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Science News Archive May 2014


Page 6 of 31

New tick-borne disease threatens primarily immune suppressed persons

A new tick-borne bacterium, Neoehrlichia, has been linked to six cases of disease in Sweden, posing a significant risk to people with weakened immune systems. Researchers found that those over 50 years old with haematological or rheumatic diseases undergoing immunosuppressive treatment are most vulnerable.

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 jigsaw piece for the repair of DNA crosslinks

A team of scientists reveals that a specific protein recognizes and repairs DNA crosslinks using the Fanconi anemia signal pathway. The study sheds light on the complex process of repairing damaged DNA, which can trigger cancer development. This new knowledge may lead to improved drugs for cancer treatment.

Africa's longest-known terrestrial wildlife migration discovered

Researchers tracked two consecutive years of zebra migrations between Chobe River in Namibia and Nxai Pan National Park in Botswana, covering a straight-line distance of 250km (500km round-trip). The findings highlight the importance of trans-frontier conservation areas in preserving great terrestrial migrations.

Attack is not always the best defense

Pharmacists at Jena University have developed three potential therapeutic agents that may improve the healing of inflammatory illnesses. The agents suppress a key enzyme in the body's own cascade of inflammation, specifically targeting 5-LOX, which plays a pivotal role in synthesizing leukotrienes. This breakthrough could lead to more ...

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.

Study examines variation in cardiology practice guidelines over time

An analysis of 600 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guideline recommendations found that 80% were retained at the next revision, while those not supported by multiple randomized studies were more likely to be downgraded. The study suggests the need for frequent re-evaluation of practices and policies based on g...

Update on Funny River Fire, southern Alaska

The Funny River Fire in southern Alaska has been reported as 30% contained, affecting 158,585 acres. The fire is spreading northeast towards Skilak Lake Road, prompting evacuations and closures along the Kenai River.

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.

Scientists unveil first method for controlling the growth of metal crystals

Researchers have unveiled a new method for controlling the growth of metal-crystals from single atoms, enabling precise components for nanotechnology. The breakthrough, called Nanocrystallometry, allows for the creation of ultra-precise metal-crystals with potential applications in electronics, sensing, and energy storage.

Cancer, bioelectrical signals and the microbiome connected

Researchers found that bioelectrical signals from distant cells can control tumor formation, with a common fatty acid produced by bacteria playing a key role. This discovery opens up possibilities for preventing, detecting, and treating cancer.

Higher NHS spending in deprived areas can reduce health inequalities

A policy of higher NHS spending in deprived areas is associated with a reduction in absolute health inequalities from causes amenable to healthcare. This trend continues even after adjusting for other factors, suggesting that targeting resources at deprived areas may be an effective strategy.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New epilepsy treatment offers 'on demand' seizure suppression

Researchers have developed a new treatment for drug-resistant epilepsy that suppresses seizures 'on demand' with a pill, similar to painkillers. The treatment uses genetic modification of brain cells to make them sensitive to a normally inactive compound, avoiding side effects and permanent brain alterations.

Maintaining mobility in older adults can be as easy as a walk in the park

A daily 20-minute walk can significantly reduce the risk of mobility disability in older adults, with a 18% reduction observed in participants who engaged in physical activity. The Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders (LIFE) Study found that maintaining mobility is key to functioning independently.

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.

Panama saves whales and protects world trade

The Panama government has implemented new traffic separation schemes to minimize overlap between commercial vessels and humpback whale migration routes. The changes are expected to reduce vessel speed four months a year and minimize vessel-whale collisions by up to 95%.

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.

Prehistoric birds lacked in diversity

Researchers found a striking lack of diversity in the earliest known fossil bird fauna, with larger birds and water birds missing from the sample. The scientists applied a statistical technique to modern-day birds to relate physical characteristics to behavior, diet, and habitat.

JCI online ahead of print table of contents for May 27, 2014

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University discovered that altered blood flow induces epigenetic alterations in endothelial cells, leading to atherosclerosis. Additionally, they found that reduced expression of the aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 enzyme makes dopaminergic neurons more susceptible to degeneration in Pa...

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.

Cod bones reveal 13th century origin of global fish trade

Researchers analyzed nearly 3,000 cod bones from 95 excavations in and around London, identifying a sudden change in the origin of the fish during the early 13th century. This shift indicates the onset of a large-scale import trade, revolutionizing the local fishing industry.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Smaller accelerators for particle physics?

Smaller laser-plasma accelerators could accelerate particles to high energies, potentially reducing the cost of high-energy physics research and industrial applications. The new technology uses a combination of lasers to create an incoherent wakefield, which would allow for more sustainable and affordable accelerators.

Water in moon rocks provides clues and questions about lunar history

New analysis of Moon rocks indicates regional variations in water content, providing insights into lunar formation and crust cooling processes. The study suggests that the Moon's water may have originated from both Earth and comets/asteroids, with implications for understanding the source of Earth's water.

More access to health care may lead to unnecessary mammograms

Researchers found that better access to healthcare can offset the natural decrease in mammogram use as a woman's life expectancy grows smaller. Women with limited life expectancy who live in areas with greater access to healthcare are more likely to be screened for mammograms.

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.

Melatonin makes old bones stronger

Researchers at McGill University discovered that melatonin supplements increase bone volume and density in elderly rats, making them stronger. This finding suggests that melatonin may be a useful tool in combating osteoporosis.

Using thoughts to control airplanes

Scientists at TUM successfully demonstrated brain-controlled flight with high precision, exceeding requirements for a flying license test. They achieved this by using electroencephalography to convert brain waves into control commands, allowing pilots to control the plane without touching pedals or controls.

Molecules do the triple twist

A team of scientists has successfully created a triple twisted Möbius annulene, a complex molecule with three twists but only one surface. This achievement demonstrates their expertise in manipulating molecular structures and has significant potential for future applications in molecular electronics and optoelectronics.

A novel disease-preventing antioxidant pathway

Researchers discovered uric acid's role as a major intracellular antioxidant that prevents oxidative stress and its impact on cancer and aging. The p53-GLUT9 pathway is a mechanism to prevent ROS accumulation, which causes cell damage.

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Insights into genetics of cleft lip

Researchers have identified a specific DNA stretch controlling genes that determine face structure and those producing building materials. The region's regulatory elements affect gene Myc activity, leading to facial changes and increased susceptibility to environmental factors like smoking during pregnancy.

New perspectives to the design of molecular cages

Researchers from the University of Jyväskylä report a new method for building molecular cages that exploits intermolecular steric effects to control self-assembly. This allows for the creation of cages with vacant metal binding sites, enabling modifications to their properties.

The perception of discrimination is greater among younger immigrants

A study by the University of the Basque Country reveals that younger immigrant youth perceive discrimination as a major issue, while those from Latin America have a more optimistic view. The research highlights the importance of actively coping with discrimination in improving wellbeing and adaptation to the new social context.

Hot flashes/night sweats solutions: Estrogen therapy vs. venlafaxine

A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that low-dose estrogen therapy and low-dose non-hormonal venlafaxine hydrochloride extended release were both effective in reducing hot flashes and night sweats in menopausal women. The treatment options showed similar efficacy, with a slight superiority of estrogen therapy.

A mechanism of how biodiversity arises

A recent study by evolutionary biologists at the University of Massachusetts Amherst shows that a mutation in a single gene during development can lead to different consequences, including changes in jaw shape and feeding strategies. This genetic variation predicts differences in feeding mechanics and alters skull structure.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Conflicting conclusions in 2 bronchiolitis studies; editorial explains why

Two studies on bronchiolitis treatments yield conflicting results, with one finding less improvement in infants after nebulized hypertonic saline treatment and the other showing decreased hospital admissions. The editorial dissects the contradictory evidence, suggesting chance or differences in study design may be to blame.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Outgrowing emotional egocentricity

Max Planck researchers identify supramarginal gyrus region crucial for children's ability to assess others' emotions, improving with age. The study reveals that adults can easily overcome egocentrism, whereas children between 6-13 tend to project their own emotions onto others.

Implications of mandatory flu vaccinations for health-care workers

Vaccination rates among healthcare workers are less than 50%, highlighting the need for policies that balance individual rights with public health. Mandatory flu vaccinations can benefit patient health, but must comply with employment law, provincial human rights codes, and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

New biodiversity study throws out controversial scientific theory

A new study has overturned the long-used 'Neutral Theory of Biodiversity' by revealing its flaw: it fails to capture the crucial role of abundant species. The research, covering a vast array of marine ecosystems worldwide, found that these dominant species deliver essential ecosystem services.

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.

NTU launches $30 million 3-D printing research center

NTU's new additive manufacturing centre will focus on developing next-generation 3D printers and platforms for various materials. The centre aims to collaborate with industry leaders, such as SLM Solutions, to drive innovation in the field of 3D printing.

Intermediaries increase corruption

A recent study published in Experimental Economics found that intermediaries significantly increase corruption, regardless of their level of involvement. The researchers designed a laboratory experiment to test the impact of intermediaries on corrupt behavior, and their results confirm this suspicion.

Fighting cancer with dietary changes

Researchers found that calorie restriction decreased microRNA production, which promotes the extracellular matrix and prevents cancer cells from spreading. The study aims to test whether calorie restriction can improve outcomes for women with breast cancer in a clinical trial.