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Science News Archive July 2014


Page 1 of 34

A new way to generate insulin-producing cells in Type 1 diabetes

Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys Institute have discovered a promising technique to restore insulin production in people with Type 1 diabetes. A peptide called caerulein was found to convert existing alpha cells into insulin-producing beta cells, potentially freeing patients from daily insulin doses.

Monoamine oxidase A: Biomarker for postpartum depression

Women with postpartum depression exhibit elevated levels of the enzyme monoamine oxidase A in their brains. The study suggests that reducing MAO-A levels could help prevent the condition, with lifestyle strategies like quitting smoking being key to lowering levels.

Parenting skills improve in ADHD parents with medication

Researchers found that medication treatment for ADHD improved parenting skills in adults, leading to reduced negative child behavior and improved parenting practices. Parents who received lisdexamfetamine showed fewer commands, more responsive interactions, and increased praise compared to those on placebo.

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.

Lead in teeth can tell a body's tale, UF study finds

A University of Florida study found that trace amounts of lead in human teeth can provide clues about a person's geographic origin. The discovery could help law enforcement solve cold cases by focusing investigations on specific regions based on the type and amount of lead isotopes present.

Vacuum treatment may limit damage after traumatic brain injury

Researchers tested mechanical tissue resuscitation by applying negative pressure to induce localized TBI in swine, showing a significantly smaller area of brain contusion and reduced bleeding. The procedure appeared safe without seizures or brain deformation, with all animals surviving after five days of vacuum application.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Study finds physical link to strange electronic behavior

A Rice University-led team has found a physical link between magnetic properties and electronic behavior in barium iron nickel arsenide, a key material for high-temperature superconductivity. The study uses neutron measurements to reveal an analogous behavior in the material, providing new clues to understanding this phenomenon.

Veterans' alcohol problems linked to stress on the home front

A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that returning National Guard soldiers are more likely to develop a drinking problem if faced with civilian life setbacks. The study highlights the important role civilian life and stress play in cases of alcohol use disorder among National Guard soldiers.

See-through organs and bodies will accelerate biomedical discoveries

Researchers have created protocols to clear entire organs and bodies, enabling visualization of long-range cellular connections and fine-grained structures. This breakthrough paves the way for better understanding of brain-body interactions, accurate clinical diagnoses, and new therapies.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Boat noise impacts development and survival of sea hares

Researchers found that boat noise stops embryonic development and increases larval mortality in sea hares. This study underscores the impact of anthropogenic noise on vulnerable species, potentially disrupting coral reef ecosystems.

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.

'Rewired' mice show signs of longer lives with fewer age-related illnesses

Researchers at The Wistar Institute discovered that mice lacking TRAP-1 protein live longer lives with fewer age-related illnesses. TRAP-1 is an important regulator of metabolism and has been shown to regulate energy production in mitochondria, organelles that generate chemically useful energy for the cell.

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.

Hubble shows farthest lensing galaxy yields clues to early universe

Astronomers have discovered the most distant galaxy that acts as a cosmic magnifying glass, with a massive elliptical galaxy weighing 180 billion times more than our sun. The lensing effect offers insight into how young galaxies build themselves up into today's massive dark-matter-dominated galaxies.

Symbiotic survival

The Lucinidae family's symbiotic relationship with seagrasses dates back to the Cretaceous period, allowing them to thrive in oxygen-poor environments. This unique partnership provided a rich supply of sulfur-oxidizing bacteria, which the bivalves consumed and seagrasses benefited from the uptake of toxic sulfide.

Misinformation diffusing online

The study highlights the importance of understanding how social networks facilitate the spread of misinformation. The researchers propose a taxonomy to analyze and mitigate the impact of semantic attacks on human behavior.

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.

NYU research looks to combat US Latina immigrant obesity

A systematic review of qualitative studies on eating behavior in Latina women reveals disparities and gaps in the existing literature. The study highlights the need for healthcare providers to recognize cultural differences in food patterns and design effective behavior change programs.

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.

NASA's Fermi space telescope reveals new source of gamma rays

Novae are sudden, short-lived brightenings of stars caused by thermonuclear explosions on white dwarf surfaces. NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope has detected gamma-rays from these events, showing they release up to 100,000 times the annual energy output of the sun.

Insular cortex alterations in mouse models of autism

Scientists discovered consistent alterations in integrative processing of the insular cortex across autism mouse models, with a disturbed balance between excitation and inhibition. Pharmacological interventions, such as Diazepam, restored sensory integration capacity and reduced stereotypic behaviors.

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.

Developmental regulation of important plant phloem components discovered

The researchers identified two transcription factors, NAC045 and NAC086, which are expressed in sieve element cells before enucleation. They also found a family of genes, dubbed NEN1-4, which act downstream of these factors. Additionally, the study revealed that control of choline transport is essential for phloem development.

Shrinking dinosaurs evolved into flying birds

Scientists have reconstructed a detailed family tree of dinosaurs and their bird descendants, revealing that theropod dinosaurs gave rise to modern birds by shrinking and adapting. The study found that these avian ancestors evolved feathers, wishbones, and wings four times faster than other dinosaurs.

New mothers still excessively sleepy after 4 months: QUT study

A QUT study found that one in two new mothers experience excessive sleepiness four months after giving birth. Despite stable night sleep times, they reported being tired during the day. The study highlights the importance of preserving sleep quality for new mothers.

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.

Molecular gate that could keep cancer cells locked up

A team of researchers has identified a unique molecular mechanism involved in DNA duplication during cell division, revealing how a key enzyme governs DNA through a gated system. The study suggests a route for stopping cell division in diseases like cancer by controlling the entry point of the helicase onto DNA.

The 'memory' of starvation is in your genes

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have identified a genetic mechanism that enables worms to pass on the 'memory' of starvation to multiple generations through small RNA molecules. This discovery has potential implications for understanding human physiological responses to starvation and other challenges, such as anorexia nervosa.

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.

Invasive lionfish likely safe to eat after all

Scientists have found that venom proteins in invasive lionfish may be acting as ciguatoxin mimics, leading to false positives in testing. Cooking or boiling lionfish samples before testing can help ensure safe consumption.

Vets' alcohol problems linked to stress on the home front

Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that nearly 14% of reserve soldiers returning from deployment experience alcohol abuse, almost double the civilian population rate. The study highlights the important role civilian life and stress play in cases of alcohol use disorder among National Guard members.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Women in military less likely to drink than civilian women

A new study published in Armed Forces & Society found that female enlistees and veterans are less likely to drink than their civilian counterparts. The research suggests that the threat of sexual harassment and assault may contribute to this difference, with women potentially abstaining from alcohol to justify their military service.

Companion planets can increase old worlds' chance at life

Researchers found that an outer companion planet's gravitational pull can generate tidal heating, extending the habitable zone and potentially allowing older Earth-sized planets to host life. The study suggests that discovering such planets may lead to finding inner companion worlds, increasing their chance at hosting life.

Recent advances in stem cell biology

Recent advances in stem cell biology offer immense hope for treating various diseases and conditions. Key findings include the potential for stem cells to replicate any other cells in the body and their possible applications in regenerative medicine.

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.

Heavy metals and hydroelectricity

The construction of the Upamayo Dam in Peru's central Andes led to the discharge of Río San Juan waters into Lake Junín, causing widespread contamination with heavy metals. Climate change and mining activities have exacerbated this environmental disaster, highlighting the need for sustainable hydroelectric practices.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

New paper describes how DNA avoids damage from UV light

A team of researchers at Montana State University published a paper on how DNA responds to ultraviolet light, revealing its super-fast mechanism to resist damage. The findings advance our understanding of the genetic code's resistance to UV rays, which can lead to skin cancer and aging.