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Science News Archive October 2013 - Page 15


Page 15 of 34

Nano-cone textures generate extremely 'robust' water-repellent surfaces

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory discovered that cone-shaped nanotextures produce significantly better water-repellency than cylindrical pillars. The unique shape prevents the contact line from getting pinned to the nanotexture, keeping surfaces dry even under pressure.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateOct 21, 2013

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.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 21, 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.

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.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateOct 21, 2013

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.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateOct 21, 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.

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.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Advertising·DateOct 21, 2013

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.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateOct 21, 2013

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.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Family Nursing·DateOct 21, 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.

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.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalApplied Thermal Engineering·DateOct 21, 2013

In Nepal, villagers' land uses help people and tigers, study finds

A new study by Neil Carter found that when Nepalese villagers are given control over local land management decisions, it benefits both people and tigers. The researchers showed that tigers prefer grasslands near water, which flow into nearby forests or grassy cover.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalEcosphere·DateOct 21, 2013

Large prospective study finds long-term obesity is associated with poorer pancreatic cancer survival

A large prospective study found that patients with a body mass index in the obese range live on average two to three months less after a pancreatic cancer diagnosis compared to healthy-weight patients. Obesity is associated with poorer pancreatic cancer survival rates, even after adjusting for age and disease stage.

SourceAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateOct 21, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Breast milk protein may be key to protecting babies from HIV infection

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have discovered a breast milk protein, Tenascin-C (TNC), that neutralizes HIV and may protect exposed infants. The protein binds to and blocks virus entry, providing widespread protection against infection.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 21, 2013

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.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 21, 2013

Cleaner and greener cities with integrated transparent solar cells

Researchers have fabricated an optimal organic solar cell with high transparency and efficiency, promising affordable, clean renewable energies. The cells can be integrated into buildings, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and advancing towards a greener environment.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalNature Photonics·DateOct 21, 2013
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.

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.

SourceBuck Institute for Research on Aging·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 21, 2013

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalRemote Sensing·DateOct 21, 2013

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.

SourceLudwig Institute for Cancer Research·JournalCell Metabolism·DateOct 21, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalJournal of Contemporary Religion·DateOct 21, 2013

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.

SourceUSDA Forest Service ‑ Southern Research Station·JournalWestern Journal of Applied Forestry·DateOct 21, 2013

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.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalPhysical Review X·DateOct 21, 2013
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin - Milwaukee·JournalPhotomedicine and Laser Surgery·DateOct 21, 2013

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.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateOct 21, 2013

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.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalOccupational and Environmental Medicine·DateOct 21, 2013

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.

SourceBrown University·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateOct 21, 2013

Recommendations for clinical trial accrual published in Journal of Oncology Practice

The article discusses new recommendations for overcoming issues related to cancer clinical trial accrual. Strategies include involving patient advocates and improving communication with patients, developing evidence-based training initiatives for providers, and promoting accrual through leadership best practices at the site level.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalJournal of Oncology Practice·DateOct 21, 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.

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.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 21, 2013

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.

SourceUppsala University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 21, 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.

Poorly camouflaged insects can kick off a cascade of ecological impacts, new CU-Boulder study finds

A CU-Boulder study finds that poorly camouflaged insects can affect their broader ecological community when the appearance of the bug is mismatched with the plant it's living on. This can lead to a cascade of ecological impacts, including increased predation by birds and a subsequent decrease in arthropod populations.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 21, 2013

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.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 21, 2013

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.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateOct 21, 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.

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.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateOct 21, 2013

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateOct 21, 2013

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.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 21, 2013

Study identifies safe delivery system for tricky yet potent anti-cancer cancer compound

Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine have discovered a way to effectively deliver staurosporine, a powerful anti-cancer compound, to mouse tumors without harming healthy tissue. The new liposomal delivery system increases the efficiency of drug-loading by over 70% and shows potent results in suppressing tumors.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalInternational Journal of Nanomedicine·DateOct 21, 2013
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.

Largest therapy trial worldwide: Psychotherapy treats anorexia effectively

A large-scale study found that two new psychotherapeutic methods and a specialized form of standard psychotherapy can effectively treat anorexia nervosa in adults. Patients continued to show significant weight gains even after therapy concluded, with improved BMI and mental health outcomes.

SourceHeidelberg University Hospital·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 21, 2013

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.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateOct 21, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 21, 2013

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.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 21, 2013

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.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·JournalSIAM Journal on Applied Mathematics·DateOct 21, 2013
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.

Study shows buying breast milk online is likely to cause illness in infants

A study found that over three-fourths of breast milk samples purchased online contained bacteria that can cause illness, with high levels of contamination linked to poor shipping practices. Milk banks, which provide pasteurized milk from carefully screened donors, are a safer alternative for sick babies.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateOct 21, 2013

Targeted culling of deer controls disease with little effect on hunting

A study by University of Illinois researchers found that targeted deer culling in areas affected by CWD reduced the disease's prevalence to about 1% for 10 years. Meanwhile, hunter harvest increased nationwide, with only two counties experiencing a 11-20% reduction in deer populations.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPreventive Veterinary Medicine·DateOct 21, 2013