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Science News Archive January 2013


Page 7 of 27

Evolution inspires more efficient solar cell design

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new organic solar cell design that maximizes light trapping using a geometric pattern inspired by natural evolution. The design achieved a three-fold increase over the Yablonovitch Limit, a thermodynamic limit for photon trapping in semiconductors.

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.

Common anti-fever medications pose kidney injury risk for children

Researchers found that nearly 3% of pediatric acute kidney injury cases can be directly linked to the use of common nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen. The study identified four young patients who needed dialysis and at least seven who may have suffered permanent kidney damage.

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.

Fighting back against citrus greening

Researchers investigated the effects of Huanglongbing (HLB) on orange juice produced from diseased trees, finding that HLB symptoms can affect juice quality but not necessarily cause a bitter taste. The study suggests that mixing fruit with and without HLB symptoms could help address commercial operations' problems.

Do non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs cause kidney failure in children?

A new study reports that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) cause acute kidney injury (AKI) in children, with younger patients more seriously affected and at higher risk of chronic kidney disease. The study found that 30% of patients experienced mild chronic kidney damage after recovery from AKI.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NIST's 'nanotubes on a chip' may simplify optical power measurements

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed a novel chip-scale instrument using carbon nanotubes to measure laser power with high accuracy. The mini-radiometer achieves this by absorbing light over a broad range of wavelengths and converting it to heat, allowing for precise measurements.

Temple research may lead to new strategies against sepsis

Researchers at Temple University Health System have identified a potential target for treating sepsis: the STIM1 protein. By blocking its activity, they halted a cascade of cellular events that lead to out-of-control inflammation and protected lungs from severe damage. The findings may lead to new treatment strategies against sepsis.

More than 1 brain behind E=mc2

Austrian physicist Friedrich Hasenöhrl's work on blackbody radiation in a cavity may have influenced Einstein's famous equation E=mc2. However, the study also reveals that Hasenöhrl arrived at an incorrect energy/mass correlation due to failing to account for mass loss during radiation.

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.

Gene mutation immortalizes malignant melanoma

Researchers discovered an identical gene mutation in the telomerase gene in all family members with malignant melanoma, leading to overactive telomerase and virtual immortality. The mutation was also found in non-inherited melanomas, suggesting a link between sun exposure and cancer development.

Black silicon can take efficiency of solar cells to new levels

Researchers at Aalto University have demonstrated improved light absorption and surface passivation on highly absorbing silicon nanostructures using atomic layer coating. This breakthrough advances the development of high-efficiency solar cells, which can potentially increase efficiency to new levels.

Diet, parental behavior, and preschool can boost children's IQ

Research finds that supplementing children's diets with fish oil, enrolling them in quality preschool, and engaging them in interactive reading can raise their intelligence. The study also found no evidence to support the idea that early education interventions are more effective than those that begin later.

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.

Groundwater fate and climate change

Researchers warn that climate change, combined with human-driven factors, could significantly reduce usable groundwater availability for agriculture worldwide. Inadequate monitoring and mismanagement of groundwater usage will exacerbate the issue, compromising global food security.

Altering eye cells may 1 day restore vision

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine reprogrammed eye cells to prevent degeneration and allowed mice with retinitis pigmentosa to see. The study aims to develop therapies that can alleviate many forms of visual impairment by modifying existing cells in the eye.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

DNA and quantum dots: All that glitters is not gold

Researchers at NIST have developed a way to predictably increase or decrease the intensity of quantum dot fluorescence by using DNA templates and controlling distances between gold nanoparticles. This breakthrough enables potential applications in photodetectors, chemical sensors, and nanoscale lasers.

New method identifies genes that can predict prognoses of cancer patients

Researchers develop SAPS algorithm to identify significant prognostic gene sets associated with patient survival, overcoming limitations of previous methods. The study found new prognostic signatures in breast and ovarian cancer subtypes, suggesting shared therapeutic targets and potential for improved diagnostics and treatments.

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.

How to predict the future of technology?

A new model called Step and Wait (SAW) predicts technological innovation in six markets, offering a more accurate alternative to outdated models like Moore's Law. The SAW model tracks performance improvements in steps and waits, helping companies invest in the right technologies.

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.

An important LINC in human hearing

Researchers have discovered a genetic mutation in the NESP4 gene, which disrupts the LINC complex and leads to hearing loss. The study highlights the importance of nuclear positioning for normal hearing.

New tool for mining bacterial genome for novel drugs

Researchers have found a way to 'mine' bacterial genomes for new drug leads by exploiting the process of antibiotic resistance. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, reveals that bacteria can produce hundreds of compounds when exposed to antibiotics, many of which are potential secondary metabolites.

Extinction rates not as bad as feared ... for now

Despite concerns about high extinction rates, Griffith University researcher Professor Nigel Stork says the actual number is lower than feared. The study estimates around 5 million species on Earth, with conservation efforts protecting rich biodiversity in key areas.

Fetal exposure to tributyltin linked to obesity

A UC Irvine study reveals that low-dose exposure to the chemical tributyltin during pregnancy can lead to obesity in offspring and great-grandchildren, affecting gene expression and fat accumulation. The findings suggest permanent effects without subsequent exposure, highlighting the risks of endocrine-disrupting compounds.

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.

Chameleon star baffles astronomers

Researchers observed a pulsar that dramatically changes its radio and X-ray emissions, defying existing theories on star emission. The study reveals the pulsar switches between two extreme states, one dominated by X-ray pulses and the other by organized radio pulses.

Researchers prevent cancer spread by blocking tissue scarring

Researchers at BRIC, University of Copenhagen, have found that blocking the enzyme Lysyl Oxidase (LOX) can significantly decrease metastasis in breast cancer models. This breakthrough suggests a new approach to prevent tumour microenvironment scarring and enhance patient outcomes.

Prenatal inflammation linked to autism risk

Researchers found a 43% increase in autism among mothers with top 20th percentile CRP levels and an 80% increase at the top 10th percentile. The study used a large national birth cohort and adds to evidence of an overactive immune response altering fetal brain development.

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.

Newly approved oral medication slows rheumatoid arthritis joint damage

A Phase 3 clinical trial shows that tofacitinib preserves joint structure in RA patients with moderate to severe disease, reducing progression of joint erosion and narrowing. The medication is effective in treating RA symptoms and reducing the rate of joint damage, providing new evidence for its treatment.

Dung beetles use stars for orientation

Scientists have discovered that dung beetles use the Milky Way's gradient of light to ensure they keep rolling their balls in a straight line. The beetles' ability to orient themselves using this method has been proven, giving them an advantage in navigating their environment.

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.

Love triumphs over hate to make exotic new compound

Researchers at Northwestern University have created an exotic new chemical compound that links two identical tetracationic rings together using a mechanical bond. The compound's stable organic radical properties make it useful for applications in batteries, semiconductors and electronic memory devices.

A new Advanced Metrology Laboratory at NPL

The new Advanced Metrology Laboratory at NPL will house an estimated 20 laboratories for 40 scientists, focusing on high-precision metrology. This facility will enable cutting-edge research in key nano and quantum metrology programmes, driving growth in the UK's technological development and application.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Dung beetles follow the Milky Way

African ball-rolling insects guide themselves along straight paths under starlit skies but lose orientation under overcast conditions. Dung beetles exploit celestial cues like the Milky Way for navigation, suggesting other nocturnal insects might follow suit.

New dinosaur fossil challenges bird evolution theory

A new feathered dinosaur fossil found in China's Jurassic period pushes back the known origins of birds, which were previously thought to have evolved from theropod dinosaurs around 120-130 million years ago. The discovery provides additional evidence for a more complex evolution of flight.

Grammar undercuts security of long computer passwords

Researchers developed a grammar-aware password cracker that can bypass security with 10% of dataset cracked exclusively by the team's algorithm. The study highlights the importance of using different parts of speech in passwords, as pronouns are far fewer in number than other words.

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.