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Science News Archive July 2014 - Page 4


Page 4 of 34

Ligaments disruption: A new perspective in the prognosis of SCI

Ligaments disruption is a new perspective in the prognosis of Spinal Cord Injury (SCI), offering a more accurate prediction of recovery outcomes. This approach has been published in Neural Regeneration Research and can be an essential tool for physicians in providing care to patients and families.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateJul 30, 2014

New research shows lack of motivation affects cognitive performance in schizophrenia

New study reveals a significant relationship between motivational deficit and poor cognitive performance in people with schizophrenia. Lower levels of motivation are associated with greater cognitive impairment, suggesting that understanding the impact of motivational impairment is crucial for improving treatments.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateJul 30, 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.

New malaria vaccine candidates identified

Researchers discovered new vaccine targets that could help combat malaria by identifying previously untested antigens and gaining insights into antigen combination. A group of infected children was followed over six months to identify combinations of antibodies providing up to 100% protection against clinical episodes.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 30, 2014

Fighting over proposed changes to food labels

The FDA is considering significant changes to the Nutrition Facts label, including listing added sugars, vitamin D, and potassium on every label. Industry groups are opposing these changes, arguing that they are unnecessary and could be confusing for consumers.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJul 30, 2014

Key to aging immune system is discovered

Researchers found that blood-forming stem cells falter with age due to DNA replication problems, leading to a decline in immune function. However, even old stem cells can repair induced DNA damage efficiently and retain molecular tags associated with DNA damage.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature·DateJul 30, 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.

New anesthesia technique helps show cause of obstruction in sleep apnea

A new 'ramp control' anesthetic technique has been developed to simplify preoperative testing for patients with severe sleep apnea. The simplified approach allows doctors to visualize the site of airway obstruction in just four minutes, while achieving minimal drops in blood oxygen levels.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalAnesthesia & Analgesia·DateJul 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.

Charon to receive 2014 Gene D. Cohen Award

Rita Charon, a general internist and narratologist at Columbia University, has received the 2014 Gene D. Cohen Research Award in Creativity and Aging. Her work focuses on narrative medicine practice, reflective clinical practice, and health care team effectiveness.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateJul 29, 2014

Problem drinking in midlife doubles chance of memory problems in later life

A study published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry indicates that middle-aged adults with a history of problem drinking are more than twice as likely to suffer from severe memory impairment in later life. The research highlights the link between harmful patterns of alcohol consumption and problems with memory, which may ...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalAmerican Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateJul 29, 2014

Implanting 125I seeds into rat DRG for neuropathic pain: Only neuronal microdamage occurs

The study implanted 125I seeds into rat dorsal root ganglia to provide relief for neuropathic pain. Results showed elevated mechanical pain threshold without influencing motor functions, suggesting neuronal microdamage as the primary mechanism. The findings have potential implications for developing novel pain management therapies.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateJul 29, 2014

Revolutionary microshutter technology hurdles significant challenges

NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center team has demonstrated that electrostatically actuated microshutter arrays are as functional as magnetically activated arrays, eliminating macro-moving parts and lowering voltage needs. This advancement makes them suitable for Explorer-class missions and larger fields of view.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 29, 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.

SPIE launches Neurophotonics journal with special section on BRAIN Initiative

The new journal Neurophotonics adds to the rapidly growing understanding of the brain through advanced optical methods and applications. Key findings include photoacoustic tomography techniques that display brain activity with high accuracy, and novel technologies for brain energy metabolism.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalNeurophotonics·DateJul 29, 2014

Research may explain how foremost anticancer 'guardian' protein learned to switch sides

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have discovered a new function of the body's most important tumor-suppressing protein, p53. A previously unknown variant of p53 called p53-psi reduces cell adhesion and promotes metastatic potential by interacting with cyclophillin D and generating reactive oxygen species.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 29, 2014

Violent aftermath for the warriors at Alken Enge

Recent findings at the Alken Enge site reveal a violent sequel to a major battle fought around Christ's birth, with four pelvic bones found tied together and bundles of desecrated bones uncovered. The remains were gathered, cleaned, and then brutally treated before being cast into a lake.

SourceAarhus University·DateJul 29, 2014

'Killer sperm' prevents mating between worm species

When worms mate with different species, their bodies are unable to tolerate the aggressive sperm, resulting in sterility and death. The sperm's premature fertilization of eggs and subsequent damage to the ovaries lead to these outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 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.

Preterm children's brains can catch up years later

A study published in The Journal of Pediatrics found that preterm children's cognitive abilities as teenagers can be comparable to those born at term, if they experience no brain injury early on. The quality of the home environment plays a crucial role in brain development and cognition.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateJul 29, 2014

Bacteria-resistant materials -- £2 million to get the 'inside' story

Researchers have discovered new materials capable of repelling bacteria, which could lead to a significant reduction in hospital infections acquired through implanted medical devices. The polymers have been licensed to a UK SME for clinical trials, aiming to inform rational design of improved bacteria-resistant polymers.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·DateJul 29, 2014

Astronomers measure weight of galaxies, expansion of universe

Researchers calculated the precise mass of the Milky Way and Andromeda galaxies, finding that Andromeda is about twice as heavy. The study also measured the expansion of the universe by observing satellite galaxies' motion, confirming cosmic expansion near our local group.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJul 29, 2014

Differential gene expression in proximal and distal nerve segments after sciatic nerve injury

Researchers identified differential gene expression in proximal and distal nerve segments of rats with sciatic nerve injury, revealing changes in cell differentiation, cytokinesis, and immune response. The study provides insights into Wallerian degeneration and offers a platform for studying nerve injury and repair.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateJul 29, 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.

Bowers to receive GSA's 2014 Minority Mentorship Award

Barbara J. Bowers, PhD, RN, FAAN, of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, has been recognized with the GSA's 2014 Minority Mentorship Award. Her research focuses on frail older adults and quality of care, influencing public policies and organizational practices.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateJul 29, 2014

Urbanization of rural Africa associated with increased risk of heart disease and diabetes

A new study found that urbanization in rural sub-Saharan Africa is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Living in more urban villages was linked to poorer lifestyle choices, such as physical inactivity and heavy drinking, despite the benefits of access to education, healthcare, and improved sanitation.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 29, 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.

A new brain-based marker of stress susceptibility

Scientists have identified a specific electrical pattern in the brains of genetically identical mice that predicts how well individual animals will fare in stressful situations. This finding may help prevent mental illnesses linked with stress, such as post-traumatic stress disorder and depression.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 29, 2014

New network unites university health care research

Four major health institutions have partnered to create a Clinical Data Research Network, leveraging PCORI's $7 million funding. The network will study patient outcomes for obesity, atrial fibrillation and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, expanding research capabilities and collaboration opportunities.

SourcePenn State·DateJul 29, 2014

Tough foam from tiny sheets

Researchers at Rice University have developed a tough and ultralight foam using atomic-scale materials, with properties including high strain handling and bounce-back ability. The foam can be tailored to any size and shape, and its lightweight density is 400 times less than graphite.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 29, 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.

Brazilian researchers identify RNA that regulates cell death

Researchers at University of São Paulo identified INXS RNA, which modulates BCL-X gene and induces programmed cell death. Local injections of plasmid containing INXS reduced subcutaneous malignant tumors by 10-fold in mice.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateJul 29, 2014

University of Maryland Schools of Dentistry and Medicine receive NIH grant

The University of Maryland Schools of Dentistry and Medicine have received a five-year $10.7 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to study the causes, prevention, and treatment of sexually-transmitted diseases. The study aims to identify novel molecular biomarkers of susceptibility to STIs and disease severity.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·DateJul 29, 2014

Could summer camp be the key to world peace?

A new study by University of Chicago Booth School of Business researchers found that campers who formed close relationships with members from the opposing side developed more positive feelings toward all members of that group. This effect was found to last long after returning home, even months later.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Booth School of Business·JournalGroup Processes & Intergroup Relations·DateJul 29, 2014

Gitlin earns GSA's 2014 M. Powell Lawton Award

Gitlin, a renowned gerontologist, has made significant contributions to nonpharmacologic approaches in dementia care and aging in place. Her work aims to improve the lives of chronically disabled older adults and their family caregivers.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateJul 29, 2014

Underwater elephants

A recent study published in Conservation Biology found that the bumphead parrotfish, a major coral predator, has both positive and negative effects on reefs. The fish helps reduce algae abundance and disperse small coral fragments, but also consumes coral and reduces its diversity.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalConservation Biology·DateJul 29, 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.

Drinking sugar-sweetened beverages during adolescence impairs memory

Research conducted on adolescent rats reveals that daily consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages can impair learning and memory functions. The study found significant inflammation in the hippocampus, a brain region crucial for memory, suggesting potential long-term effects on cognitive function.

SourceSociety for the Study of Ingestive Behavior·DateJul 29, 2014

Our galaxy is way smaller than previous estimates, study shows

Scientists have precisely measured the mass of the Milky Way for the first time, finding it to be approximately half the weight of Andromeda. The study, led by the University of Edinburgh, used data on galaxy distances and velocities to calculate the total masses of both galaxies.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJul 29, 2014

Diet affects men's and women's gut microbes differently

Research by scientists at the University of Texas at Austin found that diet impacts male and female gut microbiomes differently. In some cases, different bacterial species dominate in one sex versus the other. This difference highlights the need for therapies to be tailored for each sex when it comes to nutrition-based treatments.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 29, 2014

1996 research article deemed a classic paper

A 1996 research paper by Michael Pazzani and colleagues has been selected as the most influential from The Thirteenth National Conference on Artificial Intelligence. The paper introduced a system to personalize internet content based on user profiles, which has since become a common application of artificial intelligence.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateJul 29, 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.

Brainwaves can predict audience reaction for television programming

Researchers found that brainwaves from a few individuals can accurately predict preferences of large TV audiences. The study used EEG to measure brain activity while participants watched TV shows and commercials, comparing the results to publicly available social media data and ratings from USA Today's Super Bowl Ad Meter.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 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.

Wildfires continue near Yellowknife, Canada

Forest fires in the Northwest Territories have destroyed over 893,000 hectares of land, with lightning blamed for most fires. The ongoing wildfires are also affecting residents in Yellowknife, prompting residents to stay indoors due to unhealthy air quality.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 29, 2014

Mortality rates increase due to extreme heat and cold

A study by Helmholtz Munich found that extreme heat and cold increase mortality rates, particularly among the elderly with pre-existing medical conditions. The researchers observed a significant rise in cardiovascular events and stroke during hot temperatures and up to two weeks after cold weather.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalHeart·DateJul 29, 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.

Penn team makes cancer glow to improve surgical outcomes

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a new technique to help surgeons see the entire tumor during surgery, increasing the likelihood of a positive outcome. The approach uses an injectable dye that accumulates in cancerous tissues, allowing surgeons to remove the entire malignancy.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 29, 2014

Scientists caution against exploitation of deep ocean

The deep sea provides numerous benefits to society, including acting as a greenhouse gas sink, regenerating nutrients, and fueling the marine food web. However, rapid exploitation of its resources poses significant threats to its habitat and global impact, necessitating a global effort to protect and manage these vast habitats.

SourceOregon State University·JournalBiogeosciences·DateJul 29, 2014

Study: Contrary to image, city politicians do adapt to voters

A comprehensive US study reveals that city governments closely match citizens' politics and policies, with liberal cities taxing and spending more. The research challenges the popular image of local governance being under the sway of machine politics or big-money interests.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAmerican Political Science Review·DateJul 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.

The quantum Cheshire cat

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology demonstrate a new quantum paradox where neutrons can be separated from their properties, allowing for more precise measurements. This 'Quantum Cheshire Cat' phenomenon shows that particles can exist in multiple states at once, making it ideal for applications requiring high precision.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 29, 2014

Local education politics 'far from dead'

A new study by Michigan State University finds that Teach for America alumni candidates prioritize both local and national issues in their school board campaigns. The research suggests that supporting TFA alumni to run for local offices is an effective way to advance the organization's agenda.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEducation Policy Analysis Archives·DateJul 29, 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.

Weighing the Milky Way

An international team of researchers devises precise method for calculating galaxy masses using gravity and expansion data. The new study shows the Milky Way has only half the mass of its neighbor Andromeda.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJul 29, 2014

Team studies the social origins of intelligence in the brain

Researchers studied Vietnam War veterans' brain injuries to understand how the brain works. They found that brain regions contributing to social functioning also support general intelligence and emotional intelligence.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalBrain·DateJul 29, 2014