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Science News Archive June 2013 - Page 9


Page 9 of 30

Ups-and-downs of Indian monsoon rainfall likely to increase under warming

Computer simulations suggest that Indian monsoon daily variability will likely increase under future global warming, leading to severe impacts on agriculture and communities. The study's findings highlight the need for adaptation measures to account for this increased variability, such as intelligent insurance schemes.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 20, 2013

Most unscheduled hospital admissions now come through the ER

A recent study confirms the growing role of emergency physicians in healthcare beyond the emergency department. Most unscheduled hospital admissions now come through the ER, indicating a shift in how patients are referred to hospitals.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalMedical Care·DateJun 20, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A cheaper drive to 'cool' fuels

Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed an inexpensive catalyst that converts carbon dioxide into synthetic fuels for powering cars, homes, and businesses. The catalyst uses solar energy to convert CO2 into carbon monoxide, a valuable commodity chemical with many industrial applications.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 20, 2013

The American Society for Microbiology honors Baligh Yehia

Baligh Yehia has received the 2013 ICAAC Young Investigator Award for his pioneering work in HIV health services and quality research. He is recognized for his contributions to developing policies on healthcare reform, access to medical care, and performance measurement.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·DateJun 20, 2013

Student engagement more complex, changeable than thought

A new study suggests that student engagement, crucial for success in school, is malleable and can be enhanced by creating a supportive school environment. Researchers found that students who felt their work was meaningful and related to their goals were more emotionally and cognitively engaged.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalLearning and Instruction·DateJun 20, 2013

Study of insect bacteria reveals genetic secrets of symbiosis

Researchers discovered a three-way symbiosis involving six different organisms, including the smallest known genome, and found evidence of horizontal gene transfer between bacteria and their hosts. This study sheds light on fundamental questions of life's origin and the role of symbiotic relationships in shaping organismal complexity.

SourceThe University of Montana·JournalCell·DateJun 20, 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.

BigBrain: An ultra-high resolution 3-D roadmap of the human brain

The BigBrain project presents a landmark three-dimensional digital reconstruction of the human brain with a spatial resolution of 20 microns. This allows for unprecedented exploration of brain microstructure and cellular level details, facilitating new insights into neurobiology, cognition, and aging.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 20, 2013

'Forrest Gump' mice show too much of a good thing, can be bad

The study found that the mice had terrible attention spans and struggled with working memory and spatial memory due to the excessive release of acetylcholine. This highlights the importance of ACh in differentiating cues, but also suggests that too much of a good thing can be detrimental

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·DateJun 20, 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.

The Red Queen was right: we have to run to keep in place

UC Berkeley researchers found that a decrease in new species origins is crucial to extinction, alongside increased extinction rates. This study applies to slow changes over millions of years and provides insights into the pressures on modern flora and fauna.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·DateJun 20, 2013

Making a beeline for the nectar

A new study by Levente Orbán and Catherine Plowright found that bumblebees prefer radial patterns over concentric patterns when searching for nectar. The researchers tested flower-naive bees using radio-frequency identification technology and video recordings, exposing them to two types of patterns: concentric and radial.

SourceSpringer·DateJun 20, 2013

Chlamydia promotes gene mutations

Researchers at Max Planck Institute discover Chlamydia promotes gene mutations, impairing DNA damage response and leading to uncontrolled cell growth. The infection can cause chronic damage, increasing risk of cervical and ovarian cancer.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateJun 20, 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.

Animal study shows promising path to prevent epilepsy

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have identified a receptor, TrkB, that may be key to preventing epilepsy. The study found that inhibiting TrkB with a drug can prevent the onset of epilepsy in mice after prolonged seizures.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalNeuron·DateJun 20, 2013

Emergency helicopter airlifts help the seriously injured

Research published in Critical Care journal suggests that air ambulances are effective and worthy of investment, despite high initial costs. Patients transferred by helicopter tend to have more severe injuries but experience improved survival rates due to faster treatment and care at the scene and during transport.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalCritical Care·DateJun 20, 2013
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.

Compound enhances SSRI antidepressant's effects in mice

A synthetic compound has been discovered to enhance the effects of SSRIs, a commonly prescribed antidepressant. By blocking secondary 'vacuum cleaners' in the brain, the compound increases serotonin levels, offering new potential targets for treating depression. Researchers hope this discovery will lead to more effective treatments.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·DateJun 20, 2013

CNIO researchers discover a new gene involved in obesity

Researchers at the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO) have discovered a link between telomere protection and obesity, with the RAP1 gene playing a key role. The study found that mice lacking RAP1 gained weight and developed metabolic syndrome, highlighting a new potential mechanism in human obesity.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 20, 2013

How did a third radiation belt appear in the Earth's upper atmosphere?

Researchers at UCLA have discovered a previously unknown third radiation ring, which briefly appeared between the inner and outer Van Allen belts in September 2012. The new study provides insight into the formation and decay of this temporary radiation belt, revealing its distinctively slow decay rate.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 20, 2013
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.

Brain images of previously unattainable quality

The BigBrain model is based on data from over 7,400 tissue samples and provides a detailed understanding of the normal structure of different functional areas of the brain. The high-resolution model will contribute to precise identification and evaluation of changes in the brains of patients with neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalScience·DateJun 20, 2013

Does your salad know what time it is?

Scientists found they could use light to coax postharvest vegetables to produce more cancer-fighting antioxidants at certain times of day. This study suggests that storing fruits and vegetables in dark conditions may reduce their ability to keep daily rhythms.

SourceRice University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 20, 2013

Researchers explain how neural stem cells create new and varied neurons

A study by researchers at the University of Oregon reveals a novel stem cell mechanism in fruit flies that may help explain how neurons form in humans. The research shows how a select group of stem cells can create progenitors that generate numerous subtypes of cells, increasing neural diversity.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalNature·DateJun 19, 2013

Stanley Osher delivers the John von Neumann Lecture

Stanley Osher, a professor at UCLA, is awarded the 2013 John von Neumann Lecture for his groundbreaking work on non-oscillatory methods, level set methods, and l1 and TVD methods. His research has numerous applications in engineering, physics, and image processing.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·DateJun 19, 2013
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.

New canary seed is ideal for gluten-free diets in celiac disease

Scientists have confirmed a new variety of canary seeds as gluten-free and ideal for people with celiac disease. The 'hairless' seeds lack tiny hairs that made them inedible for humans, providing more protein and nutrients than other common cereals.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJun 19, 2013

Validating maps of the brain's resting state

Researchers at Vanderbilt University used fMRI to map the brain's resting state network, confirming its relationship with anatomical structure. The study provides new insights into neural connectivity and its potential applications in diagnosing mental health disorders.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalNeuron·DateJun 19, 2013
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Detour ahead: Cities, farms reroute animals seeking cooler climes

Researchers found that the southeastern US region could experience heavier animal movements in response to a warming climate, with estimates up to 2.5 times higher than average species movement across North and South America. The study identified natural corridors and human-made barriers that will affect animal migration patterns.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalEcology Letters·DateJun 19, 2013

Cheap, color, holographic video

Researchers at MIT's Media Lab have developed a new approach to generating holograms that could enable the creation of color holographic-video displays. The technique uses an optical chip, resembling a microscope slide, built for about $10, which can produce high-resolution video images up to 30 times per second.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateJun 19, 2013
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.

Sound waves precisely position nanowires

Using sound waves, researchers can create repeatable patterns of metallic nanomaterials onto substrates that are incompatible with conventional lithography methods. The technique allows for the patterning of nanowires with tunable spacing and density, enabling potential applications in various fields.

SourcePenn State·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 19, 2013

A battery made of wood?

Researchers at the University of Maryland have created a nanoscale battery using wood fibers that can last over 400 charging cycles, making it a promising alternative to traditional batteries.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNano Letters·DateJun 19, 2013

Brain re-training may improve memory, focus in schizophrenia

Researchers hope targeted mental workouts can sharpen memory and focus in adults with schizophrenia by taking advantage of brain's natural plasticity. The modules use a game-like approach to improve speed and accuracy of information processing.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateJun 19, 2013
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.

Unexpected behavior of well-known catalysts

Industrial palladium-copper catalysts change structure before use, affecting reaction catalysis. The discovery reveals potential environmental and economic benefits of alternative activation methods.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Catalysis·DateJun 19, 2013

The contribution of particulate matter to forest decline

Researchers from Bonn University found that particulate matter salt compounds can decrease the drought tolerance of trees, leading to forest decline. The study reveals a physical mechanism where deliquescent salts form wick-like structures that remove water from leaves, promoting dehydration.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·DateJun 19, 2013

Biological fitness trumps other traits in mating game

A new study reveals that females tend to prefer traits linked to fitness, influencing mate choice and population divergence. This finding settles a long debate about magic traits and predicts their commonality in nature.

SourceNational Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS)·JournalEcology Letters·DateJun 19, 2013
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.

1 in 4 stroke patients suffer PTSD

A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that nearly 300,000 stroke/TIA survivors develop PTSD symptoms each year, with one in nine experiencing chronic symptoms. The study suggests that PTSD is an under-recognized problem among stroke patients, and that social support is a key protective factor against PTSD.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 19, 2013

Are we pushing animals over the edge?

The study found that human population density is a significant threat to extinction, with a 3.3% increase in threatened mammals and birds over the next decade. Conservation efforts should consider human population density to mitigate biodiversity loss.

SourceSpringer·JournalHuman Ecology·DateJun 19, 2013

Current global food production trajectory won't meet 2050 needs

Current global crop yields are not increasing quickly enough to support estimated global needs in 2050, according to a University of Minnesota study. The analysis identifies focus areas for closing the gap, including targeting investments on arable lands and improving best management practices.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 19, 2013
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

HIV-derived antibacterial shows promise against drug-resistant bacteria

Researchers have developed HIV-derived antibacterial compounds that target and disrupt bacterial membranes, showing powerful activity against clinically resistant bacteria. These engineered cationic antimicrobial peptides (eCAPs) may also be applicable to treatment of other respiratory infections and biodefense applications.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateJun 19, 2013

'Ugly' finding: Unattractive workers suffer more

A study led by Michigan State University found that unattractive workers are more likely to be belittled and bullied in the workplace. The researchers surveyed 114 workers at a healthcare facility and found that unattractive employees were treated harsher, even when controlling for other factors.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalHuman Performance·DateJun 19, 2013

Researchers report first entanglement between light and an optical atomic coherence

Researchers have achieved entanglement between light and an optical atomic coherence composed of interacting atoms in two different states, paving the way for functional multi-node quantum networks. The state-insensitive trap allowed the researchers to generate photons at a rate of 5,000 per second, enabling deterministic entanglement.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateJun 19, 2013

'Waterlust' whets appetite of Florida outdoor writers

Patrick Rynne's student-run project Waterlust brings together marine science, art, and sport through online film and photography. The project aims to inspire public interest in water-related topics, empowering scientists to communicate their work creatively.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·DateJun 19, 2013

Outlook is grim for mammals and birds as human population grows

New research from Ohio State University predicts that the growing human population will lead to an increase of 10.8% more threatened species by 2050. The study suggests that meaningful biodiversity conservation efforts must take into account the expanding human population footprint, which can exacerbate extinction threats.

SourceOhio State University·JournalHuman Ecology·DateJun 19, 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.

Laughing gas does not increase heart attacks

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine found no link between nitrous oxide anesthesia and increased risk of heart attack. Despite concerns about the impact on homocysteine levels, the study showed that B vitamins did not influence heart attack risk in surgery patients.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalAnesthesiology·DateJun 19, 2013