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Science News Archive February 2014


Page 14 of 30

Game-winning momentum is just an illusion

A new study from Cornell University researchers challenges the notion that momentum plays a significant role in sports performance. Despite appearances, winning streaks have little to do with momentum. Winning the first game of a weekend series does not impact the probability of winning the second, according to the study.

Researchers discover how ALS spreads

A study led by University of British Columbia researchers reveals how the fatal neurodegenerative disease ALS is transmitted from cell to cell. The research shows that misfolded non-mutant SOD1 can be transmitted regionally in the nervous system, offering a molecular explanation for ALS progression.

Sochi games influenced by Lake Placid winter Olympics of 1932

The 1932 Lake Placid Winter Olympics were shaped by the need for a world-class bobsled facility after eight crashes marred practice runs. The site's design, including unique drops and upward slopes, has influenced Sochi's slide, highlighting the Olympic Games' ongoing struggle with safety and environmental concerns.

Ancient herring catch nets fisheries weakness

A new study utilizing archaeological reports of over half a million fish bones from Alaska, British Columbia, and Washington State found that long-ago herring populations were consistently abundant and widespread for thousands of years. This contrasts with today's dwindling and erratic herring numbers.

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.

Perception of job insecurity results in lower use of workplace programs

Research by T. Brad Harris and colleagues found that perceived job insecurity is linked to lower use of workplace support programs, increased work-life conflict, and emotional exhaustion. To address this issue, organizations should communicate the value of these programs and help employees recognize their worth.

Einstein's conversion from a static to an expanding universe

In 1917 Einstein applied general relativity to a static universe, introducing the cosmological constant to address gravitational collapse. He resisted expanding universe views despite contemporary suggestions from astrophysicists Alexander Friedman and Georges Lemaître.

The conditions for a society to become a democracy are analyzed

A researcher analyzes the necessary conditions for a society to become a democracy, highlighting the importance of social protest and the role of institutions. The study suggests that a dynamic between state institutions and Basque society is crucial for enabling democratic processes.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Outsmarting nature during disasters

Geophysicist Seth Stein warns that humans are often outsmarted by nature during disasters, causing unnecessary damage despite expensive mitigation measures. Stein advocates for a thoughtful approach to disaster preparedness, integrating science, economics, and policy formulation to make informed decisions.

HRCT scans can identify deadly lung disease

High-resolution CT scans can detect IPF by identifying a characteristic honeycombing pattern in lung scarring. This non-invasive method may replace surgical lung biopsies in some cases, reducing substantial risks associated with the procedure.

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.

Years after bullying, negative impact on a child's health may remain

A longitudinal study by Boston Children's Hospital reveals that the negative effects of bullying can accumulate and worsen over time. The study found that children who experienced chronic bullying reported poor mental and physical health, including depressive symptoms and difficulties engaging in physical activities.

What good are footprints?

The Yale School of Environment journal examines the benefits and limitations of environmental footprinting, a concept that summarizes human impact on the planet. The field continues to evolve, offering new opportunities for collaboration and precision in assessing sustainability.

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.

Northwestern Medicine researchers discover new way to prevent some strokes

Researchers have developed a new device that detects atrial fibrillation in 30% of cryptogenic stroke patients, allowing for improved prevention of future strokes. The device uses a tiny implantable cardiac monitor to capture abnormal ECG activity and has been shown to be more effective than standard tests.

A better way to purify peptide-based drugs

A new method for purifying peptide-based drugs has been developed by a chemist at Michigan Technological University, separating perfect peptides from those that don't make the grade in just two hours. The process reduces waste and is cheaper than existing methods, offering a promising alternative for treating diseases like cancer and HIV.

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.

Kidney cancer reveals its weak link

Kidney cancer cells exhibit distinct metabolic differences compared to other cancers, providing a potential weak link for diagnosis and treatment. This discovery opens the door to new biomarkers and therapeutic approaches for detecting kidney cancer at an early stage.

New materials open door to electronics in extreme environments

Researchers at the University of Leeds have developed high-temperature piezoelectric materials, allowing for electronic monitoring in extreme environments. The new materials, compatible with existing manufacturing methods, have vast potential applications in industries such as aerospace, oil and gas, and nuclear power.

Natural compound attacks HER2 positive breast cancer cells

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have identified a new way psoralen works to kill tumor cells, including a direct anti-tumor effect on HER2 overexpressing breast cancer cells. Psoralen blocks the signaling pathway of the HER2 receptor, shutting down uncontrolled cell growth and leading to aggressive cancer.

Small non-coding RNAs could be warning signs of cancer

Researchers found that specific small non-coding RNAs near gene start sites can distinguish between cancerous and non-cancerous tissues. These RNA molecules may also predict cancer survival outcomes and have potential as diagnostic tools.

Researchers identify new way to control stone fruit disease

Researchers at the University of Kent have discovered a new strategy for controlling brown rot disease, a major problem for the UK's stone fruit producers. Biological control agents derived from UK cherries and plums show promise in preventing the disease in controlled conditions.

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Experimental drug could enhance multiple myeloma and myeloid leukemia therapies

A pre-clinical study suggests that dinaciclib, a CDK inhibitor, can improve the effectiveness of certain therapies for multiple myeloma and myeloid leukemia by disrupting the unfolded protein response (UPR) in cancer cells. The UPR is a cell survival mechanism that allows cancer cells to combat damage caused by anti-cancer agents.

It's alive! Bacteria-filled liquid crystals could improve biosensing

Researchers developed a new form of soft matter that moves and reshapes itself in response to external stimuli, storing energy like living organisms. This 'living liquid crystal' holds promise for improving early disease detection, monitoring biological processes, and creating microfluidic biological sensors.

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.

How well do football helmets protect players from concussions?

A new study by the American Academy of Neurology found that football helmets on average reduce the risk of traumatic brain injury by only 20 percent compared to not wearing a helmet. The study also showed that some helmet brands, such as the Adams a2000, provide better protection against concussion and closed head injury than others.

Researchers shed new light on the genetic history of the European beaver

A recent study has found that European beavers have low genetic diversity due to human hunting. The research, led by University of York Professor Michi Hofreiter, analyzed ancient and modern DNA to show that the beaver population was heavily impacted by expanding human populations over thousands of years.

Of mice and men: Fine-tuning salmonella-based vaccines

The new vaccine technology uses reengineered salmonella to deliver protective immunity against various infections. The study demonstrates a 10-fold improvement in salmonella survivability in a mouse model, modified to mimic human stomach acid conditions, offering hope for safe and effective oral vaccines.

Why tackling appetite could hold the key to preventing childhood obesity

Studies reveal that infants with a heartier appetite grow more rapidly, potentially putting them at increased risk for obesity. Additionally, children with lower satiety responsiveness are more likely to have genetic predisposition to obesity, highlighting potential targets for pharmacological and behavioral interventions.

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.

Environmental issues examined through cohesive efforts

Boundary organizations facilitate communication between scientists, stakeholders, and policymakers to address pressing environmental challenges like water availability and species decline. Effective collaboration requires integrating diverse perspectives and knowledge in a neutral environment to inform environmental decisions.

Researchers warn against abrupt stop to geoengineering method

A new study published in IOP Publishing's journal Environmental Research Letters warns that abrupt stopping of the geoengineering method could lead to rapid and extensive warming. The researchers found that global temperatures could more than double if the method is implemented for a multi-decadal period and then suddenly stopped.

Caps not the culprit in nanotube chirality

Rice University researchers conducted a two-year census of 4,500 possible cap formations for nanotubes, finding that the elastic energy landscapes involved in cap formation do not dictate the nanotube's chirality. Instead, other factors such as catalyst interaction and energy landscape play a crucial role.

Gender and genes play an important role in delayed language development

Research found that boys are at greater risk for delayed language development than girls, with family reading and writing difficulties increasing the risk. The study also highlights the importance of early identification and enabling language environments to support children with delayed language development.

Learning to see better in life and baseball

Researchers found that a 25-minute daily visual training program improved the players' acuity and peripheral vision. This resulted in better on-field performance, including reduced strikeout rates and increased runs scored.

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.

Mechanism of dengue virus entry into cells

Researchers have identified how dengue virus enters cells using the DC-SIGN protein. Strong neutralization antibodies block this process, offering hope for vaccine development to combat the global mosquito-borne disease. The study's findings could lead to improved prevention and treatment of dengue fever.

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for Feb. 18, 2014

Aortic valve replacement improves symptoms but may not improve overall quality of life for high-risk patients. Researchers found rituximab to be ineffective in treating primary Sjögren's syndrome, while microsporidiosis should be considered in febrile transplant patients, especially those with unexplained illnesses.

Zoonotic diseases and global viral pandemics

Novel emerging pathogens often have significant impacts on human health, with RNA viruses being a major cause of these infections. Early detection and response are crucial for effective disease containment or mitigation, using tools like bio-surveillance, molecular diagnostics, and Next Gen sequencing.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Finding ways to detect and treat Alzheimer's disease

Researchers are exploring the properties of amyloid beta peptides, implicated in Alzheimer's disease. By understanding their behavior, they hope to identify structures that lead to toxic aggregates and develop treatments.

Why does the brain remember dreams?

Researchers found that high dream recallers show stronger brain activity in areas involved in attention and memory, suggesting increased ability to encode dreams in memory. This study provides insights into the neural mechanisms behind dream recall and has implications for understanding the mysteries of dreaming.

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.

New digital publication Mosaic explores the science of life

Mosaic, a new digital publication, will explore the science of life through long-form features, articles, and films. The Wellcome Trust-backed platform aims to explain scientific developments in context, making it accessible to all curious about science.

JCI early table of contents for Feb. 17, 2014

A neurotensin conjugate has shown effective transportation across the blood brain barrier and dose-dependent pain relief in animal models. In contrast, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation has been found to impact T cell repertoire in multiple sclerosis patients, with diverse repertoires associated with better treatment responses.

Ben-Gurion U. researchers reveal that organic agriculture can pollute groundwater

Researchers from Ben-Gurion University found that liquid fertilizing techniques through drip irrigation result in lower groundwater pollution rates compared to intensive organic farming. High nitrate concentrations in aquifer water lead to drinking-water well shutdowns due to down leaching of nitrates under intensive organic farming.

Finding common ground fosters understanding of climate change

Climate change is expected to increase heat waves in the Midwest, claiming hundreds of lives annually. A model developed by MSU systems ecologist Laura Schmitt-Olabisi reveals limitations of previous approaches to reducing deaths and hospitalizations caused by extreme heat.

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.

New blood cells fight brain inflammation

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered a new type of regulatory blood cell that can fight hyperactive T-cells causing chronic inflammation in multiple sclerosis. The cells express FoxA1, which suppresses inflammation and degeneration of the brain.

Bacterial superbug protein structure solved

The Vanderbilt team has deciphered the 3-D structure of a key MRSA protein, FosB, which inactivates an antibiotic called fosfomycin. This discovery may enable the design of inhibitors that can improve the effectiveness of fosfomycin and combat MRSA infections.

What is known about the pathway to aging well?

Professor Daniel K. Mroczek has discovered that certain personality traits are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes throughout life. His research suggests that many adults remain fit and engaged until late in life, maintaining fulfilling social relationships.

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.

Misconceptions of science and religion found in new study

A new survey of over 10,000 Americans found that nearly 50% of evangelicals believe science and religion can work together, contrary to public perception. The study also showed that scientists are more likely to practice their faith than the general population, challenging conventional wisdom.