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Science News Archive April 2014 - Page 21


Page 21 of 32

New research puts conventional theories on Titanic disaster on ice

Researchers from the University of Sheffield have challenged long-held assumptions about the Titanic's fate, revealing that the risk of icebergs is actually higher now. The study used data on iceberg locations dating back to 1913 and found that while 1912 was a significant ice year, it was not extreme in the long term.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalWeather·DateApr 10, 2014

Drug provides health benefits to diabetics with kidney disease

Atrasentan has been shown to lower albuminuria by 36% without major side effects in patients with type 2 diabetes and kidney disease. The drug also lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels, suggesting a potential benefit for patients at high risk of serious medical problems.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 10, 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.

Global poverty could be up to a third higher than reported

A new study suggests that global poverty figures could be underestimated by up to a third due to the use of an arbitrary 'dollar a day' poverty line. The research, conducted in Vanuatu, found that a more comprehensive picture of poverty takes into account basic human needs such as shelter, sanitation, and nutrition.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJournal of Sociology·DateApr 10, 2014

Yale researchers search for earliest roots of psychiatric disorders

New research sheds light on how environmental stressors affect the cells of the developing brain, leading to conditions like schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress disorder. Yale scientists discovered a single molecular trigger, HSF1, that activates in brain cells exposed to toxins, making them susceptible to neuropsychiatric disorders.

SourceYale University·JournalNeuron·DateApr 10, 2014

New report provides solution to NEET challenge in UK and abroad

A new strategy to help young people find jobs with fair wages and high-quality training has been developed by Professor Robin Simmons. The Youth Resolution concept tackles entrenched social problems, driving local growth and giving young people better career opportunities.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·DateApr 10, 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.

Scientists grow cartilage to reconstruct nose

Researchers at the University of Basel have developed a method to grow cartilage in the lab, enabling successful nose reconstruction surgery. The technique, known as tissue engineering, uses patients' own cells to create engineered cartilage that is implanted into the defect, resulting in improved functionality and cosmetic appearance.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 10, 2014

Head injuries can make children loners

A new study by Brigham Young University researchers has linked lingering brain injury from head trauma to social difficulties in children. The study found that the thickness of a specific brain region was associated with a child's social life and thinking skills.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation·DateApr 10, 2014

New towns going up in developing nations pose major risk to the poor

A new study reveals that rapid development of new towns in Asia, Africa, and Latin America exposes low-income workers to natural disasters, diseases, and health risks. The research highlights the need for urban planners to consider the needs of poor communities when designing these cities.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalHabitat International·DateApr 10, 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.

Using mathematics to beat jetlag effectively

Researchers calculate optimal schedules for thousands of situations, condensing findings into four general principles for rapid circadian shifting. An app called Entrain is available for free via the Apple store, providing a simple and mathematically optimal way to adjust across time zones.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateApr 10, 2014

Revive your smartphone in 30 seconds

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a new prototype battery that can fully charge a smartphone in under a minute, using nanodots derived from bio-organic materials. The technology increases electrode capacity and electrolyte performance, making it more efficient and eco-friendly than current battery technologies.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·DateApr 10, 2014

Brainy courage of the rainbowfish

A study published in Springer's journal Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology found that rainbowfish born in the wild are braver than those bred in captivity. The researchers suggest that fear is heightened when primarily processed by a single brain hemisphere, making lateralized fish less bold.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateApr 10, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Plants evolve ways to control embryo growth

A new study from the University of Warwick found that plant cells send specific signals to developing embryos to direct their growth and development. This discovery opens up possibilities for breeding more robust plant varieties with higher yields.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalScience·DateApr 10, 2014

Experts disagree on horses with incoordination

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen found significant disagreement among experts about the severity of horse incoordination, also known as ataxia. The study aimed to establish clearer definitions for normal and abnormal gait patterns in horses, which could lead to greater agreement among specialists.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalJournal of Veterinary Internal Medicine·DateApr 10, 2014

Researchers determine how mechanical forces affect T-cell recognition and signaling

Researchers discovered that mechanical forces play a crucial role in T-cell recognition and signaling. The study found that the magnitude, duration, frequency, and timing of force application determine the outcome of an interaction between an antigen and a TCR. This new understanding adds another dimension to interactions with T-cells.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalCell·DateApr 10, 2014

Researchers bolster development of programmable quantum computers

University of Chicago researchers created a proof-of-concept experiment to aid future development of programmable quantum computers. They replicated features of smaller, specialized computers by manipulating trillions of quantum mechanical spins in a crystal.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 10, 2014

Appearance of night-shining clouds has increased

Research using data from NASA missions and computer simulations indicates an increase in noctilucent cloud presence between 40 and 50 degrees north latitude. Temperatures at high altitudes have decreased, raising questions about climate change.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 10, 2014
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Identified epigenetic factors associated with an increased risk of developing cancer

Researchers have found epigenetic changes that increase the risk of developing cancer, which affect gene expression without altering the genes themselves. The study analyzed 3,500 tumors and identified genetic polymorphisms associated with an increased risk of cancer, highlighting DNA methylation as a key factor in the disease

SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 10, 2014

Enzyme 'wrench' could be key to stronger, more effective antibiotics

Researchers may be able to design and synthesize stronger, more adaptable antibiotics from less expensive natural compounds using a specialized enzyme. By modifying an enzyme called KirCII, scientists hope to turn it into a set of wrenches that can install different molecular pieces to create new antibiotics.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalChemistry & Biology·DateApr 10, 2014

Study resolves controversy over nitrogen's ocean 'exit strategies'

Researchers found that both denitrification and anammox are at work in the oceans, with a 70-30 ratio of nitrogen removal. The study settles a decades-long debate over how nitrogen is removed from the ocean and has real-world applications for understanding global climate and productivity.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalScience·DateApr 10, 2014

Proof that antidepressants and breastfeeding can mix

Researchers found that two-thirds of women on antidepressants stopped breastfeeding after pregnancy, while one-third continued with successful outcomes. The health benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and children far outweigh any potential risks from medication.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·DateApr 10, 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.

Enzyme revealed as promising target to treat asthma and cancer

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center have identified SGK1 enzyme as a potential target for treating asthma and boosting the effects of certain cancer therapies. The enzyme's role in regulating immune system T cells suggests that blocking it could inhibit asthma symptoms and enhance cancer treatment.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Immunology·DateApr 10, 2014

Laboratory-grown vaginas implanted in patients, scientists report

Researchers have successfully implanted laboratory-grown vaginal organs in four teenage girls with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome, achieving normal function and structure over eight years post-surgery. The treatment shows promise for patients requiring vaginal reconstructive surgeries or those with vaginal cancer or injuries.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 10, 2014

Health of ecosystems on US golf courses better than predicted

Researchers found that improved turf management practices on US golf courses enhance biodiversity and provide a habitat for stream salamanders. Simple management practices such as retaining woody debris and leaf litter can make a significant ecological difference.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalLandscape and Urban Planning·DateApr 10, 2014

For sick, elderly patients, surgical decision making 'takes a village'

A multidisciplinary team approach can help patients make informed decisions about surgery, considering medical treatment options, risks, and benefits. For the sickest elderly patients, a patient-centered treatment approach can lead to better outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 10, 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.

Researchers develop novel molecular blood group typing technique

Researchers developed a novel molecular blood group typing technique that offers blood banks the possibility of extensive screening of blood donors at a relatively low cost. This technology can reduce adverse reactions and decrease blood bank costs by facilitating support for patients undergoing long-term transfusions.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·DateApr 10, 2014

Pseudo-mathematics and financial charlatanism

The article examines how backtesting can lead to overfitting, resulting in misleadingly good results that don't translate to real-world performance. Researchers argue that few companies and researchers conduct out-of-sample testing, leading to a lack of transparency in investment strategies.

SourceAmerican Mathematical Society·JournalNotices of the American Mathematical Society·DateApr 10, 2014

New research on gigabit wireless communications

The study proposes enhanced technologies and algorithms to increase data capacity and densification in short-range wireless networks, achieving speeds of up to 7Gbps per link. Beamforming is also explored as a solution for multi-gigabit connections between base stations and users, with an adaptive algorithm reducing interference.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·DateApr 10, 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.

INFORMS awards 2014 UPS George D. Smith to MIT LGO Program

The LGO program is a two-year dual degree program that prepares students to be good practitioners of operations research through a combination of technical skills and soft skills training. The program's emphasis on practical training, including a six-month internship at an industry partner company, has earned it international recognition.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·DateApr 10, 2014

News from the Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, April 2014

A.S.P.E.N. Clinical Guidelines developed recommendations for the care of pediatric patients with intestinal failure at risk of parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease, while a prospective observational study found that feeding interruptions led to negative outcomes in critically ill patients. Intensive nutrition therapy also show...

SourceAmerican Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (A.S.P.E.N.)·JournalJournal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition·DateApr 10, 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.

Medicare's flawed adjustment methodology poor way to spend billions

A new study by Dartmouth investigators finds Medicare's current risk-adjustment methodology is flawed and ineffective in adjusting for population differences. The researchers suggest using wealth and health indices as an alternative to explain regional mortality rates, outperforming the current diagnosis-based method.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalThe BMJ·DateApr 10, 2014

Thermoelectric generator on glass fabric for wearable electronic devices

KAIST researchers developed a flexible thermoelectric (TE) generator on glass fabric that produces electricity from human body heat, overcoming the limitations of existing TE generators. The new generator is extremely light, flexible, and compact, with a self-sustaining structure that eliminates thermal energy loss.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateApr 10, 2014

Princeton, PPPL join major arms-control project

Researchers at Princeton University and PPPL are developing a unique process to verify that nuclear weapons contain true warheads. The goal is to confirm the authenticity of inspected items without revealing sensitive information.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·DateApr 10, 2014

MU researchers find rare fossilized embryos more than 500 million years old

Researchers at the University of Missouri have found fossilized embryos from the Cambrian Period, which provide clues to the origins and developmental biology of early animals. The discovery includes over 140 spherically shaped fossils, some featuring features reminiscent of division stage embryos.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Paleontology·DateApr 10, 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.

Uncovering a new angle on mental distance

A study published in Psychological Science found that people's orientation affects their perception of distance. The researchers discovered that moving in a certain direction makes places ahead feel nearer than those behind, regardless of actual distance. This phenomenon is linked to feelings of social similarity and emotional engagement.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 10, 2014

Single mothers don't delay marriage just to boost tax credit, study says

A new collaborative study by University of Wisconsin-Madison and Cornell University found that single mothers do not delay marriage to boost their tax credit. Instead, they focus on maximizing their refunds through tax filing status changes, such as claiming zero dependents.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalJournal of Policy Analysis and Management·DateApr 10, 2014

Too much protein may kill brain cells as Parkinson's progresses

A study funded by the National Institutes of Health's National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke found that mutations in the LRRK2 gene may cause excessive protein production, leading to cell death. This could provide a new target for monitoring Parkinson's disease and developing therapies.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalCell·DateApr 10, 2014

Genetic distinctness to guide global bird conservation

The study identifies the world's top 50 most evolutionarily distinct bird species, including the South American oilbird and the Christmas Island frigatebird. These species have unique genetic characteristics that make them crucial for preserving the tree of life.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 10, 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.

Paul Sally honored for impact on education

The American Mathematical Society has recognized Paul Sally's contributions to mathematics education, including the establishment of programs such as SESAME and YSP. His work with teachers and students at the precollege level has had a significant national impact.

SourceAmerican Mathematical Society·JournalNotices of the American Mathematical Society·DateApr 10, 2014

Sunlight generates hydrogen in new porous silicon

Researchers at Penn State have developed a method to manufacture porous silicon using solar energy, which can generate hydrogen from water when exposed to sunlight. The material's high surface area and nanoscale size enable it to act as an effective catalyst, aiding in the production of hydrogen gas.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 10, 2014

Recycling astronaut urine for energy and drinking water

Scientists have developed a new technique to convert astronaut urine into fuel and drinking water, reducing the waste burden in space missions. The Urea Bioreactor Electrochemical system efficiently converts urea into ammonia, which is then turned into energy with a fuel cell.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateApr 9, 2014

No compromises: JILA's short, flexible, reusable AFM probe

JILA researchers developed a new AFM probe design that improves precision and stability in picoscale force measurements. The shorter, softer probes enable rapid, precise measurements of biomolecules like proteins and DNA, allowing for the study of folding and stretching events.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalACS Nano·DateApr 9, 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.

One of the last strongholds for Western chimpanzees

A recent survey by an international research team found that Liberia's chimpanee population is one of the most viable in West Africa, with over 70% living outside protected areas. The results provide crucial information for site prioritization and conservation efforts.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalOryx·DateApr 9, 2014

GM crops under the microscope at international debate

A panel of international experts will discuss the pros and cons of genetically modified (GM) crops in improving European food security. Recent research shows that consumers are increasingly concerned about GM foods, with 11% checking labels for information on GM content.

SourceQueen's University Belfast·DateApr 9, 2014

Vigilance for kidney problems key for rheumatoid arthritis patients

Researchers found that rheumatoid arthritis patients have a 1 in 4 chance of developing chronic kidney disease over a 20-year period, compared to the general population's 1-in-5 risk. Patients should work to keep blood pressure under control and avoid medications damaging to the kidneys.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalAmerican Journal of Kidney Diseases·DateApr 9, 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.

Study confirms impact of clinician-patient relationship on health outcomes

A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that relationship-focused training had a small but statistically significant effect on measured health outcomes in patients with conditions such as obesity and diabetes. The study suggests that a good patient-clinician relationship can produce health effects similar to some common t...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 9, 2014