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Science News Archive August 2013


Page 25 of 29

UCSB study reveals that overthinking can be detrimental to human performance

A new UCSB study published in the Journal of Neuroscience reveals that paying full attention and trying hard can impede performance. The study found that disrupting explicit memory resources, which are associated with conscious thought, can harm implicit memory processes, leading to poorer performance outcomes.

An infallible quantum measurement

Physicists at the University of Innsbruck have developed a new method to verify entanglement between several objects, using device-independent witnesses. This approach allows for high-confidence statements about entanglement with minimal assumptions.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Tom Bowman's Climate Report delves into Arctic methane controversy

A recent study published in Nature found that a single phenomenon of global warming in the Arctic - the release of methane from thawing permafrost - could have an average global price tag of $60 trillion. The authors modeled various methane release scenarios and stressed that the impacts of Arctic warming will be felt worldwide.

NASA's Firestation on way to the International Space Station

The Firestation experiment will study the link between lightning and terrestrial gamma ray flashes (TGFs), which are brief but intense bursts of gamma rays produced in Earth's atmosphere. The study aims to understand the cause and effect mechanisms behind TGFs and their relationship with lightning.

Carbon emissions to impact climate beyond the day after tomorrow

A new study by Richard Zeebe suggests that amplified and prolonged warming due to unabated fossil fuel burning raises the probability of large ice sheets melting, leading to significant sea level rise. Climate sensitivity may change over time, potentially making future climate change more severe and longer-lasting.

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.

Celiac disease patients with ongoing intestine damage at lymphoma risk

Patients with celiac disease who have persistent intestine damage are at a higher risk of developing lymphoma compared to those whose intestines have healed, according to new research. The study found that the risk of lymphoma is significantly lower in patients with healed intestines, approaching that of the general population.

Stem cells found in gum tissue can fight inflammatory disease

A new study by the Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC found that stem cells in gum tissue can relieve inflammatory diseases, including colitis. The cells, called gingival mesenchymal stem cells (GMSC), have the ability to become other cell types and affect the immune system.

Looking to the past to predict the future of climate change

Researchers analyze fossil records to understand how past climate changes affected species interactions, potentially revealing patterns for predicting future changes. This study's findings suggest that similar processes drive natural systems' responses to climate change.

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.

Seeing depth through a single lens

Researchers at Harvard University develop a method for creating 3D images from two stationary frames, enabling amateur photographers and microscopists to capture stereo-like effects. This technique uses light-field moment imaging to infer the angle of light at each pixel, allowing for the creation of brand-new images as if the camera h...

Escape from poverty helps explain diabetes epidemic in the American South

A study suggests that rapid economic growth between 1950 and 1980 may have contributed to the high prevalence of Type 2 diabetes in the American South. The 'thrifty phenotype' hypothesis proposes that children who grow up in poverty are unprepared biologically to manage the abundance of processed foods and sedentary lifestyle associate...

Discovery could lead to end of sunburn pain

A new study published in PNAS reveals that the TRPV4 molecule plays a key role in sunburn pain, which is caused by UVB radiation. The researchers found that blocking this molecule could provide protection against painful effects of sunburn and possibly other causes of pain.

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.

Heterogeneous nanoblocks give polymers an edge

Researchers have discovered that using heterogeneous nanoblocks can alter the morphological structure of polymers at the nanoscale. This effect can lead to improved properties in materials like refractive surfaces and computer chips.

Putting the brakes on pain

Neuropathic pain is a daily reality for millions of Americans, but researchers have found a way to protect GABA neurons from oxidative stress, which may help alleviate the condition. By using an antioxidant compound, scientists were able to lower pain behavior and preserve GABA neuron populations.

Tumor cell vaccination trial to promote anti-leukemia responses

A clinical trial found that tumor cell vaccination increased complete remission rates and induced leukemia-specific T-cells in patients with advanced Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). The study suggests that this approach may enhance anti-tumor responses following allo-HSCT.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

USGS science at the Ecological Society of America

Researchers use tree-ring growth data to reconstruct forest drought-stress index, revealing strong relationships between FDSI and regional forest productivity. Climate change is expected to lead to increased forest drought-stress by the 2050s, driving imminent changes in forest structure and composition.

Breastfeeding may protect against persistent stuttering

A recent study found that children who were breastfed had a higher likelihood of recovering from stuttering and returning to fluent speech. The researchers suggest that essential fatty acids found in breast milk may play an important role in brain development and language skills.

Smoke-free casinos reduce medical emergencies

A new study led by UCSF found that banning smoking in casinos results in significantly fewer emergency calls for ambulances, highlighting the need for stricter smoke-free laws in the industry.

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.

'Insect soup' holds DNA key for monitoring biodiversity

Researchers create 'insect soup' by crushing insects and sequencing their DNA, which accelerates biodiversity monitoring and cataloguing. This breakthrough allows for more efficient and reliable detection of endangered species and environmental changes.

Study highlights need for more social responsibility by online gaming industry

A new study highlights the need for more social responsibility by online gaming industry regarding over-addictive use. Researchers found that warning messages on loading screens are insufficient and game developers must adopt strategies to promote responsible gameplay and provide gamers with tools to control their behavior.

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.

Abused children found to smoke more as teens and adults

A new study from the University of Washington finds that abused children are more likely to smoke excessively in adolescence and adulthood, with girls who were sexually abused being particularly at risk. The study suggests that early intervention and prevention of child abuse can lead to long-term public health benefits.

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.

No-smoking law in Colorado casinos led to fewer ambulance calls

A study published in the American Heart Association journal Circulation found that a no-smoking law in Colorado casinos resulted in a 20% drop in ambulance calls, largely attributed to the elimination of secondhand smoke. This reduction is thought to be due to both smokers avoiding toxic effects and quitting smoking altogether.

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 molecule 'scanner'

Researchers developed a detector that can chemically identify single molecules using terahertz radiation, enabling 'molecular imaging' at scales similar to airport screenings. The technology, featured in Nano Letters, has the potential for fundamental studies and practical applications.

Feelings for fetus may vary smoking amount

A study published in the Maternal and Child Health Journal suggests that pregnant smokers with low scores on a scale rating emotional attachment to their fetuses may be inclined to smoke more. Women who feel less attached to their fetus tend to have higher levels of cotinine, an indicator of nicotine use.

As data flow, scientists advocate for quality control

Researchers recommend incorporating automated quality control procedures to minimize sensor failures and ensure accurate event characterization. By implementing standardized protocols, scientists can improve the reliability of sensor networks and support land management planning decisions.

ORNL research reveals new challenges for mercury cleanup

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory found that elemental mercury can be converted to methylmercury by bacteria in environments lacking oxygen. This discovery complicates mercury cleanup efforts and highlights the need for further research on microbial mercury methylation.

NASA eyes 2 Eastern Pacific tropical cyclones: 1 up, 1 down

Tropical Storm Henrietta is strengthening in the Eastern Pacific Ocean with a developing eye, while Tropical Depression Gil continues to weaken and may cease to qualify as a tropical cyclone. Henrietta's maximum sustained winds have increased to near 60 mph/95 kph and are forecast to become a hurricane in the next day.

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.

Seafood menus from Hawaii reflect long-term ocean changes

A study using Hawaiian restaurant menus from the mid-20th century found a significant decline in reef fish populations and a rise in large pelagic species. The analysis suggests that this shift paralleled drops in wild abundance, pointing to changes in public tastes and supply-side information as contributing factors.

Making a mini Mona Lisa

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology created a miniature version of the Mona Lisa using nanotechnology, with an image 30 microns in width. The team used ThermoChemical NanoLithography (TCNL) to create variations in molecular concentrations on the nanoscale.

Study reveals genes that drive brain cancer

Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have identified 18 new genes responsible for glioblastoma multiforme, the most common and aggressive form of brain cancer. About 15 percent of patients may be eligible for personalized treatment with existing drugs used in other cancers.

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.

Questions answered with the pupils of your eyes

Researchers created a simple system using just a laptop and camera to measure pupil size for communication. They found that healthy people's pupils increased in size when solving math problems, which was translated into accurate answers to yes/no questions.

Noninvasive test optimizes colon cancer screening rates, UTSW study finds

A noninvasive colorectal screening approach like fecal immunochemical tests (FIT) may be more effective than colonoscopy in prompting participation among underserved populations. Organized mailing campaigns offering two colorectal cancer tests increased screening rates as much as threefold among uninsured patients.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

New therapy strategy could help treat cancer that has spread from breast to brain

Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have successfully combined cellular therapy and gene therapy in a mouse-model system to develop a viable treatment strategy for breast cancer that has spread to the brain. The approach shows significant promise in reducing metastatic brain tumor size, providing new hope for pati...

Chronic harvesting threatens tropical tree

A new study found that chronic harvesting of the African mahogany tree can alter its reproduction and drastically curtail fruit and seed yields. The research used mathematical modeling to estimate plant age from size, revealing different effects on life history traits in dry and moist regions.

Reliable communication, unreliable networks

Researchers developed a new framework to analyze ad hoc networks with fluctuating link quality, providing mathematical bounds on message propagation efficiency. The framework describes algorithms that can achieve maximal efficiency using randomness and adversarial relationships.

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.

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.

Ozone-protection treaty had climate benefits, too, study says

A new study published in the Journal of Climate reveals that the Montreal Protocol, which phased out chlorofluorocarbons in 1987, also protected global hydroclimate and prevented major disruption to rainfall patterns. The treaty's success is attributed to its impact on atmospheric circulation, greenhouse gases, and evaporation cycles.