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Science News Archive February 2014


Page 20 of 30

Study: Resilience in parents of children undergoing stem cell transplant

A recent study published in Biology of Blood and Marrow Transplantation found that parents of children undergoing stem cell transplant experience increased distress during the procedure but recover to normal levels of adjustment. Parents demonstrate remarkable recovery despite facing significant life challenges.

How to make the wonder material graphene superconducting

Scientists at the University of Vienna have unveiled the superconducting pairing mechanism in calcium-doped graphene using the Angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) method. The findings reveal that calcium is the most promising candidate to induce superconductivity in graphene, with a critical temperature of about 1.5K.

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.

Males and females differ in specific brain structures

A recent meta-analysis of 20 years of neuroscience research reveals significant sex differences in brain structure, with males on average having larger total brain volumes and higher tissue densities in certain regions. Females, on the other hand, have higher density in the left frontal pole and larger volumes in other areas.

Annual screening does not cut breast cancer deaths, suggests Canadian study

A Canadian study of 89,000 women aged 40-59 found that annual breast screening did not reduce mortality from breast cancer beyond physical examination or usual care. The study also revealed that 22% of screen-detected cancers were over-diagnosed, with one over-diagnosed cancer for every 424 women screened.

After committing a crime, guilt and shame predict re-offense

Research found that inmates who express guilt about specific behaviors are less likely to re-offend, while those feeling shame are more likely to commit crimes again. The study suggests that understanding the role of guilt and shame can inform restorative justice interventions and improve outcomes for incarcerated individuals.

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.

YOLO: Aging and the pursuit of happiness

Researchers found that older adults derive more happiness from ordinary experiences than younger people, who prioritize extraordinary life milestones. The study suggests brands can tailor experiential marketing campaigns to specific age groups to maximize impact.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

I smoke, but I'm not a smoker

A study by UC San Diego School of Medicine found nearly 396,000 Californians smoke on a measurable basis but reject the label. This 'non-identifying smoker' phenomenon poses health risks and may hinder efforts to reduce tobacco consumption.

Child abuse rises with income inequality, study shows

A nationwide study by Cornell researchers found that child abuse and neglect are associated with income inequality, affecting 3.4 million children under 18 years old each year. The study also highlighted the long-term effects of childhood maltreatment, including increased rates of unemployment and substance use.

Revolutionary new view on heritability in plants

Scientists discovered that epigenetic marks in plants can affect complex traits such as flowering time and plant architecture. These marks are stably passed on to later generations, opening up new possibilities for plant breeding and evolution.

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.

Source of 'moon curse' revealed by eclipse

A team of scientists, led by Tom Murphy, found that the performance of laser-based reflectors on the Moon's surface is negatively affected during full moon nights due to accumulated moon dust and heating. The effect was later confirmed during a lunar eclipse in December 2010.

Targeting tumors: Ion beam accelerators take aim at cancer

Researchers explore the physics and biology of ion beam acceleration in cancer treatment, offering greater precision and reduced damage to healthy tissue. The symposium and press briefing discuss the benefits and challenges of hadron therapy, including its potential for cost-saving accelerator designs.

Breast cancer drug fights fungal disease

Researchers discovered tamoxifen, a breast cancer treatment, also kills Cryptococcus, a fungus causing deadly brain infections. The combination of tamoxifen and fluconazole was synergistic, showing improved activity against the fungus. This finding offers a new approach to treating cryptococcal meningitis.

New evidence shows how chronic stress predisposes brain to mental disorders

Researchers found that chronic stress generates more myelin-producing cells and fewer neurons in the brain, disrupting communication and potentially leading to mental problems like anxiety and depression. This long-term change in brain structure may also contribute to conditions such as PTSD, schizophrenia, and ADHD.

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.

New target isolated for leukemia drug development

Researchers at UT Health Science Center identified a key role of the WTAP protein in AML development and found that suppressing it with Hsp90 inhibition greatly suppressed proliferation and induced differentiation. This discovery opens up new avenues for effective therapies for children and adults with newly diagnosed AML.

NREL report finds similar value in 2 CSP technologies

A new NREL report finds that the value of delivered energy from dry-cooled tower and parabolic trough CSP plants, integrated with thermal energy storage, are quite similar. This technology allows for dispatching solar thermal energy like conventional thermal generation, enabling CSP to respond to changes in supply or demand.

Kidney failure risk for organ donors 'extremely low'

A new Johns Hopkins research reveals that kidney failure is much less prevalent in living kidney donors than in the general population. The study found a lifetime rate of kidney failure in donors to be 90 per 10,000, compared to 326 per 10,000 in non-donors.

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.

A breast cancer drug to fight fungal disease?

Researchers discovered tamoxifen can kill Cryptococcus germ by interfering with a protein, offering potential new treatment for deadly brain infection. Additional animal experiments are needed to develop new anti-cryptococcal drugs based on the findings.

Scientists identify gene linking brain structure to intelligence

Researchers found a genetic variation in the NPTN gene associated with thinner grey matter in the left cerebral hemisphere and lower verbal and non-verbal intelligence. The study may help understand biological mechanisms behind psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and autism.

Researchers find source of new lineage of immune cells

Innate lymphoid cells play key roles in protecting against infection or parasites, but their origin and function were unknown until now. Researchers identify ILCPs in fetal liver and adult bone marrow, paving the way for a better understanding of the immune system's first line of defense.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Tech products can turn uncool when they become too popular

Research finds that tech products can turn uncool as they gain popularity, and companies need to continually innovate to maintain their appeal. Products with subculture appeal, originality, and attractiveness are considered cool, while utility is not a determining factor.

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.

Acidic tumor pH inhibits drug effect

A new study from Karolinska Institutet found that acidic tumor pH counteracts chloroquine's ability to inhibit autophagy in cancer cells. The results may explain the lack of efficacy of chloroquine in clinical studies, particularly in tumors with low oxygen and acidic pH.

OU next-generation radar deployed in DFW area

The University of Oklahoma's new radar system, part of the Dallas-Fort Worth Urban Demonstration Network, aims to improve severe weather warning operations. The network will use data from local, state, and federal agencies, as well as private sector sources, to provide real-time analysis and forecasts.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Skin reactions during radiation therapy preventable

A thin transparent silicone dressing applied from day one can prevent severe skin reactions during radiation therapy, according to New Zealand research. The dressings create a protective environment for skin stem cells to heal from radiation damage.

Three doses of HPV vaccine recommended against genital warts

A Swedish register study found that receiving three doses of HPV vaccine significantly reduces the incidence of genital warts compared to two doses. The study, published in JAMA, suggests that a three-dose regimen may be more effective in preventing genital warts than previously thought.

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.

Slim pickings for 2 weight-loss drugs?

Two approved weight-loss drugs have been linked to serious harms, including memory and depression problems, and cardiovascular risks. Researchers question the FDA's decision to approve these medications without more definitive evidence.

Dressing down: Can this actually boost your social status?

Researchers found that people attribute more status and competence to individuals who display nonconformity in prestigious contexts. This phenomenon, dubbed the 'Red Sneakers Effect,' suggests that intentionally deviating from norms can be a powerful signal of success.

New way to measure electron pair interactions

Researchers at Max Planck Institute in Germany develop new way to measure electron pair emission directly on a standard lab bench using time-of-flight spectrometers. This breakthrough allows for the quantification of electron correlation strength, crucial for designing novel materials with desirable properties.

Impulse spending? Save money by getting organized

Researchers at the University of Chicago Press Journals found that controlling a chaotic environment may be key to helping people stop excessive behaviors like hoarding and stockpiling. Participants in cluttered rooms showed increased likelihood of impulse spending compared to those in organized spaces.

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.

Nanoparticles treat muscular dystrophy in mice

Scientists at WashU Medicine have developed a new approach to treating muscular dystrophy, using nanoparticles loaded with rapamycin to improve recycling of cellular waste. The treatment showed significant improvements in skeletal muscle strength and cardiac function in mice with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Exercise may slow retinal degeneration

Researchers found that moderate aerobic exercise helps preserve retina structure and function after damage. Exercise was shown to have a direct effect on retinal health and vision, potentially leading to tailored exercise regimens or combination therapies for retinal degenerative diseases.

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.

Study examines legislative challenges to school immunization mandates

Between 2009-2012, 18 states introduced 36 bills modifying school immunization mandates, with the majority expanding exemptions. Most bills with administrative requirements restricted exemptions, but none were passed. The study highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining high immunization coverage.

First 3-D movies of living sperm

Researchers have developed a new tracking system that takes 3-D movies of living sperm, providing detailed imaging and analyzing motility data. The method helps detect potential infertility-causing anomalies, such as bent tails, and may soon aid in vitro fertilization (IVF) clinics in selecting the most viable sperm cells.

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.

Recent decades likely wettest in 4 millennia in Tibet

Recent decades have been the wettest in 3,500 years in North East Tibet, according to a new study. The region's tree ring records show wider growth rings, indicating moister growing conditions, with the last 50 years seeing increasing rainfall.

From surgery to laboratory and back again

Researchers developed chemical agents that bind and potentially remove the anti-coagulant heparin, improving patient care. The system is biodegradable, reducing the risk of side effects.

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.