Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2014 - Page 57


Page 57 of 376

Can (and should) happiness be a policy goal?

A new article finds that happiness levels can reflect societal conditions, allowing policymakers to test the impact of policies on citizens' well-being. Researchers conclude that prioritizing policy-related welfare programs can lead to a more ideal society where citizens feel happy and satisfied.

SourceSAGE·JournalPolicy Insights from the Behavioral and Brain Sciences·DateNov 4, 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.

Shaping up: Researchers reconstruct early stages of embryo development

Using mouse embryonic stem cells, researchers have successfully reconstructed the early stage of mammalian development in a lab, showing that a critical mass of cells is needed for self-organisation into an embryo. This breakthrough allows for the creation of an axis and gastrulation-like movements, mimicking the process of embryonic d...

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalDevelopment·DateNov 4, 2014

How cells defend themselves against antibiotics and cytostatic agents

Researchers have determined the structure of an ABC transporter complex, enabling targeted therapeutic approaches to combat antibiotic resistance and cancer cell defense. The study's breakthrough has significant implications for treating cystic fibrosis, bacterial infections, and cancer.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature·DateNov 4, 2014

Researchers advocate for optimum level of 'unequality' for the US economy

A new study published in Policy Insights from the Behavioral and Brain Sciences suggests that American citizens desire an unequal but more equal distribution of wealth and income. Lower levels of inequality are associated with decreased unethical behavior and increased motivation, while high levels lead to demotivation and negative per...

SourceSAGE·JournalPolicy Insights from the Behavioral and Brain Sciences·DateNov 4, 2014

The inside story: How the brain and skull stay together

A study published in the journal Development reveals that cells at the head-trunk junction communicate not only about tissue type but also location, ensuring proper alignment. The findings have important implications for treating congenital defects like Spina Bifida and Chiari malformations.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalDevelopment·DateNov 4, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

March of Dimes calls for 50 percent reduction in preterm births by 2030

The March of Dimes aims to reduce US preterm birth rates to 5.5% by 2030 through evidence-based interventions such as eliminating early elective deliveries and optimizing birth spacing. The organization is also funding research to discover unknown causes of premature birth and identify new interventions.

SourceMarch of Dimes Foundation·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateNov 3, 2014

Coenzyme Q10 helps veterans battle Gulf War illness symptoms

A recent study published in Neural Computation found that CoQ10 supplements improved physical function in 80% of treated veterans with Gulf War illness. The study suggests that CoQ10 may be beneficial for those suffering from this chronic condition, which is linked to chemical exposures and mitochondrial damage.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNeural Computation·DateNov 3, 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.

Thirdhand smoke: Toxic airborne pollutants linger long after the smoke clears

A new study by Berkeley Lab researchers found that thirdhand smoke continues to have harmful health effects for many hours after a cigarette has been extinguished. The study, which assessed levels of volatile organic compounds and airborne particles, found that particulate matter accounted for 90% of the health damage.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateNov 3, 2014

How a giant impact formed asteroid Vesta's 'belt'

Researchers used super high-speed cannon to simulate collisions on celestial bodies. They found that damage from the impact starts where one would expect, but fails in opposite direction and propagates outward like a blooming flower. The study suggests Vesta's 'belt' formed by an oblique impact.

SourceBrown University·JournalIcarus·DateNov 3, 2014

Massey researchers develop the first cancer health literacy tool

The Cancer Health Literacy Study developed an evaluation tool called the Cancer Health Literacy Test (CHLT)-30 to measure cancer health literacy along a continuum. The study found that 18% of cancer patients have limited CHL, with an overrepresentation of African-American, undereducated and low-income patients.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalJournal of Health Communication·DateNov 3, 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.

Telephone counseling leads more adult childhood cancer survivors to get heart screenings

A national study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that telephone counseling from advanced-practice nurses more than doubled the likelihood of adult childhood cancer survivors receiving recommended heart screenings. The study showed a significant increase in cardiomyopathy screening rates among participants who received bo...

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateNov 3, 2014

UCLA astronomers solve puzzle about bizarre object at the center of our galaxy

A team led by Andrea Ghez determined that G2 is most likely a pair of binary stars that had been orbiting the black hole in tandem and merged together into an extremely large star. The research suggests that many of the stars at the center of the galaxy are massive and mostly binaries.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateNov 3, 2014

On the throne with the flu

Researchers discovered flu infection prompts immune cells to migrate to gut, altering bacterial composition and causing inflammation that promotes tissue injury. Blocking inflammatory molecules or antibiotics attenuates intestinal injury, suggesting relief options for flu-induced gastrointestinal symptoms.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateNov 3, 2014

School environment affects teacher expectations of their students

A new study by researchers at the University of Montreal found that school environment plays a determining role in teacher expectations of students. The study showed that school academic composition is the most influential factor, followed by socioeconomic and ethnic composition of students.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalTeaching and Teacher Education·DateNov 3, 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.

Report: Performance measures should include patient actions

Shared accountability between patients and clinicians can improve patient-centered outcomes and reduce morbidity and mortality. The report proposes incorporating patient actions into performance measures, tracking lifestyle changes, medication adherence, and follow-up appointments.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 3, 2014

Western retailers in China boost Chinese manufacturing supremacy

A new study by the University of British Columbia's Sauder School of Business finds that Western retailers like Walmart enhance Chinese suppliers' export capabilities through improved productivity, efficiency, and quality. The study reveals a significant boost in exports from Chinese cities when foreign retail outlets increase.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia - Sauder School of Business·JournalJournal of Development Economics·DateNov 3, 2014

Improving memory deficits following anesthesia

A new study found that general anesthesia impairs memory in mice by increasing the activation of α5GABA(A) receptors, leading to reduced synaptic plasticity. Inhibition of these receptors reversed memory defects in animals given anesthesia, suggesting a potential treatment for post-anesthesia cognitive impairment.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 3, 2014

PNAS: From HIV to cancer, IL-37 regulates immune system

The study reveals IL-37's role in regulating the adaptive immune system by inhibiting antigen recognition. This allows for potential manipulation of IL-37 levels to sensitize or desensitize the immune system in various diseases.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 3, 2014

News from Nov. 4, 2014 Annals of Internal Medicine

The American College of Physicians recommends increasing fluid intake to at least two liters per day to prevent kidney stone recurrence. A new guideline also suggests dietary changes, including reducing oxalate and animal protein consumption, to help prevent stone formation. Sofosbuvir plus ledipasvir has shown promise in re-treating H...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateNov 3, 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.

Food allergy development linked to skin exposure

A new study suggests that skin sensitization to food proteins, triggered by pro-inflammatory molecules like TSLP and IL-25, can lead to food allergy development. The research found that mice exposed to food antigens through the skin developed severe allergic reactions when ingested.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 3, 2014

New tool could help reshape the limits of synthetic biology

A novel tool called 'telomerator' enables the creation of linear yeast chromosomes with precise telomere endings, improving gene study and engineering. This advancement allows researchers to test how genes interact with their chromosomes, promoting more realistic synthetic biology.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 3, 2014

Diet affects pesticide resistance in honey bees

Researchers found that pesticide exposure causes changes in gene expression that are sensitive to diet and nutrition. Feeding bees a complex diet of pollen improves their resistance to lethal doses of pesticides.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Insect Physiology·DateNov 3, 2014

New test shows promise in identifying new drugs to treat Lyme disease

Researchers have developed a new test that can analyze thousands of FDA-approved drugs to find effective treatments for Lyme disease. The test, called the SYBR Green I/PI assay, enables the measurement of bacterial viability after drug treatment, making it more accurate and efficient than existing methods.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 3, 2014

MRSA bugs linked to livestock are found in hospitals, study finds

A study by the University of Edinburgh found that MRSA bacteria from farm animals has been detected in UK hospitals, highlighting the need for strict biosecurity practices and responsible antibiotic use. The strain, CC398, is resistant to some common antibiotic drugs and can be transmitted to humans through contact with livestock.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateNov 3, 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.

Brain anatomy differences between autistic and typically developing individuals are indistinguishable

Researchers found that brain anatomy in MRI scans of people with autism above age six is mostly indistinguishable from that of typically developing individuals. The study's findings suggest that anatomical measures alone are likely to be of low scientific and clinical significance for identifying children, adolescents and adults with A...

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateNov 3, 2014

Study: Maple syrup production declines after big seed year

New research suggests that maple syrup production is linked to mast seeding events, where trees produce more seeds than usual. Following every mast seed year, syrup production declined in Vermont. The study's findings could help producers plan ahead for the upcoming season.

SourceHarvard University·JournalForest Ecology and Management·DateNov 3, 2014

ACP releases new recommendations to prevent recurrent kidney stones

The American College of Physicians recommends increasing daily fluid intake to at least two liters to reduce kidney stone recurrence. Additionally, medication with a thiazide diuretic, citrate, or allopurinol can effectively reduce stone recurrence in patients with calcium stones.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateNov 3, 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.

No quick fix for global warming

A new study published in PNAS suggests that eliminating short-lived climate pollutants (SLCF) has a minor effect on slowing down global warming. The research found that these gases have a measurable impact but are short-lived and quickly disappear from the atmosphere, making them less effective in mitigating climate change.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 3, 2014

New way to make batteries safer

Researchers at MIT have developed a new way to coat batteries with a special material that prevents them from conducting electricity after being swallowed. The QTC-coated batteries were found to not damage the gastrointestinal tract in animal tests, showing promise as a safer alternative.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 3, 2014

Study shows clear new evidence for mind-body connection

A study has demonstrated a clear new evidence for mind-body connection in breast cancer survivors, showing that mindfulness meditation and support groups can influence telomere length. This suggests potential health benefits beyond the initial three-month period studied.

SourceAlberta Health Services·JournalCancer·DateNov 3, 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.

Hurricane Vance dwarfs developing low pressure area

Hurricane Vance's tropical-storm force winds stretched over northwestern Mexico, producing rainfall totals of 4-8 inches with isolated amounts up to 12 inches. The storm is expected to rapidly weaken due to increasing vertical wind shear.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 3, 2014

Study recommends integrating housing data with health data to improve patient medical care

Researchers found that children hospitalized for asthma are nearly twice as likely to be rehospitalized if they live in areas with high housing code violations. Integrating housing data with health data can help target patients for medical interventions and improve healthcare delivery at the population and patient level.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalHealth Affairs·DateNov 3, 2014

Lung cancer diagnosed before it is detected by imaging

A team of researchers has made a breakthrough in early diagnosis of invasive cancers, detecting lung cancer in patients at risk through circulating cancer cells in their bloodstream. This method could enable early surgical intervention and potentially improve patient survival.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 3, 2014

Nanotubes could serve as 'universal scaffolding' for cell membrane channels

Researchers have discovered that single-wall carbon nanotubes can form channels in artificial membranes and living cell membranes with comparable transport properties to protein channels. These structures are stable in solution and can transport ions and even DNA, offering a promising approach for membrane transportation mechanisms.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalNature·DateNov 3, 2014
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Preterm, low birth-weight babies may need new hips in adulthood

Researchers found a significant association between low birth weight and preterm birth with an increased incidence of hip arthroplasty independent of age, sex, BMI, education level, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and physical activity. No significant association was found with knee replacement surgery.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateNov 3, 2014

Putting batteries in a kidsafe coat of armor

Researchers developed a simple coating to render small batteries harmless if ingested, reducing esophagus damage and potentially eliminating deaths. The cost-effective solution uses a quantum tunneling composite to conduct electricity only under pressure.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 3, 2014

String field theory could be the foundation of quantum mechanics

Researchers propose a connection between string field theory and quantum mechanics, suggesting that string field theory could be the basis of all physics. They showed that fundamental quantum mechanical principles can be derived from the geometry of strings joining and splitting in string field theory.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalPhysics Letters B·DateNov 3, 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.

How bile acids could fight diabetes

Researchers have discovered a receptor that can be activated by bile acids to reduce inflammation in fat tissue, which is associated with type-2 diabetes. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new anti-diabetes drugs.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 3, 2014

Gender fairness prevails in most fields of academic science

Despite early differences and biases, women's participation in math-intensive sciences levels out after earning a PhD, but disparities persist in certain fields. Interventions targeting early education and work-life balance are needed to increase representation in STEM fields.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science in the Public Interest·DateNov 3, 2014

Outsmarting thermodynamics in self-assembly of nanostructures

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have developed a novel method for creating symmetry-breaking optical metamaterials by using a feedback mechanism to self-assemble colloidal nanorods in solution. This breakthrough solves the problem of achieving large-scale symmetric breaking, allowing for new properties and applications.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 3, 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.

Grant success for Monash economists

Researchers will study past interventions and decision-making processes at the household level to understand what works and what doesn't. The project aims to identify drivers of food security status and constraints on improvements at the household level.

SourceMonash University·DateNov 3, 2014

UT Dallas neuroscientists offer novel insight on brain networks

Researchers at UT Dallas' Center for Vital Longevity found that brain networks become less segregated and specialized as we age, leading to poor long-term memory. This study may lead to new clinical diagnostic criteria for age-related memory disorders.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 3, 2014

Plasma: Casimir and Yukawa mesons

Researchers discovered a connection between nuclear particles and electromagnetic theories via plasmas, suggesting an equivalence between generalized Casimir forces and weak nuclear interactions. The study found that long-range electromagnetic fluctuations differ from those in vacuum conditions.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateNov 3, 2014

Immunotherapy for cancer toxic with obesity

Researchers at UC Davis found that immunotherapy regimens can be lethal to obese mice due to increased body fat, which affects the immune system's response. The study suggests a link between obesity and toxicity in cancer treatment outcomes.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateNov 3, 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.

Biosimilar drugs could create billions in health care savings, study finds

A new study by the RAND Corporation estimates that biosimilar drugs could save the US healthcare system $44.2 billion over 10 years by reducing costs and increasing competition. The introduction of biosimilars is expected to drive down prices for complex biologic drugs used to treat illnesses such as cancer and rheumatoid arthritis.

SourceRAND Corporation·DateNov 3, 2014