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Science News Archive 2014 - Page 44


Page 44 of 376

Warmest oceans ever recorded

The 2014 global ocean warming is a result of North Pacific's record-breaking warming and the release of heat from stored water in the Western tropical Pacific. Temperatures now extend along the North American coast, indicating an end to the 14-year-long pause in ocean warming.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii ‑ SOEST·DateNov 14, 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.

Genetic testing for personalized nutrition leads to better outcomes

Researchers at the University of Toronto found that personalized dietary advice based on a person's genetic makeup leads to better eating habits and significant reductions in sodium intake. The study, published in PLoS One, suggests that genetic testing can improve lifestyle changes by providing tailored food recommendations.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 14, 2014

Chemical in coffee may help prevent obesity-related disease

Researchers at the University of Georgia discovered that chlorogenic acid significantly reduced insulin resistance and fat accumulation in mice fed a high-fat diet. The compound also maintained normal blood sugar levels and healthy liver composition.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalPharmaceutical Research·DateNov 14, 2014

Trends in plant biodiversity data online

The study using Google Analytics found that online plant databases are visited by users in over 100 countries, with mobile traffic growing steadily. This highlights the democratization of botanical information, equal access for researchers worldwide, and reduced wear on biodiversity objects.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalBiodiversity Data Journal·DateNov 14, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Rutgers engineers create smartphone app to cut risk of power outages

A new smartphone app developed by Rutgers engineers helps Warren Township document and mitigate hundreds of hazards to power lines, reducing the risk of future power outages. The app uses crowdsourcing to gather data from volunteers, which is then presented to utility companies in an organized manner.

SourceRutgers University·DateNov 14, 2014

Weight-loss surgery may improve kidney function

A study found that weight loss after bariatric surgery is associated with increased kidney function and decreased albuminuria, a marker of kidney dysfunction. This suggests a beneficial impact on kidney health for patients with and without baseline kidney disease.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·DateNov 14, 2014

New online calculator estimates cardiovascular disease risk

The Healthy Heart Score uses data from large-scale studies to estimate an individual's 20-year CVD risk based on nine critical diet and lifestyle factors. The free web-based survey provides practical tips for improving scores by incorporating heart-healthy habits into daily life.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateNov 14, 2014

New insight into common cause of blindness

Researchers at the University of Manchester have identified factor H-like protein 1 (FHL-1) as a new target for treating age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The study suggests that insufficient FHL-1 in the eye's back may lead to inflammation and vision loss.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateNov 14, 2014

New mechanism for growth control discovered

Researchers at the University of Helsinki have uncovered a new regulatory system that senses nutrient deprivation and inhibits growth in fruit flies. This system, which involves protein kinase ERK7, prevents secretion of insulin-like peptides during starvation.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateNov 14, 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.

DNA sequencing helps identify genetic defects in glaucoma

Glaucoma, affecting over 60 million worldwide, has been linked to mitochondrial gene mutations through DNA sequencing. The research aims to support personalized medicines targeting mutated mitochondria and prevent disease progression.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalGenetics in Medicine·DateNov 14, 2014

Geographer highlights postcode lottery over diabetes and obesity risk

A recent study by University of Leicester researchers found a higher number of fast-food outlets within 500m of inner-city neighbourhoods with high-density non-white ethnic minority groups and socially deprived areas. The study suggests a postcode lottery that increases the risk of developing diabetes or obesity.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalPublic Health Nutrition·DateNov 14, 2014

Kidney function monitoring vital for people on lithium

A new study from the University of East Anglia finds that a single high level of lithium can cause significant decrease in kidney function, which remains affected for up to nine months. The research emphasizes the importance of regular monitoring, supporting current UK guidelines.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalBMJ Open·DateNov 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.

HIV risks high in Mexico City's male sex trade

A new study reveals a stark assessment of the health dangers faced by male sex workers in Mexico City, with 38% having HIV and 21% having syphilis. The study highlights the need for incentives to promote condom use and improve individual and population health.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of the International AIDS Society·DateNov 14, 2014

Periodontal disease linked to increased risk of kidney disease

A study of 699 African American adults found that those with severe periodontal disease developed chronic kidney disease at a rate 4 times higher than those without. Targeting periodontal disease may be an important path towards reducing disparities in chronic and end-stage kidney disease.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·DateNov 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.

Teens with earlier school start times have higher crash rates

A new study found that teen drivers who start class earlier in the morning are involved in significantly more motor vehicle accidents. The results suggest that early high school start times contribute to teens' reduced sleep and increased risk of drowsy driving accidents, including run-off-road crashes.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateNov 14, 2014

Smartphones team-up with QR codes for secure 3-D displays

Researchers developed a method to securely display 3D images on smartphones by scanning QR codes without accessing the Internet. The system uses integral imaging and encryption to protect data, ensuring only authorized devices can access the content.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateNov 14, 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.

Total recall: The science behind it

A new international study led by the Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre has identified a molecule that puts a brake on brain processing and when removed, brain function and memory recall are improved. The study found that suppressing the production of molecules required for building new memories leads to stronger con...

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 13, 2014

Cold-induced pain linked to the garlic and mustard receptor

Researchers at Lund University have identified a mechanism that creates cold-induced pain, linking it to the same receptor that reacts to pungent substances in mustard and garlic. This discovery could help those with cold allodynia, a common problem among patients with chronic pain or nervous system diseases.

SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 13, 2014

Combatting illegal fishing in offshore marine reserves

Researchers have developed a new method to predict illegal fishing patterns in offshore marine reserves, enabling authorities to better protect these areas. The study, which analyzed data from the Cocos Island National Park, identified hotspots and lunar phases associated with illegal fishing, allowing for more targeted patrols.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalOryx·DateNov 13, 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.

Research reveals the real cause of death for some starburst galaxies

Astronomers find compact, young galaxies shut down their prodigious star production due to a lack of cool dense gas, rather than supermassive black holes. The energy from the star formation itself creates a shortage of gas within the galaxy.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateNov 13, 2014

Self-doping may be the key to superconductivity in room temperature

Scientists have found that self-doping in the copper-based material YBCO enables it to conduct electricity without loss at room temperature. This groundbreaking discovery challenges traditional understanding of high-temperature superconductivity and could pave the way for more efficient electrical applications.

SourceLinköping University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 13, 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.

Switching on a dime: How plants function in shade and light

Researchers discovered a plant protein, KEA3, crucial for adjusting photosynthetic efficiency in fluctuating light conditions. This mechanism enables plants to quickly respond to changes in light intensity and maintain high energy capture.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 13, 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.

Ocean carbon uptake more variable than thought

Researchers created a global model of CO2 uptake using fine-scale observations, finding strong interannual variations and the Pacific Ocean dominating flux variability. The study's lead author notes that shipboard measurements provide key data for estimating ocean CO2 sink variability.

SourceWiley·JournalGlobal Biogeochemical Cycles·DateNov 13, 2014

Bio-inspired bleeding control

Bio-inspired bleeding control is achieved through the synthesis of platelet-like nanoparticles that mimic the human body's own coagulation processes. These tiny particles can be added to blood flow to supply or augment the patient's natural platelet supply, stemming bleeding and initiating healing.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalACS Nano·DateNov 13, 2014

Software to automatically outline bones in X-rays

Researchers are developing AI-powered software to automatically outline bones in X-ray images, a system that can already identify hips and will now be adapted to map out knees and hands. The goal is to reduce the workload of human researchers and enable faster diagnosis for patients with conditions like arthritis.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·DateNov 13, 2014

Marching to our own sequence

A new study from Harvard Medical School reveals that genetic variants control DNA replication timing, varying among people. This variation affects mutation rates and individual disease risk, including blood cancers.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell·DateNov 13, 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.

Seismic hazard in the Puget Lowland, Washington state, USA

Research finds that the Darrington-Devils Mountain fault zone is prone to strong earthquakes, with evidence of a M 6.7 to 7.0 quake 2,000 years ago and another at 8,000 years old. This suggests a right-lateral slip sense during past earthquakes, which may be related to ongoing clockwise rotation in the region.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeosphere·DateNov 13, 2014

What leads to weight loss success in adults with asthma?

A new study suggests that individuals with more severe asthma may be more motivated to lose weight, making them a key target for intervention. Gender tailoring of weight loss programs could also enhance success rates among adults with asthma.

SourceWiley·JournalRespirology·DateNov 13, 2014

UH chemists develop porous molecules that bind greenhouse gases

Researchers at the University of Houston have developed a molecule that can capture potent greenhouse gases, including Freons and fluorocarbons. The molecule's lightweight structure with microscopic pores makes it an attractive solution for capturing large quantities of greenhouse gases.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 13, 2014

Ocean primed for more El Niño

A new study using coral samples from a remote Pacific island in Kiribati reveals the ocean has warmed over the last sixty years, priming it for stronger El Niáo events. This warming trend could have a major impact on Australia's weather, particularly during El Niáo events when warm waters move eastward and bring droughts.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalPaleoceanography·DateNov 13, 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.

Morgridge scientists find way to 'keep the lights on' for cell self-renewal

Researchers at Morgridge Institute for Research discovered a method to impose an immortal-like state on mouse progenitor cells responsible for producing blood and vascular tissue. The breakthrough enables the creation of functional endothelial, blood, and smooth muscle cells, paving the way for cell-based therapies and drug screening.

SourceMorgridge Institute for Research·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateNov 13, 2014

TMT launches the Hawaii Island New Knowledge (THINK) fund

The Thirty Meter Telescope has launched the THINK Fund, a $1 million annual initiative to support Hawaii Island students in STEM disciplines. The fund will provide scholarships and grants for STEM education initiatives, with a focus on improving opportunities for Native Hawaiian students.

SourceThirty Meter Telescope·DateNov 13, 2014

Is there such a thing as 'Facebook Murder'?

A recent investigation explored whether Facebook murders were unique and worthy of a new label. The study found that these crimes followed typical patterns, with victims knowing their killers, and social media played no more significant role than other tools in the commission of violence.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Howard Journal of Criminal Justice·DateNov 13, 2014

Genetic testing could improve breast cancer prevention

A study using mathematical models shows that genetic testing can substantially improve breast cancer prevention by analyzing multiple gene variants. The research suggests that combining genetic data with other risk factors can identify the most at-risk women, who account for 32.2% of all breast cancer cases.

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateNov 13, 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.

Enterotoxigenic E. coli worldwide are closely related

Research reveals that Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) strains infecting adults and children globally have similar toxins and virulence factors, indicating potential for a single, effective vaccine.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalJournal of Bacteriology·DateNov 13, 2014

Solving the puzzle of cooperation in group environments

The study reveals that cooperation emerges when individuals assemble into groups that interact through repeated Public Goods Games. The authors propose an evolutionary game theory model, which suggests a large set of possible responses depending on previous levels of group cooperation. Ultimately, the most successful strategy is 'All-o...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateNov 13, 2014