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Science News Archive September 2014 - Page 9


Page 9 of 34

Protecting our processors

The NSF/SRC STARSS program aims to reduce the likelihood of unintended behavior in semiconductors. Researchers will focus on strategies and tools for authentication throughout the supply chain and in the field.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateSep 23, 2014

New supplemental awards apply sex and gender lens to NIH-funded research

The National Institutes of Health has awarded $10.1 million in supplemental funding to bolster the research of 82 grantees exploring sex effects in preclinical and clinical studies. This investment encourages researchers to consider sex as a fundamental variable, leading to greater awareness of the need to study both sexes.

SourceNIH/Office of the Director·DateSep 23, 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 sees Tropical Depression Fung-Wong becoming more frontal

Tropical Depression Fung-Wong is transitioning from a tropical to an extra-tropical storm, gaining frontal characteristics. The depression has strongest thunderstorms stretched out in a cold front-like appearance, according to NASA's Aqua satellite data.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 23, 2014

Termites evolved complex bioreactors 30 million years ago

Termite fungus farmers developed a sophisticated system of cooperation between fungi and gut bacteria to break down complex plant components. The symbiotic community optimized for efficient plant decomposition involves division of labor, with fungi handling carbohydrates and gut microbes contributing enzymes for final digestion.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 23, 2014

New measure provides more data on oxygen levels during sedation

A new study introduces the 'area under the curve of oxygen desaturation', which provides a more comprehensive approach to monitoring blood oxygen levels during procedures. This measure, known as AUC Desat, includes information on the depth, duration, and rate of episodes of oxygen desaturation.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalAnesthesia & Analgesia·DateSep 23, 2014

Medical students who attended community college likelier to serve poor communities

Researchers found that medical students from underrepresented minority backgrounds are more likely to have attended a community college at some point. Additionally, community college students who were accepted to medical school were more likely to commit to working with underserved populations.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalAcademic Medicine·DateSep 23, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UTSA microbiologists discover regulatory thermometer that controls cholera

Researchers at UTSA's South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases have discovered a regulatory thermometer in Vibrio cholerae bacteria that controls the expression of virulence factors leading to cholera. The discovery could lead to new therapeutic strategies against this deadly disease.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 23, 2014

Brain wave may be used to detect what people have seen, recognize

New research suggests that a specific brain wave, P300, can be used to identify details that a person has seen and recognized from everyday life. A study found that this method could potentially be used in criminal investigations and courtrooms, with promising results.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateSep 23, 2014

Federal food program puts food on the table, but dietary quality could be improved

A new study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that SNAP participants had lower dietary quality scores overall and lower scores for fruits and vegetables, seafood and plant proteins. The researchers highlight the need for interventions to encourage healthier diets among SNAP participants, particularly in subgroups at risk.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateSep 23, 2014

A multi-function protein is key to stopping genomic parasites from 'jumping'

A multi-function protein called Sirt6 plays a crucial role in keeping 'jumping genes' inactive. The protein becomes busier repairing DNA damage with age, allowing the genes to become active and contribute to age-related diseases like cancer. Increasing Sirt6 levels may help protect older cells from aging.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 23, 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.

Life, liberty, and the pursuit of healthcare?

A Tel Aviv University study reveals that the US' private-based healthcare system contributes to wealth-health inequality, with wealthy older Americans experiencing poorer health outcomes than their foreign counterparts. The research supports a move towards state-sponsored healthcare systems.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateSep 23, 2014

'Space bubbles' may have aided enemy in fatal Afghan battle

Researchers suggest that plasma bubbles may have contributed to communications outages during the Battle of Takur Ghar. A new computer model predicts the impact of such bubbles on future military operations, allowing for minimization of their effects.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalSpace Weather·DateSep 23, 2014

Results of the 1st EORTC Cancer Survivorship Summit

The 1st EORTC Cancer Survivorship Summit has reported improved survival rates for patients with cancer, while also highlighting the need to address late adverse treatment effects. The summit addressed various topics including second malignancies, cardiovascular disease, and psycho-social problems following cancer treatment.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·JournalEuropean Journal of Cancer·DateSep 23, 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.

Dying brain cells cue new brain cells to grow in songbird

A study on Gambel's white-crowned sparrows reveals how dying brain cells trigger the growth of new neurons each spring. The researchers hope to apply this knowledge to develop treatments for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and depression.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateSep 23, 2014

'Brain Breaks' increase activity, educational performance in elementary schools

A recent Oregon survey found that the 'Brain Breaks' DVD increases physical activity and improves educational performance among elementary school students. The program, developed by Oregon State University, offers short breaks of physical activity to improve children's mental awareness and educational success.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateSep 23, 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.

Advancing the understanding of an understudied food allergy disorder

Eosinophilic gastritis is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by high levels of eosinophils in the blood and gastrointestinal tract. The study found that it involves allergy-associated-immune mechanisms and has a distinct gene expression pattern, paving the way for improved diagnosis and treatment.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateSep 23, 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.

Southampton scientists grow a new challenger to graphene

Researchers from the University of Southampton's Optoelectronics Research Centre have grown a new material, molybdenum di-sulphide (MoS2), with properties similar to graphene. This development expands the potential applications of MoS2 for nanoelectronic and optoelectronic devices.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalNanoscale·DateSep 23, 2014

Rate of diabetes in US may be leveling off

The prevalence of diagnosed diabetes in the US population has plateaued for adults between 2008 and 2012, with a slight decrease in incidence. However, certain subgroups continue to experience an increase in diabetes rates, exacerbating existing racial and socioeconomic disparities.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateSep 23, 2014

Study helps assess impact of temperature on belowground soil decomposition

A new study finds that soil organic carbon decomposition does not accelerate under climate warming, but its storage remains constant. Ecosystem productivity increases with temperature change, while coarse wood decomposition and plant growth rates rise.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Pacific Southwest Research Station·JournalNature Climate Change·DateSep 23, 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.

Airway muscle-on-a-chip mimics asthma

A Harvard team developed a human airway muscle-on-a-chip that accurately mimics the way smooth muscle contracts in the human airway. The chip can be used to test new drugs and measure human responses to asthma triggers, paving the way for patient-specific treatments.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalLab on a Chip·DateSep 23, 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.

Increased knowledge of HPV vaccines does not predict a higher rate of vaccination

A year-long study found that increased knowledge of HPV vaccines did not lead to higher vaccination rates among adolescents. Only about 14% of participants were ultimately vaccinated. The study highlights the importance of targeted interventions and convenient vaccination options in increasing vaccine uptake.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania Annenberg School for Communication·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateSep 23, 2014

A step in the right direction to avoid falls

Researchers at Ohio State University have gained insight into how the body moves when walking by watching people walk naturally on a treadmill. They discovered that tiny variations in pelvis movement and foot placement can predict future steps with high accuracy.

SourceOhio State University·JournalBiology Letters·DateSep 23, 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.

Big changes in the Sargasso Sea

Researchers found that animal communities in Sargassum rafts were significantly less diverse than those observed in the 1970s, with 13 species missing from recent samples. The study suggests that long-term shifts in ocean conditions may be contributing to the decline, but further research is needed to confirm this.

SourceMonterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute·JournalMarine Biology·DateSep 23, 2014

Eating five a day may keep the blues away

Fruit and vegetable consumption consistently associated with high and low mental wellbeing, suggesting potential role as driver of mental health in the general population. High mental wellbeing linked to healthier lifestyle habits, while low mental wellbeing strongly linked to mental illness and physical diseases.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalBMJ Open·DateSep 23, 2014

Kessler Foundation researchers find foot drop stimulator beneficial in stroke rehab

A study published by Kessler Foundation researchers found that using a foot drop stimulator during walking can retrain the temporal activation of the tibialis anterior muscle, improving muscle function. The results suggest that this intervention may facilitate recovery from foot drop, a common complication of stroke.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalNeuroRehabilitation An International Interdisciplinary Journal·DateSep 23, 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.

Moving to the 'burbs is bad for business

A Concordia University study found that businesses located furthest from market expansion have higher profits than those chasing customers. Retailers should analyze the market and secure good locations early on to maximize profits.

SourceConcordia University·JournalCanadian Journal of Administrative Sciences / Revue Canadienne des Sciences de l Administration·DateSep 23, 2014

Water-quality trading can reduce river pollution

A new study by Duke University researchers suggests that water-quality trading programs can significantly lower costs of achieving Clean Water Act goals. By allowing polluters to buy, sell or trade credits, these programs can reduce pollution in river basins and estuaries faster and at a lower cost than requiring facilities to meet com...

SourceDuke University·JournalWater Resources Research·DateSep 23, 2014

Could suburban sprawl be good for segregation?

Researchers found that low-density neighborhoods are more likely to stay integrated, while high-density areas become segregated. The study uses a mathematical model to simulate the movement of families between neighborhoods and shows that cities can quickly become segregated once a certain density threshold is reached.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 23, 2014

Researchers identify brain areas activated by itch-relieving drug

Researchers identify butorphanol's target areas in the brain responsible for relieving itch, shedding light on its effectiveness against histamine-mediated and nonhistaminergic types of itch. The study's findings suggest that opioid receptors play a crucial role in modulating itch transmission.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateSep 23, 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.

'Bendy' LEDs

A Korean research team has successfully grown gallium nitride micro-rods on graphene substrates, enabling the creation of bendable light-emitting diodes. The technology has significant implications for next-generation electronics and optoelectronics devices.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAPL Materials·DateSep 23, 2014

Smart meters could cause conflict for housemates, study shows

A study by University of Nottingham researchers found that smart meters displaying individual and communal energy usage can lead to feelings of shame, anger, and guilt among housemates. This may result in increased conflict and negative emotions, particularly when one or more housemates are free-riding on others' energy usage.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·DateSep 23, 2014

New NIH/DOE grant for life science studies at NSLS-II

The new grant will operate three powerful experimental stations at NSLS-II, allowing researchers to study protein structures and biological processes in detail. The facilities will also enable the development of new technologies for addressing challenging biological questions.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·DateSep 23, 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.

EORTC presentations at ESMO 2014 Congress

The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) will showcase its latest cancer research findings at the ESMO 2014 Congress. The conference will feature various sessions, including a joint symposium on clinical trials and posters focused on immunotherapy and gastrointestinal tumors.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·DateSep 23, 2014

Infant cooing, babbling linked to hearing ability, MU researcher finds

Researchers found that infants with profound hearing loss who received cochlear implants reached vocalization levels of their hearing peers. This suggests that hearing is a critical aspect of motivation for making early sounds, and that auditory feedback plays a dynamic role in infant behavior.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Experimental Child Psychology·DateSep 23, 2014

Beating stress outdoors? Nature group walks may improve mental health

A large-scale study has found that group nature walks are linked with lower depression, less perceived stress, and enhanced mental health. Regular participants in the Walking for Health program experienced a mood boost after outdoor group walks, especially those who had recently experienced stressful life events.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalEcopsychology·DateSep 23, 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.

Stop taking patients in cardiac arrest to hospital, says expert

A leading expert suggests that taking patients in cardiac arrest to hospital may be actively harmful and recommends empowering ambulance staff with skills to optimise CPR at the scene. This approach could save lives and reduce unnecessary transports, but experts acknowledge the complexity of applying guidelines in different regions.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateSep 23, 2014

Does the belief in guardian angels make people more cautious?

A recent study published in SAGE Open found that individuals who believe in guardian angels tend to be less likely to take risks compared to non-believers. The researchers surveyed 198 participants and discovered that the majority of those who believe in guardian angels are more cautious when making decisions, with a higher risk percep...

SourceSAGE·JournalSAGE Open·DateSep 23, 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.

Note to young men: Fat doesn't pay

Researchers analyzed data from Sweden, UK, and US, finding obese teen boys earn up to 18% less than peers. The study attributes the penalty to lower cognitive and non-cognitive skills linked to obesity, bullying, and discrimination. Targeting early-life obesity could reduce socio-economic inequalities.

SourceSpringer Science+Business Media·JournalDemography·DateSep 23, 2014