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Science News Archive December 2014 - Page 9


Page 9 of 28

Big-data analysis reveals gene sharing in mice

Researchers detected three instances of cross-species mating that influenced the evolutionary paths of old world mice, suggesting hybridization may not be an evolutionary dead end. The study found shared genetic code between two species of mice from Europe and Africa, with implications for human genetics and health.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 16, 2014

Main reason for lifespan variability between races not cause of death

Life expectancies for black people are shorter and more uncertain than those of whites. Researchers found that higher rates of white deaths among the young offset the higher homicide rates among blacks. Targeted interventions for sex and race may help reduce the disparity in lifespan variability.

SourcePenn State·JournalDemography·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.

Virus causing mass duck die-offs on Cape Cod identified

A novel orthomyxovirus, Wellfleet Bay virus (WFBV), has been linked to cyclic mass mortality events in eider ducks on Cape Cod. The study found that WFBV is likely tick-borne and contributes to the deaths, but other factors such as parasitic worms and stress may also play a role.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Virology·DateDec 16, 2014

Yale researchers reveal Ebola virus spreads in social clusters

Researchers found evidence of significant social clustering in the ongoing Ebola outbreak, which has implications for case reporting and public health. The analysis estimated that up to 70% of cases were not reported, significantly lower than previous estimates.

SourceYale University·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateDec 16, 2014

Broad receptive field responsible for differentiated neuronal activity

The study reveals that more active neurons respond to a broader receptive field and play a crucial role in our sensory perception. The researchers used optogenetic stimulation to activate specific thalamic nuclei, finding that the posteromedial nucleus (POm) elicits a stronger response.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalNeuron·DateDec 16, 2014

Vessel research offers new direction to study how cancer spreads

A Cornell University study reports for the first time how arteries form in the embryonic gut and guide the development of the lymphatic system, providing a new avenue to explore treatments for cancer metastasis and gut-specific lymphatic diseases. The research links a master-regulator gene, Pitx2, to artery and lymphatic formation.

SourceCornell University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateDec 16, 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.

Combining social media and behavioral psychology could lead to more HIV testing

A new study from UCLA found that combining social media with behavioral psychology increased HIV testing rates among men who have sex with men in Peru. The Harnessing Online Peer Education intervention was more effective than traditional care through social media, suggesting a valuable tool in the fight against HIV.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalThe Lancet HIV·DateDec 16, 2014

Are transgender veterans at greater risk of suicide?

A new study found that veterans with a diagnosis consistent with transgender status are more likely to have serious suicidal thoughts and plans, as well as attempt suicide. The group's suicide death rate is higher than the general population of veterans, but similar to those with serious mental illnesses like depression or schizophrenia.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalLGBT Health·DateDec 16, 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.

Do caffeine's effects differ with or without sugar?

A study found that caffeine's effects differ when consumed with or without sugar, causing varied physiological responses among individuals. The research measured heart rate and carbon dioxide production before and after consuming sugar, caffeine, or both.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Caffeine Research·DateDec 16, 2014

How information moves between cultures

The study analyzed data from multilingual Twitter users and Wikipedia editors, as well as book translations in 150 countries. It found that a language's centrality in the network predicts its global fame, with some networks correlating better with certain measures of fame than others.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 16, 2014

Traffic stops and DUI arrests linked most closely to lower drinking and driving

A new study found that American states with higher levels of law enforcement efforts, such as traffic stops and DUI arrests, experienced lower rates of drinking and driving. The study examined data from the National Roadside Survey and found a significant association between these measures and impaired driving prevalence.

SourceAlcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research·DateDec 16, 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.

Scientists trace nanoparticles from plants to caterpillars

A Rice University study examines how nanoparticles move through the food chain, tracing uptake and accumulation in plant roots, leaves, and caterpillars. The research found significant variation in nanoparticle accumulation rates based on surface coating types, with negatively charged particles avoiding clumping altogether.

SourceRice University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateDec 16, 2014

Kent State professor publishes exact solution to model Big Bang and quark gluon plasma

A team of researchers led by Kent State professor Michael Strickland has developed an exact solution to a complex physics equation, enabling more accurate modeling of the universe's earliest moments and high-energy particle collisions. The breakthrough has far-reaching implications for fields like galactic structure, supernovae, and he...

SourceKent State University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 16, 2014

How the brain can distinguish good from bad smells

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute found that a brain region called the lateral horn can categorize odors as good or bad and weak or strong. This ability is similar to the function of the amygdala in vertebrates, which evaluates sensory impressions and dangers.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·DateDec 16, 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.

Back to the future? Past global warming period echoes today's

Researchers found that a past global warming period, the Paleocene-Eocene thermal maximum, had two rapid carbon release events about 55.5 million years ago, releasing an average of 0.9 petagrams of carbon per year, similar to modern anthropogenic emissions.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature Geoscience·DateDec 16, 2014

Certain parenting tactics could lead to materialistic attitudes in adulthood

Researchers found that rewarding children with gifts, giving gifts as a way to show affection, and punishing them by taking away possessions can contribute to later materialism. This can lead to an increased risk of marital problems, gambling, financial debt, and decreased well-being.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateDec 16, 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.

NREL to advance technologies for microgrid projects

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is providing critical support to two new microgrid projects, receiving over $8 million in funding. These projects aim to develop commercially-viable standardized microgrid controllers that can provide a reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity supply.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·DateDec 16, 2014

New research unlocks a mystery of albinism

Scientists have discovered that a genetic mutation associated with type 2 oculocutaneous albinism blocks ion channels in melanosomes, leading to a lack of melanin production. The study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying albinism and may inspire new treatment ideas.

SourceBrown University·DateDec 16, 2014

NTU Singapore invents smart window that tints and powers itself

Researchers at Nanyang Technological University have developed a self-tinting smart window that requires zero electricity to operate. The window can darken or brighten in response to environmental changes, promising significant savings on cooling and lighting costs.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 16, 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.

The sense of smell uses fast dynamics to encode odors

Researchers use light to control neurons in genetically-engineered mice, allowing for precise detection of odor dynamics. Mice demonstrate ability to discriminate between dynamic activities, suggesting neural population dynamics play a crucial role in the sense of smell.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateDec 16, 2014

When you lose weight, where does the fat go?

A recent study published in the British Medical Journal found that losing 10 kilograms of fat requires 29 kilograms of oxygen to be inhaled, producing 28 kilograms of carbon dioxide and 11 kilograms of water. Most doctors, dieticians, and personal trainers incorrectly believe that the missing mass is converted into energy or heat.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 16, 2014

Real-time radiation monitor can reduce radiation exposure for medical workers

A new real-time radiation monitor significantly reduces radiation exposure for medical workers during cardiac-catheterization procedures, resulting in a one-third decrease in radiation exposure. The device provides auditory feedback, enabling operators to take actions to reduce radiation exposure and adopt safer radiation practices.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·DateDec 16, 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.

New tracers can identify coal ash contamination in water

Duke University scientists developed new forensic tracers to identify coal ash contamination in water and distinguish it from other sources. The tracers provide additional fingerprints that give regulators a more accurate tool to trace coal ash effluents to their source.

SourceDuke University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateDec 16, 2014

Bacterial 'bunches' linked to some colorectal cancers

A small study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that dense bacterial mats called biofilms are present in the majority of colorectal cancers and polyps, particularly on the right side of the colon. The presence of these bacterial bunches may increase cancer risk and form the basis of new diagnostic tests.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 16, 2014

Herd mentality: Are we programmed to make bad decisions?

A recent study published in the Royal Society journal Interface suggests that humans have evolved to rely too heavily on social information, leading to a decrease in responsiveness to changes in their environment. This phenomenon, known as herd mentality, can result in groups becoming less effective at making decisions.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalInterface·DateDec 16, 2014

Research shows Jaws didn't kill his cousin

Researchers from the University of Manchester believe rising sea levels, not direct competition with jaws, led to the extinction of jawless fish. The study found that these ancient fish were reliant on shallow water environments and ecosystems, which declined as sea levels rose.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·DateDec 16, 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.

How music class can spark language development

Children who actively participated in music classes showed greater gains in speech processing and reading scores compared to less-involved peers. Music training improved neural benefits in the same areas of the brain traditionally weak in disadvantaged children.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateDec 16, 2014

Amount of mitochondrial DNA predicts frailty and mortality

A study from Johns Hopkins Medicine found that people with less mitochondrial DNA in their blood are more likely to be frail and die earlier. The researchers hope to develop a test that can predict frailty and identify individuals who can benefit from lifestyle changes or medication.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Molecular Medicine·DateDec 16, 2014

Severely mentally ill criminals: Who goes to prison and who goes to psych institutions?

Researchers found higher levels of education among those declared not criminally responsible for a crime and hospitalized. Additionally, incarcerated individuals with severe mental disorders had a greater history of suicide attempts and psychopathic traits, emphasizing the need for shared care models between legal and healthcare systems.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalIssues in Mental Health Nursing·DateDec 16, 2014

Cracking the code of brain development

Using state-of-the-art sequencing technology, researchers identified thousands of differences in gene expression across six life stages and found that genes containing these regions were crucial to the maturation process of neurons during fetal development. The study's findings suggest a 'signature' found in cells from the earliest sta...

SourceLieber Institute for Brain Development·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateDec 16, 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.

Ocean acidification a culprit in commercial shellfish hatcheries' failures

A new study found that Pacific oyster and Mediterranean mussel larvae are sensitive to the saturation state of seawater, which is lowered by increasing CO2 levels. The threshold for danger will be crossed decades to centuries ahead of when CO2 increases alone would pose a threat. Shellfish hatcheries alter water chemistry to create mor...

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature Climate Change·DateDec 16, 2014

New technology advances eye tracking as biomarker for brain function and brain injury

Researchers at NYU Langone Medical Center developed new technology that tracks eye movements to assess brain injuries, offering a potential biological marker for brain function and recovery. The study found abnormal eye movement ratios in patients with nerve damage or swelling in the brain, which were restored after surgery.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·DateDec 16, 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.

Alcohol blackouts: Not a joke

A new study identified different trajectories of alcohol-related blackouts (ARBs) in adolescents aged 15-19, finding that certain characteristics increase the likelihood of blackouts. The researchers recommend educating teens about the dangers of blackouts to modify their behaviors and prevent dangerous consequences.

SourceAlcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research·DateDec 16, 2014

US children are safer, better-educated, and fatter

Despite lingering issues of child obesity and poverty, the US sees significant advancements in safety, education, and stability for its kids. Test scores have risen, and more children are pursuing higher education and enrolling in preschools.

SourceDuke University·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.

Cocaine, amphetamine users more likely to take their own lives

Researchers identified cocaine and amphetamine users as a higher-risk population for suicidal behaviour, with nearly six percent reporting a suicide attempt in the previous six months. The study suggests that stimulant drugs are associated with impulsive behavior and mood changes, which may contribute to the increased risk.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateDec 16, 2014

New technology directly reprograms skin fibroblasts for a new role

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have discovered a way to directly reprogram skin fibroblasts into functional melanocytes, the body's pigment-producing cells. This technique has significant implications for developing new cell-based treatments for skin diseases and screening strategies for melanoma.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 16, 2014

Is a Nintendo a safe Christmas present?

A team of Dutch researchers analyzed reported cases of Nintendo-related injuries and found a range of problems including seizures, incontinence, and tendonitis. Most issues are mild, but playing for extended periods or without breaks can lead to more severe health consequences.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 16, 2014

Hurricane-forecast satellites will keep close eyes on the tropics

Researchers at the University of Michigan's CYGNSS satellite system will offer improved wind speed and storm intensity forecasts. The system could reduce forecast errors by 9 knots or about 10 mph, which is a significant improvement considering hurricane strength categories increase every 20 mph.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateDec 16, 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.

UBC scientist finds genetic wrinkle to block sun-induced skin aging

A UBC research team has found a genetic link that can prevent sun-induced skin aging by blocking the activity of Granzyme B, an enzyme that breaks down collagen. The breakthrough could lead to new treatments for various conditions, including heart attacks and lung diseases.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalAging Cell·DateDec 16, 2014

Can returning crops to their wild states help feed the world?

Scientists suggest rewilding crops by reintroducing lost genes to regain beneficial properties like disease resistance and higher nutritional value. However, these genetically modified organisms may face challenges for market penetration due to consumer concerns.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Plant Science·DateDec 16, 2014

People trust typical-looking faces most

Research indicates that typical-looking faces are considered to be the most trustworthy, with a U-shaped relationship between face typicality and trustworthiness. The study's findings have important implications for understanding social perception, including cross-cultural perceptions.

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

Study recommends GPs should be more open when referring patients for cancer investigations

A study published in the British Journal of General Practice found that GPs often do not refer patients for cancer investigations due to concerns about raising patient anxiety. Researchers suggest that GPs should consider discussing cancer possibilities with more openness and involve patients in the decision-making process.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalBritish Journal of General Practice·DateDec 16, 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.

Probing bacterial resistance to a class of natural antibiotics

Researchers explore how bacteria survive destruction from antimicrobial peptides and uncover a strategy that can be disabled. A two-component system helps bacteria remove antimicrobial peptides, blocking their bactericidal effect.

SourceArizona State University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateDec 16, 2014