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Science News Archive December 2014 - Page 21


Page 21 of 28

Don't worry, be happy; just go to bed earlier

Researchers at Binghamton University found that individuals who sleep for shorter periods and go to bed later experience more repetitive negative thoughts. The study suggests that improving sleep timing may be an effective intervention for reducing symptoms of internalizing disorders.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalCognitive Therapy and Research·DateDec 5, 2014

Give flawed payments database time to improve

The new federal Open Payments Program database is incomplete, with issues including limited data, vetting, de-identification, and context. Despite these flaws, experts like Dr. Eli Y. Adashi urge patience, as improvements are underway and the site's potential for transparency and oversight is still significant.

SourceBrown University·JournalJAMA·DateDec 5, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

CSHL team finds a way to make shRNA gene knockdown more effective

Scientists at CSHL have devised an algorithm that improves RNA interference technology harnessing short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) for effective gene knockdown. The new algorithm, called shERWOOD, was trained on a massive parallel assessment of shRNA potency and can predict the efficacy of new sequences.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalMolecular Cell·DateDec 5, 2014

New signaling role for key protein may contribute to wound healing, tumor growth

A new study suggests that MMP-2 protein plays a signaling role in the immune system, accelerating wound healing in some cases while exacerbating inflammatory diseases like cancer and autoimmune disorders. The protein's mechanisms may be leveraged to develop novel treatments for these conditions.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 5, 2014

45-year physics mystery shows a path to quantum transistors

Physicists at the University of Michigan have discovered samarium hexaboride, a topological insulator that could enable quantum computers and other next-generation electronics. The material's properties include rare Dirac electrons with potential applications in qubit development.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScience·DateDec 5, 2014

X-ray laser acts as tool to track life's chemistry

Researchers capture highest-resolution protein snapshots with X-ray laser to track structural changes in photosynthetic bacteria upon light exposure. This breakthrough paves the way for studying biologically important molecules at ultrafast timescales.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateDec 5, 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.

Looking at El Niño's past to predict its future

A new study analyzes past El Niño changes to predict future climate shifts. The research found that natural climate forces such as ice cover and greenhouse gases impact ENSO variability.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateDec 5, 2014

Gravity: It's the law, even for cells

Researchers found that gravity limits cell size, with a softer-than-jello actin mesh resisting force. The mesh allows flexibility and rigidity in the cell nucleus to support life.

SourceAmerican Society for Cell Biology·DateDec 5, 2014

Chemicals released during natural gas extraction may harm reproduction and development

A recent review of over 150 peer-reviewed studies suggests that exposure to chemicals released during natural gas extraction operations may be harmful to human health, particularly reproductive and developmental health. The review found evidence of adverse effects on fertility, miscarriage, birth defects, and semen quality in humans.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalReviews on Environmental Health·DateDec 5, 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.

New technique offers spray-on solar power

Researchers have invented a new way to spray solar cells onto flexible surfaces using colloidal quantum dots, improving efficiency and making it easier to manufacture. The spray-on solar cell technology has the potential to power three 100-Watt light bulbs or 24 compact fluorescents on a surface as large as a car roof.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 5, 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.

The antioxidant capacity of orange juice is multiplied tenfold

A new technique developed by researchers from the University of Granada has shown that the antioxidant capacity of orange juice is multiplied tenfold compared to traditional analysis methods. This finding suggests that tables on the antioxidant capacities of food products used by dieticians and health authorities must be revised.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalFood Chemistry·DateDec 5, 2014

Impact of malnutrition in US at $157 billion annually

A recent study found that malnutrition imposes a significant economic burden of $157 billion per year in the US. The majority of this cost comes from cases of depression, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), coronary heart disease, and dementia.

SourceFleishman-Hillard, Inc.·JournalJournal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition·DateDec 5, 2014

Light propagation in solar cells made visible

Researchers at Forschungszentrum Jülich develop a new method to examine light trapping in solar cells using near-field optical microscopy. They discover that the nature of nanostructures directly affects absorption rates and solar cell efficiency.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalNano Letters·DateDec 5, 2014

Evidence for 'bilingual advantage' may be less conclusive than previously thought

Studies supporting bilingual advantage are more likely to be published than those contradicting it, potentially skewing the overall understanding of its effects on cognitive function. Researchers call for a critical review of scientific literature to ensure all findings are shared, regardless of outcome.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 5, 2014
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.

Technological innovation seeks to help patients with chronic liver disease

A new wireless implantable shunt technology developed by Dr. Ashish Nimgaonkar has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of patients with refractory ascites, a condition where fluid builds up in the abdomen. This technology allows patients to manage their fluid drainage needs at home, significantly improving their quality of life.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·DateDec 5, 2014

BUSM researcher receives prestigious Massachusetts Neuroscience Consortium award

Carmela Abraham, a professor at Boston University School of Medicine, has received the Massachusetts Neuroscience Consortium Award for her research on multiple sclerosis and the life extension protein Klotho. Her work identifies Klotho as a neuroprotective protein that can benefit animal models of Alzheimer's and multiple sclerosis.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·DateDec 5, 2014

Evidence suggests California's drought is the worst in 1,200 years

A team of climate scientists has found that California's drought of 2012-2014 was the worst in 1,200 years. The researchers used tree-ring samples to reconstruct rainfall data back to the 13th century and found that the current period of low precipitation combined with record-high temperatures created severe water shortages.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateDec 5, 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.

Salience network is linked to brain disorders

The insula is essential for selecting salient stimuli, and dysfunction can lead to deficits in attention, social, and cognitive processes. Mapping the structure and function of the insular cortex may provide targeted treatments for developmental and degenerative disorders.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalNature Reviews Neuroscience·DateDec 5, 2014

Peter Scholze to receive 2015 AMS Cole Prize in Algebra

Peter Scholze, a leading mathematician at 26, is honored for solving an important special case of the weight-monodromy conjecture. His groundbreaking work on perfectoid spaces has garnered numerous accolades, including the Prix Peccot and SASTRA Ramanujan Prize.

SourceAmerican Mathematical Society·DateDec 5, 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.

Computers that teach by example

A new system developed at MIT enables pattern-recognition systems to distill what they learn into simple examples, which humans can use to make better decisions. In experiments, human subjects using the system outperformed those using a similar algorithm by over 20 percent.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateDec 5, 2014

Agent prevents prostate cancer growth and spread in animal studies

Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center show that YK-4-279 prevents tumor growth and spread in mice with prostate cancer harboring a common chromosomal abnormality. The agent targets the ETS fusion, producing new genes that push cancer cells to become more aggressive.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 5, 2014

Stick out your tongue

A neural network-based system combines symptom descriptions with digital tongue images for diagnosis, identifying signs of illness such as discoloration and texture changes. The system can detect a range of conditions including common colds, flu, and digestive issues, with potential expansion to include eye images.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Technology·DateDec 5, 2014

Social networking during a campus emergency

Researchers argue that social networking sites can be used to provide timely updates and guidance during emergency situations on campus. The study suggests that these platforms could complement existing emergency notification systems, providing a cost-effective way to reach students and staff.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Business Information Systems·DateDec 5, 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.

Rescuing the Golgi puts brakes on Alzheimer's progression

Researchers found that Golgi fragmentation accelerates APP trafficking and production of toxic Aβ protein in AD. Rescuing the Golgi by blocking cdk5 or GRASP65 reduces Aβ accumulation, offering a potential therapeutic strategy for slowing Alzheimer's progression.

SourceAmerican Society for Cell Biology·DateDec 5, 2014

Austrian researchers show encapsulation of cancer drugs reduces heart damage

Researchers have developed a new technique to wrap chemotherapy drugs in fatty covers called liposomes, reducing heart damage and improving cardiac function. The study found that the group receiving Myocet had better diastolic and systolic function compared to conventional doxorubicin, with less fibrosis development.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateDec 5, 2014

Even the perceived risk of disease prompts intention to act

A nationwide survey of American adults reveals that healthy individuals react strongly to hypothetical genetic risk information, wanting to take various actions such as seeking information and managing risk. The study's findings suggest that the experience of living between health and disease is not limited to those already patients.

SourceYale University·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateDec 5, 2014

Penicillin tactics revealed

Researchers discover penicillin works by setting in motion a toxic malfunctioning of the cell's wall-building machinery, which depletes cells of resources. This finding could lead to new ways to thwart drug resistance.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell·DateDec 5, 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.

Study shows more patients with ALS have genetic origin than previously thought

A comprehensive genetic study found that more patients with ALS have a genetic origin than previously believed. Patients with mutations in multiple genes experience earlier disease onset. The study suggests that genetics may play a larger role in ALS, potentially affecting over one-third of all cases.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateDec 5, 2014

Why CLL there are often relapses after treatment

Researchers discovered that crosstalk between leukemia cells and stromal cells in the spleen is crucial for cancer growth. Blocking chemokine receptor CXCR5 prevents cancer cell entry and proliferation, identifying new targets for future therapies.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalCancer Discovery·DateDec 5, 2014

Cerebral oxygenation in elite Kenyan athletes

A recent study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology reveals that elite Kenyan runners maintain stable cerebral oxygenation during maximum physical effort, contributing to their success in long-distance races. This stable oxygenation is linked to early lifestyle factors such as prenatal exposure to high altitudes and regular c...

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateDec 5, 2014

Promising compound rapidly eliminates malaria parasite

A promising anti-malarial compound, (+)-SJ733, has been identified that rapidly destroys malaria-infected red blood cells by recruiting the immune system. The compound's mechanism of action is expected to slow and suppress development of drug-resistant parasites, making it a potential addition to global malaria eradication efforts.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 5, 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.

The intestinal immune system controls the body weight

Researchers discovered that the intestinal immune system controls energy metabolism and can modify intestinal bacteria to prevent obesity and diabetes. By disabling a protein called MyD88, the team showed that mice can lose weight and reduce inflammation.

SourceUniversité catholique de Louvain·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 5, 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.

How strong do you think you are?

A study combining data from 12 British studies found that men are stronger than women after adolescence, but both reach peak strength in their thirties before weakening with age. The research provides reference charts for grip strength at different ages, aiding the identification of weak grip strength and potential health risks.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 4, 2014

How cell size matters

Liron Bar-Peled's research explores how environmental cues regulate eukaryotic cell growth through the mTORC1 signaling pathway. His work has implications for understanding human diseases such as cancer and primary immune disorders.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·DateDec 4, 2014

Greenhouse gases linked to past African rainfall

Researchers found that rising greenhouse gas concentrations played a key role in causing more rainfall in two major regions of Africa, transforming desert into grasslands and savannas. The study validated the Community Climate System Model's predictions for future climate changes in Africa.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalScience·DateDec 4, 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.

Maintaining a reliable value of the cost of climate change

A group of economists and lawyers recommend updating the Social Cost of Carbon estimate every five years to incorporate the latest research, ensuring its reliability. The authors argue that a single estimate should be maintained and shared by all government agencies to provide consistent climate policies.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalScience·DateDec 4, 2014

Modern monitoring systems contribute to alarm fatigue in hospitals

A recent study found that modern monitoring systems in hospitals generate an alarming number of false positives, leading to alarm fatigue. The researchers collected data on 461 adults and discovered 88.8% of arrhythmia alarms were false positives, mostly due to algorithmic errors or non-actionable events.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 4, 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.

Friendly bacteria are protective against malaria

Research team led by Miguel Soares discovered that specific bacterial components in the human gut microbiota can trigger a natural defense mechanism against malaria. High levels of circulating anti-alpha-gal antibodies induced by vaccination are highly protective against malaria transmission.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalCell·DateDec 4, 2014