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Science News Archive March 2014 - Page 4


Page 4 of 34

Great earthquakes, water under pressure, high risk

Researchers analyzed the Chile earthquake of February 2010, finding that fluid pressure in rocks affects earthquake rupture processes. The study revealed that mechanical coupling between plates controls stress build-up and seismic energy release, with fluid pressure variations linked to subduction zone dynamics.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMar 28, 2014

Underweight people at as high risk of dying as obese people, new study finds

A recent study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Public Health found that being underweight increases the risk of death for both adults and fetuses. Adults with a BMI under 18.5 are 1.8 times more likely to die than those with a normal BMI, while obesity is associated with a 1.2-1.3 times higher risk of mortality.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateMar 28, 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.

Erectile dysfunction can be reversed without medication

A new study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that 29% of men with erectile dysfunction were able to reverse their condition through lifestyle changes. The study highlights the importance of addressing risk factors such as obesity, alcohol intake, and sleep disorders to improve sexual health.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalThe Journal of Sexual Medicine·DateMar 28, 2014

Revolutionary solar cells double as lasers

Researchers have developed perovskite solar cells that excel at absorbing and emitting light, with a remarkable 70% efficiency rate. These 'wonder cells' can also produce cheap lasers, opening up new applications in telecommunications and light-emitting devices.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateMar 28, 2014

Eating fruits and vegetables linked to healthier arteries later in life

A study found that women who ate a diet high in fruits and vegetables as young adults were less likely to have plaque build-up in their arteries 20 years later. In contrast, men did not show the same benefit. The study's findings support the importance of developing healthy eating habits early in life.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 28, 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.

Married people less likely to have cardiovascular problems

A large-scale survey of 3.5 million Americans found that married people have a significantly lower risk of heart disease than singles, divorced, or widowed individuals. The study also revealed age-related differences in cardiovascular disease risk among married couples.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·DateMar 28, 2014

Gene may predict if further cancer treatments are needed

Researchers developed a predictive tool that analyzes gene expression changes to predict patient survival. The tool, based on mouse studies, has shown promise in predicting treatment risk for early-stage breast cancer and certain lung cancers.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateMar 28, 2014

Number of babies mom has may play role in future cardiovascular health

Research suggests that women with four or more children are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, with a two-fold higher risk of abnormal coronary artery calcium scores and aortic wall thickness. This association remains even after adjusting for socioeconomic factors, education, race, and known risk factors.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 28, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Concerning number of kids have elevated cholesterol

A study of 12,712 children found that 30% had borderline or elevated total cholesterol, underscoring the importance of universal pediatric cholesterol screening. The findings suggest that adopting healthy lifestyle choices and regular screening can potentially stall vascular changes and reduce future disease risk.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 28, 2014

Fingerprint of dissolved glycine in the Terahertz range explained

Chemists at Ruhr-Universität Bochum have completely analyzed the Terahertz spectrum of dissolved glycine in water, revealing its motion and disproving a long-standing theory. The study used spectroscopy and molecular-dynamics simulations to track the amino acid's movement in an aqueous solution.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 28, 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.

More male fish 'feminized' by pollution on the Basque coast

Research reveals endocrine disrupting chemicals cause feminization in male thick-lipped grey mullet; 60-91% of males show vitellogenin and Aromatase Cyp19a1b gene expression, indicating feminization. Estuaries across Basque coast show high levels of pollutants contributing to the phenomenon.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalMarine Environmental Research·DateMar 28, 2014

Research suggests autumn is ending later in the northern hemisphere

A study by the University of Southampton found that Autumn is becoming significantly later in the year, while Spring is arriving slightly earlier. The researchers analyzed satellite imagery and vegetation data to identify changes in vegetation growth cycles, finding a delay in Autumn's onset.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalRemote Sensing of Environment·DateMar 28, 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.

Rainbow-catching waveguide could revolutionize energy technologies

Engineers have developed a multilayered waveguide taper array that can absorb light across different frequencies, boosting the efficiency of solar power and thermal energy recycling. This technology has potential applications in stealth technology and waste heat recycling.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 28, 2014

Fabricating nanostructures with silk could make clean rooms green rooms

Researchers at Tufts University have demonstrated an environmentally friendly process to generate nanostructures from silk using water as a developing agent. This approach provides a green alternative to conventional synthetic polymers and delivers fabrication quality comparable to conventional methods.

SourceTufts University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMar 28, 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.

Gulf War illness not in veterans' heads, but in their mitochondria

Researchers found Gulf War veterans with impaired mitochondrial function had significantly delayed phosphocreatine recovery after exercise, a robust marker of mitochondrial dysfunction. Impaired mitochondrial function accounts for Gulf War illness symptoms like fatigue, cognitive challenges, muscle problems, and exercise intolerance.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 27, 2014

New guidance system could improve minimally invasive surgery

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a computerized process that enhances image-based guidance in minimally invasive surgery, potentially replacing conventional tracking systems. The new system achieves high accuracy, often exceeding 2 millimeters, while using low-dose radiation, making it suitable for various procedures.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalPhysics in Medicine and Biology·DateMar 27, 2014

Brain scans link concern for justice with reason, not emotion

Researchers found that individuals with high 'justice sensitivity' are driven by cognitive reasoning rather than emotion when evaluating morally good or bad behavior. This suggests that the search for justice is fueled by analysis and mental calculation rather than sentimental motivations.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·DateMar 27, 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.

A tale of 2 species

Researchers investigate why only 14 percent of woodrat hybrids have genetic signatures from both desert and Bryant's woodrats. Habitat differences and mating conflicts are found to be key factors limiting hybridization in closely-related species.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalEvolution·DateMar 27, 2014

Genetic variation linked to heart disease risk through RNA machinery

Researchers identified a new mechanism linking genetic variation to heart disease risk by disrupting the interaction between a developmental gene and a specialized type of RNA. This discovery expands understanding of complex disease risk and potential drug targets for cardiovascular disease.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMar 27, 2014

UT Southwestern faculty member receives Norman Hackerman Award

Dr. Tu's research identified a unique nutritional pathway in mammalian cells crucial to cancer cell growth, which he hopes will lead to new treatments for human disease. He received the award for his work expanding our understanding of metabolism's role in cellular processes.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·DateMar 27, 2014

Major depression linked with nearly twice the risk of kidney failure in diabetics

A recent study found that individuals with diabetes who experience major depressive symptoms are at a significantly higher risk of developing kidney failure. In contrast, minor depressive symptoms were not found to have a significant association with kidney disease development.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMar 27, 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.

Smoking bans cut premature births and childhood asthma attacks

Banning smoking in public places has been shown to cut premature births by 10% globally, according to a comprehensive study published in The Lancet. The research also found a 10% fall in hospital attendances for childhood asthma attacks in regions with anti-smoking laws.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 27, 2014

Scientists watch nanoparticles grow

Researchers at Århus University used X-ray light to track the growth of tungsten oxide nanoparticles, which can be tailored for smart windows and solar cells. The study shows that nanoparticles form from octahedra units in solution and develop a predominantly ordered crystal structure as they grow.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 27, 2014

Cholesterol levels vary by season, get worse in colder months

A large-scale study found that cholesterol levels tend to be worse in the colder months compared to warmer months, with significant variations in lipid profiles. The researchers speculate that behaviors such as reduced sun exposure and lower vitamin D levels during winter may contribute to these seasonal fluctuations.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 27, 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.

US clean-air efforts stay on target

A Rice University analysis of state implementation plans reveals that most urban areas have met the next benchmark for reducing airborne particulate matter. The study found that PM 2.5 concentrations declined by an average 2.6 micrograms per cubic meter in regions that filed SIPs to attain the standard by 2009.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the Air & Waste Management Association·DateMar 27, 2014

Mechanical forces driving breast cancer lead to key molecular discovery

UCSF researchers found that breast tissue stiffening in cancer development leads to tumor progression, triggering the production of a molecule associated with worse clinical outcomes. The discovery may lead to more accurate prognosis and new treatment strategies targeting structural changes in breast cancers.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 27, 2014

Strictly yeast

Researchers have made a computer app to spot and decode the unique footprints in yeast DNA, revealing an intricately choreographed dance of ribosomal RNA genes. This discovery enables biologists to track evolutionary relationships between different species using these tiny changes.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalSystematic Biology·DateMar 27, 2014

New Parkinson's disease chemical messenger discovered

Researchers at the University of Dundee have identified a critical chemical messenger that protects brain cells against Parkinson's disease. The discovery of phospho-ubiquitin suggests it may be possible to develop drugs to switch on Parkin enzyme by mimicking this molecule, offering new avenues for treatment.

SourceUniversity of Dundee·JournalBiochemical Journal·DateMar 27, 2014

More severe heart disease found in patients with vitamin D deficiency

Research shows that vitamin D deficiency is associated with higher prevalence and severity of coronary artery disease. Patients with low vitamin D levels are at a higher risk of developing severe heart disease, and the study suggests that vitamin D may be beneficial in preventing heart disease.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 27, 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.

Computing with slime

Researchers created logical circuits using living slime molds, which can process information and carry out Boolean logic operations. The slime mold-based system could potentially be used to build low-cost, biological computing devices and sensors.

SourceElsevier·JournalMaterials Today·DateMar 27, 2014

Hormone levels linked to survival of deer calves, study suggests

Researchers from the University of Edinburgh found that newborn male deer with high testosterone levels are less likely to survive their first year compared to peers. The study also showed that testosterone levels in offspring are linked to their mother's condition, suggesting a potential survival advantage for younger calves.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalFunctional Ecology·DateMar 27, 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.

Natural history dying of neglect

A study by Simon Fraser University ecologist Anne Salomon warns of a declining natural history research and use in academia, government agencies and non-government organizations. Natural history collections have stopped expanding since 1990, but it remains vital for making wise management and conservation decisions.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalBioScience·DateMar 27, 2014

Seasonal Arctic summer ice extent still hard to forecast, study says

A study analyzing 300 summer Arctic sea ice forecasts found that predictions are accurate when conditions follow the observed downward trend, but less so when they deviate from it. Improving forecasting by incorporating sea ice thickness and concentration data may enhance seasonal predictions.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMar 27, 2014

People unwilling to swallow soda tax, size restrictions

A recent study found that US adults are unwilling to accept soda taxes and portion size restrictions, but support adding front-of-package nutrition labels in schools. The survey of 1,319 adults revealed a strong positive relationship between years of education and policy support for reducing sugar-sweetened beverage consumption.

SourceCornell University·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateMar 27, 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.

Religion, spirituality influence health in different but complementary ways

Research from Oregon State University reveals two distinct pathways for the connection between religion, spirituality, and health. Formal religious affiliation and service attendance are linked to better health habits, while meditation and private prayer regulate emotions and physiological effects.

SourceOregon State University·JournalPsychology of Religion and Spirituality·DateMar 27, 2014

The heart responds differently to exercise in men vs. women

Researchers found significant differences between men and women in heart rate responses to exercise. A new formula takes these nuances into account, providing a more accurate estimate of peak heart rate. The updated formula helps optimize workouts and improve test results for both men and women.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 27, 2014

Acupuncture enhances antidepressant effect of Seroxat

Researchers found that acupuncture/electroacupuncture combined with Seroxat improves depressive symptoms and reduces obsessive-compulsive and anxiety symptoms. The treatment produces a rapid onset of therapeutic effect.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateMar 27, 2014

New way to filter light

Researchers at MIT have developed a new system that selectively filters light waves based on their direction of propagation. The technique, which uses a stack of ultrathin layers with precise thickness control, could improve efficiency in solar photovoltaics, detector systems for telescopes and microscopes, and display screens.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateMar 27, 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.

Study finds gaming augments players' social lives

A new study by North Carolina State University and other institutions found that online gaming supplements social behavior, rather than replacing it. Researchers observed thousands of gamers at public events and conducted in-depth surveys to conclude that gaming is a social activity that complements offline interactions.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Computer-Mediated Communication·DateMar 27, 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.