Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2013 - Page 274


Page 274 of 352

NREL assembles industry working group to advance solar securitization

The Solar Access to Public Capital (SAPC) working group aims to standardize power purchase agreements and develop robust datasets to assess performance and credit-default risk. This effort is expected to attract additional investors to the solar asset class, potentially lowering the cost of solar energy.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·DateMar 26, 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.

Researchers form new nerve cells – directly in the brain

New technique allows for direct reprogramming of human cells into nerve cells, opening possibilities for treating Parkinson's disease and other conditions. Researchers at Lund University have made a breakthrough in the field of cell therapy by successfully reprogramming skin cells and support cells into nerve cells.

SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 26, 2013

Researchers find novel way plants pass traits to next generation

A recent study by Ohio State University researchers explains how certain plant traits can be passed down through generations without following traditional genetic rules. They discovered an enzyme in corn that targets 'junk DNA' and triggers unexpected changes in gene activity, an example of epigenetics.

SourceOhio State University·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateMar 26, 2013
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.

Researchers find novel mechanism regulating replication of insulin-producing beta cells

Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have discovered a novel mechanism that regulates the replication of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. The findings, published in Diabetes, provide new insights into how to regenerate beta cells and potentially lead to new therapies for Type 1 and 2 diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalDiabetes·DateMar 26, 2013

Sexual agreements among gay couples show promise for HIV prevention

A University of Michigan study found that gay couples establish 'sexual agreements' to prevent HIV transmission, with 80% keeping their agreements. However, only 57% of couples confirm having an agreement, and 50% of those break it, increasing the risk of HIV transmission.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalThe Journal of Sex Research·DateMar 26, 2013

Death in young children linked to their mother's poor health

A study published in PLOS Medicine found that young children are more likely to die when their mother is seriously ill, with the highest risk occurring in the months leading up to and following her death. The researchers also discovered a significant increase in child mortality rates if the mother dies of AIDS-related causes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 26, 2013

Restaurant service linked to customer demographics, race, Wayne State research finds

Researchers analyzed survey data from 200 servers in 18 restaurants, finding that sensitivity to demographic differences predicted service levels. The study highlights the problem of poor service to African-American customers and suggests a solution by promoting tipping norms for specific levels of service quality.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·JournalInternational Journal of Hospitality Management·DateMar 26, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Mindfulness improves reading ability, working memory, and task-focus

A study by UC Santa Barbara researchers found that mindfulness training can significantly improve reading comprehension, working memory capacity, and ability to focus. The results suggest that mindfulness can reduce mind-wandering and improve performance in tasks requiring attention.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 26, 2013

Researchers find a way to predict the date of a woman's final menstrual period

Researchers used hormone levels to estimate when a woman will have her final menstrual period, providing a way to gauge menopause-related bone loss. The study found that levels of estradiol and follicle stimulating hormone can predict the timeline for menopause.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMar 26, 2013

Climate change likely to worsen threat of diarrheal disease in Botswana, arid African countries

A study by Kathleen Alexander found that climate drives a large part of diarrheal disease and increases the threat of climate change for vulnerable communities in Botswana. Climate change is projected to increase dry season diarrheal disease incidence, while wet season incidence is expected to decline.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateMar 26, 2013
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.

Brief mindfulness training may boost test scores, working memory

A new study finds that brief mindfulness training can improve standardized test scores and working memory capacity by reducing mind wandering. Participants who received mindfulness training showed a significant improvement in accuracy on the GRE and higher working memory capacity compared to those who received nutrition instruction.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 26, 2013

Pining for a beetle genome

The mountain pine beetle's genome has been sequenced, revealing genes involved in tree colonization and potential sex chromosomes. This knowledge could help develop more effective control methods for this devastating pest.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalGenome Biology·DateMar 26, 2013
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Penn research: Quitting marshmallow test can be a rational decision

New research from University of Pennsylvania psychologists suggests that changing one's mind about delaying gratification can be a rational decision when the timing of the payoff is uncertain. The study found that people tend to overestimate how long they will have to wait, leading to decreased self-control.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalPsychological Review·DateMar 26, 2013

Regulation recommendations so that biofuel plants don't become weeds

Researchers at the University of Illinois suggest reforming regulatory lists using a science-based process and assessing potential invasiveness. This could lead to better protection for natural areas against invasive species, but may not threaten the development of new biofuels crops.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·DateMar 26, 2013

Men benefit more than women from having authority on the job

Research by University of Toronto sociologist Scott Schieman found that men have greater levels of managerial authority and associated benefits, including job autonomy and higher earnings. Women, even when holding equal levels of authority, tend to earn less income.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalSociological Perspectives·DateMar 26, 2013

Antibiotic may provide benefit for treatment of respiratory disorder

A randomized controlled trial found that erythromycin significantly reduced pulmonary exacerbations and improved symptoms in patients with non-CF bronchiectasis, but also increased macrolide resistance. The study suggests that low-dose erythromycin may be beneficial for treatment of respiratory disorder in certain patient populations.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMar 26, 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.

Study finds strong genetic component to childhood obesity

A new study published in the International Journal of Obesity found that genetics account for 30% of individual differences in childhood body weight. The research used Genome-wide Complex Trait Analysis to identify genetic variants associated with childhood obesity, providing insights into the 'missing heritability' problem.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateMar 26, 2013

Endangered lemurs' genomes sequenced

The complete genomes of three aye-aye lemur populations in Madagascar have been sequenced, revealing genetic diversity and historical separation. The research aims to prioritize conservation efforts for these critically endangered species, which are threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 26, 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.

Research yields significant insights into a common form of autism

Researchers identify key findings in a large-scale study of individuals with int dup(15), including maternal and paternal duplications. The study found elevated levels of GABA and previously unknown sleep problems in affected subjects, providing significant insights into the disorder.

SourceLe Bonheur Children's Hospital·JournalAutism Research·DateMar 26, 2013

Penn Researchers attach Lyme disease antibodies to nanotubes, paving way for diagnostic device

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a nanotube-based diagnostic device that can detect Lyme disease bacteria in the blood, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment. The device uses laboratory-produced antibodies to bind to proteins from the organism, providing an electronic read-out of its presence.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateMar 26, 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.

Wastewater injection spurred biggest earthquake yet, says study

A new study links a magnitude 5.7 earthquake in central Oklahoma to wastewater injection, destroying homes and causing widespread damage. The researchers found that the pressure increase triggered by wastewater injection led to the largest earthquake ever recorded in Oklahoma.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalGeology·DateMar 26, 2013

Protein-rich breakfasts prevent unhealthy snacking in the evening

A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming a high-protein breakfast significantly improves appetite control and reduces unhealthy snacking in young adults. Eating a protein-rich breakfast led to increased fullness and reduced brain activity controlling food cravings.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMar 26, 2013

Trees used to create recyclable, efficient solar cell

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology and Purdue University developed efficient solar cells using natural substrates derived from trees, enabling quick recycling in water. The organic solar cells reach a power conversion efficiency of 2.7 percent, paving the way for a truly recyclable and sustainable solar cell technology.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 26, 2013

Mice show innate ability to vocalize

Researchers found that mice do not need to learn to vocalize and can produce the same suite of ultrasonic sounds regardless of whether they are deaf or hearing. This discovery points the way to a genetic tool for studying speech and its disorders, shifting focus from learning to genetic mechanisms.

SourceWashington State University·DateMar 26, 2013
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.

Key find for treating wastewater on World Water Day

A new membrane developed by researchers at Wits University can effectively separate waste from water, making it suitable for treating pollutants in various processes. The technology has the potential to filter pure water from wastewater produced during mining, oil and gas exploration, and nuclear activities.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 26, 2013

Mountain pine beetle genome decoded

The mountain pine beetle genome has been sequenced to understand its behavior and adaptability, revealing large genetic variation among individuals. The study also identified genes involved in detoxifying defense compounds and degrading plant cell walls, which could inform future management strategies.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalGenome Biology·DateMar 26, 2013

MRI shows brain abnormalities in migraine patients

Research suggests that migraines are related to brain abnormalities present at birth and others that develop over time. Cortical thickness and surface area abnormalities were found in regions related to pain processing, with minimal overlap between the two types of abnormalities.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateMar 26, 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.

Microorganisms detected via breath test linked to body mass, fat accumulation

A recent study found that high concentrations of methane and hydrogen in breath are associated with a higher body mass index and percentage of body fat. The presence of the microorganism Methanobrevibacter smithii may contribute to obesity by altering the balance of gut bacteria.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMar 26, 2013

Research measures financial impact of brownfields on nearby property values

Researchers found that residential property values depreciate nearly 0.1% for each 1% nearer to a brownfield, while increasing in value by the same amount with distance from the site. The study analyzed 6,800 properties and estimated $2.2 million in annual lost property tax revenue.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management·DateMar 26, 2013

DNA says lemur lookalikes are 2 new species

Two new species of mouse lemurs have been identified by Duke University scientists, one named Anosy mouse lemur and the other Marohita mouse lemur. The genetic analysis reveals that these species are distinct and do not interbreed with other recognized mouse lemur species.

SourceDuke University·JournalInternational Journal of Primatology·DateMar 26, 2013

Developing our sense of smell

Researchers at Caltech have found that neural-crest stem cells differentiate into microvillous neurons, which sense pheromones, and are distinct from ciliated neurons that detect volatile scents. The discovery sheds light on how olfactory neurons form and may lead to new treatments for conditions like anosmia.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·DateMar 25, 2013
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.

Too much choice leads to riskier decisions, new study finds

Researchers discovered that individuals with large choice sets overestimate probabilities of rare events and take riskier gambles. Participants gathered more information with smaller choice sets, but repeated this pattern with larger sets.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateMar 25, 2013

Exploring the cause of sudden unexplained death in epilepsy

Researchers characterized SUDEP in a mouse model of Dravet Syndrome and found that a prolonged slowing of the heart beat preceded SUDEP. Treatment with certain drugs reduced the incidence of SUDEP, suggesting mortality results from seizure-related parasympathetic hyperactivity.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 25, 2013

Mathematical butterflies provide insight into how insects fly

A mathematical model of a butterfly's flight revealed that the insect uses swirling vortices to provide lift, but also experiences turbulent airflow. The study found that the pitching angle of the thorax is crucial for controlled periodic flight, allowing butterflies to sense and adjust their motion to maintain stability.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateMar 25, 2013

Arguments in the home linked with babies' brain functioning

A study found that babies respond to angry tone of voice, even when asleep, and exhibit greater brain activity in stress-related areas. This suggests that exposure to parental conflicts may impact the way infants process emotions and stress.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 25, 2013

Geiger Gibson Program recognizes 8 emerging leaders at annual symposium

The Geiger Gibson Program in Community Health Policy has selected eight young Emerging Leaders for their outstanding policy and leadership achievements. The award highlights the future leaders of community health centers, recognizing commitment, motivation, professional achievement, and leadership qualities.

SourceGeorge Washington University·DateMar 25, 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.

Lymphatic vasculature: A cholesterol removal system

Researchers have found that the lymphatic system is crucial for removing cholesterol from peripheral tissues, including artery walls. The study suggests that therapies supporting lymphatic transport could enhance cholesterol clearance and potentially treat atherosclerotic vascular disease.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 25, 2013

Ephemeral vacuum particles induce speed-of-light fluctuations

Recent studies suggest that the speed of light may fluctuate due to ephemeral vacuum particles, which could be testable with ultra-fast lasers. Researchers propose that physical constants like speed of light are indications of total elementary particles in nature.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateMar 25, 2013

Urban vegetation deters crime in Philadelphia

A Temple University study found that well-maintained urban vegetation can lower crime rates, particularly for robberies and assaults, by encouraging social interaction and community supervision. The presence of grass, trees, and shrubs is associated with reduced crime rates in Philadelphia.

SourceTemple University·JournalLandscape and Urban Planning·DateMar 25, 2013