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Science News Archive 2014 - Page 308


Page 308 of 376

Gestational diabetes may raise risk for heart disease in midlife

Research suggests that a history of gestational diabetes may be a risk factor for early atherosclerosis in women during midlife. The study found that pregnant women who developed gestational diabetes had a slightly larger carotid artery intima-media thickness, an early measure of sub-clinical atherosclerosis, compared to those who didn't.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMar 12, 2014

'Love hormone' could provide new treatment for anorexia

Researchers discovered oxytocin alters anorexic patients' tendencies to fixate on high-calorie foods and body shapes. The study suggests oxytocin may be a potential treatment for anorexia, offering new hope for patients struggling with the mental health disorder.

SourceKing's College London·JournalPsychoneuroendocrinology·DateMar 12, 2014

Newly diagnosed Crohn's disease patients show imbalance in intestinal microbial population

A multi-institutional study found that newly diagnosed Crohn's disease patients have an imbalance in their intestinal microbial population, with increased levels of harmful bacteria and decreased levels of beneficial bacteria. This imbalance is associated with the development of symptoms and may be exacerbated by antibiotic use.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateMar 12, 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.

Key heart-failure culprit discovered

Researchers at Sanford-Burnham and Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have discovered a key cellular process leading to heart failure, which can be halted with a therapeutic approach. Blocking the effects of miR-25 has improved cardiac function and survival in mice.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalNature·DateMar 12, 2014

Back surgery offers long-term societal benefits, according to new study

A new study reveals that back surgery can increase average annual earnings by $1,925 compared to non-surgical treatments, as well as reduce missed workdays by three per year. The research suggests that surgery is a cost-effective solution for patients with herniated discs, resulting in savings of over $5,000 over a four-year period.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateMar 12, 2014

Gestational diabetes linked to increased risk for heart disease in midlife

A Kaiser Permanente study found that women who experienced gestational diabetes during pregnancy had a larger carotid artery wall thickness, indicating an increased risk of early atherosclerosis and heart disease. This finding suggests that reproductive complications can signal future disease risk.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateMar 12, 2014

NASA sees remnants of Tropical Cyclone Hadi in South Pacific

NASA's Aqua satellite captured a visible image of Tropical Cyclone Hadi's remnants on March 12, showing the strongest thunderstorms south of the center. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center downgraded the potential for significant tropical cyclone development to low due to marginal environment and weak model development.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 12, 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.

Bacterium and fungus team up to cause virulent tooth decay in toddlers

A recent study reveals that early childhood caries are caused by the partnership of Streptococcus mutans bacteria and Candida albicans fungus, leading to increased cavities and severe tooth decay. The fungus was previously thought to be harmless but now appears to play a crucial role in the development of this painful condition.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalInfection and Immunity·DateMar 12, 2014

Facebook feelings are contagious

A study analyzing over a billion Facebook status updates found that positive posts beget positive ones, while negative posts lead to negative ones. The researchers discovered that emotional contagion spreads online and is stronger for positive expressions.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 12, 2014

PD-L1: A potential treatment target for multiple sclerosis

A study published in Neural Regeneration Research found that PD-L1 is significantly increased in the spinal cord and infiltrating lymphocytes of mice with experimental allergic encephalomyelitis, a model for multiple sclerosis. This suggests that PD-L1 may play a role in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateMar 12, 2014

Kappa Delta awards recognize innovative orthopedic research

The Kappa Delta Sorority and OREF presented four research awards to scientists making breakthroughs in musculoskeletal health. Winners included researchers studying muscle atrophy and its effects on patients with rotator cuff tears, as well as those investigating anatomic ACL reconstruction and the natural history of rotator cuff disease.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateMar 12, 2014

Review of home care visits for the elderly finds there is 'no proven benefit'

A review of 64 randomized controlled trials found no consistent evidence that home care visits improve the lives of elderly individuals. The studies, conducted over the last 20 years, involved nearly 29,000 people aged over 65 and examined various outcomes such as mortality rates, falls, hospitalization, and quality of life.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 12, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Climate of Genghis Khan's ancient time extends long shadow over Asia of today

Climate scientists analyzed tree rings to find that Genghis Khan took power during a severe drought, but his empire expanded during the wettest period in the region. The study suggests human-caused warming may be exacerbating current droughts in Mongolia and Inner Asia.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 12, 2014

Alpha-synuclein effects on dopaminergic neurons: Protection or damage?

A recent study published in Neural Regeneration Research reveals that alpha-synuclein can have neuroprotective effects on dopaminergic neurons at very low concentrations. The findings suggest that extracellular alpha-synuclein may enhance neuronal survival via the Akt pathway, challenging previous views of its role in Parkinson's disease.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateMar 12, 2014

Transition to ICD-10 may cause information, financial losses for providers

A recent study found that the ICD-10 transition led to significant information loss, affecting about 8 percent of Medicaid codes. Financial implications also emerged, with 39 codes accounting for 2.9 percent of total Medicaid reimbursements and 5.3 percent of UI Cancer Center billing charges.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJournal of Oncology Practice·DateMar 12, 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.

Can material rivaling graphene be mined out of rocks? Yes, if...

Researchers at the University of Warsaw have discovered a material called molybdenum disulfide with properties similar to those of graphene. This material has an energy gap, allowing it to be switched on and off, which could lead to significant energy savings in electronic devices.

SourceUniversity of Warsaw, Faculty of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMar 12, 2014

Microbes help to battle infection

Gut bacteria help develop immune cells that can fight infections, study finds. The beneficial bugs also increase immune cell populations and enhance survival rates when mice are infected with harmful bacteria.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateMar 12, 2014

IRX3 is likely the 'fat gene'

A recent study discovered that IRX3 controls body mass and regulates body composition, with obesity-associated FTO introns interacting with IRX3. Mice without the IRX3 gene were significantly leaner due to reduced fat and improved glucose processing.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalNature·DateMar 12, 2014

Skating to the puck or avoiding the penalty box in health care?

Researchers question the effectiveness of using financial incentives to change hospital behavior, citing potential drawbacks such as neglecting population health. They recommend broadening the scope of readmissions programs to include admissions and incentivizing broader goals.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalJAMA·DateMar 12, 2014

Type 1 diabetes: Gut microbiota networks may influence autoimmune processes

Researchers found that gut microbiota diversity and interaction networks vary significantly between children with and without autoantibodies, influencing the body's immune system. The study suggests that identifying parameters affecting negative microbiome characteristics can lead to new approaches in preventing autoimmune processes.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalDiabetes·DateMar 12, 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.

A tailor-made molecule against malaria

Researchers at the University of Geneva have discovered a new class of molecules that target the heat shock protein 90 in Plasmodium falciparum, a key factor in malaria resistance. The study reveals five candidate molecules toxic to the parasite but not human red blood cells.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateMar 12, 2014

MU study suggests new rehabilitation methods for amputees and stroke patients

Researchers at the University of Missouri have shed light on compensatory mechanisms used by amputees who lose their dominant hand, suggesting new rehabilitation techniques to improve quality of life. Functional magnetic resonance imaging studies revealed that brain areas formerly devoted to motor and sensory functions of the amputated...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·DateMar 12, 2014

First thin films of spin ice reveal cold secrets

Scientists have successfully fabricated and studied thin films of spin ice, a material known for its unique properties. The researchers found that the normal entropy within these films disappears at about half a degree above absolute zero, restoring the Third Law of Thermodynamics.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 12, 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.

Protein key to cell motility has implications for stopping cancer metastasis

A recent study reveals that a key protein called IRSp53 plays a crucial role in regulating cell movement, which is necessary for wound healing and immune response. However, when cancer cells break away from tumors and migrate to other tissues, this regulation can be disrupted, leading to metastasis.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateMar 12, 2014

Roy Castle lung cancer research funding

The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation has funded two new projects at the University of Liverpool, one aiming to improve survival rates for UK lung cancer patients and the other focusing on developing an early blood test for diagnosis. The foundation has invested $20m in lung cancer research over 23 years.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·DateMar 12, 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.

Good vibes for catalytic chemistry

Chemists at the University of Utah discovered a method to predict chemical reactions using bond vibrations, which can lead to more efficient catalysts for medicines, industrial products, and new materials. The researchers used infrared spectroscopy to analyze bond vibrations and built a mathematical model to predict reaction outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature·DateMar 12, 2014

Heart risks of glucose-lowering drugs being overlooked in clinical trials

Heart failure is commonly assessed as a complication of diabetes but rarely considered as an outcome in glucose-lowering drug trials. Recent studies suggest some drugs may increase cardiovascular risk despite lowering blood glucose, prompting new regulations for cardiovascular outcomes trials.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateMar 12, 2014

Quantum chaos in ultracold gas discovered

Physicists observed quantum chaos in ultracold atoms using a controlled environment to study complex systems. The team confirmed the universality of random matrix theory through statistical analysis and computer simulations, revealing new insights into ultracold gases and chemistry.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalNature·DateMar 12, 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.

Superior visual thinking may be key to independence for high schoolers with autism

Researchers at UNC's Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute recommend teaching independence to adolescents with autism to enhance their chances for post-high school success. Studies show that high schoolers with autism possess superior visual thinking skills, which can be emphasized in teaching independence. Visual schedules a...

SourceFrank Porter Graham Child Development Institute·JournalRemedial and Special Education·DateMar 12, 2014

Missing link in plant immunity identified

Researchers have identified a critical enzyme in plants' rapid immune response against microbes, revealing its activation mechanism through the BIK1 protein. This discovery lays the groundwork for future research on plant immunity and disease resistance.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalMolecular Cell·DateMar 12, 2014

Study finds increased gender variance in children with autism and ADHD

A study found that children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) exhibit more gender variance, a wish to be the other gender, than their typically developing peers. The study also revealed higher rates of anxiety and depressive symptoms among these children.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·DateMar 12, 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.

Building new drugs just got easier

Scientists at Scripps Research Institute developed a method to modify organic molecules, expanding possibilities for new pharmaceuticals and improving old ones. The innovation makes it easier to attach biologically active functional groups to drug molecules.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature·DateMar 12, 2014

Turing's theory of morphogenesis validated 60 years after his death

Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh and Brandeis University have provided experimental evidence validating Alan Turing's theory of morphogenesis in cell-like structures. The study confirms the prediction of six different patterns and discovers a seventh, demonstrating how identical biological cells differentiate into distinct...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 12, 2014

Most of the sand in Alberta's oilsands came from eastern North America, study shows

A University of Calgary-led study has found that the majority of sand in Alberta's oilsands came from the Appalachian region on eastern North America. Researchers used a technique called detrital zircon uranium-lead geochronology to determine the age of individual sediment grains, revealing a range of ages from 300 to 2,800 million yea...

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalJournal of Sedimentary Research·DateMar 12, 2014

Genes bring music to your ears

Researchers analyzed the genomes of 767 individuals for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) to identify genetic loci related to musical aptitude. The study found associations with genes involved in inner-ear development, auditory pathways, and emotional processing.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateMar 12, 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.

Countering the caregiver placebo effect

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new trial design to counter the caregiver placebo effect in veterinary medicine. The study found that a low-dose pain medication was effective in cats with degenerative joint disease, despite owners' initial perceptions of improvement due to the placebo effect.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Veterinary Internal Medicine·DateMar 12, 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.

'Ultracold' molecules promising for quantum computing, simulation

Scientists at Purdue University have successfully created a new type of ultracold molecule using lasers, which could enable quantum computing, precise sensors, and advanced simulations. The lithium-rubidium molecule has a significant dipole moment, enabling stronger interactions necessary for entanglement-based quantum computing.

SourcePurdue University·JournalPhysical Review A·DateMar 12, 2014

NASA sees Tropical Cyclone Lusi over Vanuatu

Tropical Cyclone Lusi intensified to hurricane force near Vanuatu, bringing heavy rain, thunderstorms, and potential flooding. The storm is expected to weaken on March 13 before transitioning into an extra-tropical storm.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 12, 2014

Tuberculosis -- EPFL creates a foundation to launch an antibiotic

Researchers at EPFL have developed a promising antibiotic, PBTZ169, effective against multi-resistant strains of tuberculosis. The IM4TB Foundation will bring the new treatment to market, addressing limitations in industrial model development costs and accessibility.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateMar 12, 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.

Doctors issue new treatment guidelines for skin abscesses caused by MRSA

Researchers from UCLA have updated guidelines for managing skin abscesses associated with community-acquired MRSA. The new guidelines focus on improving diagnostic accuracy and treatment options, including the use of ultrasound and preferred antibiotics like trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and doxycycline.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 12, 2014

Large waist linked to poor health, even among those in healthy body mass index ranges

A large waist circumference is associated with increased mortality risk, even among individuals with a healthy body mass index (BMI). Men and women with larger waists are more likely to die younger and die from illnesses such as heart disease and cancer. Researchers recommend considering both BMI and waist circumference in risk assessm...

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateMar 12, 2014

Wishing to be another gender: Links to ADHD and autism spectrum disorders

A study found that children with autism spectrum disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are 7.59 times and 6.64 times more likely to express gender variance than their peers without these conditions. Participants with gender variance also experienced elevated anxiety and depression symptoms, but to a lesser extent among...

SourceSpringer·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·DateMar 12, 2014
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.