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Science News Archive April 2014 - Page 25


Page 25 of 32

Graphene nanoribbons as electronic switches

Researchers have discovered conditions under which graphene nanoribbons can function as electronic switches. The study reveals that the transport gap, a critical factor for switch functionality, is inversely proportional to the ribbon's width and independent of crystallographic orientation.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateApr 8, 2014

Glucosamine promotes longevity by mimicking a low-carb diet

A recent study found that glucosamine supplementation extended the lifespan of nematode worms by 5% and ageing mice by almost 10%, promoting glucose metabolism and protection against diabetes. This effect is comparable to a low-carb diet, suggesting a potential health benefit for humans.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 8, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers measure smartphone malware infection rates

A study by University of Helsinki researchers found that smartphone malware infection rates are significantly higher than previously estimated at around 0.25%. The team collected anonymized data from over 50,000 devices during a seven-month period and developed a technique to identify devices infected with previously unknown malware.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·DateApr 8, 2014

Researchers: Permafrost thawing could accelerate global warming

A new study found that permafrost thawing leads to increased release of methane and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere via plants. The research suggests that this could accelerate global warming trends by up to five times more carbon in the atmosphere.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 7, 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.

Tropical Cyclone Peipah passes Palau, Philippines prepare

Tropical Cyclone Peipah passed Palau on April 5, weakening to a tropical depression with sustained winds near 25 knots. The storm is expected to make landfall in northeastern Mindanao before moving through the central or Visayas region.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 7, 2014

Rebar technique strengthens case for graphene

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new hybrid material by combining carbon nanotubes with graphene, resulting in improved electrical and mechanical properties. The 'rebar graphene' technique enables large, flexible, conductive sheets of graphene to be manipulated more easily, making it a potential replacement for indium ti...

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateApr 7, 2014

Fathers can lower their children's risk of going hungry by staying involved

A Rutgers University study found that nonresident father involvement is positively associated with lower food insecurity in early and middle childhood. Involvement includes time spent with the child, monetary contributions, and 'in kind' support, resulting in a 10-12% reduction in food insecurity.

SourceRutgers University·JournalSocial Service Review·DateApr 7, 2014

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for April 8, 2014

A systematic evidence review found daily low-dose aspirin can prevent preeclampsia complications by 24% and preterm birth by 14%, with no identified harms. A new approach to breast cancer research suggests reevaluating mammography screening and focusing on prevention through lifestyle changes.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 7, 2014

Movies synchronize brains

Researchers at Aalto University have developed a method to observe immediate changes in brain function during movie viewing. The study found similar brain signals in individuals watching the same movie, suggesting that the contents of the film affected certain brain functions in a similar manner.

SourceAalto University·JournalNeuroImage·DateApr 7, 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.

Green tea boosts your brain

Researchers found that green tea extract increases brain connectivity and improves working memory performance. The study suggests potential clinical applications for treating cognitive impairments in neuropsychiatric disorders like dementia.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalPsychopharmacology·DateApr 7, 2014

New ammunition in the fight against type 2 diabetes

A new study by Monash University has shown that gastric banding can lead to remission of diabetes in people who are overweight but not obese. The research, published in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology, found that weight loss surgery significantly improved the condition in over half of participants.

SourceMonash University·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateApr 7, 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.

Pancreatic cancer 'dream team' tackles baffling, deadly disease

Researchers from the University of California - San Francisco, led by Margaret Tempero, are part of a national 'dream team' working to accelerate treatment and discoveries for pancreatic cancer. The team aims to turn the deadly disease into a treatable one through targeted approaches and collaborative research.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·DateApr 7, 2014

Liverpool to develop sensors for Fukushima monitoring

Researchers at Liverpool University are developing new sensors to detect and measure nuclear radiation in the environment, aiming to locate radioactive sources with greater accuracy and sensitivity. The goal is to monitor sites, prevent releases, and support safe nuclear facility operation, with a focus on improving monitoring and cont...

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·DateApr 7, 2014

Gold nanorods attach to, kill bladder cancer cells

Researchers develop a new strategy to kill bladder cancer cells by attaching gold nanorods to EGFR proteins, which are overexpressed on these cells. The application of low-intensity laser heat the nanorods, killing the cancer cells without harming healthy tissue.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·DateApr 7, 2014

The social circuits that track how we like people and ideas

Studies show that we track people's popularity through brain regions involved in anticipating rewards and emotional evaluation. This is linked to two critical systems: reward learning and social cognition, which scale up with the popularity of an individual.

SourceCognitive Neuroscience Society·DateApr 7, 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.

Running geese give insight into low oxygen tolerance

Researchers tracked bar-headed geese's remarkable tolerance to low oxygen while exercising at top speed in simulated high altitude conditions. The study found that the birds' hearts can supply more oxygen to their muscles, suggesting adaptations for humans could prevent or treat heart attacks and stroke.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 7, 2014

NASA catches Tropical Cyclone Ita near Papua New Guinea

Tropical Cyclone Ita developed near the Solomon Islands and strengthened into a tropical storm on April 5. NASA satellite imagery revealed strong convection and thunderstorms surrounding its center of circulation near Papua New Guinea.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 7, 2014

For good and ill, immune response to cancer cuts both ways

A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that the intensity difference between an immune response that stimulates cancer and one that kills it may be minimal. This discovery challenges long-held assumptions about the role of the immune system in preventing and killing cancers.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 7, 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.

Research yields potential target for epithelial ovarian cancer treatment

Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center have identified FAK as a potential target for epithelial ovarian cancer treatment. By inhibiting the activity of FAK, they found that STAT3 activation was reduced, suggesting that targeting this enzyme could also inhibit the action of STAT3 in epithelial ovarian cancer cells.

SourceFox Chase Cancer Center·DateApr 7, 2014

Severe obesity on the rise among children in the US

A new study found all classes of obesity in US children have increased over the last 14 years, with more severe forms of obesity rising significantly. The study analyzed data from 26,690 children ages 2-19 and found 17.3% were obese in 2011-2012.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateApr 7, 2014

Studies reveal more clues on how pregnancy protects against breast cancer

Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center have uncovered new insights into the genetic mechanisms that protect against breast cancer during pregnancy. By analyzing the genetic activity of women who had and had not given birth, scientists identified differences in gene expression related to cell differentiation and breast anatomy development.

SourceFox Chase Cancer Center·DateApr 7, 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.

Personal touch signature makes mobile devices more secure

A new security system called LatentGesture continuously monitors how a user taps and swipes their mobile device, recognizing differences from the owner's tendencies. The system achieved nearly 98% accuracy on smartphones and 97% accuracy on tablets, making it an effective tool for enhancing mobile device security.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateApr 7, 2014
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Southwestern bird and reptile distributions to shift as climate changes

Climate change is forecasted to alter the distribution of southwestern bird and reptile species in the Western United States. The study predicts that nearly half of all reptile species will experience significant distribution losses, including the iconic chuckwalla. In contrast, black-throated sparrows and gray vireos are projected to ...

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·DateApr 7, 2014

Slowdown of global warming fleeting

Researchers at Penn State have redefined the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO), finding that its true signal was likely in a cooling phase in recent decades. This shift may have offset some of the anthropogenic warming, resulting in a temporary slowdown in global warming.

SourcePenn State·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 7, 2014

Tissue testing during breast cancer lumpectomies

The Mayo Clinic uses frozen section analysis during breast cancer lumpectomies, sparing patients the need for repeat surgeries in 96% of cases. This technique significantly lowers the 30-day reoperation rate from 13.2% nationally to 3.6% at Mayo.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalSurgery·DateApr 7, 2014

From athletes to couch potatoes: Humans through 6,000 years of farming

Research suggests that humans became less mobile and physically active after the transition to agriculture in Central Europe around 5300 BC. Male bones show a decline in strength and rigidity, indicating reduced mobility and heavy physical work, while female bones exhibit more inconsistent trends.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·DateApr 7, 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.

Drink milk? Women who do may delay knee osteoarthritis

New research suggests that women who frequently consume fat-free or low-fat milk may reduce the progression of knee osteoarthritis. The study found that joint space width decreased by 0.38mm, 0.29mm, and 0.26mm in women with increasing milk intake.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateApr 7, 2014

Viewpoint offers details of BRAIN Initiative

The BRAIN Initiative aims to map all cell types in the brain, develop methods for large-scale recordings of neuronal activity, and advance computational methods to understand patterned neural activity. The ultimate goal is to shed light on disease processes and suggest new therapeutic approaches.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateApr 7, 2014

Well-known cancer gene NRAS produces 5 variants, study finds

A new study from Ohio State University found that the NRAS gene produces five different variants, rather than just one original form, which may help improve cancer treatment. The discovery of these variants could lead to the development of more effective drugs targeting the NRAS pathway.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 7, 2014

New SU2C-Lustgarten Foundation Pancreatic Cancer Convergence Dream Team announced

The SU2C-Lustgarten Foundation Pancreatic Cancer Convergence Dream Team aims to develop new therapies using patients' own immune cells to treat pancreatic cancer. The team, led by experts in various institutions, will focus on understanding the tumor microenvironment and developing therapeutic agents to eliminate barriers to treatment.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateApr 7, 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.

Trees go high-tech: Process turns cellulose into energy storage devices

Researchers at Oregon State University have discovered a way to convert cellulose from trees into nitrogen-doped nanoporous carbon membranes, used in high-power energy storage devices called supercapacitors. This single-step reaction could enable mass production of these devices at lower cost.

SourceOregon State University·JournalNano Letters·DateApr 7, 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.

Beans, peas, lentils can significantly reduce 'bad cholesterol' and risk of heart disease

A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that eating just 1 serving of legumes daily can significantly reduce LDL cholesterol by 5%. This reduction may lead to a 5% lower risk of major vascular events. The authors suggest that increasing pulse intake is a reasonable and beneficial dietary change.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 7, 2014

Organic solar cells more efficient with molecules face-to-face

Researchers at NC State University found that organic solar cell efficiency improves when donor and acceptor molecules are aligned face-on, rather than edge-on. This alignment enables favorable charge transfer interactions, reducing recombination and increasing power generation.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Photonics·DateApr 7, 2014

Exploring the genetics of 'I'll do it tomorrow'

Research published in Psychological Science found that procrastination and impulsivity are genetically linked, with a complete genetic overlap between the two traits. This suggests that procrastination may be an evolutionary byproduct of impulsivity, manifesting itself more in modern times.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 7, 2014

Scientists identify part of brain linked to gambling addiction

Research published in PNAS identifies the insula as a key brain region disrupted in individuals with gambling addiction. The study reveals that problems gamblers are more susceptible to cognitive distortions, such as the gambler's fallacy, due to insula hyperactivity.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 7, 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.

Energizing sick mitochondria with vitamin B3

Researchers at the University of Helsinki found that vitamin B3 form, nicotinamide riboside, can delay the signs of mitochondrial myopathy in animal models. The treatment increased mitochondrial mass and function, curing structural abnormalities and providing a potential therapeutic approach for adult-onset mitochondrial muscle diseases.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateApr 7, 2014

Antibiotic resistance enzyme caught in the act

Scientists have discovered the atomic-scale mechanism of action for NpmA, an enzyme that imparts chemical changes to bacterial ribosomes, making them resistant to aminoglycoside antibiotics. This finding poses a significant threat to public health, but also reveals potential targets for developing new drugs.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 7, 2014

Next-generation glaucoma therapeutics hold considerable promise

Researchers explore new approaches to managing intraocular fluid buildup in the trabecular meshwork, a key structure controlling eye pressure. The development of next-generation glaucoma therapies aims to improve treatment options for those at risk of glaucoma.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics·DateApr 7, 2014

Research to analyze price controls on medication

Researchers from Universidad Carlos III de Madrid find that price controls can increase efficiency and lower prices for generic medicines. The study suggests alternative instruments to direct regulation, promoting competition and transparency.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·DateApr 7, 2014
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Parental obesity and autism risk in the child

A recent study found that paternal obesity may be a greater risk factor for autism spectrum disorder in children than maternal obesity. The research analyzed data from over 90,000 Norwegian children and found a doubled risk of developing autism if the father was obese compared to a normal-weight father.

SourceNorwegian Institute of Public Health·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateApr 7, 2014

Feelings of failure, not violent content, foster aggression in video gamers

A new study reveals that feelings of failure and frustration during video game play are the primary causes of aggression, not violent content. The research found that players' experiences of mastering a game's controls and degree of difficulty led to frustration and hostility.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateApr 7, 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.