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Science News Archive February 2015 - Page 20


Page 20 of 31

Transcriptomics identifies genes and signaling pathways that may regulate neurodegeneration

A recent study published in Experimental Biology and Medicine identified over 4,000 genes with altered expression in dying neurons, including those involved in cell death, survival regulation, and oxidative phosphorylation. This breakthrough opens doors to future research on novel players regulating neuronal survival and death.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology and Medicine·JournalExperimental Biology and Medicine·DateFeb 11, 2015

Exercise ball used in delivery process decreases labor time, reduces number of C-sections

A new study published in the Journal of Perinatal Education found that using an exercise ball during labor with an epidural can significantly reduce the need for C-sections and shorten labor time. Women who used the peanut-shaped ball were half as likely to undergo a cesarean surgery and delivered babies faster than those without.

SourceThe Reis Group·JournalThe Journal of Perinatal Education·DateFeb 11, 2015
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

With generic drugs, eye patients are more likely to take medicine as directed

A U-M study found that switching to generic glaucoma medication led to improved adherence rates among patients. Lower copays after the introduction of generics were a key factor in this improvement. However, black patients with severe disease showed decreased adherence compared to white patients.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalOphthalmology·DateFeb 11, 2015

In-flight blood transfusions increase survival rates and improve trauma patient outcomes

A study published in Journal of the American College of Surgeons confirms the effectiveness of pre-trauma center blood transfusions in increasing one-day survival rates and reducing shock among air-lifted trauma patients. The UPMC protocol involves giving guidelines on when to administer transfusions, resulting in improved outcomes.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateFeb 11, 2015

Astronomers catch multiple-star system in first stages of formation

Scientists have observed a multiple-star system in its early stages of formation, with three dense condensations that will collapse into stars in just 40,000 years. The system is expected to form a stable triple-star system, with the fourth star potentially leaving the system soon.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalNature·DateFeb 11, 2015

Fluorescing food dyes as probes to improve food quality

Researchers found that fluorescent properties of edible food colors increase with the viscosity of surrounding fluids, suggesting they could act as embedded sensors for food's physical consistency. This could provide a less invasive and more accurate way to test food quality, potentially revealing changes in spoilage or consistency.

SourceBiophysical Society·DateFeb 11, 2015
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.

When is a Pollock not a Pollock?

A machine vision approach has demonstrated 93% accuracy in spotting true Pollocks, verifying the authenticity of Jackson Pollock's drip paintings. The software, developed by Lior Shamir, analyzes numerical image descriptors and quantifies details at the pixel level to reveal specific features and textures unique to Pollock's style.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Arts and Technology·DateFeb 10, 2015

Caution concerning the possible health benefits of alcohol

Research suggests that any potential health benefits from moderate alcohol consumption may only apply to women over 65, and even then, the evidence is limited. High alcohol consumption is linked to over 200 conditions and costs £55bn annually in England.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateFeb 10, 2015

Researchers investigate the communications behind swarming

Researchers investigate the communications behind swarming behavior using a combination of robotic replicas and live zebrafish, shedding light on the complex information flow within animal groups. The study's findings have implications for behavioral brain research and neuropsychobiology.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·DateFeb 10, 2015
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.

Crowdfunding helps solve rare disease mystery

A Tel Aviv University researcher has successfully identified a novel genetic mutation in a rare disease using whole exome sequencing and crowdfunding. The study, led by Dr. Noam Shomron, used DNA sequencing of a three-year-old girl and her family to reveal the genetic cause of her symptoms, which included mental retardation and severe ...

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal of Genetics and Genomics·DateFeb 10, 2015

Chronic fatigue syndrome -- What's in a name?

A new report from the Institute of Medicine proposes revised diagnostic criteria for chronic fatigue syndrome, highlighting its physiologic nature. The criteria also emphasize the debilitating symptom of post-exertional malaise, where exertion triggers prolonged periods of fatigue.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 10, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Water ice renders short-lived molecule sustainable

Scientists from Ruhr-University Bochum successfully isolate and analyze the fluorenyl cation, a prototype of antiaromaticity, at extremely low temperatures in water ice. This breakthrough enables standard spectroscopic analysis of antiaromatic compounds for the first time.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateFeb 10, 2015

Antiviral compound protects nonhuman primates against Ebola virus

Scientists developed an antiviral compound targeting VP24, a key protein in the Ebola virus, which protected 75% of infected monkeys. The compound, AVI-7537, was found to be safe and well-tolerated, offering hope for developing effective therapies against the deadly disease.

SourceUS Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases·JournalmBio·DateFeb 10, 2015
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.

Smoking thins vital part of brain

A major study by McGill University and the University of Edinburgh found that long-term smoking causes thinning of the brain's cortex, accelerating cognitive decline. Stopping smoking helps restore part of the cortex's thickness, but recovery is slow and incomplete.

SourceMcGill University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateFeb 10, 2015

Predicting plant responses to drought

A USGS study reveals how plants' vulnerability to drought varies across landscapes, with factors like plant structure and soil type influencing their response. The model helps forecast the future state of drylands by understanding how climate change affects water availability and use.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalJournal of Ecology·DateFeb 10, 2015
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.

Does a competent leader make a good friend?

Research by Lasse Laustsen and Michael Bang Petersen suggests that competent leaders are often preferred for leadership roles but not necessarily as friends. In contrast, non-dominant individuals with cooperative traits are often chosen as friends regardless of political ideology or social conflict context.

SourceAarhus University·JournalEvolution and Human Behavior·DateFeb 10, 2015
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.

Unwanted impact of antibiotics broader, more complex than previously known

Researchers at Oregon State University have discovered that antibiotics have a profound impact on the microorganisms in an animal's gut, disrupting the natural balance of the microbiota. This can lead to damage to the intestinal epithelium, changes in mitochondrial function and other biological effects.

SourceOregon State University·JournalGut·DateFeb 10, 2015

Understanding how to teach 'intelligence'

Researchers at the University of Luxembourg believe it is possible to teach complex psychological processes enabling people to solve problems, or 'intelligence'. The study highlights the need for cross-curricular skills that can be applied in various situations and domains.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalEducational Research Review·DateFeb 10, 2015
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.

New approach to childhood malnutrition may reduce relapses, deaths

A new study found that supplementary feeding for 12 weeks makes an impact, but treating children until they reach target weights and arm circumference is more important. Raising these targets could significantly lower the rate of relapse.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition·DateFeb 10, 2015

Changes proposed to improve research on health information technology

The RAND Corporation suggests that studies evaluating health information technology should consider both costs and benefits, as well as the long-term implications of adoption. The proposed standards aim to provide a more robust picture of the technology's impact on patients, providers, and payers.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·DateFeb 10, 2015
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.

Low childhood vitamin D linked to adult atherosclerosis

A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that low childhood vitamin D levels are associated with increased carotid intima-media thickness and subclinical atherosclerosis in adulthood. The study, which analyzed 2,148 subjects from the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study, ...

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateFeb 10, 2015

Arachnid Rapunzel: Researchers spin spider silk proteins into artificial silk

Scientists at Dalhousie University have developed a new method to create artificial spider silk using its molecular structure. By understanding the relationship between the protein's structure and function, researchers can now optimize smaller components before linking them together, making it easier to produce high-quality fibers.

SourceBiophysical Society·DateFeb 10, 2015

Mesothelioma in southern Nevada likely result of asbestos in environment

Researchers found elevated levels of malignant mesothelioma cases in southern Nevada counties due to environmental exposure to carcinogenic mineral fibers. The incidence is higher in locations with known industrial exposure, with a male-to-female ratio of 2:1 in affected counties.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateFeb 10, 2015
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Worms in space: Exploring health effects of microgravity

Scientists study epigenetic changes in C. elegans worms exposed to simulated microgravity to gain insights into how humans adapt to different gravitational environments. The research reveals an 'epigenetic memory' of microgravity that can be passed on to offspring, sparking new questions about the long-term health consequences of space...

SourceBiophysical Society·DateFeb 10, 2015
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.

Earthquake activity linked to injection wells may vary by region

A recent study found that earthquake activity near injection wells in the Williston Basin is scarce compared to Texas, where similar activities have been linked to increased seismicity. The study's authors attribute this difference to regional variations in geology and injection practices.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalSeismological Research Letters·DateFeb 10, 2015

BP-lowering treatment for type 2 diabetes linked to longer survival

A study published in JAMA found that blood pressure-lowering treatment among patients with type 2 diabetes is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, heart disease events, and improved mortality. By reducing systolic BP by 10 mmHg, patients experienced better clinical outcomes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 10, 2015

Not all EGFR mutations are the same when it comes to therapy for NSCLC

Researchers found that rare EGFR mutations in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have distinct impacts on disease outcome and therapy response. Classic EGFR mutations were associated with better overall survival and higher TKI therapy response rates compared to rare mutations, which were linked to tobacco smoking and poorer prognosis.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateFeb 10, 2015

Advent of geoengineering may help lower temperature of debate over climate change

A new study found that learning about geoengineering increased open-mindedness toward climate change evidence and reduced polarization. Participants who learned about geoengineering showed more agreement on the significance of such evidence, compared to those who received information on carbon-emission limits.

SourceYale University·JournalThe Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science·DateFeb 10, 2015
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.

ORCA prototype ready for the open ocean

ORCA will study microscopic phytoplankton and their impact on the carbon cycle, measuring chlorophyll concentrations and distinguishing between types of phytoplankton. The instrument's hyperspectral capability offers a range of bands to refine ocean observations.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 10, 2015

DNA 'cage' could improve nanopore technology

Researchers at Brown University have developed a tiny DNA 'cage' that can trap and hold a single DNA strand after it's been pulled through a nanopore. This allows for the first-time detection of chemical reactions on a single molecule, enabling new biochemistry experiments.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 10, 2015
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.

Creatine does not slow rate of Parkinson's disease progression

A recent study published in JAMA found that creatine monohydrate treatment did not improve clinical outcomes for patients with early and treated Parkinson disease. The study, which followed 1,741 participants for up to 8 years, suggests that creatine may not be a viable treatment option for slowing disease progression.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 10, 2015

Pitt team developing technology to allow amputees to feel with prosthetic limb

A team of researchers from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine aims to create a prosthetic limb that not only moves like a natural one but also feels like it. By integrating sensory technologies, they hope to improve users' dexterous control and intuition when interacting with the device.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·DateFeb 10, 2015

Avian malaria also affects wild birds in Austria

A study by University of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna researchers has identified avian malaria in 15% of examined wild birds in Austria, showing that native bird populations are susceptible to the disease. Three different Plasmodium species were also found, with one new species still requiring analysis and classification.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalParasitology Research·DateFeb 10, 2015

Too much of a good thing: Extra genes make bacteria lethal

A study found that a single genomic change can turn beneficial bacteria into pathogenic bacteria by boosting bacterial density inside the host. The research team identified a region of the Wolbachia genome responsible for regulating bacterial densities in flies.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 10, 2015
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.

Surgery for pulmonary embolism may prevent

A new analysis of cases conducted in Northwell Health found that a surgical procedure may be more successful in preventing death than current drug therapies. The study revealed a mortality rate of 4.2% for patients who underwent surgery, compared to higher rates for those who did not.

SourceNorthwell Health·JournalTexas Heart Institute Journal·DateFeb 10, 2015

Grant preparation blowout despite simplified NHMRC process

A new study reveals that simplifying the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) grant application process did not reduce application time for Australian researchers. Despite the streamlined process, applicants still spent a collective 614 working years on their applications in 2014 compared to 574 years in 2012.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalBMJ Open·DateFeb 10, 2015