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Science News Archive April 2014 - Page 16


Page 16 of 32

Researchers develop a new drug to combat the measles

Researchers developed a novel antiviral drug to combat measles by reducing virus levels in animals. The drug also prevented animals from dying of the disease and boosted their immunity against the virus. While promising, additional research is needed before its use in humans.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 16, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

HIV+ women respond well to HPV vaccine

A clinical trial found that HIV-positive women build antibodies against HPV and experience no unusual safety issues after vaccination. The study's results counter doubts about the vaccine's effectiveness in this population, suggesting it is safe and beneficial for those with weakened immune systems.

SourceBrown University·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateApr 16, 2014

New clinical trial launched for advance lung cancer

A pioneering clinical trial will test multiple drugs simultaneously in patients with advanced lung cancer based on their genetic profile. The 'National Lung Matrix' trial aims to provide more personalized treatment options for cancer patients.

SourceCancer Research UK·DateApr 16, 2014

Theoretical biophysics: Adventurous bacteria

Researchers at LMU München develop a mathematical model that shows how Bacillus subtilis populations benefit from balancing growth and migration. By doing so, they adapt to changing environments more effectively than specialized bacteria.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 16, 2014

Scientists unlock secrets of protein produced by disease-causing fungus

Researchers have determined the structure of a protein produced by Candida albicans, a common fungal pathogen that causes yeast infections and other diseases. The discovery could lead to the development of targeted compounds to treat widespread fungal infections.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 16, 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.

Body Mass Index associated with breast cancer, regardless of body shape

A large study has found that a larger waist circumference is associated with an increased risk of postmenopausal breast cancer. However, when adjusting for body mass index (BMI), the association disappeared. The research suggests that maintaining a healthy weight, regardless of body shape, may be key to reducing breast cancer risk.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalCancer Causes & Control·DateApr 16, 2014

Scientists observe quantum superconductor-metal transition and superconducting glass

Researchers have successfully observed the quantum phase transition of a superconductor-to-metal type in a graphene-based hybrid system. The system, consisting of tin nanodisks on a graphene substrate, exhibits a sharp drop in temperature at which the spatial phase coherence is destroyed solely by quantum fluctuations.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalNature Physics·DateApr 16, 2014

Hide and seek: Revealing camouflaged bacteria

A research team discovered an interferon-induced GTPase protein family that destroys bacterial camouflage, allowing cells to recognize and eliminate Salmonella. This finding sheds light on the immune system's strategies against bacterial pathogens.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature·DateApr 16, 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.

Researchers see hospitalization records as additional tool

A study by Tufts University researchers found that comparing hospitalization records with local health data provides a more accurate way to monitor disease outbreaks. The analysis revealed that some municipalities had significantly lower surveillance-to-hospitalization ratios, indicating potential underreporting of cases.

SourceTufts University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 16, 2014

Masculine boys, feminine girls more likely to engage in cancer risk behaviors

A new study found that teenage girls who identify as feminine are more likely to use tanning beds, while boys who identify as masculine are more likely to chew tobacco. These behaviors increase the risk of cancer and can be attributed to socially constructed ideas of masculinity and femininity.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateApr 16, 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.

Multiple births don't have to be an inevitable result of fertility treatments

A new study recommends sweeping changes to policy and clinical practice to reduce the odds of multiple births after fertility treatments. By expanding insurance coverage for IVF, improving doctor-patient communications, and investing in research, fertility experts aim to minimize health risks and long-term costs associated with multiples.

SourceYale University·JournalFertility and Sterility·DateApr 16, 2014

UI named mentoring center for minority graduate students

The University of Iowa will expand and strengthen its recruitment, mentoring, educational support, and professional development programs for underrepresented minority graduate students in STEM disciplines. Colleen Mitchell, mathematics associate professor, will lead the UCEM grant project.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·DateApr 16, 2014

Radiation therapy for cervical cancer increases risk for colorectal cancer

Researchers found that women treated with radiation for cervical cancer were at higher risk of developing colon and rectal cancers, with some cases appearing up to 35 years after initial diagnosis. The study suggests new screening guidelines for young survivors, starting eight years after diagnosis.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalMedical Oncology·DateApr 16, 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.

Odd tilts could make more worlds habitable

Researchers found that pivoting planets with wobbling axes of rotation might maintain favorable conditions for life despite being far from their stars. This expands the idea of a habitable planet and where they might be found, particularly in systems with multiple gas giants.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalAstrobiology·DateApr 15, 2014

Cultivating happiness often misunderstood, says Stanford researcher

A Stanford researcher found that pursuing concretely framed goals leads to greater happiness for givers, while abstractly framed goals may bring about unrealistic expectations. This study suggests reframing prosocial goals in more specific terms can increase personal happiness.

SourceStanford University·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateApr 15, 2014

Blood test spots recurrent breast cancers and monitors response to treatment

A new blood test, cMethDNA assay, has been developed to detect advanced breast cancer and monitor its response to treatment with high accuracy. The test detected cancer DNA in the blood of patients with metastatic breast cancers up to 95% of the time, making it a promising tool for early detection and treatment monitoring.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCancer Research·DateApr 15, 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.

How mothers help children explore right and wrong

A new study published in Developmental Psychology found that mothers' conversations with their children help them understand moral missteps and develop empathy. The study showed that these conversations have a significant impact on children's understanding of themselves as moral people, capable of both good and harm.

SourceConcordia University·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateApr 15, 2014

Drought hormones measured

Researchers at Carnegie Institution have developed a new method to measure abscisic acid levels in individual plant cells, shedding light on the hormone's role in plant stress responses. This breakthrough tool has the potential to improve crop yields and inform strategies for mitigating the impacts of drought and climate change.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·DateApr 15, 2014

Lifestyle determines gut microbes

Researchers analyzed the gut microbiota of Hadza hunter-gatherers, revealing a unique microbial profile that supports their adaptation to a foraging subsistence pattern. The study found differences in gut microbiota between sexes, reflecting sexual division of labor and having implications for fertility and reproductive success.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 15, 2014

More should be done for female parolees

A study by Michigan State University criminologists highlights the challenges faced by black women on probation and parole in poor urban areas. They find that social isolation and limited access to resources hinder these women's ability to stay clean, sober, and stable.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalRace and Justice·DateApr 15, 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.

Can refined categorization improve prediction of patient survival in RECIST 1.1?

A recent analysis by the RECIST Working Group found that modeling target lesion tumor growth did not improve prediction of overall survival beyond other components of progression. The study also revealed that new lesions and non-target progressive disease were linked with worse overall survival in multivariate models.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·JournalEuropean Journal of Cancer·DateApr 15, 2014

Pharmacist-led interventions show high success rates for post-stroke care

Researchers found that pharmacist-led interventions show a significant improvement in blood pressure and cholesterol levels compared to current standard of care. Nurse-led care saw a 30% improvement, while pharmacist-led care achieved a 43% improvement in improving patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 15, 2014

Moth study suggests hidden climate change impacts

A 32-year study in Finnish Lapland found that 90% of moth species are stable or increasing, despite rising temperatures and precipitation. However, warmer temperatures reduced population growth rates, suggesting unknown ecological forces may be masking the negative effects of climate change.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateApr 15, 2014

Pre-diabetes and diabetes nearly double over the past 2 decades

Cases of diabetes and pre-diabetes in the US have nearly doubled since 1988, with obesity contributing to the surge. The burden of the disease is not evenly distributed, with higher rates among blacks, Hispanics, and the elderly.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 15, 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.

Researchers help Boston Marathon organizers plan for 2014 race

To predict finish times for nearly 6,000 runners who didn't complete the 2013 Boston Marathon, researchers developed a statistical procedure using pace data up to the last checkpoint. The KNN method proved effective in predicting completion times, and its potential use was expanded to assist with real-time predictions during the race.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 15, 2014

The human food connection: A new study reveals more about our relationship to food

A new study by David W. Taylor and Gregory J. Anderson found that consumers are willing to pay more for culturally significant crops, highlighting the importance of 'Culinary Cultural Conservation.' The research also identified key food groups, such as viandas, which are essential to recreating a sense of home.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateApr 15, 2014

Astronomers: 'Tilt-a-worlds' could harbor life

Research reveals that a planet's tilt can increase its habitability by reducing the likelihood of freezing over. The study expands the habitable zone by 10-20%, doubling the number of potentially habitable planets in the galaxy. This discovery opens up new possibilities for life beyond Earth and its neighbor planets.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalAstrobiology·DateApr 15, 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.

Casual marijuana use linked to brain abnormalities in students

A Northwestern University study reveals that casual marijuana use is associated with significant brain abnormalities in emotion and motivation regions. The degree of abnormalities is directly related to the number of joints used per week, suggesting a potential link between recreational marijuana use and negative consequences.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateApr 15, 2014

Intelligent prosthetic liners could ease pain for lower limb amputees

Researchers develop a prototype of the world's first intelligent prosthetic liner to measure pressure and pulling forces at the interface between a patient's stump and prosthesis. The device aims to provide accurate measurements for optimal socket fit, reducing pain and discomfort for amputees.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·DateApr 15, 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.

Girls' mental health suffers when romances unfold differently than they imagined

A new study reveals that for adolescent girls, having a romantic relationship play out differently than they imagined it would has negative implications for their mental health. Relationship inauthenticity increases the risk of severe depression, thoughts of suicide, and suicide attempt among girls.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateApr 15, 2014

Study finds new links between number of duplicated genes and adaptation

Scientists have discovered a correlation between the number of duplicated genes and a species' ability to adapt to novel environments. Higher numbers of these 'small-scale duplication genes' are associated with better adaptation, while lower numbers may hinder species survival.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateApr 15, 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.

Prolonged and heavy bleeding during menopause is common

A long-term study of bleeding patterns in women of multiple race/ethnicities during the menopausal transition found that prolonged and heavy bleeding is common, affecting up to 91% of participants. The research provides quantitative data on normal bleeding patterns, which can help alleviate concern and inform diagnostic approaches.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateApr 15, 2014

Changes in processing, handling could reduce commercial fishing injuries

Research from Oregon State University shows that handling frozen fish is a major cause of injuries on commercial freezer-trawlers and longliners. The study identifies specific hazards and prevention strategies to reduce injuries and fatalities in the fishing industry.

SourceOregon State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Industrial Medicine·DateApr 15, 2014

Osteoporosis risk heightened among sleep apnea patients

A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that obstructive sleep apnea raises the risk of osteoporosis, especially among women and older individuals. The study used data from Taiwan's National Health Insurance program to track 1,377 people with obstructive sleep apnea and comp...

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateApr 15, 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.

Predicting bioavailable cadmium levels in soils

Researchers found that soil pH, iron concentrations, and total cadmium levels are excellent predictors of biologically available cadmium for plants. Increasing soil acidity can also release more cadmium into the soil, while iron oxides bind it tightly.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateApr 15, 2014

Outcome of stroke worse for people with infection

A University of Manchester study reveals that infection after a stroke significantly worsens outcomes, with the immune system's response to the infection causing more damage. Researchers identified specific blood cells and molecules involved in this process, paving the way for potential anti-inflammatory therapies.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateApr 15, 2014

Potent, puzzling and (now less) toxic: Team discovers how antifungal drug works

Scientists have solved a decades-old medical mystery by understanding the mechanism of action of amphotericin, an antifungal drug that has been in use for over 50 years. The researchers found that most of the drug aggregates on the exterior of membranes, extracting sterols out of membranes like a sponge, leading to cell death.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateApr 15, 2014

Irrigated agriculture -- precious habitat for the long-billed curlew

In a recent study, scientists document the importance of irrigated agricultural crops to the Long-billed Curlew, a species of continental conservation concern. The study highlights the need for allocating water reliably to wetlands and flooded agricultural lands to support the species' survival.

SourcePoint Blue Conservation Science·JournalWestern Birds·DateApr 15, 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.

Saturn's rings reveal how to make a moon

A recent discovery in Saturn's outer A ring has provided insight into the formation of moons. The 'Peggy' object, a small icy body, may be migrating out of the ring and becoming a new moon.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalIcarus·DateApr 15, 2014

The Lancet: Functional brain imaging reliably predicts which vegetative patients have potential to recover consciousness

A new study published in The Lancet found that functional brain imaging techniques, such as PET and fMRI, can reliably predict which vegetative patients have the potential to recover consciousness. The research suggests that these techniques can complement standard behavioral assessments to identify patients with a higher chance of lon...

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 15, 2014