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Science News Archive August 2013


Page 11 of 29

Study finds PHS gene that prevents wheat from sprouting

Researchers at Kansas State University have identified a PHS gene in wheat that prevents preharvest sprouting, a major cause of crop loss. The discovery provides a potential solution for the $1 billion annual industry losses associated with white wheat production.

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.

Community intervention program reduces repeat intimate-partner violence

A community-based intervention program in North Carolina found that mothers who completed a mandatory IPV program were less likely to be re-victimized and more likely to leave abusive relationships. The program, MOVE, showed promising results, with a 96.5% reduction in physical abuse and an 84% decrease in psychological abuse.

The minimum age of criminal responsibility

The minimum age of criminal responsibility is a contentious issue in modern juvenile justice systems. Experts debate the age at which children are considered mature enough to be held responsible, with many arguing for reforms to the current laws and policies.

NASA sees Tropical Storm Pewa temporarily weaken

Tropical Storm Pewa weakened temporarily due to adverse atmospheric conditions in the Northwestern Pacific. The storm's convection and thunderstorms have deepened, with cloud top temperatures reaching as low as -63F/-52C.

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.

Human foot not as unique as originally thought

Research at University of Liverpool reveals human feet retain surprising flexibility like those of great apes, contradicting long-held assumptions about arch development. The study suggests humans may have retained flexibility for effective coping with varied ground surfaces during long-distance walks and runs.

Gentemann to receive Falkenberg Award

Gentemann is recognized for her contributions to the quality of life, economic opportunities, and stewardship of the planet through Earth science information. Her research focuses on extracting geophysical variables from measurements of imaging microwave radiometers on earth observation satellites.

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.

Epic ocean voyages of coral larvae revealed

A new simulation model reveals coral larvae's long-distance journeys across the world's seas, with some traveling up to 9,000 km. The study provides insights into coral reef distributions and potential effects of climate change.

Emergency rooms failing to meet seniors' needs

A new international study found that senior citizens face distinct challenges in emergency departments, including higher rates of dependency, cognitive impairment, and delirium. The study calls for staff training in geriatric care and specialized department layouts to better meet seniors' needs.

Social giving makes us happier

Research finds that social connection enhances generosity by fostering positive feelings in donors. The study suggests that donors feel happiest when giving to a charity via a friend or relative rather than an anonymous donation. This research has implications for not-for-profit organizations seeking to maximize donations.

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.

Scientists uncover the secret life of frozen soils

Researchers studied the effects of winter processes on soil in seasonally frozen soils, finding that freeze-thaw cycles can impact agricultural productivity. The studies also shed light on the importance of understanding these processes for effective management practices.

Traffic pollution and wood smoke increases asthma in adults

A new University of Melbourne-led study found that heavy traffic pollution and wood smoke from heaters significantly worsen asthma symptoms in middle-aged adults. The study revealed a 80% increase in symptoms for those exposed to heavy traffic pollution and an 11% increase for those exposed to wood smoke.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Complications associated with continuous CSF drainage in patients with SAH

A randomized clinical trial found a significant increase in cerebral vasospasm and EVD-related complications when CSF was drained continuously in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage. The study, halted early due to high complication rates, suggests continuous drainage may not be the best method for intracranial pressure management.

Harmony: How do Vietnamese wedding planners manage to please everyone?

Researchers Thuc-Doan T. Nguyen and Russell W. Belk found that Vietnamese consumers achieve harmony by considering the needs of others while also prioritizing their own interests. Through a series of interviews, they discovered that Asian values such as long-term mutuality and family loyalty promote social harmony in wedding planning.

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.

New strategy tests for dangerous stage of tuberculosis in Asia

A new strategy developed at UC Davis Health System tests for telltale antibodies in the blood to detect tuberculosis, potentially improving treatment outcomes. The test can detect about 80% of active TB cases, making it a significant advancement in disease detection.

How sleep helps brain learn motor task

A new study by Brown University researchers found that sleep improves motor learning by changing fast-sigma and delta brainwave oscillations in the supplementary motor area. This reorganization is associated with improved speed and accuracy on sequential finger-tapping tasks after a few hours of sleep.

Multicenter trial finds BI-RADS 3 breast lesions have low cancer rate

A multicenter trial found that BI-RADS 3 breast lesions have a malignancy rate of 0.8%, with most cancers detected at 12-month follow-up imaging. The study suggests that extending the follow-up interval from six to 12 months for these lesions may reduce unnecessary biopsies and exams.

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.

'Groovy' hologram creates strange state of light

Researchers at Harvard University have developed a nanostructured hologram that controls the intensity, phase, and polarization of light rays. This innovation enables the creation of radially polarized beams, which are crucial for high-resolution lithography and particle manipulation.

Guideline development for non-specialist mental health services in Nigeria

The WHO's Mental Health Gap Action Programme Intervention Guide (mhGAP-IG) was adapted for Nigeria to address the substantial treatment gap. The adaptation process involved a multi-step approach, including situational analysis, focus group discussions, and pilot testing, to contextualize the guide for the Nigerian context. The resultin...

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.

Study shows gypsum wallboard does not keep out carbon monoxide

A study by researchers found that gypsum wallboard allows carbon monoxide to diffuse through it. This could explain instances of CO poisoning in contiguous residences. The findings highlight the need for CO alarm use and education in homes with this type of wallboard.

Low self-esteem consumers: When does standing out help you fit in?

Consumers with low self-esteem use brands to stand out and feel included, but also seek to distinguish themselves when feeling excluded. Companies can create brand communities and social media engagement to address these needs, appealing to both belongingness and differentiation.

The Vikings were not the first colonizers of the Faroe Islands

Archaeological evidence suggests human colonization of the Faroe Islands took place between the 4th to 6th centuries AD, contradicting the traditional Viking narrative. This finding has implications for understanding the colonization of similar island groups worldwide.

Plasma-treated nano filters help purify world water supply

Researchers developed plasma-treated carbon nanotube membranes that can remove contaminants and brine from water effectively. These new membranes could be integrated into portable devices the size of a tea pot for efficient and inexpensive water purification.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

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.

'Holocaust journeys' can cause mental health problems

A new study led by Tel Aviv University researchers found that Holocaust education trips can cause mental health issues in Israeli teenagers, including anxiety, adjustment, and mood disorders. While most affected teens exhibited pre-existing risk factors, others experienced stressors like bullying during the trip.

Giving preschoolers choice increases sharing behavior

New research reveals that allowing children to make a difficult choice to sacrifice their own toys leads to increased sharing behavior in the future. By giving children autonomy over sharing decisions, they are more likely to see themselves as people who like to share, leading to greater prosociality and generosity.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Important step forward for gait analysis of horses

Researchers have developed a new method using inertial sensors to accurately measure horse movement and detect lameness and Wobblers disease. This allows for better analysis of movement patterns in horses with lameness and enables veterinarians to monitor diagnostics and rehabilitation outside the gait lab.

Fires sweep through Madeira

Fires on the Portuguese island of Madeira have destroyed up to eleven houses and forced evacuations, with another fire rekindling concerns in the area.

Tick by tick

Scientists have created a novel system to safely study the transmission of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus through ticks. By carefully tracking each tick's movement and feeding pattern, researchers can examine the complete cycle of virus transmission between infected animals and uninfected ticks.

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.

Altruism or manipulated helping? Altruism may have origins in manipulation

Researchers develop mathematical model for evolution of manipulated behavior, showing that an offspring's resistance to manipulation often fails to evolve if the costs are high. The study suggests that altruistic behavior in eusocial organisms, such as ants and bees, may be coerced through manipulation.

Recurrence risk for autism spectrum disorders examined for full, half siblings

A Danish study of siblings found the recurrence risk for autism spectrum disorders varied from 4.5 percent to 10.5 percent depending on the birth years. The study suggests an almost seven-fold increase in ASDs risk if an older sibling had an ASD diagnosis, highlighting the role of genetics and maternal intrauterine environment.

Fighting obesity with apps and websites

A new Duke University study found that restaurant websites with easy-to-access calorie information can influence customer ordering decisions. Despite this, in-store marketing and psychological factors often override healthy options.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Cancer surgery patients have more complications, but less likely to die

A large study found increasing rates of preventable adverse events after major cancer surgery, such as blood clots and infections, but decreasing overall mortality rates in the US. Despite improvements in managing these events, experts emphasize the need for better prevention strategies to reduce complications.

Global sea level rise dampened by Australia floods

A rare combination of atmospheric patterns drove heavy rains over Australia in 2010-11, causing seas to drop measurably. The event, linked to La Niña and the Southern Annular Mode, was a unique complex pattern that temporarily halted rising sea levels caused by climate change.