Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive October 2013


Page 8 of 34

Many bushfires in New South Wales, Australia

Bushfires continued raging in New South Wales, with over 116,000 hectares burned. The MODIS instrument on NASA's Terra satellite detected heat from the fires and showed a large area of smoke in the Wollemi National Park.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study finds high rate of lower back injuries in young athletes

A study presented by Loyola University Medical Center sports medicine physician Neeru Jayanthi found that lower back injuries are the third most common injury suffered by young athletes under age 18. The study included over 1,200 athletes who suffered 843 injuries, with serious cases putting them at risk for long-term back problems.

Bumps in the road to developing long-lasting, single-injection nerve blocks

A study of liposomal bupivacaine found it produces femoral nerve block lasting longer than 24 hours in volunteers, but the results are not straightforward due to variable responses and an inverse relationship between dose and response. Larger trials will be needed before the product can be recommended for routine clinical use.

Neutrons, electrons and theory reveal secrets of natural gas reserves

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory developed a technique to examine pore sizes in nanoporous carbons, revealing higher local structural order than previously believed. This discovery allows for more efficient gas extraction from shale deposits and potential carbon dioxide sequestration technologies.

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.

El Niño is becoming more active

A new approach to analyzing paleo-climate reconstructions reveals that El Niño activity during the 20th century was unusually high compared to past 600 years. The study found ENSO activity to be more active between 1979-2009 than any 30-year period in the past 600 years.

New material for quantum computing discovered out of the blue

Researchers have discovered that copper phthalocyanine can remain in 'superposition' states, a key characteristic of quantum computing, for surprisingly long times. This could lead to significant advancements in quantum technologies, including data storage and manipulation.

Supermagnets present ongoing child health risks

A recent study by Canadian researchers found a significant increase in magnet-related ingestions among children, with multiple magnet ingestion rates increasing most in the last three years. The powerful magnets are up to 10 times stronger than traditional magnets and remain available online despite product recalls.

Study identifies biomarker linked to poor outcomes in pregnant lupus patients

A study at Hospital for Special Surgery identified an imbalance of angiogenic factors as a predictor of poor pregnancy outcomes in lupus patients. Elevated levels of anti-angiogenic protein sFlt1 and lower levels of placental growth factor (PIGF) were associated with increased risk of preeclampsia and other complications.

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.

Study with totally blind people shows how light helps activate the brain

Researchers at the University of Montreal discovered that even completely blind people can detect light through a novel photoreceptor in the retina, allowing their brains to 'see' and respond to environmental changes. This study found that light enhances brain activity during cognitive tasks, improving alertness and mood.

Treasures found and lost in US National Parks

Scientists have made significant discoveries in US National Parks, including a vast Yellowstone magma reservoir and ancient plant fossils. Rising seas threaten coastal parks like Cape Hatteras and Everglades, highlighting the need for climate change response efforts.

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.

Bird buffet requires surveillance

Research by Guy Beauchamp reveals semipalmated sandpipers feed differently depending on group position, with peripheral birds acting as sentinels. The study sheds light on the mechanisms behind group living and its benefits for survival.

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.

Novel mutations define 2 types of bone tumor

Scientists have identified two types of rare bone tumors linked to specific mutations in the H3F3A and H3F3B genes. These mutations are found in nearly 100% of patients suffering from chondroblastoma and giant cell tumor of the bone, offering a new diagnostic tool and potential treatment.

UNC neuroscientists discover new 'mini-neural computer' in the brain

Researchers found that brain dendrites actively process information, multiplying the brain's computing power. Dendritic spikes are selectively generated depending on visual stimuli, indicating local processing within dendrites. This discovery has exciting implications for understanding neurological disorders and brain circuitry.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

What do we know -- and not know -- about fracking?

Scientists examine fracking's impact on water, air, and human health through research that is still being played catch-up. The medical geology field has emerged to address the shale gas boom's concerns about environmental issues.

Smart neurons: Single neuronal dendrites can perform computations

Researchers have discovered that single neuronal dendrites can perform computations, producing specific electrical signals in response to visual stimulation. This finding challenges the long-held assumption that computation occurs only with large numbers of neurons working together.

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.

How to manage nature's runaway freight trains

Researchers have made significant progress in understanding how burned landscapes respond to rainfall, enabling the development of treatments to mitigate damage. Debris flow models have helped explain where these events are most likely to occur and how large they might be.

A nanofibrous conduit suitable for repair of long-segment sciatic nerve defects

A study published in Neural Regeneration Research found that a nanofibrous PHBV conduit can repair long-segment sciatic nerve defects with similar functional recovery rates to autologous nerve grafting. The conduit's flexible and porous structure allows for optimal nutrient transport, making it suitable for long-term use.

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.

Yoga practice beneficial to patients with COPD

A study by the American College of Chest Physicians found that yoga training improved lung function, breathing, and quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The 12-week program involved physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation.

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.

Study finds new genetic error in some lung cancers

A study at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute discovered a gene fusion that fuels the growth of some lung adenocarcinomas, making targeted therapies effective for patients with specific genetic changes. The finding suggests that drugs targeting NTRK1's protein product could be effective in treating these patients.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

X-rays overused in ICU: Ultrasound safer, just as effective

Researchers found that bedside ultrasound reduced x-ray usage by 5 times and CT scans by 3.5 times, without affecting mortality rates or health outcomes. This cost-effective alternative is a significant improvement over traditional imaging methods.

Scientists eye longer-term forecasts of US heat waves

Researchers at NCAR have fingerprinted a distinctive atmospheric wave pattern that can foreshadow the emergence of summertime heat waves in the United States. By analyzing a 12,000-year simulation of the atmosphere, they found that this pattern is associated with an increased likelihood of US heat waves 15-20 days out.

Radioactive waste: Where to put it?

Geologists are exploring shales as a potential site for America's spent nuclear fuel, with some formations showing natural groundwater pressure anomalies that can be analyzed on a large scale. A new computer model is also being developed to evaluate the behavior of various forms of nuclear waste and waste containers in different rocks.

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.

Sandy's lessons include: Put parks, not houses, on the beach

Researchers predict that future storms could cause even more damage to New York City's barrier islands, such as Staten Island and Long Island. To mitigate this risk, the scientists propose building parks on these areas instead of rebuilding homes in flood zones.

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.

Pediatric musculoskeletal MRSA infections on the rise

Pediatric patients with culture-positive Staphylococcus aureus infections saw a significant increase in methicillin-resistant MRSA cases, leading to longer hospital stays and more surgeries. MRSA-infected patients were also more likely to experience complications such as deep vein thrombosis and septic shock.

Only 11 percent of children involved in bike accidents wear a helmet

A recent study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that only 11% of children involved in bike accidents in Los Angeles County wore a helmet. Children over age 12 and from low-income and minority communities were less likely to wear helmets. The study highlights the need for targeted safety programs to address these disparities.

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.

Peer pressure can influence food choices at restaurants

A University of Illinois study found that when groups eat together at a restaurant and must state their food choice aloud, they tend to select items from the same menu categories. This phenomenon suggests that people want to fit in with their peers rather than exhibit variety-seeking behavior.