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Science News Archive March 2014 - Page 17


Page 17 of 34

Ultrasound can identify pregnant women at risk for respiratory failure, study says

A new study suggests that lung ultrasound can accurately detect pulmonary edema in pregnant women with preeclampsia, allowing for timely intervention and reducing the risk of respiratory failure. This non-invasive test has the potential to improve patient outcomes and reduce mortality rates associated with preeclampsia.

SourceAmerican Society of Anesthesiologists·JournalAnesthesiology·DateMar 18, 2014

Sepsis study comparing 3 treatment methods shows same survival rate

A large-scale randomized trial found that sepsis patients receive effective care regardless of treatment protocol, resolving a long-standing debate. The ProCESS trial showed no significant differences in survival rates among three groups: Early Goal-Directed Therapy, Protocolized Standard Care, and Standard Care.

SourceNIH/National Institute of General Medical Sciences·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 18, 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.

Reducing anxiety with a smartphone app

A mobile gaming app based on attention-bias modification training (ABMT) has been shown to reduce anxiety and stress in stressed individuals. Playing the game for 25 minutes can have potent effects on anxiety, suggesting a potential 'cognitive vaccine' against anxiety and stress.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalClinical Psychological Science·DateMar 18, 2014

Who's afraid of math? Study finds some genetic factors

A new study found that genetic factors explain about 40 percent of individual differences in math anxiety, while environmental factors account for the rest. The research suggests that genetic predispositions can both exacerbate and reduce the risk of poor math performance.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateMar 18, 2014

NHS sight tests lead to waste

Complex NHS sight tests are leading to unnecessary referrals and resource waste due to clinically insignificant abnormalities. Opticians refer patients to medical practitioners if abnormalities are found, but many of these referrals result in false positives and anxiety for patients.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateMar 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.

Cardiac arrest in pregnant women more common than you'd think

A large US study found that cardiac arrest during childbirth is more common than thought, with causes including excessive bleeding, heart failure, and amniotic fluid embolism. The survival rate improved from 52% to 60% between 1998 and 2011.

SourceAmerican Society of Anesthesiologists·JournalAnesthesiology·DateMar 18, 2014

Analysis of 50 years of hit songs yields tips for advertisers

Researchers analyzed 50 years of hit songs to identify key themes for advertisers, finding emotional content resonates with mass audiences. The study identified 12 key themes, including loss, desire, and aspiration, which can be used to craft successful advertisements.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Advertising Research·DateMar 18, 2014

Moffitt researchers discover new mechanism allowing tumor cells to escape immune surve

Lung cancer cells use high levels of TGF-β to suppress NK cell activity, leading to reduced DAP12 expression and impaired cytotoxic pathways. The researchers identified a critical role for miR-183 in this process, providing new insight into the exploitation of immune evasion mechanisms by cancer cells.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 18, 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 view of supernova death throes

A new three-dimensional model of supernova collapse reveals the role of turbulent mixing in expanding, contracting and ejecting elements before explosion. This breakthrough insight into the death throes of stars sheds light on the formation of elements necessary for life on Earth.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateMar 18, 2014

Antimony nanocrystals for batteries

Scientists from ETH Zurich have synthesized uniform antimony nanocrystals, which can store both lithium and sodium ions, making them prime candidates for anode materials in both lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries. The researchers found that the optimal size-performance relationship of these nanocrystals is between 20-100 nanometres.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 18, 2014

NASA releases first interactive mosaic of lunar north pole

NASA has released an interactive mosaic of the lunar north pole, created from 10,581 high-resolution images taken by NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. The mosaic provides detailed textures and subtle shading of the lunar terrain, making it a valuable resource for scientists and the public.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 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.

A low-cost way to avoid pipeline accidents

Researchers at the University of Houston are developing a low-cost GPS-based system to provide real-time alerts to pipeline owners and excavator operators when digging near pipelines. The system, supported by a $700,000 grant, aims to reduce accidents caused by excavation damage.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateMar 18, 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.

Canadian drinking-age laws have significant effect on deaths among young males

A study by Dr. Russell Callaghan found that raising the minimum legal drinking age to 19 in Alberta and Québec would prevent significant deaths among 18-year-old men. The research suggests increasing the drinking age to 21 nationwide could save up to 32 male youth lives annually.

SourceUniversity of Northern British Columbia·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateMar 18, 2014

Scent of the familiar: You may linger like perfume in your dog's brain

A recent study using brain imaging found that dogs have a stronger response to the scents of familiar humans than other humans or even familiar dogs. The research suggests that dogs' brains have mental representations of their human companions that persist even when they're not present.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalBehavioural Processes·DateMar 18, 2014

Sea anemone is genetically half animal, half plant

A recent study published in Genome Research reveals that sea anemones have a genomic landscape similar to human genomes but also display regulatory mechanisms similar to plants. The team discovered 87 microRNAs in sea anemones, which exhibit hallmarks of both animal and plant microRNAs.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalGenome Research·DateMar 18, 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.

Study finds no evidence that vitamin D supplements reduce depression

A recent systematic review of clinical trials found that vitamin D supplementation had little to no effect on depression. However, additional analyses suggested that vitamin D supplements may help patients with clinically significant depression when combined with traditional antidepressant medication.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateMar 18, 2014

Building heart tissue that beats

Researchers at Harvard Medical School and University of Sydney develop elastic hydrogel-based cardiac tissue that beats in synchrony with natural heart muscle. The breakthrough could lead to repairing damaged hearts without organ transplants, revolutionizing the treatment for millions worldwide.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 18, 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.

Planting cotton early may mean less stink bug damage

Researchers found that planting cotton in May reduced boll damage by up to 36% compared to June planting dates. Early planting avoids peak stink bug pressure during the bloom cycle, reducing the need for insecticides.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Economic Entomology·DateMar 18, 2014

Fierce 2012 magnetic storm barely missed Earth

A rapid succession of coronal mass ejections sent a pulse of magnetized plasma towards Earth, potentially causing widespread disruptions to the electrical grid and disabling satellites. Fortunately, the event occurred just nine days too late, narrowly missing the planet.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 18, 2014

Indochina agricultural fires still ongoing

Crop residue burning is a common practice in Indochina for pest control and field preparation, but it also causes significant air pollution and health concerns. The ongoing agricultural fires in the region release vast amounts of smoke into the atmosphere, affecting respiratory health and environmental conditions.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 18, 2014

New from Geology: Fossils, earthquakes, gold, and sea-bed landslides

New laboratory experiments reveal that turbidity currents can enter cohesive muddy seabeds without losing their shape. A major earthquake at Lake Vättern, Switzerland, occurred around 11,500 years ago, and high-grade gold mineralization is linked to fault-valve processes in Papua New Guinea. Additionally, discoveries include the Ediaca...

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateMar 18, 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.

Small step towards growing tissue in the lab

Researchers create mathematical modeling tool to analyze image data and understand cell clustering mechanisms. This breakthrough could aid in growing human tissues like liver in laboratory settings.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalJournal of Theoretical Biology·DateMar 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.

Sauder research shows why innovation takes a nosedive

A UBC study shows corporate leaders rush into new innovations without scrutiny, leading to inferior products and tragic consequences like the DC-10 airline disasters. The authors warn that history may repeat itself as Boeing's 787 Dreamliner faces competition from Airbus.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia - Sauder School of Business·JournalStrategic Management Journal·DateMar 18, 2014

Study fingers chickens, quail, in spread of H7N9 influenza virus

Quail and chickens are likely sources of infection for the H7N9 influenza virus, according to a study published in the Journal of Virology. The research found that quail efficiently transmitted the virus, while other poultry species were resistant or did not become infected.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalJournal of Virology·DateMar 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.

Stem cells from muscle can repair nerve damage after injury, Pitt researchers show

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have made a groundbreaking discovery using human muscle-derived stem cells to repair damaged nerves. The study found that these stem cells could differentiate into neurons and glial support cells, leading to full regeneration of the sciatic nerve in animal models.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 18, 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
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.

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
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.

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
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

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

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
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.

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