Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2014 - Page 349


Page 349 of 376

Finding a target for tumor suppression

Researchers at Brigham Young University have discovered a potential target for tumor suppression, Programmed Cell Death Protein 5 (PDCD5), which may help prevent cancer cell growth by blocking the production of tubulin. The study provides new insights into how PDCD5 functions and offers a promising direction for future research.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateFeb 3, 2014

NIH study describes new method for tracking T cells in HIV patients

Researchers used a defective form of HIV to track CD4+ T cells in HIV patients, distinguishing dividing cells from dying ones and discovering they can persist for at least 17 years. The study sheds light on the lifespan of effector memory T cells, which were previously thought to last only days or weeks.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalAIDS·DateFeb 3, 2014

Study challenges claims of single-sex schooling benefits

A new study examining the issue to date found no conclusive evidence that single-sex classrooms offer educational or social benefits. The analysis of 184 studies representing 1.6 million students worldwide found no advantage in science and math performance, self-concept, or gender stereotyping.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalPsychological Bulletin·DateFeb 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.

Bariatric surgery series

Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for both obesity and type 2 diabetes, offering substantial benefits in terms of weight loss, metabolic status, and quality of life. In people with type 2 diabetes, bariatric surgery can reverse complications and improve end-organ health, including pancreatic, renal, retinal, peripheral ...

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateFeb 2, 2014

Making your brain social

Researchers at European Molecular Biology Laboratory identify microglia cells as major players in brain wiring and behavior. Mice with fewer microglia display weaker connections between neurons and repetitive behaviors associated with autism spectrum disorders.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateFeb 2, 2014

Beneficial insects, nematodes not harmed by genetically modified, insect-resistant crops

Two new studies have found that genetically modified, insect-resistant crops have no negative effects on beneficial insect predators or a beneficial, entomopathogenic nematode. The research demonstrated that Bt proteins used in corn and cotton crops do not harm two important insect predators that help suppress pest populations.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Economic Entomology·DateFeb 2, 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.

A quicker, cheaper way to detect staph in the body

Researchers at the University of Iowa have developed a non-invasive chemical probe that can detect Staphylococcus aureus bacteria in the body, potentially leading to quicker and more accurate diagnoses. The probe uses the bacteria's propensity to cleave DNA, allowing doctors to pinpoint its location and detect infections sooner.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalNature Medicine·DateFeb 2, 2014

Vitamin C and E supplements hampers endurance training

A new study suggests that high doses of vitamin C and E supplements can blunt the improvement of muscular endurance through cellular adaptions. The study found that markers for muscle mitochondria production increased only in the group without supplements.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateFeb 2, 2014

Capturing ultrasharp images of multiple cell components at once

Scientists have developed a new DNA-based, super-resolution microscopy method called Exchange-PAINT that can visualize up to dozens of different biomolecules at once in a single cell. This allows for a more accurate understanding of complex cellular functions and potential new ways to diagnose disease.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Methods·DateFeb 2, 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.

Split decision: Stem cell signal linked with cancer growth

A protein called Lis1 regulates asymmetric division of hematopoietic stem cells, ensuring proper blood cell generation. Deleting Lis1 from mouse stem cells accelerates differentiation, leading to a bloodless mouse. The finding has implications for cancer treatment, as cancer stem cells also rely on Lis1.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 2, 2014

Tighter economic regulation needed to reverse obesity epidemic -- study

A study published in the Bulletin of the World Health Organization suggests that governments can slow and reverse the growing obesity epidemic by regulating fast food consumption. The study found that countries with stricter market regulations had lower increases in fast food transactions per capita, indicating a potential link between...

SourceBulletin of the World Health Organization·JournalBulletin of the World Health Organization·DateFeb 2, 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.

Stanford researchers discover how brain regions work together, or alone

Stanford researchers have solved a riddle about the inner workings of the brain, revealing a previously unknown process that helps two brain regions cooperate when joint action is required. The study used a new approach to analyze large numbers of neurons and discovered that different regions of the brain keep results localized or broa...

SourceStanford University School of Engineering·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateFeb 2, 2014

Greenhouse 'time machine' sheds light on corn domestication

Researchers simulated conditions 10,000 years ago to discover teosinte, a wild grass believed to be corn's ancestor, exhibited characteristics similar to corn under past conditions. This finding suggests early farmers may have played less of a role in selecting for desirable traits than previously thought.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalQuaternary International·DateFeb 1, 2014

UH researcher works on plant-based plastics

A University of Houston researcher is working on developing plant-based plastics that can match the strength, flexibility, and durability of petroleum-based polymers. The goal is to create biodegradable materials with better mechanical properties and a reduced environmental impact.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateJan 31, 2014

Cc to the brain: How neurons control fine motor behavior of the arm

A team of scientists at the University of Basel has elucidated a second information pathway taken by motor commands, revealing a complex network of communication between the spinal cord and brain. This dual information stream enables precise control of fine motor behavior, such as arm and hand movements.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalCell·DateJan 31, 2014

Report outlines progress, challenges in childhood cancer

The report estimates new cancer cases and deaths among children and adolescents in the US, summarizing data on incidence, mortality, and survival. Childhood cancers remain a significant cause of death, with many long-term health issues affecting survivors, and only a small percentage having known preventable causes.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·DateJan 31, 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.

Quantum dots provide complete control of photons

Researchers at Linköping University have developed a method to emit polarized light directly from quantum dots, achieving an average polarization of 84%. This breakthrough enables the creation of more efficient polarized light-emitting diodes for LCD screens and wiretap-proof communications.

SourceLinköping University·DateJan 31, 2014

Kessler Foundation MS researchers study predictors of employment status

Researchers at Kessler Foundation found the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) to be a reliable predictor of employment status in people with MS, distinguishing employed from unemployed individuals. The study analyzed demographic and disease-related factors to identify predictors of employment status.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalMultiple Sclerosis Journal·DateJan 31, 2014

Gastric bypass improves insulin secretion in pigs

A study at Lund University Diabetes Centre found that gastric bypass surgery increases the number of beta cells and improves their function in pigs. The procedure raised blood sugar levels without weight loss or reduced food intake, contradicting previous assumptions.

SourceLund University·JournalDiabetes·DateJan 31, 2014

Secrets of potato blight evolution could help farmers fight back

Researchers discovered how the Phytophthora infestans pathogen adapted to spread between plant species by secreting specialized substances that shut down host defences. By understanding this process, scientists can develop proteases that detect and resist these stealthy molecular mechanisms.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalScience·DateJan 31, 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.

Caring for animals may correlate with positive traits in young adults

A study found that young adults who cared for animals reported feeling more connected to their communities and having empathy. The quality of the animal relationship was a key factor in developing positive youth development characteristics.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalApplied Developmental Science·DateJan 31, 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 finds differences in concussion risk between football helmets

A new study published in the Journal of Neurosurgery found that football helmets with improved design can significantly reduce concussion risk. The research analyzed head impact data from eight collegiate teams and showed a 54% reduction in concussions for players wearing Riddell Revolution helmets compared to VSR4 helmets.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·DateJan 31, 2014

NASA's Aqua satellite sees System 91S struggling

System 91S is experiencing strong wind shear, elongated circulation, and broken convection. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center expects the system to weaken as it moves south through the Mozambique Channel.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 31, 2014

Study shows autistic brains create more information at rest

A new study by Case Western Reserve University neuroscientists found that autistic children's brains produce more information when not actively engaging with the world. This excess information generation may explain their characteristic withdrawal into self, or introspection.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalFrontiers in Neuroinformatics·DateJan 31, 2014

Researchers identify 9 steps to save waterways

A team of Canadian biologists developed a framework to protect fish and ecosystems, highlighting the importance of connecting waterways, protecting habitats, and adopting adaptive management strategies. The 9 guiding principles aim to promote sustainable fisheries and conserve biodiversity.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalEnvironmental Reviews·DateJan 31, 2014
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Space flies offer clues about microgravity's impact on astronauts

Researchers discovered that fruit flies' biochemical pathway to fight fungal infections is compromised after space flight, while bacterial infection defense remains intact. The study offers a promising lead in understanding the impact of microgravity on human immune systems, paving the way for future research with astronauts.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 31, 2014

Impaired cell division leads to neuronal disorder

A crucial amino acid signal regulates centrosome duplication and its absence leads to pathologically altered cells found in people with microcephaly. This discovery sheds light on the development of this neurodevelopmental disorder.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 31, 2014

Gardening provides high-to-moderate physical activity for children

A study by researchers in South Korea found that children engage in moderate- to high-intensity physical activities while gardening. The research informs the development of garden-based therapeutic interventions for youth and promotes healthy lifestyles.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortTechnology·DateJan 31, 2014

Well-watered citrus tested in cold-acclimating temperatures

Researchers found that citrus plants watered regularly in controlled environments exhibited reduced transpiration and stomatal closure when exposed to low temperatures. High soil moisture content was key to minimizing drought stress on the trees. The study's findings could impact commercial citrus growers' traditional irrigation methods.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateJan 31, 2014

What's behind a No. 1 ranking?

LineUp is an open-source application that allows users to assign weights to different parameters and create a custom ranking. It introduces a dynamic element to static analysis, enabling side-by-side comparisons of alternative weighting systems.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalIEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics·DateJan 31, 2014
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

For infants, stress may be caught, not taught

A study published in Psychological Science found that infants can pick up on their mother's stress and show corresponding physiological changes. Infants of mothers who received negative feedback during an evaluation session showed significant increases in heart rate relative to baseline.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJan 31, 2014

New study finds no reason to replace fructose with glucose

Researchers at St. Michael's Hospital found that consuming fructose may increase total cholesterol and postprandial triglycerides, but not affect insulin production or markers of fatty liver disease more than glucose. Fructose showed potential benefits over glucose in some key risk factor categories.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalCurrent Opinion in Lipidology·DateJan 31, 2014

Divorce rate cut in half for newlyweds who discussed 5 relationship movies

A study involving 174 couples found that discussing five relationship movies over a month can reduce the three-year divorce rate for newlyweds in half. The inexpensive and fun movie-and-talk approach was found to be as effective as other more intensive therapist-led methods, with only an 11% divorce rate after three years.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·DateJan 31, 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.

Kessler Foundation researchers find retrieval practice improves memory in severe TBI

Researchers found that retrieval practice (RP) significantly improved memory in individuals with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), particularly after short delays. RP was more effective than massed restudy (MR) or spaced restudy (SR) strategies, indicating its potential to improve real-life performance.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalArchives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation·DateJan 31, 2014

To calculate long-term conservation pay off, factor in people

Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a new approach to assess the long-term impact of conservation efforts by considering human behavior and ecological gains. The study uses an agent-based modeling approach to simulate how conservation policies can affect outcomes over decades.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEcology and Society·DateJan 31, 2014

Ronald Crystal, M.D., receives Pioneer Award

Dr. Ronald G. Crystal developed the first in vivo adenoviral gene delivery vector, accelerating gene therapy translation from lab to clinic. The Pioneer Award recognizes his seminal work on adenoviral vectors.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHuman Gene Therapy·DateJan 31, 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.

Three native aromatics indicated for use in Mediterranean extensive green roofs

Three native Mediterranean plant species were found suitable for use in extensive green roof design. Locally produced grape marc compost promoted drought resistance without compromising plant growth. Substrate depth and irrigation frequency had varying effects on the plants' growth, but shallow compost-amended substrate with sparse irr...

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateJan 31, 2014

Quicker method paves the way for atomic-level design

A new X-ray method allows researchers to determine the atomic structure of material surfaces, enabling deeper understanding of catalytic behavior at the atomic level. The method reduces analysis time from ten hours to just ten minutes, paving the way for optimized catalyst design and improved reaction control.

SourceLund University·JournalScience·DateJan 31, 2014

Potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease

A study published in Nature Neuroscience suggests that abnormal gene expression resulting from DNA relaxation can be detected in the brain and blood of Alzheimer's patients. The researchers propose that drugs modifying DNA structure may be beneficial for treating Alzheimer's disease, paving the way for epigenetic-based therapies.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJan 31, 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.

One planet, 2 stars: New research shows how circumbinary planets form

Circumbinary planets are thought to have formed far from their binary star systems before migrating to their current location. Researchers used computer simulations to model the early stages of planet formation around Kepler-34(AB)b and found that the majority must have formed much further away.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJan 31, 2014

Studies find new links between sleep duration and depression

Studies of adult twins and adolescents reveal a strong connection between short or long sleep durations and increased risk of depressive symptoms. Optimal sleep duration is essential for mental health, suggesting that prioritizing sleep may enhance treatment effectiveness for depression.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalSLEEP·DateJan 31, 2014

Teaching young wolves new tricks

Researchers found that wolves can open a box using a method they observed a dog demonstrate, while dogs relied on random selection. The study suggests that wolves' superior problem-solving ability may stem from their reliance on cooperation with conspecifics.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 31, 2014

Vibrations influence the circadian clock of a fruit fly

A recent study published in Science has discovered that vibrations can influence the circadian clock of a fruit fly, with exposure to 12-hour cycles of vibration and silence synchronising the fly's internal clock and corresponding daily locomotor activity.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScience·DateJan 31, 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.

Nitrogen management studied in greenhouse pepper production

A study found that reducing nitrogen levels and using selected cultivars minimizes environmental impact in greenhouse pepper production. The research demonstrates how the environmental impact of intensive agriculture can be minimized without harming fruit yield or quality.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateJan 31, 2014