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Science News Archive 2014 - Page 326


Page 326 of 376

JCI online ahead of print table of contents for Feb. 24, 2014

Researchers evaluated the effectiveness and safety of an anti-FGF23 antibody in patients with X-linked hypophosphatemia, finding improved renal phosphate reabsorption and increased serum phosphate levels. Additionally, studies on natural killer cells suggest that targeting specific ligands may enhance cancer therapies by protecting tum...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 24, 2014

McMaster researchers discover secret of bowel movement

Researchers clear up mystery of bowel movement, finding that segmentation motion occurs when two sets of pacemakers interact to create a specific rhythm. This discovery provides direction for developing drugs or nutrients to combat disorders like diarrhea and constipation.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 24, 2014

AGU: Uncovering the secret world of the Plastisphere

Researchers have discovered that the Plastisphere, a community of microorganisms living on ocean plastic, can pose significant risks to invertebrates and humans. The study found that certain bacteria thrive on these plastic islands and may cause diseases in animals and humans.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·DateFeb 24, 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.

Researchers find flowing water can slow down bacteria

Researchers found that flowing water impeds bacterial movement, making microbes more likely to attach to surfaces. This discovery has implications for studying marine ecosystems and preventing infections in medical devices.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Physics·DateFeb 24, 2014

Mood and food: The better your mood, the better you eat

Studies showed that individuals in good moods make healthier food choices due to future health benefits, while those in bad moods focus on immediate taste and sensory experience. Temporal construal also plays a role, with trying to focus on the past reducing indulgent food consumption.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateFeb 24, 2014

Vegetarian diets associated with lower blood pressure

Eating a vegetarian diet is linked to reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared to omnivorous diets. The analysis of 39 studies found that vegetarian diets can be an effective strategy for preventing and managing hypertension.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateFeb 24, 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.

New study supports body shape index as predictor of mortality

A new study published in PLOS ONE found that the Body Shape Index (ABSI) is a strong indicator of mortality hazard, surpassing traditional measures like Body Mass Index (BMI). The research analyzed data from over 7,000 adults and showed that ABSI was closely linked to increased death rates.

SourceCity College of New York·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 24, 2014

New study settles how social understanding is performed by the brain

Researchers demonstrate a clear causal effect of the mirror system on social understanding, finding that areas involved in action production also contribute to understanding others' actions. The study uses innovative magnetic stimulation techniques to reveal the brain's role in social cognition.

SourceAarhus University·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 24, 2014

New risk gene illuminates Alzheimer's disease

A new gene has been isolated that plays a causal role in the development of Alzheimer's disease. The gene affects amyloid-beta protein accumulation, leading to brain damage and disease progression. This breakthrough could lead to new avenues for therapeutic design and early detection methods.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 24, 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.

Marine algae can sense the rainbow

A new study revealed that marine algae can detect a range of colors beyond red light, allowing them to adapt to changing environments. This innovation has significant implications for understanding photosynthetic life and potentially improving food production by teaching crops to grow in various light conditions.

SourceCIFAR·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 24, 2014

New digital atlas details Alaska sea ice history since 1860

A new digital atlas details historical sea ice concentration data in Alaska's Beaufort, Chukchi, and Bering seas from 1850 to the present. The atlas provides a reliable tool for researchers to evaluate climate change impacts and offers users interactive features to explore historical trends.

SourceNOAA Headquarters·DateFeb 24, 2014

Creating animated characters outdoors

Researchers from Saarland University have developed a method to capture actors' movements and transfer them to virtual characters in near real-time. This technology allows for more efficient and user-friendly motion capturing, enabling the creation of animated characters outdoors without markers.

SourceSaarland University·DateFeb 24, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study shows association between diabetes and stroke in women but not men

A new study published in Diabetologia found that diabetes in women is associated with a higher risk of stroke compared to men. The research showed a graded association between HbA1c levels and stroke risk in women, indicating that those with higher blood sugar levels are more likely to experience a stroke.

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetologia·DateFeb 24, 2014

Scientists complete the top quark puzzle

Physicists at Fermilab's Tevatron collider have successfully detected a rare process creating single top quarks through the weak nuclear force, completing nearly two decades of research. This achievement showcases the Standard Model's prediction and provides valuable insights into fundamental particles.

SourceDOE/Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory·DateFeb 24, 2014

For older hypertension patients, an unwelcome tradeoff

A new study by Yale School of Medicine researchers found that blood pressure medication use is associated with a higher risk of serious fall injuries, similar to the impact of strokes and heart attacks. The study suggests that clinicians should weigh the potential harms and benefits of prescribing medications for older adults.

SourceYale University·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateFeb 24, 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.

Toxic injection with elastic band

Tc toxin complexes, used by bacteria like Yersinia pestis and Photorhabdus luminescens, have been imaged with atomic detail. The complexes use an elastic band-like protein chain to penetrate cell membranes, depositing toxic enzymes. This mechanism has potential applications in medicine, including selectively targeting cancer cells.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateFeb 24, 2014

Higher risks among perinatal women with bipolar disorder

A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that pregnant and postpartum women with bipolar disorder experience significant mental health problems, including self-harm, substance abuse, and complications during delivery. Researchers emphasize the importance of proper diagnosis and treatment to mitigate these risks.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·DateFeb 24, 2014

Is previous hypoglycemia a risk factor for future hypoglycemic episodes?

A new study found that individuals with a history of hypoglycemia are more likely to experience recurrent episodes when using an automatic insulin pump. The ASPIRE study suggests that the 'threshold suspend' feature may not be effective in preventing subsequent events.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalDiabetes Technology & Therapeutics·DateFeb 24, 2014

Use of acetaminophen during pregnancy linked to ADHD in children, UCLA researchers say

Researchers at UCLA found a significant link between the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy and an increased risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. The study, which examined data from over 64,000 mothers and their children, suggests that long-term acetaminophen use may disrupt fetal brain development an...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateFeb 24, 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.

Did you hear the one about the doctor?

A study published in Journal of Medical Internet Research found that doctor jokes posted on Facebook received significant likes and were often successful. The researchers analyzed over 33,000 Facebook users and identified 263 who posted a joke referencing doctors, with the majority being successful.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateFeb 24, 2014

Pinwheel 'living' crystals and the origin of life

University of Michigan researchers have created 'living' rotating crystals by making nanoparticles spin, which could shed light on the origin of life. The self-organizing behavior of the particles forms phase separation without direct attraction.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 24, 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.

Personalized medicine best way to treat cancer, study argues

A new study found that each individual patient's molecular profile in pancreatic cancer is unique, with different genes and pathways disrupted compared to the group of patients as a whole. The researchers argue for personalized medicine, where treatment is tailored to each person's individual disease etiology.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalPancreas·DateFeb 24, 2014

Bushfires continue to plague Victoria, Australia

Despite progress in extinguishing the Morwell fire, officials warn of weeks of firefighting ahead due to hot and dry conditions. The Snowy River Complex fire has burned over 500 square miles, with many bushfires considered under control but still posing a threat.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 24, 2014

Study evaluates role of infliximab in treating Kawasaki disease

A study evaluated the role of infliximab in treating Kawasaki disease, a condition that can lead to irreversible heart damage if not diagnosed or treated promptly. Infliximab treatment was found to be safe and effective in preventing coronary artery damage in children with Kawasaki disease.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 24, 2014

Building artificial cells will be a noisy business

Researchers created tiny oscillators in oil droplets and found that smaller droplets behaved differently due to partitioning effects, not just stochastic reaction dynamics. This discovery highlights the need for engineers to understand and deal with 'partitioning noise' when designing artificial cells

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Chemistry·DateFeb 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.

Seed dispersal gets a test in carved-out 'habitat corridors'

Researchers created 'habitat corridors' in South Carolina to test how wind moves seeds. They found that corridors increase seed movement and promote plant diversity when aligned with prevailing winds. The study has implications for conservation efforts in Midwestern ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 24, 2014

Agencies often hindered in addressing health concerns from industrial animal production

Researchers found that state regulatory agencies struggle to address public health concerns from industrial food animal production due to narrow regulations, a lack of public health expertise, and limited resources. The study suggests that strengthening regulations and providing complementary expertise can help protect public health.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 24, 2014

Penn researchers 'design for failure' with model material

Penn researchers develop model material exhibiting reversible plastic deformation with characteristics of plastic deformation on the macroscale. This novel behavior could lead to designing materials with unique properties, such as dampening vibrations or protecting against impacts.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 24, 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.

Cancer patients turning to mass media and non-experts for info

A study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that cancer patients seeking information from non-clinician sources were more likely to receive PET scans. The study suggests that exposure to cancer-related information and promotional materials may drive the use of unnecessary imaging procedures.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania Annenberg School for Communication·DateFeb 24, 2014

Tip to dieters: Beware of friends and late night cravings

A study published in the Springer journal Annals of Behavioral Medicine found that diet dieters give in to temptations 50% of the time, with alcohol being a stronger trigger than sugary snacks. Mobile phone applications and coping mechanisms can help support weight management programs.

SourceSpringer·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateFeb 24, 2014

Watching how the brain works

Scientists have observed intact protein interactions directly in a live animal's brain for the first time, using a novel imaging technique. The study reveals that proteins interact within neurons during brain development, forming complex networks.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 24, 2014

Costs vary widely for care of children with congenital heart defects across US hospitals

A new study led by Michigan Medicine researcher Sara Pasquali found that the cost of care for children with congenital heart disease undergoing surgical repair varies as much as nine times across US hospitals. Hospitals with higher case volumes have lower costs, but also higher rates of post-operative complications and longer hospital ...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateFeb 24, 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.

New ideas change your brain cells: UBC research

A new UBC study identifies a molecular change in the brain that occurs when we learn and remember. This biochemical modification is essential for producing changes in brain cell connectivity associated with learning and memory formation.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateFeb 24, 2014

Preventing suicide should start in a general medical setting

Most people who commit suicide receive regular healthcare services, yet a significant portion of these individuals are left with undiagnosed mental health conditions. Healthcare providers must become more attuned to patients' mental health states and possible suicide ideation to prevent suicides.

SourceSpringer Science+Business Media·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateFeb 24, 2014

Vitamin water: Measuring essential nutrients in the ocean

University of Washington researchers used new tools to measure and track B-12 vitamins in the ocean, finding that marine archaea can supply this essential vitamin. The results show that B-12 is present in small amounts in all water samples, with low concentrations indicating potential deficiency among tiny marine algae.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateFeb 24, 2014

Better livestock diets to combat climate change and improve food security

A new study reveals that targeted livestock production systems can lead to a 23% reduction in emissions from land use change within two decades. This shift would make it more profitable for farmers to expand mixed systems with higher-quality feed, resulting in increased efficiency and reduced environmental impact.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 24, 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.

A paper diagnostic for cancer

A new paper diagnostic for cancer has been developed by MIT engineers, which can detect the disease in minutes using a urine sample. The technology relies on nanoparticles that interact with tumor proteins, releasing biomarkers that are easily detectable in urine.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 24, 2014

Volcanoes, including Mount Hood in the US, can quickly become active

Mount Hood's magma chamber has been stored for at least 20,000 years in near-solid conditions, with the potential to erupt in as little as a couple of months. Scientists have discovered that magma needs to be heated to over 750 degrees Celsius to become mobile and potentially erupt.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature·DateFeb 24, 2014

New study shows a genetic link between feeding behavior and animal dispersal

Researchers at University of Toronto Scarborough discovered a genetic link between feeding behavior and animal dispersal, finding that active foragers disperse farther than less active ones. This study sheds light on the relationship between feeding activity and dispersal tendencies in nature, with implications for conservation efforts.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalEcology Letters·DateFeb 24, 2014

Researcher builds a better job performance review

A Kansas State University researcher has found that nobody likes negative feedback, even those trying to learn. Culbertson suggests focusing on constructive feedback, avoiding numerical ratings, and eliminating the 'sandwich' approach. This can help managers improve employee motivation, commitment, and performance.

SourceKansas State University·JournalJournal of Personnel Psychology·DateFeb 24, 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.

Significant discrepancies between FISH and IHC results for ALK testing

A study found significant discrepancies between fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) results for ALK testing, leading to the detection of approximately 25% of ALK-positive cases. The findings support the need for combined testing using both FISH and IHC methods.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateFeb 24, 2014

Species conservation poised to benefit from DNA advances

Advanced DNA sequencing technologies have improved the accuracy of measuring inbreeding in wild populations. The study revealed that inbred individuals were more likely to suffer from lung parasite infection, highlighting a potential bigger problem than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 24, 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.

Volcanoes contribute to recent warming 'hiatus'

Recent volcanic eruptions have cooled the planet, partly offsetting the warming caused by greenhouse gases. The team found evidence of significant correlations between volcanic aerosol observations and lower tropospheric temperatures.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalNature Geoscience·DateFeb 24, 2014

A fast and effective mechanism to combat an aggressive cancer

Researchers at Tel Aviv University propose a new nanoscale drug-delivery system to tackle aggressive ovarian cancer using a cluster of nanoparticles called gagomers. The system accumulates in tumors, producing dramatic therapeutic benefits and reducing toxic accumulation in healthy organs.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 24, 2014

Duke teams set treatment priorities in new national research effort

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have identified key gaps in knowledge for treating bipolar disorder among adolescents and early breast tumors in women. The study highlights the need for more research to address unclear diagnoses and treatment benefits and risks, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 24, 2014

Blocking autophagy with malaria drug may help overcome resistance to melanoma BRAF drugs

Researchers found that a new preclinical study pinpointed a molecular mechanism in autophagy, spurring a clinical trial for patients with resistant melanoma. Blocking autophagy with the antimalarial drug hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) may enhance cancer cell death and improve outcomes for these patients.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 24, 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.