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Science News Archive June 2014


Page 10 of 33

Electrostatics do the trick

Researchers have developed a new model that explains the interface losses between organic semiconductors and metals, enabling the introduction of an insulating layer to improve electrical contact. The model suggests varying energy barriers can lead to lower losses and more efficient organic electronic devices.

New research proves gender bias extraordinarily prevalent in STEM careers

A new study from Columbia Business School reveals that hiring managers in STEM fields possess an extraordinary level of gender bias, often choosing less-qualified men over superiorly qualified women. The study demonstrates the cost of discrimination, leading to a less diverse workforce and detrimental effects on companies.

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.

BUSM researchers investigating ways to improve type 2 diabetes treatments

Recent research from BUSM sheds light on the regulatory strategies controlling PPARgamma activity in cells, offering potential avenues for developing effective treatments. By targeting specific subsets of PPARgamma target genes, researchers aim to improve insulin sensitivity and combat type 2 diabetes.

Long non-coding RNAs can encode proteins after all

Case Western Reserve researchers discovered thousands of novel long non-coding RNA transcripts that can direct protein synthesis in cells. This breakthrough challenges conventional wisdom on lncRNA's role and holds promise for treating cancer and genetic disorders.

Rett syndrome drug shows promise in clinical trial

A small clinical trial has found that a growth factor known as IGF1 can help treat some symptoms of Rett syndrome, including improved mood, anxiety, and easier breathing. Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital led the trial, which showed no adverse side effects and provided some effectiveness in treating the disease.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Highlights from the June issue of GIE: Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Researchers found that patients with Barrett's esophagus and low-grade dysplasia have a high incidence rate of esophageal adenocarcinoma, while metabolic syndrome and smoking heighten concerns regarding colorectal cancer screening in men. A new guideline for endoscopy in patients with lower gastrointestinal bleeding is also introduced.

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.

Nonsurgical treatment for enlarged prostate on the horizon

Researchers have found that pulsed electromagnetic field therapy significantly reduces the size of the prostate gland in dogs with BPH, a condition affecting millions of men over 50. The treatment is non-invasive, drug-free and painless, offering an alternative to surgery.

A disease of mistaken identity

Researchers are drawing attention to the rare disease due to its misdiagnosis. Caused by small benign tumors in the pituitary gland, it can lead to excessive weight gain, acne, and a lump on the back of the neck.

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.

Not even cell death can stop the alarm

A team of researchers found that inflammasomes remain active even after cell death, triggering a rapid inflammatory reaction. This discovery offers potential novel approaches for therapies against diseases such as gout, atherosclerosis, and Alzheimer's disease.

Light-emitting diode treatments outperform traditional lighting methods

Researchers found that specific LED treatments were more effective than high-pressure sodium lighting for greenhouse tomatoes, increasing fruit and biomass production. The study's results show that LEDs can be customized to target specific wavelengths used by plants, leading to improved plant growth.

Date labeling confusion contributes to food waste

A scientific review paper calls for collaboration to address the challenges of date labeling in the food industry, contributing to financial loss and food waste. Research highlights that inconsistent labeling practices lead to consumer confusion, resulting in significant food waste.

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.

Habitat loss, not poison, better explains grassland bird decline

A new study by ecologists at Penn State found that grassland bird populations declined due to the loss of habitat, rather than insecticide use. The researchers analyzed population data from the US Geological Survey and found a strong positive association between CRP lands and grassland bird trends.

Ferroelectric switching seen in biological tissues

University of Washington researchers have confirmed the presence of ferroelectric switching in biological tissues, particularly in proteins found in organs that repeatedly stretch and retract. This phenomenon may help build and support healthy connective tissues in mammals and potentially detect early stages of hardening of arteries.

Growing unknown microbes 1 by 1

A new method using SlipChip technology allows researchers to target and grow specific, previously uncultured microbes from the human gut. By isolating individual bacterial species, scientists can better understand their roles in human health and potentially identify beneficial or harmful microbes.

Mammals defend against viruses differently than invertebrates

Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai found that mammals do not use RNAi to fight viruses, contrary to previous studies. Instead, they use microRNAs, which are part of a different defense system based on interferons, signaling proteins made by immune cells.

Hydrogel capsule, Gelesis100, reduces weight in overweight and obese subjects

A new study by Gelesis found that its hydrogel capsule, Gelesis100, led to significant weight loss in overweight and obese individuals, particularly those with impaired fasting blood glucose levels. The three-month trial showed an average weight loss of 6.1%, 4.5%, and 4.1% for the active, high-dose, and placebo groups respectively.

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.

Measuring the mass of 'massless' electrons

Harvard-led researchers successfully measured the collective mass of 'massless' electrons in motion in graphene, shedding light on fundamental kinetic properties. The discovery has implications for designing more sophisticated plasmonic devices with graphene and miniaturizing electronic circuitry.

Delivering drugs on cue

Researchers developed a hydrogel that releases chemotherapy drugs in short bursts triggered by ultrasound, improving cancer treatment outcomes. The self-healing gel approach offers a more effective and minimally invasive method for delivering drugs at the right place and time.

New type of dust in Martian atmosphere discovered

French and Russian scientists have identified two types of dust particles in the Martian atmosphere, contradicting previously obtained data on supersaturated steam formation. The coarser mode consists of larger ice grains, while the finer mode is an aerosol with tiny particles that play a key role in climate formation.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

The first demonstration of a self-powered cardiac pacemaker

A research team from KAIST has developed a self-powered artificial cardiac pacemaker that operates semi-permanently using flexible piezoelectric nanogenerators. This technology prolongs the lifetime of pacemaker batteries, reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimizing surgical risks.

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.

Physical fitness level affects kidney function in type 2 diabetes

A new study presented at ICE/ENDO 2014 found that adults with Type 2 diabetes who improve their physical fitness have a lower chance of getting chronic kidney disease. The study also showed that exercise can improve kidney function in people with existing kidney damage, providing hope for patients with progressive kidney disease.

Common BPA-like chemical, BPS, disrupts heart rhythms in females

A new study has found that BPS, a common chemical substitute for BPA, can cause disruptions to female heart rhythms. The research suggests that BPS, like its BPA counterpart, interferes with hormone regulation and causes abnormal calcium handling in cardiac muscle cells.

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.

Have you been unlucky -- or are you just lazy?

Researchers find that Danes and Americans are similarly inclined to support welfare for those who are unlucky, but not lazy. The study reveals a biological and psychological basis for these attitudes, highlighting the role of reciprocal help and stereotypes in shaping public opinion.

Computational technique provides new insight into oral microbiome

Scientists applied a new oligotyping technique to analyze the human oral microbiome, identifying over 300 oligotypes and discovering closely related species with distinct habitat distributions. This approach provides deep insight into the microbial communities in health and disease.

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.

Unlocking milk's formula could save lives, say scientists

A Monash University study reveals the detailed structure of milk during digestion, providing insights into its interaction with the human digestive system. The research could lead to the development of new milk products and a new system for drug delivery.

Architecture of signaling proteins enhances knowledge of key receptors

Researchers at Duke University, University of Michigan, and Stanford University have determined the underlying architecture of a cellular signaling complex involved in responding to stimuli such as light and pain. The findings reveal a two-step mechanism that has been hypothesized previously but not directly documented.

Vitamin D can lower weight, blood sugar via the brain

A study found that vitamin D treatment improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in obese rats, reducing food intake and weight. The findings suggest a potential role of vitamin D in the onset of obesity and Type 2 diabetes through its action in the brain.

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.

Denosumab treatment for postmenopausal osteoporosis increases bone density

A multinational study found that long-term denosumab treatment in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis leads to significant increases in bone density and sustained low rates of fractures. The treatment also shows a favorable benefit/risk profile, with no increase in overall risk of cancer, infection, or cardiovascular disease.

University scientists unraveling nature of Higgs boson

Researchers at Kansas State University have found evidence that the Higgs boson is responsible for generating mass in fundamental particles, such as electrons. This discovery reinforces existing theories and provides new insights into how the universe works.

Cancer by remote-control

Scientists at EMBL and DKFZ identified two sister genes, GFI1B and GFI1, as major drivers of Group 3 medulloblastoma. Large-scale DNA rearrangements relocate these genes, activating them and driving tumour formation.

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.

Gestational diabetes is associated with declining cognitive function

A new study from Turkey finds that women with gestational diabetes perform worse on cognitive function tests, including a 30-point test for mild cognitive impairment and visual memory tests. The researchers suggest that early interventions and therapies may delay cognitive impairment in diabetes.

Researchers discover new genes that promote brain cancer

A collaborative study has identified two oncogenes, GFI1 and GFI1B, that drive the development of medulloblastoma, the most common malignant brain tumor in children. The findings suggest these genes are worthy candidates for molecular-targeted therapy.

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.

Family of proteins plays key role in cellular pump dynamics

Case Western Reserve scientists pinpoint the channeling of cell's energy flow in moving metal ions using advanced imaging technologies. This finding has the potential to inform future research on treating diseases such as Parkinson's, chronic liver disease, and heart disease.

Cold exposure stimulates beneficial brown fat growth

Researchers found that long-term mild cold exposure increased brown fat amount and activity in humans, while mild warmth suppressed it. This discovery may lead to new avenues in treating impaired glucose metabolism and obesity.