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Science News Archive November 2013


Page 6 of 30

Underestimated future climate change?

A new study by Thomas Frölicher suggests that the Earth's atmosphere could continue to warm for hundreds of years after a complete stop of CO2 emissions, leading to a 25% increase in global temperature. The ESM2M climate model reveals that regional ocean heat uptake is crucial in understanding the effects of climate change.

Dying from a food allergy is less likely than being murdered

A new study found that dying from a food allergy is less likely than being murdered, with risks of 1.81 in a million and 3.25 in a million for adults and children respectively. The study aimed to put the risk of anaphylaxis into perspective, as anxiety and quality of life impacts are significant concerns.

Archaeological discoveries confirm early date of Buddha's life

Archaeological excavations at Lumbini, Nepal have uncovered a previously unknown sixth-century B.C. timber structure dating back to the birthplace of the Buddha. The discovery confirms an earlier date for the life of the Buddha than previously thought and sheds light on the early development of Buddhism.

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.

A plant which acclimatizes with no exterior influence

A team at the University of Geneva has generated a transgenic plant that constantly detects and responds to UV-B rays, producing high levels of antioxidants and flavonoids. This plant is equipped with an UVR8 mutated receptor, which remains active even without UV exposure.

The collared treerunner is more than a single species

Researchers describe four new species formerly grouped under the collared treerunner, highlighting genetic and morphological differences among populations. The discovery underscores the importance of biodiversity conservation efforts in addressing species extinctions.

New immunotherapy for malignant brain tumors

Researchers developed a new immunotherapy approach that successfully treated glioblastoma, a fatal brain tumor, by stimulating the immune system and inducing tumor rejection. The treatment, combining intra-tumoral Interleukin-12 with CTLA-4 blockade, achieved a success rate of up to 80% in preclinical trials.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Oxytocin leads to monogamy

Researchers found that oxytocin administration increases attractiveness of partner and strengthens monogamy by stimulating brain's reward center. The study suggests a biological mechanism for maintaining love relationships.

Rice scientists ID new catalyst for cleanup of nitrites

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a new catalyst that can rapidly break down nitrites, a harmful contaminant found in drinking water. Gold-palladium nanocatalysts are up to 15 times more efficient than pure palladium nanocatalysts in breaking down nitrites.

Controlling our circadian rhythms

A new study in The Journal of General Physiology has shed light on the biophysical processes underlying regulation of circadian rhythms. Researchers found that decreased BK channel activity, particularly a specific variant containing SRKR, contributes to reduced SCN neuron excitability during the day.

Black hole jets pack a powerful punch

Researchers have found evidence of iron and nickel in the jets from a typical black hole, revealing that these heavy atoms carry more energy than lighter particles. This discovery suggests that black holes' accretion disks power jets, which could generate detectable gamma rays and neutrinos.

A new, flying jellyfish-like machine

Researchers presented a new, simplified method of robotic flight at the APS Division of Fluid Dynamics Meeting in Pittsburgh. The device, weighing just two grams and spanning eight centimeters in width, flies by flapping four wings arranged like petals on a flower.

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.

UNL scientists develop novel X-ray device

Researchers at UNL's Extreme Light Laboratory developed a novel method to generate research-quality X-rays using a 'tabletop' laser, increasing accessibility to the technology. The new device produces high-energy X-rays with potential applications in Homeland Security, medical imaging, and scientific research.

Even if emissions stop, carbon dioxide could warm Earth for centuries

A Princeton University-led study found that carbon dioxide in the atmosphere could continue to warm the planet for hundreds of years after a sudden halt in emissions. The researchers simulated an abrupt stop in carbon emissions and found that the planet warmed by 0.37 degrees Celsius over 400 years.

Diamond 'flaws' pave way for nanoscale MRI

Researchers at Cambridge's Cavendish Laboratory have achieved high coherence in nitrogen-vacancy centers of nanodiamonds, enabling the creation of ultra-precise nanoscale magnetic field and temperature detectors. This breakthrough could enhance our understanding of chemical reactions within single cells and signalling in neural networks.

Your first hug: How the early embryo changes shape

Researchers found a new mechanism regulating the earliest stages of embryo development, where arm-like structures called filopodia control cell shape and compaction. The discovery could help improve IVF treatment outcomes by identifying suitable embryos for implantation.

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 physics of beer tapping

Researchers explore beer bottle-fluid interactions using cavitation analysis, explaining the formation of foam due to rapid expansion of smaller bubbles. The study's findings can be applied to other engineering concerns, such as erosion of ship propellers and carbon dioxide release in natural disasters.

Great Lakes waterfowl die-offs: Finding the source

Researchers are using experimental hydrodynamics to track the source of lethal outbreaks in Great Lakes waterfowl. They have developed a novel way of tracking waterfowl carcasses and performed towing tank experiments to determine drag coefficients, which will help identify locations where waterbirds are likely exposed to botulinum toxin.

Decay used to construct quantum information

Scientists at the University of Copenhagen's Niels Bohr Institute have developed a method that harnesses decay to create entanglement between electrons in atomic systems. By controlling the interactions with their surroundings, researchers can precisely control the energy states of the electrons, leading to perfect entanglement.

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 prove X-ray laser can solve protein structures from scratch

Researchers at SLAC's Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) X-ray laser used the technique to generate an accurate model of lysozyme, a well-studied enzyme found in egg whites. The study opens the door to new discoveries and explores the potential for LCLS to play a leading role in studying important biomolecules of unknown structure.

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.

The secrets of owls' near noiseless wings

Researchers have discovered how owls achieve acoustic stealth through specialized plumage, including stiff feathers along the wing's leading edge and soft downy material. This technology could inspire novel sound-absorbing liners and reduce noise from aircraft and wind turbines.

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.

Pill-popping galaxy hooked on gas

A massive gas cloud called the Smith Cloud is hurtling towards our Galaxy, and may be a key source of fuel for star formation. The cloud has been found to have a magnetic field that helps keep it intact, protecting it from disintegrating as it approaches the Galaxy's disk.

CVD expert calls for mandatory screening of 18-year-old Mexicans

A CVD expert in Mexico advocates for mandatory screening of 18-year-olds to combat the nation's high cardiovascular risk factors. The proposal includes regular measurements of glucose, cholesterol, blood pressure, and BMI, with a focus on education and healthy lifestyle habits.

Powerful tool for genetic engineering

Researchers from Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research have discovered a new dual-RNA guided enzyme Cas9 that enhances the potential of exploiting bacterial immune systems for genome engineering. The CRISPR-Cas system has been shown to be faster, more precise and cheaper than existing technologies.

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.

Sea level rise forecasts helped by insights into glacier melting

Scientists have gained new insight into how glacier movement is affected by melting ice in summer, enabling more accurate predictions of sea level rise. The study found that fast summer ice flow caused by significant melting is cancelled out by slower motion the following winter.

Epigenetic changes may explain chronic kidney disease

Researchers found significant differences in DNA chemical modifications on genes related to kidney fibrosis, suggesting an early role in development. The study provides new insights into the molecular roots of chronic kidney disease and potential targets for new drugs.

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.

Colossal new predatory dino terrorized early tyrannosaurs

A new species of carnivorous dinosaur, Siats meekerorum, was the apex predator of its time, competing with small-bodied tyrannosaurs for top roles. The giant carcharodontosaur lived alongside tyrannosaurs and filled a gap in the fossil record during the Late Cretaceous period.

Stuck on flu

Researchers at UC San Diego discovered how flu viruses exploit a mucus-rich barrier to infect cells, and found that blocking neuraminidase activity could prevent infection. This finding could lead to new drugs or therapies that more effectively inhibit viral activity.

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.

Copper promises cheaper, sturdier fuel cells

Researchers at Duke University have developed copper nanowire catalysts that can efficiently harness solar energy to split water into hydrogen, a promising step towards cheaper and sturdier fuel cells. The material is abundant, inexpensive, and flexible, making it ideal for use in various applications beyond solar energy production.

Research team discovers 'immune gene' in Neanderthals

A research team at the University of Bonn discovered a novel receptor that allows the immune system to recognize dangerous invaders and elicits an immune response. This receptor is found in Europeans but not in early men, suggesting it was inherited from Neanderthals.

Preschoolers exposure to television can stall their cognitive development

A study found that preschoolers with TVs in their bedrooms and high background TV exposure have weaker understanding of mental states. However, children who had discussions about TV with their parents performed better on theory of mind tasks. This impairment may contribute to disruptive social 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.

New dinosaur discovered in Utah

A new, 30-foot-long dinosaur has been discovered in Utah, revealing a key gap in the fossil record of large predatory dinosaurs in North America. The discovery indicates that carcharodontosaurs dominated the ecosystem for longer than previously thought, before tyrannosaurs took over.

'Wise chisels': Art, craftsmanship, and power tools

Researchers at MIT are developing smart tools that can mimic the human touch while controlling outcomes to ensure precision. These tools, designed by Amit Zoran and his team, use computer-aided design and feedback mechanisms to create distinctive imperfections and styles in handmade objects.

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.

New microscope captures movements of atoms and molecules

A new microscope allows scientists to capture the movements of atoms and molecules at the nanoscale, revealing crucial functions in nanoscale devices. This breakthrough has applications in nanoelectronic technologies and clean-energy industries.

Research funding has become prone to bubble formation

A potential science bubble has formed in cognitive neuroscience due to massive investments and promises of game-changing explanations. The value of these investments may not be supported by actual scientific results, highlighting the need for re-evaluating research funding structures.

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.

Found: 1 of civilization's oldest wine cellars?

A team of researchers at George Washington University and the University of Haifa have uncovered a 3,000-year-old wine cellar in Israel, containing jars holding nearly 2,000 liters of liquid. The contents are believed to be ancient medicinal wines, with a recipe similar to those used for 2,000 years in ancient Egypt.