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Science News Archive 2014 - Page 51


Page 51 of 376

VTT demonstrates new technique for generating electricity

Researchers at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland have demonstrated a novel method for converting mechanical vibrations into electrical energy. This technique utilizes the charging phenomenon between bodies with different work functions, generating power that can be harnessed using external circuits or semiconductors. The technol...

SourceVTT Technical Research Centre of Finland·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 10, 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.

How variable are ocean temperatures?

A new study shows that sea surface temperatures reconstructed from climate archives vary to a much greater extent on long time scales than simulated by climate models. The researchers found that conventional climate models underestimated the variations of sea surface temperatures by a factor of 50 on a millennial time scale.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 10, 2014

NASA sees System 05B fizzle in Bay of Bengal

Tropical cyclone 05B's western edge spread over land on Nov. 9, but its circulation center remained over open waters of the Bay of Bengal. The storm weakened due to elongation of its rotation, reducing its chances for regeneration.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 10, 2014

Record grant will continue inner-city asthma research

The University of Wisconsin-Madison will continue its Inner-City Asthma Consortium research with a $70 million, seven-year grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. The project aims to reduce asthma severity in inner-city children and develop effective treatments.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·DateNov 10, 2014

The cat's meow: Genome reveals clues to domestication

Researchers analyzed the cat genome to understand domestication, finding changes in genes related to memory, fear, and reward-seeking. They also discovered genetic signatures associated with desirable traits such as docility and unique hair patterns.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 10, 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.

Kīlauea, 1790 and today

Research suggests that most fatalities from the 1790 Kīlauea eruption were caused by hot surges of volcanic debris and steam. The volcano has experienced both effusive and explosive eruptions, with explosive events being geologically common but less frequent in recent times.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalACM SIGSAM Bulletin·DateNov 10, 2014

Study shows marijuana's long-term effects on the brain

Chronic marijuana users have smaller brain volume in the orbitofrontal cortex but increased brain connectivity. The study found that earlier onset of regular marijuana use induces greater structural and functional connectivity.

SourceCenter for BrainHealth·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 10, 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.

Moderate drinking is healthy only for some people

A study published in Alcohol found that moderate drinking has a protective effect among only 15% of the general population with a specific genotype, which affects HDL cholesterol levels. This suggests that sweeping advice about moderate alcohol consumption may not be suitable for everyone.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalAlcohol·DateNov 10, 2014

'Big Data' takes root in the world of plant research

Botanists at Trinity College Dublin have developed a massive database of plant life histories, gathering data on nearly 600 species over 48 years. The COMPADRE Plant Matrix database will help researchers answer questions about plant conservation and adaptation to climate change.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalJournal of Ecology·DateNov 9, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New natural supplement relieves canine arthritis

A new natural supplement based on medicinal plants and dietary supplements has been developed to relieve canine arthritis. The study found that dogs receiving the treatment showed significant improvements in strength and daily physical activity, with none experiencing a decline in health.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalResearch in Veterinary Science·DateNov 9, 2014

Quest for hepatitis B treatment wins Emerging Researcher Award

A new therapy to eradicate liver cells infected with hepatitis B virus has shown promising results in pre-clinical research. The treatment aims to clear patients of the disease, offering hope for those with chronic HBV infection. Dr Greg Ebert's work could lead to significant improvements in health outcomes for Australians and worldwide.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·DateNov 9, 2014

So, you think you can clap to the beat?

Researchers discovered that beat-deafness is a problem of synchronizing with sounds, not just motor skills. Beat-deaf individuals can perceive rhythms but struggle when moving to the beat, indicating deficits in biological rhythms.

SourceMcGill University·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateNov 9, 2014

Ben-Gurion U. Prof. Zvi Bentwich receives Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation grant

Professor Zvi Bentwich at Ben-Gurion University has received a Grand Challenges grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to eradicate parasitic worm infections in Ethiopia. The project aims to implement mass drug treatment, health education, and sanitation facilities to reduce infection rates.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·DateNov 9, 2014

A sea change for marine conservation

A pilot program in Kenya gave communities the ability to develop and enforce their own fisheries rules, leading to improved livelihoods for fishermen and a shift towards conservation. Local communities developed mini-marine reserves, reducing ecological losses while increasing community benefits.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·DateNov 9, 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.

A/C came standard on armored dinosaur models

Ankylosaurs had a unique nasal structure that allowed them to regulate their body temperature. The long, winding passageways would have warmed the inhaled air and cooled the blood before it reached the brain. This adaptation likely helped maintain the dinosaur's stable brain temperature.

SourceSociety of Vertebrate Paleontology·DateNov 8, 2014

Practice makes perfect in cancer surgery

Researchers found that higher volume hospital and surgeon volume are associated with fewer post-operative complications and improved overall survival for bladder cancer patients. The study aims to identify processes and interactions leading to better outcomes, which could inform improvements in care at lower volume hospitals.

SourceQueen's University·JournalUrology·DateNov 7, 2014

UF researchers discover how to cultivate norovirus in human cells

Researchers have discovered a way to grow a human norovirus by identifying a cell it targets in the intestine, enabling the study of its replication and potential treatments. The virus targets B cells, rather than intestinal epithelial cells, and is aided by gut bacteria in its infection process.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalScience·DateNov 7, 2014

NFL TV ratings: Bandwagon is everyone's second-favorite team

A new study by Brigham Young University and Fox affiliate in Salt Lake City reveals that choosing to broadcast a local favorite isn't always the smartest ratings decision. The analysis shows that fans also hop on the bandwagon of whoever is winning and lighting up the scoreboard, leading to higher TV audience ratings.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Quantitative Analysis in Sports·DateNov 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.

UTSA professor studies cell phone habits of college students in US and South Korea

A study by Seok Kang, a UTSA associate professor, analyzed the smartphone habits of over 1,600 college students from the US and South Korea. American students used their phones mainly for email, texting, and social media, while Korean students were more interested in entertainment and information gathering.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateNov 7, 2014

Sleep starts later as teens age, but school still starts early

A new study tracked the changing sleep habits of children from ages 9 to 18, finding that sleep timing shifted later as they matured. Despite getting less sleep overall, teens' bodies resisted sleep signals longer, leading to groggier mornings and potential negative effects on academic performance and mental health.

SourceBrown University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 7, 2014

Iodide protects against dangerous reperfusion injury after heart attack

A new study published in PLOS ONE suggests that a dose of iodide can significantly reduce the damage caused by reperfusion injury after a heart attack. The study found that intravenous infusions of sodium iodide reduced myocardial infarction damage by up to 75 percent in mice, and oral iodide showed similar protective effects.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 7, 2014

Origin of the unique ventilatory apparatus of turtles

Researchers discovered that tortoises' modern breathing apparatus was already in place in the earliest fossil tortoise, Eunotosaurus africanus. The study suggests a gradual increase in body wall rigidity led to the evolution of both the tortoise shell and unique breathing mechanism.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 7, 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.

UofL Trover Campus wins national academic medicine award

The UofL Trover Campus has received a national award for its innovative programs to address the shortage of physicians in rural areas. The campus offers training, mentorship, and clinical opportunities to medical students from underserved regions.

SourceUniversity of Louisville·DateNov 7, 2014

No junk: Long RNA mimics DNA, restrains hormone responses

GAS5, a long intergenic non-coding RNA, acts as a brake on steroid hormone receptors, preventing them from binding DNA. Researchers have gained insights into how GAS5 RNA interacts with steroid hormone receptors and its potential role in disease.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 7, 2014

Office stress? Workers may wait before acting out, SF State study finds

A new study by SF State's Kevin Eschleman found that employees may wait weeks or months before acting out due to workplace stress. The research suggests that companies should tailor programs to help employees cope with stress, as personality can complicate how and when they respond.

SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalJournal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology·DateNov 7, 2014

CCNY-led discovery may help breast cancer treatment

Researchers at City College of New York led by Dr. Debra Auguste have discovered a potential molecular target and biomarker for treating triple negative breast cancers, which have a high mortality rate due to aggressive proliferation and metastasis.

SourceCity College of New York·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 7, 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.

Liberals are more emotion-driven than conservatives

A study found that emotions have a greater influence on leftists' positions than on rightists', even with induced negative emotions. Real-world scenarios showed Jewish-Israeli leftists' policy support was more related to empathy and anger than rightists'. Future research aims to investigate how emotions motivate changes in rightists' p...

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateNov 7, 2014

Emergency supplies of epinephrine in schools save lives

A new study by the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology found that stocking emergency epinephrine in Chicago Public Schools saved the lives of 38 children and adults experiencing severe anaphylactic reactions. The majority of reactions occurred in elementary schools, primarily due to peanuts and fin fish triggers.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·DateNov 7, 2014

Actions versus objects: The role of the motor system

A new study found that ALS patients have difficulty with verb processing compared to noun processing. The research suggests that motor deficits and language impairment are two separate aspects of the disease.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalCortex·DateNov 7, 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.

2014's famous 'pollen vortex' didn't happen

A study presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Annual Scientific Meeting found that spring pollen counts in Ontario, Canada were down considerably, with levels of certain tree pollens being four to five times lower than usual. This challenges predictions of a harsh 'pollen vortex' affecting allergy sufferers.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·DateNov 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.

The best sensory experience for learning a dance sequence

A study conducted by Bielefeld University and the Palucca University of Dance in Dresden found that dancers who learned a dance sequence by observing it performed better than those who were taught through spoken instructions. The researchers also found that visual learning modality improved retention over time.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalCognitive Processing·DateNov 7, 2014

Research project emphasizes the need to persuade parents to make their children walk to school

A research project involving 1,219 children and 1,007 parents from US schools found that parental attitudes and perceptions are crucial in encouraging kids to walk to school. The study aimed to identify factors influencing this habit and highlighted the need for improved safety of paths and urban environments.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·DateNov 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.

Does father really know best? Maybe not when it comes to controlling asthma

A recent study by the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) found that teenagers with asthma have higher health literacy levels than their caregivers. Additionally, a study on YouTube videos for asthma control revealed that most popular videos provide low-quality information, while videos from healthcare providers ...

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·DateNov 7, 2014

A vaccine directed against tumor blood vessels suppress tumor growth and metastasis

Researchers from Uppsala University developed a therapeutic vaccine that selectively targets tumor vessels, reducing tumor burden and suppressing metastases in a mouse model of metastatic breast cancer. The vaccine induced an 80% reduction in metastasis, providing a cost-efficient alternative to monoclonal antibody-based therapies.

SourceUppsala University·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateNov 7, 2014

Cybersecurity experts discover lapses in Heartbleed bug fix

A study by University of Maryland cybersecurity experts found that only 13% of websites patched their software correctly and implemented additional security measures to secure systems. The team's analysis revealed a significant drop in revocation rates during weekends, highlighting the human factor's role in computer security.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·DateNov 7, 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.

Asthma vs. COPD, similar symptoms -- Different causes and treatment

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) share similar symptoms, but the conditions have different causes and require unique treatment strategies. Accurate diagnosis is crucial to provide effective management for patients with overlapping characteristics of asthma and COPD.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·DateNov 7, 2014

Reprogrammed cells grow into new blood vessels

Researchers at Houston Methodist develop a new approach to regrow damaged blood vessels using trans-differentiated fibroblasts, improving blood flow and oxygenation. The technique shows promise for treating cardiovascular damage and injuries with minimal risk of chromosome damage.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalCirculation·DateNov 7, 2014

Turtles use muscle power to breathe due to rigid shell

Scientists have found that turtles breathe with the aid of a muscle sling attached to their shell, which contracts and relaxes to aerate the lungs. The origin of this unique ventilatory apparatus was discovered in the ancient fossil reptile Eunotosaurus africanus.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 7, 2014

Researchers take new approach to stop 'most wanted' cancer protein

A pre-clinical study finds that a specially crafted compound can disrupt the production of MYCN protein, causing tumors to shrink with little or no harm to normal cells. The approach uses an alternative mechanism to target the defective transcriptional mechanisms involved in cancer growth.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalCell·DateNov 7, 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.

Maybe it wasn't the Higgs particle after all

Researchers analyzed CERN data and found no conclusive evidence that the discovered particle is the Higgs particle. Instead, they suggest it could be a light techni-higgs particle composed of two techni-quarks. This discovery raises questions about the existence of dark matter.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalPhysical Review D·DateNov 7, 2014

LSTM awarded nearly £4 million in grants for pneumococcal research

The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine has been awarded two substantial grants to further develop and utilise its Experimental Human Pneumococcal Carriage (EHPC) model. The first grant, worth $2.5 million, will investigate whether a nasal spray flu vaccine alters pneumococcal carriage.

SourceLiverpool School of Tropical Medicine·DateNov 7, 2014

A new angle on infertility

A single mutation in the beta-catenin gene can lead to abnormalities in sexual organ morphology, making natural reproduction impossible. The study found that this mutation affects specific tissues, causing malformations that prevent successful reproduction.

SourceRIKEN·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 7, 2014