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Science News Archive July 2013


Page 22 of 31

Trapping T-rays for better security scanners

Scientists at the University of Adelaide have created a novel structure that traps terahertz waves in tiny holes to produce higher contrast imaging. This breakthrough has the potential to enhance the sensitivity of medical diagnostic and security scanners, leading to more accurate cancer detection and improved homeland security.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Kids' allergies may correlate with omega-3, omega-6 lipid levels in cord blood

A study published in PLOS ONE found that children with high proportions of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in their cord blood are more likely to develop respiratory and skin allergies. The researchers discovered that omega-3 and omega-6 PUFAs were particularly associated with an increased risk of allergy development.

Radioimmunotherapy deemed safe and effective for lymphoma patients

Researchers found radioimmunotherapy using 177Lu-DOTA-rituximab to be highly effective in treating relapsing follicular, mantle cell, and other indolent B-cell lymphomas. The treatment resulted in high tumor response rates and was well-tolerated, with toxicity mainly being hematologic.

Sharks stun sardine prey with tail-slaps

Researchers tracked thresher shark activity and analyzed instances of tail-slapping to stun or kill sardines. The study highlights the diversity of shark hunting strategies in the ocean, where top predators adapt to prey's evasion behaviors.

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.

Size matters for creatures of cold polar waters

Research challenges conventional wisdom on giant sea creatures in polar seas, suggesting that large body sizes have an advantage in cold conditions by regulating oxygen uptake. This allows them to survive in environments with limited oxygen availability, contrary to the long-held idea that a superabundance of oxygen drives gigantism.

Cool it, quick: Rapid cooling leads to stronger alloys

Researchers develop a new way to rapidly produce high-strength metallic alloys, with potential applications in transport and medical devices. The breakthrough uses Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) system with integrated gas quenching mechanism.

NTU invention transforms plain surfaces into low-cost touch screens

A low-cost system developed by NTU can track multiple fingers and objects on various surfaces, transforming existing flat-panel TVs into interactive display screens. The system has been proven on different types of large surfaces and is expected to revolutionize the way we interact with digital content.

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.

7 receive Genetics Society of America poster awards at worm meeting

Seven graduate students and one undergraduate received prestigious poster awards for their research on Caenorhabditis elegans, a model organism used to study human biology and disease. The winners will receive cash prizes, certificates, and a complimentary one-year extension to their GSA membership.

Cloud brightening to cool seas can protect coral reefs

Researchers propose targeted cloud brightening as a means to lower sea temperatures and reduce coral bleaching. The technique, which involves seeding marine clouds with tiny seawater droplets, could provide a 50-year reprieve for coral reefs threatened by acidification and warming.

Intestinal bacteria may fuel inflammation and worsen HIV disease

Researchers at UCSF discovered changes in intestinal bacteria can perpetuate inflammation triggered by HIV, linked to chronic diseases such as heart disease, dementia, and obesity. The study suggests manipulating microbial populations could be a promising strategy to restore gut health and potentially treat HIV.

Study tracks depression in seniors, ethnic groups

A recent study found significant disparities in major depression rates among senior citizens from different ethnic groups. Whites and blacks of Caribbean descent experience higher rates of depression than African-Americans, highlighting the need for tailored diagnoses and treatment approaches.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Dye-sensitized solar cells rival conventional cell efficiency

Researchers at EPFL have developed a new solid-state dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) design that increases efficiency to a record 15% without sacrificing stability. This breakthrough overcomes the inherent voltage loss of traditional DSSCs and opens a new era for DSSC development.

Photosynthesis: Membranes in tight corners

A team of scientists identified a protein that induces membrane curvature in thylakoids, enabling the formation of stacks. The CURT1 protein enhances photosynthesis efficiency by increasing the degree of stacking and potentially boosting crop yields.

A new way to trap light

Researchers at MIT have discovered a new method to trap light that could find applications in lasers, solar cells, and fiber optics. The phenomenon involves destructive interference from waves of opposite phases, blocking certain wavelengths while allowing others to pass through.

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.

Nanoparticles, 'pH phoresis' could improve cancer drug delivery

Researchers have developed a concept to improve cancer drug delivery using nanoparticles that concentrate and expand in acidic environments. The concept involves using nanoparticles made of weak polybases that expand when transported into environments mimicking tumor cells, accumulating long enough to deliver anticancer drugs.

Researchers set out path for global warming reversal

Researchers developed an integrated global energy system to assess the cost-effectiveness of BECCS for meeting stringent temperature targets. They found that implementing BECCS on a large scale can reduce temperature increases to as low as 1.5°C by 2150.

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.

Of aging bones and sunshine

Researchers at Berkeley Lab's Advanced Light Source found that vitamin D deficiency not only reduces bone mineralization but also induces premature aging of existing bone. This accelerates the risk of fractures in patients with vitamin D deficiency.

Not so blue? Study suggests many Americans less depressed

Rates of severe depression fell significantly among older adults between 1998 and 2008, particularly among those aged 80-84, with late middle agers experiencing increased depression symptoms. Despite this trend, a significant percentage of the population continues to experience severe symptoms.

Do antibiotics in animal feed pose a serious risk to human health?

The overuse of antibiotics in livestock and poultry poses a significant risk to human health, according to experts. A growing body of evidence suggests that routine antibiotic use in animal feed can worsen the epidemic of antibiotic resistance, with many public health authorities agreeing that it is a major concern.

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.

Study: Mexican immigrants' politics more diverse than pundits assert

A new study by University of Nebraska-Lincoln political scientist Sergio Wals found that Mexican immigrants tend to be centrist or center-right in their political ideologies. Despite historical trends showing the Hispanic vote going Democratic, Wals' research reveals a more diverse political landscape among Mexican immigrants.

'Wasted' and 'hammered' versus 'buzzed' and 'tipsy' is more than just semantics

Researchers found that men use heavy terms like 'hammered' for moderate intoxication, while women use lighter terms like 'buzzed.' These findings suggest tailored measures for prevention and intervention could be effective. The study's results have implications for how we perceive and communicate intoxicated states, particularly among ...

Dinosaurs, diets and ecological niches: Study shows recipe for success

A new study by Dr. Jordan Mallon reveals that large plant-eating dinosaurs specialized in eating different types of vegetation to coexist successfully. The research, which analyzed nearly 100 dinosaur skulls, supports the concept of niche partitioning and provides insight into the ecological roles of these ancient creatures.

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 dark side of artificial sweeteners

Consuming artificial sweeteners has been associated with an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Regular consumption can also lead to altered brain activation patterns and overindulgence in high-calorie foods.

Tots who sleep less have more behavior problems, says study

A study of 9,000 preschoolers found that those with shorter than average sleep times had higher rates of 'externalizing' behavior problems. The researchers recommend discussing steps to improve sleep habits for children with behavior problems.

NREL research earns 3 prestigious R&D 100 Awards

NREL's innovations in solar, vehicles and energy efficiency have earned three prestigious R&D 100 Awards. The Image Processing Occupancy Sensor (IPOS) detects heat loss in electric-vehicle batteries with greater accuracy, while high-efficiency silicon solar cells offer improved conversion rates.

Evolution too slow to keep up with climate change, study says

A study led by a University of Arizona ecologist found that many species evolve too slowly to adapt to the rapid climate change expected in the next 100 years. Terrestrial vertebrate species appear to evolve too slowly to be able to adapt to the dramatically warmer climate expected by 2100.

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.

Pressure cooker on steroids treats human waste

Researchers develop a self-contained toilet unit that can treat 1200 users' daily fecal waste using supercritical water oxidation technology. The process produces clean water, heat, and excess energy, making it a sustainable solution for communities in developing countries.

Don't worry, be healthy

Researchers found that participants with cheerful temperaments had a one-third reduction in coronary events, with those at highest risk experiencing nearly a 50% decrease. The study's findings suggest a general sense of well-being can have an actual effect on disease and may lead to better health outcomes.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Are clinical trial data shared sufficiently today?

The lack of transparency in clinical trials has been criticized by Ben Goldacre, who calls for the sharing of Clinical Study Reports to ensure informed decisions about medicines. The problem of missing trials is one of the greatest ethical challenges facing medicine today.

Women suffer higher rates of decline in aging and alzheimer's disease

A recent study published in the American Journal of Neuroradiology found that women with mild cognitive impairment experience higher rates of cognitive decline than men, while all women exhibit greater regional brain loss over time. The study's authors suggest that hormonal differences may play a role in these findings.

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.

Fewer Americans undergoing lower limb amputation

A new study published in Foot & Ankle International found a 28.8% decline in lower extremity amputations over the past decade, with advances in diabetic foot ulcer treatments contributing to this decrease. The number of orthopaedic claims for diabetic foot ulcers rose 143.3% during the same period.

Study: Agents like Snowden prone to irrational decision making

A new Cornell University study found US intelligence agents exhibit larger biases in decision making and are more confident than college students. The results suggest that experience can enhance performance but also lead to predictable pitfalls in risky decision-making.

Researchers build 3-D structures out of liquid metal

Researchers from NC State University developed techniques to create free-standing structures made of liquid metal at room temperature. They discovered that a liquid metal alloy reacts with oxygen in the air to form a skin, allowing the structures to retain their shapes.

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.

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.

Parasites in cat poop: Potential public health problem?

According to scientists, cat feces carry an infectious parasite known as Toxoplasma gondii that has linked to various diseases and even mental health issues. The accumulation of oocysts in soil, grass, and water may be a significant public health problem, prompting calls for better cat population control.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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