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Science News Archive June 2014 - Page 10


Page 10 of 33

CU Denver study shows more bicyclists on road means fewer collisions

A University of Colorado Denver study found that increased bicycle use leads to reduced collisions between cyclists and motorists, attributed to the 'safety in numbers effect'. The study focused on Boulder, Colorado, where high bicycling rates resulted in lower crash rates.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalAccident Analysis & Prevention·DateJun 23, 2014

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.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 23, 2014

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.

SourceColumbia Business School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 23, 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.

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.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 23, 2014

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.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 23, 2014

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 23, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

£4 million of diet and health research to benefit UK consumers

Six projects funded to improve understanding of food choice, develop healthier foods, and explore the impact of small behavioural changes on weight management and osteoarthritis. The research aims to deliver real health benefits to UK consumers.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·DateJun 23, 2014

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.

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateJun 23, 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.

Antiviral therapy can prevent liver cancer in chronic hepatitis B patients

Two studies published in Gastroenterology found that antiviral therapy can reduce the risk of liver cancer in patients with chronic hepatitis B infection. Younger patients with minimal liver damage and those treated with nucleos(t)ide analogues showed a significant reduction in liver cancer risk.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateJun 23, 2014

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.

SourceParsemus Foundation·JournalThe Prostate·DateJun 23, 2014

Nineteen Tomato varieties evaluated under organic guidelines

A study by researchers at the University of Georgia compared 19 tomato varieties under organic production practices. The results showed that F1 hybrid varieties outperformed open-pollinated varieties in terms of yield and fruit uniformity.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortTechnology·DateJun 23, 2014

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.

SourceMichigan State University·DateJun 23, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Immunology·DateJun 23, 2014

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.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateJun 23, 2014

When couples disagree on stroke recovery, one partner can suffer

A study found that when couples disagree on stroke recovery, the caregiving spouse experiences depression and emotional distress. The discrepancy in perceptions between survivors and spousal caregivers is key to predicting depression in spousal caregivers.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalAging & Mental Health·DateJun 23, 2014

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.

SourceInstitute of Food Technologists·JournalComprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety·DateJun 23, 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.

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 23, 2014

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.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 23, 2014

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.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 23, 2014

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.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 23, 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.

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.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateJun 23, 2014

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.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 23, 2014

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.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 23, 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.

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.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalIcarus·DateJun 23, 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.

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.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 23, 2014
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.

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.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateJun 23, 2014

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.

SourceAarhus University·JournalThe Journal of Politics·DateJun 23, 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.

Fatal cellular malfunction identified in Huntington's disease

Scientists have discovered that a defect in the huntingtin gene impairs mitochondria, leading to brain cell death in Huntington's disease. The study found that brain cells rely heavily on their mitochondria, making them vulnerable to disruption.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJun 23, 2014

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.

SourceForsyth Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 23, 2014

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.

SourceMonash University·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 22, 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.

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.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalNature·DateJun 22, 2014

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.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateJun 22, 2014

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.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateJun 22, 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.

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.

SourceKansas State University·JournalNature Physics·DateJun 22, 2014

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.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature·DateJun 22, 2014
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

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.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateJun 22, 2014

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.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalNature·DateJun 22, 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.

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.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalNature·DateJun 22, 2014