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Science News Archive 2014


Page 93 of 376

Journal supplement examines innovative strategies for healthy aging

The Journal supplement highlights innovative approaches to healthy aging, including community-based efforts, technology uses, and civic service. Strategies like Experience Corps and volunteering are shown to enhance social engagement, independence, and well-being in older adults.

Fall in monsoon rains driven by rise in air pollution, study shows

A recent study suggests that emissions from human activity have caused a decline in monsoon rainfall over the past 50 years. The research, published in Geophysical Research Letters, found that rising levels of anthropogenic aerosols are responsible for the decrease, which affects billions of people primarily in India and parts of Africa.

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.

UMN research pinpoints microRNA tied to colon cancer tumor growth

University of Minnesota researchers have identified microRNAs miR-182 and miR-503 that contribute to the development of colon polyps into cancerous tumors. By targeting these microRNAs, physicians may be able to provide earlier and more specialized treatment for patients with a higher risk of colon cancer.

Gut bacteria are protected by host during illness

Sick mice produce specialized sugars to feed their gut microbiota and resist infection. Healthy recovery requires both L-fucose production and intact gut microbiota. The study suggests a potential role for L-fucose in preventing or tolerating Crohn's disease.

How to protect health workers in conflicts and crisis

Researchers conducted life history interviews with 26 health workers who lived through conflict in Northern Uganda, revealing their resilience and coping mechanisms. The study proposes solutions to protect and motivate health workers during and after crises, including community support, formal promotion, and regular pay.

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.

Gene interacts with stress and leads to heart disease in some people

A genetic study suggests that individuals with a specific genotype may be prone to weight gain and increased risk of diabetes and heart disease when exposed to chronic stress. Simple interventions like healthy diet, exercise, and stress management could help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in these individuals.

Drug treats inherited form of intellectual disability in mice

Researchers have successfully treated a genetic form of intellectual disability in mice using an anticancer drug, suggesting a potential new approach for the human condition. The study's findings indicate that altering the balance between chromatin's open and closed states could be key to treating Mendelian disorders of the epigenetic ...

Teen pregnancies, abortions plunge with free birth control

A new study found that providing free contraception and education on various methods significantly reduced teen pregnancies, births, and abortions. Among participants, 72% opted for long-acting forms like IUDs or implants, leading to a 34-per-1,000 pregnancy rate among teens compared to 158.5 in 2008.

Researchers develop novel gene/cell therapy approach for lung disease

Scientists at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center developed a new cell transplantation therapy to treat mice with a rare lung disease. The therapy, using macrophages, corrected the disease in mice and showed promise for treating other human lung diseases caused by dysfunctional immune cells.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Stem cell discovery could lead to better treatments for blindness

Researchers have identified a novel source of stem cells in the corneal limbus that can be directed to behave like photoreceptor cells, potentially treating conditions like age-related macular degeneration. These cells can also be cultured from older eyes and may offer a promising approach for new treatments.

Eighty percent of bowel cancers halted with existing medicines

A study published in Science Signaling found that JAK inhibitors can effectively treat over 80% of bowel cancers with a genetic mutation present in more than 80% of cases. The researchers discovered that these inhibitors block tumour growth by targeting the Wnt signaling pathway, with minimal impact on normal cells.

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.

Laying the groundwork for data-driven science

The National Science Foundation is investing $31 million in 17 innovative projects to develop tools, cyberinfrastructure, and best practices for data science. These projects aim to create a robust national data infrastructure that supports research priorities and emerging data policies.

Study finds acupuncture does not improve chronic knee pain

A new study from the University of Melbourne found that acupuncture did not improve chronic knee pain in patients older than 50. The research, published in JAMA, involved 282 participants who received either real or sham acupuncture for 12 weeks.

New study first to document the voices of fish larvae

Fish larvae produce distinct 'knock' and 'growl' sounds within the hearing range of adult fish to maintain group cohesion during their pelagic journey. The sounds were observed in 70% of nighttime trials, suggesting a mechanism for larval communication.

BRAIN Initiative to fund first decoding of a key brain circuit in mammals

A team of researchers will study the complex connections between brain cells that allow us to make and retrieve lasting memories. The project aims to build a complete computational model of a neural network in vertebrates using experimental data, with potential transformative insights into mammalian brain abilities.

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.

Medical discovery first step on path to new painkillers

Scientists at The University of Nottingham have made a major medical discovery that could lead to the development of an entirely new type of painkiller for chronic pain conditions like traumatic nerve injury. They found that a signal protein called VEGF promotes pain while its inhibiting form prevents it.

Novel approach to magnetic measurements atom-by-atom

Researchers propose a new method for measuring magnetic properties of materials at atomic resolution, utilizing the phase symmetry of an electron beam. This technique enhances the magnetic signal, enabling the detection of magnetism with unprecedented precision.

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.

How to predict who will suffer the most from stress

Researchers at Concordia University found that individuals with less variable heart rates when worrying are more likely to experience high stress levels later on. This diagnostic measure can help healthcare professionals identify those most susceptible to chronic stress and provide timely interventions.

Researchers get $5.25 million to advance nuclear technologies in South Carolina

A team of Clemson University researchers will use a $5.25 million grant from the US Department of Energy to advance nuclear monitoring, remediation and disposal technologies in South Carolina. The project aims to address key scientific issues related to radioactive contaminants and develop integrative models for radionuclide transport.

Pitt team searches for genetic roots of cleft lip, palate

A team led by Drs. Mary L. Marazita and Seth M. Weinberg will recruit 6,100 individuals for genetic studies to identify genetic susceptibility for cleft lip and palate in low-risk populations in Nigeria, the Philippines, and Colombia, as well as mid-risk populations in Pittsburgh and Lancaster.

New learning mechanism for individual nerve cells

Researchers at Lund University have discovered a new learning mechanism in individual nerve cells, which enables the brain to time its reactions and control complex processes like blinking and intelligible speech. This discovery has significant implications for rehabilitation following stroke, autism, ADHD, and language problems.

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.

Tropical Storm Rachel dwarfed by developing system 90E

Tropical Storm Rachel is spinning down west of Mexico's Baja California, with another tropical low pressure area, System 90E, outgrowing it. The National Hurricane Center predicts that System 90E will intensify into a tropical depression by Wednesday, Oct. 1.

How dinosaur arms turned into bird wings

Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding how birds evolved from dinosaurs by studying fossil and developmental data, revealing the fusion of two bones to form a semilunate bone. The study clarifies the identity of wrist bones in both groups, shedding light on the evolutionary reversal of a lost bone.

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.

Gut bacteria promote obesity in mice

A study found that a type of gut bacteria called Clostridium ramosum promotes obesity in mice, particularly when fed a high-fat diet. The bacteria appears to improve nutrient uptake, leading to increased energy conversion and weight gain.

Taking thin films to the extreme

Harvard University researchers demonstrate ability to paint ultra-thin coatings onto rough surfaces using thin-film interference, enabling lightweight decorative logos on spacecraft. The technology also holds promise for making flexible electronic devices and advanced solar cells.

Scientists identify which genes are active in muscles of men and women

A new study published in the FASEB Journal reveals never-before-detected gene activity and sex differences in human skeletal muscle. The research found that men have approximately 400 more active genes than women, providing a reference for future studies on muscle disease and dysfunction.

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.

Medical professional liability claims and esophageal cancer screening

A study analyzing medical professional liability claims related to esophageal cancer screening found that the risks of claims arising from acts of commission and omission are similarly low. The authors suggest that physicians balance the risk of complications from diagnostic procedures, even if those complications are rare.

Gender equality leads to more Olympic medals for men and women

A new study found that countries with greater parity in measures of educational equality had more women and men reach the podium at the London 2012 and Sochi 2014 Olympic Games. The researchers suggest that gender stereotypes may limit the number of women and men viewed as potential high-performance athletes.

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.

Power plant standards could save thousands of US lives every year

A new study from Harvard, Syracuse, and Boston University scientists reveals that strong carbon standards for power plants can significantly reduce air pollution and provide substantial human health benefits. The research estimates that such standards could prevent thousands of premature deaths and hospitalizations every year in the US.

The wake-up call that sent hearts racing

The Rosetta spacecraft has woken up from its 957-day hibernation, sparking jubilation among scientists and engineers. The mission aims to unlock the mysteries of how our solar system formed and developed into what we see today.

NASA's Swift mission observes mega flares from a mini star

The NASA Swift satellite detected a series of powerful stellar flares from the nearby red dwarf star DG CVn, with temperatures reaching 360 million degrees Fahrenheit. The flares were triggered by rapid spin and amplifying magnetic fields, making them one of the longest-lasting events ever recorded.

Salk scientists receive $3 million for BRAIN Initiative grant

Researchers at Salk Institute will create an epigenetic map of each cell type in the brain, allowing for deeper understanding of neurons' identity and functional differences. The study aims to reveal possible windows into brain development and disease.

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.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

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.

Risky metabolism

A study by Max-Planck Institute found that great tits' risk-taking behaviour correlates with both metabolic rate and ambient temperature. Birds with high metabolic rates and low temperatures were more likely to approach predators.

Depression increasing across the country

A study by San Diego State University professor Jean M. Twenge found that Americans now report more psychosomatic symptoms of depression than their counterparts in the 1980s. These symptoms include trouble sleeping, concentration difficulties, memory problems, feeling overwhelmed, restless sleep, poor appetite, and lack of motivation.

New diagnostic approach for autism in Tanzania

Researchers at Brown University created a culturally compatible diagnostic approach for autism in Tanzanian children. The approach uses a collection of instruments adapted from established tools, including the Childhood Autism Rating Scale-Second Edition (CARS-2) and Malawi Development Assessment Tool.