Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive May 2014 - Page 30


Page 30 of 31

UH Rainbow to study African-Americans' response to asthma medications

Researchers at UH Rainbow will evaluate treatment guidelines for African American children and young adults with asthma, exploring differences in response to asthma therapies compared to Caucasians. The study aims to identify the best add-on therapy based on patient age.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·DateMay 2, 2014

Leaf chewing links insect diversity in modern and ancient forests

A team of researchers found a strong correlation between the number of insect species and the types of damage they cause to leaves in modern tropical forests. The study also compared these findings with fossil data from ancient settings, showing consistency in how insects have divided up their leaf resources over time.

SourcePenn State·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 2, 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.

How bacteria exploit proteins to trigger potentially lethal infections

Scientists at the University of York studied how Staphylococcus aureus attaches to human blood proteins fibronectin and fibrinogen. The research reveals how binding of these proteins cooperates to cause life-threatening infections, including infective endocarditis.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMay 2, 2014

Maternal deaths on the rise in the United States

The US has seen a disturbing trend of increasing maternal mortality, ranking 60th globally with 796 maternal deaths in 2013. The largest increase occurred among women aged 20-24, and possible explanations include lack of prenatal care access and high caesarian section rates.

SourceInstitute for Health Metrics and Evaluation·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 2, 2014

Novel analyses improve identification of cancer-associated genes from microarray data

Researchers developed a new gene expression analysis approach to identify cancer-associated genes from microarray data, outperforming traditional methods. The variance-based approach identified high variation in adjacent 'normal' tissue samples and preferentially selected genes specifically associated with cancer.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalBMC Genomics·DateMay 2, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Nature's chemical diversity reflected in Swedish lakes

A comprehensive study of lake water composition reveals its strong connection with environmental factors, such as climate and hydrology. The research found that the chemical diversity of dissolved organic matter in lakes varies significantly depending on these factors.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 2, 2014

High quality 3-D nanoporous graphene

Scientists at AIMR successfully synthesized three-dimensional (3D) nanoporous graphene with preserved two-dimensional Dirac electronic characters. The material exhibits exceptional electron mobility and a massless Dirac cone system, making it an attractive alternative to silicon-based devices.

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 2, 2014

Key protein, FABP5, enhances memory and learning

Researchers discovered that fatty acid binding protein 5 (FABP5) enhances cognitive function and improves learning and memory functions in the brain's hippocampus region. FABP5 deficiency impairs learning and memory, suggesting potential therapeutic applications for cognitive dysfunction.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMay 2, 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.

Penn State researchers believe ants can offer human-disease insights

A team of researchers led by David Hughes is studying the role of group size, complexity, and connectedness in driving infectious disease transmission. By analyzing ant colonies, they aim to develop strategies to reduce the spread of diseases, including those affecting humans in schools, hospitals, and farms.

SourcePenn State·DateMay 2, 2014

Drinking poses greater risk for advanced liver disease in HIV/hep C patients

A new study reveals that even light drinking increases the risk of liver fibrosis in people co-infected with HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Researchers found a stark difference between co-infected and uninfected groups, highlighting the importance of counseling patients to reduce alcohol consumption.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateMay 2, 2014

New insights into bacterial substitute for sex

Scientists have found that bacteria can undergo two distinct types of recombination, which enables them to evade vaccines and become drug-resistant. The study, published in PLoS Genetics, used DNA sequencing data to reconstruct an evolutionary tree for pneumococcus bacteria.

SourceImperial College London·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMay 1, 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.

Australian tsunami database reveals threat to continent

A revised Australian tsunami database, updated by UNSW researchers, has revealed up to 145 possible tsunamis since prehistoric times, with 11 reported deaths in Australia. The database indicates the east coast faces the most significant risk from tsunamis.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalProgress in Physical Geography Earth and Environment·DateMay 1, 2014

Extreme sleep durations may affect brain health in later life

A new study from Brigham and Women's Hospital suggests that extreme sleep durations may affect brain health in later life. Women who slept five or fewer hours or nine or more hours per day had worse memory than those sleeping seven hours a day.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMay 1, 2014

New rapid synthesis developed for bilayer graphene and high-performance transistors

Researchers at UCSB demonstrate a rapid synthesis technique for large-area Bernal (or AB) stacked bilayer graphene films, exhibiting electron mobility as high as 3450 cm2/(V•s). The growth of high-quality and large-area bilayer graphene films is achieved with controlled stacking order required for low-power digital electronics.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateMay 1, 2014

Breaking up water: Controlling molecular vibrations to produce hydrogen

Researchers at EPFL used lasers to study how specific vibrations in a water molecule affect its ability to dissociate, enabling the optimization of theoretical models for water dissociation. This breakthrough can impact the design of future catalysts for industrial and commercial chemical reactions.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience·DateMay 1, 2014

Climate change study reveals unappreciated impacts on biodiversity

A new study analyzes climate change impacts on biodiversity across different regions, revealing severe threats to species adapted to specific climates. The tropics face novel climatic conditions and extreme events, while polar regions experience shrinking habitats.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalScience·DateMay 1, 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.

Crocodile tears please thirsty butterflies and bees

In a rare observation, butterflies and bees were seen drinking the tears of a spectacled caiman in northeastern Costa Rica. Researchers have found that this behavior is more common than previously thought, with many instances recorded by wildlife enthusiasts and scientists.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateMay 1, 2014

Rules of thumb: 3 simple ideas for overcoming childhood obesity

Childhood obesity is linked to mental health issues and decreased academic performance. Dr. Kaliebe's three rules aim to promote physical and mental well-being through healthy eating, regular movement, and reducing sensory overload.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateMay 1, 2014

Noncombat injury top reason for pediatric care by military surgeons in Afghanistan, Iraq

A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons reveals that noncombat-related injuries, such as accidents and burns, are the leading cause of pediatric admissions to U.S. military combat hospitals in both countries. The study analyzed data from over 6,000 children under 14 years old treated at Army support hos...

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateMay 1, 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.

'Til sickness do us part: How illness affects the risk of divorce

A recent study analyzed 20 years of data on 2,717 marriages and found that when the wife becomes seriously ill, the risk of divorce rises. Women are more likely to be widowed and get divorced when they become ill, possibly due to caregiving responsibilities and limited marriage market options for divorced men.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateMay 1, 2014

Scientists figure out staying power of HIV-fighting enzyme

Researchers have discovered how the HIV-fighting enzyme SAMHD1 works, allowing for potential new treatments to prevent HIV infection. By understanding its dual role in breaking down nucleotides and regulating its activity, scientists may be able to develop more effective prevention strategies.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 1, 2014

Tapah downgrades to a depression

Tapah downgraded from a tropical storm to a tropical depression due to strong vertical windshear and decreased sea surface temperature. The storm is currently tracking northwest at 10 knots per hour and expected to recurve to the northeast.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 1, 2014

A new syndrome caused by mutations in AHDC1

Researchers identify AHDC1 gene as cause of newly recognized genetic syndrome with symptoms of sleep apnea, delayed speech and hyptonia. The study analyzed DNA sequences from patients and their families, revealing damaging mutations in the same gene across multiple cases.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMay 1, 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.

Autoimmune diseases may succumb to new drug strategy

A new study identifies three potential drug candidates for treating autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis. The researchers used genome analysis to target a specific molecule within immune cells that drives these diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalImmunity·DateMay 1, 2014

'Achilles heel' of pancreatic cancer identified

Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have identified Yes-associated protein (Yes) as the critical switch that promotes cancer growth and progression in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Inhibiting Yes completely shuts down further growth of pancreatic cancer, offering a promising therapeutic target.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalScience Signaling·DateMay 1, 2014

Scientists propose amphibian protection

Scientists propose new climate adaptation tools to reduce threats to amphibians, prioritizing habitat restoration in Western North America's mountainous regions. Removing non-native fish is a key strategy to restore resilience to landscapes.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateMay 1, 2014

New myeloma-obesity research shows drugs can team with body's defenses

A new study reveals the link between obesity and increased risk of myeloma, a cancer of plasma cells. The researchers found that adiponectin, a protective protein, can be used to suppress fatty acid production in myeloma cells, leading to their demise.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalLeukemia·DateMay 1, 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.

Remodelling damaged nuclei

Researchers have identified a key chemical that can repair damaged cell nuclei, a breakthrough in treating Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS), a rare and devastating ageing disease. The compound, Remodelin, also shows promise in reducing DNA damage and improving cellular health.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience·DateMay 1, 2014

Antimicrobial edible films inhibit pathogens in meat

Researchers developed antimicrobial edible films using pullulan and essential oils, which significantly inhibit bacterial pathogens in meat and poultry. The films provide immediate and sustained kill of bacteria, reducing the risk of foodborne illness.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Food Science·DateMay 1, 2014

Network for tracking earthquakes exposes glacier activity

Scientists can use the seismic signals to better understand glacier behavior and track changes in real-time. The Alaska Earthquake Center has recorded over 2,800 glacial events, which could provide new insights into glacier dynamics and potential advances in field studies.

SourceSeismological Society of America·DateMay 1, 2014

Pioneering forensics research into body fluids in sexual assaults

A researcher is working on procedures to identify female menstrual blood and vaginal material at crime scenes, while also identifying male fluids. This study aims to differentiate between seminal fluid and semen to prove the occurrence of sexual intercourse in cases of false accusation or prosecution.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·DateMay 1, 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.

Kempe Scientific Impact Award

The Kempe Center presents its first National Kempe Scientific Impact Award to Dr. David Finkelhor for his sustained scientific contributions to the field of child abuse and neglect. Finkelhor's extensive research has informed policy and practice to benefit children and families.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·DateMay 1, 2014

Study in Science finds missing piece of biogeochemical puzzle in aquifers

A study published in Science finds a previously unknown step in the biogeochemical process that occurs in aquifers, affecting groundwater quality and contaminant fate. Microbes breathe solid iron and sulfur, transforming them into reactive ions that impact the makeup of rocks, soil, and water.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateMay 1, 2014
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Vitamin D deficiency may be linked to aggressive prostate cancer

A study found that vitamin D deficiency was associated with aggressive prostate cancer diagnosis and tumor progression in both European-American and African-American men. Lower levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH D) were linked to higher odds of having aggressive prostate cancer and faster disease progression.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateMay 1, 2014

Delving deep into the brain

Researchers at MIT have developed a technique that allows them to track neural communication in the brain over time, offering a new window on brain function. The technique uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) along with a specialized molecular sensor to monitor dopamine levels in specific regions of the brain.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateMay 1, 2014

Collaborative 'metasurfaces' grant to merge classical and quantum physics

The project aims to create rapidly configurable metasurfaces that can be tuned in real-time, enabling the development of advanced optical technologies and quantum information devices. The research team will combine nanophotonics with quantum photonics to achieve unprecedented control over photon emission.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·DateMay 1, 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.

Shining a light on heart disease

A £3 million project aims to develop nanoparticles for early detection and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The researchers will use surface enhanced Raman scattering to quantify vascular inflammation and deliver drugs directly to diseased vessels.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·DateMay 1, 2014

NASA begins field campaign to measure rain in southern Appalachians

The Integrated Precipitation and Hydrology Experiment field campaign aims to better understand mountain weather patterns and improve precipitation measurement. Researchers will combine ground-based measurements with airborne sensors and satellite data to gain insights into the complex processes of mountain rainfall.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 1, 2014

Viruses hijack deep-sea bacteria at hydrothermal vents

Researchers found viruses force bacteria to burn sulfur reserves, releasing energy for viral replication. The study reveals a new microbial interaction in deep-sea environments, hinting that viruses act as agents of evolution in chemosynthetic systems.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScience·DateMay 1, 2014

Killing Kindlin-3 to cure breast cancer: 'Blood' protein implicated

A protein called Kindlin-3 has been identified as a key player in both the formation and spread of breast cancer. The discovery suggests that targeting Kindlin-3 could lead to an entirely new class of breast cancer drugs, potentially slowing or reversing disease progression.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateMay 1, 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.

NASA sounding rocket to study interplanetary medium

The Hydrogen Polarimetric Explorer mission will measure the nature of interplanetary hydrogen, providing insights into the size and shape of the heliosphere and its interactions with the local interstellar medium. The sounding rocket's results will be combined with other NASA missions to improve models of the heliospheric boundary.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 1, 2014

Unlocking a mystery of thalidomide

Researchers at Tel Aviv University pinpoint a genetic regulator, p53 and MicroRNA34, as the cause of phocomelia syndrome in mice. The study provides new insights into the mechanisms of teratogens and may lead to better understanding of toxin-induced birth defects.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalArchives of Toxicology·DateMay 1, 2014

Many Ivy League students don't view ADHD medication misuse as cheating

A study found that nearly one in five Ivy League college students misused prescription stimulants to help them study and write papers. The misuse was often viewed as a common occurrence on campus, with 37% of those who used stimulants believing more than 30% of their peers had done the same.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateMay 1, 2014

Stimulated mutual annihilation

The Joint Quantum Institute theorists have made detailed calculations of the dynamics of a positronium Bose-Einstein condensate. They report that above a critical density, collision processes destroy the internal coherence of the gas, posing challenges for the operation of a gamma-ray laser.

SourceJoint Quantum Institute·JournalPhysical Review A·DateMay 1, 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.

Electronic nose sniffs out prostate cancer using urine samples

A novel electronic nose technique has been successfully used to discriminate between prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia in a proof-of-principle study. The eNose system demonstrated sensitivity and specificity comparable to traditional testing methods, such as prostate-specific antigen (PSA), with rapid and non-invasive re...

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateMay 1, 2014