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Science News Archive August 2014


Page 17 of 31

Scientists discover interstellar stardust

A new study reveals seven tiny pieces of interstellar dust found in samples collected by the Stardust Interstellar Dust Collector, which traveled through space and returned to Earth in 2006. The discovery allows researchers to study contemporary stardust for the first time on Earth.

NASA satellite spots a weakening Karina, now a tropical storm

Hurricane Karina's vertical wind shear was evident in NASA imagery captured on August 14, with clouds being pushed to the western side of the storm. The National Hurricane Center predicts further weakening over the next two days as Karina moves over sea surface temperatures near 26C.

Human milk fat improves growth in premature infants

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have successfully incorporated a cream supplement into premature infants' diets, improving their growth outcomes in the NICU. The study found that adding human milk fat to an exclusive human milk diet enhanced weight and length gain in premature babies, indicating improved lean mass growth.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New study takes the shine off magpie folklore

A new study from the University of Exeter challenges traditional views on magpie behavior, finding that these birds are not attracted to shiny objects. Instead, they exhibit neophobia, or fear of new things, when encountering novel and unfamiliar items.

Guidelines can predict early menopause in child cancer survivors

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have validated a set of guidelines that identify girls with cancer most likely to enter early menopause. These criteria will help select patients for ovarian tissue freezing, potentially allowing young cancer survivors to have children in the future.

Follow that cell

The NIH Follow that Cell Challenge seeks tools to monitor a cell's behavior and function over time, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and improved therapies for diseases. The challenge aims to generate creative ideas and methods for following a single cell's behavior, using multiple integrated measures.

Environment and health experts commit to actions on climate change

More than 500 delegates from 62 countries have issued a call to action to address the impacts of climate change on human health and the global environment. The ecohealth community has developed a vision and commitment to action that will bring together existing efforts to respond to climate change.

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.

New ways to treat solid tumors

Researchers have found that an antibody against EphA3 can slow tumour growth and kill cancer cells by disrupting blood vessels and the tumour micro-environment.

Utility of sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) markers

SRAP markers exhibit high variability and are less technically demanding than traditional methods, making them suitable for various research fields including plant systematics, biogeography, conservation, and ecology. The new study suggests that these markers will be useful when paired with next-generation sequencing technologies.

Low vitamin D levels linked to increased risks after noncardiac surgery

Patients with low vitamin D levels are at increased risk of death and serious complications after noncardiac surgery. Higher vitamin D concentrations were associated with decreased odds of in-hospital mortality/morbidity, but the association was only statistically significant for cardiovascular complications.

Incentives, innovation and growth

The Lindau Meeting on Economic Sciences brings together Nobel laureates and young economists to discuss the scope of incentives, innovation, and growth. The meeting will explore how to encourage mass flourishing and dynamism in economics.

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.

'Science' features PRB, WSU, DMC advances in preterm birth

Researchers at PRB, WSU, and DMC identify preterm labor as a syndrome caused by multiple disease states, including silent infections and maternal anti-fetal rejection. Studies show that administering vaginal progesterone can reduce preterm birth rates by 45%, highlighting potential therapeutic interventions.

Credit allocation among researchers determined by new algorithm

A new algorithm developed by Hua-Wei Shen helps accurately allocate credit to researchers based on their contributions. The algorithm, which has been tested on 63 Nobel prize-winning papers, found that authors deserving of the most credit corresponded to the Nobel laureate in 81% of cases.

Stronger drunk driving laws lead to safer roads: Study

A new study by the University of British Columbia found that changes to B.C.'s impaired driving laws reduced fatal crashes by 21%, hospital admissions by 8% and ambulance calls by 7.2%. The study attributes these reductions to stricter penalties for impaired driving.

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.

Charges for blood tests vary across California hospitals

A UCSF study found significant price differences in common blood tests across California hospitals, with prices ranging from $35 to $7,303. Hospital ownership and teaching status explain some variation, but factors like location and labor costs do not.

Bats bolster brain hypothesis, maybe technology, too

New research suggests that bats' brains use the temporal binding hypothesis to focus on targets in cluttered scenes, which could inspire new navigation technology. By studying bat echolocation, scientists have developed a better understanding of how to design radar and sonar systems for real-time performance.

TUM researchers develop defense against cyberattacks

Researchers at TUM developed TCP Stealth, a free software that inhibits identification of systems through Hacienda and similar cyberattack software. The software uses secret tokens to protect against remote control of servers worldwide.

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.

Do gut bacteria rule our minds?

Researchers found that gut bacteria can sway food choices by releasing signaling molecules into the gut, influencing physiological and behavioral responses. The microbiome's diversity of interests can be manipulated through diet and supplement changes, offering a tractable approach to obesity and unhealthy eating.

The beetle's white album

Researchers discovered that beetle scales scatter light efficiently to achieve ultra-whiteness, using a complex network of chitin filaments. This finding could lead to brighter, whiter materials for paper, plastics, and paints while reducing material usage.

Reduced testosterone tied to endocrine-disrupting chemical exposure

A new study found an inverse relationship between phthalate exposure and testosterone levels in various populations, including boys ages 6-12 and men and women ages 40-60. Increased phthalate concentrations were associated with a decline in testosterone levels, potentially impacting reproductive development and sexual function.

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.

The Lancet: European Society of Cardiology Congress media alert

Research highlights the effectiveness of blood pressure-lowering treatment based on cardiovascular risk, as well as the importance of predicted baseline risk equations. Additionally, studies investigate the use of bivalirudin versus heparin in percutaneous coronary intervention and implant-based multiparameter telemonitoring for heart ...

Workaholism: The addiction of this century

A recent study from the University of Bergen found that 8.3 percent of the Norwegian workforce is addicted to work, with no differences between men and women. The study used a nationally representative sample of 2,160 participants and identified seven criteria to measure work addiction.

Study: Brain imaging shows brain differences in risk-taking teens

Research at the Center for BrainHealth found that risk-taking teens exhibit hyperconnectivity between the amygdala and prefrontal cortex, indicating an imbalance in emotional regulation. This imbalance may be associated with increased activity in the nucleus accumbens, a center linked to reward sensitivity.

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.

PTSD can develop even without memory of the trauma

Researchers found that rats with no explicit memory of an early childhood trauma developed PTSD symptoms, highlighting the importance of non-articulated brain processes in distress. This study challenges traditional views on PTSD treatment by emphasizing the role of physiologic arousal and other forms of learning.

Potential drug therapy for kidney stones identified in mouse study

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have identified a potential new class of drugs, histone deacetylase inhibitors, that can dissolve kidney stones by reducing calcium and magnesium levels in the urine. The study shows promising results using small doses of two specific drugs, Vorinostat and trichostatin A.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Newborns' genetic code sends infection distress signal

Researchers have identified a 52-character biological signal specific to bacterial infection in newborns' DNA, enabling early detection and diagnosis. This breakthrough could lead to the development of a single-drop blood test, limiting antibiotic overuse and tackling drug resistance.

New technology offers insight into cholesterol

Researchers have discovered a key enzyme involved in O-glycosylation of LDLR, a receptor protein responsible for absorbing bad cholesterol. The study provides new insights into the functional impact of glycosylation on cholesterol levels.

Message to parents: Babies don't 'start from scratch'

Researchers at the University of Adelaide found that a child's future health is shaped by more than genetic material. Stored environmental factors in eggs and sperm can influence development, leading to a higher risk of metabolic diseases, anxiety, and immune dysfunction.

Single enzyme is necessary for development of diabetes

Researchers discover that 12-lipoxygenase (12-LO) enzyme promotes pre-diabetes and diabetes by causing oxidative stress in pancreatic cells. The study shows that a high-fat diet leads to the production of harmful molecules, ultimately damaging the cell's ability to produce insulin.

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.

New Milky Way maps help solve stubborn interstellar material mystery

A team of astronomers has created new maps of the interstellar medium in the Milky Way, revealing clues about the composition and distribution of mysterious complex molecules. The findings could provide insights into how stars form and the conditions that lead to their creation.

Food allergies more widespread among inner-city children

A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that nearly one in ten inner-city children has a food allergy, with breastfed kids and high exposure to endotoxin being potential risk factors. The study also highlighted a subgroup of children with higher-than-average allergy risk.

Laser makes microscopes way cooler

Researchers at Australian National University developed a technique to cool nanowire probes with lasers, increasing their sensitivity 20 times and enabling detection of tiny forces. This could improve the resolution of atomic force microscopes, measuring nanoscopic structures and molecular interactions.

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.

People fake to look authentic on social media

Researchers at Aalto University found that users fake parts of their online image to be accepted by others. Despite this, sharing authentic content is often hindered by a fear of being perceived as excessive or attention-seeking. This paradox highlights the complexities of presenting an authentic image on social network sites.

RNA-targeted drug candidate for Lou Gehrig's disease found

Researchers have identified a small molecule capable of interrupting the disease process in cells carrying the C9ORF72 gene, a variant associated with ALS and FTD. The compound selectively targets abnormal RNA molecules, reducing their accumulation and potentially serving as a biomarker for clinical trials.

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.

Freeways as fences, trapping the mountain lions of Los Angeles

Researchers found that mountain lions in the Santa Monica Mountains have dangerously low genetic diversity due to near complete isolation by freeways. Only one young lion successfully dispersed into the area over a decade, highlighting the need for increased connectivity.

Inside the cell, an ocean of buffeting waves

The cytoplasm of mammalian cells is actually an elastic gel that creates random waves due to energetic processes in the cell. This new understanding provides a snapshot of the metabolic state of the cell and raises questions about cellular dynamics.

Aspirin may slow recurrence in breast cancer patients

Researchers found that patients taking COX2 inhibitors, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, had a lower breast cancer recurrence rate compared to those not taking these medications. This reduced the risk of ERα positive breast cancer by 50% and extended disease-free periods by more than two years.

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.

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.

Scientists fold RNA origami from a single strand

Researchers create RNA origami structures by encoding folding recipes into single-strand RNAs, allowing for self-folding and organization of molecules on the nanoscale. The method has potential applications in cellular engineering, biochemical factories, and molecular scaffolds.