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Science News Archive January 2014 - Page 4


Page 4 of 28

NYU researchers take magnetic waves for a spin

Researchers at New York University have created a method to generate short-wavelength spin waves, which can efficiently transfer energy and information in magnetic materials. This breakthrough has the potential to improve communication and electronic devices by offering faster and more energy-efficient alternatives to traditional elect...

SourceNew York University·JournalNanotechnology·DateJan 29, 2014

Researchers discover treatment for rare blood cancer

Researchers at University of British Columbia have discovered a potential new treatment for Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinemia (PNH), a rare blood cancer that causes red blood cells to become vulnerable to the body's complement immune system. The treatment, aurin tricarboxylic acid (ATA), restores blood cell resistance and may also of...

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 29, 2014

Oregon researchers show how building design impacts indoor bacteria

A team of biologists and architects found that building design influences microbial communities, with variations depending on architectural choices. The study analyzed DNA from over 30,000 types of bacteria, revealing distinct communities in different rooms, such as bathrooms and offices.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 29, 2014

Improved ultrasound imaging provides alternate way to visualize tumors

Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have developed a new ultrasound imaging technique that can visualize tumors using a contrast agent composed of tiny bubbles paired with an antibody. This method improves resolution and tumor-detecting ability, potentially leading to lower costs and increased accessibility for cancer treatment.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 29, 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.

Lighting up in uniform

A new study published in Annals of Behavioral Medicine found that smoking behavior in soldiers is linked to war zone stress and unit support. The study, which examined data from over 1,000 US Army soldiers, found that soldiers who started smoking while in war zones were more likely to consume alcohol and hold junior ranks.

SourceSpringer·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateJan 29, 2014

U of Maryland study: Partnership may help address cancer, health disparities

A new partnership between the University of Maryland Medical Center and a rural health education center has shown that empowering underserved communities can lead to increased participation in clinical trials and biospecimen donations. The partnership aims to address racial, income- and geographically-based health disparities by foster...

SourceUniversity of Maryland Medical Center·DateJan 29, 2014

Closing mental-illness gap in Vietnam

A Simon Fraser University researcher is traveling to Vietnam to study the lack of accessible services for people with mental disorders. The project aims to understand how health workers can be integrated into primary care to provide effective interventions.

SourceSimon Fraser University·DateJan 29, 2014

Neanderthals' genetic legacy

Researchers found that Neanderthal DNA is associated with genes affecting type 2 diabetes, Crohn's disease, and lupus. Additionally, they discovered that certain areas of the modern non-African human genome are rich in Neanderthal DNA, suggesting potential benefits for human survival.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature·DateJan 29, 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.

Deaths attributed directly to climate change cast pall over penguins

A 27-year study found that climate change is a major cause of chick death in Magellanic penguin colonies, with an average of 65% of chicks dying per year. The rising frequency of storms and heatwaves is particularly detrimental to young penguins, who struggle to regulate their body temperature.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 29, 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.

Disappearing snow increases risk of collapsing ice shelves in Antarctica

A new study suggests that Antarctica's ice shelves are at risk of collapsing due to global warming. The disappearance of the snow layer on top of the ice shelves could lead to a rapid increase in sea levels. Researchers warn that urgent action is needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate this threat.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalJournal of Glaciology·DateJan 29, 2014

First weather map of brown dwarf

A team of astronomers has successfully mapped the surface features of Luhman 16B, a brown dwarf located six light-years from Earth. The new results reveal dark and light patches on the surface, which can be used to study weather patterns in other solar systems.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateJan 29, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Dinosaur fossils from China help Penn researchers describe new 'Titan'

A new sauropod species, Yongjinglong datangi, has been discovered in northwestern China, providing insights into the diversity of Titanosaurs. The fossil remains suggest that the animal was a juvenile or subadult, with features indicating potential for growth and increased size in adults.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 29, 2014

Study measures how well Asian carp prevention effort will work

Experts estimate that hydrologic separation and electric barriers can prevent up to 95-100% and 85-95% of Asian carp introductions, respectively. Physical separation is found to be the most effective method, with a high probability of preventing introduction into Lake Michigan.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJan 29, 2014

Jamming in tumors

Scientists at Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research find that interferon-beta inhibits neutrophil migration into tumors, reducing new blood vessel formation and tumor growth. This discovery could improve treatment options for certain cancers.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Infection Research·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateJan 29, 2014

Cooperative SO2 and NOx aerosol formation in haze pollution

Research explores cooperative transition of SO2 and NOx into secondary aerosols in China's haze pollution, showing positive feedback mechanism that accelerates air pollution. Authors conclude that controlling precursor gases is crucial to reduce PM2.5 concentrations.

SourceScience China Press·DateJan 29, 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.

When populations collide

Researchers found that humans in east Asia have more of their genome originating from Neanderthals than Europeans, while Africans have little or none. The genetic changes most often inherited from Neanderthals were disproportionately in genes related to keratin, a component of skin and hair.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature·DateJan 29, 2014

Imaging autoimmune diabetes

Lund University researchers have created a method to visualize inflammatory processes in the pancreas during type 1 diabetes. This allows them to study the body's response to new treatment strategies and potentially develop a model for human immune system diseases.

SourceLund University·JournalDiabetologia·DateJan 29, 2014

Don't forget the customers after mergers

A recent study found that companies that successfully achieve a dual emphasis of improving efficiency and customer satisfaction experience the highest increase in long-term financial performance. The research suggests that ignoring customers during mergers can lead to missed opportunities and decreased value for firms.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Service Research·DateJan 29, 2014

Intuitive number games boost children's math performance

Researchers found that practicing intuitive numerical exercises can enhance children's ability to solve math problems. Children who practiced evaluating the number of objects performed better on arithmetic tests immediately afterward than those who evaluated other qualities.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalCognition·DateJan 29, 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.

Kindergarten weight strong indicator of childhood obesity

A recent study by Emory researchers found that kindergarten weight is a strong indicator of childhood obesity. Overweight kindergartners were four times more likely to become obese by the 8th grade, highlighting the importance of early intervention.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 29, 2014

Oral immunotherapy for children's peanut allergy moves a step closer

A new study shows that oral immunotherapy can enable children with severe peanut allergies to consume large amounts of peanut protein without experiencing allergic symptoms. After six months of treatment, 62% of participants were able to tolerate a daily dose of 1400mg of peanut protein, significantly improving their quality of life.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 29, 2014

UFO cross-section gives snakes a lift

Researchers used a 3D printer to recreate the snake's UFO-like cross-section and found that it generates sufficient lift at most angles. However, they also discovered a massive spike in lift when tilting the model at 35 degrees and an unexpected vortex sucking the rod down.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJan 29, 2014

Scientists shine spotlight on Herdwicks' origins

A new study reveals Herdwicks contain a 'primitive genome' from ancient founder flocks in Sweden, Finland, and the Orkney Islands. The research also found that these breeds have lower risk of infection to Maidi Visna virus, providing potential genetic traits for future sheep farming.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 29, 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.

£3m drug safety center investment

The Medical Research Council Centre for Drug Safety Science at the University of Liverpool has received £3m in new funding to continue reducing the impact of adverse reactions to medicinal drugs. Adverse drug reactions result in significant healthcare costs and pose a major challenge for the pharmaceutical industry.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·DateJan 29, 2014

Findings point to potential treatment for virus causing childhood illnesses

Scientists have identified a potential treatment mechanism for the EV71 virus, which causes severe brain swelling and paralysis in children. The discovery was made by creating antibodies that can neutralize the virus by inducing genome release, rendering it non-infectious.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 29, 2014

VIB scientists find new strategy to combat bacterial infections

Researchers at VIB have identified a chemical substance that can disarm pathogenic bacteria, allowing them to treat urinary tract infections without destroying beneficial bacteria. This approach could provide a lower risk of resistance development and spread.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalJournal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy·DateJan 29, 2014

A faster way to flag bacteria-tainted food -- and prevent illness

Scientists have developed a faster and more specific method to detect bacteria-tainted food, using nanomechanical cantilevers that can identify eight different types of Salmonella. The technique has the potential to prevent food poisoning and save thousands of lives annually.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateJan 29, 2014

Real glass that bends but doesn't break

Researchers at McGill University have developed a technique to increase the toughness of glass by creating patterns of micro-cracks, mimicking the structure of nacre. This process increases glass's resistance to shattering and can be easily scaled up for larger glass sheets.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 29, 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.

Infection control practices not adequately implemented at many hospital ICUs: study

A nationwide survey of 1,534 hospital ICUs found uneven compliance with infection prevention policies, with only 27-68% reporting policies for catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI). The use of checklists and ventilator bundles was reported by most hospitals, but clinician adherence rates were low, ranging from 6-71%.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateJan 29, 2014

Engineer brings new twist to sodium-ion battery technology

A Kansas State University engineer has developed a composite paper that can efficiently store sodium atoms and serve as a flexible current collector in sodium-ion batteries. The paper offers stable charge capacity and eliminates the need for polymeric binders and copper current collectors.

SourceKansas State University·JournalACS Nano·DateJan 29, 2014

Decibels and democracy

Researchers at the University of Iowa found that a single loud voice can skew the result of voice votes, a common decision-making feature in American public life. The study suggests adjusting voting locations or controlling sound levels to minimize bias.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateJan 29, 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.

Slow reaction time linked with early death

Researchers found that people with slower reaction times were 25% more likely to die within 15 years compared to those with average reaction times. The study, published in PLOS ONE, controlled for age, sex, and lifestyle factors.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 29, 2014

Asteroid diversity points to a 'snow globe' solar system

The asteroid belt's diverse composition suggests that giant planets' migrations reshaped the solar system, potentially delivering water to Earth and influencing its habitability. Small asteroids show particularly varied compositions, suggesting a complex history of collisions and re-deposition.

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·JournalNature·DateJan 29, 2014

New theory may lead to more efficient solar cells

Researchers at the University of Houston and Universite de Montréal have developed a new theoretical model that may improve the efficiency of solar cells. The model explores quantum-mechanical effects in polymeric semiconductors, which could lead to more efficient materials with blends of semiconducting polymers and fullerenes.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 29, 2014

Altruistic acts more common in states with high well-being

A new study suggests that subjective well-being may 'nudge' adults into altruistic acts like kidney donation. States with higher per capita donation rates tend to have higher levels of well-being, and the link holds even after accounting for regional variation in other factors.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJan 29, 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.

Elsevier announces the launch of open access journal: Pathogenesis

The new open access journal Pathogenesis will publish peer-reviewed original research and high-quality reviews in various areas of pathology. It aims to provide a platform for researchers and clinicians to share their work quickly and widely, promoting excellence in pathology.

SourceElsevier·JournalPathogenesis·DateJan 29, 2014

EORTC study shows value of HRQOL assessment in small cell lung cancer

A recent EORTC study found that health-related quality of life (HRQOL) assessments provide relevant information in small-cell lung cancer trials, even when treatment efficacy is similar. The study highlights the need for improved HRQOL reporting in randomized clinical trials to optimize their value.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateJan 28, 2014

Research could bring new devices that control heat flow

Researchers have discovered a way to control heat flow using tiny triangular structures that can 'thermal rectify', allowing for greater flow of heat in one direction. The technology has potential applications in thermal management, electronics, and textiles.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNano Letters·DateJan 28, 2014

'Weeding the garden' lets ALK+ lung cancer patients continue crizotinib

A study found that patients with ALK+ non-small cell lung cancer can continue treating with crizotinib after receiving targeted radiation therapy to eliminate resistant disease pockets. This approach improves 2-year survival rates compared to those who discontinued the drug earlier.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·DateJan 28, 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.

Parenting plays key role when African-American boys move from preschool to kindergarten

A new study from UNC's Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute found that African American boys' academic and social performance in kindergarten is influenced by their parents' engagement in literacy activities and teaching. Effective parenting practices can help African American boys achieve academic success and positive socia...

SourceFrank Porter Graham Child Development Institute·JournalEarly Childhood Research Quarterly·DateJan 28, 2014

'Chameleon of the sea' reveals its secrets

Researchers at Harvard University have discovered the secrets behind the cuttlefish's adaptive camouflage, enabling it to change its skin color and pattern in response to visual cues. The study reveals that a sophisticated biomolecular nanophotonic system underlies the cuttlefish's color-changing abilities.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalInterface·DateJan 28, 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.

Price highlighting helps consumers stick to longer-term product preferences

Researchers found that reminding consumers of prices strengthens their purchase decisions and leads to long-term satisfaction. Participants preferred higher-functionality products even in the short-term, despite a longer-term preference for greater usefulness.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJan 28, 2014

Researchers open door to new HIV therapy

Scientists at UC Berkeley and NIH have captured a high-resolution snapshot of the Nef protein, which hijacks host proteins to facilitate HIV's lethality. By blocking a promising target on host protein AP2, researchers aim to slow or stop HIV.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·DateJan 28, 2014

Study examines repeat colonoscopy in patients with polyps referred for surgery without biopsy-proven cancer

A new study reports that most colon polyps referred for surgery can be successfully resected endoscopically. The procedure had low adverse event rates and high recurrence rates, but recurrences were treatable. The findings suggest a shift towards outpatient repeat colonoscopy in patients with polyps without cancer.

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateJan 28, 2014

Malaria screening unsuccessful in some schools

A study published in PLOS Medicine found that a school-based intermittent screening and treatment program for malaria had no health or education benefits in rural coastal Kenya. Despite high participation rates, the program did not reduce anemia or improve class attendance scores among children. However, the authors suggest that school...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJan 28, 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.

Berkeley Lab research finds running may be better than walking for breast cancer survival

New research from Berkeley Lab and the National Runners' and Walkers' Health Study found that runners had a significantly lower risk of breast cancer mortality compared to walkers. Exceeding current exercise recommendations may provide greater protection, with runners experiencing a 40% reduction in risk per MET hour.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateJan 28, 2014

Bacterial toxin a potential trigger for multiple sclerosis

Researchers found that epsilon toxin from Clostridium perfringens kills brain's myelin-producing cells and targets other cells associated with MS inflammation. The toxin may be responsible for triggering MS in genetically susceptible individuals.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·DateJan 28, 2014