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Science News Archive March 2014 - Page 23


Page 23 of 34

Building new drugs just got easier

Scientists at Scripps Research Institute developed a method to modify organic molecules, expanding possibilities for new pharmaceuticals and improving old ones. The innovation makes it easier to attach biologically active functional groups to drug molecules.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature·DateMar 12, 2014

Turing's theory of morphogenesis validated 60 years after his death

Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh and Brandeis University have provided experimental evidence validating Alan Turing's theory of morphogenesis in cell-like structures. The study confirms the prediction of six different patterns and discovers a seventh, demonstrating how identical biological cells differentiate into distinct...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 12, 2014

Most of the sand in Alberta's oilsands came from eastern North America, study shows

A University of Calgary-led study has found that the majority of sand in Alberta's oilsands came from the Appalachian region on eastern North America. Researchers used a technique called detrital zircon uranium-lead geochronology to determine the age of individual sediment grains, revealing a range of ages from 300 to 2,800 million yea...

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalJournal of Sedimentary Research·DateMar 12, 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.

Genes bring music to your ears

Researchers analyzed the genomes of 767 individuals for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) to identify genetic loci related to musical aptitude. The study found associations with genes involved in inner-ear development, auditory pathways, and emotional processing.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateMar 12, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Countering the caregiver placebo effect

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new trial design to counter the caregiver placebo effect in veterinary medicine. The study found that a low-dose pain medication was effective in cats with degenerative joint disease, despite owners' initial perceptions of improvement due to the placebo effect.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Veterinary Internal Medicine·DateMar 12, 2014

'Ultracold' molecules promising for quantum computing, simulation

Scientists at Purdue University have successfully created a new type of ultracold molecule using lasers, which could enable quantum computing, precise sensors, and advanced simulations. The lithium-rubidium molecule has a significant dipole moment, enabling stronger interactions necessary for entanglement-based quantum computing.

SourcePurdue University·JournalPhysical Review A·DateMar 12, 2014
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.

NASA sees Tropical Cyclone Lusi over Vanuatu

Tropical Cyclone Lusi intensified to hurricane force near Vanuatu, bringing heavy rain, thunderstorms, and potential flooding. The storm is expected to weaken on March 13 before transitioning into an extra-tropical storm.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 12, 2014

Tuberculosis -- EPFL creates a foundation to launch an antibiotic

Researchers at EPFL have developed a promising antibiotic, PBTZ169, effective against multi-resistant strains of tuberculosis. The IM4TB Foundation will bring the new treatment to market, addressing limitations in industrial model development costs and accessibility.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateMar 12, 2014

Doctors issue new treatment guidelines for skin abscesses caused by MRSA

Researchers from UCLA have updated guidelines for managing skin abscesses associated with community-acquired MRSA. The new guidelines focus on improving diagnostic accuracy and treatment options, including the use of ultrasound and preferred antibiotics like trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and doxycycline.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 12, 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.

Large waist linked to poor health, even among those in healthy body mass index ranges

A large waist circumference is associated with increased mortality risk, even among individuals with a healthy body mass index (BMI). Men and women with larger waists are more likely to die younger and die from illnesses such as heart disease and cancer. Researchers recommend considering both BMI and waist circumference in risk assessm...

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateMar 12, 2014

Wishing to be another gender: Links to ADHD and autism spectrum disorders

A study found that children with autism spectrum disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are 7.59 times and 6.64 times more likely to express gender variance than their peers without these conditions. Participants with gender variance also experienced elevated anxiety and depression symptoms, but to a lesser extent among...

SourceSpringer·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·DateMar 12, 2014

Boosting self-esteem prevents health problems for seniors

A Concordia University study found that maintaining or improving self-esteem can help prevent health problems in seniors. The research team measured cortisol levels, self-esteem, stress, and symptoms of depression in 147 adults aged 60 and over, revealing a strong association between declining self-esteem and increased cortisol levels.

SourceConcordia University·JournalPsychoneuroendocrinology·DateMar 12, 2014

Surface characteristics influence cellular growth on semiconductor material

Researchers at North Carolina State University discovered that altering the surface characteristics of a semiconductor material can significantly impact how neural cells grow. The study used gallium nitride and PC12 cells to mimic neural behavior, finding varying degrees of cell adhesion and growth on different textured surfaces.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalActa Biomaterialia·DateMar 12, 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.

Chronic pain research explores the brain

Chronic pain researchers found that individuals with chronic tension-type headache exhibited impaired neuroplasticity, affecting their brain's ability to change and adapt. This discovery could lead to more targeted treatments for patients.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·DateMar 12, 2014

What happened when? How the brain stores memories by time

A recent study from the University of California, Davis, found that the hippocampus stores memories based on their temporal context, which includes what happened before and after an event. This means that the brain uses context to represent specific objects, rather than just their content.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNeuron·DateMar 12, 2014

Ground validation: Contributing to Earth observations from space

The Ground Validation program gathers similar precipitation data on the ground to compare with satellite data, improving models and understanding precipitation physics. Remote campaigns and a Precipitation Science Research Facility supplement GPM data, allowing scientists to monitor precipitation under various conditions.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 12, 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.

Education boosts brain function long after school

A recent study by IIASA researchers found that education significantly improves cognitive function in seniors and slows down cognitive decline. The study examined variation in years of schooling in six European countries during the 1950s and 1960s and showed that compulsory educational reforms had a positive impact on mental functioning.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalDemography·DateMar 11, 2014

Gene therapy for lysosomal storage disease shown to be safe and well tolerated

A new gene therapy approach has been shown to be safe and well-tolerated in a clinical trial of four children with mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIA, an inherited lysosomal storage disease. The treatment involved delivering therapeutic genes via an adeno-associated viral vector, resulting in improved brain shrinkage and behavioral changes.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHuman Gene Therapy·DateMar 11, 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.

New gene for bipolar disorder discovered

A recent study published in Nature Communications has identified two new gene regions linked to bipolar disorder, bringing hope for new treatments. The research, involving over 24,000 patients and healthy individuals, sheds light on the genetic factors contributing to the complex condition.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 11, 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 unlock potential heart attack drug without side effects

Researchers at Monash University developed a new class of drug targeting alternative recognition sites on GPCRs to fine-tune protein behavior, reducing damage and potential side effects. The breakthrough could lead to the creation of a new treatment for heart attacks and heart failure.

SourceMonash University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 2014

The business of fear: Can our favorite products provide emotional support?

A new study published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that brands can act as a replacement source of emotional attachment when a person-to-person support system is not available. Researchers discovered that exposure to fear can increase positive emotional brand attachment, leading to stronger consumer connections with brands.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateMar 11, 2014

Excessive deer populations hurt native plant biodiversity

A study by University of Pittsburgh researcher Susan Kalisz found that high deer densities are the primary reason for garlic mustard's takeover in native plant species, such as trillium. By excluding deer, native plants can repel invaders and increase their populations.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 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.

NASA eyes 2 tropical cyclones east of Australia

Tropical Cyclone Hadi weakened to depression status, while Tropical Cyclone Lusi strengthened with maximum sustained winds near 50 knots/57.5 mph/92.6 kph. NASA's Aqua and TRMM satellites provided crucial rainfall data, cloud heights, and temperature information.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 11, 2014

Speed trap for fish catches domestic trout moving too slow

Researchers documented dramatic differences in swimming ability between domesticated and wild trout, calling into question the effectiveness of hatcheries in conserving native populations. The study found that domesticated trout tend to grow faster but are slower sprinters than their wild relatives.

SourceWashington State University·JournalAquaculture·DateMar 11, 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.

First human totally endoscopic aortic valve replacements reported

Surgeons in France have successfully replaced aortic valves without opening the chest in two patients. This innovative technique, known as TEAVR, shows promise for improving quality of life by reducing chest trauma and enabling faster recovery times.

SourceAmerican Association for Thoracic Surgery·JournalJournal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery·DateMar 11, 2014

Clinical trial identifies women most likely to benefit from vaginal mesh surgery

A clinical trial identified women most likely to benefit from vaginal mesh surgery for vaginal prolapse, specifically those with levator avulsion. The study found that patients with this condition had a higher risk of recurrence after sacrospinous vaginal colpopexy, making vaginal mesh implantation a viable alternative.

SourceWiley·JournalUltrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateMar 11, 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.

SURA honors Georgia Tech biologist as Distinguished Scientist

SURA honors Dr. Jeffrey Skolnick, a renowned biologist at Georgia Tech, for his groundbreaking research on protein structure and function. His cutting-edge discoveries have the potential to dramatically accelerate and enhance the drug discovery process.

SourceSoutheastern Universities Research Association·DateMar 11, 2014

Why antisocial youths are less able to take the perspective of others

A neuroimaging study found that adolescents with antisocial personality disorder have reduced activation in brain regions responsible for social information processing and impulse control. This impairment leads to difficulties in taking into account other people's intentions, resulting in more antisocial behavior.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateMar 11, 2014

Cosmetic treatment can open the door to bacteria

Research at the University of Copenhagen reveals that cosmetic fillers can act as incubators for bacterial infection, causing lesions and tough film-like material resistant to antibiotics. Prophylactic antibiotic treatment during procedures can prevent these complications.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalPathogens and Disease·DateMar 11, 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.

Type 1 diabetes in adults: Antibody affinity is decisive

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich have found that GAD antibody affinity is a key indicator of LADA disease progression. The study used GAD vaccination to examine the impact on antibody affinity in 46 LADA patients, finding no influence from vaccination. Patients with high affinity had low insulin production and required insulin therapy s...

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalDiabetes Care·DateMar 11, 2014

What's the upside of feeling too sad for chocolate?

A new study suggests that feeling sad can decrease cravings for unhealthy foods like chocolate and deep-fried treats. By making individuals feel sad, their negative emotional response to these foods highlights the potential health risks associated with overindulgence, leading them to make healthier choices.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateMar 11, 2014

Light pollution impairs rainforest regeneration

A recent study found that light pollution impedes fruit-eating bats from dispersing seeds, which is crucial for tropical forest regeneration. As a result, seed rain is reduced, threatening the natural succession of forests in illuminated habitats.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateMar 11, 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.

Healthy food is good for you -- and can sell, too

A University of Iowa-led study found that adding healthy foods to concession stands can increase sales and profits while maintaining customer satisfaction. The study, which involved a school booster club in Muscatine, Iowa, showed that introducing healthier options led to stable sales and revenue increases.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalJournal of Public Health·DateMar 11, 2014

Discontinuation of randomized clinical trials common

Approximately 25 percent of randomized clinical trials were discontinued between 2000 and 2003, mainly due to poor recruitment, with only 38 percent reported to research ethics committees. Discontinued trials were less likely to be published, especially those sponsored by industry.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMar 11, 2014