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Science News Archive November 2014 - Page 28


Page 28 of 31

New insight into the neuroscience of choking under pressure

A study from Johns Hopkins Medicine found that performance is influenced by a person's aversion to loss, with those having high loss aversion doing better when faced with large prospective losses but choking under pressure of large gains. Brain imaging revealed the ventral striatum as the key brain area involved in this process.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·DateNov 4, 2014
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.

Study finds association between coronary artery plaque and liver disease

Researchers used coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) to detect high-risk coronary artery plaque and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition characterized by abnormal liver function. The study found that NAFLD is associated with high-risk plaque, even after adjusting for traditional risk factors.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateNov 4, 2014

Better bomb-sniffing technology

Researchers have created a new material that can detect explosives and toxic gases in seconds, offering four advantages over current detectors: sensitivity, accuracy, speed, and cost-effectiveness. The breakthrough could lead to flexible solar panels and improved public safety.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateNov 4, 2014

Nature adores a hybrid

A Concordia University study reveals that hybrid fish become genetically robust like their purely wild counterparts within a few generations, providing hope for conservation efforts. This finding has implications beyond fish, with similar conclusions drawn about wolf species previously exposed to hybridization.

SourceConcordia University·JournalEvolutionary Applications·DateNov 4, 2014

Gardeners of Madagascar rainforest at risk

A new study by Rice University researchers reveals lemurs play a crucial role in dispersing seeds for trees, increasing survival rates. The findings highlight the importance of preserving lemur populations to maintain the health of Madagascar's rainforests.

SourceRice University·JournalEcology·DateNov 4, 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.

New research explores scent communication in polar bears

Polar bears use scent associated with their paws to convey information about their social status and reproductive readiness. The study suggests that climate change could disrupt this vital communication method, impacting the animals' ability to reproduce successfully.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Zoology·DateNov 4, 2014

EPA recognizes Virginia Tech postdoc's research on birds

A Virginia Tech graduate student has received a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency fellowship to study the effects of mercury contamination on red-winged blackbird populations. Her research aims to investigate how stress hormones and disease are connected in birds, with potential implications for understanding avian malaria infections.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateNov 4, 2014

Framework may help improve use of social media during disasters

A new analysis identifies 15 distinct social media uses during disasters, including providing preparedness information and reconnecting community members. The proposed framework aims to standardize and organize disaster social media practices, potentially protecting lives and aiding recovery

SourceWiley·JournalDisasters·DateNov 4, 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.

Elsevier announces the launch of open-access journal: EBioMedicine

EBioMedicine brings together worlds of basic research and clinical science in an open-access journal with Cell Press and The Lancet editorial influence. The journal prioritizes rapid publication and publishes a range of research study types, including commentaries and viewpoints.

SourceElsevier·JournalEBioMedicine·DateNov 4, 2014

UT Arlington research uses artificial lymph nodes to attract prostate cancer cells

Researchers at UT Arlington are developing tissue-engineered artificial lymph nodes that can attract prostate cancer cells, allowing for more targeted treatments and potentially longer patient survival. The technology, led by Liping Tang, could also help identify the biological signals that enable cancer to migrate throughout the body.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateNov 4, 2014

Disorder + disorder = more disorder?

Researchers discovered a counterintuitive effect where structural disorder counters thermal disorder in certain systems, leading to lower overall disorder. The study focused on charged fluids and found that disordered charges interact strongly with mobile ions to oppose the effects of thermal disorder.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateNov 4, 2014

Synthetic fish measures wild ride through dams

The latest version of the Sensor Fish measures more forces and costs about 80% less than its predecessor. It will help further reduce the environmental impact of hydropower by accurately measuring forces fish feel as they pass through turbines and structures in conventional dams and other hydro power facilities.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateNov 4, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Don't be an outsider!

A study found that two-year-old children conform to the behavior of their peers more often than great apes. Children conformed more than half the time, while chimpanzees and orangutans stuck to their learned strategy.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPsychological Science·DateNov 4, 2014

Adenotonsillectomy and childhood asthma

A study found that adenotonsillectomy significantly decreased acute asthma exacerbations and episodes of status asthmaticus in children with asthma. The procedure may help alleviate underlying asthma severity by addressing related obstructive sleep apnea.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 4, 2014

Researchers engineer a 'smart bomb' to attack childhood leukemia

Researchers at the University of Southern California have engineered a new approach to attack childhood leukemia, a devastating form of cancer. They've designed a synthetic gene therapy that can selectively target and kill cancer stem cells, offering hope for children with relapsed disease.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalEBioMedicine·DateNov 4, 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.

Genetic damage caused by asthma shows up in circulating blood stream, too

Asthma is a widespread disease that causes genetic damage in peripheral blood, leading to oxidative stress and DNA damage. The study found four types of systemic effects, including protein damage, which can result in unstable chromosomes and increase the risk of other diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·DateNov 4, 2014

Long-acting anti-meth treatment demonstrates protective benefits for meth addiction

A recent study developed an AAV-based medication that offers substantial protective effects for patients attempting to cease methamphetamine use. The treatment, which tightly binds and sequesters meth away from its sites of action in the brain, is non-addicting and suitable for use in combination with existing behavioral therapies.

SourceAmerican Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists·DateNov 4, 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.

To succeed in academia, grad students need 'street smarts'

Grad students require 'street smarts' for success in academia, with techniques like self-marketing and networking crucial for career advancement. The proportion of PhDs securing tenured positions has declined, emphasizing the need for efficient use of training time and professional connections.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalNature Immunology·DateNov 4, 2014

Preventing postpartum hemorrhage

A randomized non-inferiority trial found that sublingual misoprostol was less effective than intramuscular oxytocin in preventing postpartum hemorrhage in Uganda. The study showed that women treated with misoprostol experienced more blood loss and side effects, while oxytocin was associated with fewer complications.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 4, 2014

Autism spectrum disorder: 10 tips guidance article

A new article provides 10 practical tips to support individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), empowering them to participate in their communities and receive personalized care. The 'Ten Tips' offer a framework for clinical practice and global advocacy, prioritizing the individual's hopes, dreams, and self-determination.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateNov 4, 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.

Dark matter may be massive

The researchers suggest that dark matter may be composed of macroscopic objects, potentially assembled from ordinary and strange quarks or baryons. This idea challenges the current search for tiny exotic particles like WIMPS and axions.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateNov 4, 2014

New research explores scent communication in polar bears

Scientists investigated how scent communication affects polar bears, which is vital for reproduction and social behavior. The study suggests that climate change may disrupt this communication, threatening the species' survival.

SourceSan Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance·JournalJournal of Zoology·DateNov 4, 2014

Little evidence conservation organizations respond to economic signals

A University of Tennessee study reveals little evidence of conservation organizations adapting to economic changes, limiting their effectiveness. The research analyzed tax filings and interviews with nonprofit leaders, finding inconsistent strategies across the sector.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateNov 4, 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.

Turning pretty penstemon flowers from blue to red

Researchers found that knocking out a single enzyme is responsible for changing blue penstemon flowers to red. The study reveals a predictable genetic change behind the evolution from blue to red, with reverse changes unlikely.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateNov 4, 2014

Parents' work schedules may impact family members' sleep

A recent US study found that working mothers with nonstandard schedules experience insufficient sleep more often than those with standard hours. Working more than 35 hours per week was linked to increased difficulty in balancing work and family life for many mothers.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateNov 4, 2014
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Surgery for sleep apnea improves asthma control

A large study found that surgery for sleep apnea significantly improves asthma control in children, with a 30% reduction in acute asthma exacerbations and a 38% decrease in severe asthma attacks. The study suggests that early identification and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea may help reduce asthma severity and improve outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 4, 2014

Hot flushes are going unrecognized, leaving women vulnerable

More than 70% of women who have had breast cancer experience menopausal problems, including hot flushes that can persist for over five years and affect daily life. The study found that clinicians often underestimate the severity of these symptoms, with only 10-30% of patients experiencing severe hot flushes.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·DateNov 4, 2014

Half of elderly people are more than happy to consume new foods

The AZTI study reveals that 50% of seniors are happy to accept new foods, but they insist on traditional flavors and health-enhancing properties. The research aims to design new foods for elderly people (65+) and pre-seniors (40-50) with a focus on pleasure and satisfaction.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·DateNov 4, 2014

LA BioMed receives Phase II Grand Challenges Explorations funding

LA BioMed researcher Frans J. Walther is receiving Phase II funding to develop an aerosol form of synthetic lung surfactant, which could reduce complications in premature babies. The grant will support the development of a new treatment that can be easily administered in resource-limited settings.

SourceLA BioMed·DateNov 4, 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.

Digital dinosaurs: New research employs high-end technology to restore dinosaur fossil

Researchers employed high-resolution X-ray CT scanning and digital visualization techniques to restore a complete skull of the 3-4m herbivorous dinosaur Erlikosaurus andrewsi. The team digitally dissected the skull, filling in breaks and cracks, duplicating missing elements, and reversing deformation, resulting in a life-like restoration.

SourceSociety of Vertebrate Paleontology·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·DateNov 4, 2014

Few hospital websites educate pregnant women on Tdap vaccination and whooping cough prevention

A new University of Michigan analysis reveals that less than half of Michigan birthing hospitals provide prevention information on their websites about Tdap vaccination and whooping cough. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends Tdap vaccination during pregnancy to protect newborns from this potentially deadly disease.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateNov 4, 2014

Mayo Clinic researchers discover genetic markers for alcoholism recovery

Researchers have identified genetic markers that may help in identifying individuals who could benefit from acamprosate, a commonly prescribed drug used to aid patients in recovery from alcoholism. Patients carrying specific genetic variants stay sober longer during acamprosate treatment.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateNov 4, 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.

Radiation a risk factor for brain tumors in young people

A Loyola University Medical Center study has found radiation to be a risk factor for the development of meningiomas, a type of brain tumor, in individuals under age 30. The study analyzed records of patients diagnosed with meningiomas before age 30 and found that five had been exposed to ionizing radiation earlier in their lives.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalNeuroscience Discovery·DateNov 4, 2014

Ebola may be deadlier and more widespread than we think

A new analysis suggests the Ebola fatality rate is over 70%, far higher than the initial 50% estimate, with the total number of affected individuals potentially exceeding 1 million by early next year. The exponential growth of cases raises concerns about exporting the disease to other countries and sparking a global humanitarian crisis.

SourceWiley·JournalComplexity·DateNov 4, 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.

Altered diagnosis has led to growth in autism

A Danish study found that changes in diagnostic criteria and registration systems account for most of the increase in autism cases since the 1990s. The study analyzed data from over 677,000 individuals born between 1980-1991.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateNov 4, 2014

Medicare may need to expand options for behavioral weight loss counseling in primary care

A systematic review found that high-quality randomized controlled trials on behavioral weight loss counseling in primary care settings are limited, with only two studies identifying effective interventions producing an average weight loss of at least five percent. The review highlights the need for further research to evaluate the effe...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateNov 4, 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.

Syracuse geologist reveals correlation between earthquakes, landslides

A Syracuse University geologist has discovered a correlation between earthquakes and landslides in Peru, suggesting that earthquakes may be the primary trigger for landslide activity. By analyzing river sediment particles, he found that erosion rates from landslides have not changed in response to climatic changes.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateNov 4, 2014

Tell-tales of war: Traditional stories highlight how ancient women survived

Traditional stories from around the world reveal five 'fitness costs' of warfare for women, including being killed, captured, or having offspring killed. These stories suggest that ancestral women developed tactics to increase their survival chances, such as manipulating male behavior and using defensive strategies.

SourceSpringer·JournalHuman Nature·DateNov 4, 2014

Brain changes linked to prematurity may explain risk of neurodevelopmental disorders

Researchers identified significant alterations in the thalamus and putamen of premature babies, which may lead to designing effective prevention strategies and early interventional treatments for cognitive disabilities. These findings suggest that brain structure and circuitry changes related to prematurity can affect important functio...

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalBrain Structure and Function·DateNov 4, 2014

Report card on complementary therapies for breast cancer

The study found that meditation, yoga, and relaxation with imagery received an 'A' grade for easing anxiety and mood disorders common to breast cancer patients. Acupuncture was also recommended for controlling chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateNov 4, 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.