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Science News Archive December 2013


Page 20 of 27

EPA awards $1 million grant to NJIT's Brownfield program

NJIT's Technical Assistance to Brownfield Communities Program will continue to provide scientific, planning, and engineering expertise to communities in the New England and Mid-Atlantic region. The program aims to transform underutilized properties into productive use, improving environmental conditions and strengthening communities.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Linguists to gather in Minneapolis for national conference

The 88th Annual Meeting of the Linguistic Society of America will take place in Minneapolis, featuring cutting-edge research on various aspects of language. Researchers will present papers and posters on topics such as dialect features in social media, differences in Black and White American Sign Language, and changes in accent over time.

Graphene: Growing giants

Researchers have developed a new recipe for growing graphene, using a thin film of copper with massive crystalline grains. The large grains enable the material to survive high temperatures needed for graphene growth.

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.

Cigarette smoking after cancer diagnosis increases risk of death

A new study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that men who continued to smoke after a cancer diagnosis had a 59% increased risk of death compared to those who quit. Quitting smoking can also significantly reduce the risk of death for specific types of cancer, such as bladder, lung, and colorectal cancers.

Study reveals gene expression changes with meditation

A new study reveals specific molecular changes in the body following mindfulness meditation, including altered levels of gene-regulating machinery and reduced pro-inflammatory genes. The findings provide a possible biological mechanism for therapeutic effects and suggest that meditation can lead to epigenetic alterations of the genome.

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.

Atlantic Ocean's system 90L gets an infrared NASA look

Scientists used NASA's AIRS instrument to observe System 90L, a non-tropical low-pressure area in the Atlantic Ocean. The system struggled to organize into a subtropical or tropical cyclone, with only a 20% chance of development over the next five days.

Human stem cells predict efficacy of Alzheimer drugs

Scientists transform skin cells into nerve cells from patients with Alzheimer's disease and test several non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The results show that these compounds have no effect on the harmful beta-amyloid aggregates in human neurons, unlike in animal models.

Study finds parental stress linked to obesity in children

A study by St. Michael's Hospital found that parental stress is associated with weight gain in children, particularly those of Hispanic descent. Children whose parents experience high levels of stress have a higher BMI and increased rate of weight gain compared to those with low stress levels.

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.

Coal yields plenty of graphene quantum dots

Rice University scientists have discovered a simple method for producing graphene quantum dots in bulk from coal, opening up new opportunities for medical imaging, sensing, and electronic applications. The process allows for control over the size of the dots, which can be tuned to produce different fluorescent wavelengths.

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.

Quantum effects help cells capture light, but the details are obscure

Researchers used ultrashort laser pulses to study how bacteria and algae efficiently gather light, suggesting that quantum interactions play a subtle role in energy transfers. The exact mechanism remains unclear, but understanding the role of quantum coherence may help develop more efficient solar technologies.

Penn researcher traces the history of the American urban squirrel

Etienne Benson's research reveals that squirrels were intentionally introduced to cities in the 19th century as part of a parks movement aimed at beautifying urban landscapes. The presence of squirrels in cities is linked to the idea that nature in the city is essential for human health and sanity.

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.

Promising results for Swedish cancer drug candidate

A new study published in Blood journal presents a Swedish cancer drug candidate that inhibits tumour growth and prolongs survival in preclinical multiple myeloma models. The substance also kills multiple myeloma cells from cancer patients and overcomes resistance to clinically used drugs.

NIST calibration tools to encourage use of novel medical imaging technique

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed prototype calibration tools for ultra-low field magnetic resonance imaging (ULF-MRI), a technique that provides new contrast mechanisms and practical advantages. The ULF-MRI phantoms are designed to allow direct comparison of performance between ULF-MRI and clinica...

At AGU: Shale sequestration, water for energy & soil microbes

Researchers from PNNL present studies on carbon sequestration in shale reservoirs, water consumption for future energy production, and how climate change affects soil microbes. Early results show clay minerals can absorb emissions under certain conditions.

The heat is on...or off

Researchers use existing IT infrastructure to monitor office occupancy and adjust temperature controls, reducing energy waste. The approach involves analyzing network addresses and device activity to estimate user locations, enabling more efficient heating and cooling systems.

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.

Quality of biodiversity, not just quantity, is key

A new study by Duke University and University of Massachusetts at Boston found that preserving the right mix of species is crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems. The research showed that removing key species can have profound impacts on ecosystem health, highlighting the importance of biodiversity quality over quantity.

Who's patenting whose genome?

A new public resource, The Lens, brings transparency to gene patenting by analyzing over 120 million DNA sequences and 10 million protein sequences from global patent documents. Researchers can explore who has sought patents on genes and proteins in any organism, promoting a transparent and fair society.

Counting the cost of infertility treatment

Couples undergoing fertility treatment face significant out-of-pocket expenses, with IVF cycles costing up to $19,234, while medication-only treatments cost around $912. The study's findings aim to inform couples and physicians about the true costs of infertility care.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

NASA satellite catches birth of Tropical Cyclone 06B

Tropical Cyclone 06B, also known as Madi, has organized from low pressure System 92B, with maximum sustained winds near 45 knots/51.7 mph/83.3 kph and a diameter of approximately 100 nautical miles. The cyclone is expected to continue strengthening due to warm waters and is predicted to reach cyclone/hurricane strength by December 9.

The gene sequencing that everyone can afford in future

Researchers found that long chain DNA with low salt concentration is more conducive to nanopore sequencing, enabling longer reads and potentially reducing costs. This breakthrough has the potential to make gene sequencing more accessible and efficient.

Proteins' passing phases revealed

Rice University researchers have developed a new method to identify previously hidden details about proteins' structures, potentially accelerating novel drug design. By combining structural data and genomic analysis, the team predicted intermediate configurations of proteins that were hard to detect.

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.

Membrane enzymes 'stop and frisk' proteins indiscriminately

Rhomboid proteases, involved in Parkinson's disease and parasite infections, are extremely slow and show no attraction to proteins, making it difficult to design drugs. These enzymes 'stop and frisk' all unstable proteins indiscriminately, allowing stable proteins to escape without injury.

Electrical brain stimulation may evoke a person's 'will to persevere'

Researchers have identified a specific region of the brain that responds to electrical stimulation by inducing feelings of determination and motivation. This region, the anterior midcingulate cortex, is linked to emotions, pain, and decision-making, and its stimulation can help individuals anticipate challenges and overcome them.

Protein clumps as memory

ETH Zurich researchers discovered a mechanism that enables yeast cells to memorise 'bad experiences' during reproduction by forming protein aggregates. These aggregates make future mating attempts more difficult, conserving energy and preventing unproductive reproduction. The system appears to be universal and relatively old in evolution.

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.

Sanford-Burnham researchers identify new target to treat psoriasis

Scientists at Sanford-Burnham have identified the B and T Lymphocyte Attenuator (BTLA) inhibitory receptor as a key factor in limiting inflammatory responses, particularly in the skin. The study provides clarity on how T cells get fired up to protect against pathogens, and then cool down to restore immune homeostasis.

Study points to differences in high-school crack, powder cocaine use

Researchers found that rates of powder and crack cocaine use vary among high school seniors, with different risk profiles associated with each form of the substance. Factors such as socioeconomic status, education level, and geographic location also play a role in determining likelihood of use.

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.

You can't get entangled without a wormhole

A new study by Julian Sonner suggests that creating two entangled quarks simultaneously gives rise to a wormhole connecting the pair. This finding bolsters the idea that quantum entanglement may play a key role in understanding gravity, potentially leading to a theory of quantum gravity.

Probiotic therapy alleviates autism-like behaviors in mice

Researchers at Caltech found that altering gut bacteria can improve autism-like behaviors in mice, reducing GI problems and improving communication and social interactions. The probiotic treatment corrected a 'leaky' gut characteristic associated with autism.

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.

How our vision dims: Chemists crack the code of cataract creation

Researchers at UC Irvine and Germany have identified the molecular mechanism behind cataract formation, which could lead to new treatments. Understanding how crystallin proteins interact with genetic mutations, UV light, or chemical damage may enable the development of better artificial lenses and drugs.

Pulsatile blood flow unmasks new migraine features

Scientists at the University of Eastern Finland have created a new diagnostic tool for migraines, detecting 'hot spots' in pulsatile perfusion and asynchronous facial blood supply. The Blood Pulsation Imaging technique has significant implications for predicting, diagnosing, and monitoring migraine treatment.

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.

CARING Criteria shows 1 year death risk at time of hospital admission

A University of Colorado Cancer Center study validates the CARING criteria, a prognostic tool determining risk of death within a year of hospital admission. The tool uses five criteria: cancer diagnosis, chronic illness admissions, nursing home residency, ICU admission with multi-organ failure, and hospice guidelines.

Propagated sensation along the meridian exists objectively

Researchers used neuroelectrophysiology to prove the objective existence of propagated sensation along the meridian. By stimulating specific acupoints, they observed a high potential reaction in corresponding brain areas, indicating the meridian's presence.