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Science News Archive October 2013


Page 15 of 34

A natural boost for MRI scans

Researchers have developed a new hyperpolarization technique for MRI scans using naturally occurring pyruvic acid, reducing the need for potentially toxic substances. This breakthrough improves imaging quality and diagnosis while minimizing health risks.

URC leads new USAID project to improve Haiti's health care system

The Quality Health Services for Haiti (SSQH) North project aims to increase the use and quality of primary care services in rural areas. URC will support the Haitian Ministry of Public Health and Population with quality improvement and results-based financing approaches.

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.

New drug combinations may benefit patients with pancreatic cancer

Researchers have identified two drug combinations that can simultaneously block two major signaling pathways downstream of the KRAS protein, which is aberrantly active in most pancreatic cancers. The combinations substantially inhibited tumor growth and reduced metastasis compared to either drug alone.

Study: Death by moonlight? Not always

Research suggests that moonlight affects prey species differently depending on their sensory systems, with some using vision as a backup defense. Moonlight benefits visually oriented prey, while negatively impacting predators' hunting success.

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.

Personal and social concerns motivate organic food buyers

Researchers at Washington State University found that organic food purchases are influenced by both personal (egoistic) and environmental (altruistic) concerns. Advertisers can effectively target this market by highlighting the benefits of organic products in relation to individual well-being and environmental impact.

Do sunny climates reduce ADHD?

A recent study in Biological Psychiatry suggests a possible link between sunny climates and reduced ADHD prevalence rates. The research found that regions with high sunlight intensity tend to have lower ADHD rates, even after controlling for other known risk factors.

Intervention helps older adults prepare for emergencies

A University of Missouri researcher has developed an intervention program to help older adults living independently better prepare for health emergencies. The program, which involves discussing hypothetical scenarios with support network members, was found to create better emergency plans than traditional methods.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Solar panels can be used to provide heating and air conditioning

Engineers from Universidad Carlos III de Madrid have designed a model to maximize energy savings and CO2 reductions by using solar power for heating and cooling. The system, which can be installed in large office blocks, can provide air conditioning or heating according to daily needs.

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.

UC San Diego researchers advance explanation for star formation

Researchers provide physical explanation for Larson's Laws, showing that three correlations are due to the same underlying physics of supersonic turbulence. The study uses six simulations to support this interpretation and sheds light on molecular cloud structure formation.

Major Alzheimer's risk factor linked to red wine target

Researchers at the Buck Institute discovered a link between ApoE4 and SirT1, an anti-aging protein targeted by resveratrol. Increasing SirT1 may prevent Alzheimer's disease-related abnormalities in brain samples from patients with ApoE4 and AD.

Time is ripe for fire detection satellite, say UC Berkeley scientists

Researchers have designed a fire-spotting satellite using advanced sensors and analysis software, which can detect hot spots in search of newly ignited wildfires. The satellite could view the Western states continuously, directing firefighting resources to prevent fires from growing out of control.

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.

Targeting cancer's sweet tooth

Cancer cells use a process called the Warburg effect to extract energy from glucose, allowing them to sustain growth while retaining building blocks for molecules. Researchers identify a novel pathway involving mTORC2 that enables cancer cells to resist targeted therapies and develop new treatments.

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.

The Danes do not abandon church Christianity

A study published in the Journal of Contemporary Religion found that Danes aged 50-76 show increased support for Christian faith and spirituality. The research contradicts the idea that Western societies are increasingly individualizing their religious practices.

Economic assessment of mountain pine beetle timber salvage

A recent study assesses the economic viability of salvaging standing timber killed by mountain pine beetles in western US states. While some regions like Idaho, Montana, Washington, Oregon, California, and South Dakota can generate positive net revenues from salvage, others like Colorado and Wyoming face losses due to saturated markets.

A chameleon in the physics lab

Researchers at Harvard SEAS have developed a thin coating that intrinsically conceals its own temperature to thermal cameras, demonstrating the potential for new military and everyday applications. By introducing impurities or defects in vanadium oxide, the team can create a wide range of interesting behaviors.

Light as medicine?

Researchers at UWM have discovered that near-infrared (NIR) and blue light can repair tissue in dramatically different ways, but both act on the same enzyme in the cell's energy supply center: the mitochondria. NIR light has been shown to improve MS symptoms in rodent models, while blue light kills bacteria that cause infection.

Small changes in ag practices could reduce produce-borne illness

Researchers found that certain management practices, such as manure application and irrigation timing, can boost or decrease the risk of contamination from salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. Adjusting these practices can significantly reduce the risk of produce-borne illness with minimal cost to growers.

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.

Use of booze and drugs common among truck drivers on the road

A systematic review of 36 studies found that truck drivers frequently use substances like alcohol, amphetamines, cannabis, and cocaine while on the road. The prevalence varies widely depending on factors such as age, income, trip duration, and work conditions.

Single mutation gives virus new target

A team of scientists discovered that a single amino acid change in the human BK polyomavirus enables it to bind to a different sugar on host cell surfaces. This mutation allows the virus to potentially adapt to new species by changing its binding target preference.

West African bats -- no safe haven for malaria parasites

Researchers discovered four genera of haemosporidian parasites in West African bats, closely related to the malaria pathogen Plasmodium. The study highlights the complex relationship between bats and pathogens, with potential implications for understanding human malaria evolution and developing new vaccines.

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.

Grazers and pollinators shape plant evolution

Researchers studied bird's eye primrose populations in alvar grasslands on Öland Island to investigate how grazing and pollinators impact plant characteristics. Grazing pressure and pollination intensity determine the reproductive success of short vs. tall morphs, leading to changes in genetic composition over time.

Tuberculosis and the social lives of badgers

A study by Nicola Weber and colleagues found that TB-infected badgers are less likely to spread the disease within their own groups but more likely to facilitate spread across a network. Vaccination may be a more effective strategy for controlling TB in badger populations, maintaining social structure intact.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Moderate to vigorous exercise boosts teens' academic performance

Research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that regular moderate to vigorous exercise improves teens' academic performance, with girls doing better in science. The study, which tracked over 5000 children aged 11-16, showed a dose-response effect between exercise intensity and test results.

Low vitamin D levels raise anemia risk in children, Hopkins-led study shows

A Hopkins-led study finds that low vitamin D levels are associated with an increased risk of anemia in children. The research, which analyzed blood samples from over 10,400 kids, suggests that vitamin D's effects on red blood cell production and immune inflammation may play a role in the link between the two conditions.

Bottle feeding associated with increased risk of stomach obstruction in infants

A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that bottle feeding may play a role in the development of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS), a form of stomach obstruction. The incidence of HPS decreased during the study period, while breastfeeding prevalence increased, suggesting a possible link between bottle feeding and HPS risk.

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.

Hitchhiking virus confirms saga of ancient human migration

A study of herpes simplex virus type 1 confirms the 'out-of-Africa' pattern of human migration, with African isolates clustering together and Asian viruses grouping based on sequencing of human genomes. The findings support existing analyses of human migration and provide insights into how organisms are related.

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.

Turfgrass tested in shallow green roof substrates

A new study recommends Manilagrass planting and irrigation strategies for shallow green roof conditions. The research found that substrate depth was the most significant factor improving growth and drought resistance of Manilagrass.

New drug reduces negative memory

Researchers at the University of Basel have identified a new compound that reduces aversive memory, a trait central to anxiety disorders like PTSD. The compound, a known antihistamine, was found to significantly reduce memory recall of negative pictures but not neutral or positive ones.

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.

Learning new skills keeps an aging mind sharp

Researchers found that learning new skills, such as photography, improves memory in older adults, while less demanding activities like listening to classical music or completing word puzzles have little impact. Engaging in unfamiliar and mentally stimulating activities is crucial for maintaining cognitive vitality with age.

Are you ready to retire?

A new PDE model computes the value of a defined pension plan, including the option for early retirement. The authors provide mathematical analysis and numerical methods to solve the problem, allowing users to identify optimal retirement dates.

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.