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Science News Archive October 2014 - Page 33


Page 33 of 35

Soon to become a minority in the US, whites express declining support for diversity

A study by UCLA psychologists found that white Americans view diversity negatively when exposed to current projections of future demographics, with those who believe they will no longer be the majority expressing lower levels of support. This phenomenon is linked to whites feeling threatened by their perceived loss of American identity.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateOct 2, 2014

Study indicates possible new way to treat endometrial, colon cancers

Researchers discovered that mutations in the PIK3R1 gene, particularly R348, can activate ERK and JNK signaling cascades, enabling tumor growth. Targeted therapies may need to focus on these mutant tumors, offering a potential new approach for treating endometrial and colon cancers.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCancer Cell·DateOct 2, 2014

Making old lungs look young again

Researchers at Ohio State University found that ibuprofen can reduce lung inflammation in elderly mice, improving their immune response to tuberculosis. By lowering inflammation, ibuprofen made the lungs of old mice appear younger and more effective at fighting infection.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateOct 2, 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.

Researchers discover gene that can predict aggressive prostate cancer at diagnosis

Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center identified a genetic variant near the KLK3 gene that can predict aggressive prostate cancer in GS7 patients. The study found a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) on the KLK3 gene associated with disease aggression, providing potential biomarkers for personalized treatment.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateOct 2, 2014

Exercise linked with improved physical and mental health among dialysis patients

Research findings suggest that aerobic activity improves the health-related quality of life and reduces depressive symptoms among hemodialysis patients. The study also found that dialysis facilities can promote physical activity levels by offering exercise programs, potentially improving patient outcomes.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateOct 2, 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.

Twice the DNA yield in less time

A new DNA isolation technique using MagnaCel paramagnetic cellulose particles has been shown to improve the quality and quantity of DNA extractions across a wide range of flowering plants. This method outperformed traditional techniques like CTAB and DNeasy, providing an average of twice the DNA yield and more consistent DNA purity.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateOct 2, 2014

Strong working memory puts brakes on problematic drug use

A study led by Atika Khurana found that adolescents with strong working memory are less likely to engage in impulsive drug-use behaviors. Weaknesses in executive functioning often underlie self-control issues in children as young as 3 years old, making targeted interventions crucial for early prevention.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalDevelopment and Psychopathology·DateOct 2, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers identify new pathway linking the brain to high blood pressure

Researchers at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute and the University of Maryland School of Medicine have identified a new pathway linking the brain to high blood pressure. The study suggests new approaches for treating hypertension and heart failure, potentially improving patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa Heart Institute·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 2, 2014

Study gauges humor by age

A study by University of Akron researcher Jennifer Tehan Stanley found that young and middle-aged adults consider aggressive humor funny, whereas older adults do not. The study suggests our concept of what is funny may evolve over time as we age.

SourceUniversity of Akron·JournalPsychology and Aging·DateOct 2, 2014

£125 million announced by Business Secretary Vince Cable for the next generation of scientists to drive the economy of the future

The UK will receive £125M over five years to support PhD training in agriculture, food security, industrial biotechnology, bioenergy, and health. This funding aims to build on the country's strengths in these areas and tackle major challenges such as food demand, sustainable industries, and healthcare.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·DateOct 2, 2014

Osteoporosis treatment may also benefit breast cancer patients

A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute finds that osteoporosis treatment may also benefit breast cancer patients by slowing skeletal metastasis. Women who took oral bisphosphonates had a reduced risk of bone metastases, with longer medication use resulting in greater reduction.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateOct 2, 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.

52-million-year-old amber preserves 'ant-loving' beetle

Scientists have discovered a 52-million-year-old beetle fossil in India that showcases the earliest known example of myrmecophily, or ant-loving behavior. The beetle's unique adaptations enable it to bypass ant nest defenses and integrate into colony life.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 2, 2014

Energy drinks cause insomnia and nervousness in athletes

A study found that energy drink consumption increased frequency of insomnia and nervousness in athletes, contradicting claims of improved sports performance. Energy drinks contain caffeine, which stimulates athletes but does not provide additional energy.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalBritish Journal Of Nutrition·DateOct 2, 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.

Gout linked to heightened diabetes risk

A large UK study has found a significant link between gout and diabetes in the general population, particularly among women. Women with gout were 71% more likely to develop diabetes than those without, highlighting the importance of prompt treatment of shared risk factors.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateOct 2, 2014

In a bad mood? Head to Facebook and find someone worse off

A study by Ohio State University found that people in a bad mood tend to spend more time on social media profiles of those who are less successful and unattractive. This suggests that individuals use social networking sites as a means to manage their moods, seeking comparison with others who are doing worse.

SourceOhio State University·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateOct 2, 2014

DNA 'bias' may keep some diseases in circulation, Penn biologists show

Researchers found a small but significant effect of gene conversion bias on the persistence of heritable diseases in populations. The study suggests that this bias may contribute to the retention of disease-associated alleles, increasing the risk of recessive diseases across populations.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateOct 2, 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.

High alcohol intake linked to heightened HPV infection risk in men

Research found a significant association between high alcohol intake and heightened HPV infection risk in men, even after adjusting for other risk factors. The study suggests that moderate alcohol consumption may be crucial to reducing this risk, alongside safe sex practices and smoking cessation.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalSexually Transmitted Infections·DateOct 2, 2014

Why we can't tell a Hollywood heartthrob from his stunt double

UC Berkeley researchers have discovered how our brains merge faces for stability and continuity. By identifying a 'Continuity Field' in facial recognition, they explain why we can't tell the difference between an actor's face and their stunt double's.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 2, 2014

Stopping liver cancer in its tracks

Researchers have found that protein AIM can prevent liver cancer development by triggering the complement cascade to eliminate cancerous cells. AIM accumulates on the surface of HCC cells, leading to their destruction.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 2, 2014

The fat suit study

A recent Cornell University study found that eating with someone who appears overweight can lead to consuming more unhealthy foods and less healthy portions. Researchers discovered that participants served and ate 31.6% more pasta when the actress wore a prosthesis, but reduced salad intake by 43.5%.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalAppetite·DateOct 2, 2014

HHS releases 13th Report on Carcinogens

The HHS has added four new substances to its 13th Report on Carcinogens, including ortho-toluidine, 1-bromopropane, cumene, and pentachlorophenol. Ortho-toluidine is a known human carcinogen, while the other three are reasonably anticipated to be human carcinogens based on studies in humans and animals.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·DateOct 2, 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.

Unexpectedly speedy expansion of human, ape cerebellum

A new study reveals the cerebellum expanded up to six times faster than expected in human and ape evolution, shifting focus from the neocortex. The findings suggest technical intelligence was equally important as social intelligence in human cognitive evolution.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 2, 2014

New report urges caution in handling eyewitness identifications

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommend best practices for law enforcement agencies and courts to improve the accuracy of eyewitness identifications. Research has shown that factors such as dim lighting, brief viewing times, and biases can influence people's perceptions, leading to mistaken identifications.

SourceNational Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine·DateOct 2, 2014

A discovery could prevent the development of brain tumors in children

Researchers at IRCM discovered that a protein called Sonic Hedgehog induces DNA damage, which promotes the progression of medulloblastoma, the most common brain tumor found in children. The study found that Boc receptor is required for Sonic Hedgehog to induce DNA mutations, reducing tumour growth by 66%.

SourceInstitut de recherches cliniques de Montreal·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateOct 2, 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.

A new approach to on-chip quantum computing

Researchers develop new approach to generate mixed-up photon pairs on a chip, exploiting micro-ring resonator technology. The device can directly generate orthogonal polarized photons at very low power, suitable for quantum protocols.

SourceOptica·DateOct 2, 2014

Socioeconomic factors, fashion trends linked to increase in melanoma

Researchers analyzed cultural and historical forces to estimate historic changes in UV exposure contributing to the rise in melanoma cases. Changes in fashion and clothing design, as well as increased leisure time and sun exposure, are identified as key factors.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateOct 2, 2014

Sense of invalidation uniquely risky for troubled teens

A new study suggests that a moderate to high perception of family invalidation is a statistically significant predictor of a later suicide event among boys. Strong peer invalidation also predicts engagement in self-harm behaviors in the overall group, according to researchers.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology·DateOct 2, 2014

Thermotolerant yeast can provide more climate-smart ethanol

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have created thermotolerant yeast that can grow at 40 degrees, allowing for more efficient bioethanol production. This breakthrough could reduce cooling costs and increase the use of residual waste as a raw material, resulting in cost savings and a reduced carbon footprint.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalScience·DateOct 2, 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.

Ancient protein-making enzyme moonlights as DNA protector

Researchers found that an ancient protein-making enzyme, TyrRS, has a second major function: protecting DNA during cellular stress. This discovery could lead to better therapies for radiation injuries and hereditary disorders like Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalMolecular Cell·DateOct 2, 2014

Study shows sharks have personalities

Researchers found that individual sharks possess social personalities, determining how they interact with group mates in the wild. The study revealed that socially well-connected individuals remained connected under different habitats, while less social individuals camouflaged alone.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateOct 1, 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.

Predicting the future course of psychotic illness

Researchers developed a predictive model based on clinical symptoms, cognitive abilities, brain structure, and biomarkers to forecast patient outcomes. The model aims to improve treatment for mental illnesses like schizophrenia and could lead to more personalized care.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalAustralian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry·DateOct 1, 2014

Immunotherapy could stop resistance to radiotherapy

Researchers found combining immunotherapy with radiotherapy helps the immune system target and destroy cancer cells resistant to initial treatment. This approach improved survival rates and protected mice against disease recurrence.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalCancer Research·DateOct 1, 2014

Hypertension risk rises closer to major roadways

A new study by Brown University found that women who lived close to highways had a significantly higher risk of high blood pressure, with risks rising with proximity to the roadways. The study controlled for various confounding factors and found that living within 100m of a highway increased hypertension risk by 22%.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateOct 1, 2014

Spiders: Survival of the fittest group

A study by Pruitt and Goodnight found that group-level adaptations, such as a critical ratio of two types of females, are potent evolutionary forces in nature. In spider colonies, docile and aggressive females adapt to specific locations, with the ratio shifting between survival-friendly and threat-prone conditions.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalNature·DateOct 1, 2014
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Intervention helps decrease 'mean girl' behaviors, MU researchers find

A 10-week group counseling and caregiver training intervention, GIRLSS, has been found to decrease relational aggression among middle school girls. The study, published in the Journal of Child and Family Studies, showed a reduction in 'mean girl' behaviors among participants.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Child and Family Studies·DateOct 1, 2014

Research confirms controversial Darwin theory of 'jump dispersal'

A new computational method suggests that Darwin's 'jump dispersal' theory is supported by strong evidence, especially for island species. The study found that jump dispersal can explain the biogeography of Hawaiian Islands and other archipelagos with a greater statistical probability than vicariance methods.

SourceNational Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS)·JournalSystematic Biology·DateOct 1, 2014

Proving 'group selection'

A landmark study published in Nature finds that spiders adapt their docile-to-aggressive ratios to local environments for optimal colony survival. The research shows that colonies change their composition over time to better match the ratio required by their native site, even when moved to different locations.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature·DateOct 1, 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.

New study provides key to identifying spiders in international cargo

A new study has identified the most common non-mygalomorph spiders found in international cargo, highlighting that many are harmless species. The study provides a simple key for proper identification of cargo-borne spiders to prevent costly and unwarranted measures.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Medical Entomology·DateOct 1, 2014

New article shows daily use of certain supplements can decrease health-care expenditures

A new article published in the Journal of Dietary Supplements explores a potential cost-benefit analysis tool that shows daily use of certain dietary supplements, specifically omega-3 fatty acid or B vitamin supplements, can result in reduced odds of experiencing costly medical events. According to the study, high-risk adults over 55 w...

SourceCouncil for Responsible Nutrition·JournalJournal of Dietary Supplements·DateOct 1, 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.

'Stealth' nanoparticles could improve cancer vaccines

Researchers developed stealthy nanoparticles that successfully deliver cancer vaccines to a subset of macrophages deep inside lymph nodes, hindering tumor growth. The nanoparticles bypass circulating immune cells and enter the lymph nodes' core, where they are engulfed by special kind of macrophage.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 1, 2014

Fat chats: The good, the bad and the ugly comments

A study analyzing over 1.37 million social media posts found pervasive negative stereotypes and jokes about weight, as well as instances of support and advice. Blogs and forums offered a safe space for online discussions about healthy eating and weight management.

SourceSpringer·JournalTranslational Behavioral Medicine·DateOct 1, 2014