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Science News Archive December 2014 - Page 16


Page 16 of 28

Saving old information can boost memory for new information

Research suggests that saving previous information helps free up cognitive resources, improving memory for new information. By 'offloading' old data, individuals can allocate mental resources to learn and remember new material.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 10, 2014

Revolutionary new procedure for epilepsy diagnosis unlocked by research

Scientists at the University of Exeter have developed a new method to diagnose epilepsy using mathematical modeling and brain electrical activity analysis. This approach reveals subtle differences in brain network properties that enhance susceptibility to seizures in people with idiopathic generalized epilepsies.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalFrontiers in Neurology·DateDec 10, 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.

NSF funds Kent State study of human chromosome

Researchers will use techniques like molecular scalpels and laser tweezers to study G-quadruplex structures in human telomeres. The goal is to understand how these units are structured and distributed, which could lead to new anti-cancer drugs.

SourceKent State University·DateDec 10, 2014

New technology tracks carcinogens as they move through the body

Researchers have developed a method to track the movement of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) through the human body, shedding light on their role as carcinogens. The technology uses accelerator mass spectrometry to detect tiny amounts of PAHs in blood and explore how they are processed by humans.

SourceOregon State University·JournalChemical Research in Toxicology·DateDec 10, 2014

Research aims to improve hip and knee replacement success

Washington State University researchers are working on a five-year NIH grant project to develop new bone-like coating materials that will allow titanium-based implants to integrate better into the body. The goal is to improve implant success rates, particularly for younger patients and those undergoing revision surgeries.

SourceWashington State University·DateDec 10, 2014

Fungus-growing ants selectively cultivate their crops

Researchers reconstructed how fungus-growing ants improved their clonal crops into a robust farming system. The ant farmers lost the ability to produce vital amino acids and enzymes themselves, relying on the fungus for delivery.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 10, 2014
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.

New insight into cancer defense mechanism

A recent study published in Nature Communications sheds light on chromosome segregation and its impact on cancer development. Researchers discovered that mutations in the BubR1 protein can cause cancer by disrupting correct chromosomal passage.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 10, 2014

Ancient creature discovered in the depths of the Arctic Ocean

Scientists from USGS and Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History discover new genus and species of bivalve mollusk, Wallerconcha, in deep-water sediment cores from the Beaufort Sea. The discovery is named after Dr. Thomas R. Waller and Sara Powell, co-authors of the study.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateDec 10, 2014

Rare gene mutations raise risk of early heart attack

Researchers identified rare APOA5 gene mutations linked to high triglycerides and increased heart attack risk. The study found that these mutations also raise LDL receptor mutation prevalence, underscoring the role of triglyceride metabolism in early-onset heart attacks.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalNature·DateDec 10, 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.

Link between power lines and ill-health called into question

A recent study by the University of Manchester has investigated the effects of weak magnetic fields on human proteins, including those crucial for health. The research found no detectable impact on key proteins, suggesting that power lines and other electrical devices may be safer than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateDec 10, 2014

New breast cancer classification based on epigenetics

Researchers identified two subtypes of breast cancer, Epi-Basal and Epi-Luminal B, which differ in their epigenetic patterns. The subtype Epi-Luminal B is associated with reduced survival rates and requires adjuvant chemotherapy.

SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournalMolecular Oncology·DateDec 10, 2014

Scientists create food ingredient that will make you feel fuller

Researchers at Imperial College London discovered an ingredient, inulin-propionate ester (IPE), that stimulates gut hormones to reduce hunger and prevent weight gain. The study found that IPE supplementation reduced body weight and fat accumulation in overweight volunteers.

SourceImperial College London·JournalGut·DateDec 10, 2014

NYIT study: Thyroid hormones reduce animal cardiac arrhythmias

A new NYIT study reveals that rats treated with thyroid hormones had a reduced risk of developing dangerous heart arrhythmias following a heart attack. The findings could have important implications for future treatment of human patients with heart failure, who often suffer from atrial fibrillation.

SourceNew York Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Cardiac Failure·DateDec 10, 2014
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 into life-threatening pregnancy condition calls for specialist centers

A new study has identified key steps for hospitals to improve care for pregnant mums and babies affected by congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). The report highlights inconsistencies in care delivery, with some areas showing better patient-centered models. Key recommendations include focusing acute care on specialist centers and deve...

SourceUniversity of Leicester·DateDec 10, 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.

Climate change projected to drive species northward

A new study predicts eastern Pacific marine species will shift poleward due to climate change, altering fish communities and fishing grounds. The study suggests some species will move into habitats of other marine life to the north, while others may disappear from areas at their southern ends.

SourceNOAA Fisheries West Coast Region·JournalProgress In Oceanography·DateDec 10, 2014

Patients given less blood during transfusions do well

A new Rutgers-led research study found that patients with heart disease who receive transfusions during surgeries do just as well with smaller amounts of blood. The study measured overall mortality and found no evidence of increased mortality from cardiovascular disease or severe infection due to the amount of blood given after surgery.

SourceRutgers University·JournalThe Lancet·DateDec 10, 2014

Alcohol-control law may curb partner abuse

A new study published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs suggests that laws limiting alcohol outlet density can reduce rates of intimate partner violence. Communities with fewer alcohol outlets tend to have lower rates of partner abuse, according to researchers.

SourceJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·DateDec 10, 2014

More holistic approach needed when studying the diets of our ancestors

Recent research on early hominid diets highlights the limitations of using modern technologies alone to understand their eating habits. A holistic approach is needed, considering factors such as habitat, anatomy, and cognitive abilities. This interdisciplinary method can provide a more accurate picture of our ancestors' diets.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalThe Quarterly Review of Biology·DateDec 10, 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.

Meniscus regenerated with 3-D printed implant

Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have developed a way to replace the meniscus with a personalized 3D-printed implant infused with human growth factors, promoting tissue regeneration in sheep. The therapy could provide an effective and long-lasting repair of damaged menisci, reducing the risk of arthritis.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateDec 10, 2014

Anyone who is good at German learns English better

Research by University of Zurich linguist Simone Pfenninger found that students with strong German language skills tend to excel in English, even if they start learning the latter at a later age. In contrast, early foreign language learning can sometimes hinder L1 development in the short term.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalInternational Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism·DateDec 10, 2014

Honeybee hive sealant promotes hair growth in mice

Researchers found that propolis, a substance from honeybee hives, encourages hair growth in mice by increasing special cells involved in the process. The study suggests that propolis' anti-inflammatory compounds could help treat balding conditions.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateDec 10, 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.

Racial and ethnic disparities narrow for acute care

A study found that racial and ethnic disparities in acute care narrowed significantly as hospitals improved quality, with nine major disparities mostly disappearing by the end of 2010. Hospitals serving minorities made faster improvements and delivered more equal care to white and minority patients over time.

SourceBrown University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 10, 2014

New study measures methane emissions from natural gas production and offers insights into 2 large sources

Researchers found that a small group of pneumatic devices and wells with frequent liquid unloadings are responsible for the vast majority of methane emissions from natural gas production sites. The study confirms regional differences in methane emission levels, with highest emissions in the Gulf Coast and lowest in the Rocky Mountains.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateDec 10, 2014

New way to turn genes on

Researchers at MIT have successfully turned on any desired gene in living cells using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. This breakthrough enables scientists to study gene function and identify genes involved in diseases, such as melanoma. The new method has also been used to screen for genes that confer resistance to cancer drugs.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateDec 10, 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.

How long can Ebola live?

A new study by a Pitt researcher reveals that there is limited scientific data on how long the Ebola virus can survive on surfaces, in water, or in liquid droplets. This knowledge gap makes it challenging to develop effective disinfection practices to prevent the spread of the disease.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateDec 10, 2014

Study examines effects of family-friendly workplace policies

A study from the University of Texas at Dallas found that family-friendly policies significantly increase productivity and are related to higher labor productivity. The study also discovered a positive relationship between unionization and increased productivity and lower turnover rates.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalPublic Personnel Management·DateDec 10, 2014

Lifestyle the key to gap in cardiac patient outcomes

Researchers at the University of Adelaide found that patients who managed their lifestyle factors were five times more likely to have long-term survival without any further heart arrhythmia. The intensive risk factor management program improved arrhythmia-free survival rates from 18% to 87% after five years.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateDec 10, 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.

Holiday contributions: What makes people upgrade to a recurring donation?

A new study in the Journal of Marketing Research found that contingent match incentives significantly increase donations from non-profit organizations. Donors are more likely to upgrade to recurring donations when they believe their donation will be matched if at least 75% of donors agree.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateDec 9, 2014

Conservation targeting tigers pushes leopards to change

Research from Nepal's Chitwan National Park found that leopards avoid tigers by seeking different locations to live and hunt, while shifting their activity patterns to nighttime. The study highlights the complexity of human-wildlife interactions and the need for conservation efforts to account for these dynamics.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalGlobal Ecology and Conservation·DateDec 9, 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.

Wetlands more vulnerable to invasives as climate changes

A new study finds that climate change may tip the scales in favor of invasive wetland plants, which can outcompete native species due to their natural phenotypic plasticity. As environmental changes occur, invasive species will gain an advantage over native species, potentially reducing biodiversity and ecosystem function.

SourceDuke University·JournalEcological Applications·DateDec 9, 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.

Metal test could help diagnose breast cancer early

Researchers developed a blood test that detects changes in zinc isotopic composition to identify biomarkers of early breast cancer. A pilot study showed promising results, with the ability to detect key differences in zinc caused by cancer.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalMetallomics·DateDec 9, 2014

Can doctors be trained in a 48-hour working week?

While some argue that a 48-hour working week has led to negative effects on medical training, others find no evidence to support these claims. Several reviews conclude that high-quality training can be delivered within this time frame, and trainees are increasingly satisfied with their training.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 9, 2014

German researchers propose better substances for treating the dengue virus

Researchers from Mainz and Würzburg have developed new active substances for treating the dengue virus, showing a high effectiveness rate even at low concentrations. The new inhibitors target only dengue viruses without affecting similar Hepatitis C viruses.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateDec 9, 2014

New insight into risk of ankylosing spondylitis

Researchers at the University of Southampton have identified a genetic variation in the ERAP1 enzyme that increases an individual's susceptibility to Ankylosing Spondylitis. Genetic testing for this variation may enable earlier diagnosis and improved management of the condition.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 9, 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.

Delayed cancer diagnosis unlikely to be due to poor medical practice

Delayed cancer diagnoses are often caused by limitations in scientific knowledge and the delivery of healthcare, not poor professional performance. Despite this, policy initiatives focusing on GP referral times may be ineffective. Researchers advocate for better information about diagnostic challenges to improve diagnosis and care.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 9, 2014

Restricting surgical residents' hours doesn't improve outcomes

A new Northwestern University study found that implementing duty hour restrictions in 2011 did not improve surgery patients' outcomes, but may have hurt patient safety and resident education. The study suggests that these restrictions disrupted the continuity of caring for surgical patients.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJAMA·DateDec 9, 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.

Number of medical schools with student-run free clinics has more than doubled

A recent study found that the number of US medical schools with student-run free clinics (SRFCs) has increased by more than half, with 106 institutions participating in the program. The SRFCs provide essential healthcare services to underserved populations and offer valuable educational opportunities for medical students.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateDec 9, 2014

E-cigarettes less addictive than cigarettes

Researchers found that e-cigarettes are less addictive than traditional cigarettes, with higher nicotine concentration and longer use leading to greater dependence. The study suggests that e-cigs may have health advantages over cigarettes due to lower levels of toxic substances.

SourcePenn State·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateDec 9, 2014