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Science News Archive 2014 - Page 350


Page 350 of 376

Lemur lovers sync their scents

A new study found that lemur lovers mirror each other's scent-marking behavior and emit similar odors, possibly as a way to defend territory or advertise their relationship status. The study revealed that lemur couples with kids have more similar scents than those without offspring.

SourceDuke University·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateJan 31, 2014

Stoptober 2012 encouraged an extra 350,000 attempts to quit smoking

A national campaign by Public Health England aimed to encourage smokers to quit for 28 days, resulting in a significant increase in quit attempts and a cost-effective initiative that saves lives. The campaign resulted in an estimated 350,000 additional quit attempts compared to other months.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateJan 30, 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.

Drug trafficking leads to deforestation in Central America

Deforestation in Central America is linked to growing evidence of drug trafficking, with traffickers creating clandestine roads and landing strips within protected areas. The influx of cash from drug trade emboldens local residents to expand their activities at the expense of indigenous people who are key forest defenders.

SourceOhio State University·JournalScience·DateJan 30, 2014

WSU research study supports new safety rule for truck drivers

A revised provision in new hours-of-service regulations for truck drivers has been shown to combat fatigue more effectively than the previous version. After a 2-night break, drivers with two or more nighttime periods in their restart breaks reported fewer lapses of attention and less sleepiness.

SourceWashington State University·DateJan 30, 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.

Cell cycle speed is key to making aging cells young again

Yale researchers discovered that accelerating cell cycle speed reduces barriers to changing a cell's fate, allowing for pluripotent cells to be created more efficiently. The study found that cells with faster cycles can become multiple cell types, whereas slower cycles remain in their original state.

SourceYale University·JournalCell·DateJan 30, 2014

An electronic tongue can identify brands of beer

Scientists at the Autonomous University of Barcelona developed an electronic tongue to classify beer varieties, achieving an accuracy rate of 81.9%. The system uses sensors to detect chemical compounds and can even estimate alcohol content.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalFood Chemistry·DateJan 30, 2014

Faster X-ray technology paves the way for better catalysts

Researchers have developed a novel X-ray technique that enables the rapid determination of atomic surface structures and live recordings of surface reactions like catalysis and corrosion. This breakthrough paves the way for designing better catalysts and materials on an atomic level.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalScience·DateJan 30, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Blood and lymphatic capillaries grown for the first time in the lab

Scientists have successfully engineered dermo-epidermal skin grafts that contain functional blood and lymphatic capillaries, which can rapidly supply tissue fluid and prevent accumulation. This breakthrough could improve wound healing and organ structure of these skin grafts.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 30, 2014

Scientists develop an engineered cardiac tissue model to study the human heart

Researchers have created an engineered cardiac tissue model using human embryonic stem cells, which exhibits significant similarities to human heart muscle. The model displays spontaneous contractile activity and responds to electrical stimulation, providing a promising platform for developing reliable models of the human heart.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJan 30, 2014

Edison electrifies scientific computing

The National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center has accepted a new Cray XC30 supercomputer named Edison, designed for scientific productivity. The system features nearly 2.4 quadrillion floating-point operations per second and can handle both data analysis and simulation and modeling with equal efficiency.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateJan 30, 2014

Could your relationship with your mom increase your child's chances of obesity?

A study by the University of Illinois found that parents with an insecure attachment style are more likely to respond to their child's distress by becoming distressed themselves or dismissing their emotions. This can lead to unhealthy eating habits, including comfort feeding, fewer family mealtimes, and excessive TV viewing. The resear...

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics·DateJan 30, 2014
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

NSA pursues quantum technology

The NSA is developing quantum computers to factorize large numbers and decipher encryption keys, posing a threat to modern internet security. The $79.7m project aims to break banking transactions, private messages, and government files.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalPhysics World·DateJan 30, 2014

How DNA damage affects Golgi -- the cell's shipping department

Researchers discovered that DNA damage triggers dramatic reorganization of the Golgi, leading to its dispersal throughout the cell. This dispersal involves a novel signaling pathway directly linking DNA damage response to the Golgi, affecting cell survival and chemotherapy efficacy.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell·DateJan 30, 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.

Rice lab clocks 'hot' electrons

Researchers at Rice University measured the speed and efficiency of excited 'hot' electrons drawn from gold nanoparticles into a sheet of graphene. They found that graphene accelerated damping of plasmons, shortening its lifetime, and calculated the electrons' transfer time.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateJan 30, 2014

Scientists discover new genetic forms of neurodegeneration

A study published in Science has identified a genetic mutation in almost 75% of cases, linking HSP to other common neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's and ALS. The research found over 50 families with autosomal recessive HSP, providing insight into the biological processes underlying these diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience·DateJan 30, 2014

Geranium extracts inhibit HIV-1

Researchers from Helmholtz Munich demonstrate that geranium extracts inhibit HIV-1 virus replication by blocking attachment to host cells. The extracts contain polyphenols with high anti-HIV-1 activity, making them a promising lead for phytomedicine against HIV-1.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 30, 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.

Does caregiving cause psychological stress? UW study of female twins says it depends

A UW study of 1,228 female twins found that caregiving's relationship with depression, anxiety, and perceived mental health is influenced by genetics and upbringing. Anxiety is the most closely linked to caregiving, while environmental factors have a greater impact on perceived stress.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateJan 30, 2014

Gastric banding patients should closely monitor nutrition following surgery

A recent study published in the Journal of Investigative Medicine found that gastric banding patients often fail to meet daily nutrient requirements despite supplements and counseling. To maintain health after bariatric surgery, patients are advised to consume more protein-rich foods, include fatty fish, and limit processed foods.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalJournal of Investigative Medicine·DateJan 30, 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.

Forests in Central America paying the price of drug trafficking shift

Researchers at Northern Arizona University found that drug trafficking is causing widespread deforestation in Central America, threatening conservation efforts and the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor. The team hopes to influence drug policy with their message, emphasizing the importance of conservation in shaping future decisions.

SourceNorthern Arizona University·JournalScience·DateJan 30, 2014

Worry on the brain

A team of researchers at Caltech has identified a new neural circuit in the lateral septum that plays a causal role in promoting anxiety states. Activation of this circuit increases stress hormone levels, suggesting that it acts to increase anxiety rather than reduce it.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalCell·DateJan 30, 2014

Storage system for 'big data' dramatically speeds access to information

A new storage system, BlueDBM, uses a network of flash storage devices and field-programmable gate arrays to dramatically speed up the time it takes to access information. The system can analyze high-volume scientific data at around 30 frames per second, making it possible to answer user queries with very low latencies.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJan 30, 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 data contradict current recommendations for management of breast biopsy abnormalities

A study published in Cancer Prevention Research found that atypical ductal hyperplasia and atypical lobular hyperplasia have similar potential to develop into breast cancer. The study followed over 700 women with biopsy-confirmed atypia for an average of 12.5 years, finding that the ratio of breast cancer development was the same in bo...

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Prevention Research·DateJan 30, 2014

Third-hand smoke shown to cause health problems

A UC Riverside-led study found significant damage in the liver and lung of mice exposed to third-hand smoke, with wounds taking longer to heal and displaying hyperactivity. The study's findings suggest a critical need for research on human health risks associated with third-hand smoke exposure.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 30, 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.

FDA approves new MS treatment regimen developed at Wayne State University

The FDA has approved a new multiple sclerosis treatment regimen developed at Wayne State University, which involves injecting Copaxone at a higher dose but fewer times per week. The study demonstrated that this dosing regimen is effective and safe, with reduced relapse rates and improved tolerability.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·DateJan 30, 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.

Nearly everyone uses piezoelectrics -- Be nice to know how they work

Researchers at NIST and Simon Fraser University have discovered the origin of distinct differences in relaxor behavior compared to ferroelectric PZT. The study found that random electric fields vary randomly from unit cell to unit cell in relaxors, leading to a greater piezoelectric effect.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 30, 2014

Discovery may lead to new drugs for osteoporosis

Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine have discovered a potent stimulator of new bone growth, which could lead to new treatments for osteoporosis. The study found that the WNT7B protein enhances bone formation through the mTOR pathway.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJan 30, 2014

New ER examines arts education, NCLB, student risk factors

The January/February ER issue investigates the impact of arts education on critical thinking skills and finds benefits for disadvantaged students. The special section discusses standards for high-quality education research, emphasizing the importance of understanding policy decisions and contextual nuances.

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalEducational Researcher·DateJan 30, 2014

UC Irvine stem cell researchers awarded $1.54 million in state funding

Two UC Irvine research teams will use the grants to investigate the fundamental structure and function of stem cells, with potential applications for treating cancer, neurological diseases, and injuries. The funded projects aim to uncover specific properties of human stem cells used in transplants.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·DateJan 30, 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.

Mount Sinai researchers identify UHRF1 as oncogene driving liver cancer

Researchers identified UHRF1 as a key driver of liver cancer in zebrafish models and human tumors, showing that high levels of UHRF1 can cause tumors to form rapidly. The study suggests that targeting UHRF1 could be an effective approach to halting cancer formation and offers new hope for treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalCancer Cell·DateJan 30, 2014

Photon recoil provides new insight into matter

Researchers from the QUEST Institute have demonstrated a new method called photon-recoil spectroscopy, which enables the investigation of fast transitions in atoms or molecules. The method involves trapping two ions and using laser light pulses to measure their frequencies with unprecedented accuracy.

SourcePhysikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB)·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 30, 2014

UCSF team reveals how the brain recognizes speech sounds

The study found that brain regions in the superior temporal gyrus respond to broader acoustic features rather than individual phonemes, enabling more accurate speech recognition. This discovery may contribute to a better understanding of language disorders such as dyslexia and reading difficulties.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalScience·DateJan 30, 2014

Research shows wallabies lose on the pokies

Researchers found wallabies have dichromatic colour vision like dogs, but lack a third colour-sensitive receptor. The 'Neutral Point' colour stimulates confusion in wallabies, unlike other marsupials.

SourceCurtin University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 30, 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.

A detailed look at HIV in action

Researchers at Caltech used high-resolution electron microscopy to visualize HIV infection in the gut of an infected mouse model. The study revealed novel observations about HIV behavior, including semisynchronous wave patterns of virus release from infected cells and transmission through free pools of virus.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJan 30, 2014

Up close and 3-dimensional: HIV caught in the act inside the gut

A new study reveals the 3D structure of HIV infection in the gut, showing how the virus infects immune cells and spreads through tissue. The researchers used electron tomography to visualize the architecture of infected parts of the gut, revealing details on viral transmission events.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJan 30, 2014

Campus police officers' role in sex assault cases

A survey of 118 campus law enforcement officers found that 72% had responded to at least one sexual assault case, with 77% receiving specialized training. However, only 64% understood federal requirements under the Clery Act, highlighting a need for improved training and awareness.

SourceSam Houston State University·DateJan 30, 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.

UK establishes 3 new synthetic biology research centers

The UK has established three new synthetic biology research centres, with £40M+ investment, to drive advancement in modern synthetic biology research and develop new technologies. The centres will focus on diverse expertise to stimulate innovation in this area.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·DateJan 30, 2014

A protein-production tale of the tape

A study by Whitehead Institute researchers found that poly(A)-tail length does not impact translation efficiency in cells matured beyond gastrulation stage. This discovery may challenge existing mechanisms of gene regulation involving the poly(A) tail.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalNature·DateJan 30, 2014

Tracking Asian air pollution aids policymakers

Research shows that China's export of air pollution reaches the western United States, tied to consumer goods production. A study in India reveals a 60% increase in sulfur dioxide emissions from 2005 to 2012, shifting India into the No. 2 spot as the biggest emitter after China.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 30, 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.