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Science News Archive October 2014 - Page 20


Page 20 of 35

New test can help doctors choose best treatment for ovarian cancer

Researchers developed a new test called ADNEX to accurately diagnose ovarian tumours and choose the most appropriate treatment. The test uses clinical information, tumour marker blood tests, and ultrasound scan features to discriminate between benign and malignant tumours with high accuracy.

SourceImperial College London·JournalThe BMJ·DateOct 15, 2014

Discovery of a new mechanism that can lead to blindness

Researchers at IRCM uncover the essential role of a protein called Numb in maintaining proper compartmentalization within photoreceptor cells, leading to vision loss and degenerative diseases like retinitis pigmentosa. The discovery could provide novel drug targets for preventing photoreceptor degeneration.

SourceInstitut de recherches cliniques de Montreal·DateOct 15, 2014

New guideline in genetic testing for certain types of muscular dystrophy

The American Academy of Neurology and the American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine have developed a new guideline for determining the specific subtype of limb-girdle or distal muscular dystrophy. This guideline is based on a thorough review of available studies and provides recommendations for evaluating sympt...

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNeurology·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.

Change your walking style, change your mood

Researchers showed subjects a list of positive and negative words, then asked them to walk on a treadmill while measuring their gait and posture. The study found that those who walked in a depressed style recalled more negative words from the earlier list, suggesting a link between walking style and mood.

SourceCIFAR·JournalJournal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry·DateOct 15, 2014

Blinded by science

A study by Cornell Food & Brand Lab found that trivial elements like graphs and formulas can lead consumers to believe products are more effective. The researchers concluded that presenting consumers with 'scientific looking' information increases product confidence because individuals trust the appearance of scientific validity.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalPublic Understanding of Science·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.

Climate change not responsible for altering forest tree composition

Research suggests that human activities such as clear-cutting and fire suppression have a greater impact on forest tree composition than climate change. The study analyzed 190 datasets to determine the relative impacts of climate versus altered disturbance regimes for various biomes across the eastern United States.

SourcePenn State·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateOct 15, 2014

Weight gain study suggests polyunsaturated oil healthier option

Researchers found that eating muffins made with polyunsaturated oils improved blood cholesterol profiles and reduced the risk of cardiovascular disease. In contrast, those who ate muffins with saturated oils experienced increased bad cholesterol levels and insulin resistance.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateOct 15, 2014

VIMS to help protect key Native-American site

The Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) is working to protect the historic village of Werowocomoco from erosion and sea-level rise. The project aims to create a living shoreline that mimics the natural habitat of the Native Americans who once inhabited the site.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·DateOct 15, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Lake Erie increasingly susceptible to large cyanobacteria blooms

A new study led by University of Michigan researchers finds that microcystin-producing cyanobacteria in Lake Erie are becoming more sensitive to phosphorus, suggesting current reduction targets may not be enough to curb blooms. The team also suggests invasive quagga and zebra mussels may be driving the trend.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalWater Resources Research·DateOct 15, 2014

£100k project to understand how the brain hears 3-D sound

A new technology aims to offer the ultimate listening experience by understanding how the brain perceives vertical sound. Researchers will develop software that converts 2D recordings into 3D using psycho-acoustic analysis and critical listening tests.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·DateOct 15, 2014

Why me? Many women living in poverty blame children, love life

A study by American researchers found that low-income mothers who attribute their poverty to having children tend to suffer greater levels of depression due to feelings of guilt and helplessness. Those who blame problems in romantic relationships experience more anxiety, possibly due to a lack of control over domestic issues.

SourceSpringer Science+Business Media·JournalSex Roles·DateOct 15, 2014

Diversity in medical education: It's not so black and white anymore

The new approach to diversity in medical education focuses on differences beyond race and ethnicity, acknowledging shared experiences that no longer track simply with race. Achieving this requires a commitment to diversity that is inseparable from an institution's identity and success.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·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.

Prostate cancer's penchant for copper may be a fatal flaw

Prostate cancer cells hoard copper, and researchers have found a way to deliver a trove of copper along with a drug that selectively destroys the diseased cells. This combination approach could lead to improved treatments for late-stage disease.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalCancer Research·DateOct 15, 2014

Effects of high-risk Parkinson's mutation are reversible

Researchers found that deacetylase inhibitors can fully restore movement problems caused by the LRRK2 Parkinson's mutation in fruit flies. This study provides compelling evidence for a direct link between defective transport and movement problems, suggesting a potential therapy for people with this specific mutation.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalNature Communications·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.

Treating sleep apnea in cardiac patients reduces hospital readmission

A study of hospitalized cardiac patients found that effective treatment with positive airway pressure therapy reduces 30-day hospital readmission rates and emergency department visits. Patients who adhered to PAP therapy had a 30% lower risk of hospital readmission compared to those who used partial or no PAP therapy.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateOct 15, 2014

The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology: Gradual weight loss no better than rapid weight loss for long-term weight control

A new study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology found that gradual weight loss is not more effective than rapid weight loss for achieving long-term weight control. In the trial, participants who lost weight quickly were more likely to achieve target weight loss and had lower drop-out rates.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateOct 15, 2014

Prehistoric crocodiles' evolution mirrored in living species

A study reveals key details of prehistoric marine croc group Machimosaurus, showing adaptations for various habitats similar to modern-day crocodiles. The ancient species varied in body length and features, with some living in open seas and others in coastal environments.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·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.

Milky Way ransacks nearby dwarf galaxies

Astronomers discovered that nearby dwarf spheroidal galaxies lack star-forming gas, while those beyond a certain distance have abundant hydrogen. The Milky Way's gravity affects the composition of its smallest neighbors, shutting down star formation.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateOct 15, 2014

Novel mechanism affecting cell migration discovered

A team of scientists has uncovered a new mechanism controlling actin-rich protrusions that aid in cell migration, a process essential for development, wound healing, and immunological responses. GMF protein plays a key role in regulating these protrusions.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 15, 2014

SwRI's Putzig named NASA Planetary Science Early Career Fellow

Nathaniel Putzig, a senior research scientist at SwRI, has been awarded the NASA Planetary Science Early Career Fellowship for his work on detecting ground ice within sand dunes across the southern hemisphere of Mars. The grant will support his research project using morphologic and thermal data.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·DateOct 15, 2014

Tuning light to kill deep cancer tumors

A novel strategy combining nanoparticle technology with FDA-approved photodynamic therapy has been developed to effectively kill deep-set cancer cells in vivo. The treatment uses low-power, deep-tissue-penetrating light to activate the cancer-killing drug, showing improved destruction of tumors with minimal damage to surrounding tissue.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 15, 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.

Study identifies risk factors for sexual assault, including age and alcohol consumption

A Danish study found that women aged 15-24 years old were more likely to be sexually assaulted, while those who consumed over 5 units of alcohol were at risk of being attacked by a stranger. The study highlights the need for awareness and education among healthcare professionals, police, and the general public to prevent sexual assault.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology·DateOct 15, 2014

Study models ways to cut Mexico's HIV rates

A new study by Brown University researchers estimates that increasing condom use among HIV-positive male sex workers could reduce the annual infection rate among their partners from 8% to 5.2%, while increasing antiretroviral therapy could slash the rate to 4.4%. The study also found that making interventions work, such as counteractin...

SourceBrown University·JournalAIDS and Behavior·DateOct 15, 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.

Researchers develop world's thinnest electric generator

Scientists have created the world's thinnest electric generator by harnessing the piezoelectric properties of a single atomic layer of MoS2. The device is optically transparent, extremely light, and bendable, making it ideal for wearable applications.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature·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.

The Lancet: Universal health coverage in Latin America series

The series examines four distinct phases in Latin American countries' history of health system reform and universal coverage. It highlights the importance of social determinants, intersectoral action, and solidarity-based financing schemes to achieve universal health coverage.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 15, 2014

Love/hate relationship to 'foreigners' in Britain in WWII

Research by Professor Wendy Webster uncovers the mixed reactions to foreigners in Britain during WWII, from welcome for Black GIs to hostility towards civilian refugees. The Mixing It project results in a book and Imperial War Museum exhibition examining diverse experiences of war workers, soldiers, and refugees.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·DateOct 15, 2014

MD Anderson study first to compare treatments, survival benefits for early-stage lung cancer

A large-scale population-based study found that removing the entire lobe of lung may offer better overall survival compared to partial resection and stereotactic ablative radiotherapy. The study also suggests that SABR may be a suitable alternative to surgery for elderly patients with multiple medical problems.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalJAMA Surgery·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.

Key moment mapped in assembly of DNA-splitting molecular machine

Researchers pinpoint key moments in the beginning of DNA replication, including structural details about the enzyme that unwinds the DNA double helix. The study's findings offer insights into how the enzyme becomes reactivated to begin its work splitting the DNA.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateOct 15, 2014

Cryptic clues drive new theory of bowel cancer development

Researchers have challenged conventional thinking on bowel cancer development, proposing a new mechanism involving crypt-generating stem cells. The study found that these stem cells are responsible for maintaining and regenerating the 'crypts' in the bowel lining, and their dysfunction may lead to precancerous and cancerous growths.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 15, 2014

Weather history time machine

A new software program, SOGP 1.0, enables researchers to reconstruct historical global precipitation patterns, providing insights into major weather events like the Dust Bowl. The tool allows for detailed analysis of oceanic and land-based data, improving our understanding of climate change.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalJournal of the Atmospheric Sciences·DateOct 15, 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.

Psychiatrist appointments hard to get, even for insured: Study

Harvard researchers found that only 26% of psychiatrists offered appointments despite making multiple calls, highlighting the challenges faced by patients seeking mental health care. The study also reveals a significant difference in success rates between cities, with Houston having the most accessible psychiatric services.

SourcePhysicians for a National Health Program·JournalPsychiatric Services·DateOct 15, 2014

$6 million in federal funding makes animal feed go further

Researchers will screen proprietary enzymes for digestibility of common ingredients found in Canadian pork and poultry feed and develop commercial products to improve feed conversion and producer profit margins. The project aims to reduce strain on the environment due to decreased animal waste and improve overall animal growth and health.

SourceConcordia University·DateOct 15, 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.

Australians not prepared for dying with dignity

Despite ongoing calls for improvement, many Australians are unprepared for dying with dignity. Only 14% of the population has an Advance Directive outlining their preferred end-of-life treatment and care options.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalInternal Medicine Journal·DateOct 14, 2014

Personalised treatment for stress-related diabetes

Researchers at Lund University have developed a personalized treatment for type 2 diabetes that targets the disease mechanism itself, rather than just its symptoms. The treatment, which uses a drug called Yohimbin, has shown promising results in improving insulin secretion in patients with the genetic risk variant.

SourceLund University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 14, 2014

More physical activity improved school performance

A study by the Sahlgrenska Academy found that two hours of extra physical activity per week can improve school performance in twelve-year-olds. The results showed a larger proportion of students from schools with extra physical activity achieved national learning goals in all subjects compared to control groups.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJournal of School Health·DateOct 14, 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.

Common gene variants linked to delayed healing of bone fractures

Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine identified common gene variants associated with delayed fracture healing, potentially leading to improved treatment for patients. The study's findings suggest that specific genetic polymorphisms may impair or fail to support fracture healing.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateOct 14, 2014

Rats of New York and the diseases they carry

A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that NYC rats harbor bacterial and viral pathogens, including Seoul hantavirus and rat hepaciviruses similar to human hepatitis C. The researchers identified 15 pathogens in 133 trapped rats, highlighting the importance of monitoring the city's rodent population.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalmBio·DateOct 14, 2014