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Science News Archive December 2014


Page 3 of 28

New standards of care from the American Diabetes Association

The American Diabetes Association is recommending that all people with diabetes take either moderate or high doses of statins to prevent heart disease. The revised Standards of Medical Care also call for a less stringent diastolic blood pressure goal of 90 mmHg, up from 80 mmHg.

American Diabetes Association releases position statement

The American Diabetes Association has lowered its recommended BMI cut point for type 2 diabetes screening in Asian Americans from 25 kg/m2 to 23 kg/m2. This change is based on evidence that many Asian Americans develop the disease at lower BMI levels than other populations.

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.

Spanish TV during Franco educated children to be good citizens

A study analyzing 112 children's programs broadcast between 1958 and 1975 revealed that Spanish TV aimed to religiously and patriotically educate children. The programs also addressed social and economic issues, with a focus on liberalization after Franco's regime.

Christmas colors disguise gliding lizards in the rainforest

Research found that gliding lizards in Borneo mimic the colours of falling leaves to camouflage, using extendable gliding membranes. The study suggests that populations have evolved different coloured membranes to match their habitats, allowing them to blend in with their surroundings.

NREL demonstrates 45.7 percent efficiency for concentrator solar cell

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory has demonstrated a four-junction solar cell with a conversion efficiency of 45.7%, surpassing previous records in photovoltaic research. The new design uses lattice-mismatched materials to achieve high efficiency and is suitable for concentrator photovoltaic systems.

Research to improve bad bosses among new Waterloo projects funded

Researchers at University of Waterloo received $246,000 Insight grant to study toxic boss behavior and its impact on employees' anxiety, depression, and illness. The project aims to develop strategies for teaching supervisors to resist negative impulses and substitute positive behaviors.

Maternal supplementation with multiple micronutrients compared with iron-folic acid

A study in Bangladesh found that daily maternal supplementation with multiple micronutrients compared to iron-folic acid before and after childbirth resulted in significant reductions in preterm births (18.6 vs 21.8 per 100 live births) and low birth weight (40.2 vs 45.7 per 100 live births). However, it did not reduce infant mortality...

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Molecular mechanism behind health benefits of dietary restriction identified

Researchers at Harvard School of Public Health identify hydrogen sulfide as a key molecule responsible for the health benefits of dietary restriction, linking it to increased lifespan and protection against tissue damage. The findings suggest that restricting specific amino acids can increase H2S production, leading to these benefits.

How electrons split: New evidence of exotic behaviors

Researchers have observed electrons splitting into a magnet and an electrical charge in quasi two-dimensional magnetic materials, supporting the theory of high-temperature superconductivity. This phenomenon was previously thought to occur only in one dimension.

'July effect' does not impact stroke outcomes, according to new study

Researchers analyzed 10,319 acute ischemic strokes between July 2003 and March 2008, finding patients admitted in July had similar outcomes to those admitted any other month. The study suggests the lack of a 'July effect' may be due to the multidisciplinary nature of stroke care compensating for trainee experience.

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.

Bacteria could be rich source for making terpenes

New research at Brown University reveals that bacteria have the genetic capacity to produce terpenes, with 262 gene sequences found to code for enzymes responsible. The team used these enzymes to isolate 13 previously unknown bacterial terpenes, providing a new paradigm for discovering natural products.

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.

Study finds Facebook popularity hampers fundraising efforts

Research by an economist at the University of Warwick found a negative correlation between Facebook connections and charitable donations. People with fewer friends on Facebook raised more money for charity than those with lots of connections. Additionally, individuals who complete tougher fundraising activities generate more cash.

Activating hair growth with a little help from the skin

A new study reveals that macrophages, a type of immune cell, play a crucial role in activating hair growth by surrounding and activating skin stem cells. This discovery may lead to the development of novel treatment strategies for hair loss in humans.

Overweight teens lose weight for the right reasons, study shows

A new study published in Childhood Obesity journal found that teenagers who lose weight for their own sake tend to succeed more, with 60% citing health as the primary motive. The study suggests parents can help by modeling healthy behaviors and providing healthier options, leading to a 30-pound average weight loss.

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.

The accurate elastodynamic equations for inhomogeneous media

The study establishes form-invariance of electromagnetic, sound, and elastic wave equations without assuming relations between field variables. New locally accurate elastodynamic equations for inhomogeneous media are derived, leading to the design of perfect elastic wave rotators and cloaks.

Weight training appears key to controlling belly fat

A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health researchers found that weight training can help reduce age-related abdominal fat in healthy men. Combining weight training with aerobic activity led to the most optimal results, while aerobic exercise alone was associated with less weight gain compared to weight training.

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.

Coral reveals long-term link between Pacific winds, global climate

New research suggests that Pacific trade winds played a key role in twentieth-century climate variation, coinciding with globally warming temperatures. The study found that weaker winds allowed warming to accelerate, while stronger winds prevented it. This natural process has been linked to the current slowdown in global warming.

Cells 'feel' their surroundings using finger-like structures

Researchers discovered that filopodia, finger-like structures on cell membranes, can extend, contract, and bend in dynamic movements. A twist-based mechanism involving the actin internal 'skeleton' enables these movements, allowing cells to interact with their environment.

Universality of charge order in cuprate superconductors

Researchers have observed the universal pattern of charge order in cuprate superconductors, revealing a complex relationship between charge carriers and the formation of superconducting states. The discovery provides important insights into the phenomenon of high-Tc superconductivity.

Shedding new light on the diet of extinct animals

Scientists used magnesium isotopes to analyze the diet of living mammals in Gabon's equatorial forest. This method provides a strong basis for inferring the diet of extinct animals. The study's findings offer new insights into ancient ecosystems and interactions between organisms.

News from Dec. 23, 2014, Annals of Internal Medicine

A systematic review published in Annals of Internal Medicine suggests that blood pressure-lowering therapy can reduce stroke, cardiovascular deaths, and total deaths in patients with mild hypertension. Ambulatory monitoring may also improve the diagnostic accuracy of office screening for high blood pressure.

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.

Oregon study links physical violence, stress hormone in women

A new study found that daily fluctuations in cortisol levels are disrupted in women who experience physical violence from male partners. The researchers also found a correlation between violence and cortisol levels in women, suggesting that the HPA-axis regulatory system may be adversely influenced by violence.

Piezoelectricity in a 2-D semiconductor

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have observed piezoelectricity in a free-standing single layer of molybdenum disulfide, a potential successor to silicon. The discovery has the potential to lead to tunable piezo-materials and devices for extremely small force generation and sensing.

Intelligent façades generating electricity, heat and algae biomass

A new EU project, LaWin, aims to develop functional façades and window modules that can generate electricity, heat, and algae biomass. The project, coordinated by Jena University, will create an integrated production process for these innovative materials, with the goal of achieving an unmatched readiness to market.

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.

Bone loss drugs may help prevent endometrial cancer

Researchers found that bisphosphonate users were half as likely to develop endometrial cancer, suggesting a potential preventive effect. The study suggests that women taking bone-strengthening medications with increased endometrial cancer risk may benefit from nitrogen-form bisphosphonates.

Lightweight skeletons of modern humans have recent origin

Researchers found that modern human skeletons have significantly lower bone density than other animals and even ancient ancestors. The decrease is especially pronounced in lower limbs, suggesting a link to humans' shift from foraging to agricultural lifestyles.

Methane is leaking from permafrost offshore Siberia

Scientists have found significant methane releases at depths of 20-50 meters off the West Yamal Peninsula in Siberia. The findings suggest a smaller, more fragile seal than previously thought, and a continuous thawing process driven by geothermal heat flux.

Suppressing a protein reduces cancer spread in mice

Researchers found that decreasing CHI3L1 levels slows the spread of two different kinds of cancer to the lungs of mice. This suggests addressing dysregulation is key in fighting metastasis and may lead to new treatments, such as preventing or delaying cancer spread after surgery.

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.

Study: Industrial clusters fuel economies

A new MIT study reveals that industrial clusters across various industries drive economic growth by fostering job creation, innovation, and the formation of new industries. The research suggests that regions can improve their economic performance by investing in and extending their comparative advantage rather than chasing global hotsp...

Study links suicide risk with insomnia, alcohol use

A new study reveals a significant association between alcohol use and suicide risk among women, with insomnia symptoms playing a mediating role. The study suggests that assessing and treating specific sleep problems may help reduce suicide risk in this population.

Effects of state legislation on health care utilization for kids with concussion

A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that state concussion legislation is associated with a significant increase in healthcare utilization for children with concussions. Between 2008-2009 and 2011-2012, states with legislation saw a 92% rise in concussion-related healthcare usage, compared to a 75% increase in states without laws.

Disadvantaged men more likely to do 'women's work' reveals new study

A new study reveals that men from disadvantaged groups are disproportionately represented in low-paid, part-time jobs traditionally associated with women. The research found that disabled men are three times more likely to have a disability and be in the lowest income bracket than women.

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.

Mysteries of 'molecular machines' revealed

Researchers are developing new software to visualize molecular machines, revealing their inner workings and structures. The Phenix software uses X-ray diffraction spots to create 3-D images of protein molecules.

Using light to understand the brain

Researchers at UCL have developed a technique that combines two cutting-edge technologies to read and write electrical activity in the brain. By using flashes of light, they can both observe and control brain activity in mice, opening up new possibilities for understanding neurological conditions such as autism and dementia.

Variety is the spice of humble moth's sex life

A new study reveals the gold swift moth's intricate mating patterns and sexual positions, showcasing a 'Karma Sutra' of insect behavior. The research suggests that this complexity is an adaptation to the scarcity of mating grounds, driving the development of varied courtship strategies.

Survival rates higher in obese heart failure patients

A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that obese heart failure patients have better survival rates than normal-weight patients. Over a 10-year follow-up period, 38% of obese and 45% of overweight patients died compared to 51% of normal weight patients.

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.

Ninety-eight new beetle species discovered in Indonesia

A total of 98 new species of the Trigonopterus genus were discovered in Indonesian islands, shedding light on the region's vast insect fauna. The discovery highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect these vulnerable species from habitat changes.

Graying, but still golden

Researchers found that older adults' acquired financial knowledge and experience can compensate for declining fluid intelligence, leading to more efficient financial decision-making. The study used credit scores and cognitive tests to demonstrate the importance of crystallized intelligence in finance.

Limit imaging scans for headache? Neurosurgeons raise concerns

Recent guidelines aiming to reduce neuroimaging tests for patients with headaches may overlook diagnoses of brain tumors. Neurosurgeons warn that these limits could delay or even prevent diagnosis in up to 30% of cases, leading to delayed treatment and poorer outcomes.

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.

Guilt complex

Research suggests that highly guilt-prone people are valuable work partners who outwork colleagues, demonstrate effective leadership, and contribute to team success. However, they may avoid forming partnerships with more competent individuals to prevent feelings of guilt.

Decision 'cascades' in social networks

Researchers develop algorithm to optimize timing strategy for cascading behavior in social networks, considering individual preferences and network structure. The study reveals the importance of timing in catalyzing cascades, with effective strategies increasing likelihood of widespread adoption.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

New non-invasive method can detect Alzheimer's disease early

Researchers have developed a non-invasive MRI approach that can detect Alzheimer's disease in its earliest stages, identifying toxic amyloid beta brain toxins. The technique has the potential to improve diagnosis and treatment of the disease, which affects one out of nine people over 65.