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Science News Archive 2013


Page 75 of 352

Farm and germ education go hand in hand

A study published in PLOS ONE found that interactive farm hygiene lessons improved students' knowledge of germ spread and prevention, especially among girls. The lesson increased post-lesson scores by 21% for girls and 14% for boys, with a total increase of 13% in hand-to-mouth behavior awareness.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Sinking teeth into the evolutionary origin of our skeleton

Scientists have re-examined the evolutionary origin of our skeleton and discovered that it originated from the armor of mud-slurping ancestors. The study found that conodonts evolved tooth-like structures within their own lineage, rather than inheriting them from a common ancestor with other vertebrates.

Women, STEM and stereotypes

Researcher Chad Forbes aims to understand how stereotype threat impacts women in STEM fields, leading to job dissatisfaction and decreased performance. He's using a combination of neuroscience and social psychology to develop strategies to reverse this trend.

For celebrated frog hops, scientists look to Calaveras pros

Researchers from Brown University traveled to Calaveras County to study the Guinness Book of World Records' top frog jumper, Rosie the Ribeter. They found that bullfrogs at the Jubilee surpassed the old research-grade mark of 1.3 meters a striking 58 percent of the time, with jumps reaching up to 2.2 meters.

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.

Defining the graphene family tree

A recommended nomenclature for 2D carbon materials has been published by the Editorial Board of Journal Carbon, aiming to standardize definitions and promote precise ideas. The new guidelines suggest using 'graphene materials' as an overarching term, including morphological descriptors for shape and size.

Chimpanzees: Alarm calls with intent?

A study by University of York scientists has found that wild chimpanzees produce alarm calls intentionally to warn others of danger, similar to human language. The research suggests that language may have originated from a multimodal vocal-gestural communication system.

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.

A bad break for fake pearls

A team of Swiss researchers has developed a method to extract DNA from cultured pearls, allowing for the identification of species and authentication of luxury jewelry. This technique, which is non-destructive and non-invasive, uses genetic fingerprinting to differentiate between pearls from various oyster species.

Narrow-spectrum UV light may reduce surgical infections

A study by Columbia University Medical Center researchers suggests that narrow-spectrum ultraviolet (UV) light could dramatically reduce surgical wound infections. The researchers found that 207-nm UV light was as effective at killing MRSA bacteria as a conventional UV lamp, but resulted in less damage to human skin cells.

Light triggers death switch in cancer cells

Researchers at Cardiff University have created a peptide linked to a light-responsive dye that triggers cell death in cancerous cells. The new pathway activation technology, called transient photoactivation, enables scientists to precisely define the area where peptides should act, leading to more effective treatment strategies.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Finding blood clots before they wreak havoc

Researchers at MIT have created a noninvasive diagnostic test that detects blood clots in urine, enabling early detection and treatment of life-threatening conditions such as strokes and heart attacks. The test uses nanoparticles to detect thrombin, a key factor in blood clotting, allowing for rapid screening and diagnosis.

Health Affairs looks at economic trends & quality trade-offs

A new study published in Health Affairs examines the pursuit of improved physical and mental health through various initiatives, including expanding home-delivered meal programs for seniors. The study also explores the economic benefits of biosimilars and how delaying aging could increase life expectancy by an additional 2.2 years.

Study puts freshwater biodiversity on the map for planners and policymakers

A University of Wisconsin-Madison team developed a model to forecast the impact of future policies on urban development and agricultural cultivation on aquatic ecosystems. The study found that crop cover is projected to decrease in some regions, while urbanization may exacerbate biodiversity loss in others.

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.

UMD researchers address economic dangers of 'peak oil'

A UMD-led study reveals the US economy's high resource dependence on oil, making it susceptible to 'peak oil' threats. The research team identifies sectors such as iron mills, chemical manufacturing, and air transport that could put the entire economy at risk.

Traumatic injuries in elderly patients are often underestimated

A study found that elderly patients with severe injuries, such as falls or motor vehicle accidents, are often undertriaged and sent to non-trauma centers despite having a higher risk of mortality. Trauma centers provide specialized care, resulting in lower mortality rates and shorter hospital stays.

Mice modeling schizophrenia show key brain network in overdrive

Researchers at RIKEN-MIT Center for Neural Circuit Genetics have uncovered a faulty brain mechanism underlying schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders in humans. Mice genetically engineered to display symptoms of schizophrenia exhibit abnormal neural activity in the default mode network, which processes memories and recall.

Keep your friends close, but...

A new USC study found that the brain activates more strongly to watching hateful people suffer compared to likable individuals. The 'pain matrix' of the brain is thought to be involved in processing complex social situations, and this study suggests it may prioritize monitoring enemies over loved ones.

NYU-Poly professors win Google Faculty Research Awards

NYU-Poly professors Juliana Freire and Thanasis Korakis are recognized for their work on big data analysis and developing solutions to improve home wireless performance. They will receive one-year grants supporting their research, which aims to unify data selection and visual analysis to analyze complex urban data sets.

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.

University of Toronto research warns against Wi-Fi in cars

A study by Professor Ian Spence found that drivers are distracted even when using voice-operated devices, increasing the risk of accidents. The researcher's study suggests that safety should be a top concern for internet access in vehicles.

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.

Study shows how Staph toxin disarms the immune system

Researchers at NYU Langone Medical Center discovered a mechanism by which Staphylococcus aureus bacteria attack and kill off immune cells. The toxin selectively binds to surface receptors on different types of white blood cells, including neutrophils and T-cells.

Genetic errors identified in 12 major cancer types

Researchers discovered 127 genes that appear to drive the development of a range of tumors in the body across 12 major cancer types. The study found common links among genes in different cancers, as well as mutations exclusive to particular cancer types.

Curiosity confirms origins of Martian meteorites

The Curiosity rover's direct measurement of argon gas on Mars pinpoints the origins of Martian meteorites, shedding light on atmospheric loss. The discovery provides a clear signature of the planet's history and supports previous findings of atmospheric decline on Mars.

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.

Working to the beat

Researchers found that producing music decreases perceived physical strain and increases muscle effectiveness during exercise. This breakthrough insight sheds light on the therapeutic power of music and its role in human society.

Finding Alzheimer's disease before symptoms start

Researchers measured levels of proteins in cerebrospinal fluid to predict cognitive impairment, identifying biomarkers that signal potential development of Alzheimer's disease up to five years before symptom onset. The study offers a potential tool for guiding earlier use of treatments and testing new drugs.

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.

Birds on repeat: Do playbacks hurt fowl?

Researchers used playbacks to examine the effects on wrens and antpittas, finding that repeated playbacks can stress birds and lead to wasted energy. Habituation occurred after daily playback for two-and-a-half weeks, suggesting minimal impact on wren behavior.

Bariatric surgery patients not being prioritized correctly

A new study reveals that body mass index (BMI) is not an effective predictor of mortality in bariatric surgery patients. Researchers found that sex, smoking status, and diabetes are better indicators of risk. The study suggests that the current practice of prioritizing bariatric surgery for obese women may be misguided, as men who are ...

In elderly, hardening of arteries linked to plaques in brain

A study published in Neurology found that elderly individuals with hardening of the arteries are more likely to have beta-amyloid plaques in the brain, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. The study also showed that increased arterial stiffness was associated with a higher risk of developing dementia.

Ancient Syrians favored buying local to outsourcing production

Dr. Ellery Frahm's study challenges a widely held theory, suggesting ancient Syrians produced their own obsidian tools locally rather than importing from Turkey. This finding has implications for understanding how early cities developed and the geographic origins of raw materials.

Software uses cyborg swarm to map unknown environs

Researchers at North Carolina State University have created software that uses a swarm of insect cyborgs to map unknown environments, such as collapsed buildings. The biobots' random movement is exploited to create a rough map of the area, which can help first responders navigate and identify potential hazards.

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.

IASLC gives 5 people travel awards

The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) awarded five people Advocacy Travel Awards to support their attendance at the 2013 World Conference on Lung Cancer in Sydney. The awards provide conference registration, accommodations, a free IASLC Membership, and a travel stipend.

Vaccine confers long-term protection against cholera

A clinical study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases shows that an oral cholera vaccine (ShancholTM) provides sustained protection against cholera in humans for up to five years. This breakthrough finding has significant implications for vaccination strategies and cost-effectiveness in developing countries.

Doctors likely to accept new medicaid patients as coverage expands

A study published in Medical Care suggests that doctors will continue to accept new Medicaid patients after the ACA expansion, but may be less likely to accept uninsured patients. The researchers found that changes in Medicaid coverage did not significantly affect doctors' acceptance of new Medicaid patients.

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.

Misinterpretation of study

A study published in the journal Physiology & Behavior found that cats from multi-cat households do not exhibit higher stress levels than those from single-cat households. The researchers discovered that a cat's personality, as classified by its owner, plays a significant role in determining its stress response to stroking.

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.

Separating the good from the bad in bacteria

A new microfluidic device can quickly identify harmless bacteria and those that produce biofilms, which are associated with disease. This breakthrough could enable faster diagnosis and more effective treatment of conditions such as cystic fibrosis.

Tracking viral DNA in the cell

A new method developed by researchers at the University of Zurich allows them to display viral DNA in host cells at single-molecule resolution, revealing unexpected insights into its distribution and cell response. The technique uses click chemistry to label viral DNA without affecting its biological functions, enabling scientists to s...

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Cuckoos impersonate hawks by matching their 'outfits'

New research reveals that cuckoos employ 'Batesian mimicry' by mimicking local bird of prey species with striped feathers, allowing them to frighten hosts into leaving their nests exposed. A wide range of cuckoo species have adapted different plumage patterns depending on their geographical location.

Rare gene mutation sheds light on protein's role in brain development

A rare inherited disorder has been linked to a recessive gene mutation that affects the synthesis of asparagine, a nutrient crucial for normal brain development. The mutation causes a defect in the body's production of asparagine, leading to abnormal brain growth and developmental delays.

UTHealth's John Munz wins orthopaedic teaching award

John Munz, assistant professor of orthopaedic surgery at UTHealth Medical School, has been awarded the Howard Rosen Table Instructor Award. His exceptional teaching skills and devotion to patient care have earned him recognition within the medical community.

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.