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Science News Archive 2013


Page 313 of 352

Slithering towards extinction

A new study reveals that nearly 1 in 5 reptiles are struggling to survive, with many species highly specialized and sensitive to environmental changes. The findings highlight the urgent need for conservation action to address habitat loss, hunting, and other threats, particularly in tropical regions.

Noncoding RNAs offer huge therapeutic and diagnostic potential

Researchers have discovered a vast potential for noncoding RNAs to be used as therapeutic and diagnostic tools. Long noncoding RNAs play significant roles in various diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and other conditions. The emerging concept of microRNAs functioning as hormones has also led to new avenues for disease treatment.

Researchers invent 'acoustic-assisted' magnetic information storage

Electrical engineers have discovered a way to use high-frequency sound waves to enhance magnetic storage, offering a new approach to improve data storage. The technology uses ultrasound to create elasticity in magnetic materials, allowing for reliable data storage without concerns around heating.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Defect in immune memory may cause repeat bladder infections

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center identified a defect in bladder immune memory that hampers a timely attack against bacterial infections. The study found that mast cells produce an immune-suppressing molecule, leading to a lack of antibody response and stifling immune memory.

Study: Behavioral therapy for children with autism can impact brain function

Researchers found increased activation in brain regions utilized by typically developing kids after four months of Pivotal Response Treatment. This suggests improved social engagement and processing of low-level social stimuli. The study's findings have implications for early intervention and potential long-term benefits.

Humans and chimps share genetic strategy in battle against pathogens

Researchers have found six regions of the genome where humans and chimpanzees share identical genetic variants, suggesting that these traits date back to a common ancestor. This study highlights the importance of balancing selection in maintaining genetic variation and fending off infectious disease.

The role of radical prostatectomy in patients with prostate cancer

A recent study found that radical prostatectomy (RP) lowers prostate cancer deaths in a subgroup of patients with a significant absolute mortality difference. However, another trial showed non-statistically significant results, raising questions about the impact of more frequent screening detection.

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.

A quantum dot energy harvester

A new type of nanoscale engine uses quantum dots to convert waste heat into electrical power, potentially making microcircuits more efficient. The system exploits resonant tunneling and can generate a significant amount of power depending on the temperature difference across the energy harvester.

Bilingual babies know their grammar by 7 months

Infants in bilingual environments use pitch and duration cues to discriminate between languages, such as English and Japanese, with opposite word orders. Babies as young as seven months can begin to learn these differences and develop new strategies for language separation.

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.

Self-objectification may inhibit women's social activism

New research suggests that self-objectification can reduce women's motivation to challenge the gender status quo and participate in social action. This phenomenon is linked to increased justification of the gender status quo, leading to reduced willingness to engage in activism.

Accelerated protons confirm origin of cosmic rays

A new study offers conclusive evidence that cosmic ray protons within our galaxy are accelerated in the shock waves produced by supernovae. Researchers detected the spectral cutoff in the gamma ray spectrum due to the decay of neutral pions, connecting gamma rays to accelerated protons.

Mood-modifying drugs for humans also alter fish behavior

A study by Umeå University researchers found that even small amounts of anxiety-moderating drugs like Oxazepam can change the behavior and feeding rates of wild European perch. The fish became bolder, less social, and ate faster after exposure to the drug.

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.

Smoking bans linked with 'successive reductions' in preterm birth

A study of 606,877 live births in Belgium found that smoking bans led to a reduction in the risk of preterm birth, with decreases evident after each phase of legislation. The findings suggest that smoking bans have public health benefits from early life and support stricter smoke-free policies.

Math helps detect gang-related crime and better allocate police resources

Researchers used police department records to determine gang memberships based on social and geographical information, identifying hotspots and clusters of individuals with similar behavior. The study showed that incorporating both social and geographic distance in models of gang violence provides more comprehensive analysis.

Losing hope of a good night's sleep is risk factor for suicide

A new study finds that losing hope for a good night's sleep increases the risk of suicidal thoughts, independent of other types of hopelessness. The study suggests that addressing insomnia and negative thoughts about sleep can help prevent suicidal behavior.

Vision restored with total darkness

A study by Dalhousie University researchers found that immersion in total darkness can rapidly restore vision in kittens with amblyopia. The recovery depends on the loss of neurofilaments holding the visual system in place. Darkness therapy holds promise for treating children with amblyopia, but more research is needed to determine the...

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.

Combining quantum information communication and storage

Aalto University researchers have made a breakthrough in connecting a superconducting qubit with a micrometer-sized drum head, enabling the transfer of information between the two. This achievement opens up new possibilities for creating exotic mechanical quantum states, such as simultaneous vibration and non-vibration.

Tiny CREPT instrument to study the radiation belts

CREPT will measure energetic electrons and protons in Van Allen Belts, gaining a better understanding of electron microbursts. The instrument demonstrates two new technologies that make it four times faster than its predecessor.

X-ray laser sees photosynthesis in action

Researchers used an X-ray laser to study the structure and chemical behavior of a natural catalyst involved in photosynthesis. The breakthrough, made possible by ultrafast and ultrabright X-ray pulses, provides insights into atomic-scale transformations in photosynthesis and other biological processes.

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.

MOND used to predict key property in Andromeda's satellites

Researchers used Modified Newtonian Dynamics (MOND) to predict velocity dispersion in faint dwarf galaxies of Andromeda. In 16 out of 17 cases, their predictions matched the measured velocity dispersions, suggesting that MOND may be a viable alternative to dark matter.

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.

Gene invaders are stymied by a cell's genome defense

Researchers discovered a molecular machine called SCANR that recognizes and targets transposons in cells, potentially halting the spread of genetic elements. This finding builds upon previous discoveries of jumping genes and RNA interference, suggesting a novel way for cells to distinguish between 'self' and 'non-self' genes.

Roots of language in human and bird biology

Researchers at Duke University have found that the genes responsible for human speech share similarities with those used by songbirds. This discovery sheds light on the evolutionary roots of language and suggests a convergent complex trait like speech and song may be associated with similar genetic changes.

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.

Yale study links common chemicals to osteoarthritis

Researchers at Yale School of the Environment linked exposure to perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), including PFOA and PFOS, with an increased risk of osteoarthritis. The study found stronger associations for women than men, highlighting the need for further exploration of health effects in susceptible subpopulations.

A little molecule's remarkable feat -- prolonging life

A new study reveals that bacteria capable of manufacturing nitric oxide increase the lifespan of roundworms by nearly 15 percent. The beneficial effect is attributed to the activation of specific genes that enhance stress resistance and immune response, suggesting a potential role for microbiome health in human longevity.

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.

Wonderwalls

Researchers from TUM designed a smart wall panel to assist elderly people in their homes. The panel provides access to vital information, entertainment, and assistance with daily tasks. It also detects critical health issues and contacts healthcare professionals for support.

Dogs spot the dog

A recent study by Dr. Dominique Autier-Dérian and colleagues found that dogs can form a visual category of dog faces and group pictures of different breeds into a single category. This ability allows dogs to recognize their own species visually, despite the large morphological variability within the dog species.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

New methodology to predict pandemics

A new research methodology uses network theory to identify outbreaks of unidentified diseases, providing a promising tool for predicting and preventing pandemic diseases. The method analyzed data from 125 outbreak reports and showed distinct patterns for emerging diseases like Nipah virus, allowing for probable diagnoses.

Decoys could blunt spread of ash-killing beetles

Researchers create female emerald ash borer decoy using polymers, allowing for more efficient trapping and detection of male beetles. The decoy is 40% more effective than previously used methods, paving the way for swift control of the pest.

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's Fermi proves supernova remnants produce cosmic rays

Scientists have found conclusive proof that supernova remnants accelerate cosmic rays to incredible speeds. The discovery was made using four years of data from NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope and provides a key finding in the search for the sources of high-energy cosmic rays.

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.

Quantum cryptography put to work for electric grid security

The Los Alamos National Laboratory team successfully demonstrated securing control data for electric grids using quantum cryptography. The system achieved latencies of at least two orders of magnitude smaller than requirements, making it suitable for real-time applications.

Research shows how 'Mallard' dye fills need for speed

Researchers at the University of York have developed a new dye, 'Mallard Blue', which can rapidly detect heparin levels in human serum. The dye has excellent sensing capacity for heparin and may improve upon existing clinical methods.

Building healthy bones takes guts

Scientists at Michigan State University found that a natural probiotic supplement can enhance bone density in male mice, but not female mice. The study suggests a possible new treatment for osteoporosis without the risks of traditional medications.

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.

Sewage lagoons remove most -- but not all -- pharmaceuticals

A recent study found that rural sewage lagoons can effectively remove most commonly used pharmaceuticals and hormones from wastewater, but some compounds persist in the environment. The study, led by Wei Zheng, suggests that increased concentrations of PPCPs were detected in November samples due to warmer temperatures.

Leading RSV researcher publishes work at Le Bonheur Children's

Dr. John DeVincenzo's research at Le Bonheur Children's Hospital is advancing our understanding of RSV replication, mutation, and treatment options. His lab has developed new techniques to detect minute sub-populations of viruses and assessed the effectiveness of RNA interference-based antiviral therapies.

Proof: Cosmic rays come from exploding stars

A new study confirms that cosmic rays are born in the violent aftermath of supernovas, exploding stars throughout the galaxy. Protons make up 90% of these particles, which are accelerated by shock waves and then decay into gamma-ray photons with distinctive signatures.

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.

Revealing the secrets of motility in archaea

Researchers from Berkeley Lab and Max Planck Institute analyze unique microbial motor, revealing a dynamic play among its components. The study found that the archaellum consists of two parts, with a globular C terminal domain connected to a more variable N terminal domain.