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Science News Archive April 2014 - Page 13


Page 13 of 32

New evidence of suicide epidemic among India's 'marginalized' farmers

A new study finds that India's highest suicide rates are among debt-ridden farmers growing cash crops like cotton and coffee, which are highly susceptible to global price fluctuations. The researchers suggest policy intervention to stabilise prices and relieve indebted farmers may help stem the tide of suicide in marginalised areas.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalGlobalization and Health·DateApr 17, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Progressive neurodegenerative disorder linked to R-loop formation

Researchers at UC Davis identified an association between the progressive neurodegenerative disorder fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) and the formation of R-loops, which may be associated with the disorder's neurological symptoms. The study suggests that R-loops could be potential targets for drug development.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateApr 17, 2014

Novel stapled peptide nanoparticle combination prevents RSV infection, study finds

Researchers developed novel double-stapled peptides that inhibit RSV in cells and mice, and when delivered with nanoparticles, showed significant inhibition of RSV infection. The therapy has potential to prevent and treat RSV infection in high-risk groups such as infants, young children, and the elderly.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 17, 2014

Wireless power transfer achieved at 5-meter distance

Researchers at KAIST developed a new system for wireless power transfer with an extended range of up to 5 meters, making it possible to charge multiple devices simultaneously. The system uses a compact and scalable design with a low Q factor, achieving higher efficiency and reliability compared to previous technologies.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Power Electronics·DateApr 17, 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.

Jump-starting natural resilience reverses stress susceptibility

Researchers found that boosting runaway neuronal activity triggers a compensatory self-stabilizing response, restoring balance and reversing depression-like behaviors. This 'homeostatic resilience' mechanism may lead to new antidepressant strategies, targeting the brain's reward circuit.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalScience·DateApr 17, 2014

Astronomers discover Earth-sized planet in habitable zone

Researchers from NASA working with the University of Notre Dame have detected an Earth-like planet, Kepler-186f, in the habitable zone of a cool star. The planet has conditions suitable for liquid water to exist on its surface, increasing the likelihood of supporting life.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalScience·DateApr 17, 2014

CU researchers discover target for treating dengue fever

Researchers at the University of Colorado School of Medicine have identified a target for treating Dengue fever and other flavivirus diseases. The team discovered that the virus produces a unique RNA molecule with an unprecedented 'knot-like' structure, making it resistant to an enzyme that normally destroys RNA.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalScience·DateApr 17, 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.

Better thermal-imaging lens from waste sulfur

Researchers have created a polymer material that can be used for quality thermal imaging, providing a potential solution for heat detection and infrared applications. The new plastic lenses are inexpensive, lightweight, and can be easily molded into various shapes.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 17, 2014

Gene variant raises risk for aortic tear and rupture

Researchers confirmed a genetic variant linked to significantly increased risk of aortic dissection or full rupture. Patients with the mutation may benefit from earlier surgical therapy before an aortic dissection occurs.

SourceYale University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 17, 2014

Call for alternative identification methods for endangered species

Researchers suggest using non-lethal techniques such as high-resolution photography and DNA sampling to identify species, avoiding harm to small populations. The goal is to balance scientific understanding with conservation concerns and minimize the impact of field collections.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalScience·DateApr 17, 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.

Distracted driving among teens threatens public health and safety

New research explores the causes of distracted driving among teens, highlighting the role of brain immaturity, technology, and peer influence. Practical recommendations include extended driver training and behavioral change programs to reduce crashes.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateApr 17, 2014

Fear of the cuckoo mafia

Scientists confirm the mafia hypothesis, which suggests that birds cooperate with parasitic birds to avoid retaliation, increasing survival rates of parasites. Host birds must learn and adapt to reject foreign eggs, while parasites use their behavior to extort hosts.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 17, 2014

Connecting sleep deficits among young fruit flies to disruption in mating later in life

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found a critical link between sleep disruption in early life and adult courtship behavior in fruit flies. The team discovered that sleep deprivation affects dopamine production, leading to impaired development of courtship circuits and altered mating behavior.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience·DateApr 17, 2014

Lab researcher discovers the green in Greenland

A team of researchers, including a scientist from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, has found evidence that ancient dirt in Greenland was cryogenically frozen for millions of years. The discovery provides insights into how major ice sheets reacted to past climate change and could inform predictions about future changes.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateApr 17, 2014

The malaria pathogen's cellular skeleton under a super-microscope

Scientists investigated the malaria pathogen's cellular skeleton using high-resolution structural biology methods. They discovered two versions of actin protein with different structures and behaviors, which may contribute to designing tailored anti-malarial medication.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Infection Research·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateApr 17, 2014
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Vitamin B3 might have been made in space, delivered to Earth by meteorites

A new analysis by NASA-funded researchers suggests that vitamin B3 could have originated from carbon-rich meteorites. The team found high levels of vitamin B3 and related molecules in eight different meteorites, which support the theory that extraterrestrial sources may have assisted the origin of life.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalGeochimica et Cosmochimica Acta·DateApr 17, 2014

Dual role: Key cell division proteins also power up mitochondria

Researchers at UC Davis have discovered that cyclin B1/Cdk1, a key cell division protein, also powers mitochondria to increase cellular energy production. This finding could lead to new therapeutic targets for cancer treatment and regenerative medicine.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateApr 17, 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.

Refining the language for chromosomes

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital propose a new Next-Gen Cytogenetic Nomenclature system to standardize chromosomal abnormality descriptions, improving clinical and research reports. The system focuses on nucleotide-level details, reducing errors and saving time in reporting.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateApr 17, 2014

Prenatal risk factors may put children at risk of developing kidney disease

A study found that low birth weight and maternal conditions like diabetes and overweight/obesity are associated with an increased risk of childhood kidney disease. Researchers suggest that modifying these factors could help protect children's kidney health and reduce the incidence of CKD.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 17, 2014

Sprifermin offers benefit for cartilage loss from knee osteoarthritis

A new study found that sprifermin (recombinant human fibroblast growth factor 18) reduces total and lateral femorotibial cartilage thickness and volume in patients with knee osteoarthritis. The treatment was shown to improve joint space width and WOMAC pain score, particularly at a dose of 100µg.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateApr 17, 2014

Adrenaline does little to increase patient's survival after cardiac arrest

Research at St. Michael's Hospital found that administering adrenaline after a cardiac arrest outside of a hospital does not improve long-term survival rates, despite its long-standing use as treatment for decades. The study suggests alternative methods such as early defibrillator use and effective CPR may be more beneficial.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalResuscitation·DateApr 17, 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.

Unraveling the 'black ribbon' around lung cancer

A Michigan State University study highlights the emotional toll of lung cancer stigma, with patients feeling guilt, self-blame, and discomfort around healthcare providers. The research aims to raise awareness among healthcare providers and develop strategies to strengthen coping skills and symptom management for affected individuals.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEuropean Journal of Oncology Nursing·DateApr 17, 2014

Long-term effects of battle-related 'blast plus impact' concussive TBI in US military

A study of US military personnel with blast plus impact concussive TBI found that those with the injury experienced high levels of overall disability and a significantly increased risk of post-traumatic stress disorders. The study also highlights the importance of considering the long-term effects of such injuries in military populations.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·DateApr 17, 2014

New state-of-the-art biotech and nanotech equipment for INRS

INRS has secured a $10 million grant from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) to acquire cutting-edge biotech and nanophotonics equipment. The new laboratories will enable researchers to develop innovative materials and technologies, improving healthcare and information technology.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·DateApr 17, 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.

Discovery could lead to novel therapies for Fragile X syndrome

Researchers discovered how Fragile X mental retardation protein affects brain cell protein production, leading to the development of potential therapies for the genetic disorder. The study identified a critical binding site on the ribosome that could be targeted by drugs.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalMolecular Cell·DateApr 17, 2014

Proteomics discovers link between muscle damage and cerebral malaria

A multidisciplinary team of scientists analyzed over 1000 proteins in more than 700 children with and without malaria. They found elevated muscle-specific proteins in plasma that could distinguish cerebral malaria from other syndromes. These findings suggest a link between muscle damage and the severity of cerebral malaria.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateApr 17, 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.

Drought and fire in the Amazon lead to sharp increases in forest tree mortality

A recent study found that severe droughts and repeated fires in the Amazon lead to high tree mortality rates, with 60% of trees dying in a single experiment. The researchers warn that climate change will exacerbate this issue, making it essential to implement policies and programs to control forest fires and prevent deforestation.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 17, 2014

Study recalculates costs of combination vaccines

Pediarix is the most cost-effective combination vaccine, but Pentacel's sales are higher due to overlooked factors. Health care providers often overlook extra immunizations required for certain vaccines.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateApr 17, 2014

The story of animal domestication retold

Recent research on large herbivore domestication reveals little control of breeding and significant gene flow, challenging traditional assumptions. This lack of genetic isolation threatens livestock diversity and survival in the face of climate change and disease.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 17, 2014

Fish consumption advisories fail to cover all types of contaminants

A recent modeling study reveals that fish consumption advisories are ineffective in reducing infant exposure to long-lived pollutants like persistent organic pollutants (POPs), with estimates suggesting only a 10-15% reduction in child exposure even for mothers who stop eating fish before pregnancy.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateApr 17, 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.

Tracking flu levels with Wikipedia

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital developed a method to estimate flu levels in the American population by analyzing Internet traffic on specific flu-related Wikipedia articles. The model performs well during severe influenza seasons and H1N1 pandemics, providing accurate near-realtime information about disease burden.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateApr 17, 2014

New pain relief targets discovered

Researchers at King's College London have identified new pain relief targets that could help chemotherapy patients who suffer from persistent pain. The discovery was made by investigating how pain occurs in nerves and found that the immune system plays a key role in causing pain.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 17, 2014

Chickens to chili peppers

Researchers have found a genetic connection between chickens and chili peppers, suggesting that the latter were domesticated around the same time as humans. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, used DNA analysis to reveal that yellow-skinned chickens became common only about 500 years ago.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 17, 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.

Study sheds light on how the immune system protects children from malaria

Researchers found that children living in malaria-endemic regions mount an immune response to infection with malaria parasites, enabling them to partially control parasite growth and avoid repeated fever. This exposure-dependent control of inflammation may have evolved to protect young children from life-threatening illness.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateApr 17, 2014

Impact of childhood bullying still evident after 40 years

Research by King's College London found that childhood bullying has a lasting impact on adults' physical and psychological health, social relationships, and well-being. Individuals who were bullied in childhood were more likely to experience depression, anxiety disorders, and lower quality of life.

SourceKing's College London·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateApr 17, 2014

Researcher looks at public perceptions around newborn testing

A study by Dr. Yvonne Bombard explores the public's perception on newborn testing, revealing concerns about freedom of choice and the danger of over-diagnosis with whole-genome sequencing. The research highlights the need for a balanced approach to screening programs that prioritize both benefits and potential harms.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalEuropean Journal of Human Genetics·DateApr 17, 2014

JCI online ahead of print table of contents for April 17, 2014

Researchers developed a double-stapled peptide that prevents RSV infection by stabilizing its structure, allowing for effective prevention in both cell culture and murine models. Additionally, intranasal and intratracheal delivery methods were found to be effective in preventing nasopulmonary infection.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 17, 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.

Five anthropogenic factors that will radically alter northern forests in 50 years

A US Forest Service study reveals that five anthropogenic factors, including urbanization, invasive species, and lack of forest management, will significantly alter northern forests over the next 50 years. The report highlights the need for proactive conservation efforts to ensure resilient and healthy forests.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Northern Research Station·JournalForest Science·DateApr 17, 2014

Structure of sodium channels different than previously believed

New research reveals a fresh understanding of the structure of sodium channels, with particular focus on the β3-subunit's role in regulating heart cell activity. The study suggests that these channels may be functionally connected, leading to more efficient action potential initiation.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateApr 17, 2014

First Earth-size planet is discovered in another star's habitable zone

Scientists discover the first Earth-size planet in the habitable zone of a different star, confirming that planets like Earth exist elsewhere. The newly discovered planet, Kepler-186f, is 10% larger than Earth and located comfortably in its star's habitable zone, where liquid water could potentially exist on its surface.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience·DateApr 17, 2014

Rapid whole-brain imaging with single cell resolution

A new high-throughput imaging method called CUBIC enables rapid whole-brain imaging at single-cell resolution, overcoming previous limitations. This allows for unprecedented insights into gene expression patterns and neural networks in the brain.

SourceRIKEN·JournalCell·DateApr 17, 2014
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

In sex-reversed cave insects, females have the penises

Researchers discovered that female cave insects, Neotrogla, have evolved elaborate penis-like organs, reversing traditional sex roles during copulation. This unique adaptation may be linked to the resource-poor environment and advantageous mating strategies.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 17, 2014