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Science News Archive December 2014 - Page 4


Page 4 of 28

Startling benefit of cardiology meetings

Research published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that high-risk patients admitted to hospitals during cardiology meetings are more likely to survive than on non-meeting days. The study suggests that a less intensive approach for these patients may be beneficial.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateDec 22, 2014

Penn researchers model the mechanics of cells' long-range communication

Penn researchers developed mathematical models of collagen matrix stiffness, providing insights into fibrosis, cirrhosis, and certain cancers. The models show that nonlinear elasticity can arise from the ECM's fibrous structure, allowing for long-range force transmission and bridging formation.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateDec 22, 2014

Study finds cardiorespiratory fitness improves memory among older adults

A recent study published in Journal of Gerontology reveals that cardiorespiratory fitness has a positive impact on long-term memory in older adults. The research found that participants with higher levels of physical fitness performed better on cognitive tasks and showed improved executive function.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Gerontology·DateDec 22, 2014

Blocking Notch pathway leads to new route to hair cell regeneration to restore hearing

Scientists have discovered that blocking the Notch pathway enables cochlear progenitor cells to proliferate and regenerate hair cells, potentially leading to new treatments for hearing loss. The study reveals a new function of Notch signaling in limiting proliferation and regeneration potential of postnatal cochlear progenitor cells.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 22, 2014
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Use with caution: High doses of vancomycin fuel risk of kidney damage in children

A Johns Hopkins Children's Center study found that high-dose IV infusions of the antibiotic vancomycin to treat drug-resistant bacterial infections can cause an increased risk for kidney damage in hospitalized children. The researchers emphasize the need for careful dosing and monitoring of kidney function in pediatric patients.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAnnals of Pharmacotherapy·DateDec 22, 2014

New concussion laws result in big jump in concussion treatment

A University of Michigan study found a 92% increase in children seeking medical assistance for concussions in states with concussion laws. The legislation, combined with heightened public awareness, has led to significant increases in concussion treatment rates among school-age athletes.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateDec 22, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Diverse autism mutations lead to different disease outcomes

A large-scale analysis of hundreds of patients and nearly 1000 genes found that diverse genetic mutations lead to different disease outcomes in autism spectrum disorder. The study revealed that more damaging mutations usually result in worse outcomes, while high-IQ cases are often triggered by milder mutations.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateDec 22, 2014

Hands on: Crafting ultrathin color coatings

Scientists have developed a technique to coat metallic objects with an extremely thin layer of semiconductor, producing vibrant optical effects on paper and other flexible materials. The ultrathin coatings can produce bright, solid colors using the same two metals, applied with only a few atoms' difference in thickness.

SourceHarvard University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateDec 22, 2014

Distribution of fish on the northeast US shelf influenced by both fishing and climate

Scientists studied four commercial and recreational fish stocks in Northeast U.S. waters and found that climate change affects their distribution, while fishing pressure has significant impacts on a more immediate time scale. The study shows that different species respond differently to temperature and fishing pressure.

SourceNOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center·JournalICES Journal of Marine Science·DateDec 22, 2014

Russian scientists 'map' water vapor in Martian atmosphere

Researchers from Russia and international partners map water vapor distribution on Mars, revealing seasonal variations and global sandstorm impacts. Water vapor concentrations peak at 60-70 microns during northern summer, decreasing significantly during sandstorms.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalIcarus·DateDec 22, 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.

Ecosystems need maths not random nature to survive

Researchers discovered a universal mathematical property called Trophic Coherence that explains how ecosystems maintain stability and grow larger, unlike previous thought. This finding has implications for conservation efforts and may apply to finance and engineering fields.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 22, 2014

The psychology of gift-giving and receiving

Researchers studied gift-giving, focusing on picky recipients, who are less motivated to shop for. Gift cards hit a sweet spot as a flexible alternative to cash. Personalized gifts can be problematic if they're not versatile; givers should focus on recipient preferences rather than traits.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·DateDec 22, 2014

An existing drug, riluzole, may prevent foggy 'old age' brain

Researchers found that riluzole treatment boosted spatial memory and communication between neurons in aging rats. The drug promoted the growth of thin spines, which are rapidly adaptable, and increased synaptic clustering.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 22, 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.

Store remodelling benefits bottom line

Research from Monash University found that store remodelling increases retail sales by nearly 50%, with new customers driving a 43-44% increase in sales. Existing customers see a 7-10% boost. The study suggests remodelling should be viewed as a marketing investment to retain and attract new customers.

SourceMonash University·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateDec 22, 2014

PNAS study: Devising a way to count proteins as they group

Researchers have developed a theoretical methodology to solve the 'counting problem,' allowing for the analysis of protein groups in living cells. The study's findings could lead to advancements in disease diagnosis and understanding of protein function.

SourceIndiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis School of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 22, 2014

Fast-food consumption linked to lower test score gains in 8th graders

A nationwide study suggests that frequent fast-food consumption in fifth grade is associated with lower reading, math, and science test scores by eighth grade. Researchers controlled for various factors, including exercise, TV watching, family socioeconomic status, and neighborhood characteristics, to find this link.

SourceOhio State University·JournalClinical Pediatrics·DateDec 22, 2014

UTA physicist offers new research, tool for identifying habitable zones

A University of Texas at Arlington astrophysicist has created a new online tool called BinHab that can calculate the regions of binary systems favorable for life. The tool uses a comprehensive mathematical approach to consider both stellar radiation and gravitational influence, directly relevant to NASA's Kepler mission.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateDec 22, 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.

Muddy forests, shorter winters present challenges for loggers

A study finds that frozen ground has declined by an average of two to three weeks since 1948, impacting logging operations. The decline is linked to climate change, causing uncertainty in winter harvests and increased costs for equipment and insurance.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·DateDec 22, 2014

Modern genetics confirm ancient relationship between fins and hands

Researchers found that non-model fish, the spotted gar, shares genetic machinery with mammals for building autopod structures. This study provides regulatory support for an ancient origin of Hox expression responsible for building tetrapod limbs.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 22, 2014

Smoke signals: New evidence links air pollution to congenital defects

A nationwide study in Israel found exposure to air pollutants PM10 and NOX during full-term pregnancies is associated with an increased risk of congenital malformations. The research also discovered that exposure to SO2 and O3 in ART pregnancies are linked to a higher risk of congenital defects.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateDec 22, 2014

Tales from a Martian rock

A new study of the ALH84001 Martian meteorite provides valuable insights into Mars' early climate and potential habitability. The analysis suggests that smaller seas existed on Mars billions of years ago, rather than vast oceans.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 22, 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.

Patient outcomes when cardiologists are away at national meetings

A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that cardiologists' absence at national meetings did not negatively impact patient outcomes. High-risk patients with heart failure or cardiac arrest experienced lower 30-day mortality when admitted during meeting dates.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateDec 22, 2014

Average temperature in Finland has risen by more than two degrees

The study found that Finland's temperature rose in two phases: from the 1930s to the late 1960s, and then faster from the 1970s onwards. The annual average temperature has risen by more than 2 degrees Celsius over the past 40 years.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalStochastic Environmental Research and Risk Assessment·DateDec 22, 2014

Researchers discover new genetic anomalies in lung cancer

Researchers discovered new gene fusions in lung cancers with worse outcomes than patients with fewer fusions. The study identified several new genetic anomalies, including those found in smokers, which could be targets for developing new treatments.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 22, 2014

Skin patch could help heal, prevent diabetic ulcers, study finds

Researchers have developed a safe and effective skin patch to deliver a drug that enhances the healing of diabetes-related ulcers. The patch has been shown to accelerate wound healing and prevent ulcer formation in mice, offering new hope for millions of people with diabetes.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 22, 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.

Fear of terrorism increases resting heart rate and risk of death

A new study found that long-term exposure to terrorism threat increases resting heart rates and mortality risk in Israelis. The study, conducted on 17,300 healthy subjects, reveals a link between fear of terror and elevated heart rates.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 22, 2014

New cell marking technique to help understand how our brain works

Scientists at the University of Southampton have created a new technique called multicolour RGB tracking to mark individual brain cells. This approach allows researchers to color-code and distinguish between cells that were previously indistinguishable.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 22, 2014

Acoustic tweezers manipulate cell-to-cell contact

Researchers develop acoustic tweezers that can precisely position groups of cells for study, eliminating the risk of cell damage. The device achieves a throughput of thousands of cells and enables precise control over cell-to-cell contact, paving the way for studies on cellular communication and information transfer.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 22, 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.

Light-emitting e-readers detrimentally shift circadian clock

Researchers found that reading from light-emitting e-readers before bed suppresses melatonin release and shifts the circadian clock, leading to longer sleep latency and reduced REM sleep. Exposure to short-wavelength-enriched blue light disrupts natural sleep patterns.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 22, 2014

Study: Extra income boosts health of elderly in poor countries

A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that providing additional $67 per month to elderly residents in poor countries improves their health outcomes. Participants who received this supplement showed significant improvements in lung function and memory, as well as increased access to healthcare services.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 22, 2014

Study pumps up the volume on understanding of marine invertebrate hearing

A new study by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution researchers has identified the acoustic range and minimum sound sensitivity of cuttlefish. The study found that cuttlefish hear in the same frequency range as fish and can react to sounds in a graded manner, using different behaviors to avoid predators.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateDec 22, 2014

New technology makes tissues, someday maybe organs

A new instrument called BioP3 allows assembly of larger structures from small living microtissue components, potentially making whole organs like livers or kidneys. The device uses pre-assembled living building parts with functional shapes and a thousand times more cells per part.

SourceBrown University·DateDec 22, 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.

Study: An alternative for pain control after knee replacement surgery

A new study found that injecting liposomal bupivacaine during knee replacement surgery reduces pain scores and improves knee function compared to traditional methods. The injection technique optimizes early pain control without side effects, allowing patients to walk comfortably within hours after surgery.

SourceHenry Ford Health·DateDec 22, 2014

IMF lending undermined healthcare provision in Ebola-stricken West Africa

The IMF's economic policies have been shown to reduce government spending on healthcare, leading to underfunded and understaffed health systems. The researchers argue that the IMF's campaigns for decentralised healthcare systems also hinder coordinated responses to outbreaks, such as Ebola.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateDec 21, 2014

Steroid-based treatment may answer needs of pediatric EoE patients

A new formulation of oral budesonide suspension is safe and effective in treating pediatric patients with eosinophilic esophagitis, according to a recent study. The treatment demonstrated remarkable efficacy in reducing eosinophilic inflammation and improving symptoms.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateDec 19, 2014
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.

Reducing emergency surgery cuts health care costs

Reducing emergency surgery for common procedures like abdominal aortic aneurysm repair and coronary artery bypass graft can save healthcare costs. Elective surgeries result in lower mortality rates and better patient outcomes compared to emergency surgeries.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAnnals of Surgery·DateDec 19, 2014

New technique reveals immune cell motion

Researchers developed a new technique to study neutrophil motion in confined spaces, revealing a second mode of motion that doesn't rely on integrins. The findings suggest that physical confinement is key to reproducing this motion and may lead to the development of new drugs to optimize neutrophil movement in specific tissue types.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateDec 19, 2014

Scientists reveal breakthrough in optical fiber communications

Scientists from the University of Southampton have developed a novel approach to generate spectrally-efficient modulation format signals using direct current modulated lasers. This innovation avoids costly external modulator schemes, reducing power consumption and increasing efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 19, 2014

National Academy of Inventors publishes annual meeting proceedings

The National Academy of Inventors has published a special issue of Technology and Innovation featuring presentations from the Third Annual Conference, including topics such as pharmacy and nanotechnology. The conference attracted 250 inventors and featured presentations by distinguished scientists and innovators.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalJournal of Technology and Innovation·DateDec 19, 2014
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Securing future food supply for the developing world

A $10 million project will improve cassava's biomass and starch yield using metabolic engineering and genomics. The goal is to secure food supply for a growing world population, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·DateDec 19, 2014

Family criticizing your weight? You might add more pounds

A new study by Professor Christine Logel from the University of Waterloo found that women who received positive weight acceptance messages from their loved ones maintained or lost weight, while those who faced criticism gained almost 4.5 pounds on average.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalPersonal Relationships·DateDec 19, 2014

The state of shale

Researchers at University of Pittsburgh have contributed three studies to a special issue of the journal Energy Technology, focusing on smart wells, wastewater management, and information gaps related to shale gas drilling. The research aims to improve extraction through wireless communication and safely reuse drilling wastewater.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalEnergy Technology·DateDec 19, 2014

Alaska fish adjust to climate change by following the food

A new study reveals that Dolly Varden, a char species in southeast Alaska, have successfully adjusted their migrations to follow the timing of salmon spawning, ensuring access to a key food source. This adaptability suggests that at least some species may be more resilient to climate-induced changes in migration timing.

SourceNOAA Fisheries West Coast Region·JournalFreshwater Biology·DateDec 19, 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.

Quantum world without queues could lead to better solar cells

Researchers at Lund University used new tech to study fast solar cell processes, raising the efficiency limit to over 40%. Quantum coherence phenomenon allows for energy transfer with minimal obstacles, potentially revolutionizing solar cells.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 19, 2014

A vegetarian carnivorous plant

Researchers discovered that aquatic bladderworts like Utricularia consume a wide range of prey, including algae and pollen, in addition to small animals. This diverse diet provides essential nutrients for the plant's survival and growth.

SourceOxford University Press UK·JournalAnnals of Botany·DateDec 19, 2014

The VuePod: Powerful enough for a gamer, made for an engineer

The VuePod allows users to explore 3D environments created from point data, including images captured by LIDAR and drones. This enables engineers to detect changes in natural landscapes and monitor infrastructure more effectively.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Computing in Civil Engineering·DateDec 19, 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.

Technophobia may keep seniors from using apps to manage diabetes

A new study found that only 18% of seniors with Type 2 diabetes use apps to manage their condition, despite interest in web and mobile applications. The study suggests that age-related confidence in technology use is a significant barrier to adoption.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalJournal of Diabetes Science and Technology·DateDec 19, 2014

Quantum physics just got less complicated

A team of researchers has proved that two features of the quantum world are different manifestations of the same thing. They found that 'wave-particle duality' is simply the quantum 'uncertainty principle' in disguise, reducing two mysteries to one.

SourceCentre for Quantum Technologies at the National University of Singapore·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 19, 2014

One in every three people with type 1 diabetes produces insulin years post-diagnosis

A recent study published in Diabetes Care found that approximately one-third of people with type 1 diabetes produce insulin, as measured by C-peptide, even up to 40 years after diagnosis. This challenges the long-held assumption that these patients lose all ability to produce insulin, highlighting potential implications for clinical pr...

SourceBenaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason·JournalDiabetes Care·DateDec 19, 2014