Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2013 - Page 115


Page 115 of 352

Science supporting abundant, nourishing food for a growing civilization

Advances in agricultural technology have led to the removal of 1.5 billion pounds of unhealthy saturated and trans fats from North American diets since 2006. Scientists are working to meet the increasing demand for protein-rich foods while addressing challenges such as climate change, soil erosion, and evolving pests and diseases.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateSep 8, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New weapons on the way to battle wicked weeds

Experts warn of spreading herbicide-resistant weed species, including Palmer amaranth pigweed, threatening farmers' crop yields. New herbicides with alternative modes of action and residual activity are being developed to help manage resistant weeds.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateSep 8, 2013

Virtual monitoring could aid adherence to TB medication

A new study suggests that virtually observed treatment (VOT) method can effectively monitor TB medication adherence, allowing for remote completion of treatment without direct observation. The VOT technique requires patients to send short videos of themselves taking their medication to healthcare providers using a mobile phone.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·DateSep 8, 2013

Researchers uncover genetic cause of childhood leukemia

A team of researchers has discovered a genetic mutation specific to risk of childhood leukemia, providing a potential window into inherited causes. The PAX5 gene mutation was found in several family members with childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), increasing the risk of developing the disease.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalNature Genetics·DateSep 8, 2013
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.

Yin-yang effect of sodium and chloride presents salt conundrum

Researchers at the University of Glasgow found that low chloride levels are associated with a higher risk of death and cardiovascular disease in people with hypertension. The study, published in Hypertension, reveals an independent link between chloride and mortality risk, contradicting previous associations with sodium.

SourceUniversity of Glasgow_·DateSep 8, 2013

Rapid diagnostic tests decrease waiting time for drug-resistant TB patients

New rapid diagnostic tests have been shown to diagnose drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) in a quarter of the time taken by current methods. The three new tests - pyrosequencing, HAIN line probe test, and microscopic observation drug susceptibility (MODS) test - produced similar results to standard testing with 95-98% accuracy.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·DateSep 8, 2013

Disparities in lung function found worldwide may impact health

A global study led by McMaster University researchers found large differences in lung function between healthy people from different socioeconomic and geographical regions. South Asians had the lowest lung function, by 30% compared to North Americans and Europeans. The findings have important public health implications.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·DateSep 8, 2013
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.

Climate change will upset vital ocean chemical cycles

New research reveals that warmer waters impact plankton's ability to remove CO2 from the atmosphere, leading to a vicious cycle of climate change. Phytoplankton play a crucial role in marine ecosystems, producing oxygen and serving as the base of the food chain.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNature Climate Change·DateSep 8, 2013

Fumes from military small arms lead to decline in lung function

A new study found that exposure to fumes from military small arms can lead to a decline in lung function, with effects comparable to other occupational risk factors. The research, conducted on Norwegian Armed Forces members, revealed a mean average decline of 5% in lung function after shooting and 7% at 24 hours post-exposure.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·DateSep 8, 2013

Team IDs 2 pathways through which chromosomes are rearranged

Researchers identified two pathways that recombine DNA repeats to rearrange chromosomes, which can be targeted to prevent cancer and inherited disorders. The study used mouse embryonic stem cells and found large, complicated rearrangements on multiple chromosomes.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalNature·DateSep 8, 2013
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Purple sweet potatoes among 'new naturals' for food and beverage colors

Researchers have discovered a new generation of natural food colorings derived from purple sweet potatoes, which offer superior properties to traditional synthetic colors. These antioxidants-rich substances may also have health benefits, making them an attractive alternative for the food and beverage industry.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateSep 8, 2013

A new approach to early diagnosis of influenza

A new approach uses carbohydrates to detect flu viruses and determine specific strains, potentially leading to faster and more effective treatment. This technology could provide a much-needed home test for diagnosing influenza quickly before antiviral drugs are lost.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateSep 8, 2013
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.

MERS-CoV treatment effective in monkeys, NIH study finds

A combination of two licensed antiviral drugs reduces MERS-CoV replication and improves clinical outcomes in rhesus macaques. The treatment group showed no breathing difficulties, minimal pneumonia, lower virus amounts, and less severe tissue damage.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNature Medicine·DateSep 8, 2013

First trial to compare e-cigarettes with nicotine patches

A recent trial found that e-cigarettes were comparable to nicotine patches in helping smokers quit for at least six months. The study also showed that e-cigarette users had reduced cigarette consumption by half after six months compared to those using patches or placebo devices.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·DateSep 7, 2013
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.

New NIH grants to investigate disease-related variations in genetic makeup

Researchers are studying rare genetic variants associated with common diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease, in African-Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans. The goal is to better understand how genetic factors influence disease susceptibility and develop more personalized prevention, diagnoses, and treatment.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·DateSep 6, 2013
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.

Inflatable antennae could give CubeSats greater reach

Researchers at MIT have developed an inflatable antenna that can significantly amplify radio signals, allowing CubeSats to transmit data higher rates and farther. The design uses a sublimating powder to inflate the antenna in space, increasing its communication range seven times compared to existing CubeSats.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalActa Astronautica·DateSep 6, 2013

Researchers discover rare fossil ape cranium in China

A team of scientists has announced a new juvenile fossil cranium of the ancient ape species Lufengpithecus from Shuitangba, China. The discovery provides significant insights into the evolution and extinction of apes during the Miocene epoch.

SourcePenn State·JournalChinese Science Bulletin·DateSep 6, 2013

Rim Fire update -- Sept. 6, 2013

The Rim Fire has consumed over 246,000 acres of Yosemite Forest land, prompting concerns about intensifying fire activity and potential resumption of gusty winds. Personnel have been working tirelessly to bring the blaze under control, with six persons injured during the operation.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 6, 2013
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Stanford scientists use DNA to assemble a transistor from graphene

Researchers at Stanford University developed a method to assemble transistors from graphene using DNA as a template, addressing the need for smaller, faster, and cheaper chips. The process involves using DNA strands to create ribbons of carbon atoms, which are then used to form semiconductor circuits.

SourceStanford University School of Engineering·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 6, 2013

Using digital SLRs to measure the height of Northern Lights

Scientists have developed a new method to measure the height of Northern Lights using digital SLR cameras, with results published in Annales Geophysicae. The technique uses parallax to calculate the distance to the aurora and has been successfully tested in Alaska.

SourceEuropean Geosciences Union·JournalAnnales Geophysicae·DateSep 6, 2013

New connection between stacked solar cells can handle energy of 70,000 suns

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new connection between stacked solar cells that can handle high-intensity solar energies without losing voltage. This breakthrough could improve the overall efficiency of solar energy devices and reduce production costs.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateSep 6, 2013

Indiana Jones meets George Jetson

A team of researchers has designed a high-tech microplasma source that can efficiently analyze carbon isotopes in organic samples. This breakthrough device may transform field archaeology by providing new information during excavation decision-making processes.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateSep 6, 2013
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.

Education protects women from the obesity associated with urban living

A study by University College London found that education is a key factor in reducing the negative impact of urban living on women's health. Women with no formal education working in sedentary occupations were twice as likely to be 'centrally obese' compared to those with some degree of formal education.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalBMC Public Health·DateSep 6, 2013

Huge gaps in hypertension management

A new study reveals significant gaps in hypertension management across the UK, US, and Canada, resulting in thousands of preventable deaths. Data from the three countries shows that high blood pressure is a leading risk factor for mortality, morbidity, quality of life, and health expenditures.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalBMJ Open·DateSep 6, 2013

New NIH awards focus on nanopore technology for DNA sequencing

The National Human Genome Research Institute has awarded grants to eight research teams to explore nanopore-based DNA sequencing technology. This approach involves threading single DNA strands through tiny pores, allowing for real-time sequencing of individual molecules at low cost.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·DateSep 6, 2013

Growing thin films of germanium

Researchers developed a new technique to produce thin films of germanium crystals without high temperatures or other crystals as seeds. This allows for the production of large-area germanium films, opening new ways to create advanced flexible electronics.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateSep 6, 2013
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.

Static killers?

A recent study by Eva Maria Putz and colleagues at the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna has found that phosphorylation of a specific serine residue (ser-727) in the STAT1 protein regulates natural killer cell cytotoxicity. This regulation is crucial for tumor surveillance and preventing cancer development.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalCell Reports·DateSep 6, 2013

Mother chimps crucial for offspring's social skills

Researchers observed that orphaned chimpanzees engaged in social play more frequently but with shorter bouts and higher aggression. In contrast, mother-reared juveniles played smoothly and successfully. The study highlights the importance of maternal care in developing social skills in young chimpanzees.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalAnimal Cognition·DateSep 6, 2013
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.

Pornography reinforces sexist attitudes among a subgroup of heterosexuals

A recent study found that exposure to hardcore pornography was associated with higher levels of sexism in a subgroup of Danish adults, particularly those low in agreeableness. The study suggests individual differences play a significant role in the impact of pornography on attitudes towards women.

SourceInternational Communication Association·JournalJournal of Communication·DateSep 6, 2013

Drug patch treatment sees new breakthrough

Researchers have developed a new flexible microneedle patch that can deliver drugs directly through the skin, quickening delivery time and minimizing side effects. The breakthrough technology uses particle replication to create patches with precise control over shape and composition, reducing waste and increasing production efficiency.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateSep 6, 2013

Pioneer of ecological genetics

Ian T. Baldwin, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology director, was elected to the US National Academy of Sciences and German Leopoldina for his work in plant ecology and gene function research. His studies have uncovered molecular mechanisms by which plants survive adverse environmental conditions.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·DateSep 6, 2013

Powerful jets blowing material out of galaxy

Astronomers have found strong evidence that a galaxy's central black hole is blowing massive amounts of gas out of the galaxy, limiting its growth and rate of star formation. The process, observed in a galaxy called 4C12.50, is thought to be key to understanding how galaxies develop and regulate the growth of their central black holes.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalScience·DateSep 5, 2013
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.

Relocation, relocation

Conservationists at the Zoological Society of London have devised a novel method to identify suitable new homes for animals under threat from climate change. The research uses habitat suitability maps and correctly identifies sites that will remain viable in the future.

SourceZoological Society of London·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateSep 5, 2013
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.

Blue-green algae a 5-tool player in converting waste to fuel

Researchers aim to engineer microbes like Synechocystis 6803 to produce useful chemicals, overcoming challenges such as low production speeds and inefficient processes. The goal is to develop microfactories that can produce fuels and chemicals using CO2 as a carbon source.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalMarine Drugs·DateSep 5, 2013