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Science News Archive August 2014 - Page 7


Page 7 of 31

Young children's sipping/tasting of alcohol reflects parental modeling

A new study finds that children's sipping or tasting of alcohol is more closely related to perceived parental approval than psychosocial proneness for problem behavior. This suggests that early exposure to alcohol may not necessarily lead to later problem behaviors, but rather be a result of familial cultural norms.

SourceAlcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research·DateAug 26, 2014

Study: Earth can sustain more terrestrial plant growth than previously thought

A new analysis recalculates the theoretical limit of terrestrial plant productivity, finding it is much higher than current estimates allow. This could lead to increased food production and biomass conversion, but also raises concerns about invasive species and environmental consequences.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateAug 26, 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.

Outsourcing parenthood? It takes a village AND the marketplace to raise a child

According to a new study, parents are willing to turn to the marketplace for help once they have provided a strong baseline of activities that allow them to direct care and protect their connections. Achieving this balance helps parents maintain feelings of responsibility, control, and intimacy.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateAug 26, 2014

Animals first flex their muscles

A 560-million-year-old fossil discovery in Newfoundland, Canada, has provided the oldest evidence of muscle tissue in animals. The find, named Haootia quadriformis, is a rare example of an Ediacaran animal with bundles of fibres similar to those found in modern cnidarians.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·DateAug 26, 2014

Baicalin suppresses iron accumulation after substantia nigra injury

Baicalin inhibits iron accumulation after substantia nigra injury by down-regulating divalent metal transporter 1 and increasing ferroportin 1 expression. This study suggests baicalin as a potential therapeutic agent for Parkinson's disease prevention.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateAug 26, 2014

Study finds young driver's gender linked to crash type, injury severity

A Kansas State University study analyzed data on young drivers in Kansas and found significant differences between male and female drivers. Young females were more likely to wear a seatbelt, drive on restricted licenses, and be involved in crashes at intersections and with pedestrians.

SourceKansas State University·JournalJournal of Safety Research·DateAug 26, 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.

Attacking a rare disease at its source with gene therapy

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have successfully treated lysosomal storage disease MPS I using gene therapy, reducing harmful protein accumulation and improving symptoms. The treatment involves direct gene transfer into glial and neuronal cells in the brain and spinal cord.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalMolecular Therapy·DateAug 26, 2014

Existing power plants will spew 300 billion more tons of carbon dioxide during use

A study by UC Irvine and Princeton University found that existing power plants will emit approximately 300 billion tons of carbon dioxide over their lifetimes. The emissions growth rate is around 4% per year, largely driven by the rapid expansion of coal-burning power plants in countries like China and India.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateAug 26, 2014

Common European MRSA originated in Africa

Researchers found that the European CA-MRSA clone CC80 evolved from a sub-Saharan African methicillin-sensitive ancestor. The bacteria simultaneously acquired resistance to methicillin and fusidic acid, which is thought to be due to selective pressure in North Africa and Europe.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateAug 26, 2014

Education and dog-friendly neighborhoods could tackle obesity

A University of Liverpool study recommends investing in dog owner education and facilities to reduce physical inactivity and obesity. Dog owners who walk their dogs regularly are more likely to be physically active, but lack of knowledge and access to suitable areas can hinder this.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·DateAug 26, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Ames test adapted successfully to screen complex aerosols

Researchers adapted the Ames test to assess mainstream cigarette smoke's toxicity, showing concentration-dependent mutations in bacteria. The modified test uses multiple bacterial strains and whole-smoke aerosol exposure, providing a more complete picture of the toxic profile.

SourceR&D at British American Tobacco·JournalMutation Research/Genetic Toxicology and Environmental Mutagenesis·DateAug 26, 2014

Breakthrough antibacterial approach could resolve serious skin infections

Researchers have identified a unique class of materials, known as ionic liquids, that can neutralize biofilm-forming pathogens and deliver drugs through the skin. These materials are effective at disrupting biofilms and have minimal cytotoxicity effects on human cell lines.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 26, 2014

Collaborative care improves depression in teens

A study published in JAMA found that collaborative care improved depression symptoms in teens, with more teens receiving evidence-based treatment and experiencing decreases in depressive symptoms compared to usual care. The collaborative care model integrated care for mental and physical health within a primary-care setting.

SourceGroup Health Research Institute·JournalJAMA·DateAug 26, 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.

Methadone treatment suppresses testosterone in opioid addicts

A study published in Scientific Reports found that methadone treatment significantly suppresses testosterone levels in men with opioid addiction, leading to poor quality of life and erectile dysfunction. In contrast, women using methadone for addiction treatment showed no significant change in testosterone levels.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 26, 2014

Fact or fiction: Which do moviegoers prefer?

A new study in Journal of Consumer Research found that consumers assume true events create stronger emotional reactions, but actually, the opposite is true. Consumers felt more emotionally distraught from fictional tragic stories than if they had read the true story instead.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateAug 26, 2014

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia reports on 100 recent fetal surgeries for spina bifida

The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia has reported successful results from 100 recent cases of fetal surgery for spina bifida, achieving comparable outcomes to the landmark MOMS trial. The study found improved rates of shunting and pulmonary edema, as well as shorter operative times and decreased transfusion rates.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 26, 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.

Gifts that generate gratitude keep customers loyal

A Queensland University of Technology study found that gifts and personal gestures can strengthen relationships with customers, increasing loyalty. Retailers should focus on providing personalized services and occasional 'random' perks to show they care about their customers' needs.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalJournal of Retailing and Consumer Services·DateAug 26, 2014

Social inequalities in salt consumption remain

A study published in BMJ Open found that social inequalities in salt intake have hardly changed in Britain over the last decade, despite a national average salt reduction. The research suggests that poorer households still consume more salt than higher socio-economic groups, highlighting the need to address these disparities to achieve...

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalBMJ Open·DateAug 26, 2014

A glucose meter of a different color provides continuous monitoring

Researchers developed a new continuous glucose monitoring material that changes color as glucose levels fluctuate, offering higher sensitivity and precision than current point measurements. The color-changing material is simple, low-cost to manufacture, and can be used for short-term monitoring of patients in intensive care units.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateAug 26, 2014
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.

Photon speedway puts big data in the fast lane

Scientists at Berkeley Lab and SLAC used a 'photon science speedway' to collect and analyze 114 terabytes of data on photosynthesis in just five days. The work led to new insights into how nature splits water molecules during photosynthesis, a key step towards developing artificial solar energy.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 26, 2014

Competition for graphene

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have observed ultrafast charge transfer in MX2 materials, a new family of 2-D semiconductors. The recorded charge transfer time is comparable to the fastest times for organic photovoltaics, opening up potentially rich new avenues for photonics and optoelectronics.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateAug 26, 2014

Lack of naturally occuring protein linked to dementia

Researchers at the University of Warwick found that a lack of the MK2/3 protein is linked to structural and physiological changes in the nervous system, leading to early signs of dementia. These changes restrict learning and memory formation capabilities, but not memory formation itself.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 26, 2014

New statin guidelines an improvement, Yale study shows

A Yale University study found that new national guidelines can accurately prescribe statins to patients at risk for cardiovascular disease. The research shows the new guidelines produce a modest increase in patient treatment, with only 92% of those with heavy plaque being assigned to statin therapy under the new method.

SourceYale University·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateAug 26, 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.

Organic vs. paid advertising? Inside the mind of an online browser

A new study by Columbia Business School found that consumers using less popular search terms have higher click activity and are more targetable for paid advertising. The research also showed that day of the week has no impact on click likelihood, with consumers investing more effort in products they're searching for.

SourceColumbia Business School·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateAug 25, 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.

Salmon forced to 'sprint' less likely to survive migration

Salmon that force themselves to move quickly through fast-moving water are more likely to die after passing through turbulent waters. Researchers found that burst swimming, a behavior similar to sprinting, can lead to impaired oxygen supply and increased stress metabolites in the blood.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalPhysiological and Biochemical Zoology·DateAug 25, 2014

Changes in the eye can predict changes in the brain

Researchers found retinal thinning as an early marker for frontotemporal dementia, prior to cognitive symptoms. The retina acts as a 'window to the brain,' and studying it can track changes in neurons.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateAug 25, 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.

Anticipating experience-based purchases more enjoyable than material ones

New research suggests that anticipating experiential purchases can bring more enjoyable anticipation and greater happiness. Studies show that people tend to report higher levels of happiness when thinking about future experiential purchases compared to material ones.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 25, 2014

Tilted acoustic tweezers separate cells gently

Researchers have developed a device that uses tilted-angle standing surface acoustic waves to separate cells with minimal energy. The method is gentler than traditional methods like centrifugation and can efficiently sort cells with high purity.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 25, 2014

INFORMS study shows social welfare may fall in a more ethical market

A new INFORMS study finds that increased service providers' social preferences may worsen societal outcomes due to customers paying higher prices for assured service. This occurs as profit-maximizing providers mimic uniform pricing strategies, leading to a decrease in served high-cost customers.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalMarketing Science·DateAug 25, 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.

Doctors miss opportunities to offer flu shots

Racial and ethnic minorities are less likely to get vaccinated against flu due to missed opportunities by healthcare professionals. Offering flu shots more frequently could increase adult vaccination rates to 50% or above for all groups.

SourceSpringer Science+Business Media·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateAug 25, 2014

Knee surgery shows no benefit for people with mild osteoarthritis

A new study published in CMAJ found that arthroscopic knee surgery does not provide relief for middle-aged patients with mild osteoarthritis. The research analyzed seven randomized controlled trials and concluded that the procedure may have little to no effect on short-term and long-term outcomes.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateAug 25, 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.

Key to universal flu vaccine: Embrace the unfamiliar

A new strategy for generating broadly cross-reactive antibodies has been developed against the H5N1 flu virus. Researchers found that human volunteers immunized with the H5N1 virus generated antibodies against the stem region of the viral hemagglutinin protein, which could provide protection against a variety of flu strains.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 25, 2014

Surgical complications of DBS no higher risk for older Parkinson's patients

Researchers at Duke Medicine report that implanting deep brain stimulation devices poses no greater risk of complications to older patients with Parkinson's disease. In a study analyzing over 1,750 patients, the team found that increasing age did not significantly affect overall complication rates.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateAug 25, 2014

Scientists first to grow organ in animal from cells created in lab

Researchers have grown a fully functional thymus organ from transplanted laboratory-created cells in a living animal. This breakthrough discovery could lead to new treatments for people with weakened immune systems and may also offer a way of making patient-matched T cells for cell therapies.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateAug 25, 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.

Fires in Western Australia

Fires in Western Australia have been burning for several days, consuming over 700,000 hectares of land. The complex of fires is out of control and unpredictable, with firefighters battling the blazes and protecting Cape Leveque Road.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 25, 2014

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for Aug. 26, 2014

The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends intensive behavioral counseling for overweight and obese patients with at least one additional risk factor for cardiovascular disease. This intervention helps individuals lose weight and improve their lipid levels, blood pressure, and glucose levels.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 25, 2014

Deploying exosomes to win a battle of the sexes

Male fruit flies use exosomes to reprogram female cells, making them less inclined to remate. The findings suggest that BMP signaling plays a role in regulating female behavior and may be involved in human cancers of tissues that secrete exosomes.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateAug 25, 2014

Former Hurricane Lowell finally fades away

Former Hurricane Lowell has degenerated into a remnant low pressure area, with its center located near latitude 24.7 north and longitude 127.4 west, about 1,110 miles from Baja California, Mexico.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 25, 2014

Core mechanism for root growth identified

Researchers found that auxin and PLETHORA transcription factors regulate root growth by controlling cell division, elongation, and differentiation. The study reveals a graded distribution of these factors near the root tip, enabling plants to adapt to environmental conditions.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature·DateAug 25, 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.

Expectant parents' play with doll predicts later parenting behavior

Researchers found that couples who role-played interacting with a doll during pregnancy exhibited similar behaviors towards each other when playing with their real infant. Positive interactions predicted supportive co-parenting, while negative interactions foretold conflict.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·DateAug 25, 2014

MU researchers discover protein's ability to inhibit HIV release

Researchers found that TIM-family proteins can block the release of HIV and Ebola viruses by attaching to lipids on the surface of viral particles. This discovery provides a potential approach to slow virus production and replication.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 25, 2014

Happy Camper and July fire complexes in California

The Happy Camp Complex and July Fire Complex in California have consumed over 22,670 acres, with the latter spanning 35,000 acres. Personnel are working to contain both complexes, with growth potential high due to challenging terrain.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 25, 2014