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Science News Archive May 2014 - Page 21


Page 21 of 31

Low rate of adverse events associated with male circumcision

A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that male circumcision is associated with a low rate of adverse events. The study suggests that male circumcision carries minimal risk and can be performed safely without compromising the child's long-term health outcomes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateMay 12, 2014
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Climate negotiation as a bargaining game

Researchers found that smaller groups of countries are more likely to reach consensus, while side agreements among smaller numbers of participants can actually promote the UN process. The study also highlights the importance of perceived individual threat in maintaining successful negotiations.

SourceNortheastern University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMay 12, 2014

ADHD treatment associated with lower smoking rates

Treating ADHD with stimulant medication is associated with lower smoking rates, particularly in those taking the medication consistently. The study analyzed 14 longitudinal studies and found a significant association between stimulant treatment and reduced smoking frequencies.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMay 12, 2014

Bullying may have long-term health consequences

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that bullied children experience chronic, systemic inflammation that persists into adulthood. In contrast, bullies may benefit from increased social status through bullying, which can protect against increases in inflammatory markers.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 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.

Artificial magnetic bacteria 'turn' food into natural drugs

Researchers have created magnetic bacteria that can help diagnose diseases like stomach cancer and are also edible iron supplements. These artificial magnets can be used in magnetic resonance imaging or heating malign cells.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMay 12, 2014

Second opinion changes diagnosis from incurable to curable cancer

A patient diagnosed with advanced, incurable lung cancer was found to have early stage, curable lung cancer after stopping a rare antibiotic that caused liver and lung damage. The team's findings suggest that toxicity due to the antibiotic may be mistaken for cancer spread.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateMay 12, 2014

Living near foreclosed property linked to higher blood pressure

New research finds that living near foreclosed properties increases risk of higher blood pressure, with each additional property within 100 meters associated with a 1.71 mm Hg increase in systolic blood pressure. This association may be due to unhealthy stress from perception of decreased property value and neighborhood instability.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMay 12, 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.

Improve grades, reduce failure -- undergrads should tell profs 'Don't lecture me'

Active learning improves exam performance, increasing grade gains by an average of 6%, and reduces student failure rates in STEM courses. By adopting this approach, tens of thousands of students could stay in STEM majors instead of flunking out, meeting national calls for a million more STEM graduates.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 12, 2014

Hospitals ranked on complications after hip and knee replacement surgeries

A new measure ranks US hospitals based on complications following hip and knee replacements, revealing a significant four-fold difference in risk-adjusted complication rates. The study found no disparities in outcomes between hospitals caring for higher proportions of Medicaid-eligible or black patients.

SourceYale University·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateMay 12, 2014

Education by animation: Videos reaching tens of thousands of Ethiopian farmers

A University of Illinois initiative, Scientific Animations Without Borders (SAWBO), uses cellphones and local languages to educate farmers about efficient teff cultivation techniques. The project resulted in a massive reduction in teff seed waste, allowing for increased crop yields and food availability.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateMay 12, 2014

All in the rotation

Berkeley lab researchers have discovered that the viral packaging motor rotates DNA in response to changing conditions, a crucial process for viral replication. This finding could lead to new strategies for combating viral infections and designing more effective drugs.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalCell·DateMay 12, 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.

Underage college men discount dangers of driving after marijuana use

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and the University of Washington found that underage male college students who report using marijuana in the previous 28 days had a high prevalence of driving under its influence. The study also revealed that riding with a marijuana-using driver was more...

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateMay 12, 2014

NREL, Sandia team to improve hydrogen fueling infrastructure

The Hydrogen Fueling Infrastructure Research and Station Technology (H2FIRST) project aims to reduce the cost and time of fueling station construction, increase station availability, and improve reliability. NREL and Sandia will share their hydrogen research expertise to develop low-cost, high-performance materials and components.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·DateMay 12, 2014

Endocrine disruptors impair human sperm function

A German-Danish team of researchers found that endocrine-disrupting chemicals interfere with human sperm function, changing swimming behavior and triggering digestive enzyme release. The study suggests these chemicals may contribute to widespread fertility problems in the Western world.

SourceEMBO·JournalEMBO Reports·DateMay 12, 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.

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.

Against the current with lava flows

Researchers found that lava flows, not water, carved the massive Noctis Labyrinthus and Valles Marineris canyons on Mars. The study suggests that there was less water on Mars than previously thought, making life on the planet less likely.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalJournal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research·DateMay 12, 2014

'Shocking' Stanford video reveals the surprising truth about cell wall growth

Researchers used microfluidic devices to trap bacterial cells and bathe them in different solutions, revealing that cell walls grow regardless of external pressures. The study's findings challenge the prevailing wisdom on osmotic shock, which may lead to new strategies for fighting bacterial diseases.

SourceStanford University School of Engineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·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.

Researchers find a new gene expression mechanism of PRRS virus

Researchers at Kansas State University have identified a new gene expression mechanism in the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus. The discovery provides a potential avenue for developing new antiviral strategies.

SourceKansas State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 12, 2014

Potential cure for captive amphibians with chytrid fungus

A new treatment option has been discovered that could protect frogs in zoos from a deadly fungal infection, reducing the reliance on often-toxic itraconazole. Amphotericin B is shown to be less toxic than itraconazole and can be combined with itraconazole for effective treatment.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateMay 12, 2014

Pregnancy significantly increases risk of serious traffic crashes

A study published in CMAJ found that pregnant women are at a higher risk of serious traffic crashes during the second trimester, with a 42% increase in crashes compared to baseline. The researchers emphasize the importance of safe driving practices, such as avoiding excessive speed and minimizing distractions, to prevent accidents.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMay 12, 2014

West Antarctic glacier loss appears unstoppable, UCI-NASA study finds

A UCI-NASA study reveals six massive glaciers in the Amundsen Sea sector are in irreversible decline, contributing significantly to sea level rise. The glaciers contain enough ice to boost global sea levels by 4 feet and are melting faster than expected.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 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.

Scientists from USC and NYU design a molecule that blocks cancer growth in mice

A team of USC and NYU researchers has developed a small molecule that interferes with cancer progression by mimicking the surface topography of one protein, tricking another into binding with it. This stops an aberrant gene expression contributing to cancer growth with minimal side effects.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 12, 2014

Hospitals recover from recession, some financial issues remain

Researchers analyzed data on nearly 3,000 hospitals from 2006 to 2011, finding that financially weak and safety-net hospitals struggled to recover from the recession. Despite rebounding by 2011, these institutions continue to face significant financial gaps with non-safety-net hospitals.

SourcePenn State·JournalHealth Affairs·DateMay 12, 2014

A form of immune therapy might be effective for multiple myeloma

Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a novel strategy for treating multiple myeloma by genetically modifying T lymphocytes to target the CS1 molecule on myeloma cells. The modified cells were shown to efficiently destroy human multiple myeloma cells in laboratory studies and animal models.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateMay 12, 2014

Two genes together drive aggressive prostate cancer

Researchers discovered that FOXM1 and CENPF genes synergistically activate pathways associated with the most aggressive form of prostate cancer. The study identified these genes as a key driver pair in both mice and humans, and found that co-expression correlated with poor disease outcomes.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalCancer Cell·DateMay 12, 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.

May/June 2014 Annals of Family Medicine tip sheet

Researchers found an estimated 9 million people with diabetes and 5.6 million people with coronary artery disease are not receiving statins, highlighting a concerning trend driven by high cholesterol. Statin use is often associated with reduced cardiovascular risk, regardless of cholesterol levels.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMay 12, 2014

Man's best friend shares similar 'albino' gene

Michigan State University researchers identified a gene mutation in Doberman pinschers that causes albinism, similar to humans. The study found over half of albino dogs developed tumors, while only one regular-colored dog did.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 12, 2014

UBC scientists find new way to mobilize immune system against viruses

Researchers at UBC have discovered a key enzyme, MMP12, that plays a crucial role in deploying the antiviral protein Interferon alpha. The team has developed a new drug that blocks this enzyme, keeping Interferon alpha levels high and boosting the immune system's response to viral infections.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature Medicine·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.

New cancer immunotherapy aims powerful T cells against tumors

Researchers at University of California - San Francisco have developed a new cancer immunotherapy that manipulates the thymus gland to alter its activity, allowing specialized immune cells to battle cancer cells. The treatment has been shown to be effective in treating deadly melanoma skin cancers in mice.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMay 12, 2014

NREL's work for the US Navy illuminates energy and cost savings

The NREL-Navy collaboration demonstrated eight energy-efficient technologies, yielding valuable results for the U.S. Navy. Advanced power strips and building retrofits achieved measurable savings, with plug load control technology reducing overall energy consumption by 8% in an office setting.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·DateMay 12, 2014

The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology: Intensive insulin provides survival

A landmark study shows that intensive insulin treatment significantly improves survival in patients with type 2 diabetes who have had a heart attack. The trial, which followed patients for up to 20 years, found that those who received intensified insulin treatment survived an average of 2.3 years longer than those on standard treatment.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateMay 12, 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.

Alternative pathways let right and left communicate in early split brains

Scientists have identified two alternative pathways that compensate for the lack of corpus callosum, enabling communication between brain hemispheres. These pathways are found to be functional and play a crucial role in tactile recognition abilities, similar to those observed in individuals with normal corpus callosum.

SourcePublicase International·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 12, 2014

Respect for human rights is improving

A new measurement model reveals that human rights are actually improving, contrary to common claims. The model takes into account changes in data collection and categorization, showing more countries with better human rights records.

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Political Science Review·DateMay 12, 2014

Ocean winds keep Antarctica cold, Australia dry

Researchers found that stronger westerly winds are delivering rain to southern Australia while pushing colder air towards Antarctica. This explains why Antarctica is not warming as much as other continents and why Australia faces more droughts.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMay 11, 2014

Atlas shows how genes affect our metabolism

Researchers have created an atlas of genetic associations with human metabolism, identifying 90 new genetic variants linked to metabolites. The study provides a powerful tool for understanding the molecular pathways underlying complex diseases and improving drug discovery for metabolic disorders.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 11, 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.

Hydrologists find Mississippi River network's buffering system for nitrates is overwhelmed

A new method reveals that nearly every drop of water in the Mississippi River network passes through a chemical filter, but this process is operating at max capacity due to high nitrate levels. The river's natural ability to filter out nitrates is being overwhelmed, resulting in an increased risk of dead zones and aquatic life decline.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMay 11, 2014

Patient stem cells used to make 'heart disease-on-a-chip'

Researchers at Harvard University have developed a new model of heart tissue carrying an inherited cardiovascular disease, a major step forward for personalized medicine. The study used patient-derived cardiac cells and 'organs-on-chips' technology to create a functional human heart tissue that can be replicated in the laboratory.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Medicine·DateMay 11, 2014

Hijacking bacteria's natural defenses to trap and reveal pathogens

A breakthrough in diagnostic technology could make it easier to detect pathogenic bacteria, particularly in developing nations. The innovative approach involves hijacking bacterial metabolic machinery to grow polymers that selectively bind to specific bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 11, 2014

Green-energy community projects need better government backing

A new report highlights the need for improved policy support for grassroots environmental projects in the UK. Community energy initiatives, such as solar panels and wind turbines, have potential to make a significant impact on tackling climate change.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEnvironmental Innovation and Societal Transitions·DateMay 11, 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.

Flexible supercapacitor raises bar for volumetric energy density

Researchers developed a fiber-like supercapacitor with high volumetric energy density, comparable to thin-film lithium batteries. The device offers fast charging and discharging capabilities, making it suitable for powering wearable medical monitors and communications equipment.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMay 11, 2014

Ice-loss moves the Earth 250 miles down

Researchers have discovered that the upward motion of Antarctica's crust is occurring at a rate of 15mm per year, much faster than previously thought. The land is rising due to the melting of glaciers and the subsequent reduction in weight on the Earth's crust.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateMay 11, 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.

Link found between cell death and inflammatory disease

A new study reveals a connection between necroptosis, a type of programmed cell death, and inflammatory diseases such as Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis. RIPK1 is identified as the molecule that regulates this process, allowing cells to choose whether to live or die.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalCell·DateMay 11, 2014