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Science News Archive 2014 - Page 309


Page 309 of 376

Boosting self-esteem prevents health problems for seniors

A Concordia University study found that maintaining or improving self-esteem can help prevent health problems in seniors. The research team measured cortisol levels, self-esteem, stress, and symptoms of depression in 147 adults aged 60 and over, revealing a strong association between declining self-esteem and increased cortisol levels.

SourceConcordia University·JournalPsychoneuroendocrinology·DateMar 12, 2014

Surface characteristics influence cellular growth on semiconductor material

Researchers at North Carolina State University discovered that altering the surface characteristics of a semiconductor material can significantly impact how neural cells grow. The study used gallium nitride and PC12 cells to mimic neural behavior, finding varying degrees of cell adhesion and growth on different textured surfaces.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalActa Biomaterialia·DateMar 12, 2014

Chronic pain research explores the brain

Chronic pain researchers found that individuals with chronic tension-type headache exhibited impaired neuroplasticity, affecting their brain's ability to change and adapt. This discovery could lead to more targeted treatments for patients.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·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.

What happened when? How the brain stores memories by time

A recent study from the University of California, Davis, found that the hippocampus stores memories based on their temporal context, which includes what happened before and after an event. This means that the brain uses context to represent specific objects, rather than just their content.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNeuron·DateMar 12, 2014

Ground validation: Contributing to Earth observations from space

The Ground Validation program gathers similar precipitation data on the ground to compare with satellite data, improving models and understanding precipitation physics. Remote campaigns and a Precipitation Science Research Facility supplement GPM data, allowing scientists to monitor precipitation under various conditions.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 12, 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.

Education boosts brain function long after school

A recent study by IIASA researchers found that education significantly improves cognitive function in seniors and slows down cognitive decline. The study examined variation in years of schooling in six European countries during the 1950s and 1960s and showed that compulsory educational reforms had a positive impact on mental functioning.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalDemography·DateMar 11, 2014

Gene therapy for lysosomal storage disease shown to be safe and well tolerated

A new gene therapy approach has been shown to be safe and well-tolerated in a clinical trial of four children with mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIA, an inherited lysosomal storage disease. The treatment involved delivering therapeutic genes via an adeno-associated viral vector, resulting in improved brain shrinkage and behavioral changes.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHuman Gene Therapy·DateMar 11, 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.

New gene for bipolar disorder discovered

A recent study published in Nature Communications has identified two new gene regions linked to bipolar disorder, bringing hope for new treatments. The research, involving over 24,000 patients and healthy individuals, sheds light on the genetic factors contributing to the complex condition.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 11, 2014

Scientists unlock potential heart attack drug without side effects

Researchers at Monash University developed a new class of drug targeting alternative recognition sites on GPCRs to fine-tune protein behavior, reducing damage and potential side effects. The breakthrough could lead to the creation of a new treatment for heart attacks and heart failure.

SourceMonash University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 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.

The business of fear: Can our favorite products provide emotional support?

A new study published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that brands can act as a replacement source of emotional attachment when a person-to-person support system is not available. Researchers discovered that exposure to fear can increase positive emotional brand attachment, leading to stronger consumer connections with brands.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateMar 11, 2014

Excessive deer populations hurt native plant biodiversity

A study by University of Pittsburgh researcher Susan Kalisz found that high deer densities are the primary reason for garlic mustard's takeover in native plant species, such as trillium. By excluding deer, native plants can repel invaders and increase their populations.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 2014
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

NASA eyes 2 tropical cyclones east of Australia

Tropical Cyclone Hadi weakened to depression status, while Tropical Cyclone Lusi strengthened with maximum sustained winds near 50 knots/57.5 mph/92.6 kph. NASA's Aqua and TRMM satellites provided crucial rainfall data, cloud heights, and temperature information.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 11, 2014

Speed trap for fish catches domestic trout moving too slow

Researchers documented dramatic differences in swimming ability between domesticated and wild trout, calling into question the effectiveness of hatcheries in conserving native populations. The study found that domesticated trout tend to grow faster but are slower sprinters than their wild relatives.

SourceWashington State University·JournalAquaculture·DateMar 11, 2014

First human totally endoscopic aortic valve replacements reported

Surgeons in France have successfully replaced aortic valves without opening the chest in two patients. This innovative technique, known as TEAVR, shows promise for improving quality of life by reducing chest trauma and enabling faster recovery times.

SourceAmerican Association for Thoracic Surgery·JournalJournal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery·DateMar 11, 2014

Clinical trial identifies women most likely to benefit from vaginal mesh surgery

A clinical trial identified women most likely to benefit from vaginal mesh surgery for vaginal prolapse, specifically those with levator avulsion. The study found that patients with this condition had a higher risk of recurrence after sacrospinous vaginal colpopexy, making vaginal mesh implantation a viable alternative.

SourceWiley·JournalUltrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateMar 11, 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.

SURA honors Georgia Tech biologist as Distinguished Scientist

SURA honors Dr. Jeffrey Skolnick, a renowned biologist at Georgia Tech, for his groundbreaking research on protein structure and function. His cutting-edge discoveries have the potential to dramatically accelerate and enhance the drug discovery process.

SourceSoutheastern Universities Research Association·DateMar 11, 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.

Why antisocial youths are less able to take the perspective of others

A neuroimaging study found that adolescents with antisocial personality disorder have reduced activation in brain regions responsible for social information processing and impulse control. This impairment leads to difficulties in taking into account other people's intentions, resulting in more antisocial behavior.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateMar 11, 2014

Cosmetic treatment can open the door to bacteria

Research at the University of Copenhagen reveals that cosmetic fillers can act as incubators for bacterial infection, causing lesions and tough film-like material resistant to antibiotics. Prophylactic antibiotic treatment during procedures can prevent these complications.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalPathogens and Disease·DateMar 11, 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.

Type 1 diabetes in adults: Antibody affinity is decisive

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich have found that GAD antibody affinity is a key indicator of LADA disease progression. The study used GAD vaccination to examine the impact on antibody affinity in 46 LADA patients, finding no influence from vaccination. Patients with high affinity had low insulin production and required insulin therapy s...

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalDiabetes Care·DateMar 11, 2014

What's the upside of feeling too sad for chocolate?

A new study suggests that feeling sad can decrease cravings for unhealthy foods like chocolate and deep-fried treats. By making individuals feel sad, their negative emotional response to these foods highlights the potential health risks associated with overindulgence, leading them to make healthier choices.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateMar 11, 2014

Light pollution impairs rainforest regeneration

A recent study found that light pollution impedes fruit-eating bats from dispersing seeds, which is crucial for tropical forest regeneration. As a result, seed rain is reduced, threatening the natural succession of forests in illuminated habitats.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateMar 11, 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.

Healthy food is good for you -- and can sell, too

A University of Iowa-led study found that adding healthy foods to concession stands can increase sales and profits while maintaining customer satisfaction. The study, which involved a school booster club in Muscatine, Iowa, showed that introducing healthier options led to stable sales and revenue increases.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalJournal of Public Health·DateMar 11, 2014

Discontinuation of randomized clinical trials common

Approximately 25 percent of randomized clinical trials were discontinued between 2000 and 2003, mainly due to poor recruitment, with only 38 percent reported to research ethics committees. Discontinued trials were less likely to be published, especially those sponsored by industry.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMar 11, 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.

Empathy chimpanzees offer is key to understanding human engagement

Researchers Matthew Campbell and Frans de Waal found chimpanzees display contagious yawning to familiar and unfamiliar humans, but not to unfamiliar chimpanzees or gelada baboons. This flexibility in empathy may help explain how humans choose to engage with others and offer flexibility.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·DateMar 11, 2014

Researchers slow pancreatic cancer growth by blocking key enzyme

Researchers from Imperial College London have discovered that blocking Hhat slows pancreatic cancer growth by preventing Hedgehog from stimulating nearby cells. The study found that genetic techniques could prevent the process from starting in the first place, leading to reduced cancer cell growth and ability to spread.

SourcePancreatic Cancer Research Fund·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 11, 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.

Crowdsourced rain samples map Hurricane Sandy's evolution

Researchers used crowdsourcing to collect hurricane rainwater samples during Hurricane Sandy, revealing the storm's chemical signature and improving understanding of extra-tropical hurricanes. The study provides new insights into how these storms interact with weather systems, aiding in hurricane forecasting.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 11, 2014

Soil microbes shift as shrubs invade remnant hill prairies

Researchers found a shift in soil microbial communities as shrubs invaded remnant hill prairies, with woody fungal communities emerging in response to increased shrub density. This change could impact the ability to restore prairies, as shrubs may outcompete grasses and alter ecosystem function.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalMicrobial Ecology·DateMar 11, 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.

AGU journal highlights -- March 11, 2014

Recent AGU publications explore the surface dynamics of Titan's second-largest lake, Ligeia Mare. Researchers found that the lake's surface is flat, suggesting no waves or wind in the region. Additionally, new research on U-shaped glacial valleys suggests a tectonic stress feedback loop played a crucial role in their formation.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMar 11, 2014

Cancer cells don't take 'drunken' walks through the body

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have discovered that cancer cells do not follow a 'drunken' walk through the body, but rather move in more direct lines. This new understanding could lead to more accurate results for scientists studying how cancer spreads and may lead to more effective treatments.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 2014

Imbalanced hearing is more than a mild disability

Researchers at WashU Medicine are studying asymmetric hearing loss, which affects communication difficulties beyond mild disability. They aim to understand brain reorganization and develop new treatments to restore hearing in adults and children with one ear deaf and the other ear partially or fully hearing.

SourceWashU Medicine·DateMar 11, 2014

Obesity associated with lower academic attainment in teenage girls, says new study

A new study by Universities of Strathclyde, Dundee, Georgia and Bristol found that obese teenage girls perform worse academically than their healthy-weight peers. The research examined data from over 6000 children and found a significant association between obesity and lower academic attainment in core subjects.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateMar 11, 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.

Exotic plant species alter ecosystem productivity

Researchers found that exotic plant species increase biomass production in ecosystems, regardless of native species presence or climate. Herbivorous small mammals play a key role in resisting invasive plant species, but their exclusion allows for increased productivity.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalEcology Letters·DateMar 11, 2014

Fruit flies help uncover tumor-preventing protein complex

A team of researchers from Duke-NUS Medical School discovered a protein complex that disrupts dedifferentiation, a process promoting tumor development. This breakthrough has implications for understanding neural stem cells and developing future cancer therapies.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·DateMar 11, 2014

Lack of sleep, stress describe a mother's experience after child's ALL treatment

Researchers found that mothers of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) experience significant lifestyle changes, including difficulty sleeping and managing anxiety, even after treatment has ended. Depression symptoms were also common, affecting 26% of mothers.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing·DateMar 11, 2014

Statins may lower blood clot risk following joint replacement surgery

Researchers found that statins significantly reduced VTE events following total hip and knee replacements, with a 48% lower risk compared to non-statin groups. The study, which included over 400 patients, suggests that statins may have anti-inflammatory effects that contribute to their ability to decrease VTE risk.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateMar 11, 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.