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Science News Archive September 2014 - Page 33


Page 33 of 34

Grooving crystal surfaces repel water

Scientists at Kyoto University create porous coordination polymers (PCPs) with exterior surface grooves to repel water, allowing for stable gas storage and separation. The new materials demonstrate selectivity in isolating organic molecules from mixtures, overcoming a major drawback of traditional PCPs.

SourceInstitute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences, Kyoto University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateSep 2, 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.

The key to drilling wells with staying power in the developing world

A new study by the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill found that when local communities collect fees for repairs and train members to fix wells, they can remain functional for decades. The World Vision model has been implemented in Ghana and resulted in nearly 80% of wells remaining operational after over two decades.

SourceWorld Vision·DateSep 2, 2014

Are human breast milk microbiomes 'neutral'?

Recent research reveals that breast milk microbiomes are maintained by niche differentiation and dominant species, contradicting the traditional neutral theory. This finding has significant clinical implications for understanding mastitis and other diseases associated with breast milk.

SourceScience China Press·JournalChinese Science Bulletin·DateSep 2, 2014

War between bacteria and phages benefits humans

Researchers found that phages can force cholera bacteria to give up their virulence in order to survive, making them less fit to cause infection. This discovery suggests a new strategy for treating or preventing cholera using phage therapy.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·DateSep 2, 2014

Microphysiological systems will revolutionize experimental biology and medicine

The Microphysiological Systems Program is developing human-on-a-chip models to study cell-cell, drug-cell, and organ-drug interactions. These models have the potential to revolutionize experimental biology and medicine by increasing efficiency and human relevance in pharmaceutical development and testing.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology and Medicine·JournalExperimental Biology and Medicine·DateSep 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.

Researchers examine effectiveness of blocking nerve to help with weight loss

A study examining the effectiveness of blocking the vagus nerve for weight loss found that participants who received the treatment lost more weight than those in a control group, but failed to meet primary efficacy objectives. The intervention was also associated with fewer serious adverse events compared to traditional bariatric surgery.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateSep 2, 2014

'Prepped' by tumor cells, lymphatic cells encourage breast cancer cells to spread

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discover that tumor cells can spread through lymphatic vessels by releasing signaling molecules, which attract and facilitate the growth of new blood vessels. The HIV drug maraviroc blocks these signals, preventing breast cancer metastasis when combined with a VEGF-blocking drug.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 2, 2014

Throwing a loop to silence gene expression

A team of researchers has developed a mathematical model for epigenetic silencing, which reveals how DNA sequences are silenced in cancer cells. The model explains how histone and DNA methylation work together to regulate gene expression, and could lead to new strategies for preventing cancer development.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·DateSep 2, 2014

Future solar panels

The research team has found that larger surface areas of cells lead to reduced performance, but can be overcome by building modules with smaller cells connected in series or parallel. They have also developed a new automatic structuring technique to connect cells without damaging the substrate.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalSolar Energy Materials and Solar Cells·DateSep 2, 2014

Research in rodents suggests potential for 'in body' muscle regeneration

Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center have successfully mobilized stem cells to form muscle tissue within a biomaterial scaffold. The study, published in Acta Biomaterialia, demonstrates the potential for harnessing the body's natural healing powers to regenerate damaged muscle tissue.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalActa Biomaterialia·DateSep 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.

Any diet works, if you stick to it

A recent study published in JAMA found that branded diets, such as Atkins and Weight Watchers, are effective for weight loss when adhered to. Behavioural support and exercise also play a significant role in enhancing weight loss outcomes.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalJAMA·DateSep 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.

Many nurses unprepared to meet dying patients

A study of over 200 nursing students found that many feel unprepared to care for dying patients, with anxiety and fear being major concerns. The students' idealized concept of a competent nurse differs from the actual situation, emphasizing the need for education and support to address these issues.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalInternational Journal of Palliative Nursing·DateSep 2, 2014

ASHG and NHGRI award genetics and public policy fellowship

The American Society of Human Genetics and National Human Genome Research Institute have awarded a genetics and public policy fellowship to Katherine D. Blizinsky, PhD. The 16-month appointment aims to develop and implement genetics-related health and research policy at a national level.

SourceAmerican Society of Human Genetics·DateSep 2, 2014

LA BioMed researcher to be honored

Dr. Richard Casaburi will receive the Distinguished Scientist Honor Lecturer award from CHEST, recognizing his pioneering work in developing rehabilitative treatments for COPD. He leads LA BioMed's pulmonary rehabilitation research and has received numerous awards for his contributions.

SourceLA BioMed·DateSep 2, 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.

Global snapshot of infectious canine cancer shows how to control the disease

A global snapshot of infectious canine cancer shows that strong dog control policies and sterilization programs can help curb its spread. Researchers found that countries with strict dog quarantine policies had lower rates of the disease, which is spread by living cancer cells between dogs during sex.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Veterinary Research·DateSep 2, 2014

Biochemists find new treatment options for staph infections, inflammatory diseases

Researchers at Kansas State University have discovered a family of proteins in Staphylococcus aureus that prevent neutrophils from functioning, leading to potential new treatments for staph infections and inflammatory diseases such as emphysema. The study sheds light on how the bacteria evade the immune system.

SourceKansas State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 2, 2014

Seatbelt laws encourage obese drivers to buckle up

A new study found that primary seatbelt laws increase seatbelt usage, mitigating the drop in seatbelt use associated with increasing obesity rates. Seatbelt laws can help prevent automobile fatalities by reducing the risk of injury or death in car accidents.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPublic Health·DateSep 2, 2014

Risk of diabetes in children and adolescents exposed to antipsychotics

A nationwide Danish register study found that psychiatrically ill youth exposed to antipsychotic medications had a significantly higher risk of developing type II diabetes compared to those not exposed. Regular cardiometabolic monitoring should be integral part of antipsychotic prescribing in children and adolescents.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateSep 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.

Increase seen in use of double mastectomy

A study found a substantial increase in double mastectomy use among California women with early-stage breast cancer between 1998 and 2011. Despite the procedure's lack of association with lower mortality rates compared to breast-conserving surgery plus radiation, its higher risk of death was noted.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateSep 2, 2014

Time to take notice and tackle heart failure

Heart failure affects millions worldwide, yet awareness is low among politicians, healthcare professionals, and the public. Many cases are preventable and treatable, improving quality of life and survival.

SourceWiley·JournalESC Heart Failure·DateSep 2, 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.

Underwater grass comeback bodes well for Chesapeake Bay

A new study reveals that modest reductions in nutrient pollution led to long-term improvements in water clarity, allowing underwater grasses to thrive. The plants' rapid growth was fueled by positive feedback loops, where they improved their own growing conditions and resisted disturbances.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·JournalLimnology and Oceanography·DateSep 2, 2014

Study links sex hormone levels in the blood to risk of sudden cardiac arrest

A new study found lower testosterone levels in men with sudden cardiac arrest and higher estradiol levels in both men and women were associated with increased risk. The research suggests that hormone levels may play a role in predicting patients' likelihood of suffering from the usually fatal condition.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalHeart Rhythm·DateSep 2, 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.

Migrating birds sprint in spring, but take things easy in autumn

Researchers found that short-distance migratory birds increase their flight speed in spring to reach breeding grounds first and secure resources. In contrast, long-distance migrants take a more leisurely pace in autumn as they are not under the same time pressure.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateSep 2, 2014

Humiliation tops list of mistreatment toward med students

A recent study found that up to 20% of medical students reported mistreatment, including public humiliation, during their clinical education. Only 31% of those who experienced mistreatment reported it to administrators.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAcademic Medicine·DateSep 2, 2014

Exceptionally well preserved insect fossils from the Rhône Valley

Researchers have found exceptionally well-preserved fossil insects in the French equivalent of the Tithonian Konservat-Lagerstätte, comprising a new species representing the oldest known water treader. The fossils provide crucial insights into the evolution of terrestrial environments during the Upper Jurassic period.

SourcePeerJ·JournalPeerJ·DateSep 2, 2014

Brain circuit differences reflect divisions in social status

A new Oxford University study reveals differences between individual primate brains linked to their social status, with larger brain regions associated with dominance and subordination. The research also found that brain activity patterns vary with position in the social hierarchy.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 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.

Extinctions during human era worse than thought

A new study estimates the pre-human extinction rate to be 0.1 extinctions per million species per year, 10 times lower than previously thought. This means the current rate is 100 times worse, with extinctions occurring 1,000 times more frequently than in the past.

SourceBrown University·JournalConservation Biology·DateSep 2, 2014

New discovery could help turn antibiotic into antimalarial drug

Researchers at Walter and Eliza Hall Institute have made a groundbreaking discovery that could lead to the development of new antimalarial drugs by repurposing an existing antibiotic called emetine. The study revealed how emetine blocks the molecular machinery required for malaria parasite survival, offering a promising approach to com...

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·DateSep 2, 2014

Nano-forests to reveal secrets of cells

A team of scientists from Lund University has successfully created artificial cell membranes on vertical nanowires, mimicking the curved shape of natural membranes. This breakthrough could lead to new insights into membrane dynamics and target protein interactions in pharmaceutical research.

SourceLund University·JournalNano Letters·DateSep 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.

Puerarin accelerates neural regeneration after sciatic nerve injury

Researchers found that puerarin, a natural compound, activates growth-associated protein 43 in the spinal cord after sciatic nerve injury, contributing to neural regeneration. The study published in Neural Regeneration Research suggests a potential therapeutic role for puerarin in peripheral nerve injuries.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateSep 2, 2014

Discovery hints at why stress is more devastating for some

Researchers at Rockefeller University identified the molecular mechanisms of the stress gap in mice with similar genetic backgrounds. The findings suggest potential new markers for stress-related disorders and a promising route to developing new treatments.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateSep 2, 2014

Plant life forms in the fossil record: When did the first canopy flowers appear?

Researchers used leaf vein density to study stratified forests with canopy-dominant flowering plants. They found that venation density is higher in leaves from the forest canopy and decreases towards lower levels. This pattern suggests that flowering plants emerged in the upper forest canopy by the Paleocene, around 58 million years ago.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateSep 2, 2014

Can data motivate hospital leaders to improve care transitions?

A new study demonstrates the power of data in improving care transitions by increasing clinical information sharing, hospital clinician contact information exchange, and notification of hospitalization rates. As a result, Rhode Island's overall readmission rate decreased significantly.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalJournal of Hospital Administration·DateSep 2, 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.

Single laser stops molecular tumbling motion instantly

Researchers cooled singly charged aluminum monohydride molecules from room temperature to 4 degrees Kelvin in a fraction of a second, stopping their rotation. This breakthrough technique could lead to new applications in ultracold quantum-controlled chemistry and fundamental constants testing.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 2, 2014

Burnt out birds suggest hard work could be bad for your health

A recent study on a cooperative bird species found that dominant birds, who work harder and take on more responsibilities, experience weakened antioxidant protection after a breeding season. This suggests that unequal sharing of workloads in societies may leave the hardest-working individuals at risk of poor health and accelerated ageing.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalFunctional Ecology·DateSep 2, 2014

Researchers find Asian camel crickets now common in US homes

A study from North Carolina State University found that non-native Asian camel cricket species have spread into homes across the eastern United States. The greenhouse camel cricket was found to be the most common species reported by respondents, with a significant presence in yards east of the Mississippi River.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPeerJ·DateSep 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.

Modern population boom traced to pre-industrial roots

A new framework by Aaron Stutz reveals that the human population explosion was rooted in ancient political and economic organization, with a tipping point around 1,500 years ago. This insight offers a fresh perspective on modern-day population dynamics and potential consequences for society.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 2, 2014

The Lancet: European Society of Cardiology Congress 2014 media alert

Researchers compared ultrathin strut sirolimus-eluting stents to thin strut everolimus-eluting stents, finding similar target lesion failure risks. A meta-analysis of β blocker therapy in heart failure with atrial fibrillation found no significant benefit over rate-control medications.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 2, 2014

A nucleotide change could initiate fragile X syndrome

A single nucleotide change in the FMR1 gene near its replication origin may cause fragile X syndrome by inactivating DNA replication. This substitution leads to increased risk of repeat expansions, resulting in intellectual disability.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateSep 1, 2014

EUROECO-ICD home monitoring: Cost compares, but reimbursement lags

A new study finds that home monitoring of implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICDs) has a comparable cost to traditional in-office monitoring. However, significant variations in insurance reimbursement across European countries impact the adoption of this practice.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateSep 1, 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.

Family dinners reduce effects of cyberbullying in adolescents

A McGill study found that family meals can reduce the negative impacts of online bullying on adolescent mental health. Cyberbullying victimization was linked to higher rates of depression, anxiety, and substance use among adolescents with fewer family dinners.

SourceMcGill University·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateSep 1, 2014