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Science News Archive November 2014 - Page 30


Page 30 of 31

Nanotubes could serve as 'universal scaffolding' for cell membrane channels

Researchers have discovered that single-wall carbon nanotubes can form channels in artificial membranes and living cell membranes with comparable transport properties to protein channels. These structures are stable in solution and can transport ions and even DNA, offering a promising approach for membrane transportation mechanisms.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalNature·DateNov 3, 2014

Preterm, low birth-weight babies may need new hips in adulthood

Researchers found a significant association between low birth weight and preterm birth with an increased incidence of hip arthroplasty independent of age, sex, BMI, education level, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and physical activity. No significant association was found with knee replacement surgery.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateNov 3, 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.

Putting batteries in a kidsafe coat of armor

Researchers developed a simple coating to render small batteries harmless if ingested, reducing esophagus damage and potentially eliminating deaths. The cost-effective solution uses a quantum tunneling composite to conduct electricity only under pressure.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 3, 2014

String field theory could be the foundation of quantum mechanics

Researchers propose a connection between string field theory and quantum mechanics, suggesting that string field theory could be the basis of all physics. They showed that fundamental quantum mechanical principles can be derived from the geometry of strings joining and splitting in string field theory.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalPhysics Letters B·DateNov 3, 2014

How bile acids could fight diabetes

Researchers have discovered a receptor that can be activated by bile acids to reduce inflammation in fat tissue, which is associated with type-2 diabetes. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new anti-diabetes drugs.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 3, 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.

Gender fairness prevails in most fields of academic science

Despite early differences and biases, women's participation in math-intensive sciences levels out after earning a PhD, but disparities persist in certain fields. Interventions targeting early education and work-life balance are needed to increase representation in STEM fields.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science in the Public Interest·DateNov 3, 2014

Outsmarting thermodynamics in self-assembly of nanostructures

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have developed a novel method for creating symmetry-breaking optical metamaterials by using a feedback mechanism to self-assemble colloidal nanorods in solution. This breakthrough solves the problem of achieving large-scale symmetric breaking, allowing for new properties and applications.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 3, 2014

Grant success for Monash economists

Researchers will study past interventions and decision-making processes at the household level to understand what works and what doesn't. The project aims to identify drivers of food security status and constraints on improvements at the household level.

SourceMonash University·DateNov 3, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UT Dallas neuroscientists offer novel insight on brain networks

Researchers at UT Dallas' Center for Vital Longevity found that brain networks become less segregated and specialized as we age, leading to poor long-term memory. This study may lead to new clinical diagnostic criteria for age-related memory disorders.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 3, 2014

Plasma: Casimir and Yukawa mesons

Researchers discovered a connection between nuclear particles and electromagnetic theories via plasmas, suggesting an equivalence between generalized Casimir forces and weak nuclear interactions. The study found that long-range electromagnetic fluctuations differ from those in vacuum conditions.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateNov 3, 2014

Immunotherapy for cancer toxic with obesity

Researchers at UC Davis found that immunotherapy regimens can be lethal to obese mice due to increased body fat, which affects the immune system's response. The study suggests a link between obesity and toxicity in cancer treatment outcomes.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateNov 3, 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.

Biosimilar drugs could create billions in health care savings, study finds

A new study by the RAND Corporation estimates that biosimilar drugs could save the US healthcare system $44.2 billion over 10 years by reducing costs and increasing competition. The introduction of biosimilars is expected to drive down prices for complex biologic drugs used to treat illnesses such as cancer and rheumatoid arthritis.

SourceRAND Corporation·DateNov 3, 2014

Preclinical oncology coursework could help with practitioner shortage

A study by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev found that preclinical oncology courses increased students' interest in specializing in oncology and empathy for cancer patients. The research suggests a need for medical schools to include such curriculum to develop communication skills and sensitivity towards death and dying.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalAcademic Medicine·DateNov 3, 2014

NASA lining up ICESat-2's laser-catching telescope

The ICESat-2 satellite will measure the elevation of Earth from space to track changes in ice-covered poles, forests and ocean surfaces. The Advanced Topographic Laser Altimeter System (ATLAS) instrument will time how long light travels from the satellite's lasers to Earth's surface.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 3, 2014

Smoking is a pain in the back

A Northwestern University study found that smokers are three times more likely to develop chronic back pain and that quitting the habit may reduce vulnerability to this condition. The research also identified a key brain region involved in addictive behavior and motivated learning.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalHuman Brain Mapping·DateNov 3, 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.

Climate change: Limiting short-lived pollutants cannot buy time on CO2 mitigation

A new integrated study suggests that targeting emissions of non-CO2 gases and air pollutants may not produce the desired long-term climate change benefits. The research highlights the importance of considering linkages between short-lived climate forcers and CO2 in climate stabilization scenarios, finding that near-term action on short...

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 3, 2014

NYU study points to perception divide in abortion: Whom we think we know

A New York University study reveals a significant perception divide on the abortion issue, where Americans who oppose abortion are less likely to hear about their friends or family members having had an abortion. This disparity affects public opinion and may contribute to the relative stability of opinions on abortion over time.

SourceNew York University·JournalSociological Science·DateNov 3, 2014
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.

Obesity a liability in cancer immunotherapy

A recent study published in The Journal of Experimental Medicine found that obesity can lead to lethal inflammation in response to certain anti-cancer therapies. This suggests that preclinical studies on young mice may not accurately predict outcomes in older patients, who are more likely to be overweight and develop cancer.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateNov 3, 2014

Variations in ice sheet height influence global climate

Researchers found that changing ice sheet height affects global climate differently from freshwater influx alone, with warming sea surfaces and regional changes observed. The study suggests that the role of topography in Heinrich events may be more significant than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 3, 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.

The effects of poor eating habits persist even after diet is improved

Research published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology suggests that poor eating habits alter gene expression, leading to persistent effects on the immune system and increased risk of cardiovascular disorders. Even after successful treatment of atherosclerosis, the immune system's function remains altered.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateNov 3, 2014

Same pieces, different picture

Scientists have obtained the first high-resolution structure of HIV's immature form, revealing a surprising arrangement of its building blocks. This breakthrough enables researchers to probe further into potential drug targets and understand how mutations influence virus assembly.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature·DateNov 3, 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.

NASA sees Super Typhoon Nuri's eye open in 2 days

NASA's Aqua satellite observed Super Typhoon Nuri strengthen into a Category 5 hurricane over two days, with its eye developing on November 3. The storm's maximum sustained winds reached 155 knots, causing significant damage and disruption in the region.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 3, 2014

New study shows women have higher risk of injury than men

A new study published in Addiction found that women are at a higher risk of injury from acute alcohol consumption compared to men. The risk increases more rapidly for women, becoming twice the risk to men around 15 drinks and three times the risk around 30 drinks.

SourceWiley·JournalAddiction·DateNov 3, 2014

Texas A&M awarded grant to help reduce obesity, chronic disease

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service has received a $783,000 grant to support national efforts to reduce chronic diseases and promote healthier lifestyles. The program will focus on improving access to healthy foods and safe locations for physical activity in Hidalgo County.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·DateNov 3, 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.

Carnegie Mellon's Anna V. Fisher wins James S. McDonnell Foundation award

Anna V. Fisher, Carnegie Mellon University associate professor of psychology, receives a $600,000 award to study the emergence of higher-order cognition in children. Her work explores how individual differences and developmental changes contribute to children's ability to make inferences based on non-obvious commonalities.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateNov 3, 2014

Increased prevalence in autism diagnoses linked to reporting in Denmark

A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that changes in reporting practices in Denmark contributed significantly to the rise in autism diagnoses. The researchers analyzed data from 677,915 children born between 1980 and 1991, concluding that 60% of the increase was due to changes in diagnostic criteria and the inclusion of outpatien...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateNov 3, 2014

Even when you're older you need chaperones

Researchers found that the quality of protective molecular chaperones declines dramatically with age, accelerating decline in those with neurodegenerative diseases. A subnetwork of 28 critical genes provides a basis for biomarkers and new therapeutics to prevent protein damage and cell dysfunction.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 3, 2014

Compared with apes, people's gut bacteria lack diversity, study finds

Researchers found that humans have less diverse gut microbiomes than African apes, with a possible link to modern diets and lifestyle changes. The rate of change in microbial diversity accelerated in humans from some parts of the world, potentially leading to negative health effects.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 3, 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.

Berkeley Lab scientists ID new driver behind Arctic warming

Researchers discovered that open oceans are less efficient at emitting far-infrared energy than sea ice, leading to warmer oceans and melting sea ice. This phenomenon contributes significantly to the polar climate's warming trend, with simulations predicting a 2-degree Celsius increase in the Arctic climate after just 25 years.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 3, 2014

Most mental health disorders not increasing in children and youth: Large Canadian study

A large Canadian study published in CMAJ found that symptoms of mental illness in children and adolescents are not increasing, contrary to popular media perceptions. The study suggests a decline in depression and anxiety, as well as suicidal behavior among youth, while hyperactivity increased in younger age groups.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 3, 2014

NSAIDs prevent colon cancer by inducing death of intestinal stem cells that have mutation

NSAIDs protect against colorectal cancer by inducing cell suicide pathways in intestinal stem cells carrying a mutated gene. The research team found that NSAIDs activate the so-called death receptor pathway, selectively triggering a suicide program in dysfunctional cells. This mechanism could help design new drugs to prevent colon cancer.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 3, 2014

Inhaled Ebola vaccine may offer long-term protection from virus

A non-injectable vaccine has been shown to provide long-term protection for non-human primates against the Ebola virus. The breathable vaccine overcomes logistical obstacles of storing and administering injectable vaccines in affected areas.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalMolecular Pharmaceutics·DateNov 3, 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.

What is a species? It could be difficult to reply if you work with aphids

Recent study published in Comparative Cytogenetics reveals that green peach aphids (Myzus persicae) can have unusual karyotypes due to chromosomal fragmentations and rearrangements. This challenges the conventional view of species stability, as observed karyotype variations often result in reduced fertility or sterility.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalComparative Cytogenetics·DateNov 3, 2014

Forests lose essential nitrogen in surprising way, find scientists

Researchers found that patches of waterlogged soil in forested watersheds act as hotspots for microbial activity, removing nitrogen from groundwater and returning it to the atmosphere. This process, known as denitrification, can improve water quality by reducing nitrate levels in streams.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 3, 2014

Research partnership is key to biodiversity conservation

A new policy paper emphasizes the importance of collaboration between scientists and policymakers for effective biodiversity conservation. The paper highlights the HCV approach's potential in protecting tropical biodiversity through sustainable land management schemes.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalConservation Letters·DateNov 3, 2014

Dance choreography improves girls' computational skills

Researchers at Clemson University found that dance choreography enhances girls' computational thinking skills by blending movement and computer programming. The Virtual Environment Interactions (VEnvI) software and curriculum engages fifth- and sixth-grade girls in coding and computational thinking.

SourceClemson University·DateNov 3, 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.

Beliefs about the soul and afterlife that we acquire as children stick with us

A Rutgers study of 348 undergraduate students found that childhood beliefs about the soul and afterlife remain strong and often contradict adult beliefs. Implicit beliefs, gauged using the Implicit Association Test, were closely tied to childhood memories, regardless of religious affiliation.

SourceRutgers University·JournalBritish Journal of Social Psychology·DateNov 3, 2014

New research reveals what to discuss near life's end

A study published in CMAJ found that hospitalized patients and families prioritize discussing preferences for care, patient values, prognosis of illness, fears or concerns, and additional questions regarding care. However, these elements are infrequently discussed, leading to low concordance between preferred and prescribed goals of care.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 3, 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.

Study reveals startling decline in European birds

Bird populations across Europe have experienced sharp declines, with the majority of losses from the most common species. However, some less common birds have shown increases in recent years due to conservation efforts and legal protection. The study highlights the need for greater efforts to halt these continent-wide declines.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEcology Letters·DateNov 2, 2014

Ultracold disappearing act

In a new study published in Nature Physics, Rice University physicists observed ultracold atomic collisions producing gaps between colliding solitons. This phenomenon challenges the expected behavior of solitons, which are waves that do not diminish or change shape as they move through space.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Physics·DateNov 2, 2014