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Science News Archive 2014 - Page 372


Page 372 of 376

Bed bugs grow faster in groups

A recent study published in the Journal of Medical Entomology found that bed bug nymphs develop 2.2 days faster when living in groups than as solitary individuals. This significant difference suggests that social interaction plays a key role in accelerating bed bug development.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Medical Entomology·DateJan 8, 2014

New study finds extreme longevity in white sharks

Researchers analyzed vertebrae from four females and four males in the northwestern Atlantic Ocean, determining ages of up to 40 years for females and 73 years for males. The study used radiocarbon analysis to pinpoint age in the vertebra layers, providing irrefutable evidence of white shark longevity.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalPLOS ONE·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.

Stopping tumors in their path

Researchers from McGill University have identified two transcription factors controlling the expression of genes involved in GBM tumourigenesis. Impairing these proteins could significantly reduce the ability of brain tumour-initiating cells to give rise to brain tumors.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 8, 2014

Fungi may determine the future of soil carbon

Research by Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute scientist Benjamin Turner and colleagues reveals that fungi are a key driver of soil carbon storage. Fungi can lead to 70% more carbon in the soil by accessing organic forms of nitrogen, limiting the activity of microorganisms that break down dead organic matter.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalNature·DateJan 8, 2014

Negative feedback makes cells 'sensitive'

Cells lacking negative feedback loops become insensitive to growth stimuli, similar to cancerous cells. Researchers used automated imaging and mathematical analysis to show that mutant cells cannot detect growth factor levels.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·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.

Seniors moving to HCBS face more hospital risk

A new study found that seniors transitioning from nursing homes to home and community-based care (HCBS) face a 40% greater risk of preventable hospitalizations. The practice resulted in more hospitalizations among seniors dually eligible for Medicaid and Medicare due to inadequate medical support services in community settings.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJan 8, 2014

Chemical imaging brings cancer tissue analysis into the digital age

A new method for analyzing biological samples based on their chemical makeup is set to transform the way medical scientists examine diseased tissue. The technology uses mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) to identify tissue types, providing more detailed information than standard histological tests.

SourceImperial College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·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.

Study discovers natural hybridization produced dolphin species

A new study published in PLOS ONE reveals that the clymene dolphin, a small marine mammal, arose through natural hybridization between two closely related dolphin species. The research provides insights into the mechanisms of evolution and highlights the importance of continued monitoring for this threatened species.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 8, 2014

Controlling blood sugar levels in critically ill children could save NHS £12 million per year

A major UK-wide study found that controlling blood sugar levels in critically ill children can reduce hospital stay length and save the NHS around £12 million a year. Tight glycaemic control resulted in an average length of hospital stay 13.5 days less for children who had not undergone heart surgery.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 8, 2014

Discovery leads to patent for novel method of treating traumatic brain injury

Researchers have discovered a novel method of treating traumatic brain injury by stimulating 'caretaker cells' to reduce swelling. The treatment, using compounds like 2-methylthio-ADP and MRS2365, has shown promise in reducing edema and prolonging the life of neurons.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalJournal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism·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.

Study explains origins of giant underwater waves

Giant underwater waves, invisible to the eye, are produced by temperature and salinity differences in ocean water. These internal waves, resembling surface waves in shape, play a key role in mixing ocean waters, driving warm surface waters downward and drawing heat from the atmosphere.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJan 8, 2014

Research reveals new therapeutic target for Huntington's disease

Research reveals Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor 5 (mGluR5) as a potential therapeutic target for treating movement disorders like Huntington's disease. The study found that blocking mGluR5 improved motor behaviors in a mouse model, suggesting its potential for treating Parkinson's disease as well.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateJan 8, 2014

Study shows women continue to outlive men as numbers of centenarians on the rise

A new study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that centenarian numbers increased by 72.3% in Ontario over 15 years, with women making up 85.3% of centenarians. The majority lived independently or received publicly funded home care, highlighting the need for tailored health and social care.

SourceWomen's College Hospital·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJan 8, 2014

Nociceptin: Nature's balm for the stressed brain

Researchers have confirmed the importance of the nociceptin system in modulating the effects of stress. The study found that this system can prevent and even reverse some cellular effects of acute stress in an animal model.

SourceScripps Research Institute·DateJan 8, 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.

Study shows 'readability' scores are largely inaccurate

A new study from North Carolina State University reveals that technical 'readability' formulas used by teachers and textbook companies to determine reading difficulty are frequently incorrect. Researchers found that only one formula was accurate more than 49% of the time, highlighting a need for caution when using these metrics.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPsychology in the Schools·DateJan 8, 2014

Emperor Penguins breeding on ice shelves

Researchers found that penguin colonies moved from sea ice to thicker floating ice shelves due to changing environmental conditions. This surprising adaptation may help the species survive, but more research is needed to understand its extent and implications for other penguin populations.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 8, 2014

Mental disorders in mid-life and older adulthood more prevalent than previously reported

A new study from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health reveals substantial discrepancies among mid-life and late-life adults in reporting past mental health disorders compared to physical disorders. The study found that lifetime estimates of mental disorders ascertained by retrospective versus cumulative evaluations were sign...

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateJan 8, 2014

Top chemical advances and more from the year 2013

The American Chemical Society's year-in-review issue highlights key developments in organic chemistry, sustainability, and spectroscopy. Researchers made progress in creating biomedical compounds and developing solar-powered sterilizers for safe water and medical instruments.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJan 8, 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.

Nano-capsules show potential for more potent chemoprevention

Researchers have discovered a new drug delivery system that uses nanotechnology to effectively inhibit the growth of lung and head and neck cancer cells. The study found that nano-luteolin, a water-soluble polymer encapsulated form of the antioxidant luteolin, is highly effective in chemoprevention.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalCancer Prevention Research·DateJan 8, 2014

Geography has impact on grapevine moth's success in French vineyards

A study found that the European grapevine moth is better adapted to certain French wine-growing regions due to regional differences in grape variety and natural enemies. The research showed a geographical variation in immune defense among wild populations, with larvae from southern areas having higher levels of antimicrobial activity.

SourceSpringer·DateJan 8, 2014

An improved, cost-effective catalyst for water-splitting devices

Researchers at EPFL have developed a high-efficiency, scalable method for creating solar-powered water splitting devices using molybdenum sulfide and copper(I) oxide. The new catalyst preserves optical transparency, stability under acidic conditions, and reduces maintenance costs.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 8, 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.

Simple test can indicate cervical cancer

A new plasma thermogram test has been developed by researchers at the University of Louisville, indicating the presence or absence of cervical cancer. The test measures unique protein signatures in blood plasma, providing a non-invasive alternative to traditional Pap smear screening.

SourceUniversity of Louisville·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 8, 2014

Mega-landslide in giant Utah copper mine may have triggered earthquakes

A massive landslide in a Utah copper mine generated seismic waves that were recorded by instruments over 400 km away, producing earthquake-like signals. The study found that the landslide triggered seismic activity, including small earthquakes with characteristics similar to tectonic earthquakes, in the days following the event.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGSA Today·DateJan 7, 2014

How fat might be controlled through the body clock

Researchers discovered that mice without the Y6 gene receptor were smaller and had less lean tissue, but grew fatter as they aged on high-fat diets. The study highlights the importance of the Y6 receptor system in regulating energy use at different times of the day.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJan 7, 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 algorithm can dramatically streamline solutions to the 'max flow' problem

Researchers at MIT developed a new algorithm that can dramatically reduce the number of operations needed to solve the max-flow problem, making it possible to tackle even huge networks. The algorithm divides each graph into clusters of well-connected nodes and focuses on bottlenecks, allowing for efficient routing.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJan 7, 2014

Microbe community changes may reduce Amazon's ability to lock up carbon dioxide

Researchers discovered that widespread deforestation leads to shifts in nitrogen-fixing microorganism communities, potentially reducing the Amazon's ability to lock up carbon dioxide. The findings suggest a complex relationship between land use change and microbial composition.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJan 7, 2014

Racism may accelerate aging in African-American men

A study found that racism-related factors, including high levels of racial discrimination and anti-Black bias, are associated with accelerated aging in African American men. This is measured by shorter leukocyte telomere length, a biomarker linked to increased risk of premature death and chronic disease.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJan 7, 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.

Study examines prevalence of smoking among health care professionals

A study found that smoking prevalence among healthcare professionals decreased from 2003 to 2010-2011, with registered nurses showing the largest decline. Despite this, current smoking remained prevalent among healthcare professionals, particularly among licensed practical nurses, highlighting a continued need for tobacco interventions.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJan 7, 2014

Childhood fractures may indicate bone-density problems

A recent study at Mayo Clinic suggests that certain types of fractures in children may be linked to lower bone strength and a higher risk of osteoporotic fractures later in life. The study found that children with mild-trauma distal forearm fractures had weaker bones compared to those with moderate trauma or no fractures.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateJan 7, 2014

The power of packaging in consumer choices

A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that colorful or noticeable food packages predispose people to look and choose certain options. Visual attractiveness influences where people look, with a ratio of 1:3 compared to consumer preferences, and plays a significant role in decision-making.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 7, 2014

Perceived benefits of e-cigarettes may lead to higher experimentation rates

A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that beliefs about e-cigarettes' safety may increase experimentation rates among young adults. Researchers surveyed 1379 participants and found that those who believed e-cigarettes were less harmful or a quit-smoking aid were more likely to try them.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJan 7, 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.

Survival protein a potential new target for many cancers

Walter and Eliza Hall Institute researchers discovered that lymphoma cells with high levels of MYC are sensitive to disabling protein MCL-1, making it a potential target for treating cancers driven by this common cancer-causing change in cells.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalGenes & Development·DateJan 7, 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.

First dinosaurs identified from Saudi Arabia

International team uncovers first record of dinosaurs from Saudi Arabia, featuring a sauropod and carnivorous theropod species. The discovery sheds light on the region's rare dinosaur fossil record.

SourceUppsala University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 7, 2014

8 million lives saved since surgeon general's tobacco warning 50 years ago

A Yale study estimates that 8 million lives have been saved in the US as a result of anti-smoking measures introduced 50 years ago. The study found that these efforts have significantly reshaped public attitudes and behaviors concerning cigarettes, resulting in an estimated 157 million years of life being saved.

SourceYale University·JournalJAMA·DateJan 7, 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.

Despite declines in smoking rates, number of smokers and cigarettes rises

The study found that while global smoking prevalence decreased between 1980 and 2012, the number of cigarette smokers worldwide increased due to population growth. In 2012, the highest smoking rates were found in countries such as Russia and Indonesia, with over 50% of men smoking daily.

SourceInstitute for Health Metrics and Evaluation·JournalJAMA·DateJan 7, 2014

NASA's SDO sees giant January sunspots

Scientists observe enormous sunspot AR1944, two Earths wide, moving toward the sun's center. The sunspot is part of active regions that can cause space weather events, such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 7, 2014

Special focus issue on sepsis

A special focus issue on sepsis investigates the complex interplay between pathogens and host defense mechanisms that contribute to septic shock. Key findings highlight the importance of early recognition and improved therapies for managing multi-organ dysfunction.

SourceLandes Bioscience·JournalVirulence·DateJan 7, 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.

Patterns of social interaction remain consistent over time

Study participants focus on a small number of network members and allocate limited communication time accordingly. These distinct patterns persist over time despite changes in the network, reflecting limitations in maintaining emotionally close relationships.

SourceAalto University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 7, 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.

NREL finds a new cellulose digestion mechanism by a fast-eating enzyme

Researchers at NREL have discovered a new cellulose digestion mechanism using the fast-eating enzyme CelA, which outperforms commercial preparations by producing more sugars and creating cavities in cellulose for greater synergy. The discovery has important implications for industry and could lead to lower costs for biofuels production.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalScience·DateJan 7, 2014

NREL expert honored for energy systems innovations

Dr. Ben Kroposki, NREL director of Energy Systems Integration, named an IEEE Fellow for his leadership in renewable energy systems integration. NREL analysts also received honors for their work on energy-efficient computing and data sharing.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·DateJan 7, 2014