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Science News Archive May 2014 - Page 20


Page 20 of 31

Chemists design molecules for controlling bacterial behavior

Researchers have developed a class of chemical agents that targets new biological receptors in bacteria, changing their multicellular behaviors. These disaccharide derivatives mimic natural rhamnolipids and have potential applications in treating bacterial infections and inhibiting horizontal gene transfer.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalChemBioChem·DateMay 13, 2014

A tale of survival

Shortfin molly fish populations have evolved genetic changes that enable them to thrive in hydrogen sulphide-rich springs. The adaptations involve changes in the cox1 and cox3 genes, allowing the fish to maintain COX activity under high H2S concentrations.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 13, 2014

Coral reefs are critical for risk reduction & adaptation

A new study reveals that coral reefs provide substantial protection against natural hazards, reducing wave energy by an average of 97%. The restoration and conservation of coral reefs is a cost-effective solution to reduce risks from coastal hazards and climate change, benefiting hundreds of millions of people worldwide.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 13, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Forgiving a wrong may actually make it easier to forget

Researchers found that forgiving a transgression can facilitate forgetting of its details, especially when the participant is instructed to forget. The study's findings suggest that forgiveness may be linked to suppression of negative memories and emotions.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMay 13, 2014

UT Dallas team creates flexible electronics that change shape inside body

Researchers from UT Dallas have created electronic devices that become soft when implanted inside the body and can deploy to grip 3-D objects. The biologically adaptive, flexible transistors might help doctors learn more about what's happening inside the body and stimulate the body for treatments.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 13, 2014

Dangerous nitrogen pollution could be halved

A study suggests that nitrogen pollution can be reduced by 50 percent through targeted fertilizer application, recycling animal dung, and changing consumer habits such as reducing food waste and meat consumption. The findings highlight the importance of addressing nitrogen pollution to mitigate both health and climate impacts.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 13, 2014

3-D 'map' of enzyme completed by MU scientists could lead to more effective drugs

University of Missouri researchers have completed a 3D map of the Proline utilization A (PutA) enzyme, which facilitates metabolism by adding oxygen to molecules. This understanding will help drug manufacturers create more effective treatments for diseases like h. pylori infection.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 13, 2014

Ultrafast laser technique developed to observe electron action

University of Central Florida physicists have developed a new ultrafast light source to observe electron motion in molecules, allowing scientists to understand how electrons interact with each other. This breakthrough may lead to improved efficiency in solar cells and unlock new rules for quantum mechanics.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalNature Photonics·DateMay 13, 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.

Follow that fish!

Researchers found that zebrafish exposed to alcohol exhibited increased swimming speeds in the presence of peers, while unexposed fish modulated their behavior accordingly. This social influence may constitute a form of leadership, challenging traditional views on individual responses to alcohol.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·DateMay 13, 2014

Why athletes are more likely to need pacemakers in old age

A new study reveals that athletes who have a lifelong history of endurance events may experience abnormal heart rhythms due to molecular changes in their heart's pacemaker. Elderly athletes are more likely to need artificial pacemakers fitted compared to normal adults.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 13, 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.

Male infertility: It's all about the package

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory discovered a protein called Chd5 that plays a crucial role in chromatin remodeling during sperm development. The team found that Chd5 is essential for maintaining the genetic information of male fertility, and its absence can lead to infertility and increased risk of disease.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 13, 2014

Clean air in Iowa

A new study from the University of Iowa reveals that Iowa's air quality is generally clean, but with notable variations between urban and rural areas. The research found higher concentrations of fine particulate pollutants in urban locations, particularly associated with vehicle exhaust and industrial activity.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·DateMay 13, 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.

Major breakthrough in understanding Prader-Willi Syndrome, a parental imprinting disorder

Scientists at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have reported a major breakthrough in understanding the molecular basis for Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), a disease that involves defects in parental imprinting. The researchers created a model for PWS by reprogramming skin cells from patients into embryonic-like cells, showing that pater...

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 12, 2014

No bioengineered gut bacteria, no glory

Rice University synthetic biologist Jeff Tabor is working on a three-year project to engineer probiotic bacteria that can detect disease signals in the gut and prevent diseases such as obesity and depression. The goal is to create an edible probiotic bacterium that can help protect sailors and marines from these health issues.

SourceRice University·DateMay 12, 2014

Kessler Foundation expert authors article on social enterprise business models

The article highlights the potential of social enterprise businesses in creating employment opportunities for people with disabilities. The author, Elaine E. Katz, details two successful examples, Hudson Community Enterprises and Destination Desserts, which have generated revenue and provided market-driven pay rates for employees.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalJournal of Vocational Rehabilitation·DateMay 12, 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.

NREL assembles industry group to explore solar lending potential

The Banking on Solar working group aims to standardize contracts and underwriting processes, educating banks about the risks and rewards of solar assets. This effort has already begun developing standardized loan documents and underwriting criteria in residential and commercial markets.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·DateMay 12, 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.

Having a sense of purpose may add years to your life

A study published in Psychological Science found that finding a direction for life and setting overarching goals can help people live longer. The research analyzed data from over 6000 participants and found that greater purpose in life consistently predicted lower mortality risk across the lifespan.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMay 12, 2014

New research sets stage for noninvasive monitoring of HIV-induced peripheral neuropathy

Corneal nerve fiber assessment has great potential as a tool to diagnose and monitor peripheral neuropathy induced by HIV, say scientists at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. The study found that SIV-infected macaque model showed decreased corneal nerve fiber density and correlated with epidermal nerve fiber length.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateMay 12, 2014

Molecular regulation of hypoxic-ischemic brain damage

Researchers found that miRNA-9 binds to and potentially reduces the activity of oligodendrocyte lineage gene 1 during hypoxic-ischemic brain injury. This regulatory mechanism may play a role in myelin repair and neurological disorder development.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateMay 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.

Unusual neural connection between injured cingulum and brainstem in a SAH patients

A study published in Neural Regeneration Research found an unusual neural connection between the injured cingulum and brainstem cholinergic nuclei in a patient with subarachnoid hemorrhage. This phenomenon was detected using diffusion tensor tractography, revealing a novel pathway for neural communication.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateMay 12, 2014

Study: Former prisoners, parolees turn to emergency departments for care

A new study found that individuals recently released from prison or on parole have a significantly increased risk of visiting hospitals and emergency departments. The study suggests potential cost savings if preventive care can be provided through timely access to health insurance coverage.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMay 12, 2014

Which has a more efficient 'engine': A tuna or a whale?

Researchers at Northwestern University developed a new metric to measure energy consumption efficiency in animals of different sizes. Contrary to expectations, the study found that the gray whale and skipjack tuna are almost equally efficient, with the whale's higher fuel consumption being an unavoidable consequence of physics.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 12, 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.

College students drive, ride after marijuana, alcohol use

Researchers found that college students were more likely to drive and ride after marijuana use compared to alcohol use. The study suggests that social norms regarding marijuana use are changing, leading to increased acceptance of driving under the influence of marijuana.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateMay 12, 2014

Alcohol and drugs: Not just for modern man

Research reveals prehistoric Europeans consumed psychoactive plants and fermented beverages in rituals to connect with the spirit world. Archaeological evidence suggests socially controlled use of these substances, contrasting with modern hedonistic views.

SourceSpringer Science+Business Media·JournalJournal of Archaeological Method and Theory·DateMay 12, 2014

Drug therapy for allergy moves forward

New targets for drug therapy have been identified in the mast cell system, including enzymes and receptors. These targets include serine proteinases tryptase, chymase, cathepsin G, and proinflammatory cytokines.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateMay 12, 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.

Scientists discover a natural molecule to treat type 2 diabetes

Researchers at Université Laval have discovered a natural molecule called protectin DX (PDX) that improves insulin sensitivity and reduces blood glucose levels in obese diabetic rats. PDX triggers the production of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in muscle cells, similar to exercise, but its efficacy may be comparable to certain diabetes drugs.

SourceUniversité Laval·JournalNature Medicine·DateMay 12, 2014

Researchers find new molecule to treat asthma

Researchers have discovered a synthetic molecule that inhibits T-cell signaling in the lungs, preventing asthma symptoms such as inflammation and airway constriction. The molecule shows promise for treating asthma, a chronic disease affecting over 25 million Americans.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 12, 2014

Dopamine turns worker ants into warrior queens

A study from North Carolina State University found that increases in dopamine levels trigger dramatic physical changes in Indian jumping ant workers, transforming them into warrior queens with elevated life expectancy. This discovery has implications for understanding social insect behavior and epigenetics.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateMay 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.

Ultra-fast, the bionic arm can catch objects on the fly

The robotic arm, developed by EPFL researchers, is capable of catching projectiles with irregular shapes and trajectories. It achieves this through a combination of machine learning algorithms and real-time adjustments, enabling it to catch objects in less than five-hundredths of a second.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalIEEE Transactions on Robotics·DateMay 12, 2014

Entering adulthood in a recession linked to lower narcissism later in life

Research suggests that economic conditions during the formative years of emerging adulthood can leave a lasting mark on individuals' self-concept. People who entered their adulthood during hard economic times are less narcissistic later in life than those who came of age during more prosperous times.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMay 12, 2014

Video stories, other bonding exercises could help foster families connect

Researchers developed a self-administered program called 'Connecting' to guide foster families through exercises that bring them closer together. The program uses short videos of former foster youth describing their experiences in child welfare and encourages caregivers to share basic information with their teens.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalChildren and Youth Services Review·DateMay 12, 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.

Triple negative breast cancer, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status

A nationwide dataset analysis found that black women are 1.84 times more likely to be diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, a subtype with poorer prognosis. Asian/Pacific Islander women were also more likely to be diagnosed with HER2-overexpressing breast cancer.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalBreast Cancer Research and Treatment·DateMay 12, 2014

HADES searches for dark matter

Recent HADES experiments have ruled out the U boson as a potential Dark Matter candidate, but the search continues. The negative results challenge the Standard Model of particle physics and leave room for further investigation into physics beyond the current understanding.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalPhysics Letters B·DateMay 12, 2014

Scientists slow brain tumor growth in mice

Researchers identified a protein called CFIm25, which regulates messenger RNA length and promotes tumor growth. Restoring CFIm25 levels in brain tumors dramatically reduced their growth, providing a potential novel therapeutic strategy.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalNature·DateMay 12, 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.

Penn research combines graphene and painkiller receptor into scalable chemical sensor

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have combined graphene with a painkiller receptor to create an artificial chemical sensor. The device uses electrical responses instead of biochemical ones, allowing it to be read out by a computer. This technology has potential applications in drug development and various diagnostic tests.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNano Letters·DateMay 12, 2014

NREL staff recognized for top innovations

NREL honored Principal Engineer Bhushan Sopori with the Distinguished Innovator Award for his leadership in solar energy research. The lab also recognized Rising Stars, including Kirstin Alberi, Arrelaine Dameron, and Gregg Beckham, who have made significant contributions to technology transfer and commercialization.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·DateMay 12, 2014

$1.9 billion in Medicare waste: 'Tip of the iceberg'

Researchers found that at least one in four Medicare recipients received wasteful services in 2009, resulting in $1.9 billion in unnecessary spending. The study used novel methods to measure low-value care and provides tools for evaluating reform efforts aimed at reducing waste.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMay 12, 2014

Corn dwarfed by temperature dip suitable for growing in mines, caves

A Purdue study reveals that reducing corn's growing conditions by 2 hours a day can lower its height by 9-10% and reduce stalk diameter by 8-9% while maintaining its seed yield. This technique could enable controlled environment agriculture in mines and caves for growing high-value transgenic crops.

SourcePurdue University·JournalIndustrial Crops and Products·DateMay 12, 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.