Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive November 2013


Page 3 of 30

Disputed asthma drugs have safe record in British Columbia

Researchers at University of British Columbia and Vancouver Coastal Health study show that a combination asthma therapy does not harm British Columbians, contradicting FDA safety concerns. The study, covering 46,000 people over 15 years, found no statistically significant increase in hospitalization rates for users.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Flexible, stretchable fire-ant rafts

Researchers discovered that fire ant rafts can store energy like an elastic material and dissipate energy as a viscous material. The structure of the raft is constantly changing through active rearrangements, allowing it to adapt to external forces.

New technique for testing drugs to treat cystic fibrosis and epilepsy

Researchers at the University of Southampton have developed a new technique for testing pharmaceutical drugs, allowing for faster and less expensive evaluation of ion channels. This method uses cell-free expression mixtures and artificial membranes, enabling quicker testing of multiple types of channels simultaneously.

Finding hidden circles may improve social network privacy settings

Researchers created a software program to predict how users will set privacy levels for new content and connections, aiming to improve security without affecting user experience. The program shows promise in some scenarios, with accuracy rates up to 90%, but struggles with re-uploading content found from others.

MR spectroscopy shows differences in brains of preterm infants

A study using MR spectroscopy found that preterm infants' brains develop differently than full-term infants, with a disruption in the timing and synchronization of white and gray matter maturation. This false start in brain development may contribute to long-term problems such as autism and ADHD.

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.

No qualms about quantum theory

A colloquium paper reviews selected issues with quantum theory, clarifying the distinction between mathematical tools and physical phenomena. The author debunks myths surrounding Schrödinger's cat state, measurement problem, and other misconceptions.

RSNA and Regenstrief Institute launch effort to unify radiology procedure naming

The Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) and the Regenstrief Institute are collaborating on a project to harmonize and unify terms for radiology procedures. The goal is to produce a single unified source of names and codes for radiology procedures, promoting common understanding, simplifying clinical processes, and enhancing da...

Scientists design and test new approach for corneal stem cell treatments

Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have developed a novel procedure to prepare human amniotic membrane for use as a scaffold for specialized stem cells, which may treat corneal diseases such as blindness. The new method promises to streamline clinical applications of cell therapies and accelerate research in this area.

The lingering clouds

Researchers found that pollution decreases the size of cloud and ice particles, making them linger in the sky. This leads to taller, bigger anvil-shaped clouds that cool the earth during the day but trap heat at night.

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.

Memo to big box retailers: Goodwill has a shelf life

A new study from Columbia Business School reveals that waiting for a discounted product can significantly reduce consumer enjoyment. Retailers can add value by offering in-store promotions and instant gratification to their customers.

NREL test helps make moisture barriers better

The NREL Electric Calcium Test (e-Ca) detects infinitesimally small amounts of moisture, making it 100 to 1,000 times more sensitive than other commercial tests. The test can detect water vapor transmission rates as low as one ten-millionth of a gram per square meter per day.

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.

Red Squirrels showing resistance to squirrelpox

A study by the University of Liverpool found that red squirrel populations along the Sefton coastline are recovering from a serious outbreak of squirrelpox in 2008. Researchers have identified a few surviving squirrels with antibodies to the virus, suggesting some resistance to the disease.

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.

Women living with HIV share their stories through photography

A University of Missouri researcher found that photovoice empowered women living with HIV to realize their strengths despite struggles. The project allowed them to reflect on their experiences and appreciate the present, giving them hope and motivation.

For many older adults, vision prescription differs between eyes

A study published in Optometry and Vision Science reports a high rate of anisometropia in older adults, with 32% meeting the definition of differing prescription components. The prevalence of anisometropia increased significantly with age, particularly among those over 75 years old.

A Whirling Dervish puts physicists in a spin

Researchers find Coriolis force crucial for creating hypnotic patterns on Dervish skirts, reproducing sharp peaks and gentle troughs. The study uses simple equations to govern cone-shaped structures' behavior when rotating.

Health insurance increases preventive care but not risky behaviors

Researchers at UC Davis and University of Rochester found that having health insurance increases use of preventive services like flu shots and health screenings, but does not affect risky health behaviors. The study contradicts a common concern that expanding healthcare coverage may encourage riskier behavior.

ADHD linked to social and economic disadvantage

A study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found a link between childhood ADHD and socioeconomic status in the UK. The research analyzed data from over 19,500 children born between 2000 and 2002, revealing that more children with ADHD came from families below the poverty line.

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.

A gene mutation for excessive alcohol drinking found

Researchers at Newcastle University have identified a gene mutation that causes mice to exhibit excessive alcohol consumption. The study found that mice with the mutation preferred drinking alcohol over water and would work to obtain it, even becoming intoxicated.

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.

Why do stroke patients show poor limb motor function recovery?

Research found that stroke patients with negative motor evoked potentials exhibit decreased fractional anisotropy values and cerebral peduncle area changes on the affected side, indicating poor limb motor function recovery. These changes occur within 1 month after disease onset and worsen over time, even at 6 months post-infarction.

Guard dogs reduce killing of threatened species

Research shows that livestock guarding dogs can protect farm animals from predators, resulting in a 91% reduction in livestock losses. This leads to increased tolerance of predators among farmers, allowing for greater coexistence with threatened species like cheetahs.

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.

Treatment target identified for a public health risk parasite

Researchers at McGill University Health Centre have identified a target molecule that can block Cryptosporidium parvum's ability to evade the immune system, providing a potential treatment for this deadly parasite. The discovery could lead to an effective treatment for cryptosporidiosis, which affects millions of people worldwide.

DFG establishes 9 new collaborative research centers

The DFG has approved 9 new Collaborative Research Centres (CRCs) focusing on topics such as ingestive behaviour, mathematical invariants and metal oxide-water interactions. The CRCs will receive a total of 64.4 million euros for an initial period of three years and nine months.

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.

NASA sees Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alessia's remnants trying to reorganize

The remnants of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alessia have been spotted in the Northern Territory, with NASA's Aqua satellite capturing infrared data revealing strong thunderstorms and potential heavy rains. The low-pressure system is expected to move slowly south before turning west towards the Timor Sea.

Vanderbilt study finds limited resources for injured surgeons

A Vanderbilt University study found nearly half of orthopaedic surgeons sustain injuries during their careers, with inadequate resources available to them. The study also revealed that 38% of respondents reported no institutional resources, leading to increased lost productivity.

GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Scientists characterize effects of transplanted fecal microbiota

Restoring the normal, helpful bacteria of the gut and intestines may treat patients suffering from recurrent C. difficile infections through fecal matter transplantation. The study found that transplanting fecal matter into patients with RCDI restores normal bacterial composition and resolves infection.

The British Sexual Health Survey comes of age

The study highlights that many people remain sexually active well into later life and positive sexual experiences are related to overall health and wellbeing. It also shows changes in sexual behaviour over the last century, including earlier onset of sex, increased older people's activity, and a closing gap between men and women.

Golden staph paralyzes our immune defenses

Researchers have identified how golden staph bacteria target and destroy key immune cells, disrupting the body's defense against infection. By visualizing this process using advanced microscopy techniques, the team gained insights into how golden staph evades the immune system and causes tissue damage.

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.

Nurse navigators help cancer patients cope early in care

A randomized controlled trial found that patients with nurse navigators reported feeling better supported emotionally and more involved in their care. Nurse navigators helped patients develop the confidence and skills to manage their illness and treatment more effectively.

Coumarins show potency as anti-inflammatory drugs

Researchers developed new methods for synthesizing coumarin-based drugs, which showed promise as anti-inflammatory agents. The study revealed one of the pathways in which coumarins act, and understanding this pathway may help develop future treatments for chronic inflammation diseases.

A touch of garlic helps kill contaminants in baby formula

Researchers discovered two garlic compounds that significantly reduce Cronobacter sakazakii contamination in dry infant formula powder. These compounds have the potential to eliminate the pathogen before it reaches consumers, easing concerns for new mothers who opt not to breastfeed.

Balancing T cell populations

Researchers found that loss of TSC1 in T cells disrupted the balance between regulatory and effector T cells, leading to severe inflammation. The study suggests that fine-tuning mTOR activity through regulators like TSC1 may be beneficial for treating autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

Study: Arctic seafloor methane releases double previous estimates

Researchers found that the East Siberian Arctic Shelf is releasing at least 17 teragrams of methane into the atmosphere each year, doubling previous estimates. The rapid release of methane from the seafloor threatens to exacerbate global warming and create a positive feedback loop.

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.

Identifying targets of autoantibodies

Researchers at Stanford University developed a microarray to identify cytokines, chemokines, and other proteins targeted by SLE patients' autoantibodies. They found that patients with high levels of autoantibodies against B cell activating factor (BAFF) experienced more severe symptoms.

Childhood exercise may stave off some bad effects of maternal obesity

New research suggests that childhood exercise can improve leptin sensitivity and reduce fat deposits, potentially staving off some bad effects of maternal obesity. Exercise as early as adolescence has been shown to have a persistent effect on the satiety centers of the brain, even years later.

Sounding rocket to peek at atmosphere of Venus

A NASA sounding rocket called VeSpR is scheduled to launch on Nov. 25 to probe Venus' atmosphere and investigate the planet's water history. The mission aims to determine whether rivers once flowed on Venus and if the planet had ice.

Scientists capture 'redox moments' in living cells

Researchers have charted a significant signaling network in Synechococcus, a fast-growing microbe that can produce biofuels. The findings reveal redox reactions that allow the organism to adapt to changing environments and provide insights into its ability to create biofuels.

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.