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Science News Archive May 2014


Page 28 of 31

A symbiotic way of life

University of Miami researchers found that an amino acid transporter regulates glutamine supply to symbiotic bacteria in pea aphids, enabling the exchange of essential nutrients. This simple mechanism allows the insect-bacteria partnership to adapt to changing demand for nutrients.

Bone marrow-on-a-chip unveiled

Scientists at Harvard's Wyss Institute have created a bone marrow-on-a-chip device that replicates the complex structure and function of living bone marrow. The device has passed initial tests, including a drug-testing capability that protected the engineered marrow from radiation.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Bioinformatics approach helps researchers find new uses for old drug

Using a novel bioinformatics approach, researchers have found that the approved antimicrobial drug pentamidine may help treat advanced kidney cancer. The study identified gene expression patterns that suggest an antimicrobial may be effective against clear cell renal cancer, a common and highly malignant subtype of kidney cancer.

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 cause of high blood pressure and heart disease discovered

Excessive phosphate consumption stimulates the production of FGF23, leading to negative effects on the cardiovascular system, including high blood pressure and vascular calcification. The study provides new insights into the connection between renal disease, FGF23 levels, and cardiovascular disease.

When wine hits the right nerve

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum decode mechanism for appreciation of the barrique character, a bitter sensation on the tongue. They found that gallic acid groups are responsible for triggering this sensation, which is mediated by the trigeminal nerve.

Climate change threatens to worsen US ozone pollution

Research led by NCAR finds US ozone levels projected to increase by 70% by 2050 due to rising temperatures and climate change. However, a sharp reduction in emissions of ozone precursors could reduce pollution even as the climate warms.

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.

Hypertension related to new cancer therapies -- a new syndrome emerges

VEGF inhibitors cause hypertension in nearly all patients, and a subset develops severe hypertension. The mechanisms behind this effect need to be better understood for clear guidelines to be developed. Management of VEGF inhibitor-induced hypertension is crucial to reduce short-term morbidity while maintaining effective cancer treatment.

Groovy turtles' genes to aid in their rescue

A USGS study identifies four genetically distinct populations of diamondback terrapins, shedding light on the species' conservation needs. The research aims to develop targeted conservation plans, including habitat protection and migration corridors, to maintain genetic diversity and support the terrapin's overall population numbers.

Stigma: At the root of ostracism and bullying

New research highlights stigma as a primary cause of bullying and ostracism in children's mental health, linked to depression, anxiety disorders, and lower quality of life. Experts will discuss prevention and intervention strategies at the Pediatric Academic Societies meeting.

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.

Light-sensitive 'eyes' in plants

Researchers have studied phytochromes, proteins that detect light and inform plant cells whether it is day or night. The discovery increases understanding of these proteins and may lead to new strategies for developing more efficient crops that can grow in low-light conditions.

BrightFocus honors 5 vision researchers

The BrightFocus Foundation has honored five outstanding scientists in the fields of macular degeneration and glaucoma. Researchers from California, Florida, Maryland, Michigan, and Texas received $3.5 million in grant awards to study new treatments for these eye diseases.

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.

Significant decline in deaths after Massachusetts' health reform

A new study led by Harvard School of Public Health researchers found that Massachusetts' comprehensive health reform in 2006 resulted in a 2.9% decrease in mortality rates compared to similar populations in states without expanded health coverage. The study estimates that the law has prevented approximately 320 deaths per year.

Scientists convert stem cells to eye tissue

Researchers developed methods to convert stem cells into eye cells that could be used to replace damaged tissue in patients with impaired vision. The studies involved converting cells into nerve cells or introducing stem cells to a growth factor, resulting in tissue resembling the developing eye.

Science finds wines' fruity flavors fade first

A recent study from Washington State University challenges conventional wisdom on wine flavor finish. Researchers found that fruity flavors disappear from the palate earlier than oaky, floral, and earth flavors perception. This discovery sheds new light on the complex relationship between taste, aroma, and flavor in wine.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Terahertz imaging on the cheap

Researchers at MIT describe a new technique that could reduce the number of sensors needed for terahertz or millimeter-wave imaging by a factor of 10, enabling more practical high-resolution imaging systems. The technique exploits the sparsity of scenes in certain ranges, allowing for efficient reconstruction without aliasing.

U-M paleontologists unveil online showcase of 3-D fossil remains

The University of Michigan has launched a new online repository of fossils, featuring high-definition 3-D models of prehistoric creatures. The digital showcase allows users to manipulate and examine the fossils in detail, providing a valuable resource for researchers and sparking interest in young scientists.

Middle school students introduced to arboriculture topic

Researchers introduced a new curriculum augmentation to teach middle school students about recognizing structural defects in trees, with hands-on and illustrated lecture styles compared. Students who received the illustrated lecture style had significantly higher scores on the posttest.

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.

Tomato turf wars: Benign bug bests salmonella; tomato eaters win

A study by the FDA found that Paenibacillus alvei significantly reduced Salmonella on contaminated tomato plants, reducing the risk of food-borne illnesses. The beneficial bacterium has no known history of human pathology and is being considered as a biological control agent to prevent outbreaks.

High-strength materials from the pressure cooker

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have created a novel technique to produce lightweight construction, protective clothing, or sports equipment at high temperatures and pressures. The method uses hydrothermal synthesis and is eco-friendly, reducing hazardous byproducts and energy consumption.

Being born 4-6 weeks premature can affect brain structure, function

A study found that premature birth between 34-36 weeks' gestation results in differences in brain structure and cognitive skills compared to full-term births. Late preterm children showed more social, behavioral, and academic problems, as well as slower processing speed and difficulties with visuospatial reasoning.

Genetic diagnosis can rule out a suspected Huntington's chorea patient

A study published in Neural Regeneration Research found that genetic diagnosis is crucial in ruling out Huntington's chorea. The analysis incorporated clinical symptoms, imaging examinations, and gene diagnosis, suggesting that a combination of these factors is necessary for an accurate diagnosis.

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.

Rising treatment costs drive up health care spending

A comprehensive study reveals that rising treatment costs account for 70% of growth in health care spending, with modest increases in disease cases having a minimal impact. The research emphasizes the need to focus on slowing down spending on procedures and treatments.

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.

Soy sauce molecule may unlock drug therapy for HIV patients

Researchers found EFdA, a soy sauce molecule, is up to 70 times more potent than Tenofovir, a first-line HIV drug, offering new hope for patients developing resistance. The compound works by hijacking the HIV replicating process, preventing virus spread.

Cajal-Retzius cell loss and amyloidosis in Alzheimer's disease

Researchers found that Cajal-Retzius cell loss occurred with the onset and development of Alzheimer's disease, concomitant with amyloid pathology and behavioral deficits. The study, published in Neural Regeneration Research, used a mouse model to investigate the relationship between Cajal-Retzius cells and Alzheimer's disease.

Domestic violence victims more likely to take up smoking

Women who experienced physical or sexual violence perpetrated by their partner were 58 percent more likely to be smokers. Research found a link between intimate partner violence (IPV) and smoking among women in low- and middle-income countries, highlighting the need for tobacco prevention interventions.

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.

Evolution in species may reverse predator-prey population cycles

A new study proposes a theory that explains co-evolutionary changes in predator-prey relationships, revealing unique behaviors at the population scale. The research suggests that evolutionary changes can dramatically affect species relationships, potentially making them more vulnerable or less vulnerable.

Caring for horses eases symptoms of dementia

People with Alzheimer's experience a clear improvement in dementia-related behavior after visiting horses under supervision, with reduced fidgeting and resistance to care. The therapy boosts physical activity and lifts their mood, providing a unique way to ease symptoms without drugs.

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.

Functioning of aged brains and muscles in mice made younger

GDF11 protein improves the exercise capability of aging mice by making their brains and skeletal muscles more like those of young health mice. The protein also restores DNA damage associated with aging in muscle stem cells, leading to improved function in unmanipulated muscle.

Infusion of young blood recharges brains of old mice, Stanford study finds

The study found that older mice infused with young mouse plasma demonstrated improved learning and memory abilities, as well as increased production of substances essential for hippocampal function. This suggests that the brain may be able to recover from age-related impairments through the infusion of youth-given blood.

Motivational interviewing can positively impact childhood obesity

Pediatricians using motivational interviewing techniques successfully reduced children's body mass index (BMI) percentiles over a 2-year period. The study, conducted with the American Academy of Pediatrics, found that this approach can be a powerful tool to help healthcare practitioners address child obesity.

New study sheds light on global warming trends

A new research by Florida State University scientists provides a detailed look at global land surface warming trends over the last 100 years. The study reveals that not all areas have warmed at the same rate, with some experiencing cooling and others remaining unchanged.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Gene therapy used to preserve sight in patients

Researchers have developed gene therapies to prevent and treat blinding diseases, including choroideremia and retinitis pigmentosa. These treatments involve replacing missing genes in the cells at the back of the eye, resulting in improved vision for some patients.

Taking the lead out of a promising solar cell

Northwestern University researchers have developed a new solar cell with good efficiency that uses tin instead of lead perovskite. The low-cost, environmentally friendly solar cell can be made easily using 'bench' chemistry.

New insight may help predict volcanic eruption behavior

Scientists at the University of Liverpool have discovered that frictional melting plays a role in determining how a volcano will erupt. The process, which occurs when magma and rocks melt due to intense heat, creates a stop-start movement in the magma as it makes its way towards the earth's surface.

Scores of bullying victims bringing weapons to school

A recent study found that approximately 200,000 high school students who are bullied bring weapons to school. The researchers discovered that youths who have been victimized in multiple ways are up to 31 times more likely to carry a weapon on campus than those who have not been bullied.

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.

Lean patients with fatty liver disease have higher mortality rate

Researchers found that lean patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) had a higher overall mortality rate and were more likely to be male and of lower socioeconomic status. They also showed signs of liver inflammation despite having less body fat and lower levels of liver damage.