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Science News for January 10, 2014


'Hip-hop' students unfairly targeted, study finds

A two-year study by Michigan State University's Muhammad Khalifa found that hip-hop students are unfairly targeted and disciplined more harshly than their peers. The research highlights the need for schools to adopt a more inclusive approach, allowing students to express themselves without fear of retribution.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalMulticultural Learning and Teaching·DateJan 10, 2014

Text messaging boosts flu vaccine rates in pregnant women

A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that sending text messages to low-income obstetric patients resulted in a significant increase in influenza vaccination rates. Women who received the messages were 30% more likely to be vaccinated, with a subgroup showing a 61.9% vaccination rate.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJan 10, 2014

Evidence of harmful effect of bisphenol A-based plastics

Researchers have found that bisphenol A impairs the function of vital proteins in cells, suggesting a potential health risk. The study also discovered alternative compounds with promising applications in cancer treatment.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateJan 10, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Innovative soft robotics technology spawns new products

Researchers at the University of Chicago and Cornell University have developed a universal jamming gripper that can handle various objects on the same manufacturing line. The company Empire Robotics is now commercializing this technology, which has potential impacts in industries such as prosthetics and mobile robots.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·DateJan 10, 2014

Cilia use different motors for different tasks

Researchers at Brown University discovered that cilia in single-celled organisms like paramecium have distinct motor behaviors for swimming and nutrient uptake. The findings provide insight into the molecular mechanisms behind these diverse functions.

SourceBrown University·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateJan 10, 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.

Fresh faced: Looking younger for longer

Researchers have identified a potent antioxidant called Tiron that provides complete protection against UVA radiation and oxidative stress, offering potential benefits for anti-aging and sun-damaged skin. The study suggests that Tiron could be used to develop new skincare products or supplements, but further testing is needed.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJan 10, 2014

Trial to test using ultrasound to move kidney stones

A new device developed at the University of Washington is testing the use of low-power ultrasound to move small kidney stones, potentially reducing pain and treatment times. The technology has been tested on artificial kidneys and pigs before moving to human trials, with promising results.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateJan 10, 2014

The cyborgs era has started

Recent developments combining machines and organisms have great potential but also raise major ethical concerns. Cyborgs, technically modified organisms with extraordinary skills, are already reality in medical implants.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateJan 10, 2014

Primary care practitioners hesitate to prescribe antidepressants for depressed teens

A study found that most pediatric primary care practitioners are reluctant to prescribe antidepressant medications to adolescent patients, even in severe cases. PCPs who had access to on-site mental health care providers and were more knowledgeable about depression were more likely to prescribe antidepressants.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics·DateJan 10, 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.

KIT researchers develop artificial bone marrow

Researchers have created an artificial bone marrow that can reproduce hematopoietic stem cells, which could facilitate the treatment of leukemia. The new technology uses synthetic polymers and protein building blocks to mimic the natural environment of bone marrow, allowing for more efficient stem cell reproduction.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalBiomaterials·DateJan 10, 2014

Study: Athlete's first reaction in victory is dominance

Researchers found that athletes' initial body language after winning, known as a 'dominance threat display,' is innate and stems from an evolutionary need to establish order. This behavior is stronger in cultures that emphasize hierarchy.

SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalMotivation and Emotion·DateJan 10, 2014

Comprehensive, nonsurgical treatment improves pelvic floor dysfunction in women

Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a comprehensive, nonsurgical treatment that significantly improves symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction in women. The treatment involves muscle strengthening and relaxation techniques, resulting in an average 80% improvement in urinary incontinence, defecatory dysfunction, and pe...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalFemale Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery·DateJan 10, 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.

1 species, 2 outcomes: Team seeks source of body louse pathology

A new study found that the human body louse can transmit bacterial infections to humans, while the human head louse does not. The researchers discovered that several immune genes were regulated differently in head and body lice after infection with the bacteria, and the infection progressed further in body lice over time.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalInsect Molecular Biology·DateJan 10, 2014

Social media helps users embrace differences and provide support to one another, MU study finds

A recent study by University of Missouri researchers found that social media platforms enable users to connect with others who share similar experiences and emotions, such as Lady Gaga fans. The study highlights the importance of online communities in providing emotional support and a sense of belonging among marginalized groups.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalPopular Music & Society·DateJan 10, 2014

'Superlens' extends range of wireless power transfer

Duke University researchers have successfully demonstrated wireless power transfer using a 'superlens' technology that focuses magnetic fields, enabling the transmission of power over distances much larger than traditional setups. This breakthrough could enable smaller, more practical wireless charging solutions for everyday use.

SourceDuke University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 10, 2014

Researchers pursuing arthritis protein

Researchers have identified a key protein called TL1A that drives chronic inflammation, leading to diseases like arthritis. The discovery provides hope for developing targeted biological medicines to halt disease progression and alleviate symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 10, 2014

Bacteria-invading virus yields new discoveries

Researchers at Florida State University have made groundbreaking findings on a bacteriophage that infects nitrogen-fixing bacteria. The study reveals novel details about the virus's DNA and physical structure, shedding light on how it invades and impacts bacteria.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalVirology·DateJan 10, 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.

Study quantifies costs when failed banks shun financial transparency

A new study by MIT professor Joao Granja shows that more transparent banking practices can help ensure stability when banks fail and reduce costs for consumers or taxpayers. The study found that banks with better disclosure practices received higher bids for their assets during bankruptcy auctions, leading to lower costs for regulators.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Accounting Research·DateJan 10, 2014