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Science News Archive November 2014


Page 6 of 31

Boy moms more social in chimpanzees

Research on Tanzanian chimpanzees reveals that the mothers of sons are 25% more social than those of daughters. They spend more time with other adults and associate with more kin, which helps their young males develop social skills. This finding suggests a potential link between early social exposure and gender-typical behavior in humans.

Healthy gut microbiota can prevent metabolic syndrome, researchers say

Researchers at Georgia State University and Cornell University found that promoting healthy gut microbiota can treat or prevent metabolic syndrome. The study used an improved technical approach to show that altered bacterial populations promote low-grade inflammation and metabolic syndrome.

Avoiding ecosystem collapse

Three studies published in Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society Biological Science hold promise for resource managers to predict and avoid ecosystem collapse. Successful management depends on consistent monitoring, incorporation of tipping points data into actions, and local-scale management.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

G20 talk fest echoed on Twitter

The G20 summit attracted a massive Twitter presence, with the US and its leaders dominating conversations. Dr Peta Mitchell's interactive map revealed over 19,000 geo-referenced tweets within Brisbane's declared zones, showcasing the event's global reach and public engagement.

'Good fat' could help manage type 2 diabetes

Researchers have discovered that brown fat, which burns calories and absorbs excess sugar, could be used to control blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes. The study found that activating brown fat cells could lead to a new way of managing the disease without daily insulin injections.

Suicide risk falls substantially after talk therapy

Researchers found that psychosocial counseling significantly reduced repeat suicide attempts and deaths by suicide, with benefits lasting up to five years. The study's findings suggest that talk therapy-focused suicide prevention can be an effective strategy for populations at high risk of suicide.

New model of follow up for breast cancer patients

Researchers developed a new approach to breast cancer follow-up that considers individual risk factors. For postmenopausal women with moderate prognosis early breast cancer, less frequent surveillance may be more cost-effective, especially for those older than 70 years.

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.

When shareholders exacerbate their own banks' crisis

Researchers found that CoCo bonds can worsen financial crisis situations due to a 'convert to steal' mechanism. This construction shifts losses onto bondholders in times of need, encouraging banks to further escalate their crisis.

Research shows anti-HIV medicines can cause damage to fetal hearts

A study published in AIDS reveals that anti-HIV medications may cause significant long-term heart problems in non-HIV-infected children. The research found persistently impaired heart muscle development and reduced heart performance in these children, highlighting the need for further investigation into the long-term impact of HIV medi...

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Rare new species of plant: Stachys caroliniana

A rare new plant species, Stachys caroliniana, has been discovered in two locations near Charleston, S.C., with the discovery shedding light on its unique characteristics. The species was found to be different from its closest relatives, which are commonly known as hedge-nettles or woundworts.

Fiddler on the roof?

Climate change may be causing fiddler crabs to move further north in the US East Coast, with one scientist discovering a crab nearly 50 miles north of its usual range. This warming trend could lead to changes in ecosystems as new species are introduced.

Update on new treatments for liver diseases

Two new treatments for liver diseases are being explored. A probiotic, VSL#3, has been shown to improve liver function and reduce the risk of hospitalization in patients with cirrhosis. Meanwhile, a fatty acid conjugate called Aramchol has been found to significantly reduce liver fat content in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver di...

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.

New tool displays West Coast ocean acidification data

A new tool provides real-time ocean chemistry data along the West Coast, helping scientists understand changes in water chemistry and aid the shellfish industry. The IOOS Pacific Region Oean Acidification Data Portal offers valuable insights for adapting to ocean acidification.

Researchers get $1.25 million to advance carbon storage

Clemson University researchers are developing new instruments to measure ultra-high-resolution strain movements in underground CO2 storage sites. The goal is to improve the ability to monitor and safeguard geologic carbon storage, making it cheaper and safer.

Researchers discover natural resistance gene against spruce budworm

Researchers have identified a natural resistance gene in white spruce trees that makes them resistant to the devastating spruce budworm. The gene, betaglucosidase-1, produces compounds toxic to the caterpillar, potentially allowing for replanting of forests affected by the pest.

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.

Theater arts research offers insight for designers, builders of robots

Researchers at the University of Texas at Arlington are exploring ways to create more human-like interactions between humans and robots. Julienne Greer, a theatre arts lecturer, is using her expertise in performance technique method acting to inform the design of robots like Pepper, which can understand and respond to human emotions.

Researchers study impact of power prosthetic failures on amputees

New research examines the effects of powered prosthetic leg errors on users, revealing some mistakes are insignificant, while others can cause noticeable instability. The team aims to improve decoding accuracy and minimize mechanical work changes to create more reliable prostheses.

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 finds that rejecting unsuitable suitors is easier said than done

A study found that people tend to accept dates from unattractive partners when faced with a potential date, rather than rejecting them due to concerns about hurting the other person's feelings. This bias was observed even when participants knew they would not meet in person, suggesting that social consideration can influence dating dec...

How the hummingbird achieves its aerobatic feats

A new simulation demonstrates that hummingbirds generate lift and thrust using unsteady airflow mechanisms, creating invisible vortices of air. This unique approach sets them apart from larger birds and is more closely aligned with insect flight.

Trouble with your boss? Own it

A recent study by Michigan State University found that employee motivation increases when workers and their supervisors share similar views on the quality of their relationship, even if the relationship is poor. This discovery suggests that being honest about one's feelings can lead to better work engagement and performance.

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.

Developing a noninvasive test for endometriosis

Researchers at UCSF have identified patterns of genetic activity that can be used to diagnose endometriosis and its severity, offering a less invasive alternative to surgery. The test uses machine learning to analyze gene expression patterns in uterine lining cells.

For important tumor-suppressing protein, context is key

Researchers mapped p53 binding sites in human cancer and normal cells, finding the protein binds selectively to repeat sequences in cancer cells. This suggests p53's role in maintaining genomic stability and tumor suppression is context-dependent.

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.

More genetic clues found in a severe food allergy

Researchers have found four novel loci associated with eosinophilic esophagitis, a severe food allergy. The study suggests that genetic factors play key roles in the disease and may offer attractive targets for therapy. Understanding these biological networks could lead to tailored approaches for treatment.

New terahertz device could strengthen security

Researchers at Northwestern University developed a compact terahertz radiation source that operates at room temperature, offering improved security detection capabilities. The device has a wide frequency coverage and can detect explosives, chemical agents, and biological substances from safe distances.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors may work in brain cancers

Research shows that brain metastases have dense concentrations of tumour infiltrating lymphocytes, providing an immunoactive environment. High expression of PDL1 is common in both glioblastoma and brain metastases, making immune checkpoint inhibitors a promising treatment option.

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.

Novel regulatory mechanism for cell division found

A study by MD Anderson Cancer Center researchers found that the enzyme PKM2 controls cell division, promoting tumor cell proliferation. PKM2's role in regulating cytokinesis was also identified as crucial for brain tumor development and malignant tumor progression.

Economic burden of prediabetes up 74 percent over five years

A new study reveals a 48% increase in direct and indirect costs associated with diabetes over five years, with prediabetes costs rising 74% and undiagnosed diabetes costs increasing 82%. The growing burden of prediabetes highlights the need for prevention and early intervention.

When vaccines are imperfect

Researchers analyzed vaccine failures and found that leaky vaccines lead to higher infection rates in the long run. The study also showed that all-or-nothing and waning vaccines have distinct dynamics following mass vaccination, providing an alternative explanation for disease resurgence.

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.

Cost of meeting basic needs rising faster than wages in Washington state

A new report from the University of Washington shows that Washington families must spend 46% more on average to make ends meet today than 13 years ago. The Self-Sufficiency Standard for Washington State 2014 found that median wages increased just 21 percent during that time, while costs jumped as much as 72 percent.

Oat oil preparation makes you feel fuller

A new study from Lund University reveals a special oat oil preparation can produce greater satiety, leading to reduced energy intake. The unique composition of the oat oil, featuring polar fats, delays fat breakdown and stimulates the release of three key satiety hormones.

UH cancer study receives $1.5 million grant from NIH

A $1.5 million NIH grant will fund a five-year study assessing the effectiveness of a culturally sensitive social support group, Joy Luck Academy, among Chinese-American breast cancer survivors. The study aims to improve quality of life, reduce depressive symptoms, and stress.

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.

Quantum mechanical calculations reveal the hidden states of enzyme active sites

Researchers at Princeton University have directly observed the electronic states of iron-sulfur clusters in enzymes, revealing an order of magnitude more accessible states than previously reported. This discovery presents many different chemical possibilities and could explain the ubiquity of these clusters in biological processes.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Effectiveness of campaigns addressing violence against women and girls examined

Research examines programs aimed at reducing gender-based violence worldwide and finds community-based initiatives with men and women's involvement are the most effective in preventing violence. The study also highlights the importance of a two-pronged approach to address both prevention and response to reduce pandemic levels of violence.

Staying ahead of the game: Pre-empting flu evolution may make for better vaccines

A team of researchers has discovered that 'back boosting' the immune system by pre-emptively vaccinating against likely future strains of the influenza virus can significantly improve vaccine effectiveness. This approach would allow for more targeted and effective vaccination campaigns, potentially saving millions of lives worldwide.

It's filamentary: How galaxies evolve in the cosmic web

Researchers propose that filaments in the cosmic web played a critical role in the evolution of galaxies in the distant universe. Galaxies residing in these filaments have a higher chance of actively forming stars, with a process known as 'pre-processing' accelerating their evolution.

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.

Imagination, reality flow in opposite directions in the brain

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have tracked electrical activity in brains during imagination and reality, revealing opposite directions of information flow. During imagination, signals move from the parietal lobe to the occipital lobe, while in reality, they flow in the opposite direction.