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Science News Archive November 2013 - Page 11


Page 11 of 30

Holistic cell design leads to high-performance, long cycle-life Li/S battery

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have developed a lithium-sulfur (Li/S) battery with more than twice the specific energy of lithium-ion batteries and up to 1,500 cycles without significant capacity loss. The battery's high performance makes it promising for electric vehicles with long driving ranges.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNano Letters·DateNov 19, 2013
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.

Oral drug may improve survival in men with metastatic prostate cancer

The study found that men taking tasquinimod saw no cancer progression for an average of 7.6 months, compared to 3.3 months for placebo. Men whose cancer had already metastasized to their bones and took tasquinimod remained progression-free for even longer, with an average survival benefit of seven months.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateNov 19, 2013

See a Honda, buy a Mountain Dew? What happens when consumers fast-forward through commercials?

A study by researchers from Duke University found that exposure to multiple brands with different personalities can make a focal brand seem more distinctive. Consumers are more likely to buy Mountain Dew when it's paired with a dissimilar brand like Honda, especially at faster-than-normal commercial speeds.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateNov 19, 2013

Younger Hispanic women face higher risk of death from heart attack

A study found that younger Hispanic and black women have a higher risk of in-hospital death after a heart attack compared to white men. Additionally, they are more likely to suffer from diabetes and have limited access to treatment options such as percutaneous coronary interventions or coronary artery bypass surgery.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateNov 19, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Blacks have less access to cancer specialists, treatment

AUC San Diego study reveals racial inequality in cancer treatment access, resulting in 15% higher mortality for African-American patients. Despite receiving similar treatments, black patients are less likely to receive primary tumor surgery and chemotherapy.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateNov 19, 2013

Origin of species: Protein imbalances doom hybrids

A new study reveals that protein imbalances, rather than sequence differences, play a crucial role in mediating reproductive isolation between closely related species. The Lmr and Hmr genes, which form a Dobzhansky-Muller gene pair, are responsible for this phenomenon.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateNov 19, 2013

Liberals aren't like the rest, or so they think

Liberals tend to underestimate agreement within their own group, while conservatives overestimate it, leading to different social change outcomes. This is driven by participants' desire for uniqueness and inaccurate perceptions of in-group consensus.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateNov 19, 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.

Phthalate exposure linked to preterm birth

A new study found that women exposed to phthalates during pregnancy have a significantly higher risk of preterm birth. The study, which measured phthalate levels in urine samples from pregnant women, found that those with the highest exposure had two-to-five times the odds of preterm birth compared to those with lower exposure.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateNov 19, 2013

High tunnel, open-field production systems compared for lettuce, tomato

A study by Washington State University researchers compared high tunnel and open-field production systems for lettuce and tomato. High tunnel-grown tomatoes were three times more profitable than open-field production, while lettuce was less profitable due to higher labor costs.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortTechnology·DateNov 19, 2013

Tropical Cyclone 04B forms in northern Indian Ocean

Tropical Cyclone 04B is a rapidly intensifying storm with moderate rainfall and broken bands of thunderstorms. The cyclone is expected to track slowly westward before making landfall in southern India, where it may bring significant impacts.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 19, 2013
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

How poor mental health and casual sex reinforce each other

A study of teens and young adults found a link between poor mental health and casual sex, with each contributing to the other over time. Researchers found that those who engaged in casual sex were more likely to later seriously consider suicide.

SourceOhio State University·JournalThe Journal of Sex Research·DateNov 19, 2013

Staphylococcus aureus bacteria turns immune system against itself

Researchers discovered that S. aureus converts neutrophil extracellular traps into a toxic molecule, dAdo, which kills macrophages and allows the bacteria to avoid immune destruction. The study provides new insights into the mechanisms behind S. aureus infections and offers potential therapeutic targets.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalScience·DateNov 19, 2013
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.

Fruit bat population covering central Africa is carrier of 2 deadly viruses

Researchers have found that a population of fruit bats covering central Africa is infected with two deadly viruses. The African straw-coloured fruit bat was previously known to be a reservoir for these viruses, and its homogeneity and extensive movement make it easy for the viruses to spread.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 19, 2013

Brain imaging reveals dynamic changes caused by pain medicines

Researchers used brain imaging to track pregabalin's effects on fibromyalgia patients, finding reduced glutamate levels and decreased insula connectivity. This study suggests a future of targeted brain imaging approaches for chronic widespread pain treatment.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAnesthesiology·DateNov 19, 2013

Monkeys can point to objects they do not report seeing

The study found that monkeys can localize stimuli they do not perceive, similar to humans, who can also locate and side-step objects in their peripheral vision. Monkeys performed tasks accurately when stimuli were unmasked, but still localized targets at masking levels for which they reported no target had been presented.

SourceSpringer Science+Business Media·JournalAnimal Cognition·DateNov 19, 2013

Demand for details on food labels includes the good -- and the bad

A new Cornell University study reveals that consumers are willing to pay more for products labeled as 'free of' certain ingredients. When provided with more information about the risks associated with those ingredients, consumers become even more confident in their purchasing decisions and value the product more.

SourceCornell University·JournalApplied Economic Perspectives and Policy·DateNov 19, 2013

NASA instrument determines hazards of deep-space radiation

CRaTER, an instrument on NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, has made detailed measurements of radiation in deep space. The findings provide crucial data on the high-energy hazards at and around the moon, enabling astronauts to shield against radiation.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalSpace Weather·DateNov 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.

The human health costs of losing natural systems: Quantifying Earth's worth to public health

A new paper highlights repeated correlations between human-caused changes to natural systems and human health outcomes, including cardiopulmonary disease, Chagas disease, malaria exposure, and iron deficiency anemia. The study proposes a research framework to strengthen the scientific underpinnings of both public health and environment...

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 19, 2013

A fresh step towards quantum computing

Scientists have successfully manipulated atomic magnetism by harnessing superconductivity to create a stable state, enabling the potential for quantum computing. By studying tiny magnetic molecules in contact with a superconductor surface, researchers were able to write and read information using controlled magnetism.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalNature Physics·DateNov 19, 2013
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.

What water looks like to DNA

A team of biochemists and mathematicians developed a geometric model to predict how biological molecules interact with water, computing results up to 20 times faster. This approach may help identify new targets for treating human diseases.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateNov 19, 2013

Hashtag health

A social media program by San Diego State University professor Ming-Hsiang Tsou analyzed tweets for keywords 'flu' and 'influenza' to identify outbreaks. The algorithm detected daily correlations between tweet patterns and regional reports, with five cities showing the strongest correlations.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateNov 19, 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.

Preschoolers can learn lasting heart-healthy lessons

A 3-year study in Colombia found that preschoolers participating in a structured curriculum using Sesame Street's materials improved their knowledge of healthy eating and exercise habits by 15-27%. The percentage of children at a healthy weight increased by 13%. Parents' knowledge and attitudes also showed significant improvements.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·DateNov 19, 2013

When bye bye becomes buy buy: How homophones affect consumer behavior

Researchers found that priming with homophones can influence consumer behavior, leading to increased willingness to pay for products. The study's findings have broader applications beyond consumer behavior, including potential uses in public policy and dieting goals.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateNov 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.

MAVEN launches on 10-month journey to Mars orbit

The NASA MAVEN mission has launched successfully, embarking on a 10-month journey to the Red Planet. The spacecraft will arrive at Mars in September 2014 and begin collecting science data after completing a check-out period.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 19, 2013

Zinc sulfate, sugar alcohol zinc sprays improve apple quality

Researchers found that zinc sprays at critical stages on apple trees increased zinc concentration, average fruit weight, and improved fruit firmness. Sugar alcohol zinc applications were more pronounced in improving fruit quality.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortTechnology·DateNov 19, 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.

Long-lasting gene therapy benefits advanced heart failure patients

A single dose of AAV1/SERCA2a gene therapy has long-lasting benefits for advanced heart failure patients, improving heart function status and reducing recurrent cardiovascular events. The study results support the potential use of this gene therapy as a new tool for treating advanced heart failure.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·DateNov 19, 2013

Researchers identify a new genetic risk factor for severe psychiatric illness

Researchers at The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research have discovered a new genetic risk factor called NDST3 for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. This genetic variant alters the expression of the gene, affecting neurodevelopmental processes, offering potential therapeutic targets for treatment.

SourceNorthwell Health·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 19, 2013

Study: Odds of rehospitalization of cognitively impaired varies by discharge destination

A study by Indiana University and Regenstrief Institute found that cognitively impaired older adults released from the hospital are less likely to be rehospitalized within 30 days if they go to a nursing home. In contrast, those returned to their own homes or family members are more likely to experience readmission.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateNov 19, 2013
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.

Peering into the future: How cities grow

Researchers at EPFL have discovered a law that can predict the growth of cities based on past population data and neighboring cities. This allows for better planning and management of urbanization. The study analyzed data from Spain over 111 years, uncovering patterns in urban migration.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateNov 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.

The semantics behind the sale price: When does the 'original' price matter?

Research reveals that consumers value sales more when considering the original price, and retailers can leverage this by highlighting list prices. In three experiments, authors found that relying on competing product similarities increased consideration of both original and sale prices, while focusing on dissimilarities led to a focus ...

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateNov 19, 2013

Study finds altered brain connections in epilepsy patients

A new study has found that patients with temporal lobe epilepsy have abnormal brain connections, which could help diagnose and treat the condition. The study used diffusion tensor imaging to track water movement in the brain's white matter, revealing a decrease in long-range connectivity of up to 45%.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateNov 19, 2013

HIV virus spread and evolution studied through computer modeling

The Los Alamos National Laboratory team has developed a novel approach to estimating epidemic dynamics, capturing the full infection history and social network interactions. The model allows for realistic simulation of epidemics with known parameters of human interactions.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateNov 19, 2013
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.

Shadehouses with photoselective nets featured in study of growing conditions

Researchers evaluated the impact of different colored shade nets on plant growth, temperature and light conditions in a 12-month study. The results showed that all shade nets reduced photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) values compared to uncovered sites, with black nets reducing PAR most and red nets least.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateNov 19, 2013

Asteroids' close encounters with Mars

Scientists have found that Mars can also stir up asteroid surfaces, refreshing them over time. The research suggests that the Red Planet plays a key role in altering the chemical nature of asteroids' surfaces, changing their reddish hue.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalIcarus·DateNov 19, 2013

Corticosteroid added to standard treatment improves eyesight in patients with sudden vision loss

Researchers found that adding a corticosteroid to standard treatment significantly improves both short- and long-term visual acuity in patients with nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). The study showed that patients treated with the combination therapy had better long-term vision compared to those only treated with...

SourceIOS Press·JournalRestorative Neurology and Neuroscience·DateNov 19, 2013