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Science News Archive 2013


Page 165 of 352

Capturing the artistic approach

Concordia University's SenseLab receives $2.95 million grant to explore the intersection of art and knowledge through 'research creation'. Led by Erin Manning, the project aims to evaluate new forms of knowledge produced outside mainstream research settings.

Ecological forces structure your body's personal mix of microbes

A recent study found that environmental conditions play a stronger role in shaping the human microbiome than competition between species. The researchers used computer models to predict nutrient and energy metabolism and estimated interactions between microbes, revealing that species tend to co-exist with those they strongly compete for.

Study examines characteristics, features of West Nile virus outbreaks

A study analyzed West Nile virus epidemics in Dallas County, Texas, finding that they begin early after warm winters and are predicted by the mosquito vector index. The analysis also revealed higher incidence rates of neuroinvasive disease in recent years compared to previous decades.

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.

Spicing up food can make up for missing fat

Research suggests that adding everyday herbs and spices to vegetables and reduced-calorie meals can improve their appeal to consumers. The study found that spiced-up versions of reduced-fat meals were rated as highly as full-fat counterparts, with spiced vegetables scoring above 7.0.

Damaging non-native forest pests at home in northeastern US

A recent study published by the USDA Forest Service found that the northeastern United States is a high-risk area for invasive forest pest invasions. The study used spatial data to demonstrate a highly aggregated geographical distribution of forest pest invasions in the region, with over 70% of species detected before 1940.

Vitamins and minerals can boost energy and enhance mood

Research suggests that vitamins and minerals, such as B and D, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, can improve mood and reduce fatigue. Supplementing with these nutrients may provide an alternative to psychiatric medicines for symptom relief.

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.

Surface porosity and wettability are key factors in boiling heat transfer

A team of MIT researchers investigated the factors controlling boiling heat transfer from a surface to a liquid, finding that surface porosity is the most important factor. They developed methodologies for systematically depositing nanoparticles onto surfaces with controlled wettability and porosity, leading to improvements in heat-tra...

Changing atmosphere affects how much water trees need

Forests across the globe are losing less water and becoming more efficient in using it for growth as atmospheric carbon dioxide levels rise. Scientists found that forests are storing more carbon due to higher growth rates.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Diet additions may help youth with type 1 diabetes keep producing own insulin

Researchers found that adding foods rich in amino and fatty acids, such as leucine and omega-3 fatty acids, may help youth with Type 1 diabetes produce some of their own insulin for up to two years after diagnosis. This approach could benefit the lives of these children by reducing the risk of diabetes complications.

Prostate cancers are fewer, smaller on walnut-enriched diet

A study found that a walnut-enriched diet reduced prostate cancer formation by 18% and slowed tumor growth. The results suggest that using walnuts on a regular basis may be beneficial in deferring or preventing certain types of cancer, including breast cancer.

Duke bioengineers develop new approach to regenerate back discs

Researchers have developed a new biomaterial that can deliver reparative cells to the nucleus pulposus, or jelly-like cushion found between spinal discs. The gel mix holds cells in place upon injection and provides environmental cues to promote their persistence and biosynthesis.

AGU journal highlights -- July 16, 2013

Research suggests that freshwater ecosystems were more resilient than oceans during the asteroid impact due to annual freeze-thaw cycles, groundwater seeps, and dormant stages of many organisms. This study also explores the bubbling of methane from thermokarst lakes, an important factor in the carbon cycle and global climate change.

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.

Broadband photodetector for polarized light

Rice University and Sandia National Laboratories have created a solid-state electronic device that detects polarized light across the visible and infrared spectrum. The new photodetector uses aligned carbon nanotubes to provide intrinsic polarization sensing, unlike traditional methods which rely on filters or gratings.

Habits, not cravings, drive food choice during times of stress

During stressful periods, people tend to default to unhealthy snacks due to ingrained habits rather than cravings. The study's findings have significant implications for the development of new food products, highlighting the importance of disrupting existing consumer habits.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Scientists put attitudes toward tigers on the map

Researchers mapped attitudes toward tigers in Nepal's Chitwan National Park, finding that those with higher social status tend to be more positive towards tigers. The study suggests that addressing economic inequality is crucial for effective conservation efforts.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

CME To pass Earth, Messenger and Juno

A CME passed Earth on July 16, 2013, causing a geomagnetic storm that can degrade communication signals and cause electrical surges in power grids. The event was predicted by NASA research models and may also affect the Messenger and Juno spacecraft.

Revealed the keys to reducing the impact of agriculture on climate change

A study published in Science magazine found that current agricultural policies result in considerable financial and environmental costs. The research suggests refocusing public policies could improve the situation by rewarding farmers for ecosystem services like climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation, and water regulation.

Longer duration of obesity associated with subclinical coronary heart disease

A study of over 3,000 adults found that longer durations of obesity in young adulthood were associated with higher rates of coronary artery calcification, a predictor of coronary heart disease. The researchers also found that the presence and progression of subclinical atherosclerosis increased with duration of obesity.

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Weight gain early in pregnancy means bigger, fatter babies

A study of 172 expectant mothers found that those who gained excessive weight during the first half of pregnancy gave birth to heavier and longer babies with more body fat. Healthy eating and exercise during pregnancy have long-lasting benefits for both mother and child.

NASA sees newborn Tropical Depression 08W in infrared

Tropical Depression 08W formed east of the Philippines and is moving northwest, expected to intensify into a tropical storm. The depression's strong thunderstorms have cloud top temperatures near 210 K (-81.6 F/-63.1 C), while sea surface temperatures support its development and intensification.

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.

Distinctive brain blood flow patterns associated with sexual dysfunction

Research reveals that women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder have distinct brain blood flow patterns, particularly in regions involved in attention, emotion, and memory. This study provides novel insights into the physiological basis of sexual dysfunction and may lead to the development of new therapies.

RNA-interference pesticides will need special safety testing

New technology for creating pesticides and pest-resistant crops raises concerns about harm to desirable insects and ecological disruption. Researchers suggest designing chemicals that minimize impact on non-target species and evaluating real-life situations.

Eye-tracking could outshine passwords if made user-friendly

Researchers found that speed, accuracy, and clear error messages are crucial for eye-tracking systems to succeed. A new biometric technique identifies users based on their eye movements, offering a potential alternative to traditional passwords.

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.

Fires in the Canadian Yukon province

In July 2013, NASA's Aqua satellite captured images of numerous uncontained fires in the Yukon territory, with over 329,000 acres burned. The region has seen significant wildfires, with 133,166 hectares burned this year to date.

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.

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 identifies source of oil sheens near Deepwater Horizon site

The study identified pockets of oil trapped within the wreckage of the sunken rig as the source of recent oil sheens. This finding suggests that the amount of leakage is limited to these trapped oil pockets, providing some comfort that the situation is under control.

Chew more to retain more energy

Research suggests that chewing food thoroughly increases bioaccessibility of its energy content, with particles becoming smaller as chews increase. This means that eating whole almonds or incorporating mixed fibers from fruits and vegetables can lead to greater energy retention.

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.

Family tree of fish yields surprises

A comprehensive family tree of the spiny-rayed fish group, including tuna and seahorses, has revealed surprising relationships and shed light on their evolution and diversity. The study found that some groups of fish have undergone rapid diversification followed by a slowdown in evolution.