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Science News Archive May 2014 - Page 5


Page 5 of 31

Zeroing in on the proton's magnetic moment

Scientists from RIKEN have directly measured the proton's magnetic moment with record precision, resolving one of physics' deepest mysteries. This achievement could help explain the matter-antimatter asymmetry in the universe.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature·DateMay 28, 2014

Indoor tanning, even without burning, increases the risk of melanoma

A study published in JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that indoor tanning increases melanoma risk, regardless of burn history. Researchers matched 1167 melanoma patients with 1101 control subjects and found nearly four times more indoor tanners among those with zero burns.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·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.

Coating stents with vitamin C could reduce clotting risks

Researchers have found that coating stents with vitamin C could lower implant-related risks by inhibiting smooth muscle cell growth and encouraging endothelial cells. This technique could make stents safer for millions of Americans who receive them annually.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalLangmuir·DateMay 28, 2014

Sight for sore eyes: Augmented reality without the discomfort

Researchers developed a new optical see-through head-mounted display that superimposes 3D images onto the real world, reducing eye strain and discomfort. The device uses microscopic integral imaging technology to create a seamless blend of virtual and physical environments.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateMay 28, 2014

Drug users switch to heroin because it's cheap, easy to get

A nationwide survey reveals that heroin users are attracted to the drug for its lower cost and ease of use compared to prescription painkillers. The study found that most people switching to heroin began with OxyContin or other opioids, highlighting a significant shift in the US heroin market.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateMay 28, 2014

Billions of kg of CO2 could be saved by scrapping DVDs, research suggests

A new study suggests that switching to video streaming from traditional DVD methods can significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions and energy consumption. Streaming requires less energy than buying or renting DVDs, which also emits more CO2 due to driving and data transmission.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·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.

Negative social interactions increase hypertension risk in older adults

A study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found that negative social interactions significantly increase the risk of hypertension among older adults. Women were more affected by these interactions than men, and relationships with friends and family led to a higher risk of developing hypertension.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalHealth Psychology·DateMay 28, 2014

May the force (shoes) be with you

Researchers will use the ForceShoe to measure exercise loads and ground reaction forces, aiming to understand how joint forces differ between Earth-based exercises and those in microgravity. The goal is to recommend optimal exercise regimens for safe bone and muscle strength maintenance during spaceflight.

SourceNASA/Johnson Space Center·DateMay 28, 2014

Supersonic spray delivers high quality graphene layer

A new supersonic spray system produces a smooth, defect-free graphene layer by dispersing and restructuring graphene flakes. This method enables the production of high-quality graphene on various substrates without post-treatment or introducing defects.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMay 28, 2014

Rice researcher rebooting 'deep brain stimulation'

A Rice University researcher is rebooting 'deep brain stimulation' technology to treat Parkinson's disease and other neurological disorders. The new technique uses embedded processors and real-time analytics to optimize results, potentially increasing effectiveness for a third of patients.

SourceRice University·DateMay 27, 2014

Barriers to HIV testing in older children

A new study from Zimbabwe found that providers are hesitant to test children for HIV due to concerns about guardianship and privacy. The research highlights the need for improved guidelines, training, and organizational adjustments to increase HIV testing and counseling among this vulnerable population.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMay 27, 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.

Moving 'natural capital' from metaphor to reality

Economists at Yale School of Environment develop framework to value natural resources as long-term wealth stores, rather than commodities. The new approach combines economic and biophysical measurements to quantify feedbacks between nature and human behavior, providing a basis for accurate valuation.

SourceYale School of the Environment·JournalJournal of the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists·DateMay 27, 2014

Two new possible drug targets for triple negative breast cancer

Scientists have identified two genes, MLF2 and RPL39, that may affect the most lethal type of breast cancer. Suppressing these genes can reduce tumor formation and metastasis by interfering with blood vessel formation and recruitment.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 27, 2014

What what role does MSG play in obesity and fatty liver disease?

A new study reveals that MSG triggers obesity and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in mice, with a restrictive diet slowing but not preventing disease progression. The findings have significant implications for childhood obesity, a major global health concern.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Medicinal Food·DateMay 27, 2014

Dealing with stress -- to cope or to quit?

A team of researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has identified the group of neurons in the brain that determines how a mouse responds to stress, whether with resilience or defeat. The study's findings may lead to improved treatments for depression.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·DateMay 27, 2014

Learning early in life may help keep brain cells alive

A recent Rutgers University study published in Frontiers in Neuroscience found that young rats who mastered a learning task had newborn brain cells survive for longer periods. The study suggests that learning helps keep brain cells alive and could impact how the brain functions after puberty.

SourceRutgers University·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateMay 27, 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.

Scientists develop new hybrid energy transfer system

Researchers at University of Southampton have developed a new hybrid energy transfer system that mimics the processes responsible for photosynthesis. The system enables efficient energy transfer over long distances, with potential applications in optoelectronic devices and synthetic systems.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 27, 2014

The future of sweet cherry in Australia

The study found that Australian sweet cherry varieties 'Sweetheart' and 'Kordia' have different chill hour requirements. The researchers concluded that regions in Western Australia and Queensland will become marginal for 'Kordia', while 'Sweetheart' can still thrive with increased winter temperatures.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateMay 27, 2014

Keeping active pays off even in your 70s and 80s

Older adults who engage in at least 25 minutes of moderate or vigorous exercise daily require fewer prescriptions and experience lower rates of emergency hospital admissions. This study highlights the importance of exercise programs for maintaining physical function and preventing chronic diseases.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 27, 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.

A habitable environment on Martian volcano?

A Martian volcano, Arsia Mons, may have supported one of the most recent habitable environments on the Red Planet. Researchers found evidence of englacial lakes and volcanic lava flows that could have created a liquid water environment suitable for microbial life. The discovery is significant as it suggests that such environments may h...

SourceBrown University·JournalIcarus·DateMay 27, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Heavily decorated classrooms disrupt attention and learning in young children

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University found that too much visual stimulation can distract young children from learning. The study showed that children in highly decorated classrooms were more likely to be off-task and demonstrated smaller learning gains compared to those in sparse classrooms.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalPsychological Science·DateMay 27, 2014

UH awarded $2 million for new engineering professor

The University of Houston will bolster its biomedical research capabilities with the recruitment of cancer imaging expert David Mayerich. Mayerich's work focuses on improving diagnosis and treatment through high-performance imaging and modeling of complex tumor structures.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateMay 27, 2014

Chest CT helps predict cardiovascular disease risk

A new study uses chest CT scans to identify individuals at high risk for cardiovascular disease, regardless of conventional risk factor status. The study found that radiologic information can complement standard clinical strategies in cardiovascular risk screening.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateMay 27, 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.

Imaging scientists develop a better tool for tracking MS

Researchers have developed a new imaging technique to track Multiple Sclerosis (MS) progression from its earliest stages. The study uses QS Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to measure damage in specific brain areas, revealing that even at early disease stages, patients already show significant damage.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalRadiology·DateMay 27, 2014

Researchers identify a new suppressor of breast metastasis to the lung

Researchers at IRB Barcelona have identified a new gene, RARRES3, that promotes breast cancer metastasis to the lung. The study reveals that loss of function of this gene enhances adhesion and differentiation in cancer cells, leading to increased malignant capacity.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateMay 27, 2014

FDA approves many drugs that predictably increase heart and stroke risk

The FDA has approved medications that raise blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes, despite inadequate safety data. The agency is urged to establish guidelines and require pharmaceutical companies to provide cardiovascular safety data on these medications.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics·DateMay 27, 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.

UCI researchers identify new functional roles on cell surfaces for estrogen

Researchers at UCI have discovered a new role for estrogen receptors on the surface of cells, which collaborate with nuclear receptors to regulate organ development and function. The study has significant implications for understanding estrogen's role in diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and bone disease.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateMay 27, 2014

Light-colored butterflies and dragonflies thriving as European climate warms

A study found that as Europe warms, communities of butterflies and dragonflies consist of more lighter-colored species, which are better adapted to the changing climate. Lighter-colored insects can reflect sunlight and regulate their body temperature, giving them an advantage over darker-colored species.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 27, 2014

May 27 update on Slide Fire, Arizona

The Slide Fire smoke has shifted from Flagstaff to Sedona in Arizona, covering over 20,000 acres of the Coconino Forest. Crews have completed the final perimeter burnout and are working to hold the containment line along the west edge of the fire.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 27, 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.

What can plants reveal about gene flow? That it's an important evolutionary force

Recent research emphasizes the significance of gene flow in plant populations, counteracting forces of mutation, genetic drift, and selection. Gene flow between populations can be surprisingly far-reaching, even among stationary individuals, with some studies detecting alleles from hundreds to thousands of meters away.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateMay 27, 2014

Where have all the craters gone?

Researchers predict that only a few craters from asteroid impacts could persist on Earth due to tectonic processes and weathering. However, layers of molten rock blasted out during the impact process may serve as better records of impacts, providing insights into Earth's bombardment history.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateMay 27, 2014

Study identifies risk of chemotherapy related hospitalization for eary-stage breast cancer patients

Researchers used large population-based data to compare six common chemotherapy regimens, identifying those with the highest risk of hospitalization. The study found that TAC and AC+T were associated with high hospitalization rates in younger patients, while all regimens except ddAC+P had higher risks for older patients.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateMay 27, 2014

People attribute free will to mind, not soul

A new study suggests that people's perception of free will is based on the agent's ability to make intentional and independent choices, regardless of their spiritual beliefs. The study found that participants generally attributed free will to humans with mental capacity, but not to those without.

SourceBrown University·JournalConsciousness and Cognition·DateMay 27, 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.

Migrating stem cells possible new focus for stroke treatment

Pericytes, a type of stem cell found in the brain, play a key role in brain repair after a stroke by migrating to damaged areas and converting into microglia cells. This discovery opens up new possibilities for targeting pericytes as a potential treatment for stroke treatment.

SourceLund University·JournalActa Neuropathologica·DateMay 27, 2014

Agricultural fires light up central Africa

Agricultural fires are on the rise in central Africa due to the dry season, affecting air quality and public health. The region's reliance on slash-and-burn agriculture has led to a recurring pattern of annual burning that can have significant environmental implications.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 27, 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.

The science of school lunch

The Johnson Lab is developing state-of-the-art digital imaging to measure consumption, which has been validated by a paper in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Researchers are exploring ways to employ the method, including training non-researchers to collect data.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateMay 27, 2014

Steroids prescribed in the ICU linked to delirium

Critically ill patients receiving steroids in the ICU are significantly more likely to develop delirium, with up to 80% of ventilated patients at risk. Minimizing steroid use may reduce delirium and its long-term impact on functional recovery and cognitive function.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCritical Care Medicine·DateMay 27, 2014

Ultraviolet cleaning reduces hospital superbugs by 20 percent: Study

Researchers found that ultraviolet environmental disinfection (UVD) significantly reduced healthcare-associated infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms and Clostridium difficile. The study analyzed 52 months of hospital-acquired MDROs plus C. difficile before and during UVD use, resulting in a 20 percent decrease in superbugs.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateMay 27, 2014

Mycotoxin protects against nematodes

Researchers discover protein toxic to nematodes, protecting fungus and plant roots from parasites. The toxin docks on modified sugar structures, paving the way for novel vaccines against parasites and pathogenic germs.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 27, 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.

Intertwined evolution of human brain and brawn

A recent study suggests that the evolution of human brain and brawn are intertwined. Human muscle accumulated more metabolic change than chimpanzees, while the human brain metabolome evolved four times faster. These findings may hold clues to common human metabolic diseases.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 27, 2014

Why are girl babies winning in the battle for survival?

A University of Adelaide research team discovered significant genetic and physiological differences between male and female babies, with placenta playing a crucial role. The findings suggest that female babies are more likely to adopt a risk-averse strategy towards development and survival.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalMolecular Human Reproduction·DateMay 27, 2014

Climate warming favors light-colored insects in Europe

A study published in Nature Communications reveals that climate change is favoring the distribution of light-colored insects in Europe, particularly butterflies and dragonflies. This phenomenon is due to their ability to regulate heat through their color variation, allowing them to thrive in warmer areas.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 27, 2014

The secret cargo of mosquitoes

Scientists detect Dirofilaria repens in mosquitoes in Austria, a parasite that attacks subcutaneous tissue of dogs and causes skin lumps. The parasite is also present in other European countries, and its spread into Austria is expected.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalParasites & Vectors·DateMay 27, 2014

New method discovered to protect against chemical weapons

Researchers at Oregon State University have discovered that polyoxoniobates can degrade and decontaminate nerve agents like sarin gas, making them ideal for protective suits and clothing. The discovery could have significant implications for military and civilian protection against deadly nerve gases.

SourceOregon State University·JournalEuropean Journal of Inorganic Chemistry·DateMay 27, 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.