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Science News Archive June 2014 - Page 13


Page 13 of 33

Recreational football reduces high blood pressure in mature women

A study of 41 untrained women aged 35-50 with mild high blood pressure found a significant reduction in blood pressure and body fat percentage after 15 weeks of football training. The researchers also found that women like playing football even if they have no previous experience, leading to the creation of their own football club.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports·DateJun 19, 2014

LLNL, MIT researchers develop new ultralight, ultrastiff 3D printed materials

Researchers from LLNL and MIT have created ultra-lightweight and stiff mechanical metamaterials using additive micro-manufacturing processes. The new materials exhibit properties not found in nature, maintaining a nearly constant stiffness per unit mass density across more than three orders of magnitude in density.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateJun 19, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The Lancet Infectious Diseases: Oldest ever schistosomiasis egg found may be first proof of early human technology exacerbating disease burden

A 6200-year-old schistosomiasis parasite egg discovered in Syria's Tell Zeidan grave suggests ancient agricultural irrigation systems may have spread the disease. The find, dating back a thousand years earlier than previous discoveries, highlights how human technology can exacerbate disease burdens.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateJun 19, 2014

Tiny molecule could help diagnose and treat mental disorders

Researchers at Weizmann Institute identify microRNA molecule miR135 linked to serotonin system and its role in depression and anxiety disorders. Higher levels of miR135 found in healthy mice resistant to chronic stress, while low levels associated with depressed behavior and weaker response to antidepressants.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNeuron·DateJun 19, 2014

Penn study reveals a common genetic link in fatal autoimmune skin disease

A study by Penn Medicine researchers found a common genetic link among patients with pemphigus vulgaris, a blistering skin disease. The researchers identified a particular gene, VH1-46, that was used by PV antibodies across all four patients, suggesting common mechanisms for developing the disease.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 19, 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.

New monkey model for AIDS offers promise for medical research

Researchers have developed a new monkey model for AIDS using pigtailed macaques, which can cause full-blown AIDS in primates. The model allows for the study of HIV-1's interaction with host antiviral defenses and has the potential to improve prevention and treatment research.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalScience·DateJun 19, 2014

Diabetes susceptibility gene regulates health of cell's powerhouse

A susceptibility gene for type 1 diabetes has been found to regulate self-destruction of the cell's energy factory. Researchers discovered that this pathway could be targeted for prevention and control of type-1 diabetes and may extend to treatment of other metabolic-associated diseases.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalCell·DateJun 19, 2014

African American women with breast cancer less likely to have newer, recommended surgical procedure

Research from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center found that African American women with early-stage invasive breast cancer were 12% less likely to receive axillary sentinel lymph node biopsy, a minimally invasive technique. The study also showed that those who received older, more invasive axillary lymph node dissection ...

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateJun 19, 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.

Swiftly moving gas streamer eclipses supermassive black hole

Researchers have discovered a rapidly moving gas streamer blocking X-rays from the galaxy's nucleus, indicating a significant decrease in radiation. This phenomenon may regulate the growth of both the supermassive black hole and its host galaxy.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalScience·DateJun 19, 2014

Important differences in hospitalization rates among racial and ethnic groups on dialysis

A study analyzing 563,281 hemodialysis patients found significant racial and ethnic differences in hospitalization rates. Younger black patients, older black patients, and older Hispanic patients had increased hospitalization rates compared to whites of similar ages, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJun 19, 2014

Can we see the arrow of time?

A team of researchers has developed an algorithm that can determine whether a video is running forward or backward with 80% accuracy. The algorithm analyzes subtle visual cues and identifies regions of frames to make its judgments, potentially leading to more realistic graphics in gaming and film.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJun 19, 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.

Tracking how breast cancer spreads: Einstein receives $10M NIH grant

Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine will study how breast cancer cells move and spread in the body. They aim to develop a test that predicts which breast cancer tumors will metastasize, based on the presence of a trio of cells called a tumor microenvironment of metastasis.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·DateJun 19, 2014

A new tool to confront lung cancer

Researchers have developed a clinically relevant mouse model for squamous cell lung cancer, driven by the misregulation of genes sox2 and lkb1. The discovery uncovers new treatment strategies and provides insights into potential targeted therapies.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 19, 2014

Pharmacy study expects to lower hospital readmissions

Researchers estimate that medication management and counseling by a pharmacist can reduce readmissions by up to 20%. The study, funded by the National Association of Chain Drug Stores Foundation, pairs high-risk patients with community pharmacists to review medications and provide guidance on managing complex disease states.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateJun 18, 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.

Collecting light with artificial moth eyes

Empa researchers have developed a microstructure that gathers sunlight on the photoelectrode surface, allowing it to absorb all the energy in the beam. This innovative structure is inspired by the eyes of moths, which collect as much light as possible while reflecting as little as possible.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·DateJun 18, 2014
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Quest for education creating graying ghost towns at top of the world

Research reveals that nearly 70% of females ages 15-19 live away from their native villages, leading to a significant outmigration of young people from the highlands. This trend threatens to create graying ghost towns at the top of the world, with population decline predicted to reach 50-60% in the next five decades.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalMountain Research and Development·DateJun 18, 2014

New method to identify inks could help preserve historical documents

Researchers developed a new, non-destructive method to identify many types of inks on various papers and surfaces. The tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) technique can analyze organic colorants with high sensitivity and spatial resolution, making it suitable for preserving valuable cultural heritage treasures.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 18, 2014

Re-routing flights could reduce climate impact, research suggests

Researchers found that aircraft can contribute less to global warming by flying routes that avoid forming distinctive condensation trails, or contrails. By doing so, they emit more carbon dioxide but may have a smaller overall climate impact due to the cooling effect of contrails.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJun 18, 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.

Nature's chem lab: How microorganisms manufacture drugs

Understanding the structure and movement within molecular factories in microorganisms enables researchers to design and engineer systems for producing novel drugs. The discovery provides a blueprint for redesigning microbial assembly lines, holding promise for developing new medicines.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature·DateJun 18, 2014

Majority of minors engage in sexting, unaware of harsh legal consequences

A study found that over 50% of minors have exchanged explicit text messages, with most unaware of the legal ramifications. Researchers highlight the need for education and specific laws to address this issue. The study revealed a significant relationship between awareness of legal consequences and sexting behavior as minors.

SourceDrexel University·JournalSexuality Research and Social Policy·DateJun 18, 2014

Modeling how neurons work together

Researchers developed a novel theory of how neurons work together during complex movements, revealing a balance between excitatory and inhibitory signals. The new model can accurately reproduce multidimensional movement patterns and may aid in the understanding of brain dynamics.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNeuron·DateJun 18, 2014

New manufacturing methods needed for 'soft' machines, robots

Researchers have developed a technique to produce soft machines made of elastic materials and liquid metals using a custom-built 3D printer. The technique enables the creation of strain gauges that can detect high strains and deform with almost any material, making it suitable for wearable technology and sensory skin.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJun 18, 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.

Springer launches comprehensive open access journal

The new journal, Research in the Mathematical Sciences, covers applied math, pure math, and theoretical computer science. It aims to publish high-quality original articles and seminal papers on emerging areas of mathematical research.

SourceSpringer·JournalResearch in the Mathematical Sciences·DateJun 18, 2014

Genomic 'dark matter' of embryonic lungs controls proper development of airways

Researchers have discovered hundreds of non-coding RNAs in the developing and adult lungs that regulate gene expression by controlling DNA scaffolding. These 'genomic dark matter' RNAs, including NANCI and LL34, play critical roles in lung development and may underlie human diseases such as Brain-Lung-Thyroid Syndrome.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalGenes & Development·DateJun 18, 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 pipeline problems to aid STEM diversity

The article highlights the persistent issues with STEM pipeline diversity, citing data showing that underrepresented minority students are less likely to graduate and enter STEM careers. Researchers Andrew G. Campbell and Stacy-Ann Allen-Ramdial propose four ideas to improve the pipeline, including aligning culture and climate, partner...

SourceBrown University·JournalBioScience·DateJun 18, 2014

Unintended danger from antidepressant warnings

A study by Harvard Medical School found that antidepressant prescriptions for young people dropped after FDA warnings, leading to a relative increase in suicide attempts. The researchers suggest that better communication between the FDA, media, and physicians is needed to ensure patients receive appropriate treatment.

SourceHarvard Medical School·DateJun 18, 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.

Counterterrorism, ethics, and global health

The war on terror is incorporating medicine into warfare, undermining population health and exacerbating global health inequities. Humanitarian and health workers face profound moral distress due to being treated as tools in the war on terror.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalHastings Center Report·DateJun 18, 2014

False negative results found in prognostic testing for breast cancer

A recent study by Dartmouth-Hitchcock Norris Cotton Cancer Center found that 22 out of 552 women had their tumor type incorrectly classified using conventional HER2 testing. The study confirmed the importance of accurate HER2 testing, as incorrect classification can have significant implications for treatment decisions.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalCancer·DateJun 18, 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.

Combatting cuckoos

Researchers at Harvard University discovered that many birds targeted by the Common Cuckoo have evolved recognizable egg patterns to distinguish their own eggs from those laid by cuckoo cheats. These signatures provide a strong defense against cuckoo mimicry, helping host birds reject foreign eggs and protect their broods.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 18, 2014

Families with an autistic child are a third less likely to have more kids

A UCSF study found that families with an autistic child are one-third less likely to have more children. The study analyzed California state health records and found that reproductive stoppage, or the decision not to have more children due to a genetic disorder, is a real phenomenon.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateJun 18, 2014

Inflammation in fat tissue helps prevent metabolic disease

Research from UT Southwestern Medical Center found that a level of 'healthy' inflammation is necessary to prevent fatty liver and metabolic diseases. Inflammation helps remodel fat tissue, preventing the buildup of excess lipids in other tissues.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJun 18, 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.

Group doctor visits may improve life for people with muscle disorders

A new study published in Neurology suggests that group doctor visits can benefit individuals with muscle diseases, improving their quality of life. Participants who received group visits scored higher on a quality of life test compared to those who had individual appointments.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJun 18, 2014

Making smartphones smarter with see-through sensors

Researchers have developed laser-written light-guiding systems for efficient commercial use. The technology allows embedding sensors, including temperature and biometric sensors, into Gorilla Glass to create new real estate in phones. This could enable secure transactions using infrared light and more compact devices.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateJun 18, 2014

UEA researchers discover Achilles' heel in antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Researchers at UEA identified a vulnerable gate in Gram-negative bacteria's outer membrane that prevents the transport of barrier-building blocks, making bacteria susceptible to death. This breakthrough could lead to new generation drugs targeting the protective barrier instead of the bacteria itself.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNature·DateJun 18, 2014
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.

Columbia Engineering team finds thousands of secret keys in Android apps

The Columbia Engineering team found a critical security problem in Google Play, where developers store their secret keys in their apps, making them vulnerable to malicious attacks. The discovery was made using a new tool called PlayDrone, which downloaded over 1.1 million Android apps and identified thousands of secret keys.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateJun 18, 2014