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Science News Archive November 2014


Page 29 of 31

UC Riverside receives Grand Challenges Explorations grant

UC Riverside professors Eamonn Keogh and Sang-Hee Lee, along with Mindy Marks, are developing a cell phone-based game to encourage healthy behaviors. The team aims to use financial incentives to motivate participants in both the US and sub-Saharan Africa.

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.

Less reward, more aversion when learning tricky tasks

A new study at Brown University reveals that conflict in learning tasks biases the brain to reduce the influence of reward and increase the influence of aversion to punishment. The researchers used EEG scans, genetic tests, and manipulation with a dopamine-related drug to gather evidence for this link. They found that people who learn ...

NEIKER fells pine trees to study their wind resistance

Researchers at NEIKER felled pine trees and attached sensors to measure the force exerted on them, recording the degree of tilt to determine the roots' resistance and trunk strength. The study aims to provide forestry experts with tools to manage woodlands better and mitigate wind damage risks.

How important is long-distance travel in the spread of epidemics?

A simple computer model of disease spread reveals that low-long distance jump events slow the spread, while high events lead to rapid spread like with SARS. The study's findings will help epidemiologists understand complex models and also apply to other phenomena such as cancer metastases and rumors.

Populations of common birds across europe are declining

Common bird species across Europe are experiencing significant declines in population, with many providing essential services for humans such as pest control and seed dispersal. The study's findings highlight the critical importance of birds in maintaining ecosystem balance and human health.

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.

Oregon research team scores with 'The Concussion Playbook'

The Brain 101 website, developed by Oregon researchers, increased knowledge and attitudes about concussions among students and parents in a study of 12 high schools. The tool, accessible online for free, includes educational resources for coaches, educators, teens, and parents.

Breastfeeding: Shame if you do, shame if you don't

A new study reveals breastfeeding mothers experience shame due to exposure, while those who don't breastfeed face judgment and condemnation for perceived failures. The study emphasizes individualized support and addressing cultural constraints associated with infant feeding.

Hermit thrush or humans: Who sets the tone?

Researchers analyzed hermit thrush songs and found notes related by simple integer proportions, similar to human musical scales. The study suggests that hermit thrushes actively select pitches following the harmonic series, possibly due to easier memory or evaluation by females.

Jet-fueled electricity at room temperature

Researchers have successfully developed a room-temperature fuel cell that uses jet fuel and enzymes to produce electricity. The new cells can be used to power portable electronics, off-grid power, and sensors. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and cost-effective energy solutions.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

High-speed 'label-free' imaging could reveal dangerous plaques

Researchers have developed a high-speed imaging technology that can take precise three-dimensional images of plaques lining arteries and identify deposits likely to rupture and cause heart attacks. The system uses a fast-pulsing laser to generate ultrasound signals without damaging tissues.

Rice chemists gain edge in next-gen energy

Rice chemists create a nanoporous film of molybdenum disulfide for efficient hydrogen evolution reaction and energy storage, with potential applications in fuel cells and supercapacitors.

NASA's SDO sees a mid-level solar flare: Nov. 3

A mid-level solar flare was observed by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) on November 3, 2014, peaking at an M6.5 classification. This event is significant because it can disturb the atmosphere in layers where GPS and communications signals travel.

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.

Granger causality test can make epilepsy surgery more effective

Researchers at Georgia State University used the Granger causality test to analyze brain signals and locate seizure sources, improving surgical outcomes for patients. The study found that the test can detect seizures up to 10 seconds earlier than previous methods, leading to a higher cure rate.

Can (and should) happiness be a policy goal?

A new article finds that happiness levels can reflect societal conditions, allowing policymakers to test the impact of policies on citizens' well-being. Researchers conclude that prioritizing policy-related welfare programs can lead to a more ideal society where citizens feel happy and satisfied.

Shaping up: Researchers reconstruct early stages of embryo development

Using mouse embryonic stem cells, researchers have successfully reconstructed the early stage of mammalian development in a lab, showing that a critical mass of cells is needed for self-organisation into an embryo. This breakthrough allows for the creation of an axis and gastrulation-like movements, mimicking the process of embryonic d...

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.

How cells defend themselves against antibiotics and cytostatic agents

Researchers have determined the structure of an ABC transporter complex, enabling targeted therapeutic approaches to combat antibiotic resistance and cancer cell defense. The study's breakthrough has significant implications for treating cystic fibrosis, bacterial infections, and cancer.

Researchers advocate for optimum level of 'unequality' for the US economy

A new study published in Policy Insights from the Behavioral and Brain Sciences suggests that American citizens desire an unequal but more equal distribution of wealth and income. Lower levels of inequality are associated with decreased unethical behavior and increased motivation, while high levels lead to demotivation and negative per...

The inside story: How the brain and skull stay together

A study published in the journal Development reveals that cells at the head-trunk junction communicate not only about tissue type but also location, ensuring proper alignment. The findings have important implications for treating congenital defects like Spina Bifida and Chiari malformations.

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.

March of Dimes calls for 50 percent reduction in preterm births by 2030

The March of Dimes aims to reduce US preterm birth rates to 5.5% by 2030 through evidence-based interventions such as eliminating early elective deliveries and optimizing birth spacing. The organization is also funding research to discover unknown causes of premature birth and identify new interventions.

Coenzyme Q10 helps veterans battle Gulf War illness symptoms

A recent study published in Neural Computation found that CoQ10 supplements improved physical function in 80% of treated veterans with Gulf War illness. The study suggests that CoQ10 may be beneficial for those suffering from this chronic condition, which is linked to chemical exposures and mitochondrial damage.

Thirdhand smoke: Toxic airborne pollutants linger long after the smoke clears

A new study by Berkeley Lab researchers found that thirdhand smoke continues to have harmful health effects for many hours after a cigarette has been extinguished. The study, which assessed levels of volatile organic compounds and airborne particles, found that particulate matter accounted for 90% of the health damage.

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.

How a giant impact formed asteroid Vesta's 'belt'

Researchers used super high-speed cannon to simulate collisions on celestial bodies. They found that damage from the impact starts where one would expect, but fails in opposite direction and propagates outward like a blooming flower. The study suggests Vesta's 'belt' formed by an oblique impact.

Massey researchers develop the first cancer health literacy tool

The Cancer Health Literacy Study developed an evaluation tool called the Cancer Health Literacy Test (CHLT)-30 to measure cancer health literacy along a continuum. The study found that 18% of cancer patients have limited CHL, with an overrepresentation of African-American, undereducated and low-income patients.

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.

On the throne with the flu

Researchers discovered flu infection prompts immune cells to migrate to gut, altering bacterial composition and causing inflammation that promotes tissue injury. Blocking inflammatory molecules or antibiotics attenuates intestinal injury, suggesting relief options for flu-induced gastrointestinal symptoms.

School environment affects teacher expectations of their students

A new study by researchers at the University of Montreal found that school environment plays a determining role in teacher expectations of students. The study showed that school academic composition is the most influential factor, followed by socioeconomic and ethnic composition of students.

Report: Performance measures should include patient actions

Shared accountability between patients and clinicians can improve patient-centered outcomes and reduce morbidity and mortality. The report proposes incorporating patient actions into performance measures, tracking lifestyle changes, medication adherence, and follow-up appointments.

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.

Western retailers in China boost Chinese manufacturing supremacy

A new study by the University of British Columbia's Sauder School of Business finds that Western retailers like Walmart enhance Chinese suppliers' export capabilities through improved productivity, efficiency, and quality. The study reveals a significant boost in exports from Chinese cities when foreign retail outlets increase.

Improving memory deficits following anesthesia

A new study found that general anesthesia impairs memory in mice by increasing the activation of α5GABA(A) receptors, leading to reduced synaptic plasticity. Inhibition of these receptors reversed memory defects in animals given anesthesia, suggesting a potential treatment for post-anesthesia cognitive impairment.

PNAS: From HIV to cancer, IL-37 regulates immune system

The study reveals IL-37's role in regulating the adaptive immune system by inhibiting antigen recognition. This allows for potential manipulation of IL-37 levels to sensitize or desensitize the immune system in various diseases.

News from Nov. 4, 2014 Annals of Internal Medicine

The American College of Physicians recommends increasing fluid intake to at least two liters per day to prevent kidney stone recurrence. A new guideline also suggests dietary changes, including reducing oxalate and animal protein consumption, to help prevent stone formation. Sofosbuvir plus ledipasvir has shown promise in re-treating H...

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.

Food allergy development linked to skin exposure

A new study suggests that skin sensitization to food proteins, triggered by pro-inflammatory molecules like TSLP and IL-25, can lead to food allergy development. The research found that mice exposed to food antigens through the skin developed severe allergic reactions when ingested.

New tool could help reshape the limits of synthetic biology

A novel tool called 'telomerator' enables the creation of linear yeast chromosomes with precise telomere endings, improving gene study and engineering. This advancement allows researchers to test how genes interact with their chromosomes, promoting more realistic synthetic biology.

Diet affects pesticide resistance in honey bees

Researchers found that pesticide exposure causes changes in gene expression that are sensitive to diet and nutrition. Feeding bees a complex diet of pollen improves their resistance to lethal doses of pesticides.

New test shows promise in identifying new drugs to treat Lyme disease

Researchers have developed a new test that can analyze thousands of FDA-approved drugs to find effective treatments for Lyme disease. The test, called the SYBR Green I/PI assay, enables the measurement of bacterial viability after drug treatment, making it more accurate and efficient than existing methods.

MRSA bugs linked to livestock are found in hospitals, study finds

A study by the University of Edinburgh found that MRSA bacteria from farm animals has been detected in UK hospitals, highlighting the need for strict biosecurity practices and responsible antibiotic use. The strain, CC398, is resistant to some common antibiotic drugs and can be transmitted to humans through contact with livestock.

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.

Study: Maple syrup production declines after big seed year

New research suggests that maple syrup production is linked to mast seeding events, where trees produce more seeds than usual. Following every mast seed year, syrup production declined in Vermont. The study's findings could help producers plan ahead for the upcoming season.

ACP releases new recommendations to prevent recurrent kidney stones

The American College of Physicians recommends increasing daily fluid intake to at least two liters to reduce kidney stone recurrence. Additionally, medication with a thiazide diuretic, citrate, or allopurinol can effectively reduce stone recurrence in patients with calcium stones.

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.

No quick fix for global warming

A new study published in PNAS suggests that eliminating short-lived climate pollutants (SLCF) has a minor effect on slowing down global warming. The research found that these gases have a measurable impact but are short-lived and quickly disappear from the atmosphere, making them less effective in mitigating climate change.

New way to make batteries safer

Researchers at MIT have developed a new way to coat batteries with a special material that prevents them from conducting electricity after being swallowed. The QTC-coated batteries were found to not damage the gastrointestinal tract in animal tests, showing promise as a safer alternative.

Study shows clear new evidence for mind-body connection

A study has demonstrated a clear new evidence for mind-body connection in breast cancer survivors, showing that mindfulness meditation and support groups can influence telomere length. This suggests potential health benefits beyond the initial three-month period studied.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Hurricane Vance dwarfs developing low pressure area

Hurricane Vance's tropical-storm force winds stretched over northwestern Mexico, producing rainfall totals of 4-8 inches with isolated amounts up to 12 inches. The storm is expected to rapidly weaken due to increasing vertical wind shear.

Lung cancer diagnosed before it is detected by imaging

A team of researchers has made a breakthrough in early diagnosis of invasive cancers, detecting lung cancer in patients at risk through circulating cancer cells in their bloodstream. This method could enable early surgical intervention and potentially improve patient survival.

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.