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Science News Archive 2014 - Page 345


Page 345 of 376

New evidence shows increase in obesity may be slowing, but not by much

A new study by University of Illinois professor Ruopeng An found that the prevalence of adult obesity has been slowing, but only slightly, with increases seen in those classified as morbidly obese. The study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to analyze BMI trends between 2000 and 2012.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalISRN Obesity·DateFeb 5, 2014

Will your child be a slim adult?

A novel study found that adults who reported lower childhood experiences related to healthy eating, physical activity, and social connections were more likely to have a slim adult life. Conversely, those with common unhealthy childhood experiences such as poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and bullying had higher adult BMIs.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 5, 2014

Food insecurity leads to increased incidence of tuberculosis in Zimbabwe

A study by Canadian researchers found a significant association between food shortages and rising TB cases in Zimbabwe, particularly among HIV-positive individuals. The study suggests that adequate food availability is crucial in controlling TB incidence, especially in areas with high HIV prevalence.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 5, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Decriminalizing pot may land more kids in the ER

A study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine found that states decriminalizing marijuana saw a dramatic increase in children requiring medical intervention at emergency rooms. High-dose edible products containing tetrahydrocannabinol were identified as a significant contributor to these incidents.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateFeb 5, 2014

New study finds early universe 'warmed up' later than previously believed

A Tel Aviv University study suggests that cosmic heating occurred later than previously believed, allowing astronomers to detect the earliest black holes by searching for radio waves in space. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of the universe's origins and the history of cosmic expansion.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalNature·DateFeb 5, 2014

Falcon feathers pop-up during dive

Researchers studied peregrine falcons' diving flight using high-speed cameras and wind tunnel models. They found that feathers may pop-up to prevent local flow separation, enabling the birds to reach high speeds while maintaining maneuverability.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 5, 2014

How to tell when bubbly goes bad before popping the cork

Researchers developed a mathematical model that predicts the shelf life of sparkling wines based on storage temperature, which can help wineries and consumers determine when bubbly has gone bad. The study also found that refrigerating sparkling wines almost completely prevents browning.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateFeb 5, 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.

Valentine's Day advice: Don't let rocky past relations with parents spoil your romance

A study by University of Alberta researcher Matt Johnson found a small but important link between parent-adolescent relationship quality and intimate relationships 15 years later. Good parent-teen relationships can lead to higher quality romantic relationships, while negative experiences may repeat themselves in current partnerships.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateFeb 5, 2014

Crossover sound

Scientists at Berkeley Lab have provided the first 'unambiguous demonstration' of phonon-based lasers by observing coherent phonon transport in superlattices. This breakthrough could lead to new advances in heat transfer applications and the development of phonon lasers.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 5, 2014

Graphene 'sandwich' improves images of biomolecules

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have developed a graphene 'sandwich' that enables atomic-level imaging of biomolecules in their natural state. This breakthrough improves resolution and minimizes damage to samples, opening up analysis of difficult-to-image biological samples.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateFeb 5, 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.

Quarks in the looking glass

Physicists at Jefferson Lab have made a new determination of an intrinsic quark property, setting new limits for energies needed to access physics beyond the Standard Model. The experiment probed mirror symmetry in quarks, revealing a previously isolated component of the weak force.

SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·JournalNature·DateFeb 5, 2014

A short stay in darkness may heal hearing woes

Researchers at the University of Maryland found that adult mice experienced improved hearing after simulated blindness, which could lead to new treatments for hearing loss and tinnitus. The study showed that temporary vision loss can rewire the brain's auditory system in adults, allowing for sharper sound discrimination and sensitivity.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 5, 2014

Durable end to AIDS will require HIV vaccine development

A safe and effective HIV vaccine is necessary to control and end the AIDS pandemic, according to a new commentary by NIAID Director Anthony S. Fauci. Recent advances in understanding broadly neutralizing antibodies and T-cell responses offer promising areas for further exploration.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 5, 2014

Paper offers insights into network that plays crucial role in cell function and disease

A new research paper from the University of Notre Dame researchers Holly Goodson and Mark Alber resolves an ongoing debate about the assembly of a subcellular network that plays a critical role in cell function and disease. The study explains how stathmin, a key regulator, works by binding and destabilizing segments of microtubules.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 5, 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.

State-of-the art Centre for Innovation in Rail underway

The University of Huddersfield is launching a £4 million Centre for Innovation in Rail, funded by the Government's Regional Growth Fund. The centre will provide world-class training and services to develop critical engineering interfaces in the rail industry, increasing innovation and reducing costs.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·DateFeb 5, 2014

Fruit fly microRNA research at Rutgers-Camden offers clues to aging process

Researchers at Rutgers University–Camden studied microRNAs in common fruit flies to understand the connection between aging and diseases like Alzheimer's. They found that as fruit flies age, more microRNAs accumulate on a protein complex, impacting age-associated events and leading to shorter lifespans.

SourceRutgers University·JournalGenes & Development·DateFeb 5, 2014

Researchers discover rare new species of deep-diving whale

Researchers have identified a new species of beaked whale, Mesoplodon hotaula, based on DNA analysis and physical characteristics of seven stranded specimens. The discovery sheds light on the elusive habits and low abundance of deep-diving whales in the world's oceans.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalMarine Mammal Science·DateFeb 5, 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.

Forest emissions, wildfires explain why ancient Earth was so hot

A new Yale study reveals that ancient forest emissions and wildfires had a significant impact on global warming, even before human-generated CO2 emissions. The research found that concentrations of tropospheric ozone, aerosol particles, and methane during the Pliocene epoch were twice those observed in the pre-industrial era.

SourceYale School of the Environment·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 5, 2014

Grasshoppers are what they eat

A new protocol allows researchers to investigate feeding patterns and detect plant DNA in grasshoppers, providing insights into insect-plant interactions. The method enables tracking of plant food movement during consumption and can be completed in under three hours.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateFeb 5, 2014

Inner workings of a cellular nanomotor revealed

The discovery sheds light on how SecA pushes proteins out of the cell through a series of mechanical steps. This understanding is crucial for developing specific antibiotics and optimizing biotechnological production of human biopharmaceuticals.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalMolecular Cell·DateFeb 5, 2014

Water supply availability 'to dominate US natural resource management'

A survey of policy makers and scientists found that US water supply availability is the top priority for natural resource management. The study, published in BioScience, ranked questions on water supply necessary for human populations and ecosystem resilience as the most important.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalBioScience·DateFeb 5, 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.

Research results show new way for cholesterol treatment

Researchers at Aarhus University have discovered a new way to treat high cholesterol by targeting the sortilin receptor system, which regulates PCSK9 protein levels. This breakthrough may lead to an alternative to statins for patients who cannot tolerate or benefit from them.

SourceAarhus University·JournalCell Metabolism·DateFeb 5, 2014

Bacterial fibers critical to human and avian infection

A new study examines Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) and finds that bacterial fibers, such as common pilus, play a crucial role in its ability to cause infection and form biofilms. The research also highlights the importance of understanding the virulence traits shared between APEC and human ExPEC strains.

SourceArizona State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 5, 2014

Attractive professional cyclists are faster

A recent study has demonstrated that women's preferences for facial attractiveness in professional cyclists coincide with improved endurance performance. The research, conducted by Erik Postma at the University of Zurich, analyzed over 800 portraits and found that attractive riders fared better during the Tour de France.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalBiology Letters·DateFeb 5, 2014

ASGE issues guidelines for safety in the gastrointestinal endoscopy unit

The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) has issued guidelines for safety in the gastrointestinal endoscopy unit, focusing on infection control and procedure protocols. The guidelines aim to standardize safety efforts within GI endoscopy units, following changes in Ambulatory Surgical Center Conditions for Coverage.

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateFeb 5, 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.

The eyes have it

A study published in Biology Letters reveals that jackdaw eyes are used as a means of communication between members of the same species, helping them defend their nests and chicks from competitors. The research suggests that the bright eyes may be an adaptive trait unique to jackdaws.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalBiology Letters·DateFeb 4, 2014

Mind over matter: Beating pain and painkillers

Researchers at University of Utah developed Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement, reducing opioid misuse and pain-related impairment in chronic pain patients. The new treatment combines mindfulness training, reappraisal, and savoring to address underlying processes involved in chronic pain and opioid misuse.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·DateFeb 4, 2014

NERSC announces second annual HPC Achievement Awards

NERSC recognized four award recipients for their exceptional impact on scientific understanding and society. Victor Ovchinnikov was awarded an Early Career Award for his work on computational modeling of conformational transitions in large biological molecules.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateFeb 4, 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.

3D mapping biopsy finds 3x prostate cancer of ultrasound-guided biopsy

A new study found that 3D mapping biopsies detect nearly three times as many cancerous zones in prostate cancer patients compared to ultrasound-guided biopsies. The study suggests that 3D mapping biopsies can accurately assess the location, stage, and risk of prostate cancer, leading to more targeted treatment options.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalAdvances in Urology·DateFeb 4, 2014

Researchers discover new hormone receptors to target when treating breast cancer

Researchers identify androgen and vitamin D receptors as potential targets for breast cancer hormone therapy, offering new treatment options for patients with hormone-dependent breast cancer. The study's findings suggest that triple hormone treatments may be more effective than single hormone treatments.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 4, 2014

Stopping liver failure from painkiller overdose

University of Adelaide researchers have identified a crucial mechanism that can prevent liver failure resulting from excessive paracetamol consumption. By targeting the transient receptor potential melanostatine-2 (TRPM2) channel, they hope to develop new treatments for paracetamol overdose and potentially other liver-damaging poisonings.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 4, 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.

New study finds feeling 'in control' can help you live longer

A new study by Brandeis University and University of Rochester found that individuals with a high sense of control tend to live longer and healthier lives, especially among those with less education. The study suggests that educational experiences can be a key factor in improving one's sense of control.

SourceBrandeis University·JournalHealth Psychology·DateFeb 4, 2014

Are you big pharma's new target market?

A study from Concordia University's John Molson School of Business found that prescription drug brand personality has two distinct dimensions: competence and innovativeness. Consumers prefer overall competence, while innovativeness is associated with uniqueness and originality.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Consumer Marketing·DateFeb 4, 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.

Price Family Foundation funds research collaboration between Albert Einstein College of Medicine and University of Oklahoma

The Price Family Foundation has awarded a $3 million grant to Albert Einstein College of Medicine and the University of Oklahoma to investigate the structural biology of anaerobic microorganisms, with a focus on combating C. difficile infections. The joint project aims to find better treatments for these life-threatening infections.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·DateFeb 4, 2014

How your memory rewrites the past

A study by Northwestern University found that memory edits the past with present experiences, reframing events to create a story fitting the current world. The hippocampus plays a key role in this process, acting as a film editor and special effects team.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateFeb 4, 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.

New fruitfly sleep gene promotes the need to sleep

Researchers have discovered a new protein, redeye, that promotes sleep in fruitflies by regulating the amount of time they spend sleeping. The study found that the redeye protein levels oscillate with daily cycles and peak at times of increasing sleep need.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateFeb 4, 2014

Immune cells need a second opinion

Researchers at the University of Bonn have decoded a new immunoregulatory mechanism controlling defense in urinary tract infections. The mechanism involves two types of macrophages regulating neutrophils, with sentinel macrophages triggering an alarm and helper macrophages providing a safety mechanism to prevent collateral damage.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCell·DateFeb 4, 2014

Diamond defect boosts quantum technology

Researchers discover a defect in synthetic diamond that allows them to measure and potentially manipulate electrons, enabling new 'quantum technology' for faster information processing. The discovery could exponentially increase the computing capacity of tiny machines.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 4, 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.

Mediterranean diet linked with lower risk of heart disease among young US workers

A new study led by Harvard School of Public Health found that a Mediterranean-style diet was associated with lower risk factors for cardiovascular disease among a group of young, working US adults. The study showed that promoting Mediterranean dietary habits could have significant health benefits for young populations.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 4, 2014

Despite burden, Sjögren's syndrome may not impede function

Patients with Sjögren's syndrome report higher levels of cognitive, psychological, and physical impairment than peers, yet still maintain high functional levels. The study suggests that people with Sjögren's can compensate for the disease's effects and function reasonably well.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalClinical Rheumatology·DateFeb 4, 2014

How states can encourage web-based health care in hospitals

The study found that 42% of US hospitals use telehealth approaches, with hospitals in states with broad-based reimbursement laws being more likely to adopt these strategies. Telehealth uses such as teleradiology and electronic intensive care units also increase hospital adoption rates.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalHealth Affairs·DateFeb 4, 2014

Good hair day: New technique grows tiny 'hairy' materials at the microscale

Researchers develop method to create long, twisting fibers that assemble themselves at the microscale, growing complex shapes and exhibiting unique properties. The new technique uses epoxy and can be instantly reversible, making it a promising technology for applications like batteries, photovoltaic cells, and sensors.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 4, 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.

Tricks of the trade: Study suggests how freelancers can land more jobs

A study by UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business suggests that freelancers who exhibit movement in their past history, taking on similar jobs, are more likely to get hired. The findings aim to better understand the dynamics of virtual labor markets and prepare freelancers to demonstrate their credibility to employers.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley Haas School of Business·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateFeb 4, 2014

A healthy balance

Scientists at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna have created a model to investigate the role of STAT1 in various disease conditions. The genetically modified mice can produce an exact dose of protein, enabling researchers to examine the origins and course of many diseases.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 4, 2014