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Science News Archive October 2013 - Page 18


Page 18 of 34

The cost of racial bias in economic decisions

New research suggests that racial biases impact economic decisions, leading participants to accept lower offers from White proposers and larger offers from Black proposers. The findings highlight how specific stereotypes can influence fairness perceptions, with implications for legal and economic contexts.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 17, 2013

Home schooled children leaner than traditionally schooled kids

A recent study published in the journal Obesity found that home-schooled children were less likely to be obese and had lower calorie intakes than traditionally schooled kids. The study's lead author noted that differences may reflect the unique environment of home-school families, but further research is needed.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalObesity·DateOct 17, 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.

The sly maneuvers of the fungus fatal to frogs

Researchers found that a fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, blocks the adaptive immune response in amphibians, allowing it to survive. The study suggests that the fungus targets a conserved vulnerability shared by both amphibian and mammalian lymphocytes.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 17, 2013

World's first mapping of America's rare plants

A comprehensive botanical data set reveals that stable climates and small habitat areas are key factors in the distribution of rare plant species. The study highlights the importance of preserving these regions from human-induced climate changes, which could threaten the survival of many unique species.

SourceAarhus University·JournalEcology Letters·DateOct 17, 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.

Statin, osteoporosis drug combo may help treat parasitic infections

Researchers at the University of Georgia have discovered a combination of two drugs that can effectively treat toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii. The therapy uses cholesterol-lowering statin atorvastatin and osteoporosis medication zoledronic acid to block parasite replication and spread.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateOct 17, 2013

Depression twice as likely in migraine sufferers

A study of over 67,000 Canadians found that depression is nearly twice as prevalent among migraine sufferers as the general population, particularly among younger women and those with difficulty performing daily activities. The study also highlights a higher risk of suicidal ideation among young migraineurs.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalDepression Research and Treatment·DateOct 17, 2013

Mysterious ancient human crossed Wallace's Line

Researchers suggest that Denisovans, an ancient human relative, successfully crossed Wallace's Line, a powerful marine current, to interbreed with modern humans. This finding opens up questions about the behaviors and capabilities of this group and how far they could have spread.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalScience·DateOct 17, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Most distant gravitational lens helps weigh galaxies

Astronomers have found the most distant gravitational lens yet, which provides a rare opportunity to directly measure the mass of a distant galaxy. The discovery poses a puzzle as lenses are expected to be exceedingly rare, suggesting either luck or underestimated small galaxies in the early Universe.

SourceESA/Hubble Information Centre·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateOct 17, 2013

Next-generation gene sequencing can identify invasive carp species in Chicago area waterways

Researchers developed precise monitoring systems by analyzing gut microbiota of invasive Asian carp and native gizzard shad, revealing key differences between species. The study uses next-generation gene sequencing technology to identify biomarkers for each species, promising a new approach to preventing their spread in the Great Lakes.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·DateOct 17, 2013

Weighing up blood-thinners: Is warfarin always the best choice?

A new study by Joyce You found that newer anticoagulants are more cost-effective than warfarin when patients' therapeutic ranges drop below 60%. Warfarin is most cost-effective when patients are within the successful range for more than 70% of the time. The study's results have implications for clinicians and policymakers.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateOct 17, 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.

The complicated birth of a volcano

Researchers found chemical signatures similar to plume volcanoes in the Marie Byrd Seamounts, which do not fit typical models of fire mountain formation. They propose that mantle material was shifted under oceanic plates, leading to volcanic eruptions on the adjacent seamounts.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalGondwana Research·DateOct 17, 2013

UCLA psychologists report new insights on human brain, consciousness

Researchers found that consciousness does not reside in a specific area of the brain but rather arises from the communication among billions of neurons. The study provides an initial step toward developing a scientific definition of consciousness.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateOct 17, 2013

Could Sandy happen again? Maybe, says Tufts geologist

Tufts University geologist Andrew Kemp warns that rising sea levels make coastal areas vulnerable to flooding from smaller storms. He cites glacio-isostatic adjustment and ocean thermal expansion as factors contributing to sea-level rise.

SourceTufts University·DateOct 17, 2013

Scientists prove Heisenberg's intuition correct

An international team of scientists has provided proof of Heisenberg's error-disturbance relation, describing a reciprocal relation between position accuracy and momentum disturbance. The work has important implications for quantum cryptography and computing, reaffirming the security of quantum-encrypted messages.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 17, 2013

Men-only hepatitis B mutation explains higher cancer rates

Researchers identified a novel HBV mutation in Korean men that may explain the gender disparity in liver cancer incidence. The mutation is associated with severe liver disease and was found exclusively in male patients.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalJournal of Clinical Microbiology·DateOct 17, 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.

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.

Nanotech system, cellular heating may improve treatment of ovarian cancer

Researchers at Oregon State University developed a nanotech system that combines heat and chemotherapeutic drugs to kill 95% of ovarian cancer cells. The system uses iron oxide nanoparticles coated with a cancer-killing drug, which are heated using an oscillating magnetic field, improving efficacy while minimizing side effects.

SourceOregon State University·JournalInternational Journal of Pharmaceutics·DateOct 17, 2013

To sleep, perchance to clean

A recent study published in Science shows that the brain's unique glymphatic system, responsible for removing waste, is highly active during sleep. This process clears away toxic proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease, suggesting a vital function of sleep in maintaining brain health.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalScience·DateOct 17, 2013

Tropical Storm Priscilla's short life

Tropical Storm Priscilla formed and rapidly weakened over 3 days in the eastern Pacific, skipping the depression phase. Its maximum sustained winds dropped to 35 mph/55 kph within a day of formation, marking one of the shortest-lived tropical storms of the season.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 17, 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.

Social psychologists say war is not inevitable, psychology research should promote peace

Researchers from the UMass Amherst Psychology of Peace and Violence program argue that social psychology can be used to promote nonviolence and peace. They emphasize the importance of increasing empathy and understanding of others in reducing conflict, and highlight the need for more research on constructive approaches to violence.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalAmerican Psychologist·DateOct 17, 2013

Marmoset monkeys know polite conversation

Marmosets exhibit cooperative vocal exchange in a conversational manner, taking turns without interruptions, and follow unspoken rules of etiquette. This unique behavior is distinct from other animals and shares similarities with human communication patterns.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 17, 2013
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.

Is a constructive conservation the last chance for biodiversity?

The constructive conservation framework combines strategies for preserving biodiversity in both natural and designed landscapes. By prioritizing ecologically viable habitats, actively creating new ecosystems, and accepting novel ecosystems as natural landscapes, researchers aim to maximize the effective use of resources. This approach ...

SourceTechnische Universitat Darmstadt·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateOct 17, 2013
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Will health insurance expansion cut ER use? U-M study in teens & young adults may help predict

A new University of Michigan study suggests that the newly insured will make more outpatient visits and fewer emergency room (ER) visits than they do today. The study found that clinic visits rose significantly among adolescents after the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) went into effect, while ER visits remained flat. Howeve...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateOct 17, 2013

The NICU environment: Not all silence is golden

Research suggests that NICU environments may affect premature infants' developmental outcomes. Private rooms showed lower language scores and motor skills in some children at 2 years old. Further research is needed to determine the optimal environment for premature infants in the NICU.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateOct 17, 2013

Yoga accessible for the blind with new Microsoft Kinect-based program

A team of University of Washington computer scientists has developed a software program called Eyes-Free Yoga, which uses Microsoft Kinect to track body movements and provide auditory feedback for six yoga poses. The program allows blind and low-vision individuals to participate in yoga exercises in a more comfortable setting.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateOct 17, 2013

Using gesture and voice to control 3D molecular graphics

Scientists have developed a novel software tool, Molecular Control Toolkit, allowing researchers to intuitively control 3D molecular graphics using gestures and voice commands. This innovation enables life scientists to visualize complex molecule structures more easily, model behavior, and design better drugs.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·DateOct 17, 2013
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Bacteria-eating viruses 'magic bullets in the war on superbugs'

Researchers have isolated viruses that specifically target the highly infectious hospital superbug C. diff, which can cause severe diarrhoea and dehydration. The discovery could lead to a new treatment for this condition, with the potential to revolutionise the way it is treated in clinics.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·DateOct 16, 2013

Toward a urine test for detecting blood clots

Researchers have developed a simple and reliable urine test to detect blood clots, which can cause life-threatening conditions. The test uses synthetic biomarkers that can sense vascular diseases remotely from the urine.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 16, 2013

Schizophrenia linked to abnormal brain waves

Researchers at MIT have discovered a link between abnormal brain waves and schizophrenia symptoms in mice. The study found that mice lacking the brain protein calcineurin exhibit hyperactive brain-wave oscillations during rest and impaired mental replay, mirroring some schizophrenia symptoms.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNeuron·DateOct 16, 2013
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.

When neurons have less to say, they speak up

In a breakthrough study, researchers found that brain neurons can regulate their own activity to maintain a constant level of activity even after significant changes, such as sensory organ loss. This allows for regeneration and adaptation, essential for healthy brain function and recovery from injury.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNeuron·DateOct 16, 2013

Elusive secret of HIV long-term immunity

Scientists have discovered a critical clue about why some people can control HIV without taking antiviral drugs. These 'controllers' have an extra helping of the immune protein APOBEC3G, which blocks HIV from spreading within the body.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 16, 2013

Engine technology on the road to meeting emissions standards

A recent study on gasoline direct injection (GDI) technology found that it can reduce particulate matter emissions to meet new California and EPA standards. GDI vehicles tested over a lifetime of 150,000 miles hovered near or below the limit set by the new regulations.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateOct 16, 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.

Taking stock of research on sleepless soldiers

Insomnia affects up to 54% of US military personnel and veterans since 2001, with deployment-related stressors contributing to chronic sleeplessness. Behavioral interventions like cognitive-behavioral therapy show promise in reducing insomnia's effects.

SourceSpringer Science+Business Media·JournalCurrent Psychiatry Reports·DateOct 16, 2013
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.

The brain's neural thermostat

Researchers at Brandeis University observed a neural firing-rate set point in neocortical neurons, which remains stable even during sensory deprivation or sleep. This homeostatic mechanism could lead to new approaches for neurological disorders.

SourceBrandeis University·JournalNeuron·DateOct 16, 2013

Farm and germ education go hand in hand

A study published in PLOS ONE found that interactive farm hygiene lessons improved students' knowledge of germ spread and prevention, especially among girls. The lesson increased post-lesson scores by 21% for girls and 14% for boys, with a total increase of 13% in hand-to-mouth behavior awareness.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 16, 2013