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Science News Archive November 2014 - Page 3


Page 3 of 31

Post-medieval Polish buried as potential 'vampires' were likely local

A study published in PLOS ONE found that individuals buried as potential 'vampires' in 17th-18th century Poland were likely local residents. The research used radiogenic strontium isotope ratios to determine the origin of the individuals, and the results suggested a predominantly local population. This suggests that these burials may h...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 26, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Vaccines may make war on cancer personal

Researchers have developed a new vaccine strategy that targets unique features of cancer cells, enabling the immune system to destroy or drive into remission tumors. The vaccines, which use samples of DNA from patient tumors and normal tissue, have shown promising results in computer simulations, cell cultures, and animal models.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature·DateNov 26, 2014

First harvest of research based on the final GOCE gravity model

The GOCE satellite provided accurate gravity field measurements, enabling scientists to image the planet in a new way. Researchers are sharpening the picture of our dynamic planet with studies in geophysics, ocean circulation, climate change, and civil engineering.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 26, 2014

New research supporting stroke rehabilitation

Researchers found that combining imagery with observation strengthens brain activity in movement-related areas, potentially aiding motor function recovery for stroke patients. The technique may help compensate for lost brain functions through brain plasticity.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateNov 26, 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.

Vegetable oil ingredient key to destroying gastric disease bacteria

Researchers developed LipoLLA, a therapeutic nanoparticle containing linolenic acid that effectively kills Helicobacter pylori bacteria in mice. The treatment also reduced inflammation and was non-toxic, making it a promising alternative to standard antibiotics.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2014

UTMB part of national research group awarded $20 million HIV grant

A multidisciplinary team from UTMB will lead projects to determine the drug safety and efficacy of an antiretroviral-releasing intravaginal ring. The project aims to develop a device that can deliver multiple-drug combinations of HIV antiretroviral drugs, which is crucial for preventing the spread of sexually transmitted HIV in women.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·DateNov 25, 2014

Study examines FDA influence on design of pivotal drug studies

A study found that pharmaceutical companies failed to comply with FDA recommendations for pivotal drug study design and primary outcomes in nearly a quarter of cases. The researchers suggested that mandatory FDA review of pivotal trial protocols could optimize study quality.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateNov 25, 2014

Researchers find way to turn sawdust into gasoline

Scientists at KU Leuven successfully converted cellulose in sawdust into hydrocarbon chains, which can be used as an additive in gasoline or component in plastics. The conversion process is a new type of bio-refining and has potential economic benefits, offering an alternative to traditional fossil fuels.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateNov 25, 2014
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Missing gene linked to autism

Researchers at the University of Leeds have identified a missing gene mutation linked to autistic traits in mice. The study found behavioural features similar to autism symptoms, including sociability issues and impaired neurotransmitter release.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateNov 25, 2014

Why cancer cells grow despite a lack of oxygen

Researchers discover PHD3 controls EGFR uptake, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and tumor proliferation. PHD3 loss is crucial for human malignant brain tumour growth under hypoxia.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 25, 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.

A link between DNA transcription and disease-causing expansions

Researchers at Tufts University found that active transcription promotes DNA repeat expansions, leading to human diseases like Freidreich's ataxia and Huntington's disease. The study used baker's yeast to monitor the effects of transcription on repeat expansions.

SourceTufts University·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 25, 2014

Few operations for epilepsy despite their safety and efficacy

A Swedish study found that only 3% of epilepsy surgery patients suffered lasting complications, with a downward trend over time. Despite the encouraging data, only 50-60 procedures are performed annually, highlighting the need for awareness and increase in availability throughout Europe.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·DateNov 25, 2014

Another reason to be thankful: Turkeys may be lifesavers

Researchers at Brigham Young University have identified a potentially life-saving antibiotic produced by good bacteria found in turkeys. The MP1 antibiotic has shown promise in targeting staph infections, strep throat, and severe gastrointestinal diseases.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Bacteriology·DateNov 25, 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.

Mere expectation of treatment can improve brain activity in Parkinson's patients

A new study found that Parkinson's patients' brain activity improves equally in response to real medication and placebo treatment, highlighting the power of expectations to drive changes in the brain. The research suggests that dopamine-rich areas in the brain are activated when patients believe they have received medication, offering ...

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateNov 25, 2014

Endangered species success: Idaho salmon regaining fitness advantage

Naturally spawned juvenile sockeye are migrating to the ocean and returning as adults at a much higher rate than others released from hatcheries. The analysis indicates that the program to save the species has succeeded in rebuilding populations in the wild, with the species regaining fitness.

SourceNOAA Fisheries West Coast Region·JournalFisheries·DateNov 25, 2014

A warming world may spell bad news for honey bees

A new study links climate change to the spread of an exotic honey bee parasite, which could lead to increased colony losses in Britain. The research suggests that warmer temperatures will allow the parasite to become more prevalent, negatively impacting native species.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·DateNov 25, 2014

Obstructive sleep apnea treatments may reduce depressive symptoms

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 22 trials found that treatment for obstructive sleep apnea with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or mandibular advancement devices (MADs) can lead to modest improvements in depressive symptoms. The benefits were more pronounced in those with higher baseline depression scores.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 25, 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.

Problem gambling, personality disorders often go hand in hand

Research highlights connection between problem gambling and various personality disorders, including Borderline Personality Disorder. Screening for personality disorders can aid in successful treatment, with Dialectical Behavior Therapy showing promise for a subset of problem gamblers.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Gambling Studies·DateNov 25, 2014

Study maps how city neighborhoods affect diabetes risk

A new Drexel study finds that neighborhood and community-level factors play a significant role in diabetes risk, with areas of poverty, low education and high obesity rates having higher diabetes rates. The researchers report that improving the physical and social environment can reduce diabetes risk by up to 12%.

SourceDrexel University·JournalAdvances in Preventive Medicine·DateNov 25, 2014

Sweet-smelling breath to help diabetes diagnosis in children

A new study links a sweet-smelling chemical marker in the breath of children with type 1 diabetes to a build-up of potentially harmful chemicals in the blood. The researchers hope to develop a diagnostic device to identify children with the disease before serious illness sets in.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalJournal of Breath Research·DateNov 25, 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.

Powdered measles vaccine found safe in early clinical trials

A new powdered measles vaccine has been found safe and effective in early human testing, with no clinically relevant side effects reported. The dry powder vaccine was delivered through a puff of air and showed promise as an alternative to traditional injectable vaccines.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalVaccine·DateNov 25, 2014

Entrepreneurs to venture capitalists: Don't be a Scrooge

A Baylor University study reveals that entrepreneurs prefer to partner with venture capitalists who have a history of ethical behavior. The researchers found that an investor's reputation can trump their investment track record, and venturing capitalists should prioritize ethics to build trust with high-quality entrepreneurs.

SourceBaylor University·JournalJournal of Business Venturing·DateNov 25, 2014

Why do people with autism see faces differently?

Researchers found that individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) make mixed judgments when presented with neutral facial expressions in photographic images, unlike control group participants. However, the results remained consistent when synthetic images were used, suggesting that it's not the judgment process itself that differs.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateNov 25, 2014

Long-term testosterone therapy does not increase the risk of prostate cancer

A new study published in The Journal of Urology analyzed data from three independent registries and found no increase in prostate cancer incidence among men treated with long-term testosterone therapy. The study followed over 1,000 men for up to 17 years, with a median follow-up of approximately 5 years.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateNov 25, 2014
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.

Feeling -- not being -- wealthy drives opposition to wealth redistribution

New research published in Psychological Science finds that people's subjective feelings of wealth or poverty motivate their attitudes toward redistributive policies. Feeling relatively wealthy leads participants to oppose redistribution and view others as biased by self-interest. This study suggests a mechanism by which inequality may ...

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateNov 25, 2014

Researchers identify new ways to drain cancer's 'fuel tank'

Researchers discovered that mitochondria are crucial for the survival of cancer stem cells and found sixty-two mitochondrial-related proteins showing increased levels. The study suggests new avenues for treatment by restricting cancer's ability to come back after treatment using MCT inhibitors.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateNov 25, 2014

Emmanuel Candès to receive 2015 AMS-SIAM Birkhoff Prize

Candès will be awarded the 2015 AMS-SIAM George David Birkhoff Prize for his groundbreaking work on compressed sensing, a mathematical technique that has revolutionized signal processing and medical imaging. His research has led to dramatic advances in data collection and analysis, with applications in MRI machines and digital cameras.

SourceAmerican Mathematical Society·DateNov 25, 2014

International collaboration completes genome sequence of centipede

The first myriapod genome sequence has been completed, revealing new insights into the biological evolution and unique characteristics of venomous centipedes. The genome sequence uncovered clues about their absence of vision and circadian rhythm, as well as their ability to detect chemicals in air.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 25, 2014

Blu-ray disc can be used to improve solar cell performance

Researchers at Northwestern University found that Blu-ray discs' quasi-random patterns enhance solar cells' light absorption and performance by up to 21.8%. The discovery could lead to new manufacturing methods for efficient solar cells.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 25, 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.

Body size requires hormones under control

A research team from Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia found that the timing of ecdysone synthesis is sensitive to nutrition in fruit flies, regulating final body size. Environmental conditions such as starvation and temperature control ecdysone production, affecting development and growth.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·DateNov 25, 2014

Diagnosing deafness early will help teenagers' reading development

Research from the University of Southampton shows that identifying deafness early can significantly improve teenagers' reading development. The study found that children who were screened for hearing impairment at birth had better language skills and reading abilities than those not screened.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateNov 25, 2014

Female color perception affects evolution of male plumage in birds

A new study from the University of Chicago found that female birds' color vision is essential for mate selection and sexual dimorphism. The research, published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B, suggests that the expression of a specific opsin gene is linked to the evolution of colorful plumage in males.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·DateNov 25, 2014

Carnegie's Marnie Halpern named AAAS Fellow

Marnie Halpern has made significant contributions to understanding the patterning of the nervous system using novel genetic approaches. Her research focuses on regional specializations within the neural tube, with a particular emphasis on brain asymmetry.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·DateNov 25, 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.

Researchers shed new light on the genetics of memory performance

A large international study has discovered two common genetic variants associated with memory performance. The findings, published in Biological Psychiatry, suggest that these genetic variants may play a role in the development of age-related memory decline and dementia.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateNov 25, 2014

Mining can damage fish habitats far downstream, study shows

A Michigan State University study found that mining can damage fish habitats miles downstream and even in streams not directly connected to the mine. The research suggests that mines are a regional stress on stream fish assemblages, affecting downstream communities.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEcological Indicators·DateNov 25, 2014

Study supports free 'super Wi-Fi'

Researchers propose extending free 'super Wi-Fi' range to lower frequency bands, enabling communication partners at distances of several kilometers. The approach could relieve mobile communications networks and trigger innovations in fields such as stage microphones and digital disaster relief services.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalTelecommunications Policy·DateNov 25, 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.

Using wash cloths in jails shows promise for reducing costly infections

A randomized, controlled trial showed that providing detainees with wash cloths treated with chlorhexidine gluconate significantly decreased S. aureus colonization. The use of plain water wash cloths also effectively reduced S. aureus hand and/or nose carriage.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateNov 25, 2014

Heat-conducting plastic developed at U-Michigan

A team of University of Michigan researchers has created a novel plastic blend that conducts heat exceptionally well, up to 10 times better than traditional plastics. This breakthrough could lead to the development of light, versatile materials for electronics and vehicles.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Materials·DateNov 25, 2014

Therapy found effective in older, African-American lung cancer patients

Researchers at University of Cincinnati have found a Food and Drug Administration-approved therapy effective in treating older and African American patients with non-small cell lung cancer. The study suggests that gefitinib improves quality of life and outcomes for this subgroup of patients, who often face limited treatment options.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateNov 25, 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.

One-two punch of drugs better than either alone against colorectal cancer

Researchers have discovered a combination of two drugs that target both the MAPK and PI3K signaling pathways, resulting in more effective killing of colorectal cancer cells. The dual approach overcomes the limitations of individual drug treatments, showing promise for treating laboratory models of colorectal cancer.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 25, 2014

Scientists could save thousands of pounds with student's DIY microscope

A PhD student at Brunel University London created a low-cost inverted microscope by adapting a cheap instrument to measure cell motility and study the immune system of snails. The instrument, costing around £160, is significantly cheaper than high-quality equipment that can stretch to hundreds of thousands of pounds.

SourceBrunel University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 25, 2014

Blind Scottish centipede unlocks clues to the origins of creepy crawlies

The genome of Strigamia maritima, a blind Scottish centipede, has been sequenced, providing insights into the genetic basis of centipede biology and the diversification of arthropods. The study reveals that these animals have lost genes encoding light receptors and circadian rhythm, suggesting alternative detection mechanisms.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 25, 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.