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Science News Archive October 2014 - Page 19


Page 19 of 35

Executive scandal hurts job prospects even for entry-level employees

Research finds that moral suspicion from higher-ups' wrongdoing can spill down to people lower in an organization, damaging job prospects. The study suggests that emphasizing the individual's personal flaws or values rather than their organizational status can help reduce this effect.

SourceSAGE·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateOct 16, 2014

ORNL's Urban Dynamics Institute joins global fight against polio

The Urban Dynamics Institute at Oak Ridge National Laboratory is applying Big Data analysis to improve polio vaccination efforts in developing countries, particularly in Nigeria. The institute will help estimate vaccine needed and target areas of priority, saving time and money.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·DateOct 16, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Myth-conceptions: How myths about the brain are hampering teaching

New research reveals widespread misconceptions among teachers worldwide about brain function, leading to ineffective teaching practices. The study highlights the importance of collaboration between neuroscientists and educators to improve education.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Reviews Neuroscience·DateOct 16, 2014

Scientists find ancient mountains that fed early life

Scientists have discovered evidence for a massive mountain range that thrived 600 million years ago, supporting an explosion of life on Earth. The Himalayan-scale range was eroded intensely, releasing nutrients into the oceans that allowed life to flourish.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 16, 2014

A simple and versatile way to build 3-dimensional materials of the future

Researchers at Kyoto University developed a novel method to assemble graphene into porous 3D structures, overcoming the challenge of maintaining unique material properties. The technique uses interfacial complexation with oppositely charged polymers, enabling tunable porosity and scalability for large-area films.

SourceInstitute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences, Kyoto University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 16, 2014

Plant communities produce greater yield than monocultures

A recent study reveals that diverse plant communities yield greater results than monocultures, utilizing resources more effectively and providing a protective shield against pests. This new approach to agriculture promotes biodiversity and can lead to increased food safety and sustainability.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature·DateOct 16, 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.

Researchers reach 'paradigm shift' in understanding potassium channels

Researchers have observed a previously predicted pathway for ion permeation in potassium channels does not occur, revealing a fundamental physical principle that facilitates the channels' operation. The discovery uses advances in technology to show that pairs of potassium ions are stably formed and then passed through the channel.

SourceUniversity of Dundee·JournalScience·DateOct 16, 2014

Pitt/McGowan Institute team discovers stem cells in the esophagus

Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine discovered a pool of stem cells in the esophagus, which could lead to new treatments for esophageal cancer and Barrett's esophagus. The study found that these stem cells divide slowly compared to other cells in the esophagus, suggesting they may play a role in tissue rene...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 16, 2014

Getting to know super-earths

Researchers use Hubble and Spitzer Space Telescopes to study super-Earths, discovering that water worlds are possible compositions. The team's analysis reveals that super-Earths could have acquired their mass by pulling in solid material from distant orbits.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·DateOct 15, 2014

$18 billion tobacco toll in California

A new study by the University of California, San Francisco reveals that smoking in California costs $18.1 billion annually, with a majority of smokers being 'light' users who abstain on certain days. The study found that smoking-attributable deaths were 17 times higher than those from AIDS and five times higher than those from diabetes.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·DateOct 15, 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.

ORNL research reveals unique capabilities of 3-D printing

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have demonstrated a novel additive manufacturing method that controls the microstructure of metal components with unprecedented precision. This innovation holds significant potential for engineering, design, and energy-efficient transportation applications.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·DateOct 15, 2014

Camargue flamingos starved in freezing conditions in 1985 and 2012 mass mortalities

A 1985 mass mortality and a 2012 severe cold snap led to the deaths of nearly one-third of Camargue flamingo population. The study suggests that freezing temperatures increased the birds' energy demands, tipping them into starvation. The researchers found that the 2012 event had a lower death toll due to milder temperatures.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateOct 15, 2014

How closely do urologists adhere to AUA guidelines?

A study evaluated the rate of physician adherence to American Urological Association's BPH/LUTS guidelines over a five-year period. Provider adherence rates varied from 53% to 92.8%, with low rates for challenging measures like subjective symptom description and physical examination.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateOct 15, 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.

Brain surgery through the cheek

Researchers at Vanderbilt University have developed a robotic device that can treat severe epilepsy with a minimally invasive procedure. The system uses a shape-memory alloy needle steered by a robotic platform to destroy the area where seizures originate, avoiding drilling through the skull.

SourceVanderbilt University·DateOct 15, 2014

Oh brother! Having a sibling makes boys selfless

A new study finds that boys develop sympathy and altruism just like girls when they have a positive relationship with their siblings. Sibling relationships uniquely promote prosocial behavior, especially for teens who can count on each other.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Research on Adolescence·DateOct 15, 2014

Ancient fossils confirmed among our strangest cousins

Vetulicolians are a group of 500-million-year-old blind water creatures that have been confirmed as distant relatives of humans. The discovery reveals the high diversity of life during the Cambrian period.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateOct 15, 2014

Chimpanzees have favorite 'tool set' for hunting staple food of army ants

West African chimpanzees employ a sophisticated tool-based technique, dubbed 'ant dipping,' to harvest army ants for sustenance. This study reveals that army ants are a significant component of the chimpanzee diet throughout the year, providing essential nutrients like protein and fats.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalAmerican Journal of Primatology·DateOct 15, 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.

Slow and steady does not win the weight loss race

A new study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology found that substantial weight loss is more likely achieved through rapid weight loss programmes. Researchers compared two groups: one following a 12-week rapid weight loss programme with an average weekly weight loss of 1.5kg, and the other on a 36-week gradual weight loss pr...

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateOct 15, 2014

Personalized cellular therapy achieves complete remission in 90 percent of acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients studied

A personalized cellular therapy called CTL019 achieved complete remission in 27 of 30 patients with relapsed or refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia, with 78% remaining alive six months post-treatment. The treatment involves infusing engineered immune cells that target cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 15, 2014

Sharks that hide in coral reefs may be safe from acidifying oceans

A study on epaulette sharks reveals they are tolerant to elevated CO2 levels, which could help them survive ocean acidification. The findings suggest these sharks make physiological adjustments to cope with the changes, maintaining oxygen transport and energy without apparent harm.

SourceOxford University Press UK·JournalConservation Physiology·DateOct 15, 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.

Penn Medicine researchers zero in on psoriasis-hypertension link

Researchers found that patients with severe psoriasis are more likely to have uncontrolled hypertension, and the likelihood of hypertension increases with greater psoriasis severity. The study used objective measures of psoriasis severity for the first time, providing new insights into the link between psoriasis and blood pressure.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateOct 15, 2014

Three hours of life per euro

A study found that each additional euro spent on pensions and public health insurance in Eastern Germany increased life expectancy by 3 hours. Public health care had a greater impact, contributing 2.5 times more to life expectancy than pension payments.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalThe Journal of the Economics of Ageing·DateOct 15, 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.

Natural gas boom will not slow climate change

A recent study found that increased natural gas production will not significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as market effects dominate. The global deployment of advanced natural gas technology could even lead to up to 10% higher CO2 emissions by the middle of this century.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature·DateOct 15, 2014

Researchers solve riddle of the rock pools

Researchers found that rock gobies can rapidly change their color and brightness to match their surroundings, making them expert camouflagers. This adaptation helps the fish avoid predators, particularly birds and larger fish that prey on them at low tide or high tide.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 15, 2014

Could sleeper sharks be preying on protected Steller sea lions?

Researchers found evidence that Pacific sleeper sharks, a large and slow-moving species, may be preying on juvenile Steller sea lions. The study used archival tags implanted in the sea lions to track their movements and found that some of the tags recorded rapid temperature changes, indicating predation.

SourceOregon State University·JournalFishery Bulletin·DateOct 15, 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.

Teens' science interest linked with knowledge, but only in wealthier nations

Research suggests that children's interest in science is more strongly linked to actual scientific knowledge when raised in more fortunate socioeconomic circumstances. The study found a significant correlation between science interest and achievement in wealthy nations, whereas no such link was observed in poorer countries.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 15, 2014

A global natural gas boom alone won't slow climate change

A recent study found that expanding global natural gas production will not significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. Instead, it could displace lower-emitting energy sources and accelerate economic growth.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateOct 15, 2014

'Dressing' in superconductors

Scientists use ultrashort light pulses to observe the reaction of electrons with a crystal grid, revealing a coupling process that explains superconductivity. The study paves the way for research into high-temperature superconductors and introduces a new method for studying materials.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 15, 2014

Discarded cigarette ashes could go to good use -- removing arsenic from water

Researchers have developed a simple and inexpensive method to remove arsenic from contaminated groundwater using discarded cigarette ash coated with aluminum oxide. This method is particularly useful for rural and developing regions where access to advanced treatment technology is limited.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalIndustrial & Engineering Chemistry Research·DateOct 15, 2014
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

A brighter design emerges for low-cost, 'greener' LED light bulbs

Scientists have developed a new family of materials for making household LED bulbs without using rare earth elements, which are increasingly expensive. These materials, made from copper iodide, offer a warm white glow and low-cost solution process, showing significant promise for general lighting applications.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 15, 2014

Sheltering habits help sharks cope with acid oceans

Researchers have found that sharks' habitats help them cope with acid oceans by reducing sensitivity to rising CO2 levels. The epaulette shark's ability to regulate its systems and tolerate low oxygen levels makes it better equipped to handle ocean acidification.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalConservation Physiology·DateOct 15, 2014

Subsidies help breast cancer patients adhere to hormone therapy

A federal prescription-subsidy program improved adherence to hormone therapy among low-income women with breast cancer. The program's success was attributed to lower out-of-pocket costs, which reduced disparities in adherence rates across racial and ethnic groups.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·DateOct 15, 2014

Pattern recognition receptors may be potent new drug targets for immune-mediated diseases

The article highlights the role of pattern recognition receptors in regulating immune responses and their potential as novel targets for developing potent new therapies. The JAK/STAT signaling network also plays a crucial role in disease pathogenesis, and targeting these networks may lead to improved treatments for various diseases.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Interferon & Cytokine Research·DateOct 15, 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.

Risking your life without a second thought

An analysis of statements from 51 recognized civilian heroes found that most describe their acts as intuitive, rather than deliberate. This suggests that high-stakes extreme altruism may be largely driven by automatic, instinctual processes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 15, 2014

Rivers flow differently over gravel beds, study finds

Researchers found dramatic differences in flow velocity patterns and forces on river beds between gravel and sandy models, disproving a popular theory. The study's new parameters improve predictive models for nutrient and pollutant transport and provide insight into organism behavior in the narrow zone where rivers meet their beds.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateOct 15, 2014

Light pollution contributing to fledgling 'fallout'

A 15-year study found thousands of birds are attracted to artificial lights during their first flights, leading to high mortality rates. Turning street lights off decreased the number of grounded fledglings, suggesting a link between light pollution and bird deaths.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 15, 2014

NIH grants license agreement for candidate Ebola vaccines

The NIH has granted a license agreement for a candidate Ebola vaccine that also protects against the rabies virus. Studies have shown the vaccines are safe and induce immune responses in monkeys, offering protection against the Zaire strain of Ebola.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateOct 15, 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.

Food labels can reduce livestock environmental impacts

A Washington State University study found that consumers are willing to pay a 10 percent premium for environmentally labeled meat products, leading to significant water savings in livestock production. The research suggests that moderate price premiums can have a greater impact on water conservation than high premiums for niche products.

SourceWashington State University·JournalFood Policy·DateOct 15, 2014

NASA study finds 1934 had worst drought of last thousand years

A new NASA study reconstructing North American drought history over the last 1,000 years found that 1934 was the driest and most widespread drought of the millennium. The severity was attributed to a combination of high-pressure systems and dust storms caused by poor land management practices.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateOct 15, 2014

New research center to focus on family caregivers of elderly, disabled

The University of Illinois Chicago has established a new Research and Training Center to study the experiences of family caregivers caring for people with disabilities. The center aims to improve the health and well-being of individuals with disabilities and their families by understanding their needs and challenges.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·DateOct 15, 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.

Astronomers spot faraway Uranus-like planet

Astronomers have discovered a Uranus-like planet 25,000 light-years away, which orbits one star in a binary system. The planet's composition remains unknown due to its immense distance from the star.

SourceOhio State University·DateOct 15, 2014

Extinct giant kangaroos may have been hop-less

New research suggests that extinct giant kangaroos likely walked instead of hopped, with stiff backs and strong joints supporting their body posture. The study analyzed anatomical differences in limb bones compared to other kangaroo species.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 15, 2014

Creating medical devices with dissolving metal

The Pitt team is creating novel alloys and manufacturing processes for implantable medical devices made from dissolving metals. These devices can adapt to changes in a patient's body and dissolve once healing has occurred, reducing complications and medical expenses.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateOct 15, 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.

Ebola highlights disparity of disease burden in developed vs. developing countries

The study found that measles death rates were 197 times greater in developing countries than in developed countries, while syphilis death rates were 33-45 times higher. Ebola mortality rates were also significantly higher in developing countries, with 4,447 deaths compared to just two in developed nations.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology·DateOct 15, 2014

Bullies in the workplace

A study by Iowa State University researchers found that workplace bullying victims often feel silenced due to fear of being disbelieved. Supportive co-workers and managers can help create a culture where victims feel heard and believed.

SourceIowa State University·JournalManagement Communication Quarterly·DateOct 15, 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.