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Science News Archive October 2013


Page 20 of 34

As chimpanzees grow, so does yawn contagion

As chimpanzees grow from infant to juvenile, they develop increased susceptibility to human yawn contagion. Researchers found that yawning but not nose-wiping was contagious for juvenile chimpanzees, while infants found neither contagious. The results suggest a general developmental pattern shared by humans and other animals.

How do ADHD medications work?

Researchers found that methylphenidate and atomoxetine, two FDA-approved ADHD medications, increase brain activation when making fine temporal distinctions. This improvement in brain function is linked to improved behavior in children with ADHD.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Dr. John Martin awarded $3.7M for movement control studies

The lab of Dr. John Martin at City College of New York has received $3.7 million for studies on movement control and recovery after brain or spinal injury. The research aims to repair damaged nervous systems and develop therapies for humans with mobility impairments.

Sky survey captures key details of cosmic explosions

Researchers at Caltech's intermediate Palomar Transient Factory have detected a rare type of supernova in a nearby galaxy, providing evidence for the theory that it originated from a Wolf-Rayet star. Additionally, they found the afterglow of a gamma-ray burst, precisely locating its position using optical telescopes alone.

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.

New technology that sorts cells by stiffness may help spot disease

Researchers have developed a device that can sort human cells based on their stiffness, which may help doctors diagnose diseases more accurately. The technology uses microfluidic channels and ridges to separate cells into two streams depending on their mechanical properties.

What makes a data visualization memorable?

Researchers from Harvard and MIT found that data visualizations with recognizable images, such as photographs and logos, and unusual types of charts like tree diagrams and network diagrams, are more memorable. This challenges the conventional wisdom that traditional charts are more effective.

New survey tools unveil 2 celestial explosions

Researchers have linked a new stripped-envelope supernova, named iPTF13bvn, to its star of origin using novel astronomical survey software. The team also pinpointed the first afterglow of a gamma-ray burst that was found by the Fermi satellite.

Predicting health risks of everyday chemicals

The American Chemical Society is researching everyday household products' safety, but significant progress is needed. The EPA relies on multiple sources to assess chemical risks, including computer programs, buying trends data, and laboratory tests.

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.

Geoscience Workforce Currents #79

A recent survey found that most master's graduates participated in at least one internship experience, leading to employment within the geosciences industry. Bachelor's and doctoral graduates, on the other hand, had lower participation rates and less favorable career outcomes.

Killer whales may have menopause so grandma can look after the kids

Researchers suspect that killer whale menopause is related to the animals' social structure, where older females help protect and care for offspring and grandoffspring. The study aims to uncover why these whales evolved this trait, which may also shed light on human menopause.

Queen's University scientists shed new light on star death

Astronomers at Queen's University Belfast have found that small and dense neutron stars with gigantic magnetic fields power the most luminous supernovae. Contrary to existing theories, these stars' findings suggest a new explanation for the brightest exploding stars in the universe.

Female hormones key to breast and ovarian cancer in BRCA gene carriers

A study by UCL researchers found that abnormal levels of female hormones are a possible explanation for why women with BRCA1/2 mutations develop breast and ovarian cancer. The research suggests that targeting these hormones could lead to new ways of preventing cancers in high-risk women.

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.

Carbon cycle models underestimate indirect role of animals

Research finds that animal populations can significantly influence carbon storage and exchange in regional ecosystems, often rivaling the impact of fossil fuel emissions. This underplayed role highlights the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the indirect effects of animals on the carbon cycle.

Maximizing broccoli's cancer-fighting potential

Researchers have found that spraying broccoli with a plant hormone called methyl jasmonate boosts the levels of an enzyme that helps rid the body of carcinogens. Sulforaphane, a byproduct of glucosinolate breakdown, is a major contributor to this effect.

Just ask the animals!

Researchers used GPS sensors to track fishers' movements and discovered they chose routes that deviated from predicted models, highlighting the importance of considering animal behavior in landscape planning. This approach could lead to more accurate corridor predictions and improved species conservation.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

UCLA to house worldwide database of brain images for chronic-pain conditions

A new Pain and Interoception Imaging Network (PAIN) will feature hundreds of brain scans and clinical information to tease out similarities and differences between chronic-pain conditions. The database aims to improve research and treatment development for conditions like migraine, irritable bowel syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Quantum particles find safety in numbers

A new study by Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München researchers has uncovered a novel effect that can stabilize quantum systems against decoherence. In principle, this effect offers a means to protect the integrity of quantum information and brings practical quantum computing closer to reality.

Extinct 'mega claw' creature had spider-like brain

Researchers have discovered a 520-million-year-old fossilized nervous system in an extinct marine arthropod, revealing a spider-like brain structure. The ancient creature, Alalcomenaeus, had a central nervous system similar to that of horseshoe crabs and scorpions, linking its ancestors to the modern chelicerates.

Tip-of-the-tongue moments may be benign

Researchers found that older participants experienced more tip-of-the-tongue moments, but these experiences were not associated with actual memory problems. The study suggests that these frustrating occurrences are largely independent of each other.

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.

Avian influenza virus detection using smell

Scientists at the Monell Chemical Senses Center and USDA have discovered that avian influenza virus can be detected based on odor changes in infected birds. The study identified specific chemical compounds associated with the odor changes, which may also serve as potential biomarkers for diagnosing gastrointestinal diseases in humans.

What makes telenovelas so popular?

Researchers found that realistic stories with identifiable characters and plots lead to 'narrative transportation,' a phenomenon where consumers mentally enter the story. Five characteristics - familiarity, attention, fantasizing ability, higher education, and female gender - contribute to this effect.

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.

This week in Molecular Biology and Evolution

A recent molecular biology study suggests a significant reduction in population sizes of common ancestors of humans and chimpanzees, from 1.2 million to 30,000, coinciding with a great ape ancestral migration event from Eurasia to Africa.

Small bits of genetic material fight cancer's spread

Researchers at Princeton University have found that microRNAs can reduce the number of osteoclasts present in bones, inhibiting their forced labor. This could lead to effective treatment targets for tackling bone metastasis and help detect cancer's spread to the bone.

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.

1 in 10 women drink a little alcohol while pregnant

A study of 66,111 pregnant women in Norway found that those with negative affectivity were more likely to engage in light alcohol use and binge drinking. This increased risk was associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression, highlighting the need for further research into this issue.

To live and learn: Making memories has to be a speedy business

A new study from McGill University has discovered that nerve cells have a special mechanism, known as the 'pre-assembly' technique, which enables rapid protein production at synapses. This allows the brain to quickly form memories and adapt to new experiences, with potential implications for treating neurodevelopmental disorders.

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.

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.

Penn researchers take first step toward a macular dystrophy gene therapy

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have made an encouraging breakthrough in developing a gene therapy to treat macular dystrophy. They successfully delivered a healthy copy of the BEST1 gene to dogs using viral vectors, showing promise for preventing or restoring vision in individuals with these conditions.

How tiny organisms make a big impact on clean water

A new study reveals that microscopic suspension feeders overcome physical constraints by changing their angle relative to surfaces, maximizing access to fresh water and filtering the surrounding water. These tiny organisms filter up to 25% of seawater daily, making them essential for aquatic ecosystems.

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.

New 3-D method used to grow miniature pancreas

A team of researchers at the University of Copenhagen has developed a new 3D method to efficiently expand pancreatic cells, allowing for the growth of miniature human pancreas models. These models can be used to test new drugs and therapies for diabetes without the need for animal models.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Eye contact builds bedside trust

A Northwestern University study found that the amount of eye contact a doctor makes is the most important factor in patient perception of empathy. Patients also gave doctors higher scores when they engaged in social touches like handshakes or pats on the back, but excessive touches decreased empathy.

UCLA, USC get $2M to develop stroke center network in Southland

A three-way partnership between UCLA, USC, and UC Irvine will form the Los Angeles–Southern California Regional Coordinating Center to address stroke prevention, acute therapy, and recovery. The network will perform five to 10 clinical trials and educate fellows in stroke translational research.

Astronomers find clues to decades-long coronal heating mystery

Researchers Drs. Michael Hahn and Daniel Wolf Savin found evidence that magnetic waves can heat the corona, depositing most of their energy at low heights for widespread heat distribution. This discovery helps answer a 70-year-old solar physics conundrum about the Sun's extreme corona temperature.

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.

UT Southwestern reports promising new approach to drug-resistant infections

Researchers at UT Southwestern have developed a new type of antibiotic called PPMO that successfully killed a multidrug-resistant germ common to health care settings. The technology targets specific genes essential for bacterial reproduction and offers promise against the growing problem of antibiotic resistance.

Neurosurgical residents improve quality and reduce costs

Neurosurgeon residents at UCSF implemented a quality improvement program to reduce unnecessary diagnostic laboratory tests, resulting in a 47% decrease and cost savings of $1.7 million. Patient care was not compromised, and the program improved patient satisfaction and reduced hospital costs.

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.