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Science News Archive 2013 - Page 32


Page 32 of 352

Key guidance document released on transcatheter therapies for mitral regurgitation

The Transcatheter Therapies for Mitral Regurgitation Societal Overview highlights critical components of successful treatments, including operator training, protocols for care, and assessment of outcomes. It emphasizes the importance of a high-volume center setting and careful data collection through registries.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 25, 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.

Making sense of sensation in autism

Researchers found that occupational therapy using sensory integration (OT-SI) provided better outcomes than standard care for children with autism. OT-SI therapy helps improve processing of sensation, leading to better participation in everyday activities.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateNov 25, 2013

ERC grant awarded to physicist Florian Schreck

Florian Schreck has received the ERC Consolidator Grant for his research on quantum many-body systems. His team will investigate new phenomena using strontium atoms, which have unique properties that allow for precise measurement and new material discoveries. This award recognizes Schreck's outstanding research results in Innsbruck.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·DateNov 25, 2013

Research: Materialism makes bad events even worse

Research by University of Illinois expert Aric Rindfleisch found that materialistic individuals experience higher levels of post-traumatic stress, compulsive buying, and impulsive purchasing after traumatic events. Materialism amplifies distress and impairs coping mechanisms.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of the Academy of Marketing Science·DateNov 25, 2013

ADHD study: Expensive training programs don't help kids' grades, behavior

A study analyzing 25 research studies found that computer-based training programs for ADHD have no significant long-term impact on children's cognitive abilities or behavior. However, the researchers suggest that future programs focused on working memory may be effective if designed to improve this aspect of brain functioning.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalClinical Psychology Review·DateNov 25, 2013
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Swarming insect provides clues to how the brain processes smells

Researchers used locusts to demonstrate how the brain processes multiple odors simultaneously, recognizing patterns and adapting to new cues. The findings shed light on principles of olfactory computation and have potential applications in medical diagnostics and non-invasive chemical sensing.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateNov 25, 2013

How scavenging fungi became a plant's best friend

The analysis of Rhizophagus irregularis genome reveals its unique ability to capture phosphorus and communicate with plants through cell-to-cell signaling. The fungus has retained much of its metabolic machinery, unlike many other obligate parasitic organisms.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2013

Teens 'eat more, cheat more' after playing violent video games

Research at Ohio State University found that teenagers who played violent video games ate more chocolate, stole raffle tickets, and showed less self-control. Teens with high moral disengagement were most likely to engage in these behaviors.

SourceOhio State University·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateNov 25, 2013

The mushrooms, my friend, are blowing in the wind...

Researchers found that mushrooms release water vapor to cool the air locally, creating convective cells that lift spores away from the fungus. This process allows mushrooms to spread their spores even in adverse conditions.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateNov 25, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Ultra-sensitive force sensing with a levitating nanoparticle

Scientists have created a new class of nano-mechanical oscillators that are ultra-sensitive to forces, including non-Newtonian gravity-like forces and quantum vacuum fluctuations. The system uses optically levitated nanoparticles in high vacuum conditions, overcoming the limitation of physical contact to a support.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalNature Physics·DateNov 25, 2013

Super SQUID

Researchers have developed a nano-SQUID-on-tip that measures magnetic fields at distances as small as a few nanometers from the sample, breaking the record for sensitivity and resolution. This tiny device may also enable measuring the magnetic field from the spin of a single electron, a major breakthrough in magnetic imaging.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 25, 2013

Government grants reduce HIV risks for teenage girls in South Africa

A large-scale study found that government grants in South Africa significantly reduce the risk of sugar daddy relationships among teenage girls, which is a major cause of HIV infection. The study suggests that providing financial security to girls through child support grants can empower them to make safer choices.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateNov 25, 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.

Postmenopausal estrogen decline largely unrelated to changes in cognition, mood, Stanford study finds

A new Stanford University School of Medicine study found that decreased estrogen levels after menopause are largely unrelated to changes in cognitive ability and mood. However, the researchers discovered a possible link between levels of another hormone — progesterone — and cognition among younger postmenopausal women.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2013

PCBs still affecting our health decades later

A study by University of Montreal researcher Maryse Bouchard found a significant association between PCB levels and cognitive abilities among individuals aged 70-84 years. Higher exposure to PCBs in older age groups led to greater diminution in cognition, particularly in women.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateNov 25, 2013

Search for habitable planets should be more conservative

Recent research suggests that the frequency of Earth-like planets in habitable zones around M-dwarfs is 0.4-0.5, requiring surveying about 10 cool stars. A conservative approach would focus on surface water, as subsurface water testing is impossible to verify remotely.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2013

Killer cocktail fights brain cancer

Researchers at Rockefeller University Press develop a novel two-pronged approach to combat glioblastoma, a highly aggressive form of brain cancer. By combining interleukin-12 with a CTLA-4 blocking drug, the cocktail successfully eradicated tumors in mice, showing promise for future treatment.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateNov 25, 2013
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.

Underestimated future climate change?

A new study by Thomas Frölicher suggests that the Earth's atmosphere could continue to warm for hundreds of years after a complete stop of CO2 emissions, leading to a 25% increase in global temperature. The ESM2M climate model reveals that regional ocean heat uptake is crucial in understanding the effects of climate change.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Climate Change·DateNov 25, 2013

Dying from a food allergy is less likely than being murdered

A new study found that dying from a food allergy is less likely than being murdered, with risks of 1.81 in a million and 3.25 in a million for adults and children respectively. The study aimed to put the risk of anaphylaxis into perspective, as anxiety and quality of life impacts are significant concerns.

SourceImperial College London·DateNov 25, 2013
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.

Archaeological discoveries confirm early date of Buddha's life

Archaeological excavations at Lumbini, Nepal have uncovered a previously unknown sixth-century B.C. timber structure dating back to the birthplace of the Buddha. The discovery confirms an earlier date for the life of the Buddha than previously thought and sheds light on the early development of Buddhism.

SourceNational Geographic Society·JournalAntiquity·DateNov 25, 2013

A plant which acclimatizes with no exterior influence

A team at the University of Geneva has generated a transgenic plant that constantly detects and responds to UV-B rays, producing high levels of antioxidants and flavonoids. This plant is equipped with an UVR8 mutated receptor, which remains active even without UV exposure.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2013

The collared treerunner is more than a single species

Researchers describe four new species formerly grouped under the collared treerunner, highlighting genetic and morphological differences among populations. The discovery underscores the importance of biodiversity conservation efforts in addressing species extinctions.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateNov 25, 2013

New immunotherapy for malignant brain tumors

Researchers developed a new immunotherapy approach that successfully treated glioblastoma, a fatal brain tumor, by stimulating the immune system and inducing tumor rejection. The treatment, combining intra-tumoral Interleukin-12 with CTLA-4 blockade, achieved a success rate of up to 80% in preclinical trials.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateNov 25, 2013
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.

Oxytocin leads to monogamy

Researchers found that oxytocin administration increases attractiveness of partner and strengthens monogamy by stimulating brain's reward center. The study suggests a biological mechanism for maintaining love relationships.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2013

Rice scientists ID new catalyst for cleanup of nitrites

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a new catalyst that can rapidly break down nitrites, a harmful contaminant found in drinking water. Gold-palladium nanocatalysts are up to 15 times more efficient than pure palladium nanocatalysts in breaking down nitrites.

SourceRice University·JournalNanoscale·DateNov 25, 2013

Controlling our circadian rhythms

A new study in The Journal of General Physiology has shed light on the biophysical processes underlying regulation of circadian rhythms. Researchers found that decreased BK channel activity, particularly a specific variant containing SRKR, contributes to reduced SCN neuron excitability during the day.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of General Physiology·DateNov 25, 2013
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.

Black hole jets pack a powerful punch

Researchers have found evidence of iron and nickel in the jets from a typical black hole, revealing that these heavy atoms carry more energy than lighter particles. This discovery suggests that black holes' accretion disks power jets, which could generate detectable gamma rays and neutrinos.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalNature·DateNov 24, 2013

A new, flying jellyfish-like machine

Researchers presented a new, simplified method of robotic flight at the APS Division of Fluid Dynamics Meeting in Pittsburgh. The device, weighing just two grams and spanning eight centimeters in width, flies by flapping four wings arranged like petals on a flower.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateNov 24, 2013

Gene-silencing study finds new targets for Parkinson's disease

Researchers used RNA interference to identify dozens of genes that may regulate mitochondrial disposal, opening new drug targets for Parkinson's and related disorders. Four helper genes were found to enhance or inhibit tagging of damaged mitochondria.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNature·DateNov 24, 2013

UNL scientists develop novel X-ray device

Researchers at UNL's Extreme Light Laboratory developed a novel method to generate research-quality X-rays using a 'tabletop' laser, increasing accessibility to the technology. The new device produces high-energy X-rays with potential applications in Homeland Security, medical imaging, and scientific research.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalNature Photonics·DateNov 24, 2013

Even if emissions stop, carbon dioxide could warm Earth for centuries

A Princeton University-led study found that carbon dioxide in the atmosphere could continue to warm the planet for hundreds of years after a sudden halt in emissions. The researchers simulated an abrupt stop in carbon emissions and found that the planet warmed by 0.37 degrees Celsius over 400 years.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateNov 24, 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.

Diamond 'flaws' pave way for nanoscale MRI

Researchers at Cambridge's Cavendish Laboratory have achieved high coherence in nitrogen-vacancy centers of nanodiamonds, enabling the creation of ultra-precise nanoscale magnetic field and temperature detectors. This breakthrough could enhance our understanding of chemical reactions within single cells and signalling in neural networks.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Materials·DateNov 24, 2013

Your first hug: How the early embryo changes shape

Researchers found a new mechanism regulating the earliest stages of embryo development, where arm-like structures called filopodia control cell shape and compaction. The discovery could help improve IVF treatment outcomes by identifying suitable embryos for implantation.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateNov 24, 2013

The physics of beer tapping

Researchers explore beer bottle-fluid interactions using cavitation analysis, explaining the formation of foam due to rapid expansion of smaller bubbles. The study's findings can be applied to other engineering concerns, such as erosion of ship propellers and carbon dioxide release in natural disasters.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateNov 24, 2013

NIST demonstrates how losing information can benefit quantum computing

Researchers at NIST and the University of Copenhagen created an experiment where ions were linked to the outside world, resulting in a stable entangled state. This method could lead to new architectures for quantum computing that can tolerate noise and errors.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature·DateNov 24, 2013

Great Lakes waterfowl die-offs: Finding the source

Researchers are using experimental hydrodynamics to track the source of lethal outbreaks in Great Lakes waterfowl. They have developed a novel way of tracking waterfowl carcasses and performed towing tank experiments to determine drag coefficients, which will help identify locations where waterbirds are likely exposed to botulinum toxin.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateNov 24, 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.

Decay used to construct quantum information

Scientists at the University of Copenhagen's Niels Bohr Institute have developed a method that harnesses decay to create entanglement between electrons in atomic systems. By controlling the interactions with their surroundings, researchers can precisely control the energy states of the electrons, leading to perfect entanglement.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Niels Bohr Institute·JournalNature·DateNov 24, 2013

Scientists prove X-ray laser can solve protein structures from scratch

Researchers at SLAC's Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) X-ray laser used the technique to generate an accurate model of lysozyme, a well-studied enzyme found in egg whites. The study opens the door to new discoveries and explores the potential for LCLS to play a leading role in studying important biomolecules of unknown structure.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature·DateNov 24, 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.

X-rays reveal another feature of high-temperature superconductivity

Researchers used X-rays to study atomic vibrations in high-temperature superconductors, finding a giant resonance that contradicts the electron-phonon coupling mechanism. This discovery highlights the need for new scenarios to explain high-temperature superconductivity.

SourceEuropean Synchrotron Radiation Facility·JournalNature Physics·DateNov 24, 2013

The secrets of owls' near noiseless wings

Researchers have discovered how owls achieve acoustic stealth through specialized plumage, including stiff feathers along the wing's leading edge and soft downy material. This technology could inspire novel sound-absorbing liners and reduce noise from aircraft and wind turbines.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateNov 24, 2013
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.

Pill-popping galaxy hooked on gas

A massive gas cloud called the Smith Cloud is hurtling towards our Galaxy, and may be a key source of fuel for star formation. The cloud has been found to have a magnetic field that helps keep it intact, protecting it from disintegrating as it approaches the Galaxy's disk.

SourceCSIRO Australia·DateNov 24, 2013

CVD expert calls for mandatory screening of 18-year-old Mexicans

A CVD expert in Mexico advocates for mandatory screening of 18-year-olds to combat the nation's high cardiovascular risk factors. The proposal includes regular measurements of glucose, cholesterol, blood pressure, and BMI, with a focus on education and healthy lifestyle habits.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateNov 23, 2013

Powerful tool for genetic engineering

Researchers from Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research have discovered a new dual-RNA guided enzyme Cas9 that enhances the potential of exploiting bacterial immune systems for genome engineering. The CRISPR-Cas system has been shown to be faster, more precise and cheaper than existing technologies.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Infection Research·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateNov 22, 2013
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.

Sea level rise forecasts helped by insights into glacier melting

Scientists have gained new insight into how glacier movement is affected by melting ice in summer, enabling more accurate predictions of sea level rise. The study found that fast summer ice flow caused by significant melting is cancelled out by slower motion the following winter.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 22, 2013

Chemotherapy: When our intestinal bacteria provide reinforcement

The study shows that cyclophosphamide's effectiveness is enhanced by the immune response triggered by certain beneficial gut bacteria. The intestinal microbiota plays a crucial role in modulating the anticancer immune effects of chemotherapy.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalScience·DateNov 22, 2013