Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive September 2013


Page 14 of 32

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.

Scaling up personalized query results for next generation of search engines

Researchers at NC State have developed a technique for personalized searches that can handle complex queries and scale up to support thousands of concurrent users. The new approach uses ambient query context to determine user intent in real-time, allowing for more accurate results and better handling of ambiguous searches.

Dirty job made easier: Microfluidic technique recovers DNA for IDs

Researchers at NIST and Applied Research Associates developed a microfluidic technique to recover DNA from complex mixtures like dirt. This method delivers optimal DNA concentrations for human identification procedures, potentially miniaturized for use outside the laboratory.

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.

Research team uncovers root cause of multiple myeloma relapse

A research team identified two genes, IRE1 and XBP1, that control response to proteasome inhibitors, which are commonly used to treat multiple myeloma. The study found that these underlying progenitor cells can survive treatment and lead to disease relapse.

Early to press means success

A study by James Cook University found that early publication is a key factor in predicting success in scientific research. Women face disadvantages due to language barriers and family responsibilities, hindering their progress. Publishing early and often helps scientists gain a competitive edge and become superstars in their field.

Study helps bring genome's 'dark matter' into light

Researchers have discovered that non-coding genes are regulated by protein-DNA interactions and can be targeted with more effective drugs. Using high-resolution technology, scientists identified 150,000 complexes along non-coding stretches of DNA in leukemia cell lines.

New study shows solar manufacturing costs not driven primarily by labor

A new report from NREL and MIT reveals that China's dominance in solar manufacturing is largely due to its production scale advantages, including access to capital and supply chain benefits. The study suggests that these advantages can be replicated in the US with innovative technology and scale-up.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Death & disability from air pollution down 35 percent in the US

A new study by Brigham Young University professor Arden Pope found a 35% reduction in deaths and disability attributable to air pollution in the US since 1990. This improvement is attributed to cleaner air quality, with significant reductions in cardiovascular disease and respiratory problems.

Physical contact + ethical marketing = increased consumer preference

A study from Concordia University's John Molson School of Business found that physical contact and ethical marketing can boost consumer preference. The research shows that utilitarian claims should be paired with practical products, while symbolic claims should be paired with symbolic products.

New marker identified for early diagnosis of lung cancer

A new marker called isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH1) has been identified as a non-invasive diagnostic marker for lung cancer, with high sensitivity and specificity in detecting non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC). IDH1 levels were found to be significantly higher in patients with lung cancer compared to healthy controls.

Financial incentives motivate sedentary adults to exercise

A review study of 1,500 patients found that financial incentives can increase exercise amounts, helping to overcome time commitment and discomfort barriers. The study suggests providing short-term incentives can drive long-term behavior change, preventing repeat heart events and saving the health system millions.

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.

Clean energy least costly to power America's electricity needs

A new study finds that replacing coal-fired power plants with wind turbines is the most cost-effective way to cut carbon pollution and reduce health impacts. The switch can also lead to lower electricity generation costs, making clean energy a more economically viable option for powering America's electricity needs.

Innovative auto steering device could save lives

A new auto steering device, proposed by Rene Guerster, aims to reduce the risk of accidents caused by sudden turns. The device, which uses computer-mediated steering, would enable drivers to steer around obstacles without releasing the wheel.

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.

Self-referral spurs unnecessary MRI exams for patients

A study published in Radiology found that patients referred by physicians with financial interest in imaging equipment were more likely to receive negative findings on knee MRI exams. This suggests that financial incentives may drive overuse of high-tech imaging, contributing to escalating medical costs.

New technology for bioseparation

A new technology developed by Brown University researchers simplifies biomolecule separation using microfluidics and magnets, increasing accuracy and sensitivity in disease detection. The technique has great applicability for point-of-care platforms and specific applications include testing for HIV and influenza.

Neonatal livers better source for hepatocytes than adult livers

Researchers have developed a high-yield method for isolating viable hepatocytes from cryopreserved neonatal livers, showing better thawing recovery than those from adult livers. This breakthrough may provide an alternative source for liver cell transplantation, potentially improving patient outcomes.

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.

Online citizen scientists: Classify plankton images

Researchers launched an online platform called Plankton Portal, allowing citizens to classify millions of underwater images to study plankton diversity. The project uses high-resolution digital sensors from the In Situ Ichthyoplankton Imaging System (ISIIS) to detect plankton and other organisms in the open ocean.

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.

Predicting who will have chronic pain

New research from Northwestern University predicts chronic back pain after lower back injuries based on abnormalities in brain structure connections. The study found that specific irregularities in the axons of the brain's white matter can trigger chronic pain with high accuracy, offering new hope for early treatment and prevention.

Recent highlights in Molecular Biology and Evolution

Researchers developed a high-throughput assay to track cell growth at low nutrient concentrations, revealing metabolic differences among cells of the same strain in the same environment. The study also found significant genetic variation in Sherpa populations' mitochondrial genomes, suggesting an adaptation for low oxygen environments.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

MOOCs Forum -- preview issue of groundbreaking publication

The new MOOCs Forum publication delves into the credibility, standards, and value of Massive Open Online Courses. Key findings include discussions on student identification and security, institutional benefits and liabilities, and platform advancements. The publication provides a voice for key stakeholders to shape the future of MOOCs.

Carbonation alters the mind's perception of sweetness

A study published in Gastroenterology found that carbonation can trick the brain into perceiving artificially sweetened drinks as just as sweet as regular ones. This effect may facilitate weight loss by making low-calorie drinks more palatable, but it also increases sugar and food consumption.

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.

A protein that can mean life or death for cells

A team from IRB Barcelona discovered Mitofusin 2 plays a crucial role in measuring cellular stress levels. Removing Mfn2 leads to disrupted stress response pathways, reducing the capacity of cells to overcome stress.

Chronic care management does not result in increased abstinence from alcohol

A recent study published in JAMA Network found that chronic care management did not result in increased abstinence from alcohol among individuals with alcohol and other drug dependence. The study compared participants receiving chronic care management with those receiving usual primary care, but no significant difference was found.

Heavily logged forests still valuable for tropical wildlife

Researchers have discovered that heavily logged forests in Borneo still support a significant number of species, challenging the notion that logging depletes ecosystems. The study suggests that some species can thrive even in highly degraded environments.

Are nanodiamond-encrusted teeth the future of dental implants?

Nanodiamonds have been found to promote bone growth and deliver proteins to treat osteonecrosis, a debilitating disease that causes bones to break down. The tiny diamonds can be administered non-invasively, potentially revolutionizing dental implant procedures.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Mesenchymal stem cell transplantation may heal a mother's childbirth injury

Researchers found that mesenchymal stem cell transplantation can promote recovery from simulated childbirth injury and reduce symptoms of stress urinary incontinence. The treatment uses multipotent cells found in connective tissues, which home to damaged pelvic organs and release trophic factors to stimulate repair.

Need steroids? Maybe not for lower back pain

A Johns Hopkins analysis found that epidural steroid injections are only twice as effective as injections of any fluid, including anesthetics and saline, for treating lower back pain. The study suggests that smaller doses of steroids may be just as beneficial, and larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Professor wins medal for graphene research

Professor Alexander Balandin receives MRS Medal for his groundbreaking work on graphene's thermal properties and development of a new materials characterization technique. His discoveries have led to major advances in understanding phonon transport and the application of graphene in heat removal and thermal management.

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.

Evolutionary medicine of skin cancer risk among Europeans

Researchers found strong selection for MC1R gene variants in South Europeans, associated with fair skin and increased melanoma risk. The V60L allele variant has been linked to both benefits and drawbacks, highlighting evolutionary trade-offs.

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.

Study determines best arrangement of tidal sails device

Researchers found that blades with equal chord length, angled at 79 degrees and moving at 1.5 times the current speed can extract maximum energy from tidal currents. A Norwegian company's pilot project is already generating 28 kilowatts of power.

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.

What a pain in the… groin!

A literature review found that one in four people develop hip arthritis before age 85, contributing to groin pain. Contributing factors include sports-related injuries, prior surgery, and traumatic occupational history. A detailed medical history and examination are crucial for diagnosing the source of groin pain.

Why kids breathe easier in summer

Researchers at Tel Aviv University found that viral respiratory infections may be behind the seasonal spike in sleep-disordered breathing among children. The study, published in Sleep Medicine, suggests that winter months are when pediatric sleep-disordered breathing worsens, contrary to previous assumptions about asthma and allergies.