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Science News Archive March 2014 - Page 20


Page 20 of 34

Bone lengthening technique proves useful in patients with cleft palate

The distraction osteogenesis technique successfully increased the length of the maxilla by an average of 6.4 millimeters in seven adolescent to young adult patients with cleft lip and palate deformities. This approach showed benefits over standard surgical methods, with significantly less bone regression after follow-up.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Craniofacial Surgery·DateMar 14, 2014

Genes may thwart seniors' exercise gains

A new study by Thomas W. Buford et al. examines the ACE I/D gene and its impact on older adults' response to exercise. The researchers found that genetic variations can influence exercise-induced changes in physical function among mobility-limited seniors.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·JournalPhysiological Genomics·DateMar 14, 2014

DNA can be damaged by very low-energy radiation

Research shows that even low-energy radiation can cause DNA damage, including double-strand breaks, which are often irreparable. Industry characterization of 'eye-safe' lasers at wavelengths longer than 1300nm is flawed, as these wavelengths can induce damage to DNA in the eye

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 14, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Tension triggers muscle building

Researchers found that mechanical tension is established shortly after muscle-tendon contact, providing positional information for sarcomere formation. Without tension, muscles fail to build regular myofibrils, resulting in chaotic protein distribution.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Biochemistry·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 14, 2014

Sleep disturbance following acute fractures not related to injury

Researchers assessed 1,095 patients following acute fractures and found poor sleep independently associated with poor emotional status. Orthopaedic surgeons should monitor patient mental health and counsel patients on sleep expectations to provide highest level of care after fracture treatment.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateMar 14, 2014

An experiment recreates the crust of the moon Europa

Researchers at CAB successfully recreated Europa's crust in a laboratory experiment, revealing that high-pressure fluids could be responsible for the moon's reddish materials. The study suggests that certain characteristics of Europa's surface may be explained by a saline aqueous medium, with significant implications for life on Earth.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalGeochimica et Cosmochimica Acta·DateMar 14, 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.

School sick days could be reduced with safe drinking water

A University of East Anglia study found that schools providing clean water report lower absenteeism rates. During the dry season, children without access to clean water were 2.5 times more likely to be absent than those with access. The researchers also highlighted the potential benefits for child health and education.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 14, 2014

Emotion detectors could make driving safer

Researchers have developed an on-board emotion detector using embedded cameras to analyze drivers' facial expressions, identifying irritation and anger as risk factors for aggressive driving. The system successfully detected these emotions in most cases, paving the way for potential applications in driver safety and comfort.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·DateMar 14, 2014

NASA's TRMM satellite eyeing Tropical Cyclone Gillian's rebirth

TRMM satellite data shows heavy rainfall rates and powerful thunderstorms in the northeast Gulf of Carpentaria, indicating a potential rebirth of Tropical Cyclone Gillian. The system is expected to intensify over the next 24-36 hours, posing gusty winds and heavy rainfall to coastal communities.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 14, 2014

Salad at concession stands!?

A study by Cornell Food & Brand Lab found that offering 5-10 healthy food options and modifying popular items to reduce saturated fats increased revenue and sales. The healthier items accounted for 9.2% of total sales and parental satisfaction also increased.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalJournal of Public Health·DateMar 14, 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.

Most Charnley total hip replacements viable after 35 years

A new study evaluated the outcomes of Charnley total hip replacements in patients under 50 years old at least 35 years post-surgery. The results showed that a significant number of these patients had functional hip components, despite decreased activity levels over time, primarily due to age and health-related factors.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateMar 14, 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.

Gluten-free crackers made with hemp flour and decaffeinated green tea leaves

A study published in the Journal of Food Science found that combining hemp flour with decaffeinated green tea leaves creates a gluten-free cracker with high protein, fiber, and essential fatty acid content. This combination also provides antioxidant properties, making it a nutritious snack option for consumers.

SourceInstitute of Food Technologists·JournalJournal of Food Science·DateMar 14, 2014

NASA sees an extra-tropical Lusi north of New Zealand

NASA's Aqua satellite captured infrared data on Tropical Cyclone Lusi, revealing it had become a cold-core system with strongest winds spreading out. The storm is expected to bring gale-force winds and heavy rain to Northern New Zealand, particularly around North Cape.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 14, 2014

Brighter inks, without pigment

Researchers have developed a system to produce structural color through microcapsules filled with disordered particles, allowing for the creation of paints and electronic displays that never fade. This technology has the potential to replace toxic synthetic dyes and create ageless colors.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMar 14, 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.

More to biological diversity than meets the eye

Scientists discover extraordinary diversity and specialization in tropical insects, with each fly having a unique ability to escape parasitic wasp species. This specialization leads to increased niche diversity in the community, revealing that insects are more diverse than thought.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalScience·DateMar 13, 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.

Bioscientists develop 'grammar' to design useful synthetic living systems

Researchers at Virginia Tech and MIT have developed a computer-aided design tool called GenoCAD to create genetic languages for designing biological systems. The tool helps capture biological rules to engineer organisms that produce useful products or healthcare solutions from inexpensive materials. GenoCAD enables the standardization ...

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalBioinformatics·DateMar 13, 2014

A versatile mouse that can teach us about many diseases and drugs

Researchers have developed a versatile mouse that expresses a fluorescent biosensor, enabling the tracking of diseased cells and drugs in real-time. This technology has been used to monitor Rac activation in various organs in response to drug treatment, providing valuable information on cancer progression.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalCell Reports·DateMar 13, 2014

Study proposes new ovarian cancer targets

Scientists have identified a set of proteins called TAFs that may play a role in the development of ovarian cancer. Studies found that these proteins are overexpressed or underexpressed in 73% of tumors, suggesting they could be potential targets for new treatments.

SourceBrown University·JournalFrontiers in Oncology·DateMar 13, 2014

Plant biology discovery furthers scientists' understanding of plant growth and development

Researchers at UC Riverside have discovered a new auxin sensing and signaling system localized on the plant cell surface, which explains how leaf epidermal cells form their distinctive jigsaw puzzle-piece shapes. This breakthrough discovery sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying various auxin-modulated developmental processes.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScience·DateMar 13, 2014
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Standardized evaluation consent forms for living liver donors needed

A recent study published in Liver Transplantation reveals that only 17% of liver transplant centers offer an alibi to potential donors, highlighting the need for standardization. The researchers recommend including written offers of alibis in consent forms to preserve donor autonomy.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateMar 13, 2014

Stroke in children will be focus of $3 million grant

Researchers at CU Denver Anschutz Medical Campus will receive $3 million as part of a national effort to study pediatric stroke. The focus is on understanding mechanisms of injury, protection, and repair of the brain following stroke in children, with the goal of training a new generation of pediatric stroke physicians.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·DateMar 13, 2014

A brain signal for psychosis risk

Researchers identified mismatch negativity as a potential biomarker of psychosis risk, suggesting that deficits in this brain signal may precede the onset of psychosis. The study found that individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis who developed a psychotic disorder had reduced mismatch negativity compared to those who did not.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychology·DateMar 13, 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.

A brake for spinning molecules

Scientists at Max-Planck Institute discover efficient way to brake molecular ion rotation, opening up new possibilities for laboratory-based astrochemistry. By cooling the rotational temperature using a tenuous gas, researchers can study chemical reactions in space more easily.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateMar 13, 2014

Falls among elderly reduced by state program

A state program reduced falls among elderly Pennsylvanians by 17%, illustrating the effectiveness of using existing aging services to prevent falls. The Healthy Steps for Older Adults program, which provided risk screening and educational information, was found to be a successful tool in reducing falls.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMar 13, 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.

Scientists catch brain damage in the act

Researchers discovered the mechanisms behind long-term depression, a cognitive impairment contributor to Alzheimer's disease. Chronic inflammation and hypoxia activate microglia, weakening neural connections.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNeuron·DateMar 13, 2014

'Velcro protein' found to play surprising role in cell migration

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine identified a protein that plays a surprising role in cell migration, which is crucial for cancer cells to spread. The study found that deleting this 'Velcro protein' does not cause single-celled migration, but rather disrupts the organization of epithelial cells.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateMar 13, 2014

Deficient protein GM-CSF production found to impair gut's immune tolerance

A Mount Sinai study reveals that GM-CSF protein production is critical for maintaining immune tolerance in the gut, and its deficiency may lead to increased susceptibility to inflammatory bowel diseases. The research suggests that targeting the GM-CSF axis could be a promising strategy for developing effective treatments for IBD.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalScience·DateMar 13, 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.

Negative effects of joining a gang last long after gang membership ends

Researchers found that joining a gang in adolescence significantly increases risk of incarceration, receiving illegal income, and struggling with drug abuse in adulthood. Former gang members were also more likely to have lower education levels and poorer health.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMar 13, 2014

Microorganism shows promise in inhibiting thrush

Scientists discovered that Pichia holds at bay a harmful fungal yeast Candida by secreting material that controls Candida's growth and biofilm formation. This finding holds promise for therapeutic agents to stave off not only thrush but also other life-threatening systemic fungal infections.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMar 13, 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.

Exchange rate behaves like particles in a molecular fluid

A study published in Physical Review Letters reveals that exchange rate fluctuations can be modeled using the principles of statistical physics. The research demonstrates that market orders and transactions influence price movements in a manner similar to the impact of thermal agitation on particles in a fluid.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 13, 2014

Scientists find new way to upgrade natural gas

Scientists at Brigham Young University discovered a new way to convert natural gas into upgraded liquid alcohol fuel, reducing dependence on petroleum. The breakthrough uses ordinary metals like thallium and lead to trigger the conversion process at lower temperatures.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalScience·DateMar 13, 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.

Migration in China: Shifting slightly, but still going strong

A new study suggests that China's coastal regions are no longer the primary destination for migrant workers, as low-educated laborers increasingly find jobs in their home provinces. Meanwhile, educated migrants continue to flock to coastal cities, driven by the concentration of knowledge-based industries and advanced service sectors.

SourceSpringer Science+Business Media·JournalApplied Spatial Analysis and Policy·DateMar 13, 2014

Human brains 'hard-wired' to link what we see with what we do

Researchers discovered a specialized mechanism for spatial self-awareness that combines visual cues with body motion, triggering reactions before the conscious brain processes them. This 'visuomotor binding' mechanism is less prone to distractions and may be linked to schizophrenia symptoms and difficulties with prosthetic limbs.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 13, 2014

Mid-level solar flare seen by NASA's SDO

A mid-level solar flare, classified as an M9.3 flare, was captured by NASA's SDO on March 12, 2014. The flare was emitted by an active region on the sun's surface and may have disturbed Earth's atmosphere and affected GPS signals.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 13, 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.

Condon publishes new research in Science

A Cornell professor's new research in Science has found evidence of more complexity in the relationship between flies and their predators, the parasitic wasps. The study revealed that most wasp species are extreme specialists, with offspring only able to survive in one specific fly species.

SourceCornell College·JournalScience·DateMar 13, 2014