Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive May 2014 - Page 4


Page 4 of 31

Flame retardant exposure linked to lower IQs -- study

A new study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found a significant link between prenatal exposure to flame retardants and lower IQs in five-year-old children. The researchers discovered that elevated levels of PBDE concentrations were associated with a 4.5 IQ decrement, comparable to environmental lead exposure.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateMay 28, 2014

T cell repertoire changes predictive of anti-CTLA-4 cancer immunotherapy outcome revealed

A study using Sequenta's LymphoSIGHT platform reveals that patients with longer survival have lower numbers of T cell clones that decrease in frequency after treatment. This association holds for both prostate cancer and melanoma patients, suggesting that immune repertoire sequencing could predict clinical benefit of immunotherapies.

SourceSequenta Inc.·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 28, 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.

3,000 rice genome sequences made publicly available on World Hunger Day

The 3000 Rice Genomes Project provides a massive rice genomic sequence resource for worldwide use, quadrupling the current amount of publicly available rice sequence data. This will aid in improving crop yield, reducing environmental impact, and developing food crops suitable for stressed environments.

SourceGigaScience·JournalGigaScience·DateMay 28, 2014

A cure for dry eye could be a blink away

Researchers studied the basic motion of tear film traversing the eye to develop a potential cure for dry eye. The simulation found that blinking is necessary to stop the thinning of the tear film, and flooding the eye with liquid does not relieve the issue.

SourceRochester Institute of Technology·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateMay 28, 2014

Mount Sinai researchers lead committee to define the clinical course of multiple sclerosis

Researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital have re-examined multiple sclerosis (MS) clinical course descriptions to provide a framework for both clinical research and ongoing clinical care. The proposed 2013 revisions include improved clinical descriptive terminology, MRI imaging, and analysis of fluid biomarkers.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNeurology·DateMay 28, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Black trauma patients 65 and older more likely to survive than white counterparts

A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that older black trauma patients are 20% less likely to die from their injuries compared to white patients. This counterintuitive finding suggests that factors such as better access to healthcare and lower rates of penetrating trauma may contribute to the difference in survival rates.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateMay 28, 2014

Fish more inclined to crash than bees

New research reveals that zebra fish use optic flow but steer towards stronger flows instead of away from them. This may be due to the turbid underwater environment where visibility is limited.

SourceLund University·JournalBiology Letters·DateMay 28, 2014

Sneaky bacteria change key protein's shape to escape detection

Researchers found that Neisseria meningitidis and gonorrhoeae bacteria can change the structure of their outer proteins to evade the immune system. This discovery could lead to new treatments for bacterial diseases such as meningitis and gonorrhea.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 28, 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.

Melting Arctic opens new passages for invasive species

The opening of new Arctic shipping routes poses significant risks to the north Atlantic and north Pacific coasts from invasive species. Scientists warn that unchecked commercial shipping could drastically alter the exchange of invasive species across the region.

SourceSmithsonian·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMay 28, 2014

Large muskies lured by the moon

Researchers analyzed angler catch records for evidence of a lunar cycle's effect on muskie behavior. They found that muskellunge are caught consistently more around the full and new moon phases, with anglers catching 5% more fish during peak lunar days.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 28, 2014
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.

A more earth-friendly way to make bright white cotton fabrics

Researchers at the American Chemical Society have developed a novel compound that reduces the bleaching temperature of cotton fabrics from 200 degrees Fahrenheit to 140 degrees, significantly lowering energy consumption and producing less wastewater. The new method also improves fabric quality and maintains vibrant colors.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalIndustrial & Engineering Chemistry Research·DateMay 28, 2014

PTSD treatment cost-effective when patients given choice

A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that letting patients choose their PTSD treatment can lead to significant cost savings and a higher quality of life. The study showed that patients who were allowed to select their own treatment spent an average of $1,622 less per year compared to those who were assig...

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateMay 28, 2014

NASA IceBridge concludes Arctic field campaign

NASA's Operation IceBridge concludes its 11-week Arctic field campaign, collecting data on rapidly changing areas of sea and land ice. The mission released two new sea ice data products and provided a professional development opportunity for science teachers.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 28, 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.

Artificial lung the size of a sugar cube

Researchers have created an innovative 3D test system that allows them to simulate human body functions, enabling the development of more effective cancer treatments. The artificial lung model, no bigger than a sugar cube, can be used to analyze treatment resistance and metastasis formation, potentially leading to personalized medicine.

SourceFraunhofer-Gesellschaft·DateMay 28, 2014

Study affirms value of epigenetic test for markers of prostate cancer

A commercial epigenetic diagnostic test has been found to be accurate enough to exclude the need for repeat prostate biopsies in many men. The test analyzes DNA hypermethylation levels in specific genes and shows an 88% likelihood of no cancer when all three biomarkers are absent.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateMay 28, 2014

'Nanodaisies' deliver drug cocktail to cancer cells

Researchers have developed nanoscale structures called 'nanodaisies' that can deliver multiple anti-cancer drugs to cancer cells. These daisy-shaped structures show promise in treating lung, leukemia, breast, prostate, liver, ovarian and brain cancers.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalBiomaterials·DateMay 28, 2014

Researchers use light to coax stem cells to repair teeth

A Harvard-led team uses low-power laser therapy to stimulate human dental stem cells into forming dentin, a hard tissue similar to bone. The approach, led by David Mooney, could radically shift dental treatment and lead to broader clinical applications in regenerative medicine.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 28, 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.

Salk professor named grantee in new pancreatic cancer research program

Ronald M. Evans, director of the Gene Expression Laboratory at Salk Institute, is one of three scientists chosen for The Lustgarten Foundation's Distinguished Scholars program to focus on finding a cure for pancreatic cancer. He will expand his research on Vitamin D therapies using clinical trials in patients.

SourceSalk Institute·DateMay 28, 2014

Social networks linked to better health for older adults, studies find

Regular positive interactions with family and friends can help older adults maintain good health, but negative social interactions present health risks. Studies found that social networks are associated with more involvement in leisure activities, leading to better health outcomes.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalHealth Psychology·DateMay 28, 2014

NASA sees northern Indian Ocean System 92B's end

System 92B dissipated on May 27 after struggling to develop in the Bay of Bengal, with NASA's TRMM and Aqua satellites capturing data on its rainfall rates and cloud heights. The storm had strong thunderstorms and generated heavy rainfall before wind shear took its toll.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 28, 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.

Demographic of heroin users change in past 50 years

A study published in JAMA Psychiatry analyzed heroin use patterns from 1970 to 2014, revealing significant changes in demographics. The findings indicate that heroin users are becoming increasingly young, urban, and from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, reflecting broader societal trends.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateMay 28, 2014

Wild coho may seek genetic diversity in mate choice

A study by Oregon State University researchers found that wild coho salmon choosing mates with dissimilar MHC profiles have higher reproductive success. Hatchery-reared coho, however, lack this ability to select genetically diverse mates.

SourceOregon State University·JournalCanadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences·DateMay 28, 2014

Cats found to eat more in the winter

Researchers tracked cat food intake over four years and found a 15% decrease during summer months. Cats were more inclined to 'comfort eat' when it's cold outside.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 28, 2014

Dads who do chores bolster daughters' aspirations

A new study suggests that fathers' involvement in household chores plays a significant role in shaping their daughters' career goals. Girls growing up in households where domestic duties are shared more equitably are more likely to have broader career ambitions.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalPsychological Science·DateMay 28, 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.

What shaped it, how old is it, and are they connected?

Two articles investigate influence of climate, erosion, and tectonics on Bolivian Andes landscape. Researchers conclude that tectonics play primary role in shaping Earth's surface, not rainfall patterns. Tectonic deformation controls pattern of rock uplift and erosion rates.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalLithosphere·DateMay 28, 2014

A path toward more powerful tabletop accelerators

Researchers at Berkeley Lab discovered that certain requirements for laser pulses in emerging small-area particle accelerators can be significantly relaxed. This finding has the potential to bring about a new era of accelerators that would need just a few meters to accelerate particles to great speeds, rather than traditional accelerat...

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalPhysics of Plasmas·DateMay 28, 2014

Antarctic ice-sheet less stable than previously assumed

A new study reveals that the Antarctic ice sheet is less stable than previously thought, with massive iceberg calving events causing rapid global sea level rise. The findings, published in Nature, provide direct evidence of the impact of Antarctic ice sheet instability on climate and sea levels.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalNature·DateMay 28, 2014
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.

Increased social network can have big payoff for nonprofits, study shows

Researchers found that even small organizations can employ social media to ride the new wave of charitable giving, increasing their support bases and ability to generate donations. The study highlights the importance of understanding and cultivating the 'social network effect' to experience a payoff in donations and supporters.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalNonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly·DateMay 28, 2014

Can Tai Chi slow the aging process?

A recent study found that Tai Chi intervention increased the number of CD34+ cells in young adults, a potential indicator of anti-aging effects. This increase was comparable to brisk walking, suggesting that Tai Chi may be an effective exercise for promoting healthy aging.

SourceCell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair·JournalCell Transplantation·DateMay 28, 2014

Chapman University research article wins 'Best of 2013' award

A Chapman University research team, led by Yakir Aharonov and Jeff Tollaksen, has challenged long-held beliefs about the transition from microscopic to macroscopic scales in nature. Their paper proposes a new theory that gives different predictions than classical physics for certain phenomena.

SourceChapman University·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateMay 28, 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.

High-status co-eds use 'slut discourse' to assert class advantage

A new study suggests that high-status female college students employ 'slut discourse' to signal their social status and justify more sexual exploration. They define themselves as classy, while labeling others as trashy or slutty to maintain class boundaries.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalSocial Psychology Quarterly·DateMay 28, 2014

Brazilian researchers find human menstrual blood-derived cells 'feed' embryonic stem cells

Researchers have found that human menstrual blood-derived mesenchymal cells can replace animal-derived feeder systems in human embryonic stem cell culture, supporting their growth in an undifferentiated stage. This breakthrough could provide a new means of culturing ESCs for clinical purposes without potential xenocontamination.

SourceCell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair·JournalCell Medicine·DateMay 28, 2014

Meek male and fighting female scorpions

Female bark scorpions exhibit poor sprinting ability but rapidly sting in response to simulated threats. In contrast, male scorpions have superior sprinting ability and longer legs.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 28, 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.

Diesel bus alternative

Researchers analyzed the cost-effectiveness of electric school buses that discharge their batteries into the electrical grid when not in use. Over 14 years, a V2G-capable electric bus fleet could save an estimated $38 million compared to diesel buses.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalApplied Energy·DateMay 28, 2014

Cynical? You may be hurting your brain health

People with high levels of cynicism are three times more likely to develop dementia than those with low levels, according to the study. High cynicism was also initially linked to earlier death, but this association disappeared after adjusting for other factors.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateMay 28, 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.

Vocal fry hurts women in the labor market

A study by University of Miami researcher Casey Klofstad found that vocal fry is perceived negatively, particularly in labor market contexts, affecting women's hiring prospects. Women who use vocal fry are seen as less attractive, competent, educated, trustworthy, and ultimately less hirable than those with normal speech.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 28, 2014

Parasitic fig wasps bore with zinc-hardened drill bit tips

Researchers discovered that female parasitic fig wasps possess zinc-tipped ovipositor drill bits, allowing them to efficiently navigate and lay eggs within the fruit's woody interior. The drill bit's hardness and wear resistance were found to be remarkable, comparable to dental implants.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateMay 28, 2014

Uncovering clues to the genetic cause of schizophrenia

A study sequencing the exome of 231 schizophrenia patients and their unaffected parents found that collective damage across several genes contributes to the disease. This discovery could lead to early detection and treatment strategies.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNeuron·DateMay 28, 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.

Surface physics: Leaving the islands

A team of scientists has visualized the desorption of oxygen molecules from a silver surface using low-energy electron microscopy. They found that the process involves isolated islands breaking up on the surface, leading to discrepancies between theoretical predictions and experimental measurements.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 28, 2014

Suspect strep throat? Re-check negative rapid test results with lab culture

A study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that nearly seven million Americans seek medical attention for sore throats each year, with one in 10 cases being strep throat. The researchers concluded that performing a laboratory culture can help doctors and patients avoid both under-treatment and over-treatment of sore throats.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateMay 28, 2014