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Science News Archive 2013


Page 169 of 352

Geothermal power facility induces earthquakes, study finds

A study published in Science found a strong correlation between seismic activity and operations at the Salton Sea Geothermal Field in southern California. The researchers tracked earthquake activity with production data for the geothermal power plant and found that seismicity increased as operations expanded.

Elephants depend on water for cooling, but only when it gets too hot

Researchers found that elephants increase their skin's permeability during hot summer months and rely on evaporation of sweat to cool down. The study suggests that climate plays a significant role in an elephant's water dependence, with different species requiring varying amounts of water for cooling.

Moms need help to overcome breastfeeding worries, study says

A University of Alberta study found that new moms are weaning their infants early and only 54% were exclusively breastfeeding three months after giving birth. The study suggests addressing concerns and misconceptions about breastfeeding is crucial for promoting long-term breastfeeding.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

NASA sees Typhoon Soulik's eye closed for 'renovations'

Typhoon Soulik's eye is filling with clouds, indicating a weakening storm, but satellite data shows the eyewall is reforming. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center reports that the storm is forecast to move near Japan and Taiwan before making landfall in China.

Important advance in the fight against skin cancer

Researchers at IMIM have discovered a new function of the IB protein involved in squamous-cell carcinoma development. The study found that nuclear IB is lost during tumour progression, making it a potential biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis.

The brain processes complex stimuli more cumulatively than we thought

A new study reveals that the brain's representation of complex features may start earlier and be more cumulative than previously thought. Researchers analyzed nerve cell pairs in two adult macaques and found that the neuronal circuit generating pair-association was only in area TE, not in area 36.

Critical pathway in cell cycle may lead to cancer development

A team of scientists at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies has identified a critical pathway in cell cycle control that, when disrupted, leads to cancer cell proliferation. Shortened telomeres, which occur with cellular aging, activate a DNA damage response that arrests cell growth.

Killer whale genetics: Redefining stock structure in a marine top predator

A recent study by NOAA scientists reveals that distinct groups of killer whales gather seasonally and exhibit low levels of gene flow, indicating separate subpopulations. Genetic evidence suggests a revision to the current stock designations for killer whales in the western Gulf of Alaska and Aleutian Islands.

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.

Hidden strains of HPV found in 'virus-negative' genital warts

Researchers found that 'virus-negative' genital warts can harbor small amounts of more distantly related viruses that escaped previous detection. The study identified 23 new types of HPV and two known sequences, highlighting the diverse pool of previously unknown HPV types infecting humans.

Autism Speaks collaborative releases first full genome sequencing for autism

A collaborative effort by Autism Speaks has found full genome sequencing examining the entire DNA code of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their family members. The study identified genetic variations associated with risk for ASD, including de novo, X-linked, and inherited DNA lesions in four new genes.

Hubble spots azure blue planet

For the first time, Hubble has measured the visible color of an exoplanet, revealing HD 189733b to be a deep azure blue due to its hazy and turbulent atmosphere. The planet's atmosphere is scorching with temperatures over 1000 degrees Celsius and features glass rain.

Cells make costume changes for cardiac regeneration

Scientists have identified a novel mechanism of cardiac regeneration in zebrafish, where muscle cells from the atrium actively migrate into damaged parts of the heart muscle in the ventricle. This process, known as transdifferentiation, results in the formation of new ventricular tissue and restoration of cardiac function.

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.

New molecularly imprinted nicotine receptors

Researchers have created synthetic receptors that mimic biological nicotine receptors, showing promise in clinical detection and treatment therapies for nicotine addiction. The new molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) demonstrate high selectivity and effectiveness across a wide pH range.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Second ACL injuries 6 times more likely after reconstruction

Researchers analyzed data from 78 subjects who underwent ACLR and found that female athletes were over four times more likely to suffer an injury within 24 months than their healthy counterparts. The study also showed a trend for female subjects to be two times more likely to suffer an injury on the opposite knee.

Molecular discovery puts cancer treatment in a new perspective

Researchers have gained groundbreaking knowledge about proteases, enzymes that play a role in cancer cell development. The study reveals that proteases can bind to each other instead of just cleaving, which may lead to the development of new anticancer drugs.

Nature: How forests cope with more carbon dioxide

A study by researchers found that forests in the northern hemisphere increase their water use efficiency as atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations rise, exceeding theoretical expectations. This adaptation helps plants conserve water despite increased photosynthesis, potentially shifting the global water and carbon cycle.

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.

NASA sees Chantal weaken to a remnant

Tropical Storm Chantal weakened to a remnant low pressure area over Hispaniola on July 10, with NASA tracking its demise. The storm brought heavy rainfall and gusty winds to the region, and its remnants are expected to affect Jamaica, Cuba, and the Bahamas.

Grazing slugs hinder grassland restoration

Research shows that selective grazing by slugs can prevent key grassland species from taking hold and reduce overall plant diversity. The team found that some of the most ecologically important species, such as red clover, are particularly tasty to slugs, which may hinder restoration efforts.

Acceptance predicts satisfaction in later life

A new study found that acceptance of what cannot be changed is crucial for older adults' happiness after losing independence. The ability to exert control was also linked to satisfaction, but secondary control - adapting to environment changes - played a more significant role in care residents.

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.

Researchers estimate over 2 million deaths annually from air pollution

A new study estimates that human-caused outdoor air pollution causes around 470,000 premature deaths each year due to increased ozone levels. Additionally, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is linked to an estimated 2.1 million annual deaths. The effects of past climate change on air quality and health are found to be relatively small.

Cry analyzer seeks clues to babies' health

Researchers developed a computer-based tool to analyze babies' cries for subtle acoustic features that can indicate neurological problems or developmental disorders. The new analyzer uses machine learning algorithms to evaluate over 80 parameters, offering non-invasive ways to measure disruptions in young babies' brains and behavior.

Hippo pathway to better cancer treatment?

Researchers at UBC have discovered that methylation of a protein called Yap is critical for the function of the Hippo pathway. Loss of the Set7 enzyme resulted in cell growth and larger organs, suggesting potential for drugs to activate this pathway to stop cancer cell growth.

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.

Buying behavior can be swayed by cultural mindset

Research reveals that people with individualistic mindsets prioritize an item's inherent value, while those with collectivist mindsets focus on the relationships between items. This difference in mindset affects consumer decision-making, including choices about favorite sets and purchasing decisions.

Alternative biofuel crops to fuel the future of the poor

The IFAD-ICRAF Programme will develop and scale up pro-poor, sustainable biofuel production models in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. It aims to create energy, food security, livelihood, and income-generating opportunities for poor households.

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.

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.

Insect discovery sheds light on climate change

Scientists discovered a new, extinct family of insects in British Columbia and Washington state that helps understand how animals responded to global climate change. The Eorpidae family's extinction raises questions about the impact of evolutionary diversification and climate change on communities.

50-year-old assumptions about strength muscled aside

Researchers have redefined the understanding of how muscles generate power, expanding the scope of disease treatments. High-energy X-rays and cloud computing facilitated this breakthrough, revealing that muscle force comes from both filament overlap and lattice work.

Researchers develop systems that convert ordinary language to code

Researchers at MIT create systems that can translate natural-language descriptions into working code in a few narrow cases. The method involves mapping regular expressions to equivalent natural-language expressions, enabling programmers to specify complex searches using simple language.

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.

Research reveals Earth's core affects length of day

Research at University of Liverpool found variations in Earth's core affect day length over periods of one to 10 years. The study resolves previously poorly characterised changes and provides new insight into the chemistry and mineralogy of the Earth's deep interior.

Glass sponges take advantage of retreating Antarctic ice shelves

In the western Weddell Sea, Antarctic glass sponges have increased in density threefold between 2007 and 2011, colonizing new habitats and outcompeting other species for food. These rapid growths suggest that communities at the sea bed react more quickly to climate-related changes than previously thought.

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.

What is glass? A million-dollar question

The University of Akron researchers aim to understand the fundamental origin of glass transition, with potential applications in flexible electronics, corrosion-resistant coatings, and vaccine preservation. They plan to use biomimicry to evolve new materials with desired properties.

Funds to aid macular degeneration research

Bioengineering professor Dimitrios Morikis and research scientist Monte Radeke are searching for chemical compounds targeting the complement system to treat age-related macular degeneration. They will use computational screening, experimental testing, and human retinal cell-based models to identify potential treatments.

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.

Higher BMI increases risk of gallstones, especially in women

A new study published in Hepatology reveals that higher body mass index (BMI) is associated with an increased risk of gallstone disease, especially in women. The research found a significant correlation between BMI and gallstone risk, with women facing a higher risk than men.

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.

Preventing cell death in osteoarthritis

Researchers have found a naturally occurring molecule, Urocortin, which protects cells in the joints from being destroyed in osteoarthritis. The discovery could lead to the development of new medicines to prevent joint degradation.

Ship noise impairs feeding and heightens predation risk for crabs

A study published in Animal Behaviour found that ship noise disrupts feeding for common shore crabs, while also heightening their predation risk. The research suggests that the combination of reduced foraging time and increased vulnerability to predators may negatively impact crab growth, fitness, survival, and harvested populations.