Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2014 - Page 375


Page 375 of 376

Mediterranean diet without weight loss helps prevent diabetes

A Mediterranean diet rich in extra-virgin olive oil reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes by up to 50% without calorie restriction, exercise, or weight loss. The study published in Annals of Internal Medicine suggests that a Mediterranean diet may have public health implications for diabetes prevention.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 6, 2014

Inverse design: New route to design a practical invisibility cloak

The article reviews alternative target-oriented invisibility strategy, referred to as an 'inverse design', which integrates the technical advantages of forward strategies. This approach uses anisotropic materials and non-superluminal propagation to provide cloaking performance with a relatively broad bandwidth.

SourceScience China Press·DateJan 6, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Piggy-backing proteins ride white blood cells to wipe out metastasizing cancer

Researchers at Cornell University have discovered a new way to destroy metastasizing cancer cells by hitching killer proteins to white blood cells. The treatment, which uses E-selectin and TRAIL proteins, was found to be nearly 100% effective in killing cancer cells in laboratory tests.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 6, 2014

New compounds discovered that are hundreds of times more mutagenic

Scientists have discovered novel compounds produced by chemical reactions that are hundreds of times more mutagenic than their parent compounds. These newly found NPAHs were not previously known to exist and raise concerns about the health impacts of heavily-polluted urban air or dietary exposure.

SourceOregon State University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJan 6, 2014

ALMA spots supernova dust factory

Astronomers have observed a recently formed dust factory in the remnant of Supernova 1987A using ALMA. The findings suggest that significant amounts of dust are being created by supernovae explosions, which could explain the dusty appearance of many galaxies in the early Universe.

SourceESO·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJan 6, 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.

Population stability 'hope' in species' response to climate change

A new study finds that butterflies can expand their ranges in northern England and Scotland as the climate warms. However, this expansion is only possible for species with stable or increasing population trends, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts to boost abundances within current ranges.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJan 5, 2014

After a 49-million-year hiatus, a cockroach reappears in North America

A new species of cockroach discovered in Colorado's Green River Formation reveals that the genus Ectobius originated in the New World over 49 million years ago. The finding challenges a long-held assumption about the cockroach's evolutionary history, instead suggesting a complex migration history between the Old and New Worlds.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalAnnals of the Entomological Society of America·DateJan 5, 2014

Yeast's lifestyle couples mating with meiosis

Researchers found that Candida lusitaniae fuses its mating and meiosis programs, expressing genes associated with both processes during each. This 'coupling' offers the yeast an efficient way to split diploid products of mating, maintaining its haploid lifestyle. The discovery challenges understanding of fungal reproduction and evolution.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature·DateJan 5, 2014

Supervolcano eruptions are triggered by melt buoyancy

Researchers at ETH Zurich and ESRF have identified a trigger for supereruptions, finding that the overpressure generated by density differences in the magma chamber alone can trigger an eruption. The study suggests that supervolcanos are not triggered solely by overpressure due to magma recharge.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJan 5, 2014

Mine landslide triggered quakes

Researchers discovered that a record-breaking landslide at a Utah copper mine triggered 16 small earthquakes due to two massive rock avalanches. The slide was the largest nonvolcanic landslide in modern North American history, covering New York's Central Park with about 20 meters of debris.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalGSA Today·DateJan 5, 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.

Ground-breaking work sheds new light on volcanic activity

An international team of experts has identified conditions for various-sized volcanic eruptions using numerical modelling and statistical techniques. Small, frequent eruptions are triggered by magma replenishment, while larger, less frequent eruptions are driven by magma buoyancy.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJan 5, 2014

Pulsar in stellar triple system makes unique gravitational laboratory

Astronomers have found a rare stellar system featuring a neutron star, two white dwarf stars, in an incredibly close orbit. By measuring the gravitational perturbations in this system, scientists can gain insights into the nature of gravity and potentially detect problems with General Relativity.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalNature·DateJan 5, 2014

New study may aid rearing of stink bugs for biological control

A new study published in Annals of the Entomological Society of America has found that low temperatures can be used to store eggs of the predatory stink bug Podisus nigrispinus. This allows for greater flexibility in mass rearing and storage, increasing the availability of insects for release in the field at an early opportunity.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalAnnals of the Entomological Society of America·DateJan 4, 2014

Novel exfoliation method developed by NUS chemists paves the way for 2-dimensional materials to be used in printable photonics and electronics

A team of NUS scientists developed a new method to exfoliate molybdenum disulfide crystals into high-quality monolayer flakes with higher yield and larger flake size than current methods. The breakthrough method can be made into a printable solution, which can be applied in printable photonics and electronics.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 3, 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.

Mannotriose promotes survival of hippocampal neurons

Researchers found that mannotriose improves hippocampal neuron survival rates after corticosterone-induced injury. Mannotriose also restored protein levels of glucocorticoid receptor, serum and glucocorticoid-regulated protein kinase, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateJan 3, 2014

A novel look at how stories may change the brain

Researchers found that reading a novel can cause changes in the brain's resting-state connectivity that persist for days after reading. The study, published in Brain Connectivity, used fMRI to examine the neural effects of reading a narrative.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalBrain Connectivity·DateJan 3, 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.

Important mutation discovered in dairy cattle

A genetic mutation affecting fertility and milk yield in dairy cattle has been discovered by scientists. The deletion has a positive effect on milk production but causes embryo mortality, explaining the negative correlation between fertility and milk yield.

SourceAarhus University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJan 3, 2014

Loss of function of a single gene linked to diabetes in mice

Researchers found that a single gene defect in MADD leads to fasting hyperglycemia and insufficient insulin secretion in mice. The study suggests that type 2 diabetes can be directly caused by the loss of a properly functioning MADD gene, highlighting potential therapeutic targets for treating people with this mutation.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalDiabetes·DateJan 3, 2014

Researchers find simple, cheap way to increase solar cell efficiency

A team of researchers from North Carolina State University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences has found an easy way to modify a commonly used polymer in solar cells to increase efficiency. The modification resulted in a significant boost in energy harvesting, with some solar cells showing a 36% improvement over similar polymers.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJan 3, 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.

How 'slippers' can end mascara irritation

Scientists at the University of Liverpool have developed a cheaper and more reliable alternative to animal testing, involving miniscule protozoa. The test showed significant variations in population growth according to mascara brand, with some killing the protozoa and others not harming them at all.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalInternational Journal of Cosmetic Science·DateJan 3, 2014

Parkinson's patients utilization of deep brain stimulation treatment reduced in demographic groups

A study published in Neurology found disparities in the utilization of deep brain stimulation (DBS) treatment among Parkinson's patients, with those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and minority-serving physicians facing significant barriers. DBS out-of-pocket costs are a contributing factor to these disparities.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNeurology·DateJan 3, 2014

Reconstructing the New World monkey family tree

After landing in South America, monkeys forged their own niches, evolved new forms, and spread to Caribbean and Patagonia. The study reveals how primate migration and evolution in the Americas were influenced by ancient climates, geology, and geography.

SourceDuke University·JournalMolecular Phylogenetics and Evolution·DateJan 3, 2014

Higher vitamin D levels in pregnancy could help babies become stronger

Research found that mothers with higher vitamin D levels during pregnancy had children with stronger muscles, which could lead to better health outcomes in adulthood. The study measured grip strength and muscle mass in children born to these mothers at age four.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJan 3, 2014

Fear of childbirth predicts postpartum depression

Women with prenatally diagnosed fear of childbirth are at a higher risk of postpartum depression, even those without a history of depression. The study analyzed data from over 500,000 mothers in Finland and found that nearly one-third of women experiencing postpartum depression had no previous history of depression.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalBMJ Open·DateJan 3, 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.

The entropy of nations

The study reveals a decrease in global energy inequality, with the distribution of per-capita energy consumption approaching an exponential law. As nations like China move up the curve, energy consumption becomes increasingly concentrated among high-consuming nations.

SourceJoint Quantum Institute·JournalEntropy·DateJan 3, 2014

A single-domain antibody that specifically recognizes amyloid-beta 42 oligomers

Researchers have successfully constructed a human Fab library and identified a single-domain antibody that specifically targets amyloid-beta 42 oligomers. This breakthrough discovery offers new hope for treating Alzheimer's disease by reducing amyloid-beta burden and improving memory performance.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateJan 3, 2014

Severe mental illness tied to higher rates of substance use

A new NIH study reveals that individuals with severe mental illnesses like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder are more likely to engage in substance use, especially cigarette smoking. Protective factors typically associated with lower substance use rates do not exist in those with severe mental illness.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateJan 3, 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.

Sex matters for microbes

African sleeping sickness is caused by single-celled parasites that mate and swap genes through a process known as sexual reproduction. This study reveals sex to be a regular part of the trypanosome life cycle, enabling new combinations of genes that could lead to disease-causing strains.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 3, 2014

Gabapentin inhibits central sensitization during migraine

Researchers have found that gabapentin can decrease neuronal excitability in spinal trigeminal nuclei and inhibit the formation of central sensitization during migraine. The study published in Neural Regeneration Research suggests a potential therapeutic role for gabapentin in treating migraine-related central sensitization.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateJan 3, 2014

Cleveland Clinic researchers create online colorectal cancer risk calculator

A new tool called CRC-PRO predicts an individual's risk of colorectal cancer, providing a more accurate estimate than current guidelines. The calculator includes gender, race, and family history as calculable risk factors, enabling physicians to identify high-risk patients for earlier screenings.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalThe Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine·DateJan 3, 2014

Supercomputers join search for 'cheapium'

Duke University researchers used computational methods to identify dozens of new platinum-group alloys that could prove beneficial in applications such as catalytic conversion, corrosion-resistance, and fuel cells. The study provides detailed structural data on known materials and identifies potential targets for further research.

SourceDuke University·JournalPhysics·DateJan 3, 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.

7 new species of nearctic wasps described and illustrated

Researchers have discovered seven new species of nearctic wasps from the Charipinae subfamily, characterized by their small size and shiny bodies. The newly described species are detailed in a recent article published in Annals of the Entomological Society of America.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalAnnals of the Entomological Society of America·DateJan 3, 2014

Differences in brain structure in patients with distinct sites of chronic pain

A voxel-based morphometry study reveals regional gray matter volume abnormalities in chronic back pain patients compared to upper back pain patients. Gray matter atrophy affects perception and modulation of chronic pain, with subcortical increases found only in low back pain patients.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateJan 2, 2014

Longmanshen fault zone still hazardous, suggest new reports

Researchers found that the southern segment of the Longmenshan fault zone is complex and still only moderately understood. The study suggests a possible link between the 2013 Lushan earthquake and the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake, with a 62% probability that Lushan is a strong aftershock of Wenchuan.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalSeismological Research Letters·DateJan 2, 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.

New MRI technique illuminates the wrist in motion

Researchers at UC Davis have developed a new MRI technique called Active-MRI that captures the movement of the wrist in real-time. This allows for more accurate diagnosis of conditions such as wrist instability, which can be misaligned and cause chronic pain and osteoarthritis.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 2, 2014

Turning off the 'aging genes'

A computer algorithm developed by Tel Aviv University identifies genes that could be transformed to stop the aging process. The algorithm predicts which genes can be turned off to create the same anti-aging effect as calorie restriction, potentially leading to new treatments for aging and other metabolic disorders.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 2, 2014

Men's and women's soccer: Physical or technical?

A comparative study by Elhuyar Fundazioa found significant differences between the physical performance of men and women soccer players, with women displaying fatigue during high-intensity periods. The study also discovered no differences in technical and tactical aspects, suggesting that women play soccer 'in their own way'.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalHuman Movement Science·DateJan 2, 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.

UT Arlington research may unlock enzyme's role in disease

A UT Arlington chemist has discovered that mutations outside the CDO enzyme's outer coordination sphere can lead to high levels of ROS, increasing the likelihood of age-onset diseases. The findings could be applied to other oxygen-dependent enzymes, potentially screening for genetic dispositions for ROS-related diseases.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalBiochemistry·DateJan 2, 2014

Study: Having Medicaid increases emergency room visits

A unique study on Oregon's citizens found that adults covered by Medicaid use emergency rooms 40% more than those without health insurance. The research sheds light on the inner workings of healthcare in the US, challenging traditional economics frameworks suggesting that insurance would decrease medical care usage.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateJan 2, 2014

South African trauma center launches portable electronic trauma health record application

A new iPad application has been developed to collect and analyze trauma patient data at a South African hospital, improving injury surveillance and patient outcomes. The eTHR system has been successfully implemented at Groote Schuur Hospital, capturing key information on past medical history, demographics, and injury severity scores.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJan 2, 2014

Call for better social science research transparency

Researchers aim to improve social science research by adopting stringent transparency standards, including data documentation, pre-analysis plans, and open archiving. This shift aims to reduce errors, increase credibility, and promote evidence-based policy making.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·DateJan 2, 2014

JCI early table of contents for Jan. 2, 2014

Studies in animal models reveal that mTOR activation contributes to morphine tolerance and hyperalgesia, while mitochondrial iron accumulation promotes doxorubicin-associated cardiotoxicity. These findings suggest potential therapeutic targets for improving pain management and limiting cardiotoxicity.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 2, 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.

Money talks when ancient Antioch meets Google Earth

A doctoral candidate used historical proxies, including coins, to create an interactive map of ancient Antioch's boundaries. She found the city's influence extended farther than previously theorized and was particularly abundant along a known trade route.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateJan 2, 2014

Pine Island Glacier sensitive to climatic variability

A new study reveals that Pine Island Glacier is highly sensitive to climatic and oceanic changes, with fluctuations in ocean heat causing significant melting. The glacier's response to climate variability has been underestimated, suggesting a more complex interplay between geological, oceanographic, and climatic processes.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalScience·DateJan 2, 2014

Atlas Mountains in Morocco are buoyed up by superhot rock, study finds

A new study reveals that the Atlas Mountains are floating on a layer of superhot rock, challenging the traditional model of mountain structure. The researchers used seismometers to measure the thickness of the lithosphere beneath the mountains and found it to be only about 35 km deep.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalGeology·DateJan 2, 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.

Shingles linked to increased risk of stroke in young adults

Research published in Neurology suggests that having shingles may increase the risk of having a stroke years later, especially in young adults. People aged 18-40 who had shingles were found to be at a higher risk of stroke, heart attack, or transient ischemic attack compared to those who did not have shingles.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJan 2, 2014

Survival rates similar for gunshot/stabbing victims whether brought to the hospital by police or EMS

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania found no significant difference in survival rates between gunshot and stabbing victims transported by police or EMS. The study examined over 4,100 patients and found that those transported by police were more likely to die due to their initial severity of injury.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateJan 2, 2014

Researchers find ways for more efficient control of wind power

Wind farms can worsen oscillations in power grids if sited incorrectly. Researchers developed algorithms that match control efforts between wind farms and energy storage facilities to mitigate these effects, restoring stable grid behavior. This approach is crucial for the increasing integration of wind energy into the US power grid.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Power Systems·DateJan 2, 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.