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Science News Archive 2014 - Page 366


Page 366 of 376

BMC alleviates alarm fatigue by decreasing noise

Boston Medical Center implemented a cost-effective approach to reduce audible alarms, resulting in a 89% decrease in cardiac monitor and telemetry alarms. The pilot study showed significant improvements in patient and clinician satisfaction, with increased time for direct care and interaction with patients.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Cardiovascular Nursing·DateJan 15, 2014

Massive galaxy cluster verifies predictions of cosmological theory

A team of scientists has detected for the first time in an individual object the kinetic Sunyaev-Zel'dovich effect, a change in the cosmic microwave background caused by massive moving objects. The observation was made using the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory and confirms predictions of cosmological theory.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·DateJan 15, 2014

Easier said than done

A team of researchers used virtual reality to conduct experiments on moral dilemmas, finding that subjects were more likely to choose a utilitarian approach when faced with immediate consequences, rather than adhering to deontological principles.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalSocial Neuroscience·DateJan 15, 2014

Researchers discover that coevolution between humans and bacteria reduces gastric cancer risk

Researchers found that coevolution between humans and H. pylori bacteria reduced gastric cancer risk in people of African descent, but not in Amerindian descent. The study suggests that the interaction between H. pylori and human ancestry influenced disease risk, with high African-strain infection leading to worse outcomes.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 15, 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.

First comprehensive test to detect genetic modification in food

Researchers have created a test called MACRO that can flag about 97% of known commercialized modifications, making it easier for policymakers to monitor genetically modified (GM) foods. The new method combines two well-known genetic methods and can be easily expanded to include future GM crops.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateJan 15, 2014

Acidification, predators pose double threat to oysters

New research finds that invasive snails eat 20% more juvenile oysters under ocean conditions forecast for the end of this century. The combination of climate change and invasive predators may make restoration of oyster populations increasingly difficult.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateJan 15, 2014

Wayne State discovers potential treatment for better heart health in hemodialysis patients

Researchers at Wayne State University have discovered a potential way to improve lipid profiles in hemodialysis patients, which may prevent cardiovascular disease. Vitamin E supplements improved patients' triglycerides and HDL cholesterol levels compared to placebo groups.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·JournalVascular Health and Risk Management·DateJan 15, 2014

Research advancements made in diabetes-induced blindness

Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have identified gene expression regulators, microRNAs, in normal and diabetic human corneas, which may contribute to stem cell and epithelial abnormalities. The study aims to accelerate healing and repair processes in damaged corneas to reverse diabetes-induced eye complications.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 15, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Breakthrough announced in treatment of patient with rare type of leukemia

Researchers at the University of Leicester successfully used Vemurafenib, a BRAF inhibitor approved for melanoma, to clear malignant cells from a patient's blood and achieve complete clinical recovery. The study demonstrates the potential for repurposing existing cancer treatments for rare types of leukemia.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 15, 2014

The internal clock and feeding rhythm set the pace of the liver

The liver's protein production and release are influenced by both the internal clock and feeding behaviors, according to a recent study published in PNAS. The researchers found that the circadian clock does not solely regulate protein production but also affects the storage and release of proteins into the body.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 15, 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.

New analysis shows fewer years of life lost to cancer

A new analysis reveals steady progress against cancer's burden, despite underestimation due to other disease advancements. Researchers measured years of life lost to cancer and found increased longevity offsetting progress.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJan 15, 2014

Diabetes blood glucose targets are risk free, research shows

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that maintaining higher blood glucose levels than recommended does not increase the risk of diabetes complications. People with MODY, a genetic change leading to elevated blood glucose from birth, had the same risk as their normal relatives.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJAMA·DateJan 15, 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.

Ants protect acacia plants against pathogens

Researchers found that ants inhibit pathogen growth on leaves by inhibiting symbiotic bacteria colonization. Mutualistic ant species reduced leaf damage from herbivores and microbial pathogens compared to parasitic ant species.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalNew Phytologist·DateJan 15, 2014

New strategy emerges for fighting drug-resistant malaria

Researchers have designed compounds called quinine dimers that work against sensitive and resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite causing severe malaria. These compounds bind to and block resistance-conferring proteins, resensitizing parasites to chloroquine and killing them.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Chemical Biology·DateJan 15, 2014

NASA sees Tropical Cyclone Colin coming 'unwound'

Tropical Cyclone Colin is losing organization and strength due to cooler sea surface temperatures and increased vertical wind shear, with most precipitation occurring on its southern side. The storm is expected to weaken into a cold-core low pressure area in the next couple of days.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 14, 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.

Plant cell growth studies funded by NSF grant at UMass Amherst

Magdalena Bezanilla's four-year, $600,000 grant will help explore how cells control delivery of building blocks for the extracellular matrix in plants. The research will use a moss species with a known genome to manipulate DNA changes and evaluate protein secretion effects.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateJan 14, 2014

Should we make a film that audiences enjoy or nab an Oscar nomination?

UCLA researchers Gabriel Rossman and Oliver Schilke analyzed 25 years of data on mainstream cinema to discover the logic behind Hollywood's decisions. They found that filmmakers who make movies with "Oscar appeal" (often mocked as "Oscar bait") face a risk-and-reward structure similar to lobbyists, with costly bids for potential awards.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateJan 14, 2014

Mindfulness helps undergraduates stay on track

A study by University of Miami researchers found that mindfulness training significantly reduces mind wandering in college students, improving attention and reducing stress. The seven-week program was highly effective in increasing focus and decreasing mind-wandering, with significant benefits for undergraduate students.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateJan 14, 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.

Follow-up tests improve colorectal cancer recurrence detection

A study found that follow-up tests improved the rate of surgical treatment for cancer recurrence in patients who had undergone curative surgery for primary colorectal cancer. The benefits were seen in both computed tomography and carcinoembryonic antigen screening methods, with no advantage in combining these tests.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJan 14, 2014

Illinois study identifies 3 risk factors most highly correlated with child obesity

A University of Illinois study found that inadequate sleep, parental BMI, and restrictive eating practices are the most significant risk factors for child obesity in preschoolers. The research suggests that addressing these risk factors can lead to a reduction in children's weight status.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalChildhood Obesity·DateJan 14, 2014

Gene variation associated with brain atrophy in mild cognitive impairment

A new study found that the presence of a gene variant APOE epsilon 4 is associated with accelerated brain atrophy rates in individuals with mild cognitive impairment. The study used MRI to measure brain atrophy over a 12- to 48-month period and found that epsilon 4 carriers exhibited greater atrophy rates than non-carriers.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateJan 14, 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.

Educated black men remembered as 'whiter'

Researchers discovered a skin tone memory bias where educated Black men are perceived as lighter-skinned, violating the stereotype of darker skin tones being more aggressive. This phenomenon distorts memory and reinforces existing cultural beliefs about race and intelligence.

SourceSAGE·JournalSAGE Open·DateJan 14, 2014

Bald reef gets new growth with seaweed transplant

Researchers from UNSW successfully transplanted Phyllospora comosa onto two barren reef sites in Sydney, where it once thrived. The transplanted species not only survived but also reproduced, creating a potential self-sustaining population and restoring a vital habitat for marine organisms.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 14, 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.

Do cultural differences determine outcome of our activities?

A study by Hebrew University researchers and international colleagues found that different cultural approaches to tasks like pottery-throwing didn't produce distinct outcomes. Instead, most hand positions were culture-specific while vessel shapes remained largely unified across cultures.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 14, 2014

New patent mapping system helps find innovation pathways

Researchers developed a new patent mapping system that considers patent citations to predict innovation pathways. The system categorizes patents into clusters based on technological similarity, providing insights into emerging technologies and areas for R&D investment.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology·DateJan 14, 2014

Cell division discovery could offer fresh insight into cancer

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have discovered a set of proteins that stabilise cell division, which could lead to new avenues in drug discovery for fighting cancer. The findings shed light on how cells duplicate their DNA and separate into two new cells, each identical to the original.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 14, 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.

Fish derived serum omega-3 fatty acids help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes

A recent study published in Diabetes Care found that high concentrations of serum long-chain omega-3 fatty acids from fish consumption significantly lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The research involved over 2,200 Finnish men, with those in the highest omega-3 group showing a 33% reduced risk.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalDiabetes Care·DateJan 14, 2014

Physical reason for chromosome shape discovered

Chromosomes' characteristic shape is explained by self-organizing supramolecular structures formed by stacked layers of chromatin. The symmetry breaking due to different surface energies in telomeres and lateral surfaces justifies the elongated structure.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateJan 14, 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.

Potential future data storage at domain boundaries

Researchers have discovered a physical phenomenon that could prove suitable for use in further data aggregation, allowing information to be stored in the tiniest of spaces. The discovery was made using advanced electron microscopes and computer simulations, and involves ferroelectric polar properties within antiferroelectric materials.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 14, 2014

Regenstrief and IU review finds lack of delirium screening in the emergency department

Delirium in older patients is frequently overlooked due to the lack of screening tools in emergency departments. The condition can lead to prolonged hospital stays, increased mortality rates, and a higher risk of developing dementia. Researchers call for the development of emergency department-specific screening instruments to improve ...

SourceIndiana University·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateJan 14, 2014

Georgia Tech researchers reveal phrases that pay on Kickstarter

Researchers found dozens of phrases that pay and a few dozen more that signal likely failure, with reciprocity and social proof being key factors in successful campaigns. The study analyzed over 45,000 projects and identified language patterns that accounted for 58.56% of the variance around success.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateJan 14, 2014

Queen's University in €1.6M bid to develop new animal doping test

Scientists at Queen's University Belfast and the Irish Equine Centre are developing a new animal doping test that detects known biological effects of banned substances. The test has the potential to revolutionize animal drug testing by enabling quick and efficient screening of large numbers of animals.

SourceQueen's University Belfast·DateJan 14, 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.

Research shows early promise of new drug for cancers caused by viruses

A new therapy for preventing production of sphingolipids in lymphoma cells has been developed, selectively killing virus-infected cells. The treatment, ABC294640, shows promise in treating primary effusion lymphoma, an aggressive variant of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma caused by viruses.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalMolecular Cancer Therapeutics·DateJan 14, 2014

What your candles and TV screen have in common

Researchers discovered that paraffin wax molecules align similarly to liquid crystal display (LCD) technology, revealing a new connection between seemingly disparate products. This finding has significant value for the plastics industry, which relies heavily on injection moulding processes.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateJan 14, 2014
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Research targets 'holy grail' of catalysis

University of Houston researchers aim to develop a method to convert methane, the main component of natural gas, into more valuable chemicals like methanol, ethane, or ethylene. The breakthrough could have significant economic and industrial value.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateJan 14, 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.

More than meets the eye

Researchers at UCSB and University of Bristol found that the brain can perform foveal analysis and peripheral selection during visual sampling independently and rapidly, without affecting accuracy. This specialized ability may be due to humans' need to maintain vigilance over their periphery while performing focused visual analysis.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 14, 2014