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Science News Archive 2014 - Page 41


Page 41 of 376

Family ties that bind: Having the right surname sets you up for life

A study by Gregory Clark and Neil Cummins found that social status is consistently passed down among families over multiple generations, even more strongly than height. The researchers tracked social mobility from 1170 to 2012 using rare English surnames and found little change in social mobility since pre-industrial times.

SourceSpringer·JournalHuman Nature·DateNov 17, 2014

Worldwide ship traffic up 300 percent since 1992

A new study using satellite data estimated global ship traffic from 1992 to 2012, finding a four-fold increase over the past 20 years. Shipping traffic grew faster in the Indian Ocean, peaking at a rate of 10% per year in 2011.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 17, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Big city hospitals severely penalized for Medicare readmissions

Research reveals that major urban hospitals in the US are disproportionately penalized for readmission rates, with Detroit and Newark suffering the nation's highest average penalties. This penalty system may lead to reduced access to care for already vulnerable populations.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateNov 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.

The dirty side of soap

Researchers at University of California, San Diego School of Medicine found that triclosan causes liver fibrosis and cancer in laboratory mice through molecular mechanisms relevant in humans. Long-term exposure to the chemical may lead to liver toxicity, particularly when combined with other compounds.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 17, 2014

A new approach to fighting chronic myeloid leukemia

Researchers at EPFL have identified an alternative part of Abl-kinase on which drugs can bind with reduced risk of drug resistance. This new approach may overcome the problem of tumor drug resistance, offering a potential treatment for chronic myeloid leukemia.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 17, 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.

Viruses impaired if their targets have diverse genes

A new study published in the British journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B suggests that increased genetic diversity can limit the spread and severity of viral infections in livestock and endangered species. Researchers found that viruses replicated more slowly and caused less severe disease when transmitted through genetically di...

SourceUniversity of Utah·DateNov 17, 2014

Reprogramming cells, long term

Researchers at Harvard University have successfully reprogrammed adult cells into insulin-producing beta cells in mice, showing promise for treating both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. The study's long-term findings suggest that the newly created cells remain functional over a period of approximately half the animal's normal lifespan.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateNov 17, 2014

Adjusting Earth's thermostat, with caution

Researchers from Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences propose a controlled experiment to test the risks and benefits of solar radiation management, aiming to reduce uncertainty in climate engineering. The 'stratospheric perturbation experiment' would involve a tiny amount of material to measure key aspects of atmospheric ...

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (A )·DateNov 17, 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.

Antibiotics get a 'time-out'

A McGill University Health Centre study found that adopting structured antibiotic time-outs led to decreased antibiotic costs and a small decline in Clostridium difficile infections. The time-out program, which involved regular re-evaluation of treatment strategies, resulted in improved prescribing practices among physicians.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateNov 17, 2014

Automated reminders improve medication adherence and cholesterol control

A study published in the American Journal of Managed Care found that automated reminders improved medication adherence by 2 percentage points, with significant reductions in cholesterol levels. The study, which included over 21,000 participants, suggests that even small changes can have a big impact on public health.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·DateNov 17, 2014

Three new ornamental dogwoods introduced

The American Society for Horticultural Science has introduced three new ornamental dogwood cultivars with resistance to dogwood anthracnose and powdery mildew. 'Empire', 'Pam's Mountain Bouquet' and 'Red Steeple' exhibit excellent disease tolerance and desirable traits such as vibrant color and unique foliage.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateNov 17, 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.

Heart muscle inflammation and swelling peak twice after heart attack

A new study by Mount Sinai Heart and CNIC in Spain reveals two waves of heart muscle inflammation after a heart attack, contradicting previous consensus. The researchers discovered the first wave occurs immediately after the attack and subsides, followed by a second wave that arises a week later.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 17, 2014

Fruit flies learn from others

Research shows that fruit fly females combine personal preferences with social information when choosing egg-laying sites. While most follow the group's cue, some females ignore social influence and stick to their own preference. This complex decision-making process is influenced by environment, genetics, and social context.

SourceSpringer Science+Business Media·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateNov 17, 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.

Need to encourage patients to screen for colon cancer? Try a lottery

A new study found that offering a $50 cash reward through a lottery-style incentive increased the completion rate of stool tests for colon cancer screening among veterans. The test helps detect early signs of abnormal growths or cancer in the colon and is recommended annually for people over 50.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateNov 17, 2014

Working the night shift burns less energy and increases risk of weight gain

A new study led by the University of Colorado Boulder found that working night shifts decreases total daily energy expenditure, leading to an increased risk of weight gain and obesity. Researchers discovered that participants burned more fat when sleeping during the day compared to nighttime sleep.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 17, 2014

Why lizards have bird breath

Scientists at the University of Utah have found that iguanas, not known for high-capacity aerobic fitness, have bird-like breathing patterns in their lungs. This discovery bolsters the case that unidirectional airflow evolved long before the first birds, suggesting a common ancestor among lizards, snakes, crocodiles, and dinosaurs.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 17, 2014

Verbal abuse in the workplace: Are men or women most at risk?

A systematic review found no significant difference in the prevalence of verbal abuse between men and women, suggesting that societal factors rather than gender play a role. Men are more at risk due to adopting protective attitudes towards women in female-dominated workplaces.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·DateNov 17, 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.

One firm's loss is another's gain

A study refutes past findings that a bad service experience taints a customer for the entire day. Businesses can improve customer attitudes by offering goodwill gestures to dissatisfied customers of other firms.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of the Academy of Marketing Science·DateNov 17, 2014

Chemical disguise transforms RNAi drug delivery

Researchers at University of California, San Diego School of Medicine developed a way to chemically disguise RNAi drugs so they can enter cells. The technique converts disguised drug precursors into active RNAi drugs that selectively block target protein production in a cell.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateNov 17, 2014

Penn study shows bed bugs can transmit parasite that causes Chagas disease

Researchers found that bed bugs can acquire and transmit the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, causing Chagas disease. The study demonstrated bi-directional transmission of the parasite between mice and bed bugs, highlighting a potential emerging problem.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateNov 17, 2014

Researchers discern the shapes of high-order Brownian motions

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have developed a novel scanning optical interferometry technique that enables the spatial mapping and visualization of high-order modes of Brownian motions. This breakthrough technology holds promise for multimodal sensing, signal processing, and computing applications.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 17, 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.

Ferret genome sequenced, holds clues to respiratory diseases

The ferret genome sequencing study provides insights into the effects of pandemic flu and cystic fibrosis on respiratory tissues. The analysis shows distinct responses in the trachea and lungs to different viruses, shedding light on the course of infection.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateNov 17, 2014

News from Nov. 18, 2014 Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers warn of increased bleeding risk from NSAIDs in atrial fibrillation patients and suggest alternative pain medications. Additionally, a study finds three in ten adults with diabetes remain undiagnosed, highlighting the need for improved care improvements.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateNov 17, 2014
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

microRNA silencing provides a successful new model for cancer therapeutics

Scientists have developed a novel delivery platform that allows for the inhibition of microRNA activity, leading to controlled cancer growth. The breakthrough uses a peptide with low-pH induced transmembrane structure to target tumor cells, providing a promising new model for cancer therapeutics.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalNature·DateNov 17, 2014

The implications of new cholesterol guidelines on a rural Midwest community

A study in a rural Midwestern community found that the new cholesterol guidelines substantially increased the number of individuals who qualify for a statin. The biggest driver of this increase was that a larger number of older individuals without known heart disease qualified for a statin under the new guidelines.

SourceMinneapolis Heart Institute Foundation·DateNov 17, 2014

Three popular daffodil varieties determined to be highly salt tolerant

A study found that 'Tete-a-Tete', 'Dutch Master', and 'Ice Follies' daffodils can tolerate high levels of salt without compromising their visual quality. The cultivars demonstrated ability to maintain K+:Na+ ratio above 1, helping them resist negative effects of Na+, making them suitable for cut flower production and landscapes.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateNov 17, 2014

Understanding adverse blood vessel remodeling following stenting

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation reveals that stenting can induce deleterious blood vessel remodeling due to a specific gene variant. The researchers identify the receptor tyrosine kinase ROS1 as a potential therapeutic target for treating flow-limiting atherosclerosis.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 17, 2014

Growth factor regenerates damaged nerves without sprouting new blood vessels

Researchers have discovered that growth factor VEGF-B can regenerate damaged peripheral nerves in the cornea without inducing angiogenesis. This finding suggests that VEGF-B may be a suitable candidate to treat nerve damage in areas where blood vessel formation would be detrimental.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 17, 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.

Anti-leukemia drug may also work against ovarian cancer

Researchers found that cirmtuzumab induces senescence in cancer stem cells, degrading their ability to grow and metastasize. Ovarian cancer patients with high levels of ROR1 experienced more aggressive forms of the disease, highlighting the potential of this antibody therapy as a targeted treatment.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 17, 2014

The secret life of anti-cancer drugs

A new review reveals that anti-cancer drugs must obtain regulatory approval, change physician prescription habits and gain patient compliance before being incorporated into daily practice.

Sourceecancermedicalscience·Journalecancermedicalscience·DateNov 17, 2014

Magic tricks created using artificial intelligence for the first time

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have created magic tricks using artificial intelligence, leveraging mathematical techniques to create new variants. The AI-generated tricks, such as a jigsaw puzzle and mind reading card trick, were well-received by audiences and are now available for download.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateNov 17, 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.

U-M-led study adds to understanding of how phthalate exposure impacts pregnancy

Researchers at the University of Michigan School of Public Health found an association between phthalate exposure and increased levels of biomarkers of oxidative stress in pregnant women. Oxidative stress may be related to preterm birth, adverse fetal development, and maternal health complications.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateNov 17, 2014

Novel basic science tip sheet

Researchers found that a diet rich in plant-based flavonoids can help regulate the body's immune system response to fine particles in polluted air, potentially reducing the risk of heart disease. Additionally, a low-cost vaccine targeting PCSK9 has been shown to safely lower bad cholesterol levels in animal studies.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateNov 17, 2014

Unveiling the effects of an important class of diabetes drugs

A study published in Nature found that thiazolidinediones, a class of diabetes drugs, work by targeting the CDK5 pathway, but unexpectedly led researchers to discover the ERK kinase instead. MEK inhibitors, initially developed for cancer treatment, have been shown to improve insulin resistance in mouse models of diabetes

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature·DateNov 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.

Age matters: Young larvae boost pollen foraging in honey bees

Research finds that young larvae emit specific pheromones influencing adult bee behavior, leading to increased pollen collection and reduced foragers returning empty. This discovery could benefit agricultural enterprises by optimizing pollination services through colony management.

SourceArizona State University·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateNov 17, 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.