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Science News Archive March 2014 - Page 14


Page 14 of 34

Study links tooth loss to depression and anxiety

A nationwide survey found a strong association between tooth loss and depression, as well as anxiety. The study, which analyzed data from over 451,000 respondents, revealed that individuals with depression or anxiety were more likely to experience tooth loss, with adjusted odds ratios of 1.16 for depression and 1.23 for anxiety.

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

Inhibition of oral biofilm and cell-cell communication using natural-products derivatives

Researchers have identified six natural-products derivatives that can inhibit oral biofilm formation and quorum sensing in three indigenous oral Gram-positive bacteria. These compounds, structurally similar to S-ribosyl homocysteine, reduce bioluminescence in a Vibrio harveyi QS reporter, indicating inhibition of AI-2 based QS.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·DateMar 20, 2014

Future generations could inherit drug and alcohol use

A Sam Houston State University study found that parents' substance use significantly increases the likelihood of their children using drugs. The study tracked 655 parents and 1,227 offspring over 27 years, revealing patterns of intergenerational drug use.

SourceSam Houston State University·JournalSubstance Use & Misuse·DateMar 20, 2014

Genes play key role in parenting

A study by Michigan State University psychologists finds that genes account for 23-40% of parental warmth, control, and negativity towards children. Environmental factors also play a significant role in shaping parenting behavior, highlighting the complexity of this dynamic.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPsychological Bulletin·DateMar 20, 2014

UTMB researchers discover a way to potentially slow down Alzheimer's

Researchers at UTMB have discovered a way to remove the toxic oligomeric tau protein, which can slow down the progression of dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease. The treatment, TOMA antibody, protects brain cells from tau toxic aggregates and improves cognitive function.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·DateMar 20, 2014

New semiconductor holds promise for 2-D physics and electronics

Researchers discovered a unique new two-dimensional semiconductor, rhenium disulfide, with direct-bandgap properties. The material's weak interlayer coupling makes it ideal for studying 2D physics and applications in tribology, solar cells, and valleytronics.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 20, 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.

Childhood abuse may impair weight-regulating hormones

A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that childhood abuse or neglect can lead to long-term hormone impairment, increasing the risk of developing excess belly fat and metabolic disorders later in life.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMar 20, 2014

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria among children in the United States on the rise

The prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, particularly ESBL-producing bacteria, is increasing in US children, raising concerns about dwindling treatment options. These infections can lead to longer hospital stays, higher healthcare costs, and increased mortality.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalJournal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society·DateMar 20, 2014

New infrared technique aims to remotely detect dangerous materials

Researchers at Brigham Young University developed a new infrared technique to precisely characterize materials in images, enabling remote detection of nuclear weapons and other hazardous substances. The technique uses machine learning algorithms to separate incoming signals and provide unique material signatures.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalTechnometrics·DateMar 20, 2014

Standard IVF medication dose less effective in obese women

A recent study found that obese women may require a higher or adjusted dose of GnRH antagonist medication for successful IVF egg harvesting due to faster clearance rates and rebound hormone responses. This could improve fertility treatment outcomes for overweight and obese women.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·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.

Loblolly pine genome is largest ever sequenced

The draft genome of the loblolly pine is the largest ever assembled, comprising approximately 82% repetitive DNA elements. This achievement marks a significant breakthrough in conifer genome sequencing, enabling future projects to build upon a high-quality reference genome.

SourceGenetics Society of America·JournalGenetics·DateMar 20, 2014

A*STAR scientists create stem cells from a drop of blood

Scientists at A*STAR's IMCB develop a method to generate human induced pluripotent stem cells from a single drop of finger-pricked blood. This technique enables donors to collect their own blood samples, potentially boosting recruitment and diversities of donors for large-scale hiPSC banks.

SourceBiomedical Sciences Institutes (BMSI)·JournalStem Cells Translational Medicine·DateMar 20, 2014

Global attack needed to catch credit thieves

A global approach is necessary to combat massive data breaches like the one that hit Target, a Michigan State University cyber security expert argues. The report found that many hackers operate in Russia or on websites where users communicate in Russian, making it harder for authorities to track them.

SourceMichigan State University·DateMar 19, 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.

Large feathered dinosaur species discovered in North America

A new species of large-bodied, feathered oviraptorosaurian theropod dinosaur has been discovered in western North America. The dinosaur, Anzu wyliei, had a crested skull, long neck, and large claws, with an approximate body length of 3.5 m and a body mass of about 200-300 kg.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 19, 2014

New technique makes LEDs brighter, more resilient

Researchers at NC State University have developed a new processing technique that increases luminescence in LEDs by coating gallium nitride (GaN) with phosphorus-derived acid. This enhances the material's stability, making it more suitable for biomedical applications such as implantable sensors.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalLangmuir·DateMar 19, 2014

EU could afford to lead international climate action

The EU's unilateral leadership in reducing greenhouse gases can limit the 2-degree target overshoot to 0.2-0.4°C, with lower costs for late-comers who delay action but face higher transitional challenges once they decarbonize. Carbon leakage is estimated to be small.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalTechnological Forecasting and Social Change·DateMar 19, 2014

Researchers uncover allergy-cancer connection

A study published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology found that histamine plays a role in protecting tumors from the immune system. By blocking histamine production, researchers were able to interrupt a process promoting melanoma growth.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateMar 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.

Fossils of earliest stick insect to mimic plants discovered

Scientists discovered three fossil specimens of a new stick insect species that mimicked plants for defense, predating twig and bark mimicry. The ancient insects' wings and coloration suggested a plant-mimicking strategy, providing insight into early evolutionary adaptations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 19, 2014

Catching the early spread of breast cancer

Researchers have developed a new technology that uses 'nano-flares' to detect metastatic breast cancer cells in blood samples, which could lead to earlier diagnosis and improved treatment options. The technology has shown promising results in animal tests and is currently being experimented with human samples.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 19, 2014

Surface of Titan Sea is mirror smooth, Stanford scientists find

New radar measurements suggest Ligeia Mare on Titan is eerily still, with surface waves smaller than one millimeter. The solid terrain surrounding the sea may be composed of solid organic materials instead of frozen water, similar to Earth's early evolution.

SourceStanford University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMar 19, 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.

Gut bacteria can cause life-threatening infections in preterm babies

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine found three types of potentially harmful gut microbes in preterm babies who developed late-onset sepsis: E. coli, group B strep, and S. marcescens. These findings suggest new strategies to detect and prevent severe bloodstream infections in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateMar 19, 2014

Dry future climate could reduce orchid bee habitat

A Cornell University study found that neotropical orchid bees' habitats could be reduced by 30-50% due to future dry climate changes. However, male orchid bees' mobility allows them to maintain connectivity and healthy bee populations.

SourceCornell University·JournalMolecular Biology·DateMar 19, 2014

Social feedback loop aids language development

Researchers found a social feedback loop between parents and children is essential for speech development, but this loop occurs less frequently and is weaker in autistic interactions. The study used audio recordings to analyze interactions and found that higher maternal education was associated with faster speech development.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 19, 2014

Paleontologists announce discovery of Anzu wyliei

The discovery of Anzu wyliei provides the first comprehensive look at the Caenagnathidae group, a mysterious theropod dinosaur family. The nearly complete skeleton reveals a bird-like creature with characteristics such as a toothless beak and feathered forelimbs.

SourceCarnegie Museum of Natural History·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 19, 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.

Inflammation mobilizes tumor cells

Researchers have discovered a feedback loop between IL-6 and microRNA-34a that promotes tumor cell mobility and metastasis. The loop involves the activation of STAT3, which represses miR-34a production and leads to increased tumor-promoting proteins.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 19, 2014

GPS also helps to analyze global water resources

A study published in Surveys in Geophysics found that the hydrological model WaterGAP underestimates seasonal continental water storage fluctuations and fails to retain rainwater for a long time. The researchers used GPS observations and GRACE satellite data to identify shortcomings in the model.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalSurveys in Geophysics·DateMar 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.

New, noninvasive, stool-based colorectal cancer screening test

A new stool-based screening test, Cologuard, detected 92% of colorectal cancer and 42% of advanced pre-cancerous lesions, outperforming a commercial occult blood fecal immunochemical test. The non-invasive test allows patients to collect samples at home, increasing the potential for higher cancer screening rates.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 19, 2014

Understanding binge eating and obesity

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a novel method to objectively measure a person's desire to eat, which could lead to more effective anti-obesity treatments. The method uses brain activity tracking and hand-grip intensity to assess motivation for food rewards, providing a more accurate reflection of true hunger.

SourceThe Journal of Visualized Experiments·JournalJournal of Visualized Experiments·DateMar 19, 2014

Satellite sees newborn South Pacific Tropical Storm Mike

Tropical Storm Mike formed in the Southern Pacific Ocean on March 19, according to NOAA's GOES-West satellite. The storm has generated warnings for the Southern Cook Islands and is expected to move quickly to the south-southeast before potentially becoming extra-tropical.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 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.

Social groups alleviate depression

Patients who joined a social group and developed a stronger connection with its members experienced reduced symptoms of depression. The study suggests that the 'group' aspect of social interaction is critical in alleviating depression.

SourceCIFAR·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·DateMar 19, 2014

Football displays fractal dynamics

Researchers found fractal nature in football dynamics, with ball and player positions exhibiting self-similarity. The study suggests the superiority of one team persists for only 30 seconds before changing hands.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateMar 19, 2014

NASA sees ex-Tropical Cyclone Gillian affect Indonesia

The remnants of Tropical Cyclone Gillian have moved into the Indian Ocean and triggered warnings for parts of Indonesia. NASA's Aqua satellite captured a visible image of the re-organizing tropical low pressure area, showing it to be well-defined and consolidated.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 19, 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.

Scientist receives NIH grant to find cure for infectious disease

Clemson University scientist Lesly Temesvari receives a $147,157 NIH grant to study the stress response in Entamoeba histolytica and potentially develop new therapeutic targets. The research aims to interrupt the parasite's survival mechanisms, which could lead to the discovery of new treatments for the disease.

SourceClemson University·DateMar 19, 2014

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: An under-recognized issue that may be on the rise

The International Journal of Alcohol and Drug Research releases a special issue on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), highlighting its negative effects and need for recognition. Studies from various countries explore prevention, treatment, and care for individuals with FASD.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalThe International Journal of Alcohol and Drug Research·DateMar 19, 2014

NRL researchers detect water around a hot Jupiter

Scientists at NRL detected water vapor in the atmosphere of tau Boo b, a hot Jupiter outside our solar system. The team measured the motion of the planet to establish its presence and determined it's six times more massive than Jupiter.

SourceNaval Research Laboratory·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMar 19, 2014

New prostate cancer treatments to be fast-tracked

QUT Professor Colleen Nelson leads an international team of researchers in developing new drugs and treatments for aggressive prostate cancer. The team aims to understand the impact of current treatments on metabolic dysfunction and patient wellbeing, with the goal of improving treatment outcomes.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·DateMar 19, 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.

New guidelines deem 13 million more Americans eligible for statins

The new guidelines are expected to result in 12.8 million more U.S. adults taking statins, with the majority being people over 60 years old. The expanded criteria for statin use are based on a risk-assessment score and may lead to higher statin prescriptions among older men and healthy women.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 19, 2014

Titanium clubs can cause golf course fires, UCI study finds

A recent study published in the journal Fire and Materials found that titanium alloy golf clubs can ignite fires when striking rocks in the rough. The researchers discovered that sparks from these clubs can reach temperatures of over 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit, posing a significant risk to dry foliage.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalFire and Materials·DateMar 19, 2014

Where are we with breast cancer in 2013?

Breast cancer is a significant global health issue, with over 1.6 million new cases diagnosed annually. The disease disproportionately affects low-income countries, where late-stage diagnosis and limited treatment options contribute to high mortality rates.

SourceECCO-the European CanCer Organisation·DateMar 19, 2014

Low doses of antianxiety drugs rebalance the autistic brain

Research in mice suggests that autism is characterized by reduced inhibitory neuron activity and increased excitatory neuron activity, but low doses of certain anxiety medications can restore balance. This finding provides a potential new treatment strategy for managing core autistic deficits.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateMar 19, 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.

Patients enjoy good quality of life 10 years after esophagectomy and gastric pull-up

A new study from the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine found that long-term survivors of esophagectomy with gastric pull-up can enjoy a satisfying meal and good quality of life. The study concluded that pessimism about the long-term quality of life after esophagectomy is unwarranted.

SourceAmerican Association for Thoracic Surgery·JournalJournal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery·DateMar 19, 2014

Improved pavement markings can save lives

A Concordia University study found that snowplows are the main culprit in erasing roadway markings, which can lead to traffic accidents. To address this issue, researchers suggest using more expensive and durable epoxy paint, which could save lives in the long run.

SourceConcordia University·JournalStructure and Infrastructure Engineering·DateMar 19, 2014
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Ottawa researchers find new pathway connected to type 2 diabetes

Researchers at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute found a new cellular pathway that helps keep blood sugar levels low in obese or pre-diabetic people, which may prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes. The discovery could lead to new targets for improving beta cell functionality and treating type 2 diabetes.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateMar 19, 2014

Fast synthesis could boost drug development

A team of MIT chemists has designed a way to manufacture peptides in mere hours, which could have a major impact on peptide drug development. The new system can assemble an entire peptide in under an hour, allowing for rapid testing and design of new peptides.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalChemBioChem·DateMar 19, 2014