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Science News Archive 2014 - Page 358


Page 358 of 376

Can walkies tell who's the leader of the pack?

Researchers tracked six dogs and their owner during group walks to determine social rankings and personality traits. Consistently leading the pack was linked to trainability, controllability, aggression, and dominance.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJan 23, 2014

New substance abuse treatment resources focus on teens

The National Institute on Drug Abuse has released new resources to help parents, healthcare providers, and treatment specialists address teen substance abuse. The guides cover treatment approaches, screening tools, and evidence-based practices, highlighting the unique challenges faced by adolescents in addressing drug use.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·DateJan 23, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Brain uses serotonin to perpetuate chronic pain signals in local nerves

Chronic pain affects an estimated 20-25% of the population worldwide and is caused by various factors such as nerve injuries and osteoarthritis. Researchers found that serotonin release from the brain stem into the spinal cord activates TRPV1, making it hyperactive in injured V2 and uninjured V3 branches.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateJan 23, 2014

Molecules as circuits

Researchers exploited the Kondo effect in molecules to change conductance between electrodes. The phenomenon allows for an increase in electrical resistance at low temperatures but can be reversed at small size scales.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 23, 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.

Telling the whole truth may ease feelings of guilt

Research by Eyal Pe'er and colleagues found that people who partially confessed their wrongdoing experienced more negative emotions like fear, shame, and guilt compared to those who fully confessed or made no confession. Partially confessing also led to increased feelings of regret.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateJan 23, 2014

Experiments show hypothesis of microtubule steering accurate

Researchers used laboratory experiments to test a model of microtubule steering, finding that kinesin motors can redirect microtubule ends into branches using crowd-sourced guidance from protein EB1. The study suggests this mechanism is a general strategy for organizing and maintaining proper microtubule polarity in cells.

SourcePenn State·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 23, 2014

Near error-free wireless detection made possible

Researchers at the University of Cambridge developed a new system that greatly improves the accuracy and range of radio frequency identification (RFID) systems. The system achieves near 100% accurate passive RFID tag detection and increases reliable detection range from two to three meters to approximately 20 meters.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalIEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation·DateJan 23, 2014

The lung microbiome: A new frontier in pulmonary medicine

The lung microbiome is a new frontier in pulmonary medicine, with research exploring the role of microorganisms in health and disease. The emerging field is leading to new ways of thinking about the lung and its diseases.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateJan 23, 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.

Changing climate: How dust changed the face of the earth

Researchers have discovered that dust infiltration into the South Pacific Ocean was 2-3 times higher during ice ages than in warm phases. This increased dust supply stimulated biological production and increased the ocean's capacity to bind carbon, leading to a cooling effect on Earth.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalScience·DateJan 23, 2014

A scientific first: Physicists, physicians, engineers photograph radiation beams in the human body through the Cherenkov effect

Researchers have successfully used the Cherenkov effect to capture and visualize radiation beams entering or exiting the human body. This breakthrough technology enables doctors to see the dose of radiation to the skin and detect errors in dosage, potentially reducing side effects like skin reactions during breast cancer treatment.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateJan 23, 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.

Central Europeans already digested milk as well as us 1,000 years ago

Researchers discovered a 72-percent lactase persistence rate among medieval Dalheim population, exceeding modern Central European levels around 1000 years ago. This contradicts previous research on Hungarian human remains, suggesting genetic lactase persistence was common in Central Europe earlier than Eastern Europe.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 23, 2014

Can personalized tumor vaccines improve interleukin-2 treated metastatic melanoma?

A new study found that combining high-dose interleukin-2 therapy with personalized tumor cell-based immunotherapy significantly improves patient survival rates. The treatment approach, which activates patients' immune systems using their own tumor cells, outperforms IL-2 alone in extending survival.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalCancer Biotherapy and Radiopharmaceuticals·DateJan 22, 2014

'Surveillance minimization' needed to restore trust

A law academic suggests surveillance minimisation as a way forward to rebuild public trust after revelations about personal data collection. The concept applies the principle of data minimisation to communications surveillance, targeting it rather than making it universal and warranting its use at data access points.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·DateJan 22, 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.

New study examines patterns of cancer screening in Appalachian women

A new study by University of Kentucky researchers identified four key barriers to cancer screening in Appalachian women, including embarrassment about Pap tests and lack of health insurance. These barriers contribute to higher mortality rates for invasive cervical cancer in the region, with a 67% increase compared to national averages.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalWomen & Health·DateJan 22, 2014

The unexpected power of baby math

A Tel Aviv University study reveals that educated adults still think about numbers like kids, retaining a primal sense. The research found that adults' innate number sense influences their thinking on both one-digit and two-digit numbers.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalCognition·DateJan 22, 2014

Study identifies gene tied to motor neuron loss in ALS

A study by Columbia University Medical Center researchers identified matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) as a key factor contributing to motor neuron degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The findings suggest that MMP-9 inhibitors may offer a new therapeutic option for treating this incurable neurodegenerative disease.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNeuron·DateJan 22, 2014

New monitoring technique reveals endangered animals

A new recording system at the University of Southern Denmark has revealed two bat species not believed to live in the area, including Nathusius' pipistrelle and the Danish pond bat. The monitoring system also found that bats often fly in the rain and their activity slows down when weather is clear and cool.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalEcological Informatics·DateJan 22, 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.

Texting changes the way we walk

A study published in PLOS ONE found that texting alters posture and balance while walking, causing individuals to swerve and slow down. This behavior may impact the safety of people who text and walk at the same time, highlighting the need for greater awareness about phone use while navigating.

SourcePLOS·JournalPublication Library and Information Science·DateJan 22, 2014

HRT cuts risk of repeat knee/hip replacement surgery by 40 percent

A large population-based study published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases found that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) taken regularly after knee or hip replacement reduces the risk of repeat surgery by around 40%. The research also showed that taking HRT for 12 months or more after surgery further decreases the risk, with those rec...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateJan 22, 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.

NASA-funded sounding rocket to catch aurora in the act

A NASA-funded sounding rocket will launch into the aurora borealis to gather data on its formation and behavior. The mission, GREECE, aims to understand the sun-Earth connection and how energy particles interact with Earth's magnetosphere.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 22, 2014

Suburban sprawl accounts for 50 percent of US household carbon footprint

A new study found that suburban households in the US account for approximately 50% of the country's total household carbon footprint. The researchers used an analytic model and national survey data to estimate average household carbon footprints for over 30,000 zip codes and 10,000 cities and towns across all 50 states.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJan 22, 2014

Hearing loss linked to accelerated brain tissue loss

A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that hearing loss accelerates brain tissue loss, particularly in regions processing sound and speech. This link highlights the importance of treating hearing loss early to reduce associated health risks.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·DateJan 22, 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.

Spider silk ties scientists up in knots

A team from the University of the Basque Country has repeated an experiment that previously found spider silk to be an excellent thermal conductor. Their results show a significant decrease in thermal diffusivity, with values up to 300 times smaller than those reported earlier.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalMaterials Letters·DateJan 22, 2014

A pill 'melts away' common form of leukemia

Scientists at Weill Cornell Medical College have found that a twice-daily pill, idelalisib, can turn deadly blood cancer into a highly treatable disease. The study suggests that patients with CLL may avoid debilitating chemotherapy, leading to significant side effects and death.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 22, 2014

Scripps Florida scientists offer new insight into neuron changes brought about by aging

Researchers at Scripps Florida Institute discovered significant changes in gene expression and neural circuitry as neurons age, shedding light on cognitive decline and potential therapeutic targets. The study, using the marine snail Aplysia californica, highlights the complex interplay between aging and neuron communication.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalJournal of Visualized Experiments·DateJan 22, 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.

New program helps reduce HIV-risk in African-American women

A new community program, SHE PREVAILS, is helping African-American women reduce their risk of HIV infection by addressing substance abuse and mental health issues. The program provides six-month comprehensive treatment and support services to 280 women in the Augusta region.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateJan 22, 2014

Mass. Eye and Ear physician awarded RPB Career Development Award

Dr. Jason I. Comander has received a $250,000 Research to Prevent Blindness Career Development Award to study patients with inherited retinal degenerations, including retinitis pigmentosa. The award aims to develop techniques for high-throughput functional characterization of human genetic variation and mutation in retinitis pigmentosa.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·DateJan 22, 2014

Humans can use smell to detect levels of dietary fat

Researchers at Monell Center found humans can differentiate levels of dietary fat in food using the sense of smell. Innovative methods could make low-fat foods more palatable and aid in reducing excessive fat consumption.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 22, 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.

Modest familial risks for multiple sclerosis

A new study from Karolinska Institutet found that the risk of relatives developing multiple sclerosis is lower than previously thought. The study analyzed data from over 28,000 individuals diagnosed with MS in Sweden, revealing a seven-fold increased risk for siblings and a five-fold increased risk for children of MS patients.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalBrain·DateJan 22, 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.

Mount Sinai research underscores the genetic complexity in schizophrenia

Two large-scale exome studies found a significant role for rare genetic mutations in schizophrenia, contrary to previous assumptions of few 'faulty' genes. The studies established the world's largest database on schizophrenia, providing valuable resources for biomedical research.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature·DateJan 22, 2014

Detecting chemicals, measuring strain with a pencil and paper

Three students from Northwestern University created a device using pencil traces on paper to measure strain, while also detecting hazardous chemical vapors. The technology uses the conductive properties of graphene, which is shed when drawing on paper, to create a rudimentary electrode.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 22, 2014

Can fish oil help preserve brain cells?

A recent study published in Neurology suggests that fish oil consumption may help preserve brain cells by increasing total brain volume and hippocampus area size. The study found that higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids were associated with larger brain volumes, equivalent to a delay of one to two years of brain health.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJan 22, 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.

Putting 'Adam' in his rightful place in evolutionary history

Researchers date the most common male ancestor 'Adam' to 209,000 years ago, contradicting a previous study that placed him 9,000 years earlier. The study also debunks the discovery of the Y chromosome that supposedly predated humanity, shedding light on human evolutionary history.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalEuropean Journal of Human Genetics·DateJan 22, 2014

More illness from synthetic marijuana likely

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found a wide range of dangers associated with synthetic marijuana use. The substance has been linked to altered mental status, irregular heartbeat, seizures, and breathing difficulties, resulting in over 263 emergency room visits in Colorado alone.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 22, 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.

Drug discovery potential of natural microbial genomes

Scientists at UC San Diego have developed a new genetic platform that enables efficient production of natural molecules, including a novel antibiotic compound called taromycin A. The study demonstrates the potential for this technology to unlock the drug discovery potential of countless new microbes.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 22, 2014

War on lionfish shows first promise of success

A new study confirms that reducing lionfish numbers by 75-95% can allow rapid recovery of native fish biomass and aid larger ecosystem recovery. Native species such as Nassau grouper and yellowtail snapper increased by 50-70% on reefs where lionfish were kept below threshold densities.

SourceOregon State University·JournalEcological Applications·DateJan 22, 2014

New studies show that many rare mutations contribute to schizophrenia risk

Two studies analyzed exomes of people with schizophrenia and healthy individuals, identifying patterns that suggest the disorder arises from combined effects of many genes. Genetic alterations tend to cluster in networks related to synaptic function, including calcium ion channels and cytoskeletal proteins.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalNature·DateJan 22, 2014

Malaria drug combo could help prevent pregnancy complications in lupus patients

Researchers at Yale University found that a combination of hydroxychloroquine may partially reverse the detrimental effects of antiphospholipid antibodies on human placental cell function, potentially benefiting pregnant women with lupus and/or antiphospholipid syndrome. This could lead to improved pregnancy outcomes for these patients.

SourceYale University·JournalAmerican Journal Of Reproductive Immunology·DateJan 22, 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.