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Science News for March 17, 2014


Parents matter more than they think in how their children eat

Researchers found that parents serve their children similar portions to those they serve themselves, which can lead to unhealthy eating habits. To promote healthy eating, experts recommend paying attention to portion sizes and encouraging children to eat according to their hunger cues.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMar 17, 2014

Closer to detecting preeclampsia

A collaborative study has identified metabolomic biomarkers in urine and serum samples of women with preeclampsia, suggesting an early metabolic profile difference from women with normal pregnancies. The findings may lead to earlier detection and potentially prevent the disease.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 17, 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.

MU study uses video-game device with goal of preventing patient falls

Researchers at University of Missouri developed a motion-capture technology that can detect falls in hospital rooms with high accuracy. The system uses infrared light to create a 3D map of the room and analyzes movements to determine if a fall has occurred.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Gerontological Nursing·DateMar 17, 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.

Shale could be long-term home for problematic nuclear waste

Researchers propose using shale formations as a potential solution for storing spent nuclear fuel due to their impermeable properties. This would minimize the risk of water contamination and ensure safe storage for tens or hundreds of thousands of years.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 17, 2014

Immunologists present improved mass spectrometric method for proteomic analyses

Immunologists have developed an improved mass spectrometric method for proteomic analyses, allowing for the identification and quantification of more proteins. The new technique, called ISOQuant, eliminates the need for labeling samples, enabling direct analysis of patient samples and specific immune cells.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature Methods·DateMar 17, 2014

Researchers change coercivity of material by patterning surface

By patterning the surface of nickel ferrite (NFO) thin films, researchers have reduced coercivity by 30-80%, depending on film thickness. This technique improves device performance and reduces energy use in applications like sensors, microwave devices, and antennas.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalIEEE Magnetics Letters·DateMar 17, 2014

Suppressing unwanted memories reduces their unconscious influence on behavior

Researchers at the University of Cambridge and MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit have shown that suppressing unwanted memories reduces their unconscious influence on behavior. The study found that suppressing visual memories made it harder for people to later see the suppressed object compared to other recently seen objects.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 17, 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.

First direct evidence of cosmic inflation

Researchers from BICEP2 collaboration announce groundbreaking discovery of cosmic inflation, providing first direct image of gravitational waves. The data also confirm a deep connection between quantum mechanics and general relativity.

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·DateMar 17, 2014

Young women most at risk least likely to be offered HPV jab

Research reveals young women most at risk of cervical cancer are least likely to be offered and complete the HPV jab. The survey found that these women need targeted efforts to improve vaccination uptake, which was below 80% required for significant impact on cervical cancer rates.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalSexually Transmitted Infections·DateMar 17, 2014

Chronic sleep disturbance could trigger onset of Alzheimer's

Researchers at Temple University found that chronic sleep disturbance can trigger the onset of Alzheimer's disease. The study used a transgenic mouse model to show that sleep deprivation impairs memory and tau metabolism, leading to accelerated brain pathology.

SourceTemple University·JournalNeurobiology of Aging·DateMar 17, 2014

New therapeutic target identified for acute lung injury

A bacterial infection can alter a key protein in the lungs, leading to acute lung injury. Researchers have identified a therapeutic target using human lung cells and 3D modeling, proposing a biological shield to protect the protein.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 17, 2014

Innovative computer under scrutiny

Researchers confirm D-Wave uses quantum effects but are critical of its classification as a computer. The system solves optimization problems but is slower than traditional computers for most tests.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Physics·DateMar 17, 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.

COPD associated with increased risk for mild cognitive impairment

A study found that older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at a higher risk for developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI), particularly in skills other than memory. Patients with COPD for over five years had the greatest risk, highlighting the importance of COPD as a risk factor for MCI.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateMar 17, 2014

New reason to eat oats for heart health

Scientists have discovered that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of oat phenolic compounds, particularly avenanthramide, contribute to the heart health benefits of oats. These findings suggest that eating oats may go beyond fiber and provide additional cardio-protective effects.

SourcePollock Communications·DateMar 17, 2014

Crop intensification and organic fertilizers can be a long-term solution to perennial food shortages in Africa

Crop intensification through agroforestry can improve soil fertility, biodiversity, and water quality, increasing food production in Africa. By reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers, farmers can maintain nutrient cycling, organic matter build-up, and ecosystem resilience.

SourceWorld Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF)·JournalCurrent Opinion in Environmental Sustainability·DateMar 17, 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.

UCLA geographers create 'easy button' to calculate river flows from space

Researchers develop new method to measure river discharge solely based on width measurements from satellite imagery, providing accurate estimates for agriculture, sanitation, and flood preparation. The approach holds promise for improving climate models and ensuring international water-sharing agreements are met.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 17, 2014

Antarctic moss lives after 1,500+ years under ice

Researchers have discovered that Antarctic mosses can regenerate after 1,500 years of dormancy under the ice. This finding has significant implications for understanding polar ecosystems and climate change, as mosses play a crucial role in storing carbon in both northern and southern polar regions.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 17, 2014

'Breaking bad': Insect pests in the making

A recent study from the University of California, Davis, analyzes the ovipositor and behavior of Drosophila suzukii, a fruit fly known to deposit eggs inside ripening fruit. The research highlights the potential for this pest to spread rapidly across North America.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateMar 17, 2014

Follow the ant trail for drug design

A new simulation module developed at ETH Zurich uses an ant algorithm to predict the interaction of molecules with human proteins, identifying potential side effects and optimizing molecular design. The module can now design new active agents in minutes, suggesting necessary chemical synthesis steps.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 17, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

What's so bad about feeling happy?

Research reveals that various cultures have differing attitudes towards happiness, with some valuing it as a supreme goal while others avoid it due to superstition or fear of negative consequences. The study highlights the complexities of cultural differences in happiness aversion.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Happiness Studies·DateMar 17, 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.

New research links body clocks to chronic lung diseases

Scientists at The University of Manchester discovered a rhythmic defence pathway in the lung controlled by our body clocks, essential for combating toxins and pollutants. The research found that timed administration of antioxidant compounds according to the lung clock time can increase their effectiveness and reduce side effects.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalGenes & Development·DateMar 17, 2014

Global problem of fisheries bycatch needs global solutions

A new analysis reveals the complex nature of global bycatch, highlighting the need for international cooperation to reduce ecological harm. Strategies like depth variation and turtle excluder devices have been shown to increase target catch and reduce bycatch in fisheries.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 17, 2014

Bacterial reporters that get the scoop

A new strain of E. coli bacteria has been engineered to detect and record environmental signals in the mouse gut, remembering what it 'saw' for up to a week. The approach, which uses a genetic switch from a virus, could lead to a radically new screening tool for human gut health and living diagnostics.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 17, 2014

Rocky Mountain wildflower season lengthens by more than a month

A 39-year study reveals that more than two-thirds of alpine flowers have changed their blooming pattern in response to warmer climate. The bloom season has lengthened by one month, with different species responding in unexpected ways, impacting pollinating insects and migratory birds.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 17, 2014
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.

Back to life after 1,500 years

Researchers have demonstrated that moss can come back to life and continue to grow after over 1,500 years frozen in Antarctic ice. This finding provides exciting new insight into the survival of life on Earth, with implications for the potential survival of complex life forms in permafrost or ice.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 17, 2014

Drug trafficking corrupts Kyrgyzstan's politics and underworld

A researcher found that Kyrgyzstan's lack of economic activity outside the drug trade has led to a blurring of lines between government and crime. The country's politicians and police are often complicit in the smuggling industry, with some even using their positions for personal gain.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalInternational Journal of Drug Policy·DateMar 17, 2014

Children's preferences for sweeter and saltier tastes are linked to each other

A study by the Monell Chemical Senses Center found that children who prefer sweet tastes also prefer salty tastes, and that these preferences relate to measures of growth and development. The research highlights the importance of understanding the biology behind children's food preferences to promote healthy eating habits.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 17, 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.

UNH research: Positive memories of exercise spur future workouts

Researchers found that recalling positive exercise memories significantly increased subsequent exercise intentions and behaviors in college students. Those who recalled negative memories also exercised more than control groups, although less than those who recalled positives.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalMemory·DateMar 17, 2014

CF Foundation and CF care expert partnership yields striking progress for people with cystic fibrosi

Health outcomes for people with cystic fibrosis have improved dramatically following the implementation of quality improvement strategies, including patient education, nutritional support, and enhanced continuity of care. Key clinical outcomes, such as improved lung function and nutritional status, have also seen significant progress.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Quality & Safety·DateMar 17, 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.

How the science of deer hunting can help patients with diabetes

Scientists are working on a device that can diagnose and monitor diabetes using volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in human breath. The technology was inspired by the need to suppress body odor for deer hunters, who have a keen sense of smell, five times more acute than humans.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 17, 2014

New therapeutic target discovered for Alzheimer's disease

A team of scientists has discovered a new therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease by blocking the production of key neurotoxic peptides linked to the condition. The drug candidate, E64d, has been shown to be safe in humans and has improved memory deficits in mouse models.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateMar 17, 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.

Democrats, Republicans see each other as mindless -- unless they pose a threat

A study by NYU and Harvard Business School suggests that people are more likely to view members of the opposite political party as human if they perceive those individuals as threatening. The researchers used morphed faces to test this hypothesis, finding that participants were more willing to attribute human-like qualities to in-group...

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateMar 17, 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.

Bright future for protein nanoprobes

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have discovered new rules for creating ultra-bright light-emitting crystals less than 10 nanometers in diameter, which should be a big asset for biological imaging. The discovery shows that factors known to increase brightness in bulk experiments lose importance at higher excitation powers.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMar 17, 2014

Male, stressed, and poorly social

A study by Giorgia Silani found that stress undermines empathic abilities in men, while increasing them in women. In the experiment, stressed men performed worse in tasks requiring empathy and social skills compared to unstressed men.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalPsychoneuroendocrinology·DateMar 17, 2014

Lessons from a meadow

The study provides a detailed picture of biological events like flower blooming, animal emergence, and leaf fall, showing a more complex pattern than previously thought. Over 39 years, the flowering season expanded by more than a month due to earlier snowmelt and warming climate.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 17, 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.

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.

NIH scientists track evolution of a superbug

Researchers used genome sequencing to reveal genetic diversity in hospital-acquired bacterium ST258, which causes carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae infections. The study found two distinct groups with different evolutionary histories and unique outer coat genes.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 17, 2014

Strengthening learning in children: Get outside and play

Researchers found that playscapes promote scientific inquiry, math education and environmental awareness, while reducing depression and attention deficit disorders. These specially designed outdoor spaces foster curiosity, nature exploration and sustainable practices.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalInternational Journal of Play·DateMar 17, 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.

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for March 18, 2014

Researchers found that high consumption of polyunsaturated fats does not reduce coronary risk, while patients with HIV and HCV are more likely to suffer liver decompensation despite treatment. Pneumonia coding practices may also skew hospital performance outcomes due to variations in diagnosis codes.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 17, 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.

Chicken bones tell true story of Pacific migration

Researchers have identified genetic markers of original Polynesian chickens, tracing early movements and trading patterns across the Pacific. The study also found that these lineages survived on isolated Pacific islands despite European introduction.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 17, 2014

First guidelines for patients with pulmonary hypertension in sickle cell disease

The new guidelines recommend regular screening for pulmonary hypertension in SCD adults, and intensifying SCD therapy for those with PH. Patients with symptomatic PH should be treated, while management is guided by hemodynamic numbers obtained through catheterization.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 17, 2014

Study finds that fast-moving cells in the human immune system walk in a stepwise manner

A team of biologists and engineers at the University of California, San Diego has discovered how white blood cells generate traction forces to propel themselves forward by coordinated action of contractile proteins. This finding is crucial for developing new pharmacological strategies to treat chronic inflammatory diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateMar 17, 2014

Climatologists offer explanation for widening of Earth's tropical belt

A team of climatologists led by UC Riverside researchers found that the recent widening of the tropical belt is primarily caused by multi-decadal sea surface temperature variability in the Pacific Ocean, including the Pacific Decadal Oscillation and anthropogenic pollutants. The study suggests that climate models underestimate the obse...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMar 17, 2014
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.

U-M scientists slow development of Alzheimer's trademark cell-killing plaques

Researchers have found a way to slow down the formation of amyloid plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease, by rescuing the Golgi structure in cells. By inhibiting an enzyme or expressing a mutant protein, the researchers were able to decrease harmful Abeta secretion by 80 percent.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 17, 2014