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Science News Archive 2014 - Page 93


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.

SourceSAGE·JournalHealth Education & Behavior·DateOct 1, 2014

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.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateOct 1, 2014

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.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Academic Health Center·JournalThe Journal of Pathology·DateOct 1, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Dog waste contaminates our waterways: A new test could reveal how big the problem is

A new genetic test developed by scientists can detect canine fecal contamination in water, providing insights into the scale of the problem. The test identified 11 genetic markers common to most dog samples but absent from human ones, revealing the significant role dogs play in contaminating US waterways.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateOct 1, 2014

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.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalNature·DateOct 1, 2014

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.

SourceOxford University Press UK·JournalHealth Policy and Planning·DateOct 1, 2014

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.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalEuropean Journal of Human Genetics·DateOct 1, 2014

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 ...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 1, 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.

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.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 1, 2014

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.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalNature·DateOct 1, 2014

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.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 1, 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.

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.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalScience Signaling·DateOct 1, 2014

Study finds potential new target to treat asthma attacks brought on by colds

Researchers have identified a molecular mechanism that could explain why the common cold can bring on life-threatening asthma attacks. A small molecule called IL-25 may play a central role in triggering these attacks, and blocking it could potentially produce a much greater therapeutic effect.

SourceImperial College London·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 1, 2014

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.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateOct 1, 2014
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 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.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalJAMA·DateOct 1, 2014

Montmorency tart cherry juice lowered blood uric acid levels and a marker for inflammation

Researchers found that Montmorency tart cherry juice lowered blood uric acid levels and increased specific anthocyanin compounds, which may help alleviate joint pain and inflammation associated with conditions like gout. The study also detected increased C-reactive protein in the bloodstream after consuming tart cherries.

SourceWeber Shandwick Worldwide·JournalJournal of Functional Foods·DateOct 1, 2014

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.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalBiology Letters·DateOct 1, 2014

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.

SourceThe Kavli Foundation·DateOct 1, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalNeurobiology of Disease·DateOct 1, 2014

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.

SourceUppsala University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 1, 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.

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.

SourceConcordia University·JournalStress·DateSep 30, 2014

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.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·DateSep 30, 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.

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.

SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 30, 2014

Synthetic sperm protein raises the chance for successful in vitro fertilization

Researchers have successfully developed a synthetic version of the sperm protein PAWP, which induces calcium oscillations and oocyte activation in human and mouse eggs. This breakthrough raises hopes for improved IVF success rates and better understanding of fertilization events.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateSep 30, 2014

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 30, 2014

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 30, 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.

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.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateSep 30, 2014

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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateSep 30, 2014

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.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateSep 30, 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.

Comprehensive study of allergic deaths in US finds medications are main culprit

A comprehensive study found that medications are the leading cause of allergy-related sudden deaths in the US, particularly among older people and African-Americans. The study analyzed death certificates from 1999-2010 and identified antibiotics as the most common culprit drug.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateSep 30, 2014

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateSep 30, 2014

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.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateSep 30, 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.

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.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·DateSep 30, 2014

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.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalPhysics World·DateSep 30, 2014

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 30, 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.

Researchers show EEG's potential to reveal depolarizations following TBI

Researchers at University of Cincinnati discover that electroencephalography (EEG) electrodes on the scalp can measure spreading depolarizations in injured brains, which are associated with worse outcomes. This non-invasive technique has the potential to revolutionize bedside neuro-monitoring.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateSep 30, 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.

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.

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.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalFunctional Ecology·DateSep 30, 2014

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.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalSocial Indicators Research·DateSep 30, 2014

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.

SourceBrown University·JournalIntellectual and Developmental Disabilities·DateSep 30, 2014