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Science News Archive 2014 - Page 55


Page 55 of 376

Study gives insight into breast cancer recurrence

Researchers have identified a key role for the FAK molecule in controlling breast cancer stem cell survival and predicting disease recurrence. Blocking FAK activity with a new drug significantly improved treatment outcomes, suggesting a potential method to predict which patients are most likely to experience recurrence.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalStem Cells·DateNov 5, 2014

Older men less likely to receive osteoporosis screening and treatment following a bone fracture

A study found that older men are three times less likely than women to undergo osteoporosis screening and treatment after a broken wrist. This disparity increases the risk of future bone breaks and related complications in men, who already have twice the mortality rate of women following a hip fracture.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateNov 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.

Powerful imaging for point-of-care diagnostics

Researchers developed a compact probe that produces detailed images of blood vessels using ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging modalities. The system enables real-time imaging and can reveal important medical information, such as hemoglobin oxygen saturation, for monitoring tumor progression.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateNov 5, 2014

Ah-choo! Expect higher grass pollen and allergen exposure in the coming century

A new study by UMass Amherst scientists predicts a significant increase in grass pollen production and allergen exposure due to climate change, with potential impacts on human health. The researchers found that elevated CO2 stimulates pollen production, leading to increased exposure for individuals with grass pollen allergies.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 5, 2014

New funding speeds identification of drugs to prevent Alzheimer's

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has provided $26 million in funding to continue and expand the DIAN-TU trial, a large-scale clinical trial aimed at identifying drugs to stop or slow Alzheimer's disease. The trial is focused on dominantly inherited forms of Alzheimer's disease and will test two treatments in patients with inheri...

SourceWashU Medicine·DateNov 5, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

High-fat diet postponing brain aging

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen found that a high-fat diet can postpone signs of brain aging in mice with a defective DNA repair system. This could lead to new treatment possibilities for children with Cockayne syndrome and patients with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalCell Metabolism·DateNov 5, 2014

VTT develops a simple but extremely sensitive magnetometer

VTT's innovative magnetometer is significantly cheaper than traditional technology and less sensitive to external magnetic fields. This makes it suitable for applications such as magnetoencephalography in neuroimaging, mining industry, industrial quality control and security.

SourceVTT Technical Research Centre of Finland·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 5, 2014

ADHD-air pollution link

Researchers found that prenatal exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) raised the odds of behavior problems associated with ADHD at age 9. Children born to mothers exposed to high levels of PAH during pregnancy had five times the odds of inattentive-type ADHD compared to those whose mothers did not have high PAH exposure.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 5, 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.

Allina Health heart procedure complications reduced with simple tool

A new screening tool, based on nine clinical variables, helps identify high-risk patients before heart procedures, allowing for strategies to avoid bleeding complications. This led to a significant reduction in post-procedure complications, including the need for blood transfusions, across Allina Health hospitals.

SourceAllina Health·DateNov 5, 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.

For leaders, looking intelligent is less important than looking healthy

Researchers found that people prefer leaders with a healthy complexion, regardless of intelligence level, except for situations requiring negotiation or exploration. A study of 148 participants revealed that health is the most important trait when selecting a leader, surpassing intelligence as an optional extra.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateNov 5, 2014

African diamond mine reveals dinosaur and large mammal tracks

The Catoca diamond mine in Angola revealed 118 million-year-old dinosaur and crocodile tracks, with the largest mammalian track attributed to a raccoon-sized animal. No fossil bones or teeth of such an animal have been found elsewhere in Africa or the world.

SourceSociety of Vertebrate Paleontology·DateNov 5, 2014

Secure genetic data moves into the fast lane of discovery

GWATCH provides a secure platform for researchers to access and share protected human data for disease gene discovery. The platform offers a dynamic visualization tool that enables researchers to identify disease-associated genetic markers without risking patient privacy.

SourceGigaScience·JournalGigaScience·DateNov 5, 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.

Piglet brain atlas new tool in understanding human infant brain development

Researchers at the University of Illinois have created a new online tool to study postnatal brain growth in human infants based on similarities with the piglet brain. The tool, an MRI-based brain atlas for four-week-old piglets, offers a three-dimensional averaged brain and anatomical regions of interest.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 5, 2014

Vanderbilt researchers explore links between grammar, rhythm

A recent study from Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that a child's ability to distinguish musical rhythm is related to their capacity for understanding grammar. The study, led by Reyna Gordon, suggests that rhythm could be used as an indicator of grammar skills in children with language disorders.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalDevelopmental Science·DateNov 5, 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.

Multicenter study: Hospital medical errors reduced 30 percent with improved patient handoffs

A multicenter study led by Boston Children's Hospital found that implementing the I-PASS bundle can reduce hospital medical errors by 30%, improving safety and quality of care. The study was conducted at nine medical centers, where healthcare providers used a standardized communication system to share patient information.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 5, 2014

Environmental toxins may be hurting North American eagles

Researchers found that bald and golden eagles in North America have dangerously high levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in their livers, with concentrations highest near urban areas. The study suggests a range of exposure to these toxic chemicals, with more research needed to understand trends and accumulation patterns.

SourceWiley·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology·DateNov 4, 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.

Nonobstructive CAD associated with increased risk of heart attack, death

A study of nearly 38,000 patients found that those diagnosed with nonobstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) had a significantly increased risk of heart attack or death one year after diagnosis. Patients with nonobstructive CAD had an associated risk of MI that was 2-to 4.5-fold greater than among those with no apparent CAD.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateNov 4, 2014

Future family and career goals evident in teenage years

Researchers found that teenagers who placed high importance on both work and family goals, as well as having confidence in achieving them, were more likely to report feeling successful in their careers and families later in life. These individuals also reached higher education levels than those with only family-oriented goals.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Vocational Behavior·DateNov 4, 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.

Lactose intolerants at lower risk of certain cancers: Study

Researchers at Lund University discovered that lactose intolerant people are at a reduced risk of developing lung, breast, and ovarian cancers. The study, which analyzed nationwide data from Sweden, suggests that diet plays a crucial role in protecting against these cancers.

SourceLund University·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateNov 4, 2014

Ebola, Marburg viruses edit genetic material during infection

Researchers discovered that Ebola and Marburg viruses edit their genetic material by adding extra nucleotides to their RNA. This process, known as RNA editing, was previously unknown in these viruses and could lead to a better understanding of their biology and the development of new treatments.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateNov 4, 2014

Where'd you get that great idea?

A team of researchers from the University of Pittsburgh found that individuals who generate creative solutions tend to build on existing ideas rather than using unrelated concepts. The study, published in Design Studies, collected data from over 350 participants and showed that ideas closely related to a problem were more likely to be ...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalDesign Studies·DateNov 4, 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.

Are there as many rats as people in New York City?

Researchers analyzed NYC lot data to conclude the city has a significantly smaller rat population than previously believed. The estimated 2 million rat count is a more conservative assessment than the widely-cited 8 million figure.

SourceWiley·JournalSignificance·DateNov 4, 2014

Many future health professionals drink too much alcohol

A new study revealed that 43% of nursing students engage in hazardous alcohol consumption, with significant variations among demographic groups. Hazardous drinkers were more likely to be young, smoke, and live outside family settings.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Advanced Nursing·DateNov 4, 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.

New insight into the neuroscience of choking under pressure

A study from Johns Hopkins Medicine found that performance is influenced by a person's aversion to loss, with those having high loss aversion doing better when faced with large prospective losses but choking under pressure of large gains. Brain imaging revealed the ventral striatum as the key brain area involved in this process.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·DateNov 4, 2014

Study finds association between coronary artery plaque and liver disease

Researchers used coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) to detect high-risk coronary artery plaque and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition characterized by abnormal liver function. The study found that NAFLD is associated with high-risk plaque, even after adjusting for traditional risk factors.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateNov 4, 2014

Better bomb-sniffing technology

Researchers have created a new material that can detect explosives and toxic gases in seconds, offering four advantages over current detectors: sensitivity, accuracy, speed, and cost-effectiveness. The breakthrough could lead to flexible solar panels and improved public safety.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateNov 4, 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.

Nature adores a hybrid

A Concordia University study reveals that hybrid fish become genetically robust like their purely wild counterparts within a few generations, providing hope for conservation efforts. This finding has implications beyond fish, with similar conclusions drawn about wolf species previously exposed to hybridization.

SourceConcordia University·JournalEvolutionary Applications·DateNov 4, 2014

Gardeners of Madagascar rainforest at risk

A new study by Rice University researchers reveals lemurs play a crucial role in dispersing seeds for trees, increasing survival rates. The findings highlight the importance of preserving lemur populations to maintain the health of Madagascar's rainforests.

SourceRice University·JournalEcology·DateNov 4, 2014

New research explores scent communication in polar bears

Polar bears use scent associated with their paws to convey information about their social status and reproductive readiness. The study suggests that climate change could disrupt this vital communication method, impacting the animals' ability to reproduce successfully.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Zoology·DateNov 4, 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.

EPA recognizes Virginia Tech postdoc's research on birds

A Virginia Tech graduate student has received a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency fellowship to study the effects of mercury contamination on red-winged blackbird populations. Her research aims to investigate how stress hormones and disease are connected in birds, with potential implications for understanding avian malaria infections.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateNov 4, 2014

Framework may help improve use of social media during disasters

A new analysis identifies 15 distinct social media uses during disasters, including providing preparedness information and reconnecting community members. The proposed framework aims to standardize and organize disaster social media practices, potentially protecting lives and aiding recovery

SourceWiley·JournalDisasters·DateNov 4, 2014

Elsevier announces the launch of open-access journal: EBioMedicine

EBioMedicine brings together worlds of basic research and clinical science in an open-access journal with Cell Press and The Lancet editorial influence. The journal prioritizes rapid publication and publishes a range of research study types, including commentaries and viewpoints.

SourceElsevier·JournalEBioMedicine·DateNov 4, 2014

UT Arlington research uses artificial lymph nodes to attract prostate cancer cells

Researchers at UT Arlington are developing tissue-engineered artificial lymph nodes that can attract prostate cancer cells, allowing for more targeted treatments and potentially longer patient survival. The technology, led by Liping Tang, could also help identify the biological signals that enable cancer to migrate throughout the body.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateNov 4, 2014
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Disorder + disorder = more disorder?

Researchers discovered a counterintuitive effect where structural disorder counters thermal disorder in certain systems, leading to lower overall disorder. The study focused on charged fluids and found that disordered charges interact strongly with mobile ions to oppose the effects of thermal disorder.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateNov 4, 2014

Synthetic fish measures wild ride through dams

The latest version of the Sensor Fish measures more forces and costs about 80% less than its predecessor. It will help further reduce the environmental impact of hydropower by accurately measuring forces fish feel as they pass through turbines and structures in conventional dams and other hydro power facilities.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateNov 4, 2014