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Science News Archive February 2014


Page 13 of 30

Food & moods

Researchers found that individuals in positive moods prefer healthy foods for long-term health benefits, while those in negative moods opt for indulgent foods for immediate mood management. The studies suggest that perspective on time plays a crucial role in food choice, with people in positive moods considering future health outcomes.

COXEN model picks the best drug for ovarian cancer

A University of Colorado study used a COXEN model to match tumors with optimal drugs, significantly extending patient survival. The model analyzed genetic data from thousands of tumor samples to identify response patterns.

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.

'Legal highs,' PMMA and zombie panic

A recent study published in Drug Science Policy and Law finds a significant rise in PMA/PMMA contamination in ecstasy pills from 2001 to 2007, resulting in deaths in both countries. The authors advocate for harm reduction strategies and education over criminalisation of new drugs.

Nanodiamond-embedded contact lenses may improve glaucoma treatment

Researchers from UCLA have developed a drug delivery system that may improve glaucoma management by reducing side effects and increasing patient compliance. The nanodiamond-drug compound was released into the eye through contact lenses, showing great promise for sustained treatment.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Molecular biology mystery unravelled

Researchers at the University of Bristol and EMBL have identified the 'holo-translocon' as the machinery responsible for inserting proteins into cell membranes. This breakthrough could lead to the design of new anti-bacterial drugs and applications in synthetic biology.

Evolution stuck in slime for a billion years

Researchers in Tasmania reveal ancient conditions that stifled evolution for a billion years, but then oxygen levels surged, triggering the 'Cambrian explosion of life'. The study uses a new technique to analyze ancient seafloor rocks, shedding light on the emergence of life and its impact on Earth.

Probiotic treatment for vaginal thrush on the way

Researchers are testing probiotic pessaries containing 'good' bacteria against Candida infections. The study shows that a combination of two strains can kill or restrict growth of yeast cells, offering a viable alternative to precious antimicrobial drugs.

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.

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.

Bats inspire 'micro air vehicle' designs

Researchers at Virginia Tech used experimental measurements and analysis software to understand how fruit bats use their wings to manipulate airflow. They found that bat wings can generate forces up to two-to-three times greater than a static airfoil wing, making them ideal for designing micro air vehicles with flapping wings.

Ticks may cause double trouble, Stanford scientists find

Researchers have discovered two bacteria, Borrelia miyamotoi and Borrelia burgdorferi, in nearly every park sampled throughout the region. The findings raise questions about the prevalence of B. miyamotoi infections in California residents and highlight the need for improved diagnostic tests.

Kidney cancer care improves with vaccine-based approach

A new Phase III clinical trial at Cedars-Sinai Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute aims to provide kidney cancer patients with long-term control of their disease. The vaccine-based approach uses a patient's own immune system to fight the disease, potentially improving survival outcomes and quality of life.

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.

More women receiving breast reconstruction after mastectomy, study finds

A study found that breast reconstruction rates have increased significantly since 1998, with a six-fold increase in bilateral mastectomies and three-quarters of women receiving reconstruction. However, radiation therapy is less likely to be followed by reconstruction, raising concerns about the impact on patient outcomes.

Artificial cells and salad dressing

A team of researchers developed methods to screen thousands of synthetic molecular oscillators in small droplets, finding diverse behavior in terms of period, amplitude and phase. This diversity will play a crucial role in engineering complex behaviors in artificial cells.

Regenerating orthopedic tissues within the human body

Duke researchers have successfully used gene therapy to induce stem cells to produce growth factor proteins, overcoming the challenge of delivering these proteins after implantation. The technique allows for long-term delivery and could be applied to various orthopedic tissues, presenting a significant step toward commercialization.

Crowdsourced testers prefer new cyber search method

A new tool, Conjunctive Exploratory Navigation Interface (CENI), combines two search modes to provide a more focused search and retrieve the most pertinent information. CENI outperformed traditional keyword-based lookup interfaces in a study involving crowdsourced testers.

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.

Study points out inequalities in prescribing blood pressure meds

A study by the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health found that young adults with hypertension are less likely to be prescribed antihypertensive medication, even when they have regular primary care visits. This delay can increase the risk of future cardiovascular events.

A stretchable highway for light

A team of Belgian researchers successfully developed a stretchable optical interconnection that can be bent and stretched without losing its light-gathering ability. The new material consists of a transparent core surrounded by a lower refractive index layer, which traps light and causes it to propagate along its length.

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.

Mandel Foundation awards $13 million grant to Ben-Gurion U.

The Mandel Foundation awards Ben-Gurion University of the Negev a $13 million grant to establish the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Institute for Social Leadership. The gift will support the development of a new honors program in social leadership, incorporating existing academic programs and research initiatives.

Almost 13 million smoking deaths could be prevented in China by 2050

New estimates suggest that China can prevent over 13 million smoking-related deaths by 2050 through effective tobacco control measures. Implementing World Health Organization guidelines could lead to a relative reduction in smoking of over 40 percent, resulting in significant public health gains.

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.

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.

Scientists identify 'long distance scanner' for DNA damage

Researchers discovered a mechanism preventing mutation in genes involves long distance scanning of DNA by Mfd protein, detecting damage within active genes. This discovery sheds light on the complicated genome-wide patterns of mutation underlying species evolution and cell behavior changes.

Can you boost your brain power through video?

A study found that watching videos of tasks before performing them can boost brain structure and increase motor skills in healthy adults. The group who completed this type of training showed significantly improved motor skill abilities compared to those who watched landscape videos.

Researchers propose a better way to make sense of 'Big Data'

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have proposed a new method for analyzing Big Data using mutual information, which can reveal patterns without prior assumptions. This approach challenges the latest statistical tools and has the potential to greatly benefit modern data analysis in biology and other fields.

Cows moove our understanding of the immune system

Researchers studying cow antibodies have gained insights into the diversity of human antibodies, which is crucial for recognizing and neutralizing pathogens. The unique structure of these cow antibodies may also be useful for antibody-based therapies or diagnostics.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Sloan Research Fellowships awarded to 126 young scholars

The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation has selected 126 young researchers for the 2014 Sloan Research Fellowships, recognizing their achievements and potential as rising scientific leaders. Awarded annually since 1955, the fellowships provide $50,000 to support further research.

Solar-induced hybrid fuel cell produces electricity directly from biomass

Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed a low-temperature fuel cell that directly converts biomass to electricity using a catalyst activated by solar or thermal energy. The device can use various types of biomass, including starch, cellulose, and switchgrass, and operates for up to 20 hours without needing purification.

Calico cats inspire X chromosome research

Scientists have visualized the inactive X chromosome in intact cells for the first time, revealing its unique substructural organization. This breakthrough could help understand gene activity and inheritance patterns, with potential implications for diagnosing and treating X-chromosome-linked diseases.

Beyond partisanship: Engaging in debates about science and society

A study by American University researchers found that understanding public opinion goes beyond partisanship to address differences in people's perceptions about the social implications of science. Four distinct groups, including 'Scientific Optimists' and 'Disengaged', were identified as influencing opinions on stem cell research.

Prison-based education declined during economic downturn, study finds

State-level spending on prison education programs declined by an average of 6% from 2009 to 2012, with large states cutting spending by 10% and medium-sized states by 20%. The study's findings highlight the need for better focus on spending and more effective instructional models to improve outcomes for inmates.

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.

Ion beams pave way to new kinds of valves for use in spintronics

Scientists create magnetically structured materials by irradiating iron aluminum alloy with neon ions, enabling the creation of spin valves that can function as magnetic storage media. The technology uses electron charge and inherent magnetic properties for information storage and processing.

Nitrogen-tracking tools for better crops and less pollution

Scientists have developed tools to observe nitrogen uptake in real-time, improving understanding of the process and potentially increasing crop yields. The technology allows for the study of transport proteins involved in nitrogen absorption, enabling the development of more efficient agricultural practices.

Research team establishes benchmark set of human genotypes for sequencing

A team of scientists from Harvard University and Virginia Tech has established a reliable set of human genotypes to benchmark human genome sequencing. This will help researchers gain traction against human disease by refining genomic data. The findings are available online, enabling real-time benchmarking of DNA-sequencing methods.

Frequent flyers, bottle gourds crossed the ocean many times

A recent study reveals that bottle gourds originated from Africa and were likely domesticated multiple times in the New World. The research found that modern bottle gourd samples from the Americas matched African genetic profiles, supporting the idea that gourds floated across the Atlantic Ocean frequently.

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.

Smartphone app aids college-age women in abusive relationships

The 'One Love My Plan' smartphone application provides college-age women in abusive relationships with personalized safety plans and confidential resources. The app, developed by University of Missouri researchers, aims to connect young women with existing services and provide immediate strategies for helping themselves or friends.

Clemson researchers develop sticky nanoparticles to fight heart disease

Researchers at Clemson University have developed sticky nanoparticles that can deliver drugs targeting damaged arteries, providing a new method to fight heart disease. The nanoparticles, coated with a sticky protein, latch onto damaged arteries and release drugs in slow fashion, reducing the need for surgical interventions.

Medicaid's 'tube-tying' polices create roadblocks for low-income women

Current Medicaid policies create a two-tiered system of access for low-income women seeking tubal ligation. The 30-day mandatory waiting period is excessive and should be shortened or eliminated. Researchers suggest revisiting the policy to honor women's reproductive autonomy and create more equitable access.

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.

How evolution shapes the geometries of life

An interdisciplinary team proposes a thought-provoking answer to how plants and animals evolved different forms in response to the same mathematical and physical principles. By applying a famous mathematical formula, the team explains decades worth of real-world observations, revealing why plants and animals have similar energy efficie...