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Science News Archive November 2014 - Page 8


Page 8 of 31

How to estimate the magnetic field of an exoplanet?

Researchers at Lomonosov Moscow State University developed a new method to estimate the magnetic field of an exoplanet. They successfully estimated the magnetic moment of the hot Jupiter HD 209458b, which is relatively small compared to Earth's magnetic field.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalScience·DateNov 20, 2014

Penn researchers unwind the mysteries of the cellular clock

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have uncovered a molecular clock that regulates multiple phases of circadian cycles, allowing genes with related functions to oscillate in synchrony. This discovery has implications for developing more efficient pharmaceutical regimens and minimizing side effects.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalCell·DateNov 20, 2014

Epidemic spreading and neurodegenerative progression

A model inspired by epidemic disease spreading is used to analyze over 700 Amyloid-beta protein imaging datasets, concluding that misfolded protein propagation can be mathematically described. The study identifies genetic and demographic factors influencing this phenomenon in healthy aging and Alzheimer's disease progression.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateNov 20, 2014

Caffeine counters cocaine's effects on women's estrus cycles

Researchers found that caffeine can block cocaine's direct effects on the estrus cycle, potentially treating cocaine addiction. The study suggests a new approach to addressing sex differences in cocaine addiction.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Caffeine Research·DateNov 20, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Biomarker could provide early warning of kidney disease in cats

Researchers developed a new biomarker called SDMA that can identify chronic kidney disease in cats earlier than existing tests. Special diets have been shown to slow the progression of this disease once identified, and may help extend the lives of affected cats.

SourceOregon State University·JournalThe Veterinary Journal·DateNov 20, 2014

Tropical rickettsial illnesses associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes

A recent study found that tropical rickettsial illnesses, such as scrub typhus and murine typhus, can cause poor pregnancy outcomes, including stillbirth and premature birth. The study highlights the need for more research on the impact of these illnesses on pregnancy outcomes in South-East Asia.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateNov 20, 2014

US policy that gives priority to prior organ donors who need a transplant is working

A US policy giving priority to prior organ donors has been shown to significantly reduce waiting times and improve the quality of organs received. Living donors who later need a transplant experience much shorter waits and receive higher-quality kidneys compared to those on the waiting list without donation history.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateNov 20, 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.

The STING of radiation

A team of researchers reveals that dendritic cells activate killer T cells through a protein named STING, which links DNA damage to interferon-β production. This suggests novel strategies for boosting radiotherapy effectiveness and combining it with immune system therapies.

SourceLudwig Institute for Cancer Research·JournalImmunity·DateNov 20, 2014

Don't get hacked! Research shows how much we ignore online warnings

A study by Brigham Young University researchers found that people say they care about online security but behave otherwise, ignoring malware warnings. Brain data is a better predictor of security behavior than self-response, suggesting a need to fortify the 'weakest link' in security.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of the Association for Information Systems·DateNov 20, 2014

Nail stem cells prove more versatile than press ons

Researchers at USC Health Sciences identified a new population of nail stem cells that can self-renew or differentiate into multiple tissues, including nail and skin. These stem cells play a crucial role in nail repair, but their potential to generate additional types of tissue is still unknown.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 20, 2014

Caltech geologists discover ancient buried canyon in South Tibet

A team of researchers has discovered an ancient, deep canyon in South Tibet, which rules out a popular model explaining the formation of Himalayan gorges. The canyon is thousands of feet deep and was carved by a river that once flowed into the Tibetan Plateau.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateNov 20, 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.

Moffitt researchers use evolutionary principles to model cancer mutations

Researchers used computational modeling to examine the role of genetic mutations in cancer growth, finding that genes never observed in cancers may be the best targets for therapy. Targeting these 'never mutations' in combination with therapies targeting driver genes was found to be highly effective.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 20, 2014

Job authority increases depression symptoms in women, decreases them in men

A study by the American Sociological Association finds that job authority increases symptoms of depression among women due to interpersonal tension and negative stereotypes. In contrast, having job authority decreases symptoms of depression among men, as they are viewed as strong leaders with consistent status beliefs.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateNov 20, 2014

TSRI researchers find how mutant gene can cause deafness

Researchers at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) have discovered how a mutant gene called Tmie can cause deafness from birth. They found that reintroducing the gene in mice restored the process underpinning hearing, suggesting new treatment options for hearing loss.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNeuron·DateNov 20, 2014

Contact lens discomfort linked to changes in lipid layer of tear film

A new study found that contact lens discomfort is associated with degradation of the lipid layer in the tear film. Applying a liposomal eyelid spray increased stability of the tear film and improved dry eye symptoms, suggesting potential benefits for patients with contact lens discomfort.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalOptometry and Vision Science·DateNov 20, 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.

Livermore scientists show salinity counts when it comes to sea level

Researchers found a long-term pattern in salinity-driven sea level changes globally, with increases in the Pacific Ocean and decreases in the Atlantic. This salinity effect accounts for approximately 25% of total sea level change, emphasizing its importance in assessments.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateNov 20, 2014

New survey of employers about the health insurance market

A new survey by NORC at the University of Chicago reveals that nine in ten employers offering insurance are unfamiliar with objective quality metrics, despite valuing plan quality ratings. Employers cite cost to employees as a key consideration when selecting health plans.

SourceNORC at the University of Chicago·DateNov 20, 2014

Creating a vaccine against canine gum disease

A new vaccine is being developed to prevent canine gum disease, a common condition that affects most dogs by three years of age. The vaccine targets the most common types of bacteria causing periodontal disease in dogs.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·DateNov 20, 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.

New study reveals why some people may be immune to HIV-1

A University of Minnesota study found that natural genetic variation in a protective antiviral enzyme, APOBEC3H, can limit HIV-1 replication if the virus has weak Vif. This discovery opens doors to potential treatments by targeting Vif's ability to disable APOBEC3.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateNov 20, 2014

Laser from a plane discovers Roman goldmines in Spain

A recent study using LiDAR technology has uncovered the ancient Roman goldmines in Spain, including channels, reservoirs, and a double river diversion. The findings provide new insights into the labour-intensive extraction process and highlight the importance of geo-archaeology in understanding Roman mining techniques.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateNov 20, 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.

GPM measured Tropical Storm Adjali's rainfall before dissipation

Tropical Storm Adjali formed on November 16, 2014, and started dissipating two days later. GPM data showed moderate rainfall rates near the storm center, with rain falling at over 69 mm/hour per hour. The storm dissipated in the Southern Indian Ocean by November 20.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 20, 2014

UO-industry collaboration points to improved nanomaterials

Researchers used a scanning tunneling microscope to create atomic-scale maps of quantum dot surface structures, pinpointing defect locations that limit device performance. This breakthrough should help manufacturers tweak synthesis processes to produce higher-quality nanomaterials for photovoltaics and other applications.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateNov 20, 2014

Evolution: The genetic connivances of digits and genitals

A study by Denis Duboule's team found that the formation of digits and external genitals involves a similar group of genes, with small modifications controlling their development. The researchers used chromosome conformation capture to demonstrate that a single regulatory DNA sequence controls both processes.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScience·DateNov 20, 2014

Darwin 2.0

A recent study published in Nature sheds new light on how species diverge, finding that prolonged periods of landscape stability are more important than dramatic geographical changes. The research shows that longer the length of time a species can inhabit an area, the more likely it will disperse and diverge.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalNature·DateNov 20, 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.

Endangered green turtles may feed, reside at Peru's central, northern coast

Research suggests that Peruvian coastal waters provide suitable habitat for endangered South Pacific green turtles, with healthy populations found in two sites off the southern and northern coasts. The study highlights the importance of conservation measures to protect these vulnerable species from pollution, bycatch, and illegal catch.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 19, 2014

It pays to have an eye for emotions

Researchers found that people with strong emotion recognition skills are perceived as more socially and politically skilled by colleagues and supervisors. They also earn significantly higher incomes. The study controlled for various factors affecting employee income and replicated its findings in a second study.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJournal of Organizational Behavior·DateNov 19, 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.

'Green Revolution' changes breathing of the biosphere

A new model developed by University of Maryland researchers links intensive agriculture to increased atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, revealing a strong correlation between the Green Revolution and Earth's metabolism. The study found that crop production tripled while land planted with major crops grew by 20 percent, leading to incre...

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature·DateNov 19, 2014

Publication's debut addresses pain among older adults

The first issue of the 'From Policy to Practice' publication series from The Gerontological Society of America explores the impact of policies on pain care for older adults. Chronic pain affects 100 million Americans, costing the nation $635 billion annually, and this publication aims to address these issues.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateNov 19, 2014

Syracuse physicist helps discover subatomic particles

Steven Blusk's groundbreaking discovery of Xi_b'- and Xi_b*- particles has major implications for the study of quark dynamics. The unique mass of each particle is attributed to a heavyweight b quark and angular momentum, with the Xi_b*- state being slightly heavier due to its aligned spins.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 19, 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.

High heels may enhance a man's instinct to be helpful

A French study found that men are more likely to help women wearing high heels than those wearing flat shoes. The study suggests that men associate high heels with femininity and attractiveness. Men were also quicker to start chatting with women wearing heels, indicating a stronger instinct to be helpful.

SourceSpringer·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·DateNov 19, 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.

Of mice, not men

Researchers have discovered that a significant number of mouse genes do not behave like their human counterparts, suggesting that science will need to rethink the role of the lab mouse. The findings come from the ongoing mouse ENCODE project and indicate that similar genes in humans and mice are expressed in different ways.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·DateNov 19, 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.

Scientists map mouse genome's 'mission control centers'

A team of researchers has mapped the 'mission control centers' of the mouse genome, which are responsible for regulating gene activity. This discovery sheds light on why studies in mice cannot always be replicated in humans and highlights the importance of regulatory regions in common chronic human diseases.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature·DateNov 19, 2014

UTMB scientist finds marker that predicts cholesterol level changes as people grow older

Researchers found a link between the APOE e4 allele and increased risk of cardiovascular disease, as well as lower HDL cholesterol levels. Higher cholesterol in older adults may be associated with longevity, challenging current cholesterol-lowering medication practices.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateNov 19, 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.

Discrimination, family conflict key sources of stress for Latina immigrants

New research suggests that racial discrimination, family issues, and economic constraints contribute to acculturative stress among Latina immigrants. Family support, however, acts as a protective factor against psychological distress. The study found that acculturative stress levels varied depending on individual circumstances.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalHealth & Social Work·DateNov 19, 2014

E-cigarettes significantly reduce tobacco cravings

A new study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that e-cigarettes significantly reduced tobacco cravings. In an 8-month study, participants who used e-cigs showed a significant decrease in tobacco cigarette use, with 21% quitting smoking altogether.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateNov 19, 2014

NTU Singapore develops novel 2-in-1 biomarker and drug delivery system

Researchers at NTU Singapore have developed a novel biomarker that can detect tumour cells and release anti-cancer drugs, opening up new doors in nanomedicine, bioimaging, and cancer therapeutics. The biomarker uses near-infrared light to penetrate deep tissue without causing damage to healthy cells.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalSmall·DateNov 19, 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.

Researchers identify protein mutation that alters tissue development in males before birth

Case Western Reserve researchers have identified a protein mutation that prevents proper gonadal tissue development, leading to cancer and other issues. The discovery highlights the importance of the SRY protein in regulating male sex determination and has implications for understanding birth defects and cancer.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateNov 19, 2014

A jettisoned black hole?

Researchers have identified an enigmatic object named SDSS1133, which could be a recoiling black hole ejected from its parent galaxy. The discovery, made using high-precision equipment and observations with the Hubble Space Telescope, presents a unique opportunity to study gravitational waves and their detection.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateNov 19, 2014

Digging for answers

A recent study by Dana Bardolph found that female authors are underrepresented in American archaeology journals, accounting for less than 29% of published articles. The research suggests a pervasive gender bias in academia and publishing, with potential factors including authorial behavior and the submission process.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalAmerican Antiquity·DateNov 19, 2014