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Science News Archive 2014 - Page 36


Page 36 of 376

Contact lens discomfort linked to changes in lipid layer of tear film

A new study found that contact lens discomfort is associated with degradation of the lipid layer in the tear film. Applying a liposomal eyelid spray increased stability of the tear film and improved dry eye symptoms, suggesting potential benefits for patients with contact lens discomfort.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalOptometry and Vision Science·DateNov 20, 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.

Livermore scientists show salinity counts when it comes to sea level

Researchers found a long-term pattern in salinity-driven sea level changes globally, with increases in the Pacific Ocean and decreases in the Atlantic. This salinity effect accounts for approximately 25% of total sea level change, emphasizing its importance in assessments.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateNov 20, 2014

New survey of employers about the health insurance market

A new survey by NORC at the University of Chicago reveals that nine in ten employers offering insurance are unfamiliar with objective quality metrics, despite valuing plan quality ratings. Employers cite cost to employees as a key consideration when selecting health plans.

SourceNORC at the University of Chicago·DateNov 20, 2014

Creating a vaccine against canine gum disease

A new vaccine is being developed to prevent canine gum disease, a common condition that affects most dogs by three years of age. The vaccine targets the most common types of bacteria causing periodontal disease in dogs.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·DateNov 20, 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.

New study reveals why some people may be immune to HIV-1

A University of Minnesota study found that natural genetic variation in a protective antiviral enzyme, APOBEC3H, can limit HIV-1 replication if the virus has weak Vif. This discovery opens doors to potential treatments by targeting Vif's ability to disable APOBEC3.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateNov 20, 2014

Laser from a plane discovers Roman goldmines in Spain

A recent study using LiDAR technology has uncovered the ancient Roman goldmines in Spain, including channels, reservoirs, and a double river diversion. The findings provide new insights into the labour-intensive extraction process and highlight the importance of geo-archaeology in understanding Roman mining techniques.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateNov 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.

GPM measured Tropical Storm Adjali's rainfall before dissipation

Tropical Storm Adjali formed on November 16, 2014, and started dissipating two days later. GPM data showed moderate rainfall rates near the storm center, with rain falling at over 69 mm/hour per hour. The storm dissipated in the Southern Indian Ocean by November 20.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 20, 2014

UO-industry collaboration points to improved nanomaterials

Researchers used a scanning tunneling microscope to create atomic-scale maps of quantum dot surface structures, pinpointing defect locations that limit device performance. This breakthrough should help manufacturers tweak synthesis processes to produce higher-quality nanomaterials for photovoltaics and other applications.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateNov 20, 2014

Evolution: The genetic connivances of digits and genitals

A study by Denis Duboule's team found that the formation of digits and external genitals involves a similar group of genes, with small modifications controlling their development. The researchers used chromosome conformation capture to demonstrate that a single regulatory DNA sequence controls both processes.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScience·DateNov 20, 2014

Darwin 2.0

A recent study published in Nature sheds new light on how species diverge, finding that prolonged periods of landscape stability are more important than dramatic geographical changes. The research shows that longer the length of time a species can inhabit an area, the more likely it will disperse and diverge.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalNature·DateNov 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.

Endangered green turtles may feed, reside at Peru's central, northern coast

Research suggests that Peruvian coastal waters provide suitable habitat for endangered South Pacific green turtles, with healthy populations found in two sites off the southern and northern coasts. The study highlights the importance of conservation measures to protect these vulnerable species from pollution, bycatch, and illegal catch.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 19, 2014

It pays to have an eye for emotions

Researchers found that people with strong emotion recognition skills are perceived as more socially and politically skilled by colleagues and supervisors. They also earn significantly higher incomes. The study controlled for various factors affecting employee income and replicated its findings in a second study.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJournal of Organizational Behavior·DateNov 19, 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.

'Green Revolution' changes breathing of the biosphere

A new model developed by University of Maryland researchers links intensive agriculture to increased atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, revealing a strong correlation between the Green Revolution and Earth's metabolism. The study found that crop production tripled while land planted with major crops grew by 20 percent, leading to incre...

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature·DateNov 19, 2014

Publication's debut addresses pain among older adults

The first issue of the 'From Policy to Practice' publication series from The Gerontological Society of America explores the impact of policies on pain care for older adults. Chronic pain affects 100 million Americans, costing the nation $635 billion annually, and this publication aims to address these issues.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateNov 19, 2014

Syracuse physicist helps discover subatomic particles

Steven Blusk's groundbreaking discovery of Xi_b'- and Xi_b*- particles has major implications for the study of quark dynamics. The unique mass of each particle is attributed to a heavyweight b quark and angular momentum, with the Xi_b*- state being slightly heavier due to its aligned spins.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 19, 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.

High heels may enhance a man's instinct to be helpful

A French study found that men are more likely to help women wearing high heels than those wearing flat shoes. The study suggests that men associate high heels with femininity and attractiveness. Men were also quicker to start chatting with women wearing heels, indicating a stronger instinct to be helpful.

SourceSpringer·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·DateNov 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.

Of mice, not men

Researchers have discovered that a significant number of mouse genes do not behave like their human counterparts, suggesting that science will need to rethink the role of the lab mouse. The findings come from the ongoing mouse ENCODE project and indicate that similar genes in humans and mice are expressed in different ways.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·DateNov 19, 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.

Scientists map mouse genome's 'mission control centers'

A team of researchers has mapped the 'mission control centers' of the mouse genome, which are responsible for regulating gene activity. This discovery sheds light on why studies in mice cannot always be replicated in humans and highlights the importance of regulatory regions in common chronic human diseases.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature·DateNov 19, 2014

UTMB scientist finds marker that predicts cholesterol level changes as people grow older

Researchers found a link between the APOE e4 allele and increased risk of cardiovascular disease, as well as lower HDL cholesterol levels. Higher cholesterol in older adults may be associated with longevity, challenging current cholesterol-lowering medication practices.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateNov 19, 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.

Discrimination, family conflict key sources of stress for Latina immigrants

New research suggests that racial discrimination, family issues, and economic constraints contribute to acculturative stress among Latina immigrants. Family support, however, acts as a protective factor against psychological distress. The study found that acculturative stress levels varied depending on individual circumstances.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalHealth & Social Work·DateNov 19, 2014

E-cigarettes significantly reduce tobacco cravings

A new study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that e-cigarettes significantly reduced tobacco cravings. In an 8-month study, participants who used e-cigs showed a significant decrease in tobacco cigarette use, with 21% quitting smoking altogether.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateNov 19, 2014

NTU Singapore develops novel 2-in-1 biomarker and drug delivery system

Researchers at NTU Singapore have developed a novel biomarker that can detect tumour cells and release anti-cancer drugs, opening up new doors in nanomedicine, bioimaging, and cancer therapeutics. The biomarker uses near-infrared light to penetrate deep tissue without causing damage to healthy cells.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalSmall·DateNov 19, 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.

Researchers identify protein mutation that alters tissue development in males before birth

Case Western Reserve researchers have identified a protein mutation that prevents proper gonadal tissue development, leading to cancer and other issues. The discovery highlights the importance of the SRY protein in regulating male sex determination and has implications for understanding birth defects and cancer.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateNov 19, 2014

A jettisoned black hole?

Researchers have identified an enigmatic object named SDSS1133, which could be a recoiling black hole ejected from its parent galaxy. The discovery, made using high-precision equipment and observations with the Hubble Space Telescope, presents a unique opportunity to study gravitational waves and their detection.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateNov 19, 2014

Digging for answers

A recent study by Dana Bardolph found that female authors are underrepresented in American archaeology journals, accounting for less than 29% of published articles. The research suggests a pervasive gender bias in academia and publishing, with potential factors including authorial behavior and the submission process.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalAmerican Antiquity·DateNov 19, 2014

Crops help to drive greater seasonal change in CO2 cycle

Researchers found that agricultural production, particularly corn, boosts the productivity of four leading food staples, significantly modifying the annual cycle of atmospheric CO2 in the Northern Hemisphere. This growth contributes up to a quarter of the total increase in seasonal carbon exchange, and possibly more.

SourceBoston University·JournalNature·DateNov 19, 2014

An alternative to 'Turing Test'

Georgia Tech researcher Mark Riedl develops Lovelace 2.0 Test to evaluate artificial intelligence's human-level creativity, moving beyond the limitations of the Turing Test. The new test requires agents to create artifacts that demonstrate a range of human-like intelligent capabilities.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateNov 19, 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.

Salk scientists deliver a promising one-two punch for lung cancer

Researchers at Salk Institute develop a powerful dual-drug therapy that doubles the survival rate of mice with lung cancer and halts cancer in pancreatic cells. The treatment combines two existing drugs, Zometa and rapamycin, to successfully target KRAS mutation.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 19, 2014

A grant to see molecules in 3-D

The Pitt Quantum Repository aims to create an open, mobile-ready database of accurate quantum calculations for molecules. This will enable students to visualize and understand molecular structures in 3D, improving learning outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateNov 19, 2014

Humans and mice: So similar but yet so different

A team of international researchers has detailed the functional parts of the mouse genome and compared them with those in humans, finding that certain processes are preserved through time. The study reveals new insights into mammalian biology and human illness mechanisms.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalNature·DateNov 19, 2014

Bacterial infections suppress protective immune response in neurodermatitis

Researchers found that bacterial infections due to Staphylococcus aureus aggravate neurodermatitis by triggering the formation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells, which suppress both harmful and beneficial immune responses in the skin. This can lead to chronic inflammation, itching, and social stigmatization in patients.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalImmunity·DateNov 19, 2014

People's movement perturbed during, but similar after Hurricane Sandy

A study analyzing Twitter data from over 700,000 tweets found that New Yorkers resumed normal mobility less than 24 hours after Hurricane Sandy. The researchers observed similar geographical and statistical distributions of locations before and after the hurricane, suggesting resilience in human movement during the disaster.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 19, 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.

MSK team makes key discovery in understanding immunotherapy's successes -- and its failures

Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center have made a breakthrough discovery that may lead to a reliable diagnostic test for predicting which patients will respond to immunotherapy drugs like ipilimumab. The study found that tumors with high numbers of gene mutations are more likely to benefit from the treatment.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 19, 2014

Vanderbilt study finds more breast cancer patients opting for mastectomy

A Vanderbilt study reveals a significant increase in the number of women with early-stage breast cancer choosing mastectomy over breast conservation surgery. The trend was most pronounced among younger women and those with smaller tumors, suggesting factors other than disease burden are at play.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateNov 19, 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.

Fountain of youth underlies Antarctic Mountains

Researchers discovered a vast network of lakes and rivers at the Gamburtsev Mountains' base, preserved by thick ice. The study explains how the blanket of ice has halted erosion, stalling aging of the mountains at higher elevations.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 19, 2014

Study: Teens who mature early at greater risk of depression

A new study by University of Illinois psychologist Karen D. Rudolph found that early puberty triggers psychological, social-behavioral and interpersonal difficulties that predict elevated levels of depression in both boys and girls. Early maturation was particularly detrimental to girls, who experience immediate psychological and envir...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalDevelopment and Psychopathology·DateNov 19, 2014

Thin film produces new chemistry in 'nanoreactor'

Physicists at the University of Groningen have discovered a new manganese compound produced by tension in the crystal structure of terbium manganese oxide. The discovery could lead to the creation of new nanoscale circuits.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature·DateNov 19, 2014

Study finds wide variation in quality, content of clinical cancer guidelines

A new study by researchers at Michigan Medicine reveals significant variations in the quality and content of clinical cancer guidelines. The guidelines, published within the last six years, have average scores ranging from 27% to 90%, suggesting a wide disparity in treatment recommendations.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCancer·DateNov 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.

Laser for tattoo removal appears to improve facial acne scarring

A laser used for tattoo removal has been found to improve facial acne scarring in a small study. The treatment showed significant improvement in skin appearance and texture, with patients reporting satisfaction rates of 25-100%. Additional research is needed to confirm these findings.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateNov 19, 2014