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Science News Archive 2014 - Page 362


Page 362 of 376

Access to guns increases risk of suicide, homicide

A meta-analysis published in Annals of Internal Medicine finds that access to firearms is a significant risk factor for men committing suicide and for women being victims of homicide. Firearms play a major role in both suicide and homicide, accounting for over half of all suicide deaths and two-thirds of homicide deaths.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 20, 2014

Mount Sinai researchers find promising new drug targets for cocaine addiction

Researchers at Mount Sinai have identified a promising new molecular mechanism for cocaine addiction, implicating the PARP-1 enzyme and Sidekick-1 gene. Chronic cocaine administration increases levels of PARP-1, leading to epigenetic changes that contribute to long-term addiction.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 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.

DNA barcodes change our view on how nature is structured

Researchers used DNA barcoding to dissect the complex interactions between predators and prey in a simple food web, finding three times as many interactions than previously thought. The study revealed that most predator-prey relationships are less specialized and more interconnected than initially believed.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 20, 2014

£3.2M to improve diagnosis of cancer

Researchers are developing a new diagnostic technique using infrared light to identify chemical changes in cells that lead to cancer development. The technology has the potential to detect alterations in both cancer and surrounding stromal cells, helping diagnosis and therapy development.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·DateJan 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.

Quality control of mitochondria as a defense against disease

Researchers found that PINK1 and parkin are key to removing damaged mitochondria through a vesicular trafficking pathway. This early response helps protect against Parkinson's disease, which is linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. The study reveals a distinct quality control mechanism for mitochondria.

SourceEMBO·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateJan 20, 2014

People who enjoy life maintain better physical function as they age

A new study published in CMAJ found that people who enjoy life maintain better physical function as they age, with slower declines in daily activities and walking speeds. Participants who had higher levels of well-being were less likely to develop problems in their daily physical activities.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJan 20, 2014

Vancouver: Nearby Georgia basin may amplify ground shaking from next quake

New research reveals that Vancouver's Georgia basin amplifies seismic waves, increasing ground motion in the area. This finding poses a significant risk to tall buildings and long-period structures, such as bridges and pipelines, which may experience greater shaking than previously thought.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateJan 20, 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.

Toddlers' aggression is strongly associated with genetic factors

A new study published in Psychological Medicine found that toddlers' physical aggression is strongly associated with genetic factors, accounting for most of the stability and change. The study used a twin cohort design to investigate the role of genetics and environment in early childhood aggression, finding support for the genetic mat...

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateJan 20, 2014

Keeping whales safe in sound

Experts developed a step-by-step guide to minimize seismic survey impacts on whales and other marine species. The study presents the most thorough approach to minimizing and monitoring risk of harm during intense sound surveys, primarily used by oil and gas companies.

SourceTerry Collins Assoc·JournalAquatic Mammals·DateJan 19, 2014

Understanding the functioning of a new type of solar cell

Scientists from EPFL investigated how generated electrical charges travel across perovskite surfaces of solar cells built with different architectures. The results showed two main dynamics: charge separation through electron transfer at sub-picosecond timescales, and significantly slower charge recombination for titanium oxide films.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Photonics·DateJan 19, 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.

Get used to heat waves: Extreme El Nino events to double

Scientists predict a doubling of extreme El Nino events as the world warms, leading to increased heat waves and droughts. The research found that the eastern Pacific Ocean will warm, causing massive changes in global rainfall patterns.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJan 19, 2014

Decoded: DNA of blood-sucking worm that infects world's poor

Scientists have decoded the genome of Necator americanus, a blood-sucking parasite that infects an estimated 700 million people worldwide. The research reveals clues to how the worm invades and survives in humans, providing valuable insights for developing new diagnostic tools and vaccines.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 19, 2014

Melatonin may lower prostate cancer risk

A study of Icelandic men found that higher melatonin levels were associated with a 75% reduced risk for developing advanced prostate cancer. Men who reported sleep problems had lower melatonin levels, suggesting the importance of maintaining a stable sleep-wake cycle.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateJan 19, 2014

Exposure to pesticides results in smaller worker bees

A new study by Royal Holloway University of London found that prolonged exposure to a widely used pesticide causes smaller worker bees. The research revealed that the pesticide reduces the size of individual bees produced by a colony, potentially impacting colony success.

SourceRoyal Holloway, University of London·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateJan 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.

York scientists investigate the fiber of our being

Researchers at the University of York have discovered how one group of gut bacteria, Bacteroidetes, digest complex sugars found in fruits and vegetables. This understanding sheds light on nutritional issues like prebiotics and probiotics.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalNature·DateJan 19, 2014

The water cycle amplifies abrupt climate change

A new study reveals that changes in the water cycle were the main drivers of widespread environmental change during the Younger Dryas period in western Europe. The researchers used a novel method to analyze organic remains extracted from lake sediments, showing that dry polar air intrusion led to ecosystem collapse and mass extinctions.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJan 19, 2014

Solar-power device would use heat to enhance efficiency

A new approach to harvesting solar energy could improve efficiency by using sunlight to heat a high-temperature material whose infrared radiation is then collected by a conventional photovoltaic cell. The technique makes it possible to take advantage of wavelengths of light that ordinarily go to waste.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJan 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.

Distant quasar illuminates a filament of the cosmic web

Researchers detected a distant quasar illuminating a vast nebula of diffuse gas, extending about 2 million light-years across intergalactic space. The study provides the first image of extended gas between galaxies, offering insight into the overall structure of the universe.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNature·DateJan 19, 2014

Researchers discover how heart arrhythmia occurs

Scientists at University of Calgary's Libin Cardiovascular Institute have discovered a calcium-sensing-gate mechanism responsible for initiating calcium waves and arrhythmias. This breakthrough may lead to new drug interventions for treating calcium-triggered arrhythmias.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNature Medicine·DateJan 19, 2014

Health in the Arab world

The Arab world has made significant strides in reducing premature death and disability, but still struggles with substantial burdens of communicable and non-communicable diseases. Governance and health systems are also critical to addressing these challenges.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 19, 2014

New hope for Gaucher patients

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science have identified a key player in triggering brain inflammation and nerve cell death in severe forms of Gaucher disease. This discovery may lead to new treatments, including those that can cross the blood-brain barrier to target neurological symptoms.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Medicine·DateJan 19, 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.

What comforts targets of prejudice the most

Researchers found that homosexual youth found comfort in messages supporting them and advocating for social change, with such messages being more comforting than those focused solely on social connection. The study highlights the importance of intergroup communication and its impact on targets of prejudice.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateJan 17, 2014

Vitamin D supplements reduce pain in fibromyalgia sufferers

Researchers found that vitamin D supplementation reduced chronic pain and improved physical role functioning in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome. The study suggests vitamin D may be a safe and economical treatment option for FMS patients.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalPain·DateJan 17, 2014

NASA tracks soggy System 94S over Western Australia

NASA's Terra satellite tracked System 94S, a tropical low, moving inland from the Northern Territory into Western Australia. The system brought heavy rainfall to the region, exceeding 50mm at Sturt Creek in the Interior Region.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 17, 2014
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Colby fire near Los Angeles, California

A wildfire broke out in the foothills of Angeles National Forest, spreading quickly and prompting air quality concerns. Nearly 500 firefighters battled the blaze, which destroyed over 1,700 acres and at least two homes due to gusty winds and low humidity.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 17, 2014

High volume of severe sepsis patients may result in better outcomes

A recent study led by Boston University School of Medicine found that hospitals caring for more sepsis patients have significantly lower mortality rates than those with lower volumes. The superior outcomes were achieved at similar costs, suggesting improved processes of care for patients with severe sepsis.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJan 17, 2014

Tiny swimming bio-bots boldly go where no bot has swum before

Engineers developed tiny self-propelled swimming bio-bots that can traverse viscous fluids and sense chemicals, opening up possibilities for medical and environmental applications. The bio-bots use heart cells to create movement through a wave-like motion, enabling unique navigation capabilities.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 17, 2014

NASA satellite catches birth of Tropical Cyclone Deliwe

Tropical Cyclone Deliwe forms in the Mozambique Channel and Southern Indian Ocean after a tropical depression developed on January 16. Forecasters predict it will move southwest and then curve northwest due to high pressure system changes.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 17, 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.

Poison-breathing bacteria may be boon to industry, environment

Researchers discovered bacteria that breathe toxic metals, which could be used to produce industrial products and remove pollutants from wastewater. The bacteria can produce high-quality antimony trioxide crystals without creating byproducts or requiring specialized equipment.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJan 17, 2014

Penn researchers run successful HIV intervention project in S. Africa

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania conducted a large-scale HIV intervention project in South Africa, involving nearly 1,200 individuals. The program showed significant improvements in condom use and reductions in unprotected sex among men, with participants reporting increased discussions about safe sex and condom use.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania Annenberg School for Communication·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJan 17, 2014

New sea anemone species discovered in Antarctica

Researchers from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln discovered a new species of small sea anemones, Edwardsiella andrillae, burrowed into Antarctica's Ross Ice Shelf. The anemones have adapted to live upside down in ice, creating a previously unknown ecosystem.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 17, 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.

Researchers awarded grant from the DeGregorio Family Foundation

Researchers at Boston University are developing a new approach for detecting esophageal adenocarcinoma using a sponge-containing capsule. This non-invasive method could lead to wider screening, earlier detection, and improved survival rates for patients with Barrett's Esophagus.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·DateJan 17, 2014

Clever chemistry improves a new class of antibiotics

Researchers have developed a new class of antibiotics called acyldepsipeptides (ADEPs) that kill bacteria in a unique way by altering protein degradation pathways. By modifying the ADEP molecule's structure to make it more rigid, they increased its potency up to 1,200 times that of the naturally occurring molecule.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 17, 2014

Statin use reduces delirium in critically ill patients

A new UK study found that continued statin use may help prevent delirium in critically ill patients who received statins before hospital admission. The study used a validated delirium screening tool and showed a significant lower risk of delirium associated with statin administration.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJan 17, 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.

At arm's length: The plasticity of depth judgment

Researchers found that people have a preferred distance for judging depth most accurately, which depends on their mind's perception of arm length. The study shows that manipulating perceived arm length can influence depth perception and tactile sensitivity.

SourceBrown University·DateJan 17, 2014

Energy storage in miniaturized capacitors may boost green energy technology

Researchers have discovered a new class of high heat-tolerant electronics using supercapacitors made from CCTO, which could compete with existing devices and operate at higher temperatures. The material's permittivity and loss tangent properties are linked, allowing for efficient energy storage.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateJan 17, 2014

New study reveals links between alcoholic liver disease and the circadian clock

Researchers from University of Notre Dame and Indiana University School of Medicine have revealed a link between the circadian clock and alcohol-induced liver disease. The study found that disturbances in the liver's daily rhythms can lead to fatty liver disease, suggesting a potential target for treatment.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 17, 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.

Mass. General researcher Gary Ruvkun a co-recipient of 2014 Wolf Prize

Gary Ruvkun, PhD, and Victor Ambros, PhD, discovered that microRNAs regulate gene expression by binding to messenger RNAs, controlling protein-coding genes in animals. The researchers' work is recognized as a significant contribution to understanding the human genome and its role in disease.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·DateJan 17, 2014

Study finds chimps can use gestures to communicate in hunt for food

Researchers found that chimpanzees can use gestures to coordinate actions in pursuit of a specific goal, such as finding hidden food. The study highlights the primates' ability to remember and communicate about their environment through directional gestures.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 17, 2014

Feast or fancy? Black widows shake for love

Research by Simon Fraser University biologists found that male black widow spiders produce carefully pitched vibrations to signal their presence and desirability to females. The team also discovered that these vibratory signals can help avoid potential attacks from the females, allowing males to successfully court and mate.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalFrontiers in Zoology·DateJan 17, 2014

New insights into facial transplantation

Researchers have found that during active rejection episodes, many to most of the immune cells involved are of donor origin. This discovery provides new insights into the rejection process, suggesting that transplanted faces carry their own army of immune cells that may defend against rejecting recipient cells.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalModern Pathology·DateJan 17, 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.

Highly efficient broadband terahertz radiation from metamaterials

Researchers at the Ames Laboratory have developed a new method to generate broadband terahertz waves using metamaterials. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize fields such as non-invasive imaging and sensing, as well as high-speed information communication, processing, and storage.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 17, 2014