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Science News Archive 2014 - Page 371


Page 371 of 376

BOSS measures the universe to 1-percent accuracy

The Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (BOSS) has made the most precise calibration yet of the universe's 'standard ruler', measuring its scale to an accuracy of one percent. This precision is crucial for determining the nature of dark energy and understanding the expansion history of the universe.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJan 8, 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.

Scientists find a new mechanism underlying depression

Researchers at Hebrew University find that chronic stress activates microglia cells, leading to depressive-like behavior and reduced neurogenesis. Blocking or stimulating microglia cells with specific drugs can reverse these effects, offering new avenues for antidepressant treatment.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJan 8, 2014

Medicine protects against strokes

A large Danish study found that anticoagulant medicine significantly reduces the risk of serious brain damage or death due to a stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. The study, which followed over 11,000 patients, also showed that mortality within 30 days is lower for those receiving treatment.

SourceAarhus University·JournalStroke·DateJan 8, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Infants show ability to tell friends from foes

Nine-month-old infants can infer whether people are friends or not based on their reactions to shared evaluations, such as eating the same food. This suggests that infants track social relationships from an early age and make inferences about others' behavior.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·DateJan 8, 2014

Heart attacks hit poor the hardest

Researchers at Tel Aviv University found that socioeconomic status is a strong predictor of higher risk of disease and death after a heart attack. Poor patients are more likely to become frail, have lower socioeconomic status, and experience poorer access to healthcare.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalInternational Journal of Cardiology·DateJan 8, 2014

Cardiologists urged to reduce inappropriate radiation exposure

The European Society of Cardiology recommends reducing patient radiation exposure in cardiology procedures, which amount to over 50 chest X-rays per person each year. This can be achieved by implementing measures such as auditing and optimizing doses, educating patients, and encouraging industry competition.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateJan 8, 2014

Newly discovered celestial object defies categories

A newly discovered celestial object, ROXs 42Bb, located nine times the mass of Jupiter and 30 times further away from its star than Jupiter, defies easy categorization as a planet or brown dwarf. This finding blurs the distinction between planets and brown dwarfs, prompting researchers to re-examine formation theories.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJan 8, 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 shark genome decoded

Researchers have sequenced and analyzed the elephant shark genome, comparing it with human and other vertebrate genomes. The study found that sharks lack certain types of immune cells and exhibit robust immune defences despite this, and also revealed why cartilage prevails in their skeleton over bone.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateJan 8, 2014

Climate change: How does soil store CO2?

Researchers at TUM discovered that carbon binds to small mineral particles with rough surfaces, leading to preferential spots for sequestration. The study used a mass spectrometer to visualize and compare soil structures, revealing areas with high carbon content.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 8, 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.

Radiocarbon dating suggests white sharks can live 70 years and longer

A new study suggests that adult white sharks in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean may live for up to 70 years or longer. Researchers used radiocarbon dating to determine age estimates and found that growth rates slow down as sharks age, leading to underestimated ages.

SourceNOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 8, 2014

The Lancet research series

The Lancet research series aims to increase value and reduce waste in biomedical research by setting clear priorities, improving research design and conduct, and enhancing regulation and management. The series proposes metrics for stakeholders to monitor the implementation of recommendations.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 8, 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.

Nutrition guidelines needed for full-service restaurant chains

A study of over 2,600 menu items found that full-service restaurants in Philadelphia exceed daily recommended values for calories, fat, and sodium. Nutrition education can help consumers make informed choices, but policy changes are necessary to promote healthier options.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateJan 8, 2014

Neolithic mural may depict ancient eruption

Scientists analyzed volcanic rock samples from Turkey's Hasan Dagi volcano and found ages that overlap with the estimated time of a Çatalhöyük Neolithic site mural. The mural is believed to depict an explosive eruption of the volcano, which closely matches the dated timeline.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 8, 2014

Tracking the deep sea paths of tiger sharks

A four-year study tracked the migratory patterns of 33 tiger sharks across the Coral Sea. Coastal marine parks offer limited protection to these apex predators, whereas oceanic reefs are crucial for their ecology and require prioritization in conservation efforts.

SourceGriffith University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 8, 2014

Researchers grapple with UK's nuclear legacy

A £8 million project at the University of Leeds is developing new technologies to handle different types of spent fuels, packaging and storing waste, and dealing with nuclear sludges. The research consortium brings together academics, industry experts, and government advisors to tackle Britain's nuclear legacy.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·DateJan 8, 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.

Older firefighters may be more resilient to working in heat

A recent study found that older firefighters who are chronically exposed to heat stress on the job may be able to tolerate more challenging work environments before feeling affected by the heat. This increased heat resilience could enable them to perform tasks without stopping due to thermal strain, thereby reducing the risk of injurie...

SourceAmerican Industrial Hygiene Association·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene·DateJan 8, 2014

Study finds that information is as important as medication in reducing migraine pain

A study by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that patients' expectations, whether positive, negative, or neutral, significantly influence the effects of both medications and placebos on migraine pain. The researchers discovered that a positive message and powerful medication are essential for effective clinical care.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 8, 2014

Molecular engines star in new model of DNA repair

Researchers at NYU Langone Health discover how RNA polymerase patrols the genome for DNA damage and recruits partners to repair it, leading to fewer mutations and less disease. The study's findings have major implications for our understanding of DNA repair and its role in cancer and aging.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature·DateJan 8, 2014

Columbia Engineering wins $3 million ARPA-E grant to raise efficiency, lower cost of power grid

A research team led by Ken Shepard has won a $3 million grant from the US Energy Department's ARPA-E program to develop next-generation power conversion devices. The goal is to lower costs and improve energy efficiency in power electronics, enabling applications like data centers, electric vehicles, and photovoltaics.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateJan 8, 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.

Marine bacteria to fight tough infections

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have identified marine bacteria that can effectively inhibit the ability of staphylococci to form toxins and camouflage proteins. These compounds, known as antivirulence therapy, may offer a new solution for treating resistant bacterial infections.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 8, 2014

Elephant shark genome decoded

Researchers have sequenced the elephant shark genome, providing new insights into bone formation and adaptive immunity. The study reveals a family of genes essential for bone development and identifies a lack of immune cells in sharks, despite robust immune responses.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature·DateJan 8, 2014

Discovery brings scientists 1 step closer to understanding tendon injury

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London uncovered a critical mechanism in tendon function, revealing why older individuals are more prone to tendon injuries. The study found that fascicle helices are essential for tendon elasticity and that ageing alters this structure, increasing the risk of injury.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateJan 8, 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.

UCLA life scientists, colleagues differentiate microbial good and evil

Researchers have identified a group of bacteria from the genus Burkholderia that can be used to fertilize crops without harming humans. These beneficial strains fix atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, which helps plants thrive. The discovery has significant implications for sustainable agriculture in less productive areas.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 8, 2014

Quasars illuminate swiftly swirling clouds around galaxies

Researchers used data from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey to discover measurable shifts in giant gas clouds around galaxies in a span of just five years. The findings suggest that these clouds are much smaller than previously thought, with implications for how galaxies form and evolve over time.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJan 8, 2014

On-field blood test can diagnose sports concussions

A new on-field blood test can accurately diagnose sports concussions, distinguishing them from physical exertion. S100B levels rise significantly after a concussion, making it a promising biomarker for head injuries.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 8, 2014

Literary mood reflects the economic mood of past 10 years, study finds

A recent study found a strong correlation between literary misery and economic conditions over the past decade. The researchers analyzed millions of books published in English to develop a 'literary misery index,' which reflected the relative abundance of sadness words minus happiness words.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 8, 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.

Researchers unveil rich world of fish biofluorescence

A team of researchers has identified more than 180 species of fish that exhibit biofluorescence, a phenomenon where organisms absorb and emit light of different colors. The study reveals the widespread distribution of biofluorescence across marine fish species, indicating its potential use in communication and mating.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 8, 2014

Higher risk of birth problems after assisted conception

A comprehensive study of over 300,000 births in South Australia found that babies conceived through assisted reproductive therapies had a higher risk of stillbirth, preterm birth, low birth weight, and neonatal death compared to naturally conceived babies. The risks varied depending on the type of assisted conception used.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 8, 2014

Does the body's immune response to viral vector delivery systems affect the safety or efficacy of gene therapy?

A recent study published in Human Gene Therapy evaluated the immune response to viral vector delivery systems and their impact on gene therapy's safety and efficacy. The researchers found that the systemic and local immune reactions induced by AAV-based gene therapy did not affect the safety of gene therapy or expression of the replace...

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHuman Gene Therapy·DateJan 8, 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.

AML score that combines genetic and epigenetic changes might help guide therapy

Researchers at Ohio State University discovered a seven-gene panel associated with DNA methylation that can identify patients with the best or poorest outcomes in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) treatment. Patients with low scores, indicating few highly expressed genes, had better complete-remission rates and longer survival rates.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJan 8, 2014

Organic mega flow battery promises breakthrough for renewable energy

A new type of battery that could transform grid-scale energy storage, making power from renewables more economical and reliable. The innovative technology relies on naturally abundant, inexpensive quinone molecules, which are similar to those found in plants and animals.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature·DateJan 8, 2014

Scientists make your stomach turn bright green if you have an ulcer

Researchers at the University of Southern Denmark have developed a new, safer, and noninvasive diagnostic technique for stomach ulcers. The technique makes the ulcer-causing bacteria in the gut light up in fluorescent green, allowing doctors to detect ulcers instantly without taking tissue samples.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 8, 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.

Researchers propose alternative way to allocate science funding

Researchers propose an alternative way to allocate science funding by distributing funds collectively among the scientific community. This approach could save time, money, and encourage innovation, while also allowing for more flexible funding and potentially changing publication practices.

SourceEMBO·JournalEMBO Reports·DateJan 8, 2014

Bio-inspired glue keeps hearts securely sealed

Researchers developed a bio-inspired adhesive that rapidly attaches biodegradable patches in a beating heart, addressing drawbacks of previous systems. The adhesive maintains strong sticking power in the presence of blood and remains attached even at increased heart rates and blood pressure.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 8, 2014

Penn biologists establish new method for studying RNA's regulatory 'footprint'

Researchers have created a technique called PIP-seq to map all interactions between RNA and proteins. The study identifies potential disease-causing genetic mutations in regions of RNAs where RNA-binding proteins bind, providing new insights into neurological diseases like Parkinson's. The data is publicly available online.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalGenome Biology·DateJan 8, 2014

New study finds upper-airway electronic stimulation effective for obstructive sleep apnea

Researchers found that mild electronic stimulation therapy to the upper airway during sleep is effective in reducing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by restoring muscle tone and preventing tongue collapse. The study's results showed significant improvements in symptoms, quality of life, and daytime sleepiness.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 8, 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.

Bacteria linked to water breaking prematurely during pregnancy

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found a high presence of bacteria at the site where fetal membranes rupture may be associated with premature water breaking. The study suggests that bacterial presence is linked to thinning of the fetal membranes, which can lead to preterm births.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 8, 2014

A 1-percent measure of galaxies half the universe away

Researchers from the Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (BOSS) have measured galaxy distances over six billion light-years away to an unprecedented one-percent accuracy. This achievement places new constraints on dark energy and provides valuable insights into the mysterious force driving the universe's accelerating expansion.

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·DateJan 8, 2014

2 million years ago, human relative 'Nutcracker Man' lived on tiger nuts

A study published in PLOS ONE suggests that early hominins like Paranthropus boisei ate a diet of tiger nuts, fruits, and insects, providing enough nutrients for their large brains. The research calculates that a hominin could extract sufficient calories from tiger nuts in just two to three hours per day.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 8, 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.

Laundering money -- literally -- could save billions of dollars

Researchers have created a way to clean dirty banknotes, removing accumulated sebum and motor oil without damaging security features. This process could save nearly $10 billion annually and minimize the environmental impact of currency disposal.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalIndustrial & Engineering Chemistry Research·DateJan 8, 2014

Massive exoplanets may be more Earth-like than thought

Researchers challenge conventional wisdom that super-Earths are waterworlds, proposing they can have exposed continents and an Earth-like climate. The model suggests most tectonically active super-Earths store water in the mantle, enabling a stable climate.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateJan 8, 2014

The ironic (and surprising) effects of weight stigma

UCSB psychology professor Brenda Major found that weight-stigmatizing messages can actually lead to increased eating and reduced self-control in overweight women. The study suggests that these messages can exacerbate feelings of helplessness, causing individuals to engage in unhealthy eating habits.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateJan 8, 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.