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Science News Archive 2014 - Page 294


Page 294 of 376

Coerced sex not uncommon for young men, teenage boys, study finds

A significant proportion of teenage boys and college men report experiencing coerced sex or unwanted sexual behavior. The study found that coercion was related to risky behaviors and distress, but not lower self-esteem, among victims.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalPsychology of Men & Masculinity·DateMar 25, 2014

Stink bug traps may increase damage to tomato fruits

New research suggests that stink bug traps can actually increase damage to tomato fruits, with trap placement causing higher abundance of pests on the fruit. This phenomenon is known as 'trap spillover,' where pests rest on nearby vegetation before being captured by the trap.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalEnvironmental Entomology·DateMar 25, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Sensing gravity with acid

Researchers found that sensory cells use protons to transmit information on head orientation relative to gravity, providing a long-lasting and energy-efficient way to sense low-frequency stimuli. This nonquantal transmission is unusual and could explain how the inner ear senses tonic signals like gravity in a robust manner.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 25, 2014

Robotic arm probes chemistry of 3-D objects by mass spectrometry

A robotic system enables scientists to analyze the chemical composition of irregularly shaped surfaces, simulating early Earth conditions on meteorites and rocks. This technology has potential applications in biomedical fields like dermatology, allowing researchers to probe lesions with high accuracy.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateMar 25, 2014

In search of a few good apps

A new JAMA article suggests creating an unbiased review and certification process for mHealth apps to evaluate their clinical performance and data security. The authors propose multiple organizations that could be created to review and certify apps, similar to the role of Health On the Net Foundation in evaluating online medical content.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA·DateMar 25, 2014

X-rays film inside live flying insects -- in 3D

Researchers use CT scanning to capture high-speed 3D X-ray visuals of fly flight muscles, showing structural deformations as key to wing control. The study's findings offer insights into the intricate mechanics of a fly's wingbeat, which beats up to 50 times per second.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 25, 2014
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Understanding plant-soil interaction could lead to new ways to combat weeds

Researchers discovered specific soil microbes that hinder the growth of ragweed, a common weed in eastern US. By using plants that attract these microorganisms, farmers may be able to create 'weed-suppressive soils' and reduce weed growth.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalModern Journal of Microbial Biology·DateMar 25, 2014

Haynes is first to identify cellular patterns of contraction in human hearts

Physicist Premi Haynes has made a groundbreaking discovery about the cellular structure of the human heart, particularly related to heart failure. She found that different regions of the left ventricular wall have unique cellular patterns of mechanical properties, with the middle being a better

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalJournal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology·DateMar 25, 2014

Agricultural fires across Sierra Leone

Hundreds of agricultural fires burn across Sierra Leone, predominantly due to slash and burn agriculture. The fires, which peak in March and April, release greenhouse gases and particulates posing a threat to human health and regional climate.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 25, 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.

Excess weight at 1 year postpartum increases moms' risk for diabetes, heart problems

A new study published in Diabetes Care found that women who fail to lose excess weight within the first year after giving birth are at increased risk for developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The research followed 305 patients and discovered that those who gained weight showed a clear increase in risk factors.

SourceLunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute·JournalDiabetes Care·DateMar 25, 2014

Ottawa researcher receives international award for obesity research

Dr. Jean-Philippe Chaput, an Ottawa researcher, has won the International Journal of Obesity (IJO) New Faculty Award for Population Science and Public Health Research. He was recognized for his exceptional research in population health based on innovation and quality of science.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute·DateMar 25, 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.

Paleontologists assemble giant turtle bone from fossil discoveries made centuries apart

Scientists successfully reassemble two halves of a giant sea turtle bone, one dating back to the Cretaceous Period and the other from the 19th century. The discovery reveals that some exposed fossils can survive longer than previously thought, with calculated estimates suggesting the turtle's size was around 10 feet long.

SourceDrexel University·JournalProceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia·DateMar 25, 2014

Don't forget F-type stars in search for life, UT Arlington researchers say

New research from UT Arlington suggests that F-type stars may be a good place to look for habitable planets due to their wider habitability zone. The study found encouraging results, with some damage estimates similar to those on Earth, if an atmosphere is assumed.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalInternational Journal of Astrobiology·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.

SU biologists use sound to identify breeding grounds of endangered whales

Researchers used remote acoustic monitoring to analyze North Atlantic right whale behavior and found that males produce a loud 'gunshot' sound mainly in autumn at night. The study confirms Roseway Basin as a vital habitat area for endangered whales, supporting conservation efforts to save this critically endangered species.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 25, 2014

Study yields 'Genghis Khan' of brown bears, and brown and polar bear evolution

A new study on brown and polar bears found extensive male gene flow leading to the distribution of similar Y chromosomes across vast distances. The research estimated the split between male lineages of brown and polar bears to around 0.4-1.1 million years ago, confirming they are distinct species.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateMar 25, 2014

Doctors raise blood pressure in patients

A systematic review found that doctors' recorded blood pressure levels are 7/4mmHg higher than those taken by nurses. This phenomenon, known as the 'white coat effect,' can lead to unnecessary medication and anxiety for patients. The study suggests that using other healthcare professionals to take blood pressure readings could help red...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBritish Journal of General Practice·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.

Technofossils -- an unprecedented legacy left behind by humans

A new international study reveals that humans have left an unprecedented legacy of technofossils, including built environments and consumer products, which will be preserved for millions of years. These technofossils are expected to become the defining characteristic of the Anthropocene epoch.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalThe Anthropocene Review·DateMar 25, 2014

JCI online ahead of print table of contents for March 25, 2014

Researchers found that epigenetic alterations play a crucial role in disrupting intestinal T cell homeostasis, leading to autoimmune diseases like inflammatory bowel disease. A novel conditionally immortalized human β cell line has also been developed, offering new avenues for studying β cell properties and proliferation.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 25, 2014

The advantages of entering the workforce in a recession

Well-educated graduates who entered the workforce during economic downturns were found to be happier with their work both early and late in their careers. This relationship was mediated by gratitude for their jobs, suggesting that entering the workforce during a recession can have long-lasting benefits.

SourceSAGE·JournalAdministrative Science Quarterly·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.

First images available from NASA-JAXA global rain and snowfall satellite

The NASA-JAXA Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Core Observatory has released its first images, capturing precipitation falling inside a March cyclone over the northwest Pacific Ocean. The data show high-quality measurements of global precipitation, including light drizzle, heavy downpours, and falling snow.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 25, 2014

Simple, like a neutron star

Researchers at SISSA have discovered that neutron stars can be described with just three parameters: mass, angular momentum, and quadrupole moment, independent of the equation of state. This finding has major implications for understanding these complex objects.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 25, 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.

VTT: Building to take note of individual human thermal comfort

A new method for assessing individual thermal comfort has been developed by VTT, considering factors such as gender, age, body mass index, and muscularity. The method finds that women feel the cold more than men due to their lower muscle tissue, which produces heat at a lower rate.

SourceVTT Technical Research Centre of Finland·DateMar 25, 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.

Study: Salamanders shrinking due to climate change

Wild salamanders in North America are getting smaller as their surroundings warm and dry, forcing them to burn more energy. The changes were most marked at low elevations, where detailed weather records show a warming and drying climate.

SourceClemson University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateMar 25, 2014

Texas researcher: Peaches inhibit breast cancer metastasis in mice

A Texas A&M AgriLife Research study found that peach extract inhibits breast cancer metastasis in mice by targeting metalloproteinases. Consuming two to three peaches per day may provide similar benefits for humans, according to the study published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalThe Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry·DateMar 25, 2014

Small peptides as potential antibiotics

Researchers found that MP196 peptide disrupts bacterial cell wall biosynthesis and cell respiration, preventing growth. The study suggests MP196's potential in developing new antibiotics without harming human cells.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 25, 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.

In-fly movie: 3D video from inside flying insects

Researchers created 3D X-ray movies of a blowfly's flight muscles, showcasing their complex movements and control. The study provides new insights into how flies manage to perform aerobatic maneuvers with precision, opening up possibilities for innovation in micro air vehicles.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 25, 2014

Famous paintings help study the Earth's past atmosphere

Researchers analyzed hundreds of sunset paintings to retrieve information on the composition of past atmospheres. The red-to-green ratios in these paintings correlate well with volcanic aerosols in the atmosphere, providing alternative ways to estimate pollution levels. This study validates previous findings and has implications for im...

SourceEuropean Geosciences Union·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·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.

Electronic medication alerts designed with provider in mind reduce prescribing errors

A study published in Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association found that redesigned electronic medication alerts reduced prescribing errors and increased efficiency among healthcare providers. The redesign incorporated concise language, a table-like format, and presented more detail to help providers scan for information...

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateMar 25, 2014

Effect of distance from transplant center on outcomes

A study found that veterans living farther from transplant centers were less likely to be added to a waitlist or receive a transplant, and more likely to die. The researchers suggest that this may be due to reduced access for evaluation and relocation needs.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMar 25, 2014

A towel less: How psychologists harness sociability to cut waste

Researchers at the University of Luxembourg found that gentle reminders about environmental impact and social norms led to significant reductions in towel usage. Guests used 1.6 towels per person per day when told of hotel-wide behavior, compared to one towel per person per day in rooms with previous guest information.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalThe Journal of Social Psychology·DateMar 24, 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.

Adult day-care services boost beneficial stress hormones in caregivers

Researchers found that adult day care services increase DHEA-S levels in caregivers, a protective response to chronic stress and disease. This study suggests that using adult day care services may help reduce the negative effects of caregiving on physical health.

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateMar 24, 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.

Study: Stress impacts ability to get pregnant

Researchers found that women with high levels of stress biomarkers are more than twice as likely to meet the clinical definition of infertility compared to those with low levels. The study also suggests that managing stress using techniques like yoga and meditation may help women conceive, although it's not the only factor involved.

SourceMediaSource·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateMar 24, 2014

Replacing insulin through stem cell-derived pancreatic cells under the skin

Researchers have successfully implanted encapsulated human embryonic stem cell-derived pancreatic cells under the skin of animal models with diabetes, producing sufficient insulin to maintain glucose levels. The study suggests that these cells may be a promising treatment option for insulin-dependent diabetes.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalStem Cell Research·DateMar 24, 2014

Prostate treatment lasts, preserves fertility

A study of nearly 500 men found that nonsurgical prostate artery embolization improved symptoms by 72% at three years, while preserving fertility. The treatment, which involves blocking blood flow to the prostate, also showed promise in cases where the problem recurred.

SourceSociety of Interventional Radiology·JournalJournal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology·DateMar 24, 2014