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Science News Archive June 2014


Page 9 of 33

The next food revolution

According to Doug Rauch, one-third to 40% of all food grown is never consumed due to expiration dates and infrastructure issues. The Daily Table, a new restaurant and store, aims to reduce food waste by offering expired produce at reduced prices.

Battle of the bulge occurs in the liver

A study published in Cell Metabolism reveals that free radical molecules contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes, obesity, and fatty liver disease by inactivating protein tyrosine phosphatases. This inactivation leads to a cascade of events promoting disease progression.

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.

Many ER patients test positive for HIV while in most infectious stage

A study by Maricopa Integrated Health System found that nearly one-quarter of ER patients with confirmed HIV diagnosis have acute infections and over one-quarter have advanced to AIDS. The results emphasize the importance of early detection and interventions to extend life and minimize transmission risk.

Study sheds light on racial disparity in colon cancer

African-Americans with colon cancer are half as likely to have a genetic marker linked to better outcomes compared to Caucasian patients. The study also found that African-Americans are more likely to have right-sided colon cancer, which is easier to miss with screening.

By any stretch

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a new stereoscopic measurement system using computer vision to accurately measure infant length. The technique allows infants to be measured while lying naturally on their backs, eliminating the need for physical restriction and reducing discomfort.

Bisexual men face unique challenges to their sexual health

A new study reveals that bisexual men have unmet public health needs, leaving them vulnerable to STIs and other health problems. The study highlights the importance of addressing social and behavioral factors that affect their sexual health, such as biphobia, masculinity norms, and attitudes towards pregnancy. Researchers recommend int...

Intervention appears to help teen drivers get more, better practice

An evidence-based behavioral intervention appears to increase supervised practice for teen drivers, leading to improved safety outcomes. The study found that for every 11 teenagers who use the Teen Driving Plan (TDP), one additional teenager would be prevented from failing the tODA assessment.

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.

Grinding away at history using 'forensic' paleontology and archeology

Researchers analyze fossil assemblages from Ohio buhrstone to determine its provenance, revealing characteristics that distinguish it from French buhrstone. The study sheds light on the use of non-destructive techniques in studying ancient artifacts, with potential applications for understanding the origins of other tools.

Next-generation artificial pancreas system gears up for test drive

A pilot study will evaluate advanced artificial pancreas technology for individuals with type 1 diabetes under real-world conditions. The study aims to test the safety and effectiveness of an unsupervised artificial pancreas system that automatically controls insulin delivery.

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.

Sharper imaging using X-rays

The HZB team has developed novel 3D X-ray optics, enabling sharper imaging with improved resolution. The new optics capture more light and can be stacked on top of each other to achieve even better results.

Survey reveals consumers' pecan preferences

A new survey of US consumers reveals that nearly three-quarters eat pecans regularly, with taste being an important reason. The study also highlights the importance of nutritional and health aspects in marketing tree nuts.

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.

Diabetes drug, Liraglutide, improves risk factors for heart disease

A multicenter study found that liraglutide, a diabetes drug, reduced weight and improved cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The results showed significant improvements in weight loss and lipid profiles, suggesting a potential lower risk of heart disease.

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for June 24, 2014

The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends annual screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms in men aged 65-75 who have ever smoked, while cautioning against widespread lung cancer screening among high-risk older adults due to insufficient evidence. The committee cited age-related risks and diminishing benefits of extended life fro...

Endocrine Press publishes guide to treating metabolic emergencies

The Endocrine Society's publishing imprint Endocrine Press has released a comprehensive guide to treating metabolic emergencies. The book provides clinicians with practical resources for managing acute medical and critically ill patients experiencing endocrine and metabolic crises, such as dangerously low blood sugar or excessive thyro...

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.

Gestures that speak

Neuroscientists found that hand gestures are part of prosody, influencing how meaning is interpreted. The study demonstrates the role of gestures in speech prosody, highlighting their importance in human communication.

Fantastic voyage into the human lung

A team of investigators at Children's Hospital Los Angeles is award $4 million to create a high-resolution, four-dimensional map of alveolar development in humans and mice. The LungMAP project will provide unprecedented insights into the formation of the gas exchange surface in the human lung.

Video games, social networks, chat rooms, may help prevent HIV

A study suggests that eHealth interventions, such as interactive websites and video games, can reduce high-risk sexual behaviors and increase HIV testing among men who have sex with men. Digital outreach efforts on social networks and chat rooms also showed promising results in increasing HIV testing and reducing shame felt by young men.

Bone loss persists 2 years after weight loss surgery

A new study shows that patients who undergo gastric bypass surgery lose significant amounts of bone density, even after their weight stabilizes. Bone health may need to be closely monitored in these patients to prevent fractures and osteoporosis.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Biologists find 'missing link' in the production of protein factories in cells

Researchers at UC San Diego have discovered a specialized system that enables the synthesis of ribosomal proteins, which are crucial for producing life-sustaining proteins. This finding has significant implications for understanding cell growth and development, and may lead to new treatments for diseases such as cancer.

Prisoners unfairly excluded from general clinical research

Current UK guidance excludes prisoners from participating in general clinical research due to perceived difficulties and costs. However, researchers argue that this approach is protectionist and denies prisoners equal access to healthcare and research opportunities.

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.

Sharpening a test for tracing food-borne illness to source

A new study refines a test for tracing food-borne illnesses to their source, providing clearer guidance on interpreting DNA sequence changes. The findings suggest that isolates with certain variations in bacterial DNA can be linked together, helping investigators pinpoint outbreaks more accurately.

LED phosphors: Better red makes brighter white

Researchers at LMU Munich have developed a novel red phosphor material that significantly enhances the performance of white-emitting LEDs. The new material generates 14% more light than conventional white-light LEDs while maintaining an excellent color rendering index.

We can eliminate the major tornado threat in Tornado Alley

Researchers propose building three east-west great walls to eliminate the major tornado threat in Tornado Alley. The walls, inspired by Jiang-Huai Hills in China, can be built locally at high-risk areas and gradually extended to cover the entire region.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

A cure for HIV is a 'major scientific priority'

The global HIV epidemic has seen significant reductions in new infections and AIDS-related deaths thanks to advancements in prevention strategies such as clean needles and condom use, and effective treatment that reduces infectiousness.

Nearly 1 in 25 US babies are born too soon

A large US study finds that nearly one in 25 babies are born too soon through elective cesarean sections and induced labor without medical indication. This increases the risk of respiratory distress, ventilation, and longer hospital stays for newborns.

Back away, please

Researchers from University of Chicago Booth School of Business found that humans have a general tendency to fear things approaching, regardless of their threat level. This 'approach avoidance' phenomenon is rooted in our survival instincts and can be observed in various daily situations.

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.

Treading into a gray area along the spectrum of wood decay fungi

Researchers analyzed 33 fungal genomes to determine if wood-decaying fungi fall under one of two general classes. They found that some fungi, such as Botryobasidium botryosum and Jaapia argillacea, show similarities to white rot fungi but lack key enzymes, complicating the traditional categorization.

Cancer chain in the membrane

Supercomputer simulations reveal that Ras protein clusters warp cell membranes, leading researchers to investigate the design of new anticancer drugs. The study uses coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations to understand the dynamics of Ras proteins and their interaction with the membrane.

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.

Straw albedo mitigates extreme heat

Researchers at ETH Zurich found that unploughed stubble reflects more solar radiation than tilled surfaces, resulting in a 50% higher level of reflection and a significant effect on extreme heat. No-till farming can reduce local temperatures by up to 2°C on hot days.

Young indoor tanning increases early risk of skin cancer

Early exposure to ultraviolet radiation from indoor tanning increases the risk of basal cell carcinomas in young people. Researchers found that teens and young adults who use indoor tanning devices are more likely to develop BCC, especially on the torso.

New data bolsters Higgs boson discovery

Researchers from Rice University have found evidence of the direct decay of the Higgs boson to fermions, a fundamental particle in the Standard Model. This finding strengthens the confirmation of the Higgs boson discovery and sets the stage for further exploration of its properties and potential connections to dark matter.

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.

Video: Robot can be programmed by casually talking to it

Researchers at Cornell University are teaching robots to understand instructions in natural language from various speakers, account for missing information, and adapt to the environment. The robot learns through machine learning techniques, associating entire commands with flexibly defined actions.

MIT researchers unveil experimental 36-core chip

Researchers at MIT have developed a 36-core chip featuring a 'network-on-chip' design that enables efficient communication between cores, solving cache coherence issues and improving performance. The chip's hierarchical priority system ensures chronological ordering of requests, while maintaining a balance of equal weight for all cores.

SLU researchers see possible answer to chemo pain in a multiple sclerosis drug

Saint Louis University researchers have discovered a molecular pathway that causes painful chemotherapy side effects and found a potential way to block it. A drug already approved for treating multiple sclerosis may also alleviate chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) without affecting the medication's anticancer properties.

Illinois study may improve rice productivity

Researchers from Illinois and Kyoto University collaborate on a global effort to improve rice productivity through increased photosynthetic efficiency. The study aims to enhance drought tolerance in rice crops, which are critical for food security globally.

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.

Ti-V alloys' superconductivity: Inherent, not accidental

Physicists from India reveal Ti-V alloys' superconductivity is influenced by local magnetic fluctuations and spin fluctuations. The competition between these fluctuations and electron-phonon interaction determines the superconducting temperature threshold, contradicting previous assumptions.

How repeatable is evolutionary history?

Scientists have identified a 'weakness' in the clover genome that biases species to evolve the same trait. In six related clover species, genetic deletions led to the development of a cyanide-less trait, suggesting constrained evolution.