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Science News Archive 2014 - Page 293


Page 293 of 376

Migraine attacks increase following stress 'let-down'

Researchers at Montefiore Headache Center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine found that relaxation following heightened stress triggers more migraine attacks. The study suggests that stress management and healthy lifestyle habits are crucial for people with migraines.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalNeurology·DateMar 26, 2014

Study finds secret to cutting sugary drink use by teens

A new study finds that teenagers can be persuaded to cut back on sugary soft drinks, especially with peer support. The 'Sodabriety' challenge, led by Ohio State University researchers, reduced sugar-sweetened drink use and increased water consumption among high school students.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of School Health·DateMar 26, 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.

Life expectancy gains elude overweight teens

A nationwide study found that overweight and obese teenagers in Israel had no significant improvement in survival rate over four decades, compared to normal-weight peers. Mortality rates among these teens were higher than those observed in the 1960s and 1970s.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMar 26, 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.

Planning and building products and production plants simultaneously

Researchers at Fraunhofer Institute have developed a method to simulate product design, manufacturing, and testing on computers, allowing for simultaneous planning and building of products and production plants. This enables small and medium-sized companies to reduce development time and costs, while improving design quality.

SourceFraunhofer-Gesellschaft·DateMar 26, 2014

Economic growth no cure for child undernutrition

A large study of child growth patterns in 36 developing countries found that economic growth was associated with small or no declines in stunting, underweight, and wasting. Improvements in public services such as vaccinations and clean water may also lag behind growth in incomes.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateMar 26, 2014

Preoperative PET cuts unnecessary lung surgeries in half

A study found that preoperative PET imaging reduced unnecessary surgeries for non-small cell lung cancer patients by 50%, eliminating approximately half of them. The use of PET increased during the study period, suggesting its potential to change policy and recommendations regarding tumor staging.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateMar 26, 2014

Nitrogen source determined significant for inflorescence development in Phalaenopsis

A study published in the Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science found that fertilizer N applied during the reproductive stage is a significant N source for inflorescence development in Phalaenopsis. Research also showed that providing ample nitrogen fertilization at all growth stages is essential for optimal flowering.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalJournal of the American Society for Horticultural Science·DateMar 26, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Sex chromosomes have reverted to autosomes multiple times in flies

Researchers Beatriz Vicoso and Doris Bachtrog found that genes on the 'dot chromosome' of fruit flies are X-linked in three other species, suggesting a history as a sex chromosome. They identified nine independently evolved sex chromosomes with balanced gene expression between males and females.

SourceGenetics Society of America·DateMar 26, 2014

Dark energy hides behind phantom fields

Researchers propose that dark energy is a dynamic quantum vacuum energy, not quintessence or phantom fields, explaining accelerated cosmic expansion. This explanation resolves the cosmological constant discrepancy and simplifies the problem compared to quintessence and phantom fields.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMar 26, 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.

UGA researchers explore function of cancer-causing gene

Researchers discover MGA controls expression of Bone Morphogenetic Proteins, a crucial step in bone development, and may contribute to tumor formation in adults. The study suggests that MGA's dysfunction could lead to chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateMar 26, 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.

Goats are far more clever than previously thought

Researchers found goats can learn complicated tasks in under 12 trials and retain memories for at least 10 months, revealing excellent long-term memory. The study challenges common misconceptions about goat intelligence, suggesting they can adapt to harsh environments through complex cognition.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalFrontiers in Zoology·DateMar 25, 2014

Pessimism of early global policy architects stunted developing nations' economies: Harvard study

A Harvard study suggests that pessimistic early global policy architects stunted developing nations' economies by rejecting innovation and entrepreneurialism. The study recommends prioritizing innovation, building technical capacity, and emphasizing entrepreneurs and risk-taking in emerging countries to drive growth.

SourceTerry Collins Assoc·JournalJournal on Policy and Complex Systems·DateMar 25, 2014

Plasma tool for destroying cancer cells

Researchers use atmospheric pressure plasma jets to induce biological tissue damage and study DNA damage. The findings suggest that adding gases like oxygen can increase radical species and potentially destroy cancerous tumour cells.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateMar 25, 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.

MRI reveals genetic activity

Researchers at MIT have developed a new way to image a reporter gene that turns on or off to signal events in the body using MRI. This approach allows scientists to determine when and where the gene is turned on, providing insights into brain function and memory formation.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateMar 25, 2014

Nanotube coating helps shrink mass spectrometers

Researchers at Purdue University developed a nanotube coating that significantly reduces the voltage required for mass spectrometers, allowing for miniaturization and increased portability. The technique simplifies analysis by nearly eliminating background noise, making it gentler on fragile molecules.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMar 25, 2014

Brain differences in college-aged occasional drug users

The study discovered impaired neuronal activity in the brain associated with anticipatory functioning among occasional 18- to 24-year-old stimulant users. This finding suggests a potential biomarker for identifying at-risk youth long before they exhibit obvious addictive behaviors.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateMar 25, 2014

Two spine surgeons are 3 times safer than 1

A new team approach has improved safety and reduced rates of major complications by two thirds for complex spinal reconstructive surgery. The standardized protocol before, during, and after the surgery involves two spine surgeons, a live preoperative screening conference, and monitoring bleeding during the operation.

SourceGroup Health Research Institute·JournalSpine Deformity·DateMar 25, 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.

Blood test may help predict whether a child will become obese

Researchers have developed a blood test that can predict obesity levels in children based on epigenetic switches in the PGC1a gene. The test, conducted on 40 children aged 5, showed a 10% rise in DNA methylation levels was associated with up to 12% more body fat at 14 years.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalDiabetes·DateMar 25, 2014

Model now capable of street-level storm-tide predictions

A new study by Virginia Institute of Marine Science demonstrates the ability to predict a hurricane's storm tide at neighborhood and street levels. The team's high-resolution computer model was able to simulate water levels within 6-8 inches of those observed in New York City during Hurricane Sandy's approach and landfall.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·JournalJournal of Marine Science and Engineering·DateMar 25, 2014

ASU scientist Roy Curtiss receives Lifetime Achievement Award from ASM

Roy Curtiss, a pioneer in recombinant DNA era gene cloning and novel bacterial pathogenesis research, has made significant contributions to developing attenuated Salmonella-based vaccines. His work has improved human health through combating infectious diseases, particularly pneumonia, tuberculosis, and influenza.

SourceArizona State University·DateMar 25, 2014

Telecoupling paper honored as 2013's best

The Telecoupling paper, published in Ecology and Society, presents a new framework for studying interconnected human and natural systems across scales and distances. This approach holds promise for understanding complex challenges like water sustainability, climate change, and food security.

SourceMichigan State University·DateMar 25, 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.

Last drinks: Brain's mechanism knows when to stop

A 'stop mechanism' was found to regulate drinking behavior by detecting thirst levels and preventing overdrinking. The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, identified brain regions that determine the signals to stop drinking, potentially preventing complications from excessive water intake.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 25, 2014

Malaysian microjewels going extinct as they are discovered

A team of biologists has catalogued all 31 species of the Plectostoma snail genus from West-Malaysia, Sumatra, and Thailand, including ten new species. The study highlights the plight of these tiny creatures, whose habitats are being destroyed due to mining and development, leading to their extinction.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateMar 25, 2014

Unravelling nerve-cell death in rare children's disease

A team of scientists has identified a key factor that contributes to neurodegeneration in ataxia-telangiectasia, a rare genetic disorder. The study found that DNA damage repair systems are essential for cellular integrity and stability, and that defects in these systems can lead to conditions like A-T.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·DateMar 25, 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.

Doxorubicin alone or with ifosfamide for treating soft tissue sarcoma?

The EORTC trial 62012 found that adding ifosfamide to doxorubicin improved median progression-free survival, but not overall survival or tumor shrinkage, in advanced soft tissue sarcoma patients. Combination chemotherapy also resulted in more overall responses compared to doxorubicin alone.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateMar 25, 2014

NREL driving research on hydrogen fuel cells

Researchers at NREL are examining the best ways to create hydrogen via electrolysis using wind and solar power, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The lab is also exploring strategies to lower the cost of fuel cells by decreasing platinum usage, which could make hydrogen fuel cell vehicles more viable for widespread adoption.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·DateMar 25, 2014

NASA satellite sees wind shear whipping Tropical Cyclone Gillian

Wind shear is responsible for weakening Tropical Cyclone Gillian from hurricane to tropical storm strength, according to NASA's Aqua satellite image. The storm's maximum sustained winds were near 60 knots on March 26, and it is expected to dissipate by the same day.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 25, 2014

New technique brings us closer to HIV and hepatitis C vaccines

Researchers have developed a new technique using DNA vaccines to stimulate the immune system's response against HIV and Hepatitis C viruses. The technique, which has shown promising results in pre-clinical research, involves delivering a vaccination directly into the skin using a micro-needle device.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalImmunology and Cell Biology·DateMar 25, 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.

Pesticides make the life of earthworms miserable

Researchers found that pesticides reduce earthworms' weight, affect their metabolism rate, and increase energy demand, ultimately hindering their reproduction and survival in contaminated soil. This study highlights the importance of considering the impact of pesticides on non-target organisms like earthworms.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalSoil Biology and Biochemistry·DateMar 25, 2014

Fewer children at risk for deficient vitamin D

A new study from Loyola Medicine found that only 10.3 percent of US children ages 6 to 18 are at risk for inadequate or deficient vitamin D levels under the Institute of Medicine guidelines. Children who are overweight, female, non-white, and between 14 and 18 years old are more likely to be at risk.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalJournal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism·DateMar 25, 2014

Managing renewables intelligently

Researchers from Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft have developed a software platform to bring together small energy providers in a virtual power plant, ensuring reliable grid operation. The system optimizes energy use and storage, allowing for efficient management of distributed energy sources.

SourceFraunhofer-Gesellschaft·DateMar 25, 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.

Million suns shed light on fossilized plant

Researchers exposed biochemical structure of fossil leaves to visualize the chemistry of exceptionally preserved fossil leaves. The study reveals that the distribution of copper, zinc, and nickel in fossil leaves is almost identical to modern leaves.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalMetallomics·DateMar 25, 2014

Model predicts blood glucose levels 30 minutes later

A mathematical model developed by Penn State researchers can accurately predict blood glucose levels of individuals with type 1 diabetes up to 30 minutes in advance. This allows for timely action to be taken and reduces the risk of hypoglycemic events, which can be life-threatening.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Diabetes Science and Technology·DateMar 25, 2014

A non-invasive, rapid screening method for Alzheimer's disease

A non-invasive, rapid method for genotyping apolipoprotein E gene polymorphisms has been developed to help determine the role of the ε4 allele in neural regeneration in late-onset Alzheimer's disease cases. This method uses mouth swab specimens and real-time PCR, offering a safe and efficient alternative to traditional blood sampling.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateMar 25, 2014

Salamanders shrinking as their mountain havens heat up

A study found that wild salamanders living in the Appalachian Mountains are getting smaller due to warmer and drier conditions. The changes were most marked at low elevations and in the Southern Appalachians, where climate records showed significant warming and drying.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateMar 25, 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.

Sugar, not oil

Scientists at Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft are producing isobutene from sugar using a microbial conversion process. The pilot plant, set to start in 2014, will have the potential to produce up to 100 tons of isobutene per year.

SourceFraunhofer-Gesellschaft·DateMar 25, 2014

How to look into the Solar interior

A team of scientists, including a professor from Moscow State University, has developed the first quantitative description of sunspot formation and the Solar activity cycle. By monitoring magnetic field helicity in active regions, they gained insight into the Sun's interior and its impact on solar activity.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMar 25, 2014

Lick's new Automated Planet Finder: First robotic telescope for planet hunters

The APF facility consists of a 2.4-meter telescope and the Levy Spectrometer, which Vogt designed and optimized specifically for planet hunting. Repeated measurement of a star's spectrum enables astronomers to detect the tiny wobble induced in a star by the gravitational tug of an orbiting planet.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalPublications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific·DateMar 25, 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.

First stem cell study of bipolar disorder yields promising results

Researchers derived stem cell lines from people with bipolar disorder to study brain cell development and behavior. The comparison revealed specific differences in gene expression, neuron development, and response to lithium, which may lead to new treatment options and personalized medicine.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateMar 25, 2014

Catheter innovation destroys dangerous biofilms

Duke University engineers have developed a new urinary catheter design that can eliminate nearly all hard-to-kill biofilm from the catheter's walls using physical deformation. The design features an inflation channel that forces the thin wall into the urinary tract, leaving the outer dimensions intact.

SourceDuke University·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·DateMar 25, 2014

New drug raises potential for cancer treatment revolution

A new study has developed a revolutionary new drug called ZL105 that manipulates the body's natural energy systems to attack and shut down cancerous cells. The compound is based on the precious metal iridium and may be ten times more effective in treating various types of cancers.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 25, 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.