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Science News Archive November 2013


Page 7 of 30

Education, in-home inspections key to fire prevention

A University of Louisville School of Nursing team is collaborating with the Office of Child Advocacy and the Louisville Fire Department to enhance fire prevention education. The goal is to reduce burn injuries in newborns and senior adults through in-home inspections and education programs.

Extra-Tropical Storm Melissa spinning into history

Extra-Tropical Storm Melissa has weakened and is headed towards the Azores Islands with sustained winds near 45 knots. The storm's core temperature change indicates a transition from warm to cold, similar to a mid-latitude low-pressure system.

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.

UT Dallas professor wins $2.3 million NIH award

The recipient of the grant proposes a new way to view and study human walking, attaching sensors to mathematically meaningful locations on prostheses and orthotics. This approach aims to create off-the-shelf robotic limbs that allow users to easily control and adjust their devices.

Sugar-sweetened beverage consumption increases endometrial cancer risk

Postmenopausal women who consumed sugar-sweetened beverages had a higher risk of developing the most common type of endometrial cancer compared to those who did not drink such beverages. The study found that women who drank more sugar-sweetened beverages had an increased risk, with the highest intake being associated with a 78% higher ...

Steroid injections for premature babies linked to mental health risk

A new study published in PLOS ONE has found that steroid injections given to pregnant women before premature birth may increase the child's risk of later behavioral and emotional difficulties. The study of over 6,000 children revealed poorer scores on general mental health at ages eight and 16, and a higher likelihood of symptoms of ADHD.

Archaeologists discover largest, oldest wine cellar in Near East

The largest and oldest ancient wine cellar in the Near East has been discovered in northern Israel, containing 40 jars of strong, sweet wine dating back to around 1,700 B.C. The team found molecular traces of key wine-making ingredients, including honey, mint, and resins, indicating a consistent recipe was followed in each jar.

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.

Political correctness could affect holiday weight gain

A study published in Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes found that people are more likely to choose unhealthy food options for themselves and others when they perceive the other person as overweight. This can lead to poor diet choices, especially during holiday celebrations. The research suggests that marketers should...

Acid raid, ozone depletion contributed to ancient extinction

Researchers found that sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide releases from Siberian volcanoes could have created acidic rain, damaging plants and organisms. The study suggests that ozone depletion and temperature increases contributed to the end-Permian mass extinction on land.

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.

Greenland's shrunken ice sheet: We've been here before

A new technique using Arctic fossil records reveals that Greenland's ice sheet was smaller between 3,000-5,000 years ago, with warmest land and ocean conditions during this period. This finding suggests the ice sheet may respond to ocean temperatures, providing a clue to future climate change.

An inside look at a MOF in action

A team of researchers from Berkeley Lab has made the first in situ electronic structure observations of a metal-organic framework (MOF) as it adsorbs carbon dioxide gas. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of Near Edge X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy in probing MOF chemistry and gas adsorption.

Antidepressant medication does not increase the risk of autism

A large Danish study of over 600,000 children found no significant link between antidepressant medication during pregnancy and the risk of autism. After adjusting for parental psychiatric diagnoses, the researchers determined that taking antidepressants during pregnancy does not further increase the risk of autism.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Smaller islands host shorter food chains

A recent study by Finnish scientists found that smaller island areas support fewer species and shorter food chains. The research team analyzed 20 islands off the Finnish coast and discovered that top predators were often missing from small islands, leading to a loss of control functions in local ecosystems.

Genetic defect keeps verbal cues from hitting the mark

A genetic defect in the FoxP2 gene, commonly associated with human speech problems, disrupts the ability of songbirds to sing effective courtship tunes. Researchers found that the defect impairs a network of nerve cells, leading to stuttering and stammering in affected individuals.

Does obesity reshape our sense of taste?

A new study published in PLOS ONE found that obese mice have fewer taste cells capable of detecting sweetness and react weakly to sweet stimuli. This impairment may contribute to overeating and weight gain by reducing the effectiveness of the body's natural appetite suppressants.

Waste that is brimming with energy

The SIKELOR project seeks to process silicon waste from solar panel production through electromagnetic stirring and separation. The goal is to develop an industrially viable and resource-friendly method for recycling silicon waste, potentially reducing production costs and increasing efficiency.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Growth more stunted in lower-income youth with kidney disease

Children and adolescents with chronic kidney disease from lower-income families were less likely to grow to normal height ranges. Researchers found that more aggressive intervention or programs to support treatment adherence could help improve outcomes.

UCLA research could enhance treatments for drug-resistant melanoma

Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have discovered key cell-signaling pathways used by BRAF-mutant melanoma to resist inhibitor drugs. The studies provide a better understanding of how tumors adapt and become resistant to treatment, ultimately leading to the development of new combination treatments.

Improve learning by taming instructional complexity

Carnegie Mellon and Temple researchers found that improving learning depends on multiple factors, leading to an vast number of instructional options. The study offers five recommendations to maximize the potential of educational research behind practice and student learning.

2 human proteins found to affect how 'jumping gene' gets around

Scientists found two human proteins, UPF1 and PCNA, that interact with a jumping gene called L1. The study reveals how these interactions affect the movement of L1 within the human genome, providing new insights into the regulation of this volatile DNA segment.

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 link between obesity and diabetes found

A new study by Columbia University researchers has found a single overactive enzyme that worsens both impaired insulin sensitivity and overproduction of glucose in obese individuals, suggesting a potential target for treating type 2 diabetes. The enzyme MK2 can be inhibited with metformin, leading to additive benefits when combined.

Will 2-D tin be the next super material?

Researchers have predicted that a single layer of tin atoms, dubbed 'stanene,' will exhibit 100% electrical conductivity at room temperature. This breakthrough has the potential to significantly reduce power consumption and heat production in future computer chips.

Ultrasound, nanoparticles may help diabetics avoid the needle

A new technique uses nanoparticles and ultrasound to regulate blood sugar levels in diabetics, potentially eliminating the need for insulin injections. The method involves injecting biocompatible nanoparticles into the skin, which are then activated by a small ultrasound device to release insulin painlessly.

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.

The company you keep shapes what you learn

Scientists trained desert locusts using Pavlov's dog method, finding that they can re-associate toxic odors with food rewards when in a swarm. Locusts retain memories of previously acquired associations but cannot form new aversive memories.

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.

Black hole birth captured by cosmic voyeurs

Los Alamos scientists observed an extraordinary cosmic event, a black hole birth, with advanced telescopes that yielded detailed data on the event's energy levels and 'afterglow.' The rare occurrence tested long-held assumptions about the universe, revealing higher-than-theoretically-possible energy levels for gamma rays.

Bio-based solar cell

The Ruhr-University Bochum researchers developed a bio-based solar cell using photosystem 1 and 2 proteins, generating an efficient electron current. The bio-based solar cell boasts an efficiency of several nanowatts per square centimeter, making it a potential blueprint for semi-artificial and natural cell systems.

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.

Hardworking sisters enable insect colonies to thrive

Female ants and bees are more inclined to care for the queen's offspring due to their maternal behaviors preserved through evolution. This study reveals that females take on jobs suited historically, leading to the evolution of species with female-dominated caregiving roles.

License to ill

A recent study found that firms with a history of social responsibility are more likely to engage in subsequent social irresponsibility, particularly if CEOs have a strong moral image. For every five positive actions taken, companies receive a 'license to commit' one negative action.

'The era of neutrino astronomy has begun'

The IceCube collaboration has detected 28 high-energy particle events, providing solid evidence for astrophysical neutrinos from cosmic sources. By studying these neutrinos, scientists can learn about distant astrophysical phenomena and potentially identify their sources.

Follow the genes: Yale team finds clues to origin of autism

A Yale-led team identified common neural circuits affected by autism-risk genes and when they exert their effects on the developing human brain. The findings suggest new targeted treatments for autism may be possible, focusing on specific neural circuits at specific times.

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.

Additive may make wine fine for a longer time

Researchers have discovered an additive that inhibits oxidation in wine, reducing discoloration and loss of aroma. Chelation compounds like phytic acid can bind with metals to neutralize oxidation, making it a promising solution for winemakers.

Dreading pain can be worse than pain itself

Research published in PLOS Computational Biology found that people prefer to hasten painful stimuli over waiting for it, as anticipation can be more disabling than the pain. The study suggests that focusing on immediate pain reduces dread, while considering future pain increases it.

Using data to fight malaria

The University of California, Riverside researcher is using sensors to count and classify insect vectors, providing real-time information to plan effective interventions. She aims to create an open-source library of insect wingbeat signatures and behaviors to aid researchers worldwide in combating malaria.

Newborn babies have built-in body awareness ability

Researchers found that newborn babies show signs of body awareness by differentiating their own bodies from others. They exhibit interest in looking at another baby's face when it is stroked synchronously with their own, suggesting a mechanism for self-perception already in place.

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.

NASA sees 'watershed' cosmic blast in unique detail

Gamma-ray burst GRB 130427A was observed by NASA satellites and ground-based telescopes, revealing a spike in high-energy gamma-rays that defies expectations. The event challenged current theoretical understanding of internal and external shock waves producing these bursts.

Playing computer games makes brains feel and think alike

Researchers found that playing computer games enhances facial muscle reactions and brainwave synchronization between players, particularly in competitive situations. This effect can aid in anticipating opponents' actions and compensate for a faltering social bond while competing.

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.

Researchers map brain areas vital to understanding language

A study by Aron Barbey and colleagues identified a network of brain areas in the frontal and parietal cortex essential for discourse comprehension. The researchers used voxel-based lesion-symptom mapping to create a collective map of the cerebral cortex, revealing that executive control is critical for integrating language with prior k...

UEA researchers pioneer first patient-specific 3-D virtual birth simulator

Researchers at UEA are developing a virtual birthing simulator that takes into account individual factors such as mother's body shape and baby positioning. The system will enable healthcare professionals to predict potential complications and advise on necessary interventions, aiming to reduce complicated births.

IceCube detects first high-energy neutrinos from the cosmos

Scientists have observed solid evidence for high-energy neutrinos coming from cosmic accelerators beyond our solar system. The IceCube detector captured 28 neutrinos with energies greater than 30 TeV, including two above 1,000 TeV, hinting at the birth of neutrino astronomy.

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.

Minority parents fear for kids online

A collaborative study between researchers at Northwestern University and Microsoft Research found that Asian and Hispanic parents are significantly more likely to be concerned about all online safety-related issues. In contrast, white parents exhibit the lowest levels of concern across various online safety issues.

Breaking the code

Researchers developed a diagnostic method that reveals factors behind conditions thought to have environmental triggers by decoding an individual's immune system. The process identifies disease-specific antibodies and their corresponding antigens, providing insight into conditions like Type-1 diabetes, autism, and Alzheimer's disease.