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Science News Archive August 2013


Page 16 of 29

Study explains early warming of West Antarctica at end of last ice age

A new study published in Nature reveals that West Antarctica began emerging from the last ice age about 22,000 years ago, earlier than previously thought. The research found that changes in solar energy triggered warming of the region, which was amplified by the release of CO2 from the Southern Ocean.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

E-Health services ill-prepared for epidemics

E-health systems face a significant disruption due to inadequate adoption, leading to ineffective response to pandemic diseases like influenza. A multi-pronged approach is proposed to assess preparedness, identify gaps, and implement necessary technology and protocols.

Multifold increase in heat extremes by 2040

By 2040, heat extremes are expected to increase substantially due to climate change, affecting 85% of the global land area. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions could prevent this, but current trends suggest a near-term inevitability.

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.

Seabirds fitted with satellite tags to track movements in Gulf of Maine

Researchers are tracking the movements of 10 Great Shearwater seabirds in the Gulf of Maine using satellite tags, providing insights into ecosystem health and food supply changes. The birds' feeding habits and reactions to changes in their primary food source, sand lance, will inform conservation efforts.

Earth orbit changes key to Antarctic warming that ended last ice age

New research shows Antarctic warming began at least two millennia earlier than previously thought, contradicting the long-held idea of a passive continent. The findings suggest that changes in Earth's orbit may not have been as influential in driving climate change as once believed.

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.

Astronomers show galaxies had 'mature' shapes 11.5 billion years ago

Researchers have found that mature-looking galaxies existed 11.5 billion years ago, pushing back the timeline of galaxy formation by 2.5 billion years. This discovery confirms the Hubble Sequence, a classification system used to describe galaxy morphology, even at early stages of the universe's history.

Brain scans could predict response to antipsychotic medication

Researchers identified neuroimaging markers in the brain that can help predict which people with psychosis will respond to antipsychotic medications. Cortical folding defects were found in individuals who did not respond to treatment, while those who responded had brain structures similar to healthy controls.

How will crops fare under climate change? Depends on how you ask

Research at Princeton University compares agricultural projections from empirical and mechanistic models, finding that empirical models may show greater losses as a result of climate change, while mechanistic models may be overly optimistic. The study highlights the importance of understanding model biases and using both model classes ...

Many neurologists unaware of safety risks related to anti-epilepsy drugs

A study found that a fifth of US neurologists are unaware of serious drug safety risks associated with anti-epilepsy drugs, which can jeopardize patient health. The researchers suggest better communication from the FDA to specialists and more systematic methods for doctors to receive updated safety warnings.

Miao Yu receives Howard Hughes Medical Institute fellowship

Miao Yu, a chemistry graduate student at University of Chicago, has received an International Predoctoral Student Research Fellowship from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. She will receive $43,000 annually for up to three years to support her research on DNA modifications.

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 magnetar at the heart of our Milky Way

Researchers have discovered a magnetar at the centre of our Milky Way, providing insights into the strong magnetic field surrounding the supermassive black hole. The discovery enables scientists to study the accretion flow and X-ray emissions of the gravity trap.

A new sense of urgency for energy cane and other energy crops

Energy cane and other energy crops have the potential to yield up to 5 times more ethanol per acre than corn, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional sources. However, their viability is threatened by the abundance of cheap shale gas, which could make it difficult for biobased feedstocks to compete.

Probiotics do not prevent relapse in Crohn's disease patients

A new study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that probiotic Saccharomuces boulardii does not prevent clinical relapse in patients with Crohn's disease. The one-year follow-up period showed similar rates of relapse between patients treated with S. boulardii or placebo.

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.

Warming climate pushes plants up the mountain

A University of Arizona-led study has provided the first on-the-ground evidence that Southwestern plants are being pushed to higher elevations by an increasingly warmer and drier climate. Plant communities were found to be different 50 years ago due to individual species shifting their ranges independently.

How neurons get wired

Researchers found that embryonic nerve cells use two versions of a signaling molecule to determine which end is the axon and which is the dendrite. This discovery could help improve therapies for spinal cord injuries and neurodegenerative diseases.

Chemophobia shouldn't be on the menu

A new Dartmouth study finds that many people fear low amounts of chemicals in their food, despite being inherently harmless and often beneficial. The study argues that regulators should focus on pathogens and bacteria rather than pesticides and synthetic chemicals.

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.

McMaster University study debunks controversial MS theory

A McMaster University study published in PLOS ONE found no abnormalities in the veins of MS patients, contradicting a popular CCSVI theory. The research examined 100 MS patients and 100 healthy controls, using ultrasound and MRI to test for venous blockages.

Using fire to manage fire-prone regions around the world

The article explores the use of prescribed burning in various regions, including the US, Australia, South America, and southern Europe, to manage fire-prone landscapes. It highlights successful traditional practices, such as the Maya milpa in South America, which create spaces for different crops while sustaining wildlife and soil fert...

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.

Urgent! How genes tell cellular construction crews, 'Read me now!'

A new study reveals that DNA sequences at the beginning of genes in fruit flies contain complex instructions for RNA polymerases to read and transcribe essential genes. The findings suggest that these instructions play a crucial role in regulating gene expression during early embryonic development.

High-angle helix helps bacteria swim

Researchers from Brown University and the University of Wisconsin discovered that a high-angle helix enables bacteria to swim faster in viscoelastic fluids, clearing up previously conflicting findings. The study's findings have implications for understanding bacterial infection and fertility.

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.

Researchers slow light to a crawl in liquid crystal matrix

Scientists have developed a new technique to slow down light by embedding dye molecules in a liquid crystal matrix, allowing for more efficient sensing and interferometry applications. The method uses little power, operates at room temperature, and can measure extremely low speeds in just one second of measurement time.

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.

Mediterranean diet counteracts a genetic risk of stroke, study reports

A recent study found that a Mediterranean diet pattern can prevent stroke in individuals with a genetic variant associated with type 2 diabetes. The researchers discovered that adherence to the Mediterranean diet compensated for the increased risk of stroke in those with two copies of the gene variant, reducing their susceptibility.

Highest winter losses in recent years for honey bees in Scotland

The University of Strathclyde's research reveals a significant increase in honey bee colony losses in Scotland, with 31.3% of managed colonies failing to survive last winter. The loss rate is almost double the previous year and has major implications for crop pollination and food supply.

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.

Study examines incidence of sports-related sudden death in France

A French study found a significantly lower incidence of sports-related sudden death in women compared to men. The average age of sudden death was also lower for women. The study estimates an incidence rate of 0.51 per million female sports participants, highlighting the need for tailored screening strategies.

Virus-derived particles target blood cancer

Researchers have developed unique virus-derived particles that can kill human blood cancer cells in the laboratory and eradicate the disease in mice. These non-replicating particles, derived from rhabdovirus, work by direct cytolysis and induction of antitumor immunity, showing promise as a new therapy for leukemia.

First direct evidence of HPV-related tonsillar cancer on the rise in Canada

A study published in Current Oncology has confirmed an epidemic of HPV-related tonsillar cancer in Canada, with a significant increase in cases over the past few decades. The research found that young non-smokers are most commonly affected, and treatment has evolved to include concurrent chemotherapy and radiation.

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.

ORNL finding goes beyond surface of oxide films

Researchers found that complex oxide films remain stable with reduced oxygen levels at the surface, contrary to expected changes. This discovery has implications for designing functional oxides in consumer products like batteries and electronic devices.

New compound prevents first steps of fungal infection

A team of researchers discovered a chemical compound called filastatin that prevents fungal cells from adhering to surfaces, which is the first step of fungal infections. The compound has shown significant protective effects without toxicity to human tissues.

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.

NIH funds research to explore a cell communication process

The NIH awards $17 million for research projects exploring the emerging field of extracellular RNA communication. Scientists will investigate exRNA's role in diseases, develop biomarkers, and create new treatments. The goal is to unlock exRNA's potential for diagnostics and therapeutics.

Wildfires in central Canada

In central Canada, wildfires have burned over half a million acres, with 508 new fires starting in the past week. Most of these fires were concentrated in British Columbia and Saskatchewan, with areas of high to extreme fire danger reported.

Who benefits from vitamin D?

A recent University of Eastern Finland study found that individuals whose expression of certain genes was not altered by vitamin D supplementation may already have a sufficient level of serum vitamin D or be disturbed in their vitamin D utilization. The researchers believe this approach can help identify potential beneficiaries of long...

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.