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Science News Archive November 2013


Page 16 of 30

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.

Toxicity database under development at Rutgers-Camden

A Rutgers-Camden professor is building a large-scale database of chemical toxicity information, combining in-vitro and computational methods to provide valuable data for scientists. The online database will aid in drug development by helping determine safe doses for patients.

JAMA Dermatology: Social media brings academic journals to general readers

A study found that top dermatology journals have strong social media followings, but lesser-known journals lag behind professional organizations and patient advocacy groups in disseminating information. The study suggests that leveraging social media can be an effective way for journals to educate the public.

Scientists nearing forecasts of long-lived wildfires

Researchers at NCAR and University of Maryland create a new model that combines weather simulations with satellite observations to predict wildfire growth. The model can produce accurate forecasts every 12 hours, improving prediction tools for large, intense wildfires.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A*STAR scientists bring to light mechanism of drug for infections

Scientists at A*STAR's Singapore Immunology Network discovered the exact mode of action of plerixafor, a drug that stimulates immune responses in patients with neutropenia. The study found that the inhibition of CXCR4 by the drug plays a dual role, increasing neutrophil count in the blood and promoting retention in the bloodstream.

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.

Anthrax toxin can lurk for days in cells as a lingering threat

Researchers discovered that anthrax toxin can hide out in human cells for days, avoiding detection by the immune system and cellular machinery. The findings explain why antibiotics are often ineffective against anthrax infections, making it a lingering threat.

NASA experts showcase science, technology at supercomputing conference

NASA presents cutting-edge computational achievements, including insights into galaxy formation and climate modeling, as well as advancements in quantum computing and space launch system design. The agency's expertise is key to mission success, enabling research on oceanic climate change and space weather.

New malaria vaccines roadmap targets next generation products by 2030

The updated 2013 Malaria Vaccine Technology Roadmap sets a new target for vaccines to reduce malaria cases by 75 percent and be licensed by 2030. The roadmap also aims for malaria elimination through the development of safe and effective vaccines that prevent disease, death, and transmission.

More than $3 million awarded to MUHC clinician-researchers

The Research Institute of the MUHC presented more than $3 million in awards to clinician-researchers recognized for their exceptional promise in various fields. The recipients demonstrated potential to advance knowledge and improve patient care through laboratory research and innovative surgical techniques.

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.

UC research brings a future of mind-reading robots ever closer

Researchers from University of Cincinnati develop a brain-computer interface to detect brain signals and interpret intent, paving the way for thought-controlled smart tech and robotic personal assistants. The university also announces its development of an interdisciplinary curriculum for human-centered robotics.

New studies may explain fractures in some who take osteoporosis drugs

Research with baboons found that genetic differences may regulate bone remodeling, a natural process where mature bone tissue is removed and replaced. This could explain why older women taking bisphosphonates are at risk of atypical fractures in their femurs, due to slower bone growth and accumulation of bone tissue.

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.

A 6-minute journey to study Comet ISON

FORTIS will observe the comet's molecules and atoms by separating incoming light into its component wavelengths, gathering information from several areas at once. The comet's rate of sublimation increases as it approaches the sun, allowing FORTIS to capture observations of this material coming off the comet.

Anthrax bacteria play hide and seek

Researchers at EPFL have discovered that the lethal factor of anthrax bacteria can travel undetected through the body for days using exosomes, evading the immune system and medical analysis. This mechanism explains why some organisms succumb to the disease up to two weeks after the disappearance of bacterial presence.

SDSU launches InforMath collaborative

The InforMath Collaborative brings together university researchers and staff from local art and science museums to design new programs that connect visitors with mathematics in creative ways. The initiative aims to change the way communities perceive mathematics and establish a research center for informal mathematics learning.

New outdoor drone will aid disaster response monitoring of radiation

The University of Bristol has developed a large semi-autonomous drone called the ARM system to provide visual and thermal monitoring of radiation after nuclear material releases. The system can detect radiation and prevent exposure to response crews, improving safety in disaster response scenarios.

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.

Biologists ID new cancer weakness

A new study from MIT biologists found that tumor cells with mutated p53 can be made more vulnerable to chemotherapy by blocking the MK2 gene. In a study of mice, tumors lacking both p53 and MK2 shrank dramatically when treated with the drug cisplatin.

Penguin-inspired propulsion system

Researchers develop penguin-inspired propulsion system using a novel spherical joint mechanism, enabling three degrees of freedom and unlimited rotational range. The system aims to shed light on the swimming mysteries of penguins, which can accelerate from 0 to 7 m/s in under a second.

A question for Jupiter

Scientists Pedram Hassanzadeh and Philip Marcus present a new model explaining the Great Red Spot's persistence, suggesting vertical flow plays a key role. The model also predicts radial flow pumping energy into the vortex, enabling it to last longer.

Potential drug target in sight for rare genetic disease

Medical researchers at the University of Alberta have discovered a potential drug target for a rare genetic disease, paving the way for an alternative treatment. The discovery links specific defects in the enzyme to specific symptoms and could lead to the development of drugs to treat less severe forms of the disease.

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.

Surprising image provides new tool for studying galaxy

Astronomers observed a spiral galaxy with a strongly-emitting background galaxy nearly directly behind it. The alignment provides valuable data about the nearer galaxy, revealing it is not forming stars as rapidly as thought. Additional analysis also revealed detailed features of the galaxy's gas halo.

Are probiotics a promising treatment strategy for depression?

A new review article suggests that certain probiotics have the potential to exert behavioral and immunological effects in patients with depression. These psychobiotics can alter the intestinal microbial balance and regulate inflammatory responses, which may be involved in the modulation of mood and behavior.

Nano magnets arise at 2-D boundaries

Researchers at Rice University discovered that imperfections in two-dimensional materials can create nanoscale magnetic fields. The study suggests a new degree of freedom for electronics, allowing for enhanced efficiency and enriched functions.

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.

High marks for Columbia's new public health curriculum

The new curriculum emphasizes a life-course approach, global perspective, and leadership skills, with an integrated core semester and novel courses. Students also complete a practicum and can choose from over 20 certificate programs for further specialization.

Study finds social networks are key to city violence

A Yale University study reveals that a person's social network is a key predictor of becoming a victim of gun homicide, even more so than race, age, gender, or poverty. The research found that individuals within the same social network are more likely to engage in similar risky behaviors.

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.

Glowing worms illuminate the roots of behavior

A research team at Worcester Polytechnic Institute has developed a novel system to image brain activity in worms. The technology can be used to study the genetics and neural circuitry associated with animal behavior and screen early stage compounds aimed at treating autism, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and other brain disorders.

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.

Rugby star joins scientists in bid to tackle motor neurone disease

Joost van der Westhuizen, a former World Cup-winning rugby star, is partnering with the University of Edinburgh's Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research to raise awareness and funds. The collaboration aims to share knowledge and expertise to benefit MND patients.

New technique for developing drugs to treat serious illnesses

Researchers at the University of Leicester have developed a new technique to create protein-based drugs using evolutionary engineering. The method involves generating millions of variants of a protein, selecting those with improved properties, and repeating the cycle until the desired function is achieved.

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.

Probiotics reduce piglet pathogens

Researchers found that probiotic Enterococcus faecium reduced pathogenic E. coli strains in piglets' intestines, promoting gut balance and reducing antibiotic use. The study suggests probiotics could substitute for antibiotics as growth promoters.

Evolution can select for evolvability, Penn biologists find

Researchers found that natural selection acts on evolvability, favoring traits that enable rapid adaptation and evolution in pathogens like Lyme disease bacteria. This is evident through increased genetic diversity among unexpressed cassettes, which offer a window into past natural selection for more evolvable VlsE protein.

No peak in sight for evolving bacteria

Despite a quarter century of evolution, bacteria in Richard Lenski's lab continue to adapt and become more fit. Researchers used a 'frozen fossil record' of bacteria samples from different generations to measure their trajectory, finding that they never reach a fitness peak but instead follow a power law function.

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.

Your brain 'sees' things even when you don't

Researchers found that the brain processes visual input at a level of understanding its meaning, even if we never consciously perceive it. The study used EEG monitoring to show that participants' brainwaves showed a signature, or N400 waveform, when viewing objects hidden in silhouettes.

Copper intake makes tumors breathe

EPFL researchers found that copper is essential for malignant cell energy production and that reducing its intake can slow down tumor growth. Copper deficiency resulted in lower respiration enzyme activity and increased glycolysis in tumors.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

ARC Future Fellows awarded $2.2M for immune and inflammation studies

Three researchers at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute have been awarded ARC Future Fellowships to study how the body controls errant immune cells causing type 1 diabetes and coeliac disease. They aim to develop new treatments using cell signalling pathways and targeted vaccines or drugs.