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Science News Archive July 2014 - Page 31


Page 31 of 34

Hot Pot with chicken causes campylobacter infections in Switzerland

In Switzerland, campylobacteriosis case numbers have increased, particularly around Christmas and New Year. A study found that consuming meat fondue increases the risk of infection by four times, while proper hygiene practices can reduce the risk by up to five.

SourceSwiss Tropical and Public Health Institute·JournalEuropean Journal of Epidemiology·DateJul 3, 2014

Malnutrition screening of hospital patients common but hospitals failing on nutrition care

A new study finds that hospitals are complying with nutrition screening mandates, but need to improve follow-up assessments and diagnosis of malnutrition. The lack of clinician participation and inadequate training in caregivers hinder the effective treatment of malnutrition in patients.

SourceAmerican Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (A.S.P.E.N.)·JournalNutrition in Clinical Practice·DateJul 3, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New insights into the treatment of children and youth exposed to acts of terror

Researchers provide new guidelines for treatment of children and youth exposed to acts of terror, emphasizing the need for proactive outreach efforts that continue for at least two years. The study also highlights the crucial role of teachers in providing trauma-informed support, ensuring students can continue learning despite trauma.

SourceNorwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies·JournalEuropean Journal of Psychotraumatology·DateJul 2, 2014

Trial examines treatment for psychogenic nonepileptic seizures

A clinical trial found that patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) experienced a significant reduction in seizures and improvements in related symptoms, including depression and anxiety, when treated with cognitive behavioral therapy informed psychotherapy (CBT-ip) alone or in combination with the medication sertraline....

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateJul 2, 2014
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Major gaps in hepatitis C care identified as new drugs and screening efforts emerge

A new meta-analysis of 10 studies found that less than 10% of people infected with hepatitis C are cured, while only 50% were diagnosed and aware of their infection. The study highlights the need for improved screening efforts and increased access to treatment, particularly for baby boomers who may not be aware they have the disease.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 2, 2014

Lights out… light pollution alters reproduction cycle in lemurs

Researchers found that light pollution disrupts the reproductive cycle of mouse lemurs, causing testes to grow larger and testosterone levels to increase. The study also showed that light pollution affects the daily activity pattern of lemurs, delaying their nocturnal behavior.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology·DateJul 2, 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.

Boron tolerance discovery for higher wheat yields

Researchers from the University of Adelaide have identified specific genes in wheat that enable tolerance to boron toxicity, a significant yield-limiting soil condition. This discovery will help plant breeders develop new varieties with increased yields to feed the growing world population.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature·DateJul 2, 2014

Researchers invent 'meta mirror' to help advance nonlinear optical systems

Researchers at UT Austin have created a nonlinear metasurface that can reflect radiation at twice the input light frequency, producing approximately 1 million times larger frequency-doubled output. The new metamaterial has potential applications in advanced laser systems for chemical sensing and biomedical research.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature·DateJul 2, 2014

Little benefit seen when corticosteroids added to injections for spinal stenosis

Researchers found that adding glucocorticoid to local anesthetic epidural injections provided minimal or no additional pain relief and physical limitations improvement. Corticosteroids may have caused increased satisfaction but also more adverse events, calling into question their routine use.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 2, 2014

Insect diet helped early humans build bigger brains, study suggests

A study suggests that early humans who relied on an insect diet during lean seasons may have developed bigger brains and higher-level cognitive functions. Capuchin monkeys' foraging patterns for insects reveal a link between seasonal food scarcity and sensorimotor skills, including tool use and problem-solving.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of Human Evolution·DateJul 2, 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.

Research could lead to dramatic energy savings at data farms

Researchers at Washington State University have developed a wireless network on a computer chip that can reduce energy consumption in data farms. The technology allows for wireless links between cores, resulting in less energy loss and higher data transfer speed.

SourceWashington State University·JournalACM Journal on Emerging Technologies in Computing Systems·DateJul 2, 2014

Foodborne bacteria not as harmless to chickens as previously thought

Researchers discovered that foodborne pathogen Campylobacter jejuni can cause problems in chickens' gut and damage their feet and legs when they walk through contaminated excrement. The bacteria's impact varied among breeds, with one showing significant damage to the gut and developing diarrhea.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·DateJul 2, 2014

Genetically driven gut feelings help female flies choose a mate

In a study published in Current Biology, researchers found that the Abdominal-B gene controls a set of neurons responsible for a major part of female fly receptivity. This discovery provides insight into the neural circuitry that drives courtship behavior on the female side.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 2, 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.

Some stem cell methods closer to 'gold standard' than others

A new study finds that stem cells created by moving genetic material from a skin cell into an empty egg cell more closely resemble human embryonic stem cells than traditionally induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. The method, known as nuclear transfer, results in cells with fewer reprogramming issues and better gene expression patterns.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature·DateJul 2, 2014

Overcoming light scattering: New optical system sees deeper inside tissue

Researchers have developed a single-pixel optical system that can overcome light scattering in tissue, enabling transmission of images through scattering media. The technique uses compressive sensing to compress large data files as they are measured, allowing it to reconstruct the image and penetrate deeper into tissue.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateJul 2, 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.

Extinct human cousin gave Tibetans advantage at high elevation

Scientists have discovered that Tibetans inherited a gene from their extinct human cousin, the Denisovans, which helps them adapt to high-altitude plateaus with low oxygen levels. This variant of the EPAS1 gene allows Tibetans to survive at elevations above 15,000 feet without cardiovascular problems.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature·DateJul 2, 2014

A tale of a tail -- Kangaroos' powerful 'fifth leg'

A Simon Fraser University study found that kangaroos employ a unique pentapedal gait, utilizing their tail in combination with front and hind legs to generate significant propulsive force. This discovery sheds light on the importance of timing and positioning during movement, particularly for individuals with mobility impairments.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalBiology Letters·DateJul 2, 2014

Martian salts must touch ice to make liquid water, study shows

Researchers found that Martian salts can melt ice they touch, forming liquid water within minutes. The discovery suggests small amounts of liquid water could exist across large swaths of Mars' surface, potentially supporting microbial life.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 2, 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.

Fine-scale climate model projections predict malaria at local levels

Researchers used a statistical technique to downscale global climate models and found that population centers in cool, highland regions of East Africa may be more vulnerable to malaria than previously thought. The study suggests that fine-scale predictions can improve local adaptation and mitigation strategies.

SourcePenn State·JournalClimatic Change·DateJul 2, 2014

Flood fear has temporary effect on property prices: QUT study

A QUT study found that flood fear had a minimal on-going effect on property prices, with low-value suburbs being the exception. Middle and high-value homes in Brisbane experienced price rebounds within 12 months after the 2011 floods.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalNatural Hazards·DateJul 2, 2014

A 'magic moment' for unwed parents

A new study from Duke University found that unwed parents are more likely to marry when their child is young, with the 'magic moment' lasting longer than previously thought. However, the study also revealed that many of these marriages are fragile and do not last.

SourceDuke University·JournalDemography·DateJul 2, 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.

Scientists can now screen for stem cells that enhance corneal regrowth

Researchers at Harvard University have developed a method to collect the best cell type for regenerating damaged corneas, with purified human stem cells showing promise in improving long-term vision in mice. The discovery is expected to quickly translate into improved human therapies and could potentially restore the corneal surface.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateJul 2, 2014

Finally, a mug shot for a crop-killing NH pest

Researchers at UNH's NHAES identified over 600 species of leafhoppers in New Hampshire, with about 40 being economically significant due to their disease-carrying abilities. The team found six leafhopper species known to carry X-disease, and provided guidance on management techniques to reduce the risk of outbreaks.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·DateJul 2, 2014

Inspired by nature, researchers create tougher metal materials

Scientists have developed a method to create stronger and more ductile metal materials by adjusting the internal structure, similar to bone and bamboo. This technique can be customized for various applications, including improving industrial steel's strength and ductility.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 2, 2014

Purdue-designed tool helps guide brain cancer surgery

A Purdue-designed tool uses mass spectrometry to analyze brain tumor tissue, providing color-coded images that reveal the location and nature of tumor cells. The tool has been successfully used in two surgical procedures, offering a significant improvement over current methods.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 2, 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.

Long jumpers do better with a spring in their step

Researchers found that taking off from a compliant surface like a springboard reduces the energy cost of long jumps compared to firm surfaces. This is due to a closer optimal take-off angle for maximum energy efficiency. For shorter distances, no difference was observed in energy expenditure between firm and springy surfaces.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology·DateJul 2, 2014

Nuclear transfer appears superior for creating embryonic stem cells

Scientists at OHSU have found that nuclear transfer is superior to iPS method in reprogramming human skin cells into embryonic stem cells, with the former producing stem cells almost identical to those from in vitro fertilized eggs. The study's findings hold major implications for developing better embryonic stem cells and therapies.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNature·DateJul 2, 2014

A million times better

Researchers at TUM and UT Austin developed nonlinear mirrors that reflect frequency-doubled output using input light intensity as small as a laser pointer. The new materials produce approximately one million times higher intensity of frequency-doubled output compared to traditional materials.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature·DateJul 2, 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.

'Bone-house wasp' uses dead ants to protect their nest

A new species of spider wasp, the Bone-house Wasp, uses dead ants as a unique nest-protection strategy, resulting in lower parasitism rates. The study found that this behavior is likely linked to chemical cues emanating from the dead ants.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 2, 2014

NASA sees a weaker Tropical Storm Douglas

Tropical Storm Douglas is weakening due to cooler waters and drier air in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. The storm's maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 45 mph, with forecasters predicting a gradual decline in strength over the next day.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 2, 2014

Hair from mummy's clothes provides insights into red deer lineage

A study published in PLOS ONE analyzed Neolithic deer hair from the Tyrolean Iceman's clothing to shed light on red deer lineage. The results indicate that Alpine Copper Age red deer falls within the western European lineage, contrasting with current populations in the Italian Alps which belong to the eastern lineage.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 2, 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 cell type resists chemotherapy drug

A new study reveals that adipose-derived human stem cells can withstand high doses of the chemotherapy drug methotrexate, unlike other cell types. This finding has significant implications for developing an ASC-based therapy to promote bone growth and regeneration in cancer patients.

SourceBrown University·JournalExperimental Cell Research·DateJul 2, 2014

Becoming an expert takes more than practice

A recent study published in Psychological Science found that accumulated practice accounts for only about 12% of individual differences in performance across various domains. The study suggests that domain-specific factors, such as age and cognitive abilities, may play a more significant role in determining expertise.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 2, 2014

The plant that only grows when the going's good…

Scientists have identified a new mutant plant that stores excessive amounts of starch, allowing it to maintain its size despite reduced sucrose availability. The NEX1 mutant combines high growth rates with large starch reserves, making it an attractive candidate for crops used as silage and human feed.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology·DateJul 2, 2014

Alcohol backing raises risk of athletes drinking more

A new study found that alcohol sponsorship in UK athletes is associated with higher odds of hazardous drinking and increased consumption. Sportspeople sponsored by an alcohol-related industry had higher rates of problem drinking compared to non-sponsored athletes.

SourceMonash University·JournalAddiction·DateJul 2, 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.

The BMJ calls for Assisted Dying Bill to become law

The BMJ editorial advocates for the Assisted Dying Bill, citing a strong public consensus of 82% in favor, as well as Oregon's experience with assisted dying legislation. The bill aims to allow terminally ill adults to end their lives with medical assistance.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJul 2, 2014

First national model for bovine TB calls for more focus on cattle

A new national model for bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in Great Britain highlights the need for improved testing, vaccination of cattle, and culling infected farms as effective strategies. The majority of herd outbreaks are caused by multiple transmission routes, including failed tests, cattle movement, and environmental reservoirs.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalNature·DateJul 2, 2014

Acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease each a risk of the other

Acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are interconnected diseases sharing common risk factors and causes. The NIH study suggests that patients with either condition should be monitored for the other, as pre-existing CKD increases the odds of AKI by 10 times and vice versa.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 2, 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.

Brisk walking may improve symptoms of Parkinson's

A study published in Neurology found that brisk walking improved motor function, mood, and tiredness by up to 15%, as well as increased aerobic fitness and gait speed. Participants who walked for 45 minutes, three times a week, over six months showed significant improvements in their symptoms.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJul 2, 2014

UTMB study shows testosterone therapy does not increase heart attack risk

A new US-based study of over 25,000 older men shows that testosterone therapy is not associated with an increased risk of heart attack. In fact, men with cardiovascular problems who used testosterone had a lower rate of heart attacks compared to those who did not.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalAnnals of Pharmacotherapy·DateJul 2, 2014

Making dreams come true: Making graphene from plastic?

A domestic research team created a carbon material without artificial defects, maintaining graphene's characteristics, and developed a simpler production process. The new method can mass-produce high-quality graphene substitutes for solar cells and semiconductor chips.

SourceKorea Institute of Science and Technology·JournalNanoscale·DateJul 2, 2014

Causes of serious pain syndrome closer to discovery

Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding CRPS by replicating its symptoms in mice using antibodies from patients with the condition. The study suggests that autoantibodies may be the underlying cause of CRPS, offering hope for potential treatments.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalPain·DateJul 2, 2014

'Deep learning' makes search for exotic particles easier

UCI researchers develop computing techniques that utilize deep learning to analyze data from particle accelerators, increasing the detection rate of rare particles by 8%. The methods could aid in the hunt for fundamental open questions about matter, gravity, and the origin of the universe.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 2, 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.

'Green buildings' have potential to improve health of low-income housing residents

A study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that green building standards can significantly improve indoor air quality, leading to reduced symptoms of respiratory problems like asthma. Residents in green homes reported 47% fewer 'sick building syndrome' symptoms, including headaches and eye irritation.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJul 2, 2014