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Science News Archive 2013


Page 69 of 352

NIST/JQI team 'gets the edge' on photon transport in silicon

Researchers from NIST and JQI have developed a silicon device that can efficiently transport photons, which could lead to significant improvements in computer efficiency. The device uses a novel arrangement of rings to guide photons along the edge of an array, enabling it to function even if some rings are defective.

How are Open Access and MOOCS disrupting the academic community in different ways?

A new study finds that Open Access (OA) publishing has a tempered impact on scholarship, driven by strategic commitment to maximize research productivity. In contrast, Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) have a more severe impact on teaching due to their standardized and homogenized content, sharpening existing political battle lines.

How liver 'talks' to muscle: A well-timed, coordinated conversation

Scientists at Brigham and Women's Hospital uncover a joint effort between the liver and muscle to maintain balanced fat production and burning. A phospholipid molecule acts as a signal molecule controlling this process. The study highlights the importance of coordinated changes in organs like the liver and muscle in metabolic responses.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

3 new centers to focus on enhanced geriatric social work training

Two new centers will focus on building relationships with local health and social service professionals to support skill-building opportunities for personnel. The new centers aim to strengthen the services that improve the health of older people by improving the interface between practice and academia.

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.

The yin and yang in the life of proteins

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum have identified two opposing regulatory circuits that determine the fate of protein import receptor Pex18. The receptor's control is calibrated precisely by distinct ubiquitination cascades, which regulate its recycling or degradation.

Adalimumab reduces inflammation in refractory pediatric uveitis

A study published in the Journal of AAPOS found that adalimumab significantly improved anterior/posterior chamber inflammatory activity in 85.7% of pediatric patients with refractory uveitis. The biologic agent was effective in reducing inflammation and showed a reasonable side effect profile.

What a difference a grade makes

Children with attention problems in first grade perform significantly lower on reading achievement scores after fifth grade compared to their peers. In contrast, second-grade attention issues have little impact on later academic performance.

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.

NASA sees hint of Typhoon Lekima's rapidly intensification

Typhoon Lekima's rainfall rates were found to be heavy, with rates over 2 inches per hour north and east of the center. The typhoon is forecast to continue on a northwesterly track before making a turn to the northeast as it reaches the island of Iwo To.

Shifting winds in turbine arrays

Researchers developed a new model to measure changes in air flow patterns affecting wind turbines' output power. The study found that energy can be transferred to wind turbines from both above and below the blades, expanding our understanding of wind turbine performance.

5 years on, first ever tissue-engineered airway transplant remains successful

A 30-year-old Colombian mother received a tissue-engineered trachea in 2008, and five years later, she continues to enjoy a good quality of life without immunological complications or rejection. Regular testing reveals retained lung function and no scarring, although some symptoms remain monitored through bronchoscopies.

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.

Numerical validation of quantum magnetic ordering

Researchers used numerical simulations to validate previous theoretical predictions for antiferromagnetic materials, confirming a universal law relating the Néel temperature and staggered magnetisation density. However, discrepancies were found, highlighting the need for further investigation.

There's gold in them thar trees

Scientists from CSIRO discovered that eucalyptus trees can act as a hydraulic pump, drawing up water containing gold particles from the earth and depositing them into their leaves and branches. This innovative technique could provide a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to search for minerals such as zinc and copper.

How climate change affects microbial life below the seafloor

Scientists analyzed sediments from Peru to track changes in the deep biosphere's microbial ecosystem under the seafloor. The study reveals that this system is surprisingly dynamic and responds quickly to climate change, with the methane oxidation front migrating rapidly up or down due to changes in oceanographic conditions.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Researchers propose social network modeling to fight hospital infections

A study by researchers at the University of Maryland and American University has proposed a framework for hospitals to model their social networks to predict and minimize the spread of bacterial infections. The study found that sparse, social network structures are associated with lower infection transmission rates.

Genetic variation alters efficacy of antidepressant

Research reveals that a genetic variation in the ADRA2B gene affects how well antidepressants like reboxetine weaken negative memory recall in healthy men. The study found that individuals with the variant gene form recalled more negative memories, regardless of treatment.

Focus on developmental approach to obesity in children and adolescents

The special issue emphasizes a developmental viewpoint on the crucial problem of childhood obesity, highlighting newly identified factors affecting the risk of obesity in children and teens. Interventions such as spending time with peers, tailored motivational interviewing, and promoting healthy behaviors are also explored.

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.

Climate change increased the number of deaths

A study by Umea University researchers found that increased temperatures caused by climate change led to a significant increase in mortality, especially during extreme heat waves. The study estimated around 1,500 extra deaths due to climate change in Sweden over the past 30 years.

Veterans who mismanage money four times more likely to become homeless

Military veterans who struggle with managing their finances are at a higher risk of becoming homeless. A new study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that money mismanagement is a significant predictor of future homelessness among veterans, regardless of income or mental health status.

Clemson University study points to possible treatment for brain disorders

Researchers at Clemson University found that increasing mTOR pathway activity in neural stem cells leads to neuron generation and may offer a new treatment for neurodevelopmental disorders. The study, published in Cell Reports, points to the potential benefits of targeting 4E-BP2, a specific mTOR target.

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.

High school student discovers skeleton of baby dinosaur

A high school student's discovery of a baby Parasaurolophus skeleton has revealed new insights into the growth and development of this unique herbivorous dinosaur. The nearly complete fossil measures six feet long and is estimated to be only a year old when it died, growing to an adult measuring nearly 25 feet in length.

Mercyhurst, Vanderbilt research targets supervolcanoes

Researchers will engage students in studying an extinct supervolcano in northwest Arizona, exploring questions about supervolcano behavior and comparisons with typical-scale magmatism. The project aims to foster hands-on learning and contribute to the understanding of supereruptions.

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.

HIV elimination in South Africa could be achieved by current treatment policy

A new study published in PLOS Medicine suggests that South Africa's current antiretroviral treatment policy could lead to HIV elimination within the next 24-34 years. The research also found that a universal test and treat approach could achieve elimination 10 years earlier, according to more comprehensive mathematical models.

Predicting the fate of stem cells

University of Toronto researchers have developed a method to rapidly screen human stem cells, allowing for better control over their fate. The technology uses robotics and automation to test compounds or drugs at once, with controllable environments to study cell characteristics as they differentiate.

WSU researchers link DDT and obesity

WSU researchers found that gestating rats exposed to DDT experienced increased obesity in third-generation offspring, suggesting transgenerational epigenetic inheritance. This effect is believed to be related to how genes are turned on and off in the exposed animals.

This week in Molecular Biology and Evolution

Plant genes called expansins were transferred from plants to bacteria, fungi, and amoeba, allowing them to weaken plant cell walls and colonize roots. This unique case suggests that rare gene transfers have contributed significantly to the evolution of prokaryotic and eukaryotic species.

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.

Model plant misled scientists about multicellular growth

A study by the University of Leeds found that Arabidopsis thaliana lacks a crucial protein called SMG1, which is essential for animal multicellular growth. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about plant genetics and highlights the importance of studying multiple models to avoid extrapolating from a single example.

A fresh solution for the lindane problem

Researchers at the UPV/EHU and Tecnalia have developed an innovative method using iron nanoparticles to degrade lindane, a toxic insecticide banned by farmers. The study confirms the high reactive capacity of iron nanoparticles to break down lindane, revealing reaction tendencies and speeds over time.

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.

The Consumer's Guide to Minerals

The Consumer's Guide to Minerals explores minerals' diverse uses in scientific research, manufacturing, medicine, and commercial applications. The digital publication provides a comprehensive reference for professionals and students in the fields of applied science, geology, and economics.

Copper shock: An atomic-scale stress test

Researchers used an X-ray laser to create movies of copper atoms' arrangement changes after extreme shock, pinpointing the breaking point of permanent deformation. This experiment enables direct comparison with complex computer simulations and helps predict material strength in extreme conditions.

Classification system proposed for green roofs

A new classification system is being proposed to identify regional identity and sustainability benefits of green roofs. The system, developed by University of Cincinnati researcher Virginia Russell, aims to stimulate research and development of uniquely North American green roofs.

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.

Internet therapy may help postnatal depression

A pilot study has shown that internet-based Behavioural Action treatment can effectively treat postnatal depression, with participants reporting better results for depression, work, and social impairment. The online program provided support at times convenient to the women, allowing them to complete a course of therapy.

NASA sees Hurricane Raymond re-soaking Mexican coast

Heavy rainfall from Hurricane Raymond is causing widespread flooding along Mexico's Pacific Ocean coast, with precipitation rates reaching up to 153 mm/hour. The National Hurricane Center warns of hurricane-force winds, storm surges, and coastal flooding due to the storm's stationary motion.

Keeping it local: Protecting the brain starts at the synapse

New research shows glial cells and neurons work together to protect the brain from oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, and other dangers. The study reveals a precise calibration system between neurons and astrocytes that ensures protective measures are only taken when needed.

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.

Investigational PARP inhibitor promising in BRCA-related cancers

A phase I clinical trial of the investigational PARP inhibitor BMN 673 has demonstrated high objective and clinical benefit response rates in patients with BRCA-related breast and ovarian cancers. The treatment showed significant efficacy, with 44% of patients experiencing an objective response and 72% having clinical benefit.

Fat and fit

Researchers found that fatter dormice increase metabolic rate more frequently and spend more time at normal body temperature during hibernation, minimizing negative effects. This strategy enables dormice to maximize total hibernation time while maximizing survival chances.

Internet users more likely to engage in cancer-preventive behaviors

A large cohort study found that older adults who used the internet consistently were more likely to engage in cancer-preventive behaviors such as colorectal screening and regular physical activity. Conversely, intermittent internet users had lower rates of these behaviors compared to never-users.

New artificial protein mimics a part of the HIV outer coat

A team of scientists has created an artificial protein that mimics a key site on the HIV outer coat where antibodies can bind, providing a potential new strategy in vaccine development to elicit broadly neutralizing antibodies. The new protein was designed to facilitate the production of desired antibodies while preventing undesired re...

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.

Spatial, written language skills predict math competence

Research found that early spatial and written language skills predict later math competence in children, with strong oral language skills not contributing to math ability. Children with better spatial skills and knowledge of written letters showed stronger math performance and rapid advancement over time.

2 online science video pioneers combine to form new iBiology.org

Two pioneering online biology video sites have merged to create a new platform offering world-class biologist videos for free. The new site features an expanded 'iBioEducation' section with microscopy courses, lecture series, and assessments for educators, reaching over 1.4 million views across 180 countries.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Advanced light source provides a new look at vanadium dioxide

Researchers studied vanadium dioxide using ALS beamline 4.0.2 to investigate the origin of its metal-insulator transition, which could lead to faster and more energy-efficient electronic devices. The study identified roles for Pi-symmetry and delta-symmetry electron orbitals in controlling the transition.