2014

Gene may predict if further cancer treatments are needed

Researchers developed a predictive tool that analyzes gene expression changes to predict patient survival. The tool, based on mouse studies, has shown promise in predicting treatment risk for early-stage breast cancer and certain lung cancers.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateMar 28, 2014

Number of babies mom has may play role in future cardiovascular health

Research suggests that women with four or more children are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, with a two-fold higher risk of abnormal coronary artery calcium scores and aortic wall thickness. This association remains even after adjusting for socioeconomic factors, education, race, and known risk factors.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 28, 2014

Concerning number of kids have elevated cholesterol

A study of 12,712 children found that 30% had borderline or elevated total cholesterol, underscoring the importance of universal pediatric cholesterol screening. The findings suggest that adopting healthy lifestyle choices and regular screening can potentially stall vascular changes and reduce future disease risk.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 28, 2014
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.

Fingerprint of dissolved glycine in the Terahertz range explained

Chemists at Ruhr-Universität Bochum have completely analyzed the Terahertz spectrum of dissolved glycine in water, revealing its motion and disproving a long-standing theory. The study used spectroscopy and molecular-dynamics simulations to track the amino acid's movement in an aqueous solution.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 28, 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.

More male fish 'feminized' by pollution on the Basque coast

Research reveals endocrine disrupting chemicals cause feminization in male thick-lipped grey mullet; 60-91% of males show vitellogenin and Aromatase Cyp19a1b gene expression, indicating feminization. Estuaries across Basque coast show high levels of pollutants contributing to the phenomenon.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalMarine Environmental Research·DateMar 28, 2014