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Science News for January 18, 2013


Study provides new insights on drought predictions in East Africa

Researchers studied paleoclimate data to understand historical patterns of aridity in Eastern Africa, revealing a clear pattern of dry and wet periods. Climate model simulations showed that sea surface temperatures in the Indian Ocean drive rainfall variations in East Africa.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalNature·DateJan 18, 2013

NASA's IRIS spacecraft is fully integrated

The Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) will study the lower levels of the sun's atmosphere, including the chromosphere and transition region. The mission aims to unravel how matter, light, and energy move from the surface to the corona, with implications for solar flares and coronal mass ejections.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 18, 2013
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.

Breakthrough for solar cell research

Researchers from Lund University have made a significant breakthrough in solar cell technology, demonstrating the potential for nanowires to produce 13.8% efficient energy. The nanowire solar cells can absorb sunlight more efficiently than traditional silicon cells, offering higher efficiency at a lower cost.

SourceLund University·JournalScience·DateJan 18, 2013

Severe abuse at home linked to dating violence

A study by Michigan State University researcher Angie Kennedy found that severe abuse within families is strongly associated with dating violence among young female high school students. The research highlights the need for discussions about family abuse and its impact on individuals, particularly those exposed to violence in their homes.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalViolence Against Women·DateJan 18, 2013

ARS scientists test improved stink bug trapping methods

Researchers found that baited black pyramid traps are more effective at capturing stink bugs than other traps, with higher yields of adults and nymphs. The study also discovered that stink bugs can produce two generations per year in the Mid-Atlantic region.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·DateJan 18, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Studying ancient Earth's geochemistry

Researchers have discovered that some of the tectonic processes driving volcanic activity were occurring as early as 3.8 billion years ago. The study found compositions comparable to modern oceanic islands in ancient rocks, strengthening arguments for subduction-related tectonics.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalGeology·DateJan 18, 2013

When mom is the CEO at home, workplace ambitions take a back seat

A new UC Berkeley study suggests that women's domestic power reduces their desire for career advancement. Women who control household decisions reported lower life goals than those who shared decision-making with their spouses. This effect is specific to women and not observed in men.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·DateJan 18, 2013

Charting new routes for women at work: Looking to the home and classroom

A new study found that women become less interested in pursuing workplace power when they view themselves as being in control of decisions at home. This shift affects career choices without women even realizing it. Additionally, women experience conflict managing their identities as a parent and worker, which is more pronounced than men.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·DateJan 18, 2013

Melt ponds cause the Artic sea ice to melt more rapidly

Researchers have found that melt ponds on young, thin Arctic sea ice absorb 50% more solar radiation, causing the ice to melt faster. This changes the light transmission beneath the ice, affecting photosynthesis and potentially impacting ecosystems.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJan 18, 2013

Window on future ocean change

A long-term mesocosm experiment off Sweden investigates the effects of ocean acidification on plankton communities, shedding light on their ability to adapt to new conditions. The study also explores the impact of ocean acidification on the development of fish at the base of the food web.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·DateJan 18, 2013
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.

UGA researchers invent new material for warm-white LEDs

The University of Georgia scientists have fabricated the world's first LED that emits a warm white light using a single phosphor with a single emitting center. The new material achieves a warm color temperature while maintaining accurate color rendition, ideal for indoor lighting.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·DateJan 18, 2013

Severity of emphysema predicts mortality

A Norwegian study found that emphysema severity is a strong predictor of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in ever-smokers with or without COPD. The study also showed that airway wall thickness is associated with respiratory mortality in patients with severe emphysema.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJan 18, 2013

Stroke survivors with PTSD more likely to avoid treatment

A new survey of stroke survivors found that those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are less likely to adhere to treatment regimens that reduce the risk of a future stroke. Approximately one in three patients with PTSD had concerns about their medications, leading to increased ambivalence and nonadherence.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalHealth Psychology·DateJan 18, 2013

Powerful people better at shaking off rebuffs, bonding with others

Researchers at UC Berkeley discovered that those in authority positions are quicker to recover from mild rejection and seek out social bonding opportunities. The study found that subordinates report lower self-esteem when rejected by their bosses compared to supervisors.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·DateJan 18, 2013
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.

Which nutritional factors help preserve muscle mass, strength and performance in seniors?

A new review by the International Osteoporosis Foundation's Nutrition Working Group highlights the importance of protein intake (1.0-1.2 g/kg body weight) and vitamin D supplementation for maintaining muscle mass and strength in seniors. The review also suggests avoiding dietary acid loads and incorporating more fruits and vegetables i...

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateJan 18, 2013

Physical and sexual assault linked to increased suicide risk in military

A new study by the University of Utah found that military personnel who experienced physical or sexual assault are at higher risk of suicidal thoughts and actions. In contrast, undergraduate students who experienced unwanted sexual experiences as children or adults face increased risk of suicidal thoughts and ideation.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalSuicide and Life-Threatening Behavior·DateJan 18, 2013

Reliable electric power supply for the energy turn-around

The Helmholtz Energy Alliance aims to ensure a reliable electric power supply through the development of grid management and storage systems. Key findings include the need for new technologies to manage hybrid transmission grids and innovative methods to ensure grid stability.

SourceHelmholtz Association·DateJan 18, 2013

Exposure to COI policies during residency reduces rate of brand antidepressant prescriptions

A study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that psychiatrists exposed to COI policies during residency are less likely to prescribe brand-name antidepressants after graduation. The results suggest that COI policies can lower rates of prescribing heavily promoted antidepressants, potentially reducing cost growth.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalMedical Care·DateJan 18, 2013
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.

Unrestricted access to the details of deadly eruptions

The LaMEVE database offers rapid searchability of information on large volcanic events with a quantitative data quality score. It focuses on magnitude 4 or greater eruptions, which are typically responsible for the most loss of life in historical periods.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJournal of Applied Volcanology·DateJan 18, 2013

Penn physicists help show math behind growth of 'coffee rings'

Researchers found that different particles create smooth or rough deposition profiles at the drop edge depending on their shape. They tested Poisson and KPZ processes, two classes of interfacial growth processes, and discovered elongated particles produced a KPZ class of growth.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 18, 2013

Increasing concerns surrounding surrogacy

The UK's rapid increase in surrogate births over the past six years poses a risk of exploitation, particularly in informal arrangements lacking professional back-up. Overseas surrogacy arrangements are also a concern due to potential financial, physical and emotional risks to adults and children involved.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalJournal of Social Welfare and Family Law·DateJan 18, 2013
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.

Penn Vet study reveals a promising new target for Parkinson's disease therapies

Researchers have identified mitochondrial CYP2D6 as a potential target for mitigating Parkinson's disease. The study found that mitochondrial CYP2D6 can effectively metabolize MPTP, a compound causing brain cell damage in Parkinson's, and that inhibiting its activity reduces neuronal degeneration.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJan 18, 2013

Semen quality of young men in south-east Spain down by 38 percent in the last decade

A recent study conducted in south-east Spain found a significant decline in sperm quality among young men between 18 and 23 years old. The average concentration of spermatozoids dropped from 72 million/ml to 52 million/ml over the decade, with 40% of participants showing alterations in at least one semen parameter.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalAndrology·DateJan 18, 2013

Cell: Protein folding via charge zippers

Researchers discovered a novel charge zipper principle used by membrane proteins to form functional units, allowing them to be immersed into hydrophobic cell membranes. The mechanism involves the assembly of amino acids with positive or negative charges, forming an uncharged ring that lines the TatA pore.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalCell·DateJan 18, 2013

The cell that isn't

Researchers have developed a new technique to study cell division without a cell membrane, allowing them to uncover physical forces and constraints involved in the process. By using this method, they discovered that squeezing the 'cell' into tighter quarters does not lead to smaller spindles, contradicting previous assumptions.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature Protocols·DateJan 18, 2013
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.