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Science News Archive October 2014 - Page 21


Page 21 of 35

Scientists sniff out unexpected role for stem cells in the brain

Researchers found that newly formed brain cells in the olfactory system maintain proper connections and are essential for recovery from disrupted states. The discovery challenges previous assumptions about neuronal development and suggests a constant supply of new neurons is necessary to stabilize the mature structure.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·DateOct 14, 2014

University of Calgary research leads to brain cancer clinical trial

Researchers have made a breakthrough in brain cancer treatment by identifying a key process that can be targeted with a new drug, AZD8055, which combines with Temozolomide to extend animal life by 30%. This discovery is leading to the start of a human phase I/II clinical trial as early as Spring 2015.

SourceUniversity of Calgary, Faculty of Medicine·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateOct 14, 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.

Teenage baseball pitchers at risk for permanent shoulder injury

A new study published in Radiology found that teenage baseball pitchers who throw more than 100 pitches per week are at risk for acromial apophysiolysis, a condition characterized by incomplete fusion and tenderness at the acromion. The study also found that these pitchers are more likely to develop rotator cuff tears later in life.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateOct 14, 2014

A canary for climate change

Researchers found a strong correlation between Northern Hemisphere seabird diversity and environmental stressors, with puffins and auks serving as indicator species. The study suggests that climate change has shaped the geographic distribution and population size of existing species over the past 5 million years.

SourceNational Evolutionary Synthesis Center (NESCent)·JournalJournal of Avian Biology·DateOct 14, 2014

Rare genetic disease protects against bipolar disorder

Researchers at UMass Chan Medical School and UMMSM have identified a rare genetic pathway that protects against bipolar disorder. Decades of research in Old Order Amish families with a high incidence of both diseases revealed a significant negative association between Ellis van-Creveld syndrome and bipolar affective disorder.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateOct 14, 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.

A neurotic personality increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease

A study followed 800 women for nearly 40 years and found that those with neurotic tendencies were more likely to develop dementia conditions. The research suggests that long periods of stress can increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease, with shy women experiencing the highest increase in risk.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNeurology·DateOct 14, 2014

Cambridge team explore power of thorium for improved nuclear design

A UK team is exploring the use of thorium as a fuel source for improved nuclear designs, which could provide safer and more cost-effective power generation. The Integral Inherently Safe Light Water Reactor (I2S-LWR) aims to reduce the size and enhance safety of conventional nuclear power stations.

SourceEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council·DateOct 14, 2014

Orphanage care linked to thinner brain tissue in regions related to ADHD

Research at the University of Washington shows that children who spent their early years in institutions have thinner brain tissue in areas related to attention and impulse control. The study provides strong evidence for a link between childhood neglect and ADHD, with significant differences seen in brain structure and behavior.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateOct 14, 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.

Testing parents' patience, while treating kids' problem behavior

Researchers at Marcus Autism Center studied delay discounting in parental decision-making, finding that parents' willingness to engage in treatment for their children's problem behavior decreases with longer delay. The study aimed to design treatment programs that families can stick to and help them adhere to.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateOct 14, 2014

New forecasting method: Predicting extreme floods in the Andes mountains

A new forecasting method uses complex networks analysis to predict extreme rainfall events in the South American Andes. The approach, developed by an international team of scientists, can accurately forecast 90% of extreme rainfall events under El Niño conditions and 60% under other conditions.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 14, 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.

$2.3 million NSF grant will fund MU study of math learning outcomes

The University of Missouri will receive a $2.3 million NSF grant to study the impact of elementary mathematics specialists on student learning outcomes. The research aims to improve math instruction by exploring the effectiveness of assigning specialist teachers to specific classrooms.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·DateOct 14, 2014

Light-activated drug could reduce side effects of diabetes medication

Scientists at Imperial College London have created a light-activated drug that stimulates insulin release from pancreatic cells in response to blue light, potentially reducing side effects and improving blood sugar control. The drug, JB253, is reversible and can be switched on for short periods after meals.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 14, 2014

Caribbean coral reef inhabitants critical in determining future of reefs

New research highlights the crucial role of bioerosion and carbonate production on Caribbean coral reefs. Species that live in and erode coral reefs, such as sea urchins and parrotfish, will significantly impact the future health of reefs. The study suggests a delicate balance between these processes is necessary to maintain reef health.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·DateOct 14, 2014

Fish oil supplements have little effect on irregular heartbeat

A new study by the Montreal Heart Institute found that high doses of fish oil supplements do not reduce atrial fibrillation, a common type of irregular heartbeat. The study also showed that fish oil supplements did not reduce inflammation or oxidative stress markers, which may explain their lack of efficacy.

SourceMontreal Heart Institute·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateOct 14, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

What goes up must come down

Biologists at UC Riverside found that geckos reverse hind foot position to use the adhesive system as a brake and stabilizer when moving downhill. The study, published in Biology Letters, sheds light on gecko locomotion on non-level terrain and has applications in robotics.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalBiology Letters·DateOct 14, 2014

Collapsible wings help birds cope with turbulence

Birds use collapsible wing tucks to respond to turbulent air masses, reducing lift and minimizing jolting. Researchers found that this technique could potentially be used in micro air vehicles to maintain stability in windy conditions.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateOct 14, 2014

The neuroscience of holding it

Researchers found a strong connection between the pelvic floor muscles and the glutes in the brain, highlighting the interconnected nature of the body. This discovery may help identify the causes of chronic pelvic floor pain and improve treatments for incontinence.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateOct 14, 2014

Future computers could be built from magnetic 'tornadoes'

Researchers at the University of Sheffield have made a breakthrough in creating magnetic materials that can perform calculations, paving the way for more power-efficient computers. By harnessing the properties of magnetic vortex domain walls, they hope to develop smaller and faster logic gates.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateOct 14, 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.

Seniors run for the suburbs in their golden years

A Concordia University study found that seniors over 65 are more likely to move to suburbs than urban cores. This trend is driven by factors such as access to medical services and public transit infrastructure. As a result, researchers warn that this shift may have negative implications for seniors' quality of life.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Transport Geography·DateOct 14, 2014

Earth's magnetic field could flip within a human lifetime

A new study reveals that Earth's magnetic field reversed direction in less than 100 years, approximately 786,000 years ago. This rapid reversal could have significant effects on our planet, including disruptions to electrical grids and increased cancer rates due to the loss of protection from solar and cosmic particles.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalGeophysical Journal International·DateOct 14, 2014

Energy drinks may pose danger to public health

Energy drinks have been linked to high caffeine levels, which can cause heart palpitations, hypertension, nausea, and vomiting. Mixing energy drinks with alcohol is also a significant risk factor for adverse health effects.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·DateOct 14, 2014

Scientists discover carbonate rocks are unrecognized methane sink

Researchers have found that carbonate rocks contain vast amounts of active microbes that take up methane, expanding our understanding of the Earth's methane process. The discovery could significantly impact our understanding of greenhouse gas accumulation and its role in climate change.

SourceOregon State University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 14, 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.

Thyroid carcinoma: Biomarker reveals cancer cause

A new biomarker, CLIP2, has been discovered that distinguishes between radiation-induced and sporadic thyroid carcinomas. The marker increases in both genetic activity and protein expression after radiation exposure.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalOncogene·DateOct 14, 2014

Immune cells in the liver drive fatty liver disease and liver cancer

A team of scientists led by Prof. Mathias Heikenwälder found that immune cells, particularly CD8+ T cells and NK T cells, play a crucial role in the development of fatty liver disease, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and liver cancer. The study suggests that an existing metabolic imbalance triggers the activation and migration of...

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalCancer Cell·DateOct 14, 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.

New clues behind the resilience of a leading sexually transmitted pathogen, Chlamydia

Researchers have uncovered how chlamydia, a leading sexually transmitted pathogen, has evolved to evade its hosts through genomic shuffling and adaptation. The study found extensive genetic variation between chlamydia families, highlighting the importance of understanding this diversity for developing new therapeutics.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateOct 14, 2014

Frontline diagnosis and treatment of infant infections

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that frontline health workers can accurately diagnose bacterial infections in young infants, but access to antibiotics is limited. The study suggests that improving diagnosis and antibiotic access can help reduce neonatal deaths in low- and middle-income countries.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateOct 14, 2014

Brand loyalty: What happens when our favorite products are unavailable?

When favorite products are out of stock, consumers quickly forget about them if a good replacement is available, according to a new study. The study found that desire for a product depends on the time elapsed since consumption and substitute availability.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateOct 14, 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.

New sequencing reveals genetic history of tomatoes

Researchers analyzed 360 tomato varieties and wild strains to understand the impact of domestication and breeding on cultivated tomatoes. The study identified genes responsible for larger fruit size and increased disease resistance, but also found areas of genetic uniformity that could be addressed in future breeding.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Genetics·DateOct 14, 2014

The Costco effect: Do consumers buy less variety at bigger stores?

A new study found that consumers purchase a greater variety of products when they are packaged individually rather than bundled together. Consumers tend to seek more options when choosing from single products, regardless of their preference. The study offers insight for retailers on how to influence consumer behavior and increase sales.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateOct 14, 2014

CWRU dental survey finds dental anxiety leads cause for moderate sedation

A new study by Case Western Reserve University found that moderate sedation is used to calm anxiety in over half of patients, with fear of needles being the second most common reason. The study provides a guideline for when to use moderate sedation, but raises concerns about endodontist training and certification.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of Endodontics·DateOct 14, 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.

Are there enough fish to go around?

A study by researchers at the University of York found that domestic fish supplies have fallen to their lowest point in over 70 years, with only one fifth of recommended consumption levels met. The report also highlights the environmental costs of aquaculture and calls for sustainable production methods.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·DateOct 14, 2014

Photopharmacology: Optical control of insulin secretion

A team of scientists has successfully created a light-sensitive sulfonylurea compound that stimulates insulin release only in response to blue light. This breakthrough could lead to more precise control over blood sugar levels and reduce side effects associated with traditional diabetes treatments.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 14, 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.

Autophagy helps fast track stem cell activation

Researchers found that autophagy, a cellular recycling mechanism, helps activate muscle stem cells by inducing metabolic shifts and coping with increased biosynthesis demands. Inhibited autophagy delayed stem cell activation, highlighting SIRT1's regulatory role in this process.

SourceEMBO·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateOct 14, 2014

Forced to be bad: When eating that chocolate cake is 'not our fault'?

A new study in Journal of Consumer Research found that consumers experience less guilt and higher vitality when they're not responsible for indulging in luxury products. The research suggests that allowing consumers to deflect their spending decisions can lead to increased happiness and well-being.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateOct 14, 2014

CWRU studies how women in recovery manage personal networks with family and friend users

A study by Case Western Reserve University's social work school found that many women in poverty struggle to drop users in their lives, making it difficult to establish new networks of non-using friends and supporters. The researchers identified relationships in the network as a key factor in whether women used drugs or not.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalQualitative Health Research·DateOct 14, 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.

Many older adults still homebound after 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

A recent study found that approximately 20% of older adults in the affected area were homebound, highlighting a public health concern. The study's geographical analysis revealed that distances to retail stores and availability of hawker bus services significantly impacted the risk of being homebound.

SourceOxford University Press UK·JournalAge and Ageing·DateOct 14, 2014

Can big data make sense of climate change?

Researchers explore challenges and opportunities of mining large climate datasets with powerful analytical methods, scientific theory, and solid data engineering. By combining theory and Big Data, scientists aim to explain and predict important climate change phenomena.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBig Data·DateOct 14, 2014

Memories of pain during childbirth tied to intensity rather than length of labor

A study of 320 women finds that peak and end levels of pain experienced during childbirth are strong predictors of recalled pain, while duration of labor is not. Additionally, receiving an epidural may influence women's memory for labor pain, with those who received epidurals remembering lower levels of pain.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 14, 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.

New light on the 'split peak' of alcohols

Researchers used RIXS to investigate liquid alcohols and found that split peaks originate from nuclear dynamics during the scattering process. This new understanding extends the technique's utility for studying complex materials.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalStructural Dynamics·DateOct 14, 2014