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Science News Archive October 2013


Page 16 of 34

CWRU makes nanodiamonds in ambient conditions

Scientists have developed a method to produce nanodiamonds using ethanol vapor at room temperature and pressure, requiring no surface growth. The discovery holds promise for various applications, including flexible electronics, implants, and drug delivery devices.

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.

Atomically thin device promises new class of electronics

Researchers at Northwestern University have created a p-n heterojunction diode using molybdenum disulfide and carbon nanotubes, allowing for electronically tunable device characteristics. The device has also shown ultrafast photodetection capabilities with a sensitive response to light.

New native shrubs show promise for landscape, nursery industries

Researchers identify four native shrubs with potential as commercially viable nursery crops: Ceanothus americanus, Corylus cornuta, Lonicera canadensis, and Viburnum acerifolium. Successful propagation protocols are key to their success. Timing of cutting is crucial for optimal rooting, with Viburnum acerifolium showing the most promise.

Study: No known hominin is ancestor of Neanderthals and modern humans

A recent study using dental fossils suggests that the common ancestor of Neanderthals and modern humans diverged nearly 1 million years ago, contradicting previous molecular evidence. The researchers found no known hominin species matches the expected dental morphology of the last common ancestor.

Embargoed news from Oct. 22, 2013 Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet

The American College of Physicians recommends against routine screening for chronic kidney disease (CKD) in asymptomatic adults without risk factors. In contrast, patients with hypertension and stage 1-3 CKD should be treated with ACE inhibitors or ARBs to manage elevated low-density lipoprotein levels. The evidence review suggests tha...

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.

Physical cues help mature cells revert into embryonic-like stem cells

Bioengineers at the University of California, Berkeley, have shown that physical cues can replace certain chemicals when nudging mature cells back to a pluripotent stage. The researchers found a four-fold increase in the number of cells that reverted back to an embryonic-like state compared with cells grown on a flat surface.

New idea for targeting the common cancer protein KRAS

Researchers have discovered small molecules that attach to and disrupt the function of a KRAS-containing protein complex, potentially inhibiting cell growth and survival in cancer cells. These findings offer a new approach to targeting the common cancer protein KRAS.

2 genetic wrongs make a biochemical right

Scientists at UMass Chan Medical School discovered that knocking out a gene important for mRNA translation restores memory deficits and reduces behavioral symptoms in a mouse model of Fragile X syndrome. The study suggests that the prime cause of the disease may be a translational imbalance, and restoration of this balance may be neces...

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Rats! Humans and rodents process their mistakes

Researchers tracked similarities in how human and rodent subjects adapted to errors in a simple time estimation task, finding that both species employed low-frequency brainwaves to synchronize neurons. This study suggests that rat models could be useful for studying psychiatric diseases.

Shining the soothing light

A Phase III trial found that low-level laser therapy (LLLT) significantly reduces the incidence of severe canker sores (grades 3 and 4) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients undergoing concurrent chemoradiotherapy. LLLT also improves patient quality of life, reducing oral pain and opioid analgesic use.

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.

'Random' cell movement is directed from within

Scientists discovered that cellular projections are initiated by a network of message-relaying proteins inside the cell, even in random movement. The findings have implications for understanding and manipulating biological processes, including cancer metastasis.

Delayed gratification hurts climate change cooperation

New research reveals that groups cooperate less for climate change mitigation when rewards are in the future, especially for future generations. Despite initial investment, none of the groups achieved the target due to instant gratification.

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.

NTU scientists make breakthrough solar technology

NTU scientists have made a breakthrough in solar technology by developing a new material that is five times cheaper to produce and generates almost as much power as current thin film solar cells. The material, called perovskite, converts up to 15% of sunlight to electricity, close to the efficiency of current solar cells.

Mixing nanoparticles to make multifunctional materials

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have created a method for combining different types of nanoparticles to produce large-scale composite materials. By using DNA-based assembly methods, they can control and optimize the properties of newly formed materials.

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.

Potential new drug for some patients with treatment-resistant lung cancer

The investigational drug AZD9291, a third-generation EGFR inhibitor, has shown substantial tumor shrinkage in mice with lung tumors harboring activating and resistance mutations. It is well-tolerated and its breakdown product, AZ5104, also inhibits both forms of EGFR, providing new treatment options for patients.

Topological light: Living on the edge

Researchers at Joint Quantum Institute report direct observation of topological effects for light in two dimensions, creating ultrastable quantum 'playgrounds.' Photonic edge states exhibit persistent flow and near immunity against defects, similar to quantum Hall effect for electrons.

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.

Cells' 'molecular muscles' help them sense and respond to their environments

Researchers discovered that individual molecular muscles within cells respond differently to various forces, shedding light on how cells 'feel' their environment. A computer model predicts cell behavior in response to altered levels of these molecules, with implications for understanding cellular disorders like cancer and neurodegenera...

Fires in China Oct. 18, 2013

A major coal seam fire in China's Shuangyashan prefecture-level city has been detected by NASA's Terra satellite, highlighting the issue of underground coal fires that can cause severe air pollution and global warming.

Geoscience Workforce Currents #80

The 2013 National Geoscience Student Exit survey found that majority of doctoral and master's candidates were employed within geosciences fields. Many bachelor's candidates still sought employment or planned to attend graduate school.

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.

Learning dialects shapes brain areas that process spoken language

A new study from RIKEN Brain Science Institute found that the pitch-accent in words pronounced in standard Japanese activates different brain hemispheres depending on whether the listener speaks standard Japanese or one of the regional dialects. Native speakers who acquire a second language later in life process pitch changes similarly...

BMC receives 2 awards to study delivery of patient care

BMC has been approved to receive two research awards from PCORI, focusing on socio-legal barriers in cancer care and effective treatments for chronic pain. The hospital's commitment to innovative health care delivery is highlighted through these studies.

CNIO researchers delve into the behavior of cohesins

Researchers discovered two variants of Pds5 proteins that modulate cohesins' behavior, essential for proper cell division. Understanding this regulation can improve diagnosis and treatment for cancer patients and Cornelia de Lange Syndrome sufferers.

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.

NASA's TRMM satellite monitors Typhoon Francisco

Typhoon Francisco passed west of Guam on October 18 as NASA's TRMM satellite measured its heavy rainfall, with rain falling at over 113 mm/hour in powerful storms. The storm is forecast to become a super-typhoon, reaching maximum sustained winds of at least 130 knots/150 mph.

The benefits of bacteria for gut health

Researchers have discovered that specific bacteria, such as Lactobacillus, stimulate the growth of host epithelial cells through the production of reactive oxygen species. This finding has implications for treating inflammatory bowel disease and other disorders.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Rwandan teens learn mapping skills with smart phones and tablet PCs

A community-mapping project in Rwanda provides high school students with spatial-thinking skills using tablet computers and smart phones. The project aims to train 225 students in natural resource mapping and synthesize data about local agriculture, weather, water quality, and infrastructure.

Scientists identify key genes for increasing oil content in plant leaves

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory discovered two key genes required for oil production and accumulation in plant leaves. Overexpressing these genes resulted in a significant increase in leaf oil production, with the potential to boost energy content of biofuels and plant-based foods.

Wrangling flow to quiet cars and aircraft

Researchers have developed a novel plasma actuator with serpentine geometry that can manipulate fluid flows in new ways. Early results suggest this technology could improve transportation efficiencies by reducing drag, noise, and fuel costs.

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.

Agricultural fires in India October 18, 2013

Punjab farmers set fire to clear fields before planting crops, clearing pests and turning crop residues into fertilizing ash, but also releasing harmful smoke that can aggravate heart and lung disease, especially for older adults and children.

Mutations in cancer often affect the X chromosome

Researchers found hypermutation of inactive X chromosome is a common event in cancer, especially in rapidly growing tumors. This phenomenon affects only the inactive copy of the X chromosome and contributes to carcinogenesis.

Salmonella sensing system

A novel design uses a magnetoelastic biosensor and surface-scanning coil detector to detect Salmonella on food surfaces, enabling real-time testing of food and processing plant equipment. This handheld device can be used in agricultural fields or processing plants to quickly identify contaminated surfaces.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Tiny 'Lego brick'-style studs make solar panels a quarter more efficient

Scientists have developed a new solar panel design that improves efficiency by up to 22% using aluminum studs, which bend and trap light inside the absorbing layer. This technology has the potential to make thin and flexible solar panels available at competitive prices, powering everything from domestic appliances to portable electronics.

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.

Montreal combo plate cuts weight and health risks in obese individuals

A study found that combining high-intensity interval training with Mediterranean diet counselling significantly improves body fat mass, cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and weight loss in obese individuals. The intervention also resulted in improved aerobic fitness, reduced waist circumference, and better control of blood sugar levels.

Evolution is not a one-way road towards complexity

A new study on cryptic worms reveals that their ancestors had a highly complex muscular body plan, which is lost in the adult stage. The findings suggest that the common ancestor of aplacophorans and polyplacophorans was similar in complexity, implying that the worm-like groups lost these traits over evolutionary time.

Skid row cancer study has implications for treatment today, Penn researcher says

A new study by University of Pennsylvania researcher Robert Aronowitz highlights the flaws in prostate cancer screening measures, citing a 1950s study that showed invasive procedures were often performed without solid evidence. Millions of men have undergone PSA tests, which can lead to unnecessary treatments and detrimental effects.

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.