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Science News Archive April 2014


Page 1 of 32

Parents just as likely to use cell phones while driving, putting child passengers at risk

A University of Michigan study found that 90% of parent drivers engaged in at least one distraction while their child was a passenger. The study highlights the need to consider multiple sources of driver distraction when kids are passengers and emphasizes the importance of reducing distractions to prevent crashes.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAcademic Pediatrics·DateApr 30, 2014

Direct current, another option to improve the electrical power transmission

Researchers propose using direct current lines to improve power transmission and balance renewable energy production. The GISEL group develops new VSC technology for converters, offering advantages in controlling power transmission and reducing losses.

SourceUniversidad del País Vasco·JournalInternational Journal of Electrical Power & Energy Systems·DateApr 30, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Stem cells from teeth can make brain-like cells

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have discovered that stem cells taken from teeth can grow to resemble brain cells, suggesting they could be used as a therapy for stroke. These cells have the potential to form complex networks and communicate like normal neurons, offering hope for new treatments.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalStem Cell Research & Therapy·DateApr 30, 2014

Want a young child to 'help' or 'be a helper'? Choice of words matters

A new study found that using nouns like 'helper' instead of verbs like 'helping' motivates young children to participate in household tasks. The researchers used two experiments with over 150 preschoolers and found significant differences in helping behavior between the two groups.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateApr 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.

Watch out: Children more prone to looking but not seeing

A new UCL study found that children under 14 are more prone to inattentional blindness, failing to notice their environment while focused on simple tasks. This can lead to increased risk of accidents and safety hazards, especially for young children crossing roads or engaging in activities.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateApr 30, 2014

Whey beneficially affects diabetes and cardiovascular disease risk factors in obese adults

A study published in ACS' Journal of Proteome Research found that whey protein slows down stomach emptying and lowers fatty acid levels, increasing insulin levels in obese adults. The results suggest that whey protein may be a beneficial addition to diets for those at risk of developing type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateApr 30, 2014

Sell-side analysts lean towards high valuation companies for comparison

A study from the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management found that sell-side analysts tend to compare companies in the same category but with expensive stock prices. This can lead to undervalued companies being perceived as good buys compared to high-valuation peers. The research also shows a greater tendency to choose hig...

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalReview of Accounting Studies·DateApr 30, 2014

Hope for better drugs to treat stroke and heart attacks

Researchers have taken 'snapshots' of a critical receptor involved in blood coagulation, paving the way for novel, reversible blood-thinning substances. These new therapies aim to provide more effective control over platelet aggregation, reducing side effects and improving patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature·DateApr 30, 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.

Study challenges concept of 'healthy' obesity

Researchers found obese patients with no heart disease have greater risk of future disease due to early plaque buildup in the arteries. The study's lead author emphasizes the importance of counseling obese individuals about their risks and providing tips for achieving a healthy weight.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateApr 30, 2014

NYU neurosurgeon Douglas Kondziolka receives Bernard Sanberg Memorial Award

Douglas Kondziolka received the 2014 Bernard Sanberg Memorial Award for his extensive research and clinical work in stroke-related cell transplantation. He is principal investigator on several neurotransplantation clinical trials, including a trial evaluating bone marrow-derived neuroprogenitor cells for implantation.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·DateApr 30, 2014

Water-based 'engine' propels tumor cells through tight spaces in the body

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University discovered a novel method cancer cells use to migrate through the body by leveraging a propulsion system based on water and charged particles. The Osmotic Engine Model reveals how sodium-hydrogen ions, aquaporins, and water create a flow that propels cells forward.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalCell·DateApr 30, 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.

Competition for ecological niches limits the formation of new species

Researchers found that filling of ecological niches slows the diversification of Himalayan songbirds. The study, which analyzed genetic relationships between 461 songbird species, discovered that eastern Himalayan species are separated from each other by six to seven million years, suggesting a slowing of evolution.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalNature·DateApr 30, 2014

Columbia engineers grow functional human cartilage in lab

Researchers at Columbia University successfully grew fully functional human cartilage from adult human stem cells, marking a significant breakthrough in tissue engineering. The developed cartilage exhibits physiologic architecture and strength, with potential applications in repairing cartilage defects or reconstructing complex tissues.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 30, 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.

New fluid fats fuel frozen flies

Goldenrod gall fly larvae produce a novel class of lipids that remain fluid at low temperatures, allowing them to survive freezing winters. These acetylated triacylglycerols are less energy dense than standard lipids and have antifreeze characteristics.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateApr 30, 2014

New version of old MS drug performs well in clinical trial

Researchers found that a new version of an old MS drug reduced patient relapses and lesion development by 36% compared to placebo. The updated formulation allowed for longer injection intervals, potentially increasing compliance and quality of life for MS patients.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateApr 30, 2014

Faster dental treatment with new photoactive molecule

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have developed a new Germanium-based photo initiator that hardens dental fillings faster. This innovation increases the hardening depth from 2 mm to 4 mm, making dental treatment more efficient.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 30, 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.

Coca-Cola partners with A*STAR to expand technology presence in Singapore

Coca-Cola has partnered with A*STAR to leverage the agency's research capabilities and tap into its expertise in advanced technologies. This partnership aims to optimize production processes, gain insights into consumer needs, and boost A*STAR's food and nutrition research activities.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·DateApr 30, 2014

Astronomers observe corkscrew nature of light from a distant black hole

Researchers measured circular polarisation in the bright flash of light from a dying star collapsing to a black hole, giving insight into an event that occurred 11 billion years ago. This discovery challenges current understanding of Gamma-ray Bursts and suggests a more complex mechanism for their formation.

SourceInternational Centre for Radio Astronomy Research·JournalNature·DateApr 30, 2014

New experimental vaccine produces immune response against MERS virus

A new experimental vaccine developed by Novavax has been shown to induce a neutralizing antibody response in mice, blocking infection with the MERS-CoV virus. The vaccine uses recombinant nanoparticle technology and is based on the major surface spike protein of SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalVaccine·DateApr 30, 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.

Study examines UV nail salon lamps, risk of skin cancer

Researchers tested 17 light units from 16 salons to assess the risk of cancer from UV nail salon lamps. The study found that higher-wattage lights emitted more UV-A radiation, but brief exposure after a manicure required multiple visits for potential DNA damage.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateApr 30, 2014

Lymph node ultrasounds more accurate in obese breast cancer patients

A Mayo Clinic study found that ultrasound images of underarm lymph nodes are more accurate in overweight and obese breast cancer patients than in those with a normal body mass index. The research suggests that soft fatty tissue can be compressed during ultrasounds, leading to better specificity and accuracy for these patients.

SourceMayo Clinic·DateApr 30, 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.

The Olig family affects central nervous system development and disease

The Olig family is crucial for controlling differentiation and maturation of oligodendrocytes, motor neurons, and astrocytes in the central nervous system. Accumulating evidence suggests its involvement in various CNS diseases, including brain injury, multiple sclerosis, and gliomas.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateApr 30, 2014

James Wilson, M.D., Ph.D. receives Pioneer Award

Dr. James M. Wilson has dedicated his research to developing gene therapy and vectors for treating inherited diseases. He has made seminal contributions to adenoviral and AAV vector technologies, enabling the successful development of commercial products across various disease targets.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHuman Gene Therapy·DateApr 30, 2014

Diagnosis of childhood TB could be improved by genetic discovery

Researchers identified a distinctive genetic signature in the blood of children with tuberculosis, allowing for over 80% accurate diagnosis. The discovery could lead to a cheap and effective diagnostic test to start treatment earlier and prevent unnecessary treatment.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 30, 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.

Candid 'insider' views in the NHS could help detect reasons for poor care

A new study in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine found that NHS staff's willingness to recommend their organization is influenced by concerns about reliability, clinical care, and management. Staff highlighted structural issues like under-staffing, poorly designed systems, and lack of resources as major concerns.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·DateApr 30, 2014

New revolutionary sensor links pressure to color change

Researchers at UC Riverside developed a high-resolution pressure sensor that changes color according to stress levels, providing vital information for engineers designing safer automobiles. The technology also has applications in improving everyday devices like smartphones.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNano Letters·DateApr 30, 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.

A fattening gene

Researchers have identified a key gene in energy metabolism, revealing its crucial role in regulating fat storage. The Sirt7 gene plays a central role in the process, enabling mice to maintain normal weight despite high-fat diets, suggesting new therapeutic approaches for obesity and metabolic disorders.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCell Metabolism·DateApr 30, 2014

The pitch drops that got the world talking

A team of researchers from Trinity College Dublin captured a drop of pitch on camera for the first time, generating over two million YouTube views. The attention came from their short and quirky story, which also sparked human interest due to a dramatic sequence of events related to an Australian experiment.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalPhysics World·DateApr 30, 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.

Study questions Neandertal inferiority to early modern humans

A new analysis of archaeological records suggests that complex interbreeding and assimilation between Neandertals and early modern humans may have led to the demise of Neandertals. This contradicts previous theories that suggested modern human superiority was responsible for their extinction.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 30, 2014

Multiple consecutive days of tornado activity spawn worst events

A study by Purdue University professor Jeff Trapp found that tornado outbreaks lasting three or more days are more likely to occur, with a 74% probability of an outbreak during such periods. The Enhanced Fujita scale indicates stronger tornadoes were also more likely to hit during these extended periods.

SourcePurdue University·JournalMonthly Weather Review·DateApr 30, 2014

Dispatcher-assisted CPR increases survival among children

A large Japanese study found that dispatcher-assisted bystander CPR increased the delivery rate of CPR and was associated with improved neurological and overall outcomes. Children who received dispatcher-assisted CPR had a significantly higher chance of survival and better brain function compared to those who did not receive CPR.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateApr 30, 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.

Shockwave findings set to rewrite scientific theories

Research by Dr Klaas Wiersema's team has discovered that Gamma-Ray Bursts behave differently than previously thought, challenging existing theoretical predictions. The study used observations of a GRB to rule out most existing theories and instead found evidence for circular polarisation in visible light.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalNature·DateApr 30, 2014

A small connection with big implications: Wiring up carbon-based electronics

Researchers create robust connections between carbon-based materials and metallic leads, revealing their electric and mechanical properties are representative of larger materials. The study paves the way for systematically classifying different metallic species for emerging carbon-based electronic devices.

SourceUniversidad del País Vasco·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 30, 2014

Neanderthals were not inferior to modern humans, says CU-Boulder study

A recent CU-Boulder study contradicts the widely held notion that Neanderthals were dimwitted and primitive, suggesting they had cognitive abilities comparable to those of anatomically modern humans. The researchers found evidence of complex communication, efficient hunting strategies, and a diverse diet among Neanderthals.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 30, 2014

Children's TV time is closely linked to parents' viewing habits

A new study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity found that children aged five and six spend more time watching TV on weekends than during the week, with parents playing a significant role. The research suggests that there is a need to find ways to help families reduce screen-viewing time.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·DateApr 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.

Entire star cluster thrown out of its galaxy

Researchers found a runaway star cluster named HVGC-1 in the M87 galaxy, moving at over two million miles per hour. The cluster was likely flung out of the galaxy by supermassive black holes at its core.

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateApr 30, 2014

Length of exoplanet day measured for first time

Astronomers from Leiden University and SRON have measured the spin of Beta Pictoris b, an exoplanet orbiting a naked-eye star 63 light-years from Earth. The planet's day length is just 8 hours, despite being over 16 times larger and 3000 times more massive than Earth.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateApr 30, 2014

Algae 'see' a wide range of light

Researchers at UC Davis discovered that aquatic algae can perceive light across the visible spectrum, allowing them to adapt to changing conditions. This broad spectral coverage helps algae make use of whatever light they can in the ocean.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 30, 2014