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Science News Archive February 2014 - Page 23


Page 23 of 30

WASP gives NASA's planetary scientists new observation platform

WASP offers sub arc-second accuracy and stability, enabling planetary scientists to study Jupiter and other celestial bodies. The device allows for flexible, standardized support of multiple science payloads, freeing researchers to focus on instrument development.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 7, 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.

Fish biomass in the ocean is 10 times higher than estimated

A study published in Nature Communications reveals that mesopelagic fish have a stock estimated at 10,000 million tons, surpassing previous estimates of 1,000 million tons. This discovery has significant implications for the understanding of carbon fluxes in the ocean and the operation of ocean deserts.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 7, 2014

Study provides surprising new clue to the roots of hunger

Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have identified the paraventricular nucleus as a key player in regulating hunger. By mapping neural circuits and manipulating upstream neurons, the team discovered that this brain region communicates with AgRP neurons to drive intense motivation for food.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalNature·DateFeb 7, 2014

Against thirst and drought

The MARSOL project aims to address water shortage in the Mediterranean region by storing excess water in aquifers, reducing crop losses and mitigating droughts. Eight field sites across Greece, Portugal, Spain, Malta, Italy, and Israel are being studied for their specific approaches to water storage.

SourceTechnische Universitat Darmstadt·DateFeb 7, 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.

Thinking skills take biggest hit from anxiety in midlife women with HIV

A new analysis of data from the Women's Interagency HIV Study reveals that anxiety is the biggest factor affecting thinking skills in midlife women with HIV. Mental processing speed and verbal memory were more closely linked to depression, anxiety, and hot flashes in both HIV-infected and healthy women.

SourceThe Menopause Society·JournalMenopause·DateFeb 7, 2014

Researchers at UGent and VIB, discovered potential novel treatment against septic shock

Researchers at VIB and UGent have discovered a potential novel treatment for sepsis by neutralizing two harmful cytokines in the blood circulation. This approach may benefit from existing anti-cytokine treatments already in clinical use, offering renewed hope for combating this life-threatening disease.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateFeb 7, 2014

Dating is refined for the Atapuerca site where Homo antecessor appeared

Researchers at the Spanish National Research Centre for Human Evolution have clarified that the sediment of Gran Dolina, where the first remains of Homo antecessor were discovered, is 900,000 years old. This finding has led to major advancements in our knowledge of human evolution and occupation of Eurasia.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateFeb 7, 2014

Study shows drop in crime rates is less where Wal-Mart builds

A new study found that counties where Wal-Mart built stores experienced a less significant drop in crime rates compared to other counties. The study, which analyzed data from over 3,000 US counties, suggests that the retailer's presence may even contribute to higher crime rates in areas with existing social issues.

SourceUniversity of South Carolina·JournalThe British Journal of Criminology·DateFeb 7, 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.

Social or stinky? New study reveals how animal defenses evolve

Researchers analyzed predator-prey interactions among carnivorous mammals and birds of prey to explain the evolution of antipredator traits. They found that noxious spraying is favored by nocturnal animals, while sociality is favored by diurnal species.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalEvolution·DateFeb 7, 2014

NASA spots fourteenth tropical cyclone of Southern Indian Ocean season

The fourteenth tropical cyclone of the Southern Indian Ocean season was identified by NASA's Terra satellite on February 7. Cloud top temperatures indicating strong convection and powerful thunderstorms were observed north of the center of circulation. The cyclone is expected to intensify before turning southwest and weakening.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 7, 2014

New method developed for ranking disease-causal mutations within whole genome sequences

Researchers have developed a new method to rank disease-causal mutations within whole genome sequences, providing a more comprehensive approach to identifying genetic variants linked to disease. The Combined Annotation-Dependent Depletion (CADD) method assigns scores to mutations across the entire genome, not just protein-coding regions.

SourceHudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 7, 2014

Diaphragm pacing in spinal cord injury successful in weaning patients from ventilators

A new study published in the Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery finds that diaphragm pacing stimulation is effective in weaning patients with spinal cord injuries from mechanical ventilators. The treatment can also bridge patients to independent respiration, allowing them to breathe on their own without assistance.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalJournal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery·DateFeb 7, 2014
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.

Protein structure: Peering into the transit pore

Researchers have successfully imaged the critical transition of proteins passing through a transit pore in cell membranes. The study reveals a side-door within the channel that opens to allow proteins to diffuse into the membrane, and provides new insights into protein function and dynamics.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature·DateFeb 7, 2014

Bottom-up insight into crowd dynamics

Researchers developed a procedure for comparing different crowd models and evaluating their accuracy using real-world data. A bottom-up model focused on individual behavior was found to best match real-world evacuation data, providing insights into safety planning and crowd dynamics.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateFeb 7, 2014

Shape-sifting: NIST categorizes bio scaffolds by characteristic cell shapes

Researchers at NIST have developed a way to measure and classify the shapes cells take in different environments. By analyzing these shapes, they can compare and differentiate various scaffolds used in tissue engineering, enabling more effective cell growth and development into viable tissues.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalBiomaterials·DateFeb 7, 2014

Variability of contact precaution policies in US emergency departments

Researchers found significant disparity in US emergency department (ED) adoption of contact precautions policies, with only specific organisms prompting measures, not symptoms. The study highlights the need for EDs to implement standardized policies to protect patients and staff.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateFeb 7, 2014
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.

New plant species a microcosm of biodiversity

Biologists discovered a new plant species, Piper kelleyi, that is home to an estimated 40-50 insect species, most of which are entirely dependent on the plant for survival. The study highlights the importance of unique plant compounds in driving evolution and biodiversity.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalPhytoKeys·DateFeb 7, 2014

Ice age's arctic tundra lush with wildflowers for woolly mammoths, study finds

A recent study in Nature finds that the Arctic tundra during the last ice age was teeming with colorful wildflowers, providing sustenance for giant grazing animals like woolly mammoths. The research, led by Kansas State University's Joseph Craine, challenges conventional views of the region's vegetation history.

SourceKansas State University·JournalNature·DateFeb 7, 2014

Anderson recognized with TMS Application to Practice Award

Anderson's work on powder metallurgy and rapid solidification has led to the development of innovative materials, including rare earth compounds, magnetic materials, and lightweight porous materials. He is recognized for his ability to address both scientific and technical challenges and bring new materials to commercial use.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·DateFeb 7, 2014

Computer models help decode cells that sense light without seeing

Researchers used computer models to study the melanopsin pigment in the eye, finding it may be more sensitive to light than its counterpart rhodopsin. The study could lead to new technologies and a better understanding of diseases like seasonal affecting disorders.

SourceOhio Supercomputer Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 7, 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.

New application of physics tools used in biology

Researchers found a new application of physics tools in understanding epigenetic memory, which is how organisms create a biological memory of certain conditions. The study highlights the interdisciplinary nature of modern molecular biology and shows how mathematical models can help clarify complex biological problems.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·DateFeb 7, 2014

The biomass of ocean mesopelagic fish is 10 times higher than estimated

Researchers have discovered that ocean mesopelagic fish biomass is at least 10 times higher than estimated, with significant implications for the planet's biogeochemical cycles. These deep-sea fish play a crucial role in transporting CO2 to the ocean floor and increasing oxygen consumption.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 7, 2014

'Steak-knife' teeth reveal ecology of oldest land predators

Researchers have discovered that the oldest land predator, Dimetrodon, had 'steak-knife' teeth with serrated edges, allowing it to efficiently eat large prey. The study suggests a gradual change in feeding habits over 25 million years of evolution.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 7, 2014

Stroke trigger more deadly for African-Americans

African-Americans are 39 times more likely to die from a stroke after an infection compared to other ethnic groups. Infection promotes blood clot formation and fat buildup in arteries, contributing to higher stroke mortality rates among blacks.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNeurology·DateFeb 7, 2014

Smithsonian reports GMO soybean pollen threatens Mexican honey sales

Researchers from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute have found GMO soybean pollen in six honey samples from Mexico, sparking concerns over its impact on honey exports. The presence of GMO pollen could lead to significant price cuts or rejection of honey products under European regulations.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 7, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Women fare worse than men following stroke

A study published in Neurology found that women who survived a stroke had a lower quality of life compared to men. At three months post-stroke, women were more likely to report problems with mobility, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression, with these differences diminishing at one year.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalNeurology·DateFeb 7, 2014

Video by UC Riverside lab receives honorable mention in international competition

The UC Riverside lab, led by Professor Zhenbiao Yang, received an honorable mention for their short movie 'Visualizing Leaf Cells from Within' in the International Science & Engineering Visualization Challenge. The challenge, sponsored by NSF and Science magazine, selected the top winners from 227 submissions across 12 countries.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateFeb 7, 2014

Cobalt intoxication diagnosed with the help of Dr. House

A patient's symptoms were linked to cobalt poisoning after a doctor used a TV show as a teaching tool to diagnose a rare disease. The patient had undergone a metal hip replacement, leading to severe heart failure and other symptoms that were eventually resolved with a new ceramic prosthesis.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 6, 2014

Why do young people fail to thrive?

A new study from IIASA reveals that young adult failure to thrive is linked to three major economic factors: a globalized labor force, soaring education levels, and increasing women's participation in the workforce. This leads to increased competition for jobs, particularly among those with little practical experience.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalFinnish Yearbook of Population Research·DateFeb 6, 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.

Heart disease risk linked with spouses' social support

A new study reveals that couples who perceive their spousal support as ambivalent experience higher levels of coronary artery calcification, a significant predictor of heart disease. Researchers found that this ambivalence can lead to increased stress and undermine supportive interactions in the relationship.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 6, 2014

NASA study points to infrared-herring in apparent Amazon green-up

Scientists discovered that Amazon forest canopy greening during the dry season is not caused by biophysical changes, but rather by shadowing within the canopy and satellite observation artifacts. Correcting for this issue reveals a relatively constant greenness and canopy structure throughout the dry season.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature·DateFeb 6, 2014

Critical factor (BRG1) identified for maintaining stem cell pluripotency

Researchers have identified the Brg1 protein as a key regulator of genes involved in maintaining embryonic stem cell pluripotency. This discovery has important implications for cellular reprogramming technologies, including methods to reprogram adult somatic cells.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBioResearch Open Access·DateFeb 6, 2014
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.

Theorists predict new forms of exotic insulating materials

Researchers at MIT predict the existence of six new types of topological insulators with unusual properties, which may provide insights into quantum physics. The team's analysis reveals that these materials' physical properties can be identified unambiguously in a lab.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateFeb 6, 2014

Cholesterol plays a critical role in hantavirus infection

Researchers identified four proteins involved in hantavirus entry into human host cells, all part of a protein complex regulating cholesterol production. Statins, commonly used to lower cholesterol, also showed promise in preventing viral infection.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateFeb 6, 2014

Intervention in first 1,000 days vital to fulfilling childhood potential

The special issue emphasizes the importance of combining intervention strategies focusing on both nutrition and early learning to support healthy development. The research reveals that 200 million children under five are not reaching their developmental potential due to poverty, nutritional deficiencies, and lack of responsive caregiving.

SourceWiley·JournalAnnals of the New York Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 6, 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.

Efforts to lower health care-associated infections are having success, study finds

A federally sponsored plan has been successful in addressing the challenges of prioritizing and coordinating strategies to curb health care-acquired infections. The plan has also been associated with reductions in the rates of health care-associated infection rates, with progress made toward most targets where data are available.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalMedical Care·DateFeb 6, 2014

CNIO researchers propose a new combined therapy to treat cancer

Researchers at CNIO propose a new combined therapy to treat cancer by combining etoposide with compounds that interfere with the cell cycle, increasing specificity and improving the therapeutic window. This approach aims to reduce toxicity and increase effectiveness in treating tumour cells.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 6, 2014

RNA sequencing of 750-year-old barley virus sheds new light on the Crusades

Researchers at the University of Warwick have detected and sequenced an ancient RNA genome of Barley Stripe Mosaic Virus in a 750-year-old barley grain found in modern-day Egypt. The study pushes back the origin of the virus to at least 2,000 years and reveals how intense farming during the Crusades contributed to its spread.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 6, 2014

Source of chlamydia reinfections may be GI tract

A recent review suggests that chlamydia can persist in the gut even after treatment, leading to potential reinfections. The source of these reinfections is likely the GI tract, which produces a strong immune response but cannot be cured.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalInfection and Immunity·DateFeb 6, 2014

DNA reveals new clues: Why did mammoths die out?

A new DNA study suggests that the drastic change in vegetation from protein-rich herbs to less nutritious grass may be behind the demise of mammoths and other large mammals. The study shows that the mammoth steppe was dominated by herbs during the last ice age, which may have led to a decline in animal populations.

SourceLund University·JournalNature·DateFeb 6, 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.

How our immune system backfires and allows bacteria like Salmonella to grow

A study by researchers at the University of California, Irvine found that interleukin-22 enhances the growth of dangerous bacteria like Salmonella while curbing the growth of healthy gut bacteria. This unexpected finding suggests that a protective immune response can actually aid the growth of harmful pathogens.

SourceCell Press·JournalImmunity·DateFeb 6, 2014

Histones may hold the key to the generation of totipotent stem cells

Researchers from RIKEN in Japan have identified a duo of histone proteins, TH2A and TH2B, that dramatically enhance the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). The study demonstrates that these proteins function as substitutes for two Yamanaka factors and increase iPSC cell generation by twentyfold and speed up the process.

SourceRIKEN·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateFeb 6, 2014

Toxin in seafood causes kidney damage in mice at levels considered safe for consumption

A study by American Society of Nephrology reveals domoic acid, a neurotoxin found in seafood, can harm kidneys even at levels considered safe for consumption. The toxin damages kidneys at concentrations 100 times lower than what causes neurological effects, raising concerns about potential kidney failure and dialysis.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 6, 2014

Early treatment with AED reduces duration of febrile seizures

A new study published in Epilepsia found that early treatment with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) significantly reduces the duration of febrile seizures. The research suggests that a standard Emergency Medical Services (EMS) treatment protocol is needed in the US to improve outcomes for children with prolonged seizures. A total of 199 pedi...

SourceWiley·JournalEpilepsia·DateFeb 6, 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.

Fires in Northern Sumatra

Unusual dry spell in Northern Sumatra triggers use of slash and burn method to clear fields. Seven hot spots identified in oil palm plantations and forest concessions, fueling fears about the connection between fires and agricultural practices.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 6, 2014

Avian flu variant stalks Egypt

A new study tracks the spread of an H5N1 variant in Egypt using phylogeography, a technique that combines viral sequence data and geographical information. The study aims to enhance efforts by public health officials to identify viral outbreaks, limit their spread, and inform the public of risks.

SourceArizona State University·JournalBMC Genomics·DateFeb 6, 2014

Two sides of a safety switch

A team of researchers has found a link between chloracne and a molecular switch called Nrf2, which causes skin changes similar to those in dioxin victims. The study suggests that therapeutic targeting of Nrf2 may be problematic due to its role in detoxification.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateFeb 6, 2014

ABO updates standards for measuring algae industry operations

The Algae Biomass Organization has published a new standard for measuring algae industry operations, establishing a common language for describing economic and environmental impact. The updated standards will help compare diverse algae technologies and their commercial production scale.

SourceScoville Public Relations·DateFeb 6, 2014

First large-scale study of whole-genome testing helps identify best treatment for women with advanced breast cancer

A large-scale study of whole-genome testing has identified a unique treatment approach for women with advanced breast cancer, targeting genomic alterations in their tumors. The study found that around half of patients had targetable genomic alterations, and 39% had rare alterations, many of which no treatments currently exist.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateFeb 6, 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.