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Science News Archive January 2014 - Page 16


Page 16 of 28

Altering the community of gut bacteria promotes health and increases lifespan

A study published in Cell found that altering the symbiotic relationship between bacteria and intestinal cells can promote health and increase lifespan in flies. The research highlights the importance of maintaining a balanced gut microbiome and suggests that this may be key to enjoying a long healthy life.

SourceBuck Institute for Research on Aging·JournalCell·DateJan 16, 2014

How much does it cost to have a baby in a hospital?

A UCSF study found significant variations in hospital charges for uncomplicated vaginal deliveries and C-sections, with estimated discounts ranging from 37% to $71,000. The study highlights the opacity of healthcare pricing in the US, affecting both uninsured and insured patients.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalBMJ Open·DateJan 16, 2014

Kids teased in PE class exercise less a year later

A new study found that children who were bullied during P.E. class exercise less a year later. Children who experienced teasing also reported a lower perceived health-related quality of life. Even healthy-weight kids who were bullied tended to exercise less often one year later.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Pediatric Psychology·DateJan 16, 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 finds finds potential treatment for drug-resistant H7N9 influenza virus

New research conducted at Kansas State University's Biosecurity Research Institute shows promise in fighting the deadly H7N9 influenza virus. The study reveals that Alferon N can inhibit the replication of wild type and Tamiflu-resistant H7N9 virus strains, providing a potential treatment option.

SourceKansas State University·JournalExpert Review of Anti-infective Therapy·DateJan 16, 2014

Human arm sensors make robot smarter

The system eliminates vibrations caused by human muscle co-contraction, allowing the robot to move safely and efficiently. By modeling human operators in this way, robots can actively adjust to changes in movement, improving performance and safety in manufacturing plants.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateJan 16, 2014

Warning! Warning labels can be dangerous to your health

A recent study by Tel Aviv University researchers found that warning labels can paradoxically promote trust in products over time, leading to increased sales. The study suggests that regulators and managers should consider the timing of when warnings are presented to consumers to maximize their effectiveness.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalPsychological Science·DateJan 16, 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.

Drugs that weaken traumatic memories hold promise for PTSD treatment

A preclinical study reveals that histone deacetylase inhibitors can enhance brain's ability to replace old traumatic memories with new ones, offering promising avenues for treating PTSD and anxiety disorders. Exposure-based therapy can be combined with HDACis to improve treatment for enduring traumatic memories.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateJan 16, 2014

Special yeast reduce alcohol, improve wine

Researchers identified a special yeast, Metschnikowia pulcherrima AWRI1149, that can produce wine with reduced ethanol concentration. Sequential inoculation of this yeast with Saccharomyces cerevisiae resulted in an alcohol content reduction of up to 1.6%.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJan 16, 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.

Researchers 'detune' a molecule

Researchers at Rice University found that they can control the bonds between atoms in a molecule by applying a voltage and running an electric current through a single buckyball. The effect appears when the buckyball attaches to a gold surface, causing its internal bonds to undergo a subtle shift.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 16, 2014

A CNIO study finds a 'molecular scaffolding' that maintains skin structure and organisation

Researchers at CNIO discovered a connection between microtubules and cell-cell junctions that holds skin stem cells together to support skin architecture. This finding sheds light on the importance of cellular components in maintaining skin function and may lead to new regenerative or anti-cancer therapies.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateJan 16, 2014

Streamflow alteration impacts fish diversity in local rivers

The USGS study highlights the importance of streamflow characteristics in assessing fish community change and identifies areas with high risk of ecological degradation. Changes in streamflow can lead to declines in fish diversity by up to nine species, emphasizing the need for effective management decisions.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalEcohydrology·DateJan 16, 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.

Immune cells may heal an injured heart

A study in mice reveals two major pools of immune cells that promote healing and drive inflammation in the heart. Healthy hearts maintain a population of embryonic macrophages, while adult macrophages are recruited during cardiac stress, leading to inflammation. The findings provide new insights into the complex interplay between these...

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalImmunity·DateJan 16, 2014

Traditional Chinese medicines stall progression of diabetes

A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial found that traditional Chinese herbal medicine Tianqi reduced the risk of diabetes by 32.1% compared to a placebo. The study's findings suggest that Tianqi may offer a new option for managing blood sugar levels.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJan 16, 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.

Soil production breaks geologic speed record

Researchers in New Zealand have discovered that rock can transform into soil more than twice as fast as previously thought possible. Soil production rates range from 0.1 to 2.5 millimeters per year, depending on soil thickness and location. This breakthrough has implications for the Earth's carbon cycle and weathering processes.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience·DateJan 16, 2014

Fathers' diet, bodyweight and health at conception may contribute to obesity in offspring

A new study published in The FASEB Journal suggests that an obese father's diet may contribute to his child's risk of developing obesity, type 2 diabetes, and chronic degenerative diseases. Researchers found altered gene expression in the pancreas and fat tissue of female offspring born to obese male rats on a high-fat diet.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJan 16, 2014

Trees grow faster and store more carbon as they age

Research suggests that older trees accelerate growth and take up more carbon, contrary to the assumption that they slow down with age. This finding has implications for forest conservation efforts like REDD+, which aim to reduce global warming by preserving forests.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalNature·DateJan 15, 2014

Patients with spinal cord injuries should be assessed for sleep apnea

A study finds that 77 percent of spinal cord injury survivors have symptomatic sleep-disordered breathing, while 92 percent experience poor sleep quality. The nature of sleep apnea in these patients is complex, with a high occurrence of both obstructive and central sleep apnea events.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateJan 15, 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.

World's largest animal genome belongs to locust

Researchers sequenced the locust genome, revealing a large and complex genetic makeup. The study found that repetitive elements made up 60% of the genome and were highly methylated, suggesting a role in phase change and swarm behavior.

SourceBGI Shenzhen·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 15, 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.

Himiko and the cosmic dawn

A team of astronomers discovered a primordial galaxy, Himiko, seen at 800 million years after the Big Bang. The observations using Hubble and ALMA revealed intense star formation, but puzzlingly low metal content, challenging current star formation theories.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·DateJan 15, 2014

2 diabetes studies in January 2014 Health Affairs

Studies examine how depleted food budgets can increase risk of hypoglycemia among low-income individuals with diabetes. Additionally, researchers find that workers with diabetes are more likely to retire earlier in countries worldwide.

SourceHealth Affairs·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJan 15, 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.

Mercury and ozone depletion events in the Arctic linked to sea-ice dynamics

A new study establishes a link between Arctic sea ice dynamics and the region's changing atmospheric chemistry, potentially leading to increased amounts of mercury deposited in sensitive ecosystems. The pumping effect created by opening and closing sea ice leads forces down additional mercury to restart chemical reactions.

SourceDesert Research Institute·JournalNature·DateJan 15, 2014

Assessing others: Evaluating the expertise of humans and computer algorithms

Researchers found that subjects' trust in human agents was strongly linked to their accuracy, whereas the value placed on computer algorithms depended on whether or not their predictions matched. The study's findings highlight the brain mechanisms underlying these kinds of evaluations and have implications for decision-making.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNeuron·DateJan 15, 2014

Resisting the flu

Researchers at McGill University have identified the cIAP2 enzyme as a key player in resisting flu infections by protecting lung tissue from damage. By enhancing body resistance to the virus, this discovery opens up new possibilities for controlling and treating influenza.

SourceMcGill University·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateJan 15, 2014

BYU's smart object recognition algorithm doesn't need humans

BYU engineer Dah-Jye Lee has created a genetic algorithm that accurately identifies objects in images or video sequences without human intervention. The algorithm learns from a set of images and sets its own parameters, achieving 100% accurate recognition on four image datasets and distinguishing between fish species with 99.4% accuracy.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalPattern Recognition·DateJan 15, 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.

UK law to stop further sales of booze to drunk customers routinely flouted

A study in one UK city reveals that bartenders frequently sell alcohol to intoxicated patrons, contradicting UK law aimed at preventing further sales. The findings suggest that poor management and inadequate staff training contribute to the routine flouting of this legislation.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateJan 15, 2014

A deeper look at interfaces

Researchers developed a new technique called SWARPES to study electronic properties at buried interfaces in metal oxides. This allows for the selective examination of subsurface interfaces with soft or hard x-rays.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalEPL (Europhysics Letters)·DateJan 15, 2014

Cover story: The chemical industry heads into 2014 on solid footing

The global chemical industry is expected to rise by 2.5% in the US and see increased sales in Europe, driven by strong economic growth in China and India. Low-priced natural gas from shale deposits and an uptick in housing starts are also contributing factors.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJan 15, 2014

2-proton bit controlled by a single copper atom

A team of researchers successfully controlled the positions of two protons in a porphycene molecule by approaching a single copper atom. This breakthrough demonstrates a new way to manipulate matter at the atomic level, paving the way for the development of nanomachines and other cutting-edge technologies.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJan 15, 2014

Crittercam captures crocodilian foraging behaviors

Researchers used animal-borne cameras to monitor alligator behavior, revealing that time of day significantly affects prey capture success. Alligators are most successful in the morning while attacking prey below the surface.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 15, 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.

Fast food not the major cause of rising childhood obesity rates

A study by researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that children's fast food consumption is only a small part of a larger problem: poor dietary habits fostered at home. The study highlights the importance of addressing these underlying habits to reduce childhood obesity.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJan 15, 2014

Don't just sit there! Prolonged sitting linked to early mortality in women

A new study of 93,000 postmenopausal American women found that those with the highest amounts of sedentary time had a 12% increase in all-cause premature mortality compared to their most active peers. Regular exercise and daily movement can help counteract these declines.

SourceCornell University·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJan 15, 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.

Women with a high economic status claim to have better sex

A Spanish study finds that women with lower socioeconomic status claim less sexual satisfaction, particularly in their first sexual intercourse. People with higher socioeconomic status are more likely to have safer and more satisfying sex lives.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalAnnals of Epidemiology·DateJan 15, 2014

Research: 'Sourcing hub' could help create more efficient supply chain

A new research suggests that developing relationships between companies, suppliers, and raw material suppliers can lead to significant cost savings and improved designs. By creating a sourcing hub, firms can simplify their supply chains and gain access to better advice on raw material selection.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalCalifornia Management Review·DateJan 15, 2014

Gold nanoparticles help to develop a new method for tracking viruses

Researchers developed a novel method to study enterovirus structures and functions, allowing for tracking of viruses in cells and tissues. The method involves attaching gold nanoparticles to viruses, enabling studies on structural changes and mechanisms of virus uncoating.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 15, 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.

When a doctor's visit is a guilt trip

A recent study from UC San Diego found that nearly half of patients experience shame or guilt during doctor visits, with weight and sex being common triggers. Focusing on behaviors rather than self-attributions can lead to positive changes in patient behavior and health outcomes.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalBasic and Applied Social Psychology·DateJan 15, 2014

Ramularia and the 4 Rs

Scientists confirm that the mlo gene, which provides resistance to powdery mildew, also increases susceptibility to Ramularia leaf spot. The research found that this trade-off is most significant in spring barley and can be mitigated by breeding lines resistant to both diseases.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJan 15, 2014

How fiber prevents diabetes and obesity

Researchers discovered that fermentable fibers help regulate glucose production in the intestine, reducing the risk of diabetes and obesity. Animals fed a fiber-rich diet became less fat and developed insulin sensitivity.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalCell·DateJan 15, 2014

Nationwide minimally invasive surgery rates triple for pancreatic disease

A nationwide study reports a three-fold increase in minimally invasive surgery rates for patients with pancreatic disease, resulting in reduced bleeding, infections, and shorter hospital stays. Surgery performed at teaching hospitals is associated with better outcomes and lower complication rates.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateJan 15, 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.

Popular blood type diet debunked

Researchers at the University of Toronto found that the popular blood type diet theory is not valid, as associations between diets and health markers are independent of an individual's blood type. The study suggests that adherence to a sensible vegetarian or low-carbohydrate diet is key to improving health, regardless of blood type.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 15, 2014

Ray of hope for magazines in digital era

Research from the University of Toronto Scarborough finds that print magazines with online presence can charge more for their advertising space due to attracting a homogeneous, targeted audience. This study suggests that magazines need to integrate their print products with digital platforms to remain competitive.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalManagement Science·DateJan 15, 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.