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Science News Archive September 2014 - Page 16


Page 16 of 34

Boosting global corn yields depends on improving nutrient balance

A review of over 150 studies reveals that optimal nitrogen-phosphorus and nitrogen-potassium ratios are crucial for high-yielding corn production. Achieving these balanced nutrient uptake ratios can lead to significant yield increases regardless of the region where the corn is grown.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateSep 16, 2014

First blood test to diagnose depression in adults

A new blood test identifies 9 RNA markers tied to depression, predicting who will benefit from therapy and providing the first objective, scientific diagnosis. The test also shows biological effects of cognitive behavioral therapy, offering personalized medicine approach to people suffering from depression.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateSep 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.

The future face of molecular electronics

Researchers identify picene as a potential candidate for small-scale electronics due to its high carrier mobility and chemical stability. A thin layer of picene molecules attached to a silver surface maintains its structure and function.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateSep 16, 2014

Smoke wafts over the Selway Valley in Idaho

Smoke from the Selway Complex and Johnson Bar fires is wafting into the Selway River valley, as detected by NASA's MODIS satellite on September 15, 2014. The fires, ignited by lightning strikes between August 10 and August 25, have spread to over 9,600 acres.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 16, 2014

Job stress not the only cause of burnouts at work

A new study published in Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology found that factors outside the workplace contribute to mental health problems. Employees living with a partner, with young children or higher household income, experienced fewer burnout symptoms. The research emphasizes the importance of considering home life along...

SourceConcordia University·JournalSocial Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology·DateSep 16, 2014

Effect of magnesium sulfate during pregnancy on very preterm infants

A study found that antenatal magnesium sulfate treatment was not associated with improved outcomes in children born at less than 28 weeks' gestation. Despite its neuroprotective effects for preterm fetuses, the treatment had no long-term benefits on neurological, behavioral, growth, or functional outcomes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateSep 16, 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.

Why are consumers willing to spend more money on ethical products?

A study in Journal of Consumer Research finds that consumers who prioritize ethics make choices based on emotions such as anger, concern, and joy. Ethical consumerism can be fueled by these sentiments to encourage more responsible habits.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateSep 16, 2014

More cheese, please! New study shows dairy is good for your metabolic health

A new Canadian study found that consuming dairy products may have beneficial effects on metabolic health, including lower blood pressure and body weight. The study monitored the dairy-eating habits of healthy French-Canadians and discovered a positive association between dairy intake and specific metabolic risk factors.

SourceCanadian Science Publishing·DateSep 16, 2014
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Meteorite that doomed the dinosaurs helped the forests bloom

A new study published in PLOS Biology reveals that the meteorite impact that ended the dinosaurs also accelerated the growth of fast-growing flowering plants, which replaced slower-growing evergreen species. The research used fossilized leaves to reconstruct a plant community thriving during a 2.2 million-year period after the impact.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 16, 2014

Powerful synergies across different sectors improve health of poor women and children

New research finds that 50% of under-five child mortality reduction is due to high-impact health interventions, while the remaining 50% is attributed to factors outside the health sector. Successful countries deployed tailored strategies to address immediate needs, work towards long-term visions, and adapt quickly to change.

SourceHoffman & Hoffman Worldwide·JournalBulletin of the World Health Organization·DateSep 16, 2014

Healthy humans make nice homes for viruses

A recent study found that healthy individuals carry an average of five types of viruses on their bodies, with some individuals harboring up to 15 viruses. The researchers discovered seven families of viruses, including strains of herpes viruses not associated with sexually transmitted infections.

SourceWashU Medicine·DateSep 16, 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.

NASA HS3 instrument views 2 dimensions of clouds

The NASA HS3 mission is studying the changing profile of the atmosphere to learn more about how hurricanes form and strengthen. The CPL instrument provides a two-dimensional picture of cloud and aerosols, allowing scientists to discriminate between different types of particles and improve hurricane models.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 16, 2014

The genetics of coping with HIV

Researchers found that tolerance to HIV varies substantially between individuals, influenced by inherited genes, and is distinct from resistance. The study also discovered a gene linked to both resistance and tolerance, suggesting a unique mechanism for coping with the virus.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 16, 2014

World Health Organization policy improves use of medicines

A study by WHO and University of Toronto researchers found that implementing essential medicines policies is associated with improved quality use of medicines. Countries with higher per capita wealth levels showed weaker correlation, highlighting the importance of these policies in low-income nations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 16, 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.

Cancer patients with malignant spinal cord compression have preserved mobility

Cancer patients with malignant spinal cord compression who receive a single dose of 10 Gy radiation therapy have preserved mobility, comparable to those receiving five daily doses of lower-radiation therapy. The study also found similar changes in bladder function and overall survival rates between the two groups.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·DateSep 16, 2014

Researchers studying improving physician opioid prescribing

The study aims to test a collaborative care intervention to improve chronic opioid therapy management and reduce prescription opioid misuse among HIV-infected patients. Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine hope to develop an effective model that can be adopted nationwide.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·DateSep 16, 2014

Imaging identifies asymptomatic people at risk for stroke

A new study found that imaging can be a cost-effective way to identify people at risk for stroke and help sort patients into invasive or less invasive options. The study used transcranial Doppler sonography to assess cerebrovascular reserve in asymptomatic individuals with carotid artery stenosis.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateSep 16, 2014

Patient's question triggers important study about blood thinners

A new study has provided clinical guidelines for selecting the best oral blood thinner for patients suffering from deep vein thrombosis. The study, published in JAMA, analyzed 45 randomized trials involving nearly 45,000 patients and found no major differences in effectiveness and safety among eight anticoagulant therapies.

SourceThe Ottawa Hospital·JournalJAMA·DateSep 16, 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.

Results of DKCRUSH-VI trial reported at TCT 2014

A new study compared the effectiveness of fractional flow reserve (FFR)-guided and angiography-guided provisional side branch stenting in patients with true coronary bifurcation lesions. The FFR-guided approach yielded similar one-year composite rates of major adverse cardiac events to the current standard of care.

SourceCardiovascular Research Foundation·DateSep 16, 2014

Smart teens rub off on teammates

A new study at Brigham Young University found that high school students who participate in extracurricular activities with members who get good grades are more likely to attend college. The type of team or club doesn't matter, as long as the student is surrounded by peers with high GPAs.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalSocial Science Research·DateSep 16, 2014

New research decodes virus-host interactions in ocean dead zones

A new study reveals that marine viruses are more important to microbial ecology below sunlit surface waters than previously suspected. The research focused on a sulfur-oxidizing bacterium called SUP05, which is dominant in oxygen minimum zones and has not been successfully cultivated in a lab setting.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·DateSep 16, 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.

Human faces are so variable because we evolved to look unique

A new study by University of California, Berkeley scientists found that human facial traits are more variable than other bodily traits and show higher levels of genetic variation. This is consistent with the idea that evolution has favored uniqueness in facial features to enhance recognition and social interaction.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 16, 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.

How learning to talk is in the genes

Researchers discovered a genetic link between changes near the ROBO2 gene and the number of words spoken by children in early stages of language development. The study found significant association between genetic variations and expressive vocabulary in infancy, suggesting a strong role for genetics in early language skills.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 16, 2014

Sam Houston State study examines use of GIS in policing

A Sam Houston State University study examines the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in policing, identifying key uses and limitations. The review found that while GIS is widely used for crime mapping and profiling, there is a lack of independent evaluations on its effectiveness in curbing crime.

SourceSam Houston State University·JournalInternational Journal of Applied Geospatial Research·DateSep 16, 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.

36 Pit Fire in Oregon

The 36 Pit Fire in Oregon began on September 13, 2014 and is still under investigation. Firefighters have made progress in establishing an anchor point and constructing a fireline on the West and North sides of the fire.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 16, 2014

Combination therapy for COPD associated with better outcomes

A study found that combination therapy with long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs) and inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) is associated with a lower risk of death or COPD hospitalization among older adults with COPD, particularly those with asthma. The therapy also showed promise for patients without asthma.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateSep 16, 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.

A novel therapy for sepsis?

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have found that PTX3, a protein involved in innate immunity, can reduce mortality from sepsis by protecting endothelial cells from damage. The study's findings suggest that PTX3 may be used to develop a novel therapy for sepsis.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScience Signaling·DateSep 16, 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.

Good networkers make prime targets

Pathogens specifically target highly networked proteins with multiple functions to weaken their host. The plant model Arabidopsis thaliana shows that different pathogens attack the same proteins, suggesting a convergent targeting strategy.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateSep 16, 2014

Pairing social networks with social motives to close the science gap

Researchers are using social networks to spread messages about public health knowledge, aiming to close the gap between scientific discoveries and practical applications. A study combining social networks with knowledge about social motives is exploring how to craft effective messages for influential individuals.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 16, 2014

Sharks' skin has teeth in the fight against hospital superbugs

Researchers have developed a surface micropattern called Sharklet that mimics shark skin's natural texture, reducing bacterial contamination by up to 94% compared to smooth surfaces. This technology could potentially curb the spread of MRSA and MSSA in hospital settings.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalAntimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control·DateSep 16, 2014

Meteorite that doomed dinosaurs remade forests

A study of fossilized leaves reveals that the meteorite impact that ended the dinosaurs' reign favored fast-growing, deciduous plants. This shift from slow-growing evergreens to fast-growing species indicates that the extinction was not random, but rather a response to the major disturbance caused by the impact.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 16, 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.

Exxon Valdez 2014: Does media coverage of manmade disasters contribute to consumer complacency?

A new study reveals that news coverage of environmental disasters like the Exxon Valdez 2014 oil spill calms consumer anxieties instead of driving change. The media coverage creates a 'disaster myth' that directs attention to the company responsible, providing a dramatic closure, and distracting from systemic risks.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateSep 16, 2014

Single fraction RT as effective as multiple fraction RT for bone metastases

A study found that single fraction radiation therapy (SFRT) is equally effective as multiple fraction radiation therapy (MFRT) in improving patients' pain, function, and quality of life, including for those with excluded characteristics. The results support the generalizability of prior randomized controlled trials to real-world practice.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·DateSep 16, 2014

Tornadoes occurring earlier in 'Tornado Alley'

A new study reveals peak tornado activity in the central and southern Great Plains of the US is starting and ending earlier than it did half a century ago. The shift in tornado activity could help states in 'Tornado Alley' better prepare for these violent storms, with some states experiencing an average shift of 14 days compared to 1954.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 16, 2014
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.