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Science News Archive 2014


Page 48 of 376

Controversial medication has benefits for breastfeeding

Domperidone has been found to increase milk supply in breastfeeding women with no reported significant adverse effects. Its use is associated with modest improvements in breast milk volume, supporting long-term health benefits for both mothers and babies.

Genes identify transplant rejection

A new study published in PLOS Medicine has developed a 17-gene set to analyze peripheral blood samples and determine which patients are at risk of acute rejection after kidney transplantation. The test, called kSORT, was found to be highly accurate and clinically applicable, with an area under the curve of 0.93.

Space: The final frontier in silicon chemistry

Scientists from the University of Tokyo have detected silicon and nitrogen-terminated carbon chain molecules in interstellar space using laboratory experiments. The discovery provides valuable information on the formation mechanisms of these molecules and their potential impact on understanding the chemical composition of the universe.

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.

Penn Vet team pieces together signaling pathway leading to obesity

A team of researchers has drawn connections between known regulators of body mass, pointing to possible treatments for obesity and metabolic disorders. They also found intriguing clues that these same molecular pathways may play a role in learning and perhaps even in some forms of brain cancer.

'Eyespots' in butterflies shown to distract predatory attack

Research shows butterfly eyespots are used to deflect predator attacks, with large and bright eyespots in the wet season making a colorful target for attack. In the dry season, smaller and duller eyespots make the butterfly more difficult to detect and consume.

Bizarre mapping error puts newly discovered species in jeopardy

A new plant species, Dorstenia luamensis, is threatened by cattle ranches and forest destruction following a 50-kilometer mapping error. The reserve's borders were incorrectly placed on maps, putting the unique plant and its biodiversity, including chimpanzees, at risk.

Supercomputing beyond genealogy reveals surprising European ancestors

Researchers used supercomputing simulations to analyze ancient DNA from a 24,000-year-old Siberian boy, revealing that modern Europeans are a mixture of three distinct ancestral populations. The study challenges the prevailing view that only two groups mixed in Europe between 7,000 and 8,000 years ago.

MU researchers offer first analysis of new human glucose disorder

MU researchers have catalogued the effects of abnormal enzymes responsible for one type of glycogen storage disease in humans. Their study, published in The Journal of Biological Chemistry, provides promising early-stage results that could aid in patient prognosis and therapeutic development.

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.

Typhoid gene unravelled

A new study has identified a human gene that provides natural resistance to typhoid fever. The HLA-DRB1 gene codes for a receptor important in the immune response against invading bacteria. This finding holds promise for developing improved vaccines and treatments for typhoid fever.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New therapy for trauma survivors

A new transdiagnostic psychotherapy approach, CETA, has been found to be effective in reducing depression and posttraumatic stress symptoms among Burmese trauma survivors living in Thailand. The treatment resulted in a significant reduction of symptoms over an average of 3 months.

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.

Twisted light waves sent across Vienna

Researchers sent twisted light beams across Vienna, encoding images and demonstrating increased data-carrying capacity. The technology could significantly increase data-rates in classical communication and make secret keys tougher to crack in quantum communication.

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.

Eye diseases identified by how we watch TV

A new study from City University London found that eye movement analysis can detect diseases like glaucoma while watching TV. This method could help clinicians identify the disease earlier, enabling timely treatment before permanent damage occurs.

Infectious diseases researcher wins $1.225 million fellowship

Dr Marc Pellegrini has been awarded a $1.225 million fellowship to focus on progressing his research into chronic infections such as HIV, hepatitis B and tuberculosis. The grant will enable him to explore how microbes evade the immune system and apply these discoveries to eradicate these diseases.

Controlling genes with your thoughts

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a novel gene regulation method that enables thought-specific brainwaves to control the conversion of genes into proteins. The system uses EEG headsets to transmit brainwaves wirelessly to an implant, which regulates gene expression through light-sensitive optogenetic modules.

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.

Creating bright X-ray pulses in the laser lab

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have developed a new laser system to create high-flux X-ray pulses, which will allow for more accurate measurements in various scientific fields. The new technology uses mid-infrared light and can produce up to 25 times higher X-ray flux than previous experiments.

Altered milk protein can deliver AIDS drug to infants

A novel method of altering a protein in milk has been discovered, enabling the delivery of an antiretroviral drug to infants with HIV/AIDS. This breakthrough could greatly improve treatment for the estimated 3.4 million children suffering from the disease.

Multiple models reveal new genetic links in autism

Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine implicated a new gene in non-syndromic autism, suggesting similar molecular pathways among different types of autism. The study used mouse models, induced pluripotent stem cells and the 'Tooth Fairy' project to identify TRPC6 as a novel predisposing gene for ASD.

Why 'I'm so happy I could cry' makes sense

Yale psychologist Oriana Aragon's study reveals that people cry when they're happy to restore emotional balance. Individuals who express negative reactions to positive news can better moderate intense emotions.

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.

Good cause + moderate discount = more sales

A new study by American Marketing Association found that customers are more likely to buy when they can donate to good causes, with moderate discounts also driving sales. The study suggests that offering charity options alongside products can significantly increase purchases.

Tail discovered on long-known asteroid

Researchers have discovered an unexpected tail on asteroid 62412, which was previously known as a typical asteroid. The discovery reveals that there may be up to 100 active asteroids in the main asteroid belt, shedding light on the processes that cause some asteroids to become active.

A heavier price: How do restaurant surcharges and labeling improve health?

A new study found that restaurant surcharges and labeling can reduce demand for unhealthy menu items. The study showed that customers are more likely to avoid unhealthy food with a label and a surcharge than without either. This combination is called an 'unhealthy surcharge' and may lead to increased customer trust and loyalty

Tree diseases can help forests

A University of Utah study found that pathogens killing tree seedlings in drier forests allow more diverse tree species to thrive in the wetter Caribbean environment. This separation is crucial for conservation planning and understanding how tree species adapt to climate change.

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.

Study finds traditional healers contribute to HIV care delays

A recent survey of symptomatic HIV-positive people in rural Mozambique found that those who initially consulted traditional healers had a 2.4 times longer delay between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis of HIV. The study highlights the need to engage traditional healers in HIV care and provide incentives for referrals.

Autophagy and antidepressants

Researchers found that FKBP51 regulates acute and chronic effects of antidepressants via autophagic pathways in mice and humans. Autophagy markers correlate with antidepressant treatment response in patients with depression.

Bending -- but not breaking -- in search of new materials

Researchers create a new material that can store charge and support weight, with potential applications in wearable technology, water filtration, and radiofrequency shielding. The material's flexibility and strength make it suitable for various uses, including improving electrical energy storage.

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.

Commuting by bicycle: Why the Irish aren't like the Dutch -- yet

A study in the Journal of Public Policy & Marketing reveals that Irish citizens' perceptions of biking as inconvenient, dangerous and unsuitable for wet climates hinder adoption. However, benefits like saving time and improving physical fitness are cited by supporters.

QUT helps China to better predict dengue fever outbreaks

QUT researchers have developed a system that can predict dengue fever outbreaks in China by combining internet search metrics with environmental factors. The system achieved a 99.8% success rate in detecting outbreaks within three days, highlighting the potential for early warning systems to reduce the impact of infectious diseases.

Study: Farmers and scientists divided over climate change

A study by Purdue and Iowa State universities surveyed 6,795 people in the agricultural sector, revealing a significant divide between scientists and farmers on climate change causes. More than 90% of scientists attributed climate change to human activities, while 66% of corn producers blamed natural shifts in the environment.

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.

Some plants regenerate by duplicating their DNA

Scientists found that plant genome duplication enables herbaceous plants to regenerate and become more fertile after being damaged. The study showed that increased genome duplication leads to an increase in cell growth and production of key proteins.

Helping patients with schizophrenia and their caregivers

Researchers developed a family-focused, culturally-informed treatment for schizophrenia that reduced patients' psychiatric symptoms and improved caregiver emotional well-being. The program tapped into the family's cultural beliefs, values, traditions, and religious practices to help them manage the illness.

Mann honored with 2014 Pongo Environmental Award

Michael E. Mann received the 2014 Pongo Environmental Award for his groundbreaking research on global warming and strong advocacy for climate protection. The award recognizes his work in providing crucial global temperature data and a compelling case for global warming, as well as his leadership as a climate warrior.

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.

How to secure the entrepreneurial future of a family business

Concordia University researcher Peter Jaskiewicz outlines four steps to ensure an entrepreneurial transition in family businesses, including establishing an entrepreneurial legacy and involving the next generation. By following these steps, business owners can secure their future and leave a lasting legacy.

INFORMS awards 2014 Impact Prize to open source software program COIN-OR

The Computational Infrastructure for Operations Research (COIN-OR) initiative was launched by IBM Research in 2000 and has since grown to over 50 projects, supporting hundreds of peer-reviewed research papers. The INFORMS Impact Prize recognizes the program's broad impact on operations research.

Psychotropic drug prescriptions: Therapeutic advances or fads?

Research suggests an increase in psychotropic medication prescriptions, with doctors often relying on standardized treatments rather than tailored approaches. The tension between clinical reasoning and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder (DSM) is also a major concern.

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.

Federal legislation ignores PTSD toll on civilians

A study by Jonathan Purtle found that federal legislation addressing PTSD has predominantly focused on military personnel, with over 90% of mentions targeting military personnel or combat exposure. However, PTSD affects a significantly larger civilian population due to its prevalence in non-military traumatic events.