Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive 2013


Page 115 of 352

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Water-purification plant the size of a fast-food ketchup packet saves lives

The Procter & Gamble's Children's Safe Drinking Water program has provided over 6 billion quarts of clean drinking water to families in developing countries, saving an estimated 32,000 lives. The small water-purification sachets, the size of a fast-food ketchup packet, have been distributed in 71 countries.

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.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Nobel laureates and their research teams at American Chemical Society meeting

Several Nobel laureates will present research on organic synthesis, including Ei-ichi Negishi's work on palladium-catalyzed cross couplings and Richard Schrock's development of the metathesis method. George A. Olah's research on carbocations and Roald Hoffmann's theories on chemical reactivity will also be presented.

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.

New 'artificial nose' device can speed diagnosis of sepsis

A new test uses a plastic bottle with an 'artificial nose' to detect eight common disease-causing bacteria, producing results in 24 hours. This faster method reduces the toll of sepsis in developing countries and medically underserved areas.

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.

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.

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.

Study suggests fish oil could help protect alcohol abusers from dementia

A Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine study found that a fish oil compound protected brain cells from inflammation and cell death in rats exposed to high levels of alcohol. This finding could support the use of fish oil as a potential preventive measure for alcohol-related dementia.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.