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Science News Archive February 2014 - Page 4


Page 4 of 30

Finding a few foes among billions of cellular friends

Researchers have developed an ultrasensitive nanoprobe that can detect just four circulating tumor cells in the bloodstream, surpassing traditional enzyme-based methods. This breakthrough system uses Fe3O4 nanoparticles to electrochemically sense cancer cells and offers a robust solution for early cancer detection.

SourceUniversity of South Carolina·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 26, 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.

Can a simple handshake predict cancer survival rates?

A new study published in Supportive Care in Cancer has linked handgrip strength to survival rates among patients with advanced-stage cancers. The test measures peak grip strength using a simple device called a dynamometer, providing a direct assessment of body strength and helping doctors determine interventions needed.

SourceConcordia University·JournalSupportive Care in Cancer·DateFeb 26, 2014

A predictive fitness model for influenza

Researchers developed a predictive fitness model for influenza, predicting optimal viral strain combinations for vaccines. The model considers innovation and conservation of viruses, providing insights into the complexity of influenza evolution.

SourceColumbia University·JournalNature·DateFeb 26, 2014

Four GOES-R instruments ready for integration

The first four GOES-R instruments - ABI, SUVI, EXIS, and SEISS - have been delivered to Lockheed Martin for integration. These instruments will improve NOAA's ability to observe weather in near real-time, providing critical data on weather patterns, oceans, and space weather.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 26, 2014

Suicide among apparently well-functioning young men

Researchers found that these young men had developed a fragile, achievement-based self-esteem in adulthood, leaving them vulnerable to rejection and failure. This vulnerability led to unbearable thoughts of shame, anger, and a life not worth living.

SourceNorwegian Institute of Public Health·JournalDeath Studies·DateFeb 26, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Artificial muscles that do the twist

Scientists have created a low-cost, programmable soft actuated material that replicates the biological motion of the heart's twisting action, a key indicator of heart health. The material mimics the complex motion of the heart muscle, which is essential for efficient blood pumping.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateFeb 26, 2014

Researchers find virtual computer-based world an effective learning environment

A virtual computer-based world was created to facilitate international healthcare education, engaging participants in a three-dimensional environment. The study successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of this new pedagogy, offering healthcare professionals limited access to traditional education resources.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalBMC Medical Education·DateFeb 26, 2014
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.

Superabsorbing design may lower manufacturing cost of thin film solar cells

Researchers at NC State University developed a 'superabsorbing' design that improves light absorption efficiency of thin film solar cells by decreasing semiconductor material thickness. The design, which looks like an onion, can absorb up to 90% of available solar energy using just a 10nm thick layer of amorphous silicon.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 26, 2014

Febrile illnesses in children most often due to viral infections

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reveals that viral infections are the primary cause of febrile illnesses in Tanzanian children. In most cases, no treatment with antimalarials or antibiotics is required. This finding has significant implications for improving the rational use of antimicrobials and reducing c...

SourceSwiss Tropical and Public Health Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 26, 2014

Taming hurricanes

Research by the University of Delaware and Stanford University shows that offshore wind turbines can buffer damage to coastal cities during hurricanes. The study found that large wind farms with tens of thousands of turbines can slow down hurricane winds, reduce wave heights, and decrease storm surge.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Climate Change·DateFeb 26, 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.

Research maze puts images on floor, where rodents look

Rodents learn visual tasks in a fourth to sixth the number of trials when stimuli are projected onto the floor, outperforming traditional wall projections. Automated visual cognitive research tasks with neural activity recording and brain stimulation can be performed efficiently.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Visualized Experiments·DateFeb 26, 2014

MSU advances algae's viability as a biofuel

Michigan State University scientists develop a standardized algae growing platform that simulates dynamic natural environments to cultivate strains capable of producing oil in real-world settings. The ePBR system has inspired the launch of a spinoff company and shows promise for scalable algae biofuel production.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAlgal Research·DateFeb 26, 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.

Researchers trap moths with plant-produced sex pheromone

Researchers have developed a method of insect control using plants that emit sex pheromones mimicking those naturally produced by moths. The study, published in Nature Communications, shows that plants can be engineered to produce these pheromones, attracting male moths and effectively trapping them.

SourceKansas State University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 26, 2014

Closest, brightest supernova in decades is also a little weird

Scientists studying the closest, brightest supernova in decades discovered it exhibited unusual characteristics, including rapid brightening. The findings may provide new clues to how stars explode and improve distance measurements, constraining the nature of dark energy.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateFeb 26, 2014

Research shows ovulation motivates women to outdo other women

New research from UTSA and University of Minnesota finds that ovulating women are less willing to share with other women but more likely to prioritize their relative gains. This study has implications for marketers, consumers, and researchers and highlights the importance of considering hormonal fluctuations in decision-making.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateFeb 26, 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.

Mental health of most UK troops serving in Afghanistan and Iraq is 'resilient'

A review of UK troop mental health finds most regulars resilient, but certain groups more vulnerable; depression and anxiety prevalent, while harmful drinking remains a concern. The evidence suggests that social support during childhood and after leaving the Army has a greater impact on suicide rates than deployment.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of the Royal Army Medical Corps·DateFeb 26, 2014

Major enigma solved in atmospheric chemistry

Scientists have found that plant emissions can oxidize to form organic aerosols, which can affect cloud formation and sunlight scattering. The discovery bridges a major gap in knowledge on atmospheric chemistry and has implications for predicting future climate development.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalNature·DateFeb 26, 2014

Fighting the rise of the app attackers

Researchers are studying behavior of Android apps to develop techniques to spot malicious apps and enrich devices to counteract attacks. The study aims to address the growing threat of colluding apps that can bypass security measures and steal sensitive information.

SourceEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council·DateFeb 26, 2014

Spotted seal study reveals sensitive hearing in air and water

Researchers found that spotted seals have remarkably sensitive hearing in both air and water, detecting airborne sounds as well as terrestrial carnivores. In water, they hear almost as well as fully aquatic species like dolphins and porpoises, with a range of seven octaves.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateFeb 26, 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.

JILA physicists discover 'quantum droplet' in semiconductor

Researchers at JILA discovered a new quasiparticle, called a 'quantum droplet', which has both quantum and liquid-like characteristics. The droplets are stable enough for future studies on interactions between light and highly correlated states of matter.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature·DateFeb 26, 2014

Study finds social-media messages grow terser during major events

During major events like elections and sporting events, social media messages are found to be significantly shorter in length as the volume of activity increases. This phenomenon is observed across various social media platforms, including Twitter, which has a character limit of 140 characters.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 26, 2014

After death, twin brains show similar patterns of neuropathologic changes

Researchers found that twin brains with identical diagnoses showed similar combinations of pathologies, including damage to two or more areas of the brain. This study provides evidence that there may not be a single cause of Alzheimer's, but rather multiple factors contributing to its development.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalBrain Pathology·DateFeb 26, 2014

Second-most common breast cancer subtype may benefit from personalized treatment approach

A recent study found that patients with invasive lobular carcinoma receive less benefit from standard adjuvant therapies compared to those with ductal carcinoma. The research indicates a potential target for drug therapy in future clinical trials, which could lead to more effective treatment options for this subtype of breast cancer.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalCancer Research·DateFeb 26, 2014

Surge in designer drugs, tainted 'E' poses lethal risks

New research warns Canadians about the deadly risks of designer drug use, citing 10 new drugs per year and toxic contaminants like PMA. Experts call for education to help people understand the health risks, emphasizing that there is no safe dose of ecstasy.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalDrug Science Policy and Law·DateFeb 26, 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.

New gas-phase compounds form organic particle ingredients

Scientists have detected extremely low-volatility organic compounds for the first time, contributing to aerosol formation that affects climate and air quality. The discovery may explain discrepancies between observations and theories about volatile organic compound conversion into atmospheric aerosol.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS)·JournalNature·DateFeb 26, 2014

$1.6 million to study 'feel-good' brain chemical and hearing

A new study will explore the connection between dopamine, a 'feel-good' brain chemical, and hearing loss. The research aims to develop better therapies for people with communication disorders, including those with Parkinson's disease. The $1.6 million grant will fund a team led by Christine Portfors at Washington State University.

SourceWashington State University·DateFeb 26, 2014

Climate change causes high, but predictable, extinction risks

A study of 36 species found that climate change increases extinction risk by 28% by 2100, but existing conservation methods can identify vulnerable species. The research identifies key factors such as small range and population size that predispose species to high extinction risk.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Climate Change·DateFeb 26, 2014

Photopharmacology: Optoswitches turn pain off and sight on

Scientists at LMU developed photoreactive compounds that modulate nerve-cell function, opening new routes to treat neurological diseases like chronic pain and visual impairment. They created hybrid photoreceptors that respond to light, potentially leading to new therapies for these conditions.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateFeb 26, 2014
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.

New data book outlines Hispanic/Latino health

The National Institutes of Health's largest and most comprehensive study on Hispanic and Latino health has outlined key findings, including diverse risk factors for disease across different ancestry groups. The study also highlights areas where Hispanics and Latinos live longer than the general population.

SourceSan Diego State University·DateFeb 26, 2014

Low birth weight reduces ability to metabolize drugs

Research from Oregon State University finds that low birth weight individuals have impaired kidney function, affecting drug excretion and metabolism. This may lead to reduced effectiveness of medications in treating diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.

SourceOregon State University·JournalEuropean Journal of Pharmacology·DateFeb 26, 2014

Tree branch filters water

Researchers found that pine tree sapwood can filter out more than 99% of E. coli bacteria from contaminated water, but has a particle size limit. The small-branch filtration system produced clean drinking water suitable for one person per day.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 26, 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.

Humans have a poor memory for sound

Researchers at the University of Iowa found that humans tend to forget sounds they hear, rather than visual or tactile information. The study suggests that our brain may use separate pathways to process auditory information, and that alternative strategies like increased mental repetition may be needed to improve memory.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 26, 2014

Over-80s often over-treated for stroke prevention

A recent study suggests that people in their 80s are often prescribed stroke-prevention medications despite low risk, leading to unnecessary side effects. Doctors must rethink common prescribing patterns to prioritize patient well-being over prevention.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalEvidence-Based Medicine·DateFeb 26, 2014

Cows are smarter when raised in pairs

A new study by University of British Columbia researchers found that dairy calves learn better when housed together, adapting faster to complex farm technologies. The 'pairing calves' approach reduces learning difficulties and improves task completion rates compared to individual housing.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 26, 2014
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Antidote can deactivate new form of heparin

Researchers created a synthetic version of low-molecular-weight heparin that can be counteracted by an existing drug and cleared by the liver, not the kidneys. This new form of heparin is safer for patients with poor kidney function, reducing the risk of uncontrolled bleeding.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateFeb 26, 2014

Hormone therapy linked to better survival after lung cancer diagnosis in women

A recent study found that female hormone therapy, particularly estrogen plus progesterone, significantly improved survival among women with non-small cell lung cancer. The combination of hormone therapy and long-term use showed the most notable improvements in median survival time.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateFeb 26, 2014

Reproductive coercion, intimate partner violence prevalent

A recent study found that reproductive coercion and co-occurring intimate partner violence are prevalent among women in this demographic. The study's results suggest that healthcare providers should address reproductive coercion with their patients, tailoring family planning discussions and recommendations accordingly.

SourceCare New England·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateFeb 26, 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.

Fox Chase researchers discover new mechanism of gene regulation

Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center have discovered a new mechanism of gene regulation that involves the modification of histones, leading to the activation of PARP1 and exposure of specific genes. This finding has significant implications for cancer treatment and may lead to the development of more effective therapies.

SourceFox Chase Cancer Center·JournalMolecular Cell·DateFeb 26, 2014

Beta-catenin alters T cells in lasting and harmful ways

The study reveals that beta-catenin increases in certain types of T cells, causing chronic inflammation in the intestine and colon, leading to cancer. The researchers also found that beta-catenin signaling alters the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory T cells.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 26, 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.