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Science News Archive 2014 - Page 290


Page 290 of 376

Research suggests autumn is ending later in the northern hemisphere

A study by the University of Southampton found that Autumn is becoming significantly later in the year, while Spring is arriving slightly earlier. The researchers analyzed satellite imagery and vegetation data to identify changes in vegetation growth cycles, finding a delay in Autumn's onset.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalRemote Sensing of Environment·DateMar 28, 2014

Rainbow-catching waveguide could revolutionize energy technologies

Engineers have developed a multilayered waveguide taper array that can absorb light across different frequencies, boosting the efficiency of solar power and thermal energy recycling. This technology has potential applications in stealth technology and waste heat recycling.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalScientific Reports·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.

Fabricating nanostructures with silk could make clean rooms green rooms

Researchers at Tufts University have demonstrated an environmentally friendly process to generate nanostructures from silk using water as a developing agent. This approach provides a green alternative to conventional synthetic polymers and delivers fabrication quality comparable to conventional methods.

SourceTufts University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMar 28, 2014

Gulf War illness not in veterans' heads, but in their mitochondria

Researchers found Gulf War veterans with impaired mitochondrial function had significantly delayed phosphocreatine recovery after exercise, a robust marker of mitochondrial dysfunction. Impaired mitochondrial function accounts for Gulf War illness symptoms like fatigue, cognitive challenges, muscle problems, and exercise intolerance.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 27, 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.

New guidance system could improve minimally invasive surgery

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a computerized process that enhances image-based guidance in minimally invasive surgery, potentially replacing conventional tracking systems. The new system achieves high accuracy, often exceeding 2 millimeters, while using low-dose radiation, making it suitable for various procedures.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalPhysics in Medicine and Biology·DateMar 27, 2014

Brain scans link concern for justice with reason, not emotion

Researchers found that individuals with high 'justice sensitivity' are driven by cognitive reasoning rather than emotion when evaluating morally good or bad behavior. This suggests that the search for justice is fueled by analysis and mental calculation rather than sentimental motivations.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·DateMar 27, 2014

A tale of 2 species

Researchers investigate why only 14 percent of woodrat hybrids have genetic signatures from both desert and Bryant's woodrats. Habitat differences and mating conflicts are found to be key factors limiting hybridization in closely-related species.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalEvolution·DateMar 27, 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.

Genetic variation linked to heart disease risk through RNA machinery

Researchers identified a new mechanism linking genetic variation to heart disease risk by disrupting the interaction between a developmental gene and a specialized type of RNA. This discovery expands understanding of complex disease risk and potential drug targets for cardiovascular disease.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMar 27, 2014

UT Southwestern faculty member receives Norman Hackerman Award

Dr. Tu's research identified a unique nutritional pathway in mammalian cells crucial to cancer cell growth, which he hopes will lead to new treatments for human disease. He received the award for his work expanding our understanding of metabolism's role in cellular processes.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·DateMar 27, 2014

Major depression linked with nearly twice the risk of kidney failure in diabetics

A recent study found that individuals with diabetes who experience major depressive symptoms are at a significantly higher risk of developing kidney failure. In contrast, minor depressive symptoms were not found to have a significant association with kidney disease development.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMar 27, 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.

Smoking bans cut premature births and childhood asthma attacks

Banning smoking in public places has been shown to cut premature births by 10% globally, according to a comprehensive study published in The Lancet. The research also found a 10% fall in hospital attendances for childhood asthma attacks in regions with anti-smoking laws.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 27, 2014

Scientists watch nanoparticles grow

Researchers at Århus University used X-ray light to track the growth of tungsten oxide nanoparticles, which can be tailored for smart windows and solar cells. The study shows that nanoparticles form from octahedra units in solution and develop a predominantly ordered crystal structure as they grow.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 27, 2014

Cholesterol levels vary by season, get worse in colder months

A large-scale study found that cholesterol levels tend to be worse in the colder months compared to warmer months, with significant variations in lipid profiles. The researchers speculate that behaviors such as reduced sun exposure and lower vitamin D levels during winter may contribute to these seasonal fluctuations.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 27, 2014

US clean-air efforts stay on target

A Rice University analysis of state implementation plans reveals that most urban areas have met the next benchmark for reducing airborne particulate matter. The study found that PM 2.5 concentrations declined by an average 2.6 micrograms per cubic meter in regions that filed SIPs to attain the standard by 2009.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the Air & Waste Management Association·DateMar 27, 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.

Mechanical forces driving breast cancer lead to key molecular discovery

UCSF researchers found that breast tissue stiffening in cancer development leads to tumor progression, triggering the production of a molecule associated with worse clinical outcomes. The discovery may lead to more accurate prognosis and new treatment strategies targeting structural changes in breast cancers.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 27, 2014

Strictly yeast

Researchers have made a computer app to spot and decode the unique footprints in yeast DNA, revealing an intricately choreographed dance of ribosomal RNA genes. This discovery enables biologists to track evolutionary relationships between different species using these tiny changes.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalSystematic Biology·DateMar 27, 2014

New Parkinson's disease chemical messenger discovered

Researchers at the University of Dundee have identified a critical chemical messenger that protects brain cells against Parkinson's disease. The discovery of phospho-ubiquitin suggests it may be possible to develop drugs to switch on Parkin enzyme by mimicking this molecule, offering new avenues for treatment.

SourceUniversity of Dundee·JournalBiochemical Journal·DateMar 27, 2014

More severe heart disease found in patients with vitamin D deficiency

Research shows that vitamin D deficiency is associated with higher prevalence and severity of coronary artery disease. Patients with low vitamin D levels are at a higher risk of developing severe heart disease, and the study suggests that vitamin D may be beneficial in preventing heart disease.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 27, 2014

Computing with slime

Researchers created logical circuits using living slime molds, which can process information and carry out Boolean logic operations. The slime mold-based system could potentially be used to build low-cost, biological computing devices and sensors.

SourceElsevier·JournalMaterials Today·DateMar 27, 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.

Hormone levels linked to survival of deer calves, study suggests

Researchers from the University of Edinburgh found that newborn male deer with high testosterone levels are less likely to survive their first year compared to peers. The study also showed that testosterone levels in offspring are linked to their mother's condition, suggesting a potential survival advantage for younger calves.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalFunctional Ecology·DateMar 27, 2014

Natural history dying of neglect

A study by Simon Fraser University ecologist Anne Salomon warns of a declining natural history research and use in academia, government agencies and non-government organizations. Natural history collections have stopped expanding since 1990, but it remains vital for making wise management and conservation decisions.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalBioScience·DateMar 27, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Seasonal Arctic summer ice extent still hard to forecast, study says

A study analyzing 300 summer Arctic sea ice forecasts found that predictions are accurate when conditions follow the observed downward trend, but less so when they deviate from it. Improving forecasting by incorporating sea ice thickness and concentration data may enhance seasonal predictions.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMar 27, 2014

People unwilling to swallow soda tax, size restrictions

A recent study found that US adults are unwilling to accept soda taxes and portion size restrictions, but support adding front-of-package nutrition labels in schools. The survey of 1,319 adults revealed a strong positive relationship between years of education and policy support for reducing sugar-sweetened beverage consumption.

SourceCornell University·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateMar 27, 2014

Religion, spirituality influence health in different but complementary ways

Research from Oregon State University reveals two distinct pathways for the connection between religion, spirituality, and health. Formal religious affiliation and service attendance are linked to better health habits, while meditation and private prayer regulate emotions and physiological effects.

SourceOregon State University·JournalPsychology of Religion and Spirituality·DateMar 27, 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.

The heart responds differently to exercise in men vs. women

Researchers found significant differences between men and women in heart rate responses to exercise. A new formula takes these nuances into account, providing a more accurate estimate of peak heart rate. The updated formula helps optimize workouts and improve test results for both men and women.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 27, 2014

Acupuncture enhances antidepressant effect of Seroxat

Researchers found that acupuncture/electroacupuncture combined with Seroxat improves depressive symptoms and reduces obsessive-compulsive and anxiety symptoms. The treatment produces a rapid onset of therapeutic effect.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateMar 27, 2014

New way to filter light

Researchers at MIT have developed a new system that selectively filters light waves based on their direction of propagation. The technique, which uses a stack of ultrathin layers with precise thickness control, could improve efficiency in solar photovoltaics, detector systems for telescopes and microscopes, and display screens.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateMar 27, 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.

Study finds gaming augments players' social lives

A new study by North Carolina State University and other institutions found that online gaming supplements social behavior, rather than replacing it. Researchers observed thousands of gamers at public events and conducted in-depth surveys to conclude that gaming is a social activity that complements offline interactions.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Computer-Mediated Communication·DateMar 27, 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.

Childhood virus may increase type 1 diabetes risk

Researchers found that rotavirus infection accelerates type 1 diabetes development through a bystander effect, where the immune system attacks insulin-producing cells. The study suggests that treatments targeting this immune response could be beneficial for preventing type 1 diabetes in children at risk.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMar 27, 2014

Controlling electron spins by light

Topological insulators exhibit metallic conducting states at their surface, with electron spin playing a crucial role. Researchers have discovered that light can systematically manipulate the spin of electrons in these materials, opening up new possibilities for optospintronic devices.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalPhysical Review X·DateMar 27, 2014

Multi-family group treatment studied for spinal cord injury

A new clinical trial will assess whether multi-family group treatment can help individuals with spinal cord injuries and their caregivers cope better. The two-year project focuses on providing psychological support and coping strategies to improve patients' quality of life.

SourceWashington State University·DateMar 27, 2014

What psychosocial factors can help IVF patients?

A systematic review of 23 studies found that social support, mindfulness, and positive emotional outcomes are linked to better emotional adjustment in IVF patients. The study highlights the importance of coping strategies, personality traits, and social circumstances in predicting emotional outcomes during and after IVF treatment.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalHuman Reproduction Update·DateMar 27, 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.

Smoke-free air policies seem to protect the heart

A new study on Michigan's smoke-free indoor air law found a statistically significant reduction in cardiovascular disease and death with related hospitalizations decreasing by 2.03 percent after the ban implementation.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 27, 2014

Artificial hearts may help patients survive until transplant

Researchers found that five out of 22 patients implanted with total artificial hearts survived until they could receive a heart transplant, with four successfully undergoing transplants and 13 still alive waiting for donor hearts. The study suggests the device may help improve patient outcomes for those in end-stage heart failure.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 27, 2014

Record quantum entanglement of multiple dimensions

Researchers from Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona have achieved a groundbreaking quantum entanglement with a minimum of 103 dimensions using only two particles. This breakthrough enables the creation of highly complex states that can facilitate experimental development of quantum computers and enhance cryptography security.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 27, 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.

The circadian clock is like an orchestra with many conductors

Researchers found that the circadian clock network in fruit flies consists of many independent clocks, each driving activity rhythms. This organization may also apply to mammals, with implications for alleviating adverse effects associated with circadian disorders.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScience·DateMar 27, 2014

Cancer researchers find key protein link

Researchers found a previously unknown binding interface between Bcl-2 and NAF-1 proteins, which could be addressed by medication. The study's findings have implications for treating cancer and age-related diseases.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 27, 2014

Satellite time-lapse movie shows US East Coast snowy winter

The new animation shows the movement of storms from January 1 to March 24, revealing why the US East Coast had a snowy winter. The region experienced record snowfall, with cities like Boston and Washington D.C. receiving significantly more than their average winter snowfall.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 27, 2014
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.

Students on field course bag new spider species

A team of biology students from Universiti Malaysia Sabah and Naturalis Biodiversity Center discovered a new spider species during their Tropical Biodiversity field course in Malaysian Borneo. The students created a makeshift taxonomy lab, wrote a joint publication, and sent it to a major taxonomic journal for review.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalBiodiversity Data Journal·DateMar 27, 2014

Democratizing data visualization

Researchers found that 69% of Exhibit sites use the JSON format for storing data, and users often exploit complex relationships among data beyond spreadsheet capabilities. The study suggests that spreadsheet designers should offer tools to make it easier for novice developers to organize their data in more sophisticated ways.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateMar 27, 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.

Gen X obesity a major problem for healthcare, workforce

Researchers found Gen X has significantly poorer health status, higher obesity rates, and no difference in physical activity compared to Baby Boomers. The study suggests drastic lifestyle changes, such as increased sedentary behavior and access to unhealthy food, contribute to earlier development of age-related conditions.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 27, 2014