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Science News Archive February 2014 - Page 26


Page 26 of 30

State-of-the art Centre for Innovation in Rail underway

The University of Huddersfield is launching a £4 million Centre for Innovation in Rail, funded by the Government's Regional Growth Fund. The centre will provide world-class training and services to develop critical engineering interfaces in the rail industry, increasing innovation and reducing costs.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·DateFeb 5, 2014

Fruit fly microRNA research at Rutgers-Camden offers clues to aging process

Researchers at Rutgers University–Camden studied microRNAs in common fruit flies to understand the connection between aging and diseases like Alzheimer's. They found that as fruit flies age, more microRNAs accumulate on a protein complex, impacting age-associated events and leading to shorter lifespans.

SourceRutgers University·JournalGenes & Development·DateFeb 5, 2014

Researchers discover rare new species of deep-diving whale

Researchers have identified a new species of beaked whale, Mesoplodon hotaula, based on DNA analysis and physical characteristics of seven stranded specimens. The discovery sheds light on the elusive habits and low abundance of deep-diving whales in the world's oceans.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalMarine Mammal Science·DateFeb 5, 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.

Forest emissions, wildfires explain why ancient Earth was so hot

A new Yale study reveals that ancient forest emissions and wildfires had a significant impact on global warming, even before human-generated CO2 emissions. The research found that concentrations of tropospheric ozone, aerosol particles, and methane during the Pliocene epoch were twice those observed in the pre-industrial era.

SourceYale School of the Environment·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 5, 2014

Grasshoppers are what they eat

A new protocol allows researchers to investigate feeding patterns and detect plant DNA in grasshoppers, providing insights into insect-plant interactions. The method enables tracking of plant food movement during consumption and can be completed in under three hours.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateFeb 5, 2014

Inner workings of a cellular nanomotor revealed

The discovery sheds light on how SecA pushes proteins out of the cell through a series of mechanical steps. This understanding is crucial for developing specific antibiotics and optimizing biotechnological production of human biopharmaceuticals.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalMolecular Cell·DateFeb 5, 2014

Water supply availability 'to dominate US natural resource management'

A survey of policy makers and scientists found that US water supply availability is the top priority for natural resource management. The study, published in BioScience, ranked questions on water supply necessary for human populations and ecosystem resilience as the most important.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalBioScience·DateFeb 5, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Research results show new way for cholesterol treatment

Researchers at Aarhus University have discovered a new way to treat high cholesterol by targeting the sortilin receptor system, which regulates PCSK9 protein levels. This breakthrough may lead to an alternative to statins for patients who cannot tolerate or benefit from them.

SourceAarhus University·JournalCell Metabolism·DateFeb 5, 2014

Bacterial fibers critical to human and avian infection

A new study examines Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) and finds that bacterial fibers, such as common pilus, play a crucial role in its ability to cause infection and form biofilms. The research also highlights the importance of understanding the virulence traits shared between APEC and human ExPEC strains.

SourceArizona State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 5, 2014

Attractive professional cyclists are faster

A recent study has demonstrated that women's preferences for facial attractiveness in professional cyclists coincide with improved endurance performance. The research, conducted by Erik Postma at the University of Zurich, analyzed over 800 portraits and found that attractive riders fared better during the Tour de France.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalBiology Letters·DateFeb 5, 2014

ASGE issues guidelines for safety in the gastrointestinal endoscopy unit

The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) has issued guidelines for safety in the gastrointestinal endoscopy unit, focusing on infection control and procedure protocols. The guidelines aim to standardize safety efforts within GI endoscopy units, following changes in Ambulatory Surgical Center Conditions for Coverage.

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateFeb 5, 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.

The eyes have it

A study published in Biology Letters reveals that jackdaw eyes are used as a means of communication between members of the same species, helping them defend their nests and chicks from competitors. The research suggests that the bright eyes may be an adaptive trait unique to jackdaws.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalBiology Letters·DateFeb 4, 2014

Mind over matter: Beating pain and painkillers

Researchers at University of Utah developed Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement, reducing opioid misuse and pain-related impairment in chronic pain patients. The new treatment combines mindfulness training, reappraisal, and savoring to address underlying processes involved in chronic pain and opioid misuse.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·DateFeb 4, 2014

NERSC announces second annual HPC Achievement Awards

NERSC recognized four award recipients for their exceptional impact on scientific understanding and society. Victor Ovchinnikov was awarded an Early Career Award for his work on computational modeling of conformational transitions in large biological molecules.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateFeb 4, 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.

3D mapping biopsy finds 3x prostate cancer of ultrasound-guided biopsy

A new study found that 3D mapping biopsies detect nearly three times as many cancerous zones in prostate cancer patients compared to ultrasound-guided biopsies. The study suggests that 3D mapping biopsies can accurately assess the location, stage, and risk of prostate cancer, leading to more targeted treatment options.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalAdvances in Urology·DateFeb 4, 2014

Researchers discover new hormone receptors to target when treating breast cancer

Researchers identify androgen and vitamin D receptors as potential targets for breast cancer hormone therapy, offering new treatment options for patients with hormone-dependent breast cancer. The study's findings suggest that triple hormone treatments may be more effective than single hormone treatments.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 4, 2014

Stopping liver failure from painkiller overdose

University of Adelaide researchers have identified a crucial mechanism that can prevent liver failure resulting from excessive paracetamol consumption. By targeting the transient receptor potential melanostatine-2 (TRPM2) channel, they hope to develop new treatments for paracetamol overdose and potentially other liver-damaging poisonings.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 4, 2014
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.

New study finds feeling 'in control' can help you live longer

A new study by Brandeis University and University of Rochester found that individuals with a high sense of control tend to live longer and healthier lives, especially among those with less education. The study suggests that educational experiences can be a key factor in improving one's sense of control.

SourceBrandeis University·JournalHealth Psychology·DateFeb 4, 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.

Are you big pharma's new target market?

A study from Concordia University's John Molson School of Business found that prescription drug brand personality has two distinct dimensions: competence and innovativeness. Consumers prefer overall competence, while innovativeness is associated with uniqueness and originality.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Consumer Marketing·DateFeb 4, 2014

Price Family Foundation funds research collaboration between Albert Einstein College of Medicine and University of Oklahoma

The Price Family Foundation has awarded a $3 million grant to Albert Einstein College of Medicine and the University of Oklahoma to investigate the structural biology of anaerobic microorganisms, with a focus on combating C. difficile infections. The joint project aims to find better treatments for these life-threatening infections.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·DateFeb 4, 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.

How your memory rewrites the past

A study by Northwestern University found that memory edits the past with present experiences, reframing events to create a story fitting the current world. The hippocampus plays a key role in this process, acting as a film editor and special effects team.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateFeb 4, 2014

New fruitfly sleep gene promotes the need to sleep

Researchers have discovered a new protein, redeye, that promotes sleep in fruitflies by regulating the amount of time they spend sleeping. The study found that the redeye protein levels oscillate with daily cycles and peak at times of increasing sleep need.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateFeb 4, 2014

Immune cells need a second opinion

Researchers at the University of Bonn have decoded a new immunoregulatory mechanism controlling defense in urinary tract infections. The mechanism involves two types of macrophages regulating neutrophils, with sentinel macrophages triggering an alarm and helper macrophages providing a safety mechanism to prevent collateral damage.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCell·DateFeb 4, 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.

Diamond defect boosts quantum technology

Researchers discover a defect in synthetic diamond that allows them to measure and potentially manipulate electrons, enabling new 'quantum technology' for faster information processing. The discovery could exponentially increase the computing capacity of tiny machines.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 4, 2014

Mediterranean diet linked with lower risk of heart disease among young US workers

A new study led by Harvard School of Public Health found that a Mediterranean-style diet was associated with lower risk factors for cardiovascular disease among a group of young, working US adults. The study showed that promoting Mediterranean dietary habits could have significant health benefits for young populations.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 4, 2014

Despite burden, Sjögren's syndrome may not impede function

Patients with Sjögren's syndrome report higher levels of cognitive, psychological, and physical impairment than peers, yet still maintain high functional levels. The study suggests that people with Sjögren's can compensate for the disease's effects and function reasonably well.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalClinical Rheumatology·DateFeb 4, 2014

How states can encourage web-based health care in hospitals

The study found that 42% of US hospitals use telehealth approaches, with hospitals in states with broad-based reimbursement laws being more likely to adopt these strategies. Telehealth uses such as teleradiology and electronic intensive care units also increase hospital adoption rates.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalHealth Affairs·DateFeb 4, 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.

Good hair day: New technique grows tiny 'hairy' materials at the microscale

Researchers develop method to create long, twisting fibers that assemble themselves at the microscale, growing complex shapes and exhibiting unique properties. The new technique uses epoxy and can be instantly reversible, making it a promising technology for applications like batteries, photovoltaic cells, and sensors.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 4, 2014

Tricks of the trade: Study suggests how freelancers can land more jobs

A study by UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business suggests that freelancers who exhibit movement in their past history, taking on similar jobs, are more likely to get hired. The findings aim to better understand the dynamics of virtual labor markets and prepare freelancers to demonstrate their credibility to employers.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley Haas School of Business·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateFeb 4, 2014

A healthy balance

Scientists at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna have created a model to investigate the role of STAT1 in various disease conditions. The genetically modified mice can produce an exact dose of protein, enabling researchers to examine the origins and course of many diseases.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 4, 2014

When it comes to memory, quality matters more than quantity

A study by New York University researchers shows that the capacity of working memory is better explained by the quality of memories stored rather than their number. The analysis of over 130,000 subject responses found that memory performance decreased with an increase in recalled information.

SourceNew York University·JournalPsychological Review·DateFeb 4, 2014
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.

Time to act on mobile phone use while driving, say experts

A quarter of crashes in the US are now attributed to mobile phone use, with texting being the riskiest activity. Experts recommend technological solutions to prevent distracted driving, such as software that prevents texting while driving or signal jamming keys.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateFeb 4, 2014

How safe is the enemy of a citrus-threatening pest?

The University of California, Riverside has found that Tamarixia radiata, a wasp that targets the Asian citrus psyllid, poses no significant environmental risk. The wasp is being used for biological control in Florida, Texas, and other regions to combat the invasive pest.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Economic Entomology·DateFeb 4, 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.

Mouse study shows gene therapy may be possible cure for Hurler syndrome

Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have successfully treated mouse models of Hurler syndrome with gene therapy delivered via platelets and bone marrow cells. The treatment resulted in complete metabolic correction of the disease, normalizing IDUA levels in peripheral organs.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 4, 2014

Sun spits out mid-level solar flare

A mid-level solar flare was emitted by the sun on February 3, 2014, reaching its peak at midnight EST. The NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory captured images of the event.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 4, 2014

Teens who consume energy drinks more likely to use alcohol and drugs

A recent study published in Journal of Addiction Medicine found that US adolescents consuming energy drinks have higher rates of alcohol, cigarette, or drug use. The study analyzed data from nearly 22,000 secondary school students and suggested that energy drink users are more likely to report other types of substance use.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Addiction Medicine·DateFeb 4, 2014

Understanding fear means correctly defining fear itself, NYU's LeDoux concludes

LeDoux highlights the confusion in neuroscience research on fear, conflation of behavioral and physiological responses, and how this affects the development of effective treatments for anxiety disorders. He calls for greater precision in defining fear to enhance existing scholarship and create superior remedies.

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 4, 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.

EyeMusic Sensory Substitution Device enables the blind to 'see' colors and shapes

A team of researchers developed the EyeMusic, a sensory substitution device that enables blind individuals to recognize basic shapes and colors through pleasant auditory representations. Users were able to correctly identify shapes and colors after minimal training, indicating potential for widespread use.

SourceIOS Press·JournalRestorative Neurology and Neuroscience·DateFeb 4, 2014

Largest evolutionary study of sponges sheds new light on animal evolution

The largest sequencing study to date reveals most higher animal genes are present in all sponge groups, challenging previous thought of complex structures being absent. The study provides a framework for posing new hypotheses on determining gene function in sponges and the evolution of animal complexity.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateFeb 4, 2014

New study shows core factors and strategies to turn primary care practices into PCMHs

A new study by Joslin Diabetes Center identified three core factors and thirteen strategies to increase buy-in from practice teams in transitioning to Patient-Centered Medical Homes (PCMHs). The findings emphasize the importance of effective communication, resource utilization, team environment, defined work roles, and targeted resources.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateFeb 4, 2014

Study finds dramatic rise in skin cancer among middle-aged adults

A Mayo Clinic study found a significant rise in skin cancer among middle-aged adults, with incidence increasing nearly eightfold between 1970 and 2009. Women between 40 and 50 showed the highest rates of increase, while men were more likely to have deeper lesions.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateFeb 4, 2014
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.

Science teaching goes viral

A new alternative approach to traditional introductory laboratory courses significantly increases student retention rates. Research published in mBio found that SEA-PHAGES students continued on to their second year at over 90% higher rates than other groups.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateFeb 4, 2014