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Science News Archive March 2014


Page 27 of 34

Pre-term birth and asthma

Research reveals that preterm birth increases the risk of asthma and wheezing disorders, with a 70% higher risk among preterm babies compared to full-term infants. Children born before 32 weeks gestation face approximately three times the risk.

Activity more than location affects perception of quakes

A new study by Italian researchers suggests that a person's activity at the time of a quake influences their perception of shaking more than their location. People in motion had the worst perception, while those who were asleep on higher floors reported stronger shaking.

Urbanization exposes French cities to greater seismic risk

Rapid urbanization exposes French cities to significant seismic risk, with old structures posing a major vulnerability. The study found that if the 1909 Lambesc earthquake were to occur today, the region would suffer serious consequences, including damage to over 15,000 buildings.

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.

Hospital food safety measures reduce risk of contaminated hospital food

A new study found that more than 80% of raw chicken used in hospitals was contaminated with antibiotic-resistant bacteria, posing a significant risk to patients and staff. However, robust food safety measures taken by hospital kitchen staff were able to prevent the spread of these pathogens.

Agricultural fires across the Indochina landscape

Agricultural fires in Indochina have detrimental effects on the environment, releasing vast amounts of smoke that cause air pollution. The fires also pose health risks to individuals with respiratory concerns.

Cells appearing normal may actually be harbingers of lung cancer

Researchers identified cancer markers and a previously unknown gene role in airways of smokers with lung cancer, suggesting earlier detection and treatment strategies. The study found that normal-appearing tissue near tumors has tumor-associated molecular abnormalities, potentially aiding in diagnosis and treatment.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Service is key to winery sales

Researchers found that customer service is key to boosting tasting room sales, with staff expertise and ambience creating a more intimate experience. The study also discovered that sensory descriptions of wine flavors can be off-putting for consumers, especially tourists.

New high-tech glasses detect cancer cells during surgery

A team of scientists created wearable technology that helps surgeons visualize cancer cells by making them glow blue, reducing the need for follow-up surgeries and associated costs. The innovation uses a custom video display, head-mounted device, and targeted molecular agent to distinguish cancer cells from healthy tissue.

For older drivers, study finds, 1 drink may be 1 too many

A study published in Psychopharmacology found that even moderate alcohol levels can affect driving abilities of older adults, potentially leading to reassessment of legal blood alcohol limits. Researchers tested two age groups, ages 25-35 and 55-70, and found that a single drink impaired older drivers' skills

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.

Education 'protects' poor women from fattening effects of rising wealth

A new UCL study suggests that more educated consumers in middle- and low-income countries make better food choices that mitigate the negative effects of rising wealth on obesity levels. The study found a 14-19% lower risk of obesity among women with secondary or higher education, compared to those with less education.

Interactive simulator for vehicle drivers

Researchers at Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics ITWM developed an interactive driving simulator to analyze realistic human-vehicle interaction. The facility features a real vehicle interior, robotic system, and motion cueing algorithms to match visual input with driver behavior.

NYU researchers find majority of Latinas are unaware of their risk of diabetes

The study found that nearly 4 million Latinas were never told they were at risk for diabetes, highlighting the need for effective and culturally sensitive follow-up care and case management. Alternate sites like optometry venues, pharmacies, or places of worship could increase access to education and self-management programs.

Ever-so-slight delay improves decision-making accuracy

Researchers found that delaying the onset of decisions can improve response accuracy by allowing the brain to focus on relevant information and block out distractions. This mechanism is more beneficial than prolonging the decision process, which increases reaction times.

Anti-psychotic medications offer new hope in the battle against glioblastoma

Researchers have discovered that FDA-approved anti-psychotic drugs possess tumor-killing activity against glioblastoma. The finding is based on shRNA technology that identifies genes required for glioblastoma growth and reveals surprising links to dopamine regulation, a crucial component in treating Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia.

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.

Notre Dame chemists discover new class of antibiotics

A team of researchers from Notre Dame has discovered a new class of oxadiazole antibiotics effective against MRSA and other drug-resistant bacteria, offering a promising treatment option. The discovery is based on the inhibition of penicillin-binding proteins and shows promise in mouse models of infection.

Epigenetic changes could explain type 2 diabetes

Researchers at Lund University found epigenetic changes in approximately 800 genes of people with type 2 diabetes, which could contribute to reduced insulin production. Epigenetic changes are reversible and can be influenced by factors like age, BMI, and lifestyle.

Software analyzes apps for malicious behavior

Researchers at Saarland University have developed software to detect malicious apps in app stores, identifying potential security threats. The software analyzes code access patterns to flag suspicious behavior, with over 3,000 apps already tested.

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.

Smartphones become 'eye-phones' with low-cost devices developed by Stanford

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have developed two inexpensive adapters that allow smartphones to capture high-quality images of the front and back of the eye. The adapters make it easy for anyone with minimal training to take a picture of the eye and share it securely with other health practitioners or store it i...

New guidelines employ a team approach to autism diagnosis and care

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry has revised key parameters for evaluating and treating autism, emphasizing early diagnosis and a team approach to care. Researchers led by Fred Volkmar recommend a coordinated medical, psychological, and communication evaluation to differentiate between autism and other disorders.

Keck Foundation award for biomedical imaging

Angelique Louie, a UC Davis professor, has been awarded a $1 million grant from the W.M. Keck Foundation to develop novel technology for detecting gene expression in deep tissues using bioluminescent gene reporters and MRI. The project aims to facilitate noninvasive imaging for various biomedical applications.

Squeezing light into metals

University of Utah engineers create microscopic structures that use light in metals to carry information, controlling electrical conductivity with an inexpensive inkjet printer. The technique could lead to rapid fabrication of superfast components and faster wireless technology.

Bone turnover markers predict prostate cancer outcomes

Researchers found that biomarkers for bone formation and resorption predict outcomes for men with castration-resistant prostate cancer. Elevated markers also identify patients who respond to investigational drug atrasentan, enabling clinicians to match treatments and track effectiveness.

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.

Danish nasal filter looks promising for allergy sufferers

A clinical study from Aarhus University finds that a newly developed Danish mini-filter, Rhinix, appears to be significantly more effective against the discomfort of seasonal hay fever than a filterless placebo. The filter reduces nasal symptoms by up to 75% and alleviates throat irritation.

NASA satellites see double tropical trouble for Queensland, Australia

Two tropical low pressure systems, System 96P and System 98P, are developing in the Coral Sea and northern Gulf of Carpentaria, respectively. These storms have strengthened, with sustained winds reported on Willis Island, and are expected to make landfall near Queensland's eastern coast.

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.

Europe's largest badger study finds rare long-distance movements

A four-year study in Ireland found that five percent of badgers traveled over 7.5km from their setts, with the longest recorded distance being 22.1km. This information is crucial for designing policies to tackle tuberculosis within cattle populations and understanding how infection is maintained and spread within badger populations.

New approach to prostate cancer screening needed

A new approach to prostate cancer screening is needed, focusing on high-risk men rather than the entire population. The risk-based approach uses a computer-generated calculator that assesses factors like PSA levels, family history, and ethnicity to identify those at greatest risk.

New theory on cause of endometriosis

A new theory proposes that epigenetic modification plays a key role in the development of endometriosis, a chronic disease affecting 1 in 10 women. The research suggests that alterations in the epigenetic landscape, rather than genetic mutations, contribute to the disease's progression.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

'Seeing' bodies with sound (no sight required)

Congenitally blind individuals can learn to recognize human body shapes through soundscapes, with an average of 70 hours of training required. The brain's visual cortex responds to sound patterns, allowing participants to detect posture and imitate movements.

Black boys viewed as older, less innocent than whites, research finds

A new study published by the American Psychological Association found that black boys are more likely to be perceived as older and less innocent than their white peers in police encounters. Researchers tested 176 police officers and found that those who dehumanized blacks were more likely to use force against a black child.

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.

Hubble witnesses an asteroid mysteriously disintegrating

The Hubble Space Telescope has photographed an asteroid, P/2013 R3, breaking apart into as many as ten smaller pieces. The fragments are drifting away from each other at a leisurely 1.5 kilometers per hour, likely due to the Yarkovsky-O'Keefe-Radzievskii-Paddack effect.

Why soil changes color in air

Research reveals that oxidation reaction between atmospheric iron oxide reduces soil plasticity, sensitivity, and structural yield stress. The transformation is caused by micro-structure remodeling, not inherent mineral changes, and has potential adverse effects on soil stability.

UT Arlington study links BPA and breast cancer tumor growth

Researchers at UT Arlington found that exposure to BPA can increase HOTAIR expression in breast tissue and tumor cells, potentially contributing to breast cancer growth. The study's results suggest a link between BPA and tumor genesis in addition to tumor growth.

Nearby star's icy debris suggests 'shepherd' planet

Researchers discovered a compact cloud of poisonous gas formed by ongoing collisions among a swarm of icy bodies, suggesting an unseen planet with Saturn-like mass. The study suggests that the comet swarm could be the remnant of a crash between two Mars-sized icy planets or frozen debris trapped by the gravity of the hypothetical planet.

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.

Crystals ripple in response to light

Scientists have observed phonon polaritons in van der Waals crystals, which can be tunable and long-lived, opening the door for innovative applications in nanoscale devices. The discovery uses infrared light to launch waves that travel across the crystal material, creating interference patterns.

Crashing comets explain surprise gas clump around young star

The ALMA observations revealed a compact clump of carbon monoxide gas in the debris disc around Beta Pictoris, which is surprising given its short lifetime. The team suggests that cometary collisions are replenishing the carbon monoxide, with one large comet collision every five minutes needed to achieve this amount.

Some people really just don't like music

Researchers identified individuals with specific musical anhedonia, a condition where people can't experience pleasure from music. They found that these individuals show no autonomic responses to music but respond to monetary rewards, suggesting different ways to access the reward system.

Colored diamonds are a superconductor's best friend

Researchers have successfully used flawed but colorful diamonds as sensitive magnetometers to study high-temperature superconductors. These diamond sensors can measure tiny magnetic fields in exotic materials and even human tissue, offering a new tool to explore the physics of these poorly understood materials.

Enzyme controls transport of genomic building blocks

Researchers identified an enzyme called TLK1 that regulates the transport of histones to DNA copying hubs, crucial for maintaining normal gene function. The study found that TLK1 boosts the supply of histones at critical time points, ensuring correct chromatin architecture and cellular identity.

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

NASA's TRMM satellite images show California soaker moved eastward

The TRMM satellite's data revealed a large low-pressure center in the Pacific Ocean moving towards California, resulting in over four inches of rain and evacuation orders. The storm then affected Arizona, New Mexico, and eventually the Ohio Valley, with precipitation and snow covering large areas of the Eastern US.

Warmer temperatures push malaria to higher elevations

Researchers have found that warmer temperatures push malaria to higher elevations in highland regions of Ethiopia and Colombia, with significant consequences for densely populated areas. Climate change is expected to result in a substantial increase in malaria cases globally unless disease monitoring and control efforts are strengthened.

Study identifies gene important to breast development and breast cancer

A study at Tufts University has identified the gene TAZ as a critical regulator of breast cell development and cancer. The research team found that TAZ helps to control whether breast cells behave like basal or luminal cells, which is important in understanding and treating certain types of aggressive breast cancer.

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.

Warmer temperatures push malaria to higher elevations

Researchers found a clear signal of climate change's impact on malaria, with cases shifting to higher elevations in warmer years and back down in cooler years. Climate warming is expected to increase malaria cases in tropical highland areas, particularly in Africa and South America.

Obese adolescents not getting enough sleep?

A study found that low sleep duration in obese adolescents significantly increases their risk of cardiometabolic diseases. Researchers used physical activity monitors to measure typical patterns of physical activity and sleep, and found a strong association between sleep duration and cardiometabolic risk score.

$4 million grant to improve asthma care for So Cal Latino youth

Researchers at San Diego State University will develop tailored asthma management strategies and community programs to improve control and minimize complications among Latino children. The project aims to address disparities in asthma care, informing a more culturally appropriate approach to treatment.

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.