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Science News Archive March 2014 - Page 13


Page 13 of 34

Breast cancer patients in need of more psychological support

A new study suggests that breast cancer patients require additional psychological support, particularly regarding concerns about their children. The research highlights the importance of addressing these worries to improve overall quality of life and rehabilitation outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalPsycho-Oncology·DateMar 20, 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.

When waters rise: NASA improves flood safety

NASA's Earth-observing satellites provide detailed images of flood-affected areas, enabling better mapping of flood extent and risk assessment. The agency's new missions, such as GPM and SMAP, will further enhance flood monitoring and forecasting by providing unprecedented data on precipitation rates and soil moisture.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 20, 2014

Interpreting neuroimages: The technology and its limits

The Hastings Center special report examines the capabilities and limitations of neuroimages in biomedical research, medicine, and courtrooms. Key findings include concerns about overinterpretation, misapplication, and the lack of direct neural activity shown by neuroimaging techniques.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalHastings Center Report·DateMar 20, 2014

Obesity: Not just what you eat

Researchers found that fat cells expand with disuse, causing accelerated growth of lipid droplets and altering the environment of surrounding cells. This discovery offers new insights into the development of obesity and potential solutions to prevent or reverse fat gain.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateMar 20, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Safety first, children

A University of Iowa study found that mothers and children often disagree on the danger of situations, but mothers can bring their child's thinking around with effective conversations. Mothers use a specific tactic to explain why a situation is dangerous, focusing on present features rather than potential outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalJournal of Pediatric Psychology·DateMar 20, 2014

Prêt-à-fabriquer: Real-time simulation of textiles

Researchers at Fraunhofer IGD have developed a real-time simulation software that allows designers to create clothes in seconds, incorporating changes quickly and frequently. The technology is set to revolutionize the fashion industry by making virtualization a precondition for clothing production of tomorrow.

SourceFraunhofer-Gesellschaft·DateMar 20, 2014
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.

School hearing tests do not detect noise exposure hearing loss

Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine found that school hearing tests cannot effectively detect noise exposure-induced high-frequency hearing loss in adolescents. The tests primarily focus on low-frequency hearing loss and may not accurately identify hearing issues caused by prolonged exposure to loud noises.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Medical Screening·DateMar 20, 2014

Einstein helps establish $28 million consortium to find ebola treatment

Researchers at Einstein will focus on discovering new immunotherapeutic candidates against Ebola and Marburg viruses, while another group will assess how well each antibody works. The project aims to advance treatments for hemorrhagic fever viruses, which cause severe diseases with high mortality rates.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·DateMar 20, 2014

Cognitive function and oral perception in independently-living octogenarians

Research study examines association between cognitive function and tactile, taste perceptions in elderly. Results show positive correlation between cognitive function and oral perception, suggesting decline in cognitive function is related to impaired oral perception in independently-living octogenarians.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·DateMar 20, 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.

3-D model links facial features and DNA

Researchers at Penn State have developed a new method to link genetic markers with facial features, allowing for the extraction of individual gene effects on facial shape. This breakthrough could lead to improved forensic analysis and better understanding of human genetics.

SourcePenn State·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMar 20, 2014

Making life simpler for control freaks

Two brothers propose that all complex systems fall into just three basic categories, enabling control through understanding critical control points. This framework has implications for controlling economic systems, biological processes, and social networks.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience·DateMar 20, 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.

Excessive deer populations hurt native plant biodiversity

A study by researchers from the University of Miami and University of Pittsburgh finds that high deer populations facilitate garlic mustard population explosion while suppressing native trillium plants. Deer exclusion reversed invasive species growth, supporting an ecological theory where native plants exert biotic resistance.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 20, 2014

Potential lung cancer vaccine shows renewed promise

A study by UC Davis researchers found that the investigational cancer vaccine tecemotide, when administered with cisplatin, boosted immune response and reduced the number of tumors in mice with lung cancer. The vaccine also increased interferon gamma levels and stimulated production of killer T-lymphocytes.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalCancer Immunology Research·DateMar 20, 2014

New tool pinpoints genetic sources of disease

Researchers have developed a new tool that combines genetic and epigenetic data to identify the underlying causes of complex diseases. By analyzing overlapping patterns, scientists can pinpoint specific genetic variants linked to conditions such as cancer and metabolic disorders.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMar 20, 2014
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.

Diet of elusive red widow spider revealed by MU biologist

Researchers have shed light on the red widow spider's restricted diet, revealing it primarily preys upon five species of scarab beetles endemic to the Florida scrub habitat. This finding highlights the need for habitat conservation efforts in this unique ecosystem.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalFlorida Entomologist·DateMar 20, 2014

Obesity and diabetes have adverse effects on cancer outcomes

Research finds that obese patients have a higher risk of cancer recurrence and metastasis after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Diabetes also affects cancer outcomes, particularly in hormone receptor-positive tumours, increasing the risk of death from all causes by 49%.

SourceECCO-the European CanCer Organisation·DateMar 20, 2014

Loblolly pine's immense genome conquered

The draft genome of the loblolly pine, seven times bigger than the human genome, has been completed using a faster analytical process. The sequencing provides a better understanding of plant evolution and diversity, as well as gene locations involved in fighting off pathogens.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalGenetics·DateMar 20, 2014

Study reveals a major mechanism driving kidney cancer progression

Researchers found that hypoxia stimulates the mislocation of SPOP to the cytoplasm, promoting rapid tumor growth. This shift enables SPOP to degrade key tumor-suppressor proteins, such as PTEN, leading to cancer progression. Understanding this mechanism may lead to new therapeutic approaches.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalCancer Cell·DateMar 20, 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.

Humans can distinguish at least 1 trillion different odors

Researchers have found that humans are capable of discriminating between an vast number of complex odors, with estimates suggesting at least 1 trillion possible scents. This new understanding challenges the long-held assumption that humans can only detect around 10,000 different smells.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience·DateMar 20, 2014

Face it: Instagram pictures with faces are more popular

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology found that Instagram photos with human faces are 38% more likely to receive likes and 32% more likely to attract comments. The study, one of the first to examine engagement on image-sharing communities, also found that posting frequency and follower count can impact engagement.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateMar 20, 2014

Initiation of dialysis for acute kidney injury potentially dangerous for frail patients

A new study from researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found that dialysis for acute kidney injury (AKI) is potentially hazardous for frail patients with lower creatinine concentration levels. In contrast, more robust patients experience increased survival and reduced mortality when receiving dialysis. These findings highlight ...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMar 20, 2014

Declines in funding hamper kidney research and other areas of medical study

The American Society of Nephrology warns that dwindling medical research funding is hindering progress in kidney disease and other medical studies. With 20 million Americans affected by chronic kidney disease, the need for continued clinical advances is pressing.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMar 20, 2014

Plankton make scents for seabirds and a cooler planet

Phytoplankton release dimethyl sulfide, a chemical signal that attracts krill-eating birds, while also promoting cloud formation. This connection highlights the importance of marine top predators in regulating climate.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 20, 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.

Computers see through faked expressions of pain better than people

A joint study found that a computer system can detect fake facial expressions of pain more accurately than humans. The research team developed a pattern-recognition algorithm that identifies distinctive dynamic features of facial movements, which are often missed by human observers.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 20, 2014

New study shows we work harder when we are happy

Researchers found that happiness significantly increases productivity in the workplace, with participants producing 12% more work under happy conditions. The study suggests that employers can improve employee satisfaction and boost productivity by implementing employee support programs.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalJournal of Labor Economics·DateMar 20, 2014

Emergency room use rose slightly after implementation of Massachusetts health care law

Emergency department usage in Massachusetts rose by up to 2.2% after the implementation of a 2006 state law expanding health care access, according to a study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine. The study found that increased insurance coverage reduced financial barriers to care but did not significantly impact access to timely ...

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateMar 20, 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.

Older, active, confident stroke caregivers are happiest

A recent study found that active, older caregivers who continue to engage in hobbies and activities are happier after caring for a loved one with a stroke. These caregivers were also better physically healthy and provided higher levels of assistance to the stroke survivor.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMar 20, 2014

Early detection of Alzheimer's disease made possible by analyzing spinal fluid

Researchers have developed a new technology to detect misfolded protein fragments, known as Aβ oligomers, in cerebrospinal fluid that could lead to early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. The test showed high sensitivity and specificity, distinguishing between Alzheimer's patients and those with other neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateMar 20, 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.

Scientists discover potential way to make graphene superconducting

Researchers at SLAC and Stanford University discovered a potential way to make graphene superconducting, which could transform the engineering of materials for nanoscale electronic devices. They found that electrons scatter between graphene and calcium layers, interacting with natural vibrations to conduct electricity without resistance.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 20, 2014

Low levels of oxygen, nitric oxide worsen sickle cell disease

Researchers found that low oxygen and nitric oxide levels increase red blood cell adhesion to blood vessel walls, leading to debilitating pain crises in sickle cell patients. Restoring normal nitric oxide levels can substantially reduce this adhesion, making it a potentially new therapeutic target.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalBlood·DateMar 20, 2014

E3-production -- sustainable manufacturing

Researchers at Fraunhofer Institute develop new technologies to conserve energy and resources in manufacturing processes, including a mobile environment monitoring box and smart devices. Pilot applications will be tested in four locations by 2016 to raise awareness of sustainable production issues.

SourceFraunhofer-Gesellschaft·DateMar 20, 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.

Tracking urban change and flood risk with Landsat satellite

The Landsat satellite helps track urban change, which impacts a community's flood risk, using data from NASA and the US Geological Survey. Urbanization increases flood risk as impermeable surfaces absorb water, leading to more frequent and severe flooding.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 20, 2014

Scientists find mechanism to reset body clock

Researchers at the University of Manchester have discovered a new mechanism that governs how body clocks react to changes in the environment. The enzyme casein kinase 1epsilon (CK1epsilon) controls how easily the body's clock can be adjusted or reset by environmental cues such as light and temperature.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 20, 2014

As age-friendly technologies emerge, experts recommend policy changes

The Gerontological Society of America's Public Policy & Aging Report highlights the need for policy changes to optimize technology use by older adults. The report emphasizes the importance of collaboration between business, government, and non-profits to develop a next-generation technology-enabled aging services workforce.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·JournalPublic Policy & Aging Report·DateMar 20, 2014

Fauci: Robust research efforts needed to address challenge of antimicrobial resistance

The threat of antimicrobial resistance is a global crisis that requires a multi-faceted approach, including strong basic, clinical and translational research. NIAID's new directions in antimicrobial resistance research aim to develop vaccines, point-of-care diagnostics, and new antibiotics to prevent and treat infections.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalJAMA·DateMar 20, 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.

Stem cell study finds source of earliest blood cells during development

A recent study published in Stem Cell Reports identified the earliest arising hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) precursors based on their ability to generate all major blood cell types. This discovery may be beneficial for creating purer, cleaner populations of these precursor cells for clinical treatments.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateMar 20, 2014

Deaths from breast cancer fall in Europe

Breast cancer mortality rates in Europe have decreased from 1989 to 2010 due to improved treatments and enhanced access to care. However, notable variations between countries remain, with France showing a modest decrease despite devoting substantial resources to cancer care.

SourceECCO-the European CanCer Organisation·DateMar 20, 2014

Swing voters hold more sway over candidates on economic issues

New research from University of Illinois economics professors Stefan Krasa and Mattias Polborn shows that economic issues have a greater impact on swing voters. Candidates compete for moderate voters in the middle who are virtually indifferent between rival candidates, leading to incentives to cater to their interests.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAmerican Economic Review·DateMar 20, 2014

Lifestyle interventions can prevent major depression in adults with mild symptoms

Researchers found that problem-solving therapy and dietary coaching were equally effective in preventing major depression among older adults. The study's findings suggest that lifestyle interventions can have a positive effect on well-being and protect against the onset of depression.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalPsychiatric Services·DateMar 20, 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.

Health insurance coverage increased ER use in Massachusetts

A study found a small but consistent increase in emergency department visits after Massachusetts implemented its first-in-the-nation law to expand health care insurance coverage. The data showed an average annual increase of 1.2% in ER visits between 2006 and 2007, which rose to 2.2% by 2009.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateMar 20, 2014

Proteins that control energy use necessary to form stem cells

Two proteins, HIF1α and HIF2α, play a key role in the formation of human stem cells through reprogramming. The findings advance understanding of stem cell development and suggest potential targets for new cancer therapies.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMar 20, 2014

Studies of gut flora in infants and toddlers could lead to better health

A study of 300 children's gut microbiota found that breastfeeding impacts the composition of gut flora. The research suggests that the gut microbiota is not fully established until after 18 months, indicating a need for supplementation or probiotics to promote healthy gut health.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateMar 20, 2014
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.