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Science News Archive February 2014 - Page 18


Page 18 of 30

Scientists reveal cosmic roadmap to galactic magnetic field

Recent measurements have validated IBEX's signature finding on the local interstellar magnetic field direction. The consistent picture reveals how the heliosphere is shaped by the interstellar magnetic field, influencing cosmic rays and life on Earth.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalScience·DateFeb 13, 2014

Mixed genes

Researchers created a global map detailing the genetic histories of 95 populations across Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America. The study found evidence of previously unrecorded genetic mixing, including European DNA in modern-day China and Mongol DNA in Pakistan.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateFeb 13, 2014
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Cancer drugs hitch a ride on 'smart' gold nanoshells

Researchers have developed 'smart' gold nanoshells that target cancer cells specifically, delivering anticancer drugs and converting near-infrared light into heat. This breakthrough could lead to more effective cancer treatments by overcoming the limitation of traditional chemotherapy techniques.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalBiomedical Materials·DateFeb 13, 2014

Rebuilding the brain after stroke

Researchers have discovered a potential therapy to enhance brain repair after a stroke by stimulating the brain's inherent plasticity with molecular components of stem cells. This approach has shown promising results in promoting neurological recovery and may lead to revolutionary treatments for other diseases.

SourceHenry Ford Health·DateFeb 13, 2014

Ambulance magnesium treatment fails to improve stroke outcome

Researchers found that intravenous magnesium did not improve stroke-related disability, but was safe for delivery by paramedics within an hour. The study aimed to test the efficacy of magnesium as a neuroprotective agent, and its results will help inform future stroke treatment strategies.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateFeb 13, 2014

Study: Beauty not disease motivates teens to wear sunscreen

A University of Colorado study shows that teens who watched a video about the cosmetic effects of UV exposure were more likely to use sunscreen than those who watched a health-based video. This finding suggests that addressing appearance-related concerns can be an effective way to modify sun-protective behaviors in teenagers.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology·DateFeb 13, 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.

Study highlights indigenous response to natural disaster

The study highlights the effectiveness of traditional institutions like Fa'aSamoa and The Samoan Way in responding to natural disasters. These community-based approaches have strong social capital and can be leveraged in disaster management policies and programs, providing a 'win-win' scenario.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalEcology and Society·DateFeb 13, 2014

Efficient treatment a step closer in the fight against cancer-causing herpes

Scientists have discovered that herpes virus proteins use their flexible arms to pass on viral building blocks to hijacked cell proteins, providing insight into the virus's ability to hijack cells. The study's findings may lead to new treatments for Kaposi's sarcoma, a type of cancer caused by the herpes virus.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateFeb 13, 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.

Male Pinterest users are more interested in art than cars

Research by the University of Minnesota and Georgia Tech found that male Pinterest users are more interested in photography, art, design, and home decor than sports, technology, and cars. In contrast, women tend to focus on traditional female categories such as food and drink, crafts, and fashion.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·DateFeb 12, 2014

Four new galaxy clusters take researchers further back in time

A team of astronomers has discovered four new galaxy clusters, each containing thousands of individual galaxies, some 10 billion light years away. The clusters are seen as they existed 3 billion years ago, providing insights into the formation of giant elliptical galaxies.

SourceImperial College London·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateFeb 12, 2014

Poaching threatens savannah ecosystems

A new study highlights the role of white rhinos in shaping savannah ecosystems, suggesting that their loss could have significant effects on ecosystem functioning and fire regimes. The research found that areas previously colonized by rhinos had higher levels of short grass cover and more grazing lawns.

SourceSwedish Research Council·JournalJournal of Ecology·DateFeb 12, 2014

New target for psoriasis treatment discovered

Researchers at King's College London have discovered a new gene (PIM1) that could be an effective target for innovative treatments and therapies for psoriasis. The study highlights the role of PIM1 and the IL-22 cytokine in skin inflammation, suggesting a direct link between these two.

SourceKing's College London·DateFeb 12, 2014

Advanced techniques yield new insights into ribosome self-assembly

A new study reports that the ribosome's small subunit assembles itself through a dynamic interaction between proteins and RNA. The team discovered that a specific protein plays a crucial role in this process, allowing for the binding of subsequent proteins.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature·DateFeb 12, 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.

More awareness, fast response key to combatting stroke in children

Researchers found that most parents thought symptoms were serious but only half called emergency services, highlighting the need for increased awareness and prompt action. The study emphasizes the importance of educating healthcare professionals and parents about stroke recognition in children.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateFeb 12, 2014

Use of mortality as measure of stroke care questioned

A new study challenges the use of mortality as a measure of stroke care quality, citing variations in do-not-resuscitate orders that can significantly skew hospital rankings. The researchers found a wide range of variation in early DNR use, with hospitals using them an average of 2.2-23.2% of the time.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalStroke·DateFeb 12, 2014

2013 AAAS Mentor Award goes to Paul B. Tchounwou of Jackson State University

Paul B. Tchounwou, associate dean of graduate studies at Jackson State University, received the 2013 AAAS Mentor Award for his significant contributions to mentoring African American students in environmental sciences. He has mentored over 75 students and has played a key role in increasing research productivity at the university.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·DateFeb 12, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Jaw dropping: scientists reveal how vertebrates came to have a face

Researchers used micron resolution X-ray imaging to study the skull of Romundina, an early armoured fish with jaws. The study shows that the face assembly during the evolutionary transition was a gradual process, with key features emerging before the final shape of the jawed vertebrate face.

SourceEuropean Synchrotron Radiation Facility·JournalNature·DateFeb 12, 2014

Cancer researchers discover pre-leukemic stem cell at root of AML, relapse

Cancer researchers have discovered a pre-leukemic stem cell that may initiate disease and trigger relapse in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This finding offers a potential tool for earlier diagnosis and targeted therapy, as the pre-leukemic stem cell can survive chemotherapy and be found in the bone marrow at remission.

SourceUniversity Health Network·JournalNature·DateFeb 12, 2014

Prenatal vitamin A deficiency tied to postnatal asthma

Researchers found that prenatal vitamin A deficiency leads to airway hyperresponsiveness in adult mice by causing abnormal smooth muscle development. The study suggests that structural and functional changes in the lungs due to vitamin A deficiency during development may be an important factor in asthma susceptibility.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 12, 2014

GVSU researchers draw link between zebra mussels, risk of algae blooms

Researchers at Grand Valley State University found a link between zebra mussels and increased risk of algae blooms in Muskegon Lake and Bear Lake. The invasive mussels stimulate nutrient releases, while native chironomids increase oxygen levels, making the lakes more prone to toxic blooms.

SourceGrand Valley State University·JournalOikos·DateFeb 12, 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.

UK study finds doctors are missing chances to diagnose COPD earlier

A recent UK study found that doctors are missing opportunities to diagnose chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in up to 85% of cases. The study, published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, analyzed data from 38,859 patients and found that missed opportunities for diagnosis were most common in the years preceding diagnosis. T...

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·DateFeb 12, 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.

Jawed vertebrates get a face

Fossil evidence reveals the step-by-step assembly of the face during the evolutionary transition from jawless to jawed vertebrates. The Romundina skull shows primitive and modern features, shedding light on the origin of the jawed vertebrate face.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature·DateFeb 12, 2014

Filling me softly

Scientists at the University of Cambridge discovered that implant stiffness is a major cause of foreign body reactions. The team found that stiff materials trigger inflammation and cell shape changes in brain cells, leading to encapsulation with scar tissue.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalBiomaterials·DateFeb 12, 2014

San Francisco's big 1906 quake was third of a series on San Andreas Fault

Researchers have uncovered geologic evidence supporting two earthquakes in 1838 and 1890 that match historical accounts. The team used LiDAR technology to map the active fault trace and found ax-cut wood chips, tree stumps, and charcoal fragments confirming the quakes.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateFeb 12, 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.

NASA satellite sees Tropical Cyclone Fobane spinning down

Tropical Cyclone Fobane is weakening due to increasing vertical wind shear and cooler sea surface temperatures. The storm is moving southward through the Southern Indian Ocean, with maximum sustained winds near 45 knots/51.7 mph/83.3 kph.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 12, 2014

U-M scientists & colleagues investigate the fiber of our being

Researchers at U-M Medical School and institutions worldwide investigate the fiber of our being, discovering how one group of gut bacteria digests complex sugars. Their findings shed light on the science of human nutrition and have implications for commerce and industry.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature·DateFeb 12, 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.

Thatcher's policies condemned for causing 'unjust premature death'

Research finds Thatcher's policies led to unnecessary unemployment, welfare cuts, and damaging housing policies resulting in excess deaths. The study also highlights the rise in income inequality and regional disparities in health standards during the Thatcher era.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalInternational Journal of Health Services·DateFeb 12, 2014

Prostate cancer advance could improve treatment options

Researchers at the University of East Anglia have made a significant advance in understanding genetic changes associated with terminal prostate cancer. A genetic mutation has been identified as a key factor in the development of aggressive cancer later in life. This discovery could help identify patients who are at risk of developing f...

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateFeb 12, 2014

When is the right time to discuss delivery room research with parents?

A Saint Louis University pediatric researcher is conducting a study to determine the best time to discuss obtaining parental consent for clinical research involving treatment of newborns in the delivery room. The goal is to develop a method that satisfies ethical requirements while making it easier for parents to understand the researc...

SourceSaint Louis University·DateFeb 12, 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.

2013 AAAS Award for Science Diplomacy goes to Siegfried Hecker

Siegfried Hecker has been honored by AAAS for his work in nuclear security and global threat reduction. His dedication to fostering cooperation through science led to significant international partnerships, improving the control of nuclear materials.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·DateFeb 12, 2014

2013 AAAS Lifetime Mentor Award goes to Andrew Tsin of the University of Texas at San Antonio

Andrew Tsin, a professor of biology at the University of Texas at San Antonio, received the 2013 AAAS Lifetime Mentor Award for his dedication to mentoring underrepresented students. He has mentored over 130 students, including dozens of Hispanic Americans, and helped establish programs aimed at increasing diversity in science education.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·DateFeb 12, 2014

Genetic find might lead to cattle that are more resistant to TB

Researchers have discovered genetic signatures associated with bovine tuberculosis (TB) resistance in unaffected cows, providing a potential breakthrough in improving disease control through selective breeding. The study sheds light on the possibility of using genetic information to develop more resilient cattle.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalHeredity·DateFeb 12, 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.

Exercise targets cellular powerhouses to improve heart function

Researchers found that exercise increases levels of specific proteins in the mitochondria of heart cells, triggering beneficial cardiovascular effects. This study provides new insights into how physical activity improves heart function and offers potential clues for developing new treatments for cardiovascular disease.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateFeb 12, 2014

Exercise targets cellular powerhouses to improve heart function

Researchers found that exercise improves cardiovascular health in mice by increasing the production of proteins in the mitochondria of their heart cells. This targeted approach may hold the key to understanding how physical activity helps strengthen the heart and reduce the risk of heart disease.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateFeb 12, 2014

Brain process takes paper shape

A paper-based device replicating human brain's electrochemical signalling has been created by Chinese researchers. The thin-film transistor (TFT) can mimic the biological synapse and could be used to build lightweight and biologically friendly artificial neural networks.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNanotechnology·DateFeb 12, 2014

NIF experiments show initial gain in fusion fuel

Scientists at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have achieved an order of magnitude improvement in yield performance over past experiments on the National Ignition Facility. The boot-strapping process has been demonstrated to increase the rate of fusion reactions, producing more alpha particles and further heating the fuel.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateFeb 12, 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.

Mathematical beauty activates same brain region as great art or music

Researchers found that brain activity for mathematical beauty correlates with the same region as art and music, suggesting a neurobiological basis for beauty. The study used fMRI to image brain activity of mathematicians when viewing beautiful formulae, revealing strong correlation between beauty experience and brain intensity.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateFeb 12, 2014

Satellites help spot whales

Researchers from British Antarctic Survey demonstrated a new method using Very High Resolution satellite imagery and image processing software to automatically detect and count whales breeding in the Golfo Nuevo, Peninsula Valdes. This semi-automated technique has been shown to achieve 89% accuracy in identifying probable whales.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 12, 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.

Novel compound keeps Parkinson's symptoms at bay in mice

Researchers have developed a novel compound that protects mice against developing movement problems associated with Parkinson's disease. The compound, known as '12g', effectively prevented motor deficits linked to PD and showed promise as a potential new therapy.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateFeb 12, 2014

Capillaries will measure diffusion and help in more efficient medical treatment

A new method developed by the Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences measures diffusion coefficients and equilibrium constants to assist in determining optimal drug doses. The method uses a simple capillary apparatus with high-speed water flow, allowing for fast and accurate measurements with increased accura...

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateFeb 12, 2014

Popular disinfectants do not kill HPV

Researchers found that commonly used disinfectants do not kill human papillomavirus (HPV), making it possible to transmit the virus through non-sexual means. The study suggests a need for hospital policy changes and highlights the importance of using bleach or autoclaving to inactivate HPV.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy·DateFeb 12, 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.

Rare bacteria outbreak in cancer clinic tied to lapse in infection control procedure

A West Virginia outpatient oncology clinic experienced a rare outbreak of Tsukamurella bloodstream infections in 2011-2012, attributed to improper handling of intravenous saline. The outbreak led to changes in infection control practices, including the use of pre-packaged manufactured saline flushes.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateFeb 12, 2014