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Science News Archive December 2014 - Page 10


Page 10 of 28

Firearm violence trends in the 21st century

Suicides among white males have increased by 29.1% since 2006, accounting for nearly half of firearm-related deaths in 2012. Homicide rates among black men and women peak in early adulthood before falling steadily thereafter.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalAnnual Review of Public Health·DateDec 16, 2014

Study hints at antioxidant treatment for high blood pressure

A study by University of Houston researchers suggests that activating intrinsic antioxidant pathways, such as Nrf2, could protect the kidney dopamine system and maintain normal blood pressure. The study's findings have significant implications for understanding and treating hypertension and other diseases related to oxidative stress.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateDec 16, 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.

Two University of Houston scientists named to National Academy of Inventors

University of Houston faculty members Allan Jacobson and Richard Willson have been named fellows of the National Academy of Inventors for their work on lithium batteries, catalysts, and nanotechnology. They are recognized for their innovations in areas such as patents and licensing, innovative discovery, and significant impact on society.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateDec 16, 2014

Pitt team publishes new findings from mind-controlled robot arm project

A woman with quadriplegia used her thoughts to control a prosthetic arm and hand, achieving 10-degree brain control and grasping various objects. The study's findings indicate that highly coordinated movement can be restored to people with paralyzed arms and hands.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·DateDec 16, 2014

Meth users face substantially higher risk for getting Parkinson's disease

Researchers found that methamphetamine users are three times more likely to develop Parkinson's disease than non-users, with women facing nearly five times the risk. The study suggests long-term effects of meth use may manifest years after initial use, leading to increased incidence in women.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateDec 16, 2014

Archaeologists awarded Templeton, NEH grants for research at Cahokia Mounds

Researchers Susan Alt and Timothy R. Pauketat have been awarded $640,000 in grants to continue their study of Cahokia Mounds, uncovering new insights into the history of civilizations. The projects focus on the role of religion in organizing complex societies, with a emphasis on archaeology, anthropology and cultural innovation.

SourceIndiana University·DateDec 16, 2014

Men in recovery from Ebola should wear condoms for at least 3 months

A new study recommends that men in recovery from Ebola wear condoms for at least 3 months to prevent the sexual transmission of the virus. The researchers found that the virus persisted in semen for an average of 66.6 days, highlighting the need for further research into male survivors of Ebola.

SourceSAGE·JournalReproductive Sciences·DateDec 16, 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.

Social connections keep workers on board

A new study found that some employees respond positively to change in the workplace by implementing new methods or techniques, coaching team members, or establishing new goals. Experts say organizations should review their recruitment and selection processes to ensure compatibility between employees' values and work environment.

SourceMonash University·JournalJournal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology·DateDec 16, 2014

Domestic abuse may affect children in womb

Research by Michigan State University scientists reveals a strong link between mothers' prenatal domestic abuse and postnatal trauma symptoms in their children. The study found that prenatal abuse can cause changes in the mother's stress response systems, leading to increased cortisol levels in the fetus.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalChild Abuse & Neglect·DateDec 16, 2014

Political extremists may be less susceptible to common cognitive bias

A study published in Psychological Science found that people with extreme political beliefs are less influenced by outside information and more resistant to the anchor bias, suggesting they make more confident judgments. The results suggest that political extremists' strong belief in the superiority of their ideology may be a key factor.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 16, 2014

A beetle named Marco Polo

A team of Chinese and Italian scientists have discovered a new species of blister beetle, Hycleus marcipoli, part of the understudied phaleratus group. The name 'Marco Polo' pays tribute to the collaboration during Ph.D. studies between China and Italy.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateDec 16, 2014

Stay complex, my friends

Researchers found that long-lasting hosts evolved more complex defenses against parasites, providing a survival advantage. The study used the Avida platform to model co-evolution between host and virus, revealing a surprising large proportion of 'switching' mutations in co-evolved hosts.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateDec 16, 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.

Depression in dementia more common in community care, study finds

A study of 414 people with severe dementia and their carers found that depression was more prevalent in community-dwelling individuals (37%) compared to those in care homes (23%). The research suggests that better support for carers could help identify and cope with depressive symptoms in dementia patients.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalInternational Psychogeriatrics·DateDec 16, 2014

OU professors named fellows of National Academy of Inventors

OU professors Dr. Daniel Resasco and Dr. Paul Weigel have been named fellows of the National Academy of Inventors for their innovative contributions to fields like chemical engineering and biochemistry. Their research has led to significant advancements in industries such as energy, healthcare, and biotechnology.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·DateDec 16, 2014

Burg recognized as National Academy of Inventors fellow

Karen Burg, Kansas State University's vice president for research, has been named a National Academy of Inventors fellow for her groundbreaking work in bioengineering. Her research focuses on absorbable polymers, biofabrication, and tissue engineering, with applications in breast cancer treatment.

SourceKansas State University·DateDec 16, 2014

Personality outsmarts intelligence at school

Research at Griffith University found that personality is more important than intelligence for achieving academic success. Conscientiousness and Openness are key personality factors influencing academic performance.

SourceGriffith University·JournalLearning and Individual Differences·DateDec 16, 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.

Zhang receives CAREER Award from National Science Foundation

Zhang will study synthetic regulatory systems to improve productivity in metabolic pathways with a $605,000 NSF grant. His research aims to create artificial biosystems for efficient production of biofuels and other chemicals from sustainable resources.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·DateDec 16, 2014

Season's eatings

Michigan State University researcher Kelly Klump found a link between women's monthly hormonal changes and intensified body obsession, increasing the risk of eating disorders. The study suggests that cultural perceptions of increased food intake as negative can be detrimental, particularly during holidays.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalInternational Journal of Eating Disorders·DateDec 16, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Receptor may be key to treating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

A team of researchers found that inhibiting the intestinal farnesoid X receptor with drugs like tempol and antibiotics can prevent nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in mice. This discovery highlights the complex role of gut microbes in human health and potential targets for treating metabolic disorders.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 15, 2014

Massive study provides first detailed look at how Greenland's ice is vanishing

A massive study provides the first detailed look at how Greenland's ice is vanishing, revealing that current ice sheet modeling studies are too simplistic to accurately predict future changes. The research suggests that the Greenland Ice Sheet may lose ice more rapidly in the near future than previously thought.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 15, 2014

Researchers generate tunable photon-pair spectrum using room-temperature quantum optics silicon chip

A team of researchers at the University of California, San Diego, has developed a silicon chip that can emit and control quantum light at room temperature. The device uses Spontaneous Optical Nonlinear Mixing to generate entangled photon pairs, which can be tuned over a wide range of Schmidt numbers for specific quantum optic properties.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 15, 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.

A novel tool to study life-threatening arrhythmias: A genetically engineered pig

Researchers at NYU Langone Medical Center developed a genetically engineered pig model to study inherited arrhythmic syndrome, shedding light on the mechanisms of lethal arrhythmias. The model may lead to the development of better treatments for life-threatening arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 15, 2014

New colorectal cancer risk factor identified

A study published in Genetic Testing and Molecular Biomarkers found that specific variations in the ADIPOQ gene may increase or decrease colorectal cancer risk. The research suggests that these genetic variations interact with environmental factors, such as red meat intake, to affect cancer risk.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalGenetic Testing and Molecular Biomarkers·DateDec 15, 2014

UTMB study finds that Hispanic women less likely to survive endometrial uterine cancer

A recent UTMB study found that Hispanic women in the US were significantly less likely to survive endometrial uterine cancer compared to non-Hispanic white women. The study analyzed data from 69,764 women diagnosed between 2000 and 2010 and found that minority patients tend to be diagnosed with more aggressive cancer.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalGynecologic Oncology·DateDec 15, 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.

Less than half of parents think their 18-year-olds can make a doctors appointment

According to a Michigan Medicine study, many parents struggle to believe their children can manage their own health care at age 18. The National Poll on Children's Health found that 69% of parents think adolescents should stop seeing child-focused providers by this age. However, only 30% reported their teens having made the transition.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateDec 15, 2014

War metaphors for cancer hurt certain prevention behaviors

A new study by University of Michigan researchers suggests that using war metaphors to describe cancer can have a negative impact on prevention behaviors. Participants who were exposed to such language were less likely to consider limiting unhealthy habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateDec 15, 2014

Climate policy pledges are an important step forward but fall short of 2°C

The study assesses major economies' greenhouse gas emissions under different scenarios. It finds that current pledges lead to earlier emission peaking and less warming than without these policies, but not sufficient for the 2°C target. Financial support of $100-150 billion/year by 2030 could achieve efficiency in reducing emissions.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature Climate Change·DateDec 15, 2014

Molecular 'hats' allow in vivo activation of disguised signaling peptides

In a breakthrough study, researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a technique to activate biomaterials containing peptide signaling molecules using ultraviolet light. By designing molecular 'hats' that shield the peptides from recognition by cells, they can deliver drugs or particles with their signal in the 'off' ...

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateDec 15, 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.

Joslin discovery may hold clues to treatments that slow aging

Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center used C. elegans to identify a new path that could lead to drugs to slow aging and chronic diseases, and might even impact cosmetics. Production of collagen and other ECM components plays a key role in longevity, suggesting agents promoting tissue remodeling might slow aging in humans.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalNature·DateDec 15, 2014

If cells can't move ... cancer can't grow

Researchers at Centenary Institute used a super-resolution microscope to study the role of DPP9 in cell movement. They found that inhibiting this enzyme can slow down living cancer cells and prevent tumors from growing or spreading.

SourceCentenary Institute·JournalBiochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular Cell Research·DateDec 15, 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.

Even expectant dads experience prenatal hormone changes

Expectant dads experience prenatal hormone changes, with men showing significant declines in testosterone and estradiol levels. The study suggests that impending fatherhood may trigger hormonal shifts in partners, which could impact postpartum behavior and adjustment.

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Biology·DateDec 15, 2014

Squid supplies blueprint for printable thermoplastics

A team of Penn State researchers has developed a thermoplastic material from squid protein, which can be used in 3D printing and has tunable properties for medical or cosmetic applications. The semi-crystalline thermoplastic exhibits high tensile strength and is a wet adhesive.

SourcePenn State·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateDec 15, 2014

Attitudes to climate change depend on people's sense of belonging to the planet

People with a stronger global sense of place are more likely to accept that climate change is caused by human activities and perceive it as an opportunity for society, rather than a threat. This study, led by the University of Exeter, found a significant link between global place attachments and climate change attitudes.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·DateDec 15, 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.

Yoga has the potential to reduce risk factors of cardiovascular disease

Yoga has been shown to improve cardiovascular risk factors, reducing body mass index, systolic blood pressure, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, while increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The practice also provides stress-reducing benefits comparable to aerobic exercise.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateDec 15, 2014

Back to future with Roman architectural concrete

Researchers at Berkeley Lab discover that Roman volcanic ash-lime mortar binds fragments with a durable calcium-alumino-silicate mineral, preventing microcracks from propagating and preserving cohesion. This finding has significant environmental advantages over modern Portland cement-based concretes.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 15, 2014

Skipping meals increases children's obesity and cardiometabolic risk

A Finnish study found that skipping main meals is linked to excess body fat and increased cardiometabolic risk in children as young as 6-8 years old. Children who ate more protein and had uncontrolled eating behavior were also more likely to have excess body fat.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalEuropean Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateDec 15, 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.

Hidden movements of Greenland Ice Sheet, runoff revealed

Scientists using NASA data have produced a comprehensive study of the Greenland Ice Sheet's hidden plumbing and melt water flow. The research suggests that current ice sheet modeling is too simplistic to accurately predict future ice loss, and may underestimate contributions to sea level rise.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 15, 2014

To know the enemy

A recent study published in the journal genesis reveals an intact Hox cluster in the Crown of Thorns starfish, which is a surprising result given the relatively disorganized clusters found in sea urchins. This finding has implications for understanding evolutionary-developmental biology and may suggest new methods for mitigating damage...

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·Journalgenesis·DateDec 15, 2014

Sheila E. Blumstein awarded Silver Medal in Speech Communication

Sheila E. Blumstein received the Silver Medal in Speech Communication from the Acoustical Society of America for her work on how acoustic signals are transformed into linguistic representations. She has made significant contributions to our understanding of speech processing and neural systems.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateDec 15, 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.

Female sexual arousal: Facilitating pleasure and reproduction

A new review critically examines the relationship between genital anatomy, sexual arousal, and brain stimulation to understand women's sexual pleasure. The study aims to stimulate more exacting research into human female sexual functions, particularly regarding procreation and recreation.

SourceWiley·JournalClinical Anatomy·DateDec 15, 2014

E-cigarettes may recruit lower risk teens to nicotine use

A study found that one-third of Hawaiian adolescents have tried e-cigarettes, with half having never used another tobacco product. E-cigarette users ranked somewhere between never-smokers and dual-users in terms of risk factors for smoking cigarettes.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateDec 15, 2014

Control on shape of light particles opens the way to 'quantum internet'

Scientists at Eindhoven University of Technology have successfully controlled the shape of light particles, a crucial step towards establishing a 'quantum internet'. This breakthrough enables faster and more efficient quantum communication, paving the way for the development of powerful quantum computers.

SourceEindhoven University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 15, 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.

New research is a rare study of fake pot use among college students

A survey of over 300 college students found that 17% reported taking synthetic THC at least once in their lifetime, with the majority trying it due to curiosity. The study also highlighted the importance of education programs targeting middle and high school students to prevent initiation and regular use of THC.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Drug Education·DateDec 15, 2014

NASA catches Tropical Cyclone Bakung's remnants

NASA captured a visible image of Tropical Cyclone Bakung's elongated remnants on Dec. 5, showing low-level circulation and poorly defined storm system. The remnants were weakening due to unfavorable conditions with strong vertical wind shear, making redeveloping unlikely.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 15, 2014