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Science News Archive July 2014 - Page 14


Page 14 of 34

Dr. Surendra Sharma honored by professional association

Dr. Surendra Sharma, a research scientist and professor at Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, has received the Distinguished Service Award for advancing reproductive immunology research. His laboratory focuses on understanding premature birth and pregnancy complications.

SourceCare New England·DateJul 21, 2014

UCI researchers find epigenetic tie to neuropsychiatric disorders

Researchers discovered that faulty dopamine signaling can alter the activity of over 2,000 genes in the brain's prefrontal cortex, potentially leading to schizophrenia and other complex neuropsychiatric disorders. The study suggests a potential therapeutic approach using dopamine activators to restore normal signaling.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJul 21, 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.

Catching grease to cut grill pollution

A team of University of California, Riverside students designed a tray that reduces particulate matter pollution from grilling by 70% when placed under grill grates. The tray, which can be installed in existing grills, draws untreated air through a filter to decrease PM2.5 emissions.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateJul 21, 2014

The economic territory of Upper Palaeolithic groups is specified by flint

The study of flint remains found in the open-air Ametzagaina site has determined the economic territory of human groups that lived there for about 2,000 years. The researchers found that these groups exploited flint outcrops on both sides of the Pyrenees, shaping their territory like a sandglass.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalJournal of Anthropological Research·DateJul 21, 2014

X-ray irradiation at a certain dose alters the neuronal cytoskeleton and cytomechanics

Researchers found that X-ray irradiation damages cortical neurons by altering their cytoskeleton and cytomechanics. The study suggests that heavy ion beams may have a biological advantage over X-rays in protecting normal brain tissue during cranial radiotherapy. This could lead to improved treatment outcomes for patients.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateJul 21, 2014

Water, water -- not everywhere: Mapping water trends for African maize

Researchers mapped water trends in African maize-growing areas between 1979 and 2010, finding increases in water availability during the growing season. However, some regions experienced declines due to decreased evaporative demand and changing rainfall patterns.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJul 21, 2014

Nearsightedness increases with level of education and longer schooling

A study by Mainz University Medical Center found that higher levels of education and prolonged school years are associated with a greater prevalence and severity of nearsightedness. This challenges the long-held assumption that genetic factors play a more significant role in the development of myopia.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalOphthalmology·DateJul 21, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Climate: Meat turns up the heat

New research finds that beef cattle are responsible for far more greenhouse gas emissions than other types of animals, accounting for 74% of livestock-related emissions. The study estimates that greenhouse gas emissions from livestock have increased by 51% over the past nearly half a century.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalClimatic Change·DateJul 21, 2014

Our daily bread

Scientists at Helmholtz Munich have gained new insights into the complex gene-regulatory interactions in bread wheat, enabling them to better understand how a polyploid genome is regulated. The study's findings hold promise for improving breeding, agricultural cultivation and industrial properties of bread wheat.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalScience·DateJul 21, 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.

Stem cells aid muscle repair and strengthening after resistance exercise

Researchers found that mesenchymal stem cells help rejuvenate skeletal muscle after resistance exercise, increasing the rate of repair and enhancing growth and strength. The study's findings may lead to new interventions to combat age-related declines in muscle structure and function.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateJul 21, 2014

Study offers new clues about the source of racial health disparities

A first-of-its-kind study found that anxiety about being confronted by negative racial stereotypes while receiving healthcare is related to underutilization of healthcare among Black women. The research suggests that strong ethnic identity may provide immunity from stereotype threat, reducing anxiety levels.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalCultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology·DateJul 21, 2014

Oregon chemists eye improved thin films with metal substitution

Researchers at the University of Oregon have created a novel, low-energy process to produce precursor materials for dense, defect-free thin films. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient electronics and solar devices with reduced manufacturing costs.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalInorganic Chemistry·DateJul 21, 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.

Acupuncture at the Taixi activates cerebral neurons in old patients with MCI

Researchers found that acupuncture at the Taixi (KI3) acupoint activates cerebral neurons in 20 brain regions, including the anterior cingulate gyrus and medial frontal cortex, in elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment. This study suggests a potential therapeutic approach for improving cognitive function in older adults.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateJul 21, 2014

Low-income students in charter high schools less likely to engage in risky behavior

A new UCLA-led study reveals that high-performing public charter high schools in Los Angeles significantly reduced the likelihood of engaging in risky health behaviors, such as tobacco and alcohol use, among low-income minority adolescents. These students also scored better on standardized tests and exhibited improved cognitive skills.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJul 21, 2014

Circumcision does not promote risky behavior by African men

A study of over 3,000 Kenyan men found that male circumcision significantly reduces the risk of acquiring HIV without leading to increased promiscuity or decreased condom use. Despite an initial increase in sexual activity, all other risky behaviors declined and condom use increased across both circumcised and uncircumcised groups.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalAIDS and Behavior·DateJul 21, 2014
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Bacteria swim with whole body, not just propellers

Researchers found that bacteria like Caulobacter crescentus actively carve out a helical trajectory through the water using their entire body, contributing to swimming motion. This discovery sheds light on the evolution of cell body shape and has implications for understanding disease propagation and fertility.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 21, 2014

Investigators identify genes that contribute to radiation resistance

A team of researchers has identified 46 genes in Escherichia coli necessary for its survival at high levels of radiation, including DNA repair pathways. The discovery reveals potential new ways to protect humans from cancer and improve our understanding of ionizing radiation effects.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalJournal of Bacteriology·DateJul 21, 2014

Potential new flu drugs target immune response, not virus

Researchers have identified six potential therapeutics for H7N9 influenza by targeting the immune response rather than the virus. The study found that viruses causing severe illness trigger different gene expression signatures compared to milder infections.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalJournal of Virology·DateJul 21, 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.

Carbyne morphs when stretched

Rice University scientists discovered that stretching carbyne by just 3% opens a band gap, enabling semiconducting properties. This finding could revolutionize mechanically activated nanoscale electronics and optics.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateJul 21, 2014

Try, try again? Study says no

A recent study suggests that adults' more highly developed cognitive skills can actually interfere with their ability to learn certain elements of a second language. This 'effort paradox' is thought to occur when adults try to analyze too much information at once, leading to difficulties in learning the morphology of an artificial lang...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 21, 2014

Researchers simplify process to purify water using seed extracts

Researchers have developed a simplified method to purify water using Moringa oleifera seed extracts, significantly reducing harmful bacteria levels. This cost-effective approach holds promise for improving access to safe drinking water in developing countries where millions die from waterborne diseases annually.

SourceWiley·JournalCurrent Protocols in Microbiology·DateJul 21, 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.

Mycobacteria metabolism discovery may pave way for new TB drugs

Researchers at the University of Otago have discovered a key mechanism that enables mycobacteria to survive in extreme conditions, using hydrogen as a high-energy fuel. By understanding this metabolic process, scientists hope to develop new antibiotics to tackle latent tuberculosis infections.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 21, 2014

Tropical Storm Wali no more, but remnants soaked Hawaii

A moisture stream from the remnants of Tropical Storm Wali caused early morning flash flood watches on July 19 and 21 for all Hawaiian Islands. Heavy rainfall generated by thunderstorms in the eastern half of the island resulted in a flood advisory, posing a threat to residents and visitors.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 21, 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.

Comparing deep vein thrombosis treatments

A study of 90,618 patients with DVT found CDT increased adverse events and hospital charges without significant impact on mortality rates. Patients treated with CDT had more blood transfusions, pulmonary embolism, and vena cava filter placement.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJul 21, 2014

Deaths and infections from HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria plummet globally

The number of deaths from HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria has decreased significantly worldwide since 2000. In sub-Saharan Africa, child deaths from malaria have dropped by 31.5% in the past decade. Researchers attribute the decline to improved access to antiretroviral therapy and treatment.

SourceInstitute for Health Metrics and Evaluation·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 21, 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.

International team sheds new light on biology underlying schizophrenia

A multinational collaboration has identified over 100 locations in the human genome associated with schizophrenia risk, shedding light on biological mechanisms and pathways. The study could lead to new approaches to treating the disorder, which has seen little innovation in drug development for over 60 years.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalNature·DateJul 21, 2014

More than glitter

Researchers have identified a mechanism by which tiny gold particles can fuse with cell membranes without damaging cells. This discovery suggests possible strategies for designing nanoparticles that could get into cells more easily.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 21, 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.

Organic apple orchards benefit from green compost applications

Researchers found that applying green compost to organic apple orchard floors can increase soil organic matter and total nitrogen mineral soils. The study demonstrates the sustainability of organically managed systems and has implications for sustainably and conventionally managed orchards as well.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateJul 21, 2014

Fecal transplants let packrats eat poison

Researchers found that bacteria in the gut, rather than liver enzymes, are crucial for allowing herbivores to feed on toxic plants. Fecal transplants with microbes from creosote-eaters enabled woodrats to eat toxic creosote bushes, confirming their importance in adapting to new diets.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalEcology Letters·DateJul 20, 2014

Mysterious dance of dwarfs may force a cosmic rethink

Astronomers discover that small galaxies orbit in orderly disc-shaped orbits, contradicting computer models. The phenomenon is observed in about 50% of galaxies, sparking a reevaluation of dark matter's nature and the laws of physics.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature·DateJul 20, 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.

Marmoset sequence sheds new light on primate biology and evolution

The study reveals genetic changes associated with twinning in marmosets, including the WFIKKN1 gene that may act as a critical switch between multiples and singleton pregnancies. Marmosets also exhibit unique social behavior, where relatives care for offspring while reproductively suppressed.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Genetics·DateJul 20, 2014

New method for extracting radioactive elements from air and water

Researchers at the University of Liverpool have successfully extracted atoms of rare or dangerous elements such as radon from the air using a material called CC3. This new method has potential applications in industries like lighting, medicine, and nuclear waste clean-up.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 20, 2014

UEA research shows oceans vital for possibility for alien life

Researchers at University of East Anglia have developed a new model that takes into account the impact of oceans on climate, finding they play a vital role in moderating temperatures and habitability. This breakthrough helps answer whether other planets could sustain alien life.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalAstrobiology·DateJul 20, 2014

New technique maps life's effects on our DNA

Researchers developed a powerful single-cell technique to study environmental effects on DNA, mapping epigenetic marks in individual cells. This approach has the potential to enhance clinical applications like cancer therapy and fertility treatments.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·JournalNature Methods·DateJul 20, 2014
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Tiny laser sensor heightens bomb detection sensitivity

Researchers at UC Berkeley developed a tiny laser sensor that can detect minute concentrations of explosives, including pentaerythritol tetranitrate, an explosive favored by terrorists. The device has the potential to replace traditional bomb-screening methods and could also be used to detect unexploded land mines.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJul 20, 2014

Speedy computation enables scientists to reconstruct an animal's development cell by cell

Researchers at Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Janelia Research Campus have created a computational method to rapidly track cell movements in data-rich images. This enables the automation of reconstructing an animal's developmental building plan cell by cell, with potential applications in understanding how the nervous system forms.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature Methods·DateJul 20, 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.

Mixing it up: Study provides new insight into Southern Ocean behavior

A new study found that turbulent mixing in the deep waters of the Southern Ocean varies with surface eddy strength and possibly wind speeds, impacting global ocean circulation and climate. This insight will enable scientists to build better computer models predicting future climate change.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 20, 2014

Common gene variants account for most genetic risk for autism

Researchers funded by NIH found that common gene variants account for most genetic risk for autism, outweighing other factors. The study used a large Swedish sample and new statistical methods to detect common genetic variation associated with risk.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalNature Genetics·DateJul 20, 2014