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Science News Archive 2014 - Page 318


Page 318 of 376
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.

Silk-based surgical implants could offer a better way to repair broken bones

Researchers have developed silk-based screws and plates that can potentially improve bone remodeling following injury and eliminate the need for surgical removal. The devices were tested in laboratory rats and showed promising results, suggesting they could spare patients from complications associated with metal implants.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 4, 2014

New school meal standards significantly increase fruit, vegetable consumption

A new study from Harvard School of Public Health found that the new federal school meal standards led to increased fruit and vegetable consumption among students. Despite criticism that the standards would lead to more food waste, the study showed no increase in waste, but high levels of waste still persisted.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMar 4, 2014

Prevalence of allergies the same, regardless of where you live

A nationwide study found that allergy prevalence is consistent across the US, with regional variations in specific types of allergies. Children under 5 in southern states showed a higher prevalence of allergies to dust mites and cockroaches.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateMar 4, 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.

Young children form first impressions from faces

Research shows that children as young as 3 judge character traits based on physical features, with trustworthiness being the most consistent trait. Consensus in face-to-trait inferences suggests a fundamental social cognitive capacity emerging early in life.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 4, 2014

Dramatic drop in US IPO activity can't be blamed on tougher regulations

A study of 33,000 IPOs from 88 countries found that US IPO activity has not kept pace with the country's economic importance, particularly among small companies. Globalization has benefited other countries, allowing them to overcome challenges to investment caused by weak domestic institutions.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalJournal of Financial Economics·DateMar 4, 2014

Flying snakes -- how do they do it?

Scientists investigate how flying snakes glide through the air, discovering lift enhancement mechanism to boost flight. The research uses computational fluid dynamics to model a snake's cross-section, providing insights into air pressure and rotation.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateMar 4, 2014

Off with your glasses

Researchers found that sharp vision, specifically in the fovea, correlates with faster brain processing speeds. Training adults to improve their foveal vision can lead to improved vision and reduced reliance on reading glasses.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 4, 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.

A new renewable energy source?

Researchers at Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences envision a device that harnesses energy from Earth's infrared emissions into direct-current power. The proposed technology, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, could provide a new source of renewable energy.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 3, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The surface of the sea is a sink for nitrogen oxides at night

New research reveals that the ocean's surface acts as a sink for nitrogen oxides at night, removing about 15% of these chemicals from polluted air. The study measured dinitrogen pentoxide and nitryl chloride in the air above the sea surface, finding no net exit of nitryl chloride into the air.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 3, 2014

Eliminating bacteria, changing lifestyle could lower risk in people genetically susceptible to colorectal cancer

A study led by Dr. Sergio A. Lira found that removing gut bacteria reduced polyp formation and inflammation in mice, potentially reducing colorectal cancer risk. The researchers propose a new approach to understanding the interplay between genetic mutations, gut bacteria, and inflammation.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMar 3, 2014

Team models photosynthesis and finds room for improvement

A team of researchers used a computer model to simulate the effects of adding genes from cyanobacteria on photosynthetic efficiency in crops. They found that certain genes enhanced, while others hindered photosynthesis. The study suggests potential for a 60% increase in efficiency and a 40% boost in yields.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateMar 3, 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.

Blasts may cause brain injury even without symptoms

Veterans exposed to explosions may have brain damage despite lacking symptoms of traumatic brain injury (TBI), according to researchers at Duke Medicine. The study found comparable white matter damage in both groups, with no clear link between brain injury and cognitive problems such as reaction time or decision-making.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation·DateMar 3, 2014

Study: Greater music dynamics in shoebox-shaped concert halls

Researchers found that shoebox-shaped concert halls can enhance musical dynamics due to strong lateral reflections. This design could lead to better concert hall designs, improving the transmission of orchestra played dynamics.

SourceAalto University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 3, 2014

NASA sees strong thunderstorms around Tropical Cyclone Kofi

NASA's Terra satellite reveals strong thunderstorms around the center of Tropical Cyclone Kofi, with cloud top temperatures near -80C. The storm is currently moving southeast and expected to transition into an extra-tropical system by March 4.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 3, 2014

Blurred Lines? Sexual boundaries are not really all that blurred

A study found that 90% of bar aggression involves male initiators and female targets, often due to intoxication levels of the target rather than the aggressor. The findings suggest a culture where intoxicated women are perceived as easier or more blameworthy targets.

SourceAlcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research·DateMar 3, 2014

'Fore!' heads up, wide use of more flexible metallic glass coming your way

Researchers develop new metallic glass with high elasticity, enabling more durable golf clubs and improved space science applications. The material's ability to be bent and spring back into shape is controlled by understanding the initiation of shear bands, which can lead to failure.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 3, 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.

Scientists identify protein linked to most common movement disorder

Researchers at Université Laval discovered unusually high levels of the protein LINGO1 in people with essential tremor, which could lead to an effective treatment. The study found that inhibiting this protein may be a promising treatment avenue for essential tremor.

SourceUniversité Laval·JournalMovement Disorders·DateMar 3, 2014

Researchers identify 'carbohydrates in a coal mine' for cancer detection

A team of researchers at New York University and the University of Texas at Austin has discovered that carbohydrates serve as unique identifiers for cancer cells. By analyzing the role of microRNA in regulating carbohydrate structures, the study reveals a new way to detect cancer using sugar-based biomarkers.

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 3, 2014

Researchers discover how soils control atmospheric hydrogen

Soil bacteria, such as Mycobacterium smegmatis, use enzymes to efficiently scavenge hydrogen from the atmosphere, ramping up activity when carbon-based energy sources are scarce. This discovery has implications for understanding global climate processes and developing new catalysts for hydrogen fuel cells.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 3, 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.

Yoga regulates stress hormones and improves quality of life for women with breast cancer undergoing radiation therapy

Women with breast cancer who practiced yoga during radiation therapy experienced improved ability to engage in daily activities, better general health, and regulation of cortisol levels. Yoga also helped find meaning in the illness experience, which declined over time for women in other groups.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateMar 3, 2014

Youngest kindergarteners most likely to be held back, MU study finds

A University of Missouri researcher found that the youngest kindergarteners are about five times more likely to be retained compared to their oldest peers. This is due to differences in maturity and ability, with teachers needing to adapt instruction based on each student's needs.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Applied Developmental Psychology·DateMar 3, 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.

Pitt public health analysis provides guidance on hospital community benefit programs

A new analysis by University of Pittsburgh researchers offers insights for nonprofit hospitals in implementing community health improvement programs. The study categorizes existing community benefit programs into hospital-based and community-administered programs, highlighting the importance of engaging with local communities to achiev...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved·DateMar 3, 2014

Report reveals cancer drug divide

A new study comparing prescription data from England and Wales has found that patients in England are up to seven times more likely to be prescribed expensive cancer drugs than their counterparts in Wales. The Cancer Drugs Fund has created an inequality in access to these treatments, raising ethical, moral, financial, and policy concerns.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateMar 3, 2014

AGA journals highlight seminal new CRC research

The American Gastroenterological Association highlights significant new colorectal cancer (CRC) research in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology and Gastroenterology. Studies reveal the impact of patient factors on colonoscopy preparation quality, as well as the relationship between dietary fiber intake and reduced CRC risk.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateMar 3, 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.

We want to save water, but do we know how?

A national survey by Indiana University researcher Shahzeen Attari found that nearly 43% of participants cited taking shorter showers, despite toilets using the most water daily. The study highlights the importance of efficiency improvements like replacing toilets and retrofitting washing machines to conserve water.

SourceIndiana University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 3, 2014

Manufacturing a solution to planet-clogging plastics

Researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute have developed a method to manufacture large objects using a fully degradable bioplastic isolated from shrimp shells. The bioplastic exhibits properties similar to synthetic plastics, but without environmental threats.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalMacromolecular Materials and Engineering·DateMar 3, 2014

Plant extract offers hope for infant motor neurone therapy

Researchers found that a plant pigment called quercetin could help prevent nerve damage associated with SMA. Quercetin treatment improved the health of nerve and muscle cells in zebrafish, flies, and mice.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 3, 2014

Yosemite bears and human food: Study reveals changing diets over past century

Researchers analyzed chemical isotopes in hair and bone samples to track changes in Yosemite bears' diets over the past century. Management strategies implemented since 1999 successfully limited human food availability, but problems persist, with bears returning to dumpsters despite increased visitor numbers.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateMar 3, 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.

BPA linked to prostate cancer, study shows

Researchers found higher levels of BPA in prostate cancer patients than non-prostate cancer patients, with low-dose exposure linked to centrosome amplification and cell transformation. The study suggests a previously unknown relationship between BPA exposure and prostate cancer development.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 3, 2014

Patterns of interfering massive particles

Researchers found that identical particles, such as bosons, exhibit overlapping patterns instead of interfering due to exchange effects. This challenges current understanding of quantum optics and has potential applications in precision tests.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateMar 3, 2014

Unmasking the secrets of the extinct moa

A study published in PLOS ONE has clarified the number of moa species that existed, with researchers using a DNA barcoding technique to determine species status for the extinct Euryapteryx moa genus. The findings suggest that two species likely existed and possibly some subspecies, revealing complex species status.

SourceGriffith University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 3, 2014

Special journal issue focuses on radiation dose optimization

A special issue of JACR explores improving CT exam safety through radiation dose optimization, considering factors like patient size and communication with pediatric patients. The issue includes articles discussing CT protocol review, decision support tools, and educational simulations to enhance optimization techniques.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Radiology·DateMar 3, 2014

Distinctive flashing patterns might facilitate fish mating

A new study links bioluminescence with increased species diversity in the deep sea. Fish that use light for communication are diversifying faster than those using it for camouflage. Bioluminescent signaling may be critical to diversification of fishes in the deep sea.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalMarine Biology·DateMar 3, 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.

Calculating cooperation

A new Harvard University study found that women of different social ranks cooperate with each other less well than men do, but not when they are at the same rank. The research suggests that biological and cultural factors may contribute to these differences in cooperation.

SourceHarvard University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 3, 2014

Ancient Chinese medicine put through its paces for pancreatic cancer

Researchers have found that an ancient Chinese medicine extract blocks pathways to treat pancreatic cancer by inhibiting scarring and inflammation. The compound also appears to suppress Cox-2, an enzyme that causes inflammation, and has been shown to be safe for use in patients.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateMar 3, 2014

Native American city on the Mississippi was America's first 'melting pot'

Researchers found that immigrants formed a sizable portion of Cahokia's population, contradicting traditional models of Native American groups. The analysis used strontium isotope ratios in teeth to determine the location of origin for individuals buried at the site.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Archaeological Research·DateMar 3, 2014

Cigarette smoking may cause physical changes in brains of young smokers, UCLA study shows

A UCLA study suggests that young adult smokers may experience physical changes in their brains due to cigarette smoking, which could explain why adults who began smoking at a young age stay hooked on cigarettes. The researchers found that brain structure changes were linked to the amount of smoking exposure and nicotine dependence.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateMar 3, 2014

Standard-candle supernovae are still standard, but why?

A new analysis of normal Type Ia supernovae reveals a range of masses, most near or below the Chandrasekhar limit. The SNfactory team used spectrography to 'weigh' the leftover debris, comparing masses and factors with light curves.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMar 3, 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.

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.

Experimental stroke drug also shows promise for people with Lou Gehrig's disease

Researchers at USC have found that an experimental drug protects the blood-spinal cord barrier's integrity in mice with ALS, delaying motor neuron degeneration and potentially offering new hope for treatment. The study suggests that repairing damage to the blood-spinal cord barrier may delay disease progression in people with ALS.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 3, 2014

Blocking immune signaling stalls inflammation and insulin resistance tied to obesity

Researchers at NYU Langone Medical Center discovered that blocking Netrin-1 stalls chronic inflammation and insulin resistance, a link between obesity and type II diabetes. The study found that Netrin-1 signaling promotes macrophage buildup in fat tissue, leading to inflammation and insulin resistance.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 3, 2014

Large mammals were the architects in prehistoric ecosystems

Research shows that temperate ecosystems consisted of a mosaic of closed and semi-closed forests and parkland created by large grazers. The study also found that woodland beetles were less dominant in the previous interglacial period than in the early Holocene, indicating a shift towards more forested landscapes after human arrival.

SourceAarhus University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 3, 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.

Combination approach reduces spread of drug-related HIV

A computer model recommends a combination of interventions, including increased HIV testing, substance abuse treatment, needle and syringe exchange programs, and antiretroviral treatment as prevention to reduce HIV spread in NYC. The result would lower new infections by more than 60% by 2040.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalHealth Affairs·DateMar 3, 2014