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Science News Archive 2014 - Page 329


Page 329 of 376

Elsevier announces the launch of a new journal: TrEAC

Elsevier has launched a new journal, TrEAC, which will publish concise and critical overviews of the rapid changes and development in environmental analytical chemistry. The journal aims to enhance understanding of the environment through analysis and detection of new contaminants.

SourceElsevier·JournalTrends in Environmental Analytical Chemistry·DateFeb 20, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Bioengineered growth factors lead to better wound healing

Researchers at EPFL have developed bioengineered growth factors that significantly enhance wound healing, bone repair, and new blood vessel formation. The engineered growth factors display improved binding affinity to extracellular matrix proteins, leading to faster tissue closure and granulation tissue production.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience·DateFeb 20, 2014

Molecular 'cocktail' transforms skin cells into beating heart cells

Researchers at the Gladstone Institutes have devised a method to reprogram skin cells into cells that closely resemble beating heart cells, exhibiting twitching and contracting patterns. The addition of one genetic factor, Oct4, accelerated the transformation, revealing promising results for pharmaceutical-based therapies.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 20, 2014

New apps may help detect seizures, treat strokes

Two new smartphone applications have been developed to aid in diagnosing epileptic seizures and managing acute stroke care. The epilepsy app was found to be informative in 87% of tested individuals, agreeing with medical diagnoses in 96% of cases.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateFeb 20, 2014

Stress hormone linked to frailty

A new study found that individuals with frailty have lower morning cortisol levels and higher evening levels, associated with reduced grip strength and walking speed. This study suggests a link between disrupted cortisol regulation and loss of muscle mass and strength in frail adults.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateFeb 20, 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.

MD Anderson researcher uncovers some of the ancient mysteries of leprosy

A new hypothesis suggests that leprosy has existed for millions of years, with roots dating back to around 10 million years ago. The disease is believed to have evolved from a common ancestor of two known leprosy bacteria, which underwent reductive evolution resulting in a lean genome and loss of free-living ability.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateFeb 20, 2014

Human and dog brains both have dedicated 'voice areas'

A recent study has revealed that human and dog brains share dedicated 'voice areas', suggesting a long evolutionary history of this neural mechanism. The research used fMRI scans to compare brain activity between humans and dogs in response to voice and emotional sounds.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 20, 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.

Genetic screening can identify men with advanced prostate cancer

Scientists at The Institute of Cancer Research have discovered that screening for certain genetic mutations in men with a family history of prostate cancer can predict the development of aggressive forms of the disease. The study identified 13 'loss of function' mutations in eight DNA repair genes, which significantly increase the risk...

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateFeb 20, 2014

From a distance: New technique for repair work

A novel platform connects engineers in their offices with production locations, enabling real-time video transmission and interactive 3D model views. This approach facilitates remote maintenance by showing operators multiple views of the machine on screen.

SourceSaarland University·DateFeb 20, 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.

Smaller meals more times per day may curb obesity in cats

A study found that feeding cats smaller meals more frequently increased their physical activity, particularly when anticipating meal times. This approach can be a practical solution for pet owners to manage feline obesity and diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Animal Science·DateFeb 20, 2014

'Mission of firsts' showcased new range-safety technology at NASA Wallops

The NASA Wallops Flight Facility successfully deployed a record-breaking 29 small satellites into orbit, also testing a new autonomous flight safety system that promises to eliminate expensive down-range tracking and command infrastructure. The system's first certification test was deemed 'positive' with initial data indicating it sent...

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 20, 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.

Mega-bucks from Russia seed development of 'big data' tools

Brookhaven physicist Alexei Klimentov receives a $3.4 million mega-grant to develop new 'big data' computing tools, building on the success of his ATLAS experiment workload and data management system. The project aims to efficiently handle large-scale data distribution and processing for various scientific fields.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·DateFeb 20, 2014

CHOP researcher co-leads study finding genes that affect blood pressure

A large international study has found 11 new genetic signals linked to blood pressure levels, with 10 of those signals being 'druggable' targets. The discovery offers the possibility of expedited pharmaceutical development of therapeutics for high blood pressure, a serious risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateFeb 20, 2014

Unstable Atlantic deep ocean circulation under future climate conditions

A new study suggests that Atlantic deep water formation may be much more fragile than previously realised, with sudden and large reductions in the influence of these North Atlantic waters in the deep ocean. This could have widespread impacts on regional sea level, droughts, and ocean acidification under future climate change scenarios.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalScience·DateFeb 20, 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.

Vibration energy the secret to self-powered electronics

Researchers have developed a nanogenerator that can harness and convert vibration energy from surfaces like car seats into power for smartphones. The device uses piezoelectric materials to generate electricity from mechanical forces, enabling self-charged personal electronics.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateFeb 20, 2014

Researchers say distant quasars could close a loophole in quantum mechanics

Researchers at MIT have proposed an experiment using distant quasars to determine the settings of particle detectors, which could close the 'free will' loophole and provide evidence for quantum mechanics. This setup would utilize the oldest light in the universe to eliminate potential biases.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 20, 2014

Crop species may be more vulnerable to climate change than we thought

A recent study suggests that plant speciation may not be influenced by environmental factors, instead emphasizing the importance of seed dispersal and similar habitats. This finding has significant implications for agriculture and climate change, as many crop species are polyploids and may not adapt well to changing climates.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalEcology Letters·DateFeb 20, 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.

Sustainable manufacturing system to better consider the human component

Researchers at Oregon State University created a new approach to sustainable manufacturing that incorporates the human component, addressing economic, environmental, and social impacts. The method considers various facets of sustainability, including energy usage, materials, worker safety, and satisfaction, to create a holistic process.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·DateFeb 20, 2014

Researching Facebook business

A recent study found that online and offline reasons contribute to unfriending on Facebook. Businesses can avoid being unfriended by avoiding frequent posts, committing to individual-level relationships, and refraining from controversial topics.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Business Environment·DateFeb 20, 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.

MATH, HPV status in HNSCC patients effective markers of improved patient outcome

Research using next-generation sequencing data and clinical records from HNSCC patients found that combining MATH with HPV status is an effective marker of improved patient outcome. High tumor MATH at surgery is associated with poor outcomes, while HPV-positive patients have lower average MATH values than HPV-negative patients.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·DateFeb 20, 2014

Nanoscale pillars could radically improve conversion of heat to electricity

Researchers have developed a new technique using nanoscale pillars to radically improve thermoelectric materials, potentially leading to more efficient solar panels and power plants. By slowing down the flow of heat, these pillars can reduce thermal losses and increase electricity generation.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 20, 2014

Dishonesty and creativity: 2 sides of the same coin?

A study published in Psychological Science found that almost 59% of participants cheated on a task, leading to increased creative thinking on a subsequent task. Cheating seemed to encourage creativity by priming people to be less constrained by rules.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 20, 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.

Legal harvest of marine turtles tops 42,000 each year

A comprehensive review of global marine turtle fisheries reveals that over 42,000 turtles are caught annually through legal means. This number is largely driven by the green turtle species, with the majority coming from the Caribbean and Indo-Pacific regions.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalDiversity and Distributions·DateFeb 20, 2014

Sustainable use of energy wood resources shows potential in North-West Russia

The study analyzed the potential of energy wood resources in the Leningrad region of Russia, finding significant potential for intensification. Maximization of sustainable energy wood supply could create new jobs and business opportunities, but challenges like low productivity and technical accessibility need to be solved.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalInternational Journal of Forest Engineering·DateFeb 20, 2014

Surprising culprit found in cell recycling defect

Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine have identified a rare genetic disease caused by the misplacement of a normal protein, phosphotransferase. The protein ends up in the lysosomes, causing a shortage of enzymes and leading to skeletal and heart abnormalities.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 20, 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.

Two new butterfly species discovered in eastern USA

Scientists have discovered two new butterfly species in the eastern United States, one of which is a close relative of the well-known Carolina Satyr. The study reveals distinct differences in genitalia and DNA sequences between the two species, highlighting the complex genetic diversity of these butterflies.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateFeb 19, 2014

Infants with leukemia inherit susceptibility

A new study reveals that babies who develop leukemia during the first year of life inherit a strong genetic predisposition to the disease. The research found that infants with leukemia have an excess of damaging changes in genes linked to leukemia, which can be passed from both parents.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalLeukemia·DateFeb 19, 2014

New study reveals communications potential of graphene

A new study reveals graphene's ability to absorb 90% more electromagnetic radiation, opening doors for secure wireless networks and improved communication devices. Researchers are now developing prototypes to translate this potential into practical applications.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 19, 2014

Genetics linked to children viewing high amounts of violent media

A study found that children with a specific variation of the serotonin-transporter gene were more likely to consume high amounts of violent media and exhibit ADHD-related behaviors. The researchers suggest that genetic factors may play a role in shaping children's media use habits.

SourceInternational Communication Association·JournalJournal of Communication·DateFeb 19, 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.

Study finds nothing so sweet as a voice like your own

The study found that voices similar to one's own convey a sense of community and social belongingness. Key gender differences were identified, with females preferring breathier voices and males preferring shorter average word length. Regional dialects also played a significant role in voice preferences.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 19, 2014

Graduate student makes major discovery about seal evolution

Thomas Cullen's research found evidence of sexual dimorphism in seals between 20-27 million years ago, suggesting that early pinnipeds formed harems. This discovery sheds light on the history of pinnipeds and has major implications for the future of the species due to climate change.

SourceCanadian Museum of Nature·JournalEvolution·DateFeb 19, 2014

LGBT youth face greater cancer risks, CCNY-led study

A CCNY-led study found that LGBT youth are more likely to engage in cancer-risk behaviors, including tobacco use, drinking, and early sex. The research emphasizes the need for early interventions to address these disparities.

SourceCity College of New York·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateFeb 19, 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.

Stratification determines the fate of fish stocks in the Baltic Sea

The Baltic Sea's unique stratification affects the fate of fish stocks, with different species occupying distinct salinity layers. This research highlights the importance of considering regional conditions in fisheries management, as individual stocks do not necessarily benefit from each other.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalProgress In Oceanography·DateFeb 19, 2014

When faced with a hard decision, people tend to blame fate

New research suggests that people deal with difficult decisions by blaming fate to alleviate stress and fears. The study found that participants who faced more difficult decisions were more likely to believe in fate.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 19, 2014

Aging men: More uplifts, fewer hassles until the age of 65-70

Researchers found that 80% of men experience stable happiness until mid-60s, while hassles increase after 65-70 due to health issues or social changes. Meanwhile, some individuals find happiness in late life despite dealing with negative events.

SourceOregon State University·JournalPsychology and Aging·DateFeb 19, 2014

ORNL microscopy system delivers real-time view of battery electrochemistry

Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a new microscopy method to image and measure electrochemical processes in batteries in real time. This technique allows them to capture an unprecedented view of the solid electrolyte interphase, a nanometer-scale film that forms on a battery's negative electrode.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalChemical Communications·DateFeb 19, 2014

A challenge to the genetic interpretation of biology

Researchers propose a new approach to understanding biology, shifting focus from genes to energy consumption and complex dissipative systems. The theory suggests that genes cannot determine biological activity, but rather, it is the energy flows within cells that drive emergence of properties.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateFeb 19, 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.

Iron deficiency may increase stroke risk through sticky blood

Scientists at Imperial College London have discovered a link between iron deficiency and an increased risk of stroke due to stickier blood cells. Iron deficiency affects around two billion people worldwide and can increase the stickiness of platelets, which initiate blood clotting.

SourceImperial College London·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 19, 2014

Space eye with 34 telescopes will investigate 1 million stars

The PLATO mission aims to discover and characterize Earth-like planets in the Sun's neighborhood. With an array of telescopes, it will measure planetary sizes, masses, and ages to determine their habitability. By observing one million stars, PLATO is expected to find thousands of new exoplanets.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·DateFeb 19, 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.