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Science News Archive September 2014 - Page 23


Page 23 of 34

A Mexican plant could lend the perfume industry more green credibility

A Mexican plant-based fixative alternative to expensive ambergris could significantly reduce the environmental impact of perfumery. Researchers found that producing this new fixative could generate $20 million in local profits and create hundreds of jobs, while minimizing its environmental cost through renewable energy use.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateSep 10, 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 new way to look at diabetes and heart risk

Researchers have discovered a six-fold higher risk of developing heart failure among people with diabetes who appear healthy. A highly sensitive test found elevated troponin levels indicating microscopic heart muscle damage, unrelated to high cholesterol.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalCirculation·DateSep 10, 2014

Unnecessary antibiotic use responsible for $163 million in potentially avoidable hospital costs

Research finds 70% of potential unnecessary therapies represented by three specific drug combinations used to treat anaerobic infections. This overuse can contribute to antimicrobial resistance and increase healthcare costs. The study highlights the need for hospitals to improve their antimicrobial usage efforts.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateSep 10, 2014

Sandia cyber-testing contributes to DHS Transition to Practice

The Transition to Practice program assists in bridging the gap between laboratory and practical cybersecurity technologies. The program uses testing and evaluation methods, such as dynamic testing of executable files, red-teaming, and implementation cost analysis, to help move research discoveries into practical use.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·DateSep 10, 2014

Advanced light source sets microscopy record

Researchers at Berkeley Lab set a new record for X-ray microscopy, achieving resolutions of five nanometers using soft X-rays and ptychography. This breakthrough enables the visualization of chemical phase transformations and mechanical consequences at the nanoscale.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Photonics·DateSep 10, 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.

Seismic gap may be filled by an earthquake near Istanbul

Researchers from MIT and Turkey analyzed 20 years of GPS data to predict a major earthquake near Istanbul. The analysis suggests that the next large earthquake will occur along a seismic gap beneath the Sea of Marmara, west of Istanbul.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 10, 2014

Monitoring the response of bone metastases to treatment using MRI and PET

Recent EORTC Imaging Group review highlights MRI and PET's potential for early detection of bone metastases and monitoring treatment response. The study emphasizes the need to overcome current limitations, such as those related to imaging techniques' sensitivity and specificity.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·JournalEuropean Journal of Cancer·DateSep 10, 2014

ASU astrophysicists to probe how early universe made chemical elements

A team of researchers from Arizona State University and other institutions will develop computer models of stars to simulate the process of element creation. The project aims to understand the formation of heavier elements in the early universe, shedding light on the universe's evolution and diversity.

SourceArizona State University·DateSep 10, 2014

Ancient swamp creature had lips like Mick Jagger

Scientists have named an extinct swamp-dwelling creature after Mick Jagger due to its oversized lips. The Jaggermeryx naida fossils, found in Egypt's desert, belonged to a family of ancient hoofed animals called anthracotheres.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Paleontology·DateSep 10, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

ESA announces winners of 2014 Monsanto Student Grant winners

The Entomological Society of America has announced the winners of the 2014 Monsanto Research Grant Awards and Student Travel Awards. Flor Edith Acevedo, Carrie Deans, and Zachary DeVries are among the recipients, recognized for their research projects on insect-plant interactions.

SourceEntomological Society of America·DateSep 10, 2014

Study examines vitiligo, alopecia areata and chronic graft vs. host disease

A study of 282 patients with chronic graft-vs-host disease found a link between female donors and the development of vitiligo and alopecia areata. The study identified risk factors, including sex mismatch and certain antibodies, which may lead to better understanding of autoimmune manifestations in this condition.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateSep 10, 2014

Small weight gain can raise blood pressure in healthy adults

A recent study by American Heart Association found that small weight gain of five to 11 pounds can increase blood pressure, particularly abdominal visceral fat. This discovery suggests that even healthy individuals who experience a slight weight gain may be at risk for higher blood pressure.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateSep 10, 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.

Missing piece found to help solve concussion puzzle

Researchers developed a new test to assess vestibular ocular system, which is predictive of longer outcomes from sports-related concussions. The Vestibular/Ocular Motor Screening (VOMS) was shown to be 90% accurate in identifying patients with concussion, providing a more comprehensive assessment.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·DateSep 10, 2014

Living liver donors ambivalent with donation

A new study found that living liver donor candidates often experience ambivalence regarding donation, which is linked to physical, psychosocial, and financial concerns. Providing social support can help mitigate these concerns and reduce ambivalence among living liver donors.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateSep 10, 2014

Is spooning really the best position for men with back pain?

A new study using motion capture technology recommends alternative sexual positions for men with low back pain, finding 'quadruped' and 'missionary' positions to be less straining than previously thought. The study aims to provide a scientific basis for individualized recommendations on sexual activity for men with back pain.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalSpine·DateSep 10, 2014

New study shows impact of movies on dog breed popularity

A new study from the University of Bristol and partners found that movies featuring dogs can increase breed popularity by up to 10 years, with the strongest influence in the early twentieth century. The research analyzed data from the American Kennel Club and found a correlation between movie viewership and breed registration trends.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 10, 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.

Study: Role of emergency contact is mistaken for advance directive

A new study by Henry Ford Hospital found that over 95% of patients treated in an Emergency Department incorrectly assume their emergency contact is their designated medical decision maker for end-of-life care. This misunderstanding can lead to invasive treatments and unnecessary suffering. The study emphasizes the importance of educati...

SourceHenry Ford Health·DateSep 10, 2014

Gibbon genome and the fast karyotype evolution of small apes

The gibbon genome study provides new insights into the biology and evolutionary history of this family of apes. Factors contributing to gibbon diversity and adaptability are reported, highlighting the dynamic evolution of mobile elements in primate genomes.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalNature·DateSep 10, 2014

'Green wave' explains migratory bird routes

New research reveals that many North American bird species use looped migration routes, following the flush of green vegetation in spring and avoiding harsher winter conditions. By analyzing large datasets from eBird and satellite imagery, scientists have uncovered a general pattern common to many species.

SourceCornell University·DateSep 10, 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.

Smartphones may aid in dietary self-monitoring

A recent study found that smartphone apps can help users track their dietary data more consistently and accurately than traditional methods. The research used a commercially available app, recording dietary intake using the memo function of smartphones, and paper and pencil for comparison.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateSep 10, 2014

Excitonic dark states shed light on TMDC atomic layers

Researchers discovered excitonic dark states in single-layer tungsten disulfide monolayers, revealing intense many-electron effects in 2D semiconductors. This finding holds promise for exploiting unusual light-matter interactions and enabling better designs of heterostructures.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateSep 10, 2014

2014 Entomology Awards from the Entomological Society of America

The 2014 ESA awards honored Dr. John C. Palumbo for his translational research and outreach program, providing innovative insect management solutions in desert vegetable crops. Dr. Peter C. Ellsworth received the Award for Excellence in Integrated Pest Management for his work on IPM science-based solutions and cotton agroecosystem rese...

SourceEntomological Society of America·DateSep 10, 2014

Ocean warming affecting Florida reefs

Researchers found that water temperatures in the Florida Keys have increased by nearly 2 degrees Fahrenheit over the past few decades, stressing corals and causing more frequent bleaching events. The study indicates that August is the peak month for ocean temperatures, which can lead to coral mortality if prolonged.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalEstuaries and Coasts·DateSep 10, 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.

NASA tracks Norbert moisture to Arizona's drenching thunderstorms

Post-tropical storm Norbert generated drenching thunderstorms over Arizona, with TRMM satellite data showing rainfall rates of over 2 inches per hour. The moisture from Norbert caused flooding over inland areas of southern California and led to a state of emergency in Arizona.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 10, 2014

Halving the risk of preterm birth for some twin pregnancies

A new study has discovered that progestogen hormones can significantly reduce the risk of preterm birth for a specific group of high-risk twin pregnancies. Women with short cervices who are pregnant with twins saw a 50% decrease in preterm birth, highlighting a potential game-changer in obstetric care.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalBritish Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology·DateSep 10, 2014

'Electronic skin' could improve early breast cancer detection

Researchers have developed an electronic skin device that can detect and image small lumps in the breast, allowing for earlier identification of breast cancer. The device has been tested on a silicone breast model and shown to be highly accurate, with a potential survival rate increase of over 94%.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateSep 10, 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.

Cyberbullying increases as students age

A recent study published in School Psychology Quarterly found that cyberbullying increases with age, especially during transitions from elementary to middle school. The research highlights the importance of targeted interventions to address gender- and culturally sensitive bullying prevention strategies.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalSchool Psychology Quarterly·DateSep 10, 2014

Restricting calories may improve sleep apnea, blood pressure in obese people

A 16-week randomized clinical trial found that reducing calorie intake by 800 calories per day improved obstructive sleep apnea and lowered blood pressure in obese adults. The study suggests that moderate energy restriction can reduce both body fat and the severity of sleep apnea, leading to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateSep 10, 2014

Study: Sports broadcasting gender roles echoed on Twitter

A new study by Clemson University researchers explores self-presentation strategies of sports broadcasters Erin Andrews and Kirk Herbstreit on Twitter. The study reveals clear differences in their approaches, with Andrews focusing on personal items and entertainment, while Herbstreit provides sports-related commentary and analysis.

SourceClemson University·JournalJournal of Sports Media·DateSep 10, 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.

Angling chromium to let oxygen through

Researchers have discovered a new semiconducting material that allows solid oxide fuel cells to operate at two-thirds lower temperatures than current technology. This breakthrough enables more efficient fuel cells with wider applications, including quieter, pollution-free power generation in vehicles and neighborhoods.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 10, 2014

Networking can make some feel 'dirty,' says new study

A new study found that professional networking can lead to feelings of moral impurity and physical dirtiness, particularly among those with less power. This can hold people back from networking more, reducing career opportunities and lowering job performance.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalAdministrative Science Quarterly·DateSep 10, 2014

When talking about body size, African-American women and doctors may be speaking different languages

Research from Rush University Medical Center found that African American women and their female children have the highest obesity prevalence and tend to underestimate their body weight. The study showed a large chasm between biomedical and cultural definitions of body size, with many overweight women not considering themselves 'too fat'.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateSep 10, 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.

Where to grab space debris

MIT researchers developed an algorithm to gauge space debris rotation using visual information, achieving high accuracy in most measures. The algorithm's probabilistic approach and Gaussian distribution modeling enable efficient collection of space trash, including thousands of broken satellites.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Field Robotics·DateSep 10, 2014

Video game teaches kids how to code

Researchers at UC San Diego developed a new version of CodeSpells, a video game that teaches children to code in Java. After playing the game, kids aged 8-12 can write code by hand in Java.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateSep 10, 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.

Study ties groundwater to human evolution

A new study links groundwater availability to human evolution, proposing that springs fed by freshwater could have sustained life during extremely dry periods. The research suggests that access to groundwater may have been crucial for hominin survival and dispersal.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 10, 2014

Structure of enzyme seen as target for ALS drugs

The team determined the high-resolution structure of Dbr1 enzyme, which breaks loops of ribonucleic acids and could be a new target for treating most cases of ALS. By inhibiting this enzyme's activity, researchers hope to prevent TDP-43 aggregates from forming in motor neurons.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateSep 10, 2014

New evidence points to outcomes and cost benefits of telemedicine

A study published in Telemedicine and e-Health found that telemedicine can lead to fewer and shorter hospital stays, as well as fewer emergency room visits and even fewer deaths. The integration of telemedicine into healthcare adds great value in managing chronic disease.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalTelemedicine and e-Health·DateSep 10, 2014

Residual hydraulic fracturing water not a risk to groundwater

New research by Penn State scientists suggests that hydraulic fracturing water is not a significant risk to groundwater, as it is sequestered in the rock formation. The study found that capillary and osmotic forces prevent upward migration of residual treatment water into overlying groundwater.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Unconventional Oil and Gas Resources·DateSep 10, 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.

Can your blood type affect your memory?

A recent study found that individuals with blood type AB are 82% more likely to develop cognitive impairment and dementia than those with other blood types. High levels of factor VIII, a protein related to clotting, were also linked to increased risk of memory problems.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateSep 10, 2014

Cutting health-care costs 1 appendix at a time

A new study published in Annals of Surgery shows that providing pricing information upfront can influence patient choice of surgical procedures and potentially lead to cost savings. When parents were aware of the cost difference between open surgery and laparoscopy for their children's appendicitis, they were almost twice as likely to ...

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalAnnals of Surgery·DateSep 10, 2014

Cloud-computing revolution applies to evolution

Rice University computer scientists have developed cloud-computing tools to help analyze evolutionary patterns. The new open-source algorithms will enable researchers to track the evolution of genes and genomes across species more efficiently, making it possible to trace genes at scales that were not practical before.

SourceRice University·DateSep 10, 2014

Nerve impulses can collide and continue unaffected

Researchers at the Niels Bohr Institute found that nerve impulses can collide and continue unaffected, similar to how sound waves work. This supports the theory that nerves function as sound pulses, with the electrical signal being caused by a mechanical force rather than an electric current.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Niels Bohr Institute·JournalPhysical Review X·DateSep 10, 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.

Chemists discover way nose perceives common class of odors

Biochemists at City College of New York find a way to detect common class of odors using water's ability to undergo chemical reactions with aldehydes. Researchers propose that some odorant receptors recognize aldehydes by their reactivity, rather than structure, enabling the nose to distinguish them from similar chemicals.

SourceCity College of New York·JournalACS Chemical Biology·DateSep 10, 2014