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Science News Archive September 2013 - Page 17


Page 17 of 32

New model should expedite development of temperature-stable nano-alloys

Researchers from NC State University have developed a theoretical model that can predict the grain size of nanomaterial alloys at elevated temperatures. The model allows for targeted alloy design without trial-and-error, enabling the development of temperature-stable nano-alloys.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateSep 16, 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.

Invention jet prints nanostructures with self-assembling material

A multi-institutional team of engineers has developed a new approach to fabricate nanostructures for the semiconductor and magnetic storage industries. They combine top-down advanced ink-jet printing technology with bottom-up self-assembling block copolymers, increasing resolution from approximately 200 nanometers to 15 nanometers.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateSep 16, 2013

2 NASA satellites track Typhoon Man-yi across Japan

Typhoon Man-yi made landfall in southern Japan and quickly crossed the big island, dropping heavy rainfall and causing deadly mudslides. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center forecast track predicts Man-yi will head northeast into the Sea of Okhotsk by Sept. 17.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 16, 2013

Tufts researchers identify how Yersinia spreads within infected organs

Researchers at Tufts University School of Medicine identified how Yersinia bacteria immobilizes the immune system to grow in infected organs. The study used a TEM-1 reporter system to color-code cells and found that YopH deactivates multiple proteins, blocking calcium flows vital to normal immune cell communication.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateSep 16, 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.

Stanford scientists use 'wired microbes' to generate electricity from sewage

Researchers have developed a way to generate electricity from sewage using naturally-occurring bacteria that produce electricity as they digest organic material. The microbial battery is about the size of a D-cell battery and has an efficiency comparable to commercially available solar cells.

SourceStanford University School of Engineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 16, 2013

Scientists discover cosmic factory for making building blocks of life

Researchers at Imperial College London have discovered that icy comets collide with planets to produce amino acids, essential building blocks of life. The discovery provides another piece to the puzzle of how life was kick-started on Earth and suggests that these building blocks can be assembled anywhere in the Solar System.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Geoscience·DateSep 15, 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.

Superconductivity to meet humanity's greatest challenges

Researchers explore various applications of superconductivity in water purification, earthquake monitoring, high-speed rail travel, and renewable energy storage. The technology also enables the detection of unexploded ordnances and solar bursts, promoting a more sustainable future.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalSuperconductor Science and Technology·DateSep 15, 2013

Tropical forest carbon absorption may hinge on an odd couple

A Princeton University study found that tropical forests' ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is crucially linked to tree diversity and the presence of legume trees. Legumes, a diverse group of nitrogen-fixing plants, play a vital role in rapid forest growth and carbon storage.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature·DateSep 15, 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.

Report: Climate change to shift Kenya's breadbaskets

A new report by IFPRI and ASARECA suggests that Kenyan farmers may not only survive but thrive in the face of climate change. The study predicts a shift in maize production due to changing weather patterns, offering opportunities for farmers to adapt to new conditions.

SourceBurness·DateSep 15, 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.

White blood cell levels tied to meal time

Researchers at UCSF have discovered a link between meal times and daily changes in the immune system. Eosinophils, previously thought to fight parasitic diseases, may actually help invaders, according to the study. This discovery could lead to new strategies for fighting chronic parasitic infection and allergies.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature·DateSep 15, 2013

'Wildly heterogeneous genes'

Researchers propose a new approach called network-based stratification to identify cancer subtypes based on shared genetic networks. This method has immediate clinical value and can help clinicians better match treatment to individual patients, leading to more effective therapies.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Methods·DateSep 15, 2013

Quantum entanglement only dependent upon area

Researchers at UCL and University of Gdansk develop a new method to determine the amount of entanglement in one-dimensional quantum systems based solely on the area of the boundary between regions. This finding resolves a long-standing problem, showing that certain systems can be simulated easily using classical computers.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Physics·DateSep 15, 2013

Achilles' heel of ice shelves is beneath the water, scientists reveal

New research reveals that sub-shelf melting is a significant contributor to Antarctic ice loss, accounting for up to 90% of mass loss in some areas. This finding is crucial for understanding how the ice sheet interacts with the climate system and its potential impact on global sea levels.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature·DateSep 15, 2013

Does rutaecarpine relieve cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury?

The study reveals rutaecarpine's ability to improve neurological function after cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury. The mechanism involves reducing oxidative stress, providing a promising basis for rutaecarpine as an ideal drug for preventing and treating cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateSep 14, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Hypertension researcher encourages colleagues to expand their focus

Dr. David Pollock emphasizes the importance of considering the endothelin system in hypertension research, particularly in salt-sensitive patients. His studies have shown that the kidney's endothelin B receptor plays a critical role in eliminating both acute and chronic salt loads by activating nitric oxide.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateSep 14, 2013

Carotid endarterectomy for extracranial internal carotid artery occlusion

Researchers found that the procedure was successful in 89% of patients with symptomatic carotid artery occlusion, allowing for recanalization through imaging examination findings. The study's results suggest a treatment approach based on imaging exam findings can effectively restore blood flow to affected areas.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateSep 14, 2013

Can olive leaf extract attenuate lead-induced brain injury?

A recent study found that olive leaf extract can protect against lead-induced brain injury by increasing antioxidant capacity and reducing apoptosis. The study published in Neural Regeneration Research reveals the action mechanism underlying olive leaf extract treatment for lead poisoning.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateSep 14, 2013

Software may be able to take over from hardware in managing caches

Researchers at MIT have developed a software system, Jigsaw, that optimizes cache management for multicore chips, improving performance by an average of 18% and reducing energy consumption by up to 72%. The system adapts to changing computational patterns, allowing it to dynamically allocate cache space and minimize energy usage.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateSep 13, 2013

Warm ocean rapidly melting Antarctic ice shelf from below

A team led by NASA's Robert Bindschadler measures the rate at which warm ocean water melts Antarctica's Pine Island Glacier ice shelf from underneath. The study reveals melt rates of up to 2.36 inches per day, with implications for sea level rise and glacier stability.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalScience·DateSep 13, 2013
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.

Webb receives Lifetime Achievement Award for hypertension research

Dr. R. Clinton Webb, a leading expert in hypertension research, is honored with the American Heart Association Council on High Blood Pressure Research's Lifetime Achievement Award. He is recognized for his groundbreaking contributions to the field of hypertension and his dedication to mentoring and service.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateSep 13, 2013

NASA sees southwesterly wind shear weakened hurricane Humberto

Hurricane Humberto's strongest precipitation was concentrated in the northwestern quadrant due to intense southwesterly wind shear. The storm is expected to weaken to a tropical storm late on September 13, with winds near 75 mph and shifting trajectory towards the west-northwest.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 13, 2013

The '50-50' chip: Memory device of the future?

A new, environmentally-friendly electronic alloy consisting of 50 aluminum atoms bound to 50 atoms of antimony may be promising for building next-generation 'phase-change' memory devices. The material has high thermal stability and can store three bits of data in a single memory cell.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateSep 13, 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.

Young people choose education based on parents' background

A new study from the University of Copenhagen found that young people in Denmark choose studies based on their parents' social class and educational background. Students from working-class backgrounds opt for '9 to 5' studies with clear job profiles, while those from university-educated families pursue prestigious studies with strong i...

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalComparative Education Review·DateSep 13, 2013

EORTC at 2013 ECCO-ESMO-ESTRO meeting in Amsterdam

The EORTC will present various cancer research studies, including a phase III trial on breast cancer radiation therapy and a study on the use of data warehouses for response measurements. The organization will also showcase its clinical trials and discuss regulatory issues.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·DateSep 13, 2013

Vaccination with GM2-KLH-QS21 does not improve outcome of melanomas patients in EORTC study

The EORTC trial found that vaccination with GM2/KLH-QS-21 did not improve relapse-free or overall survival rates for patients with stage II melanoma. The vaccine was expected to stimulate antibodies against the GM2 ganglioside, but instead, it led to a higher risk of death and decreased survival rates.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateSep 13, 2013
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.

UNC research points to promising treatment for macular degeneration

Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have found a class of drugs known as MDM2 inhibitors effective in regressing abnormal blood vessels responsible for vision loss associated with macular degeneration. The treatment has potential to reduce the burden on patients and physicians.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 13, 2013

Unexpected interaction between ocean currents and bacteria

Scientists found that ocean currents carrying anammox bacteria produce vast amounts of nitrogen gas in the Pacific Ocean, weakening the ocean's ability to absorb CO2. This process also leads to fewer algae in the water, less food for marine microorganisms and ultimately, a decrease in fish populations.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalEnvironmental Microbiology·DateSep 13, 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.

To touch the microcosmos

Researchers have developed a new technique called haptic optical tweezers, enabling scientists to 'feel' the microscopic structures under the lens. This technology allows users to explore the microworld by sensing and exerting piconewton-scale forces with trapped microspheres.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateSep 13, 2013

NIH clinical study establishes human model of influenza pathogenesis

A new study provides a clearer picture of how much time elapses between known infection, viral shedding, immune response, and onset of flu symptoms. Researchers found that a minimum dose of 10^7 TCID50 virus is needed to induce mild-to-moderate illness in 60% of volunteers.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateSep 13, 2013

Toward a truly white organic LED

Researchers at the University of Utah have created a polymer that emits light in multiple colors, including blue and red, and can be tuned to cover the entire visible spectrum. This breakthrough holds promise for more efficient and less expensive white organic LEDs, which could replace traditional light bulbs.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 13, 2013

Carbon farming schemes should consider multiple cobenefits

Carbon farming schemes can sequester carbon while providing environmental benefits like reduced pollution, erosion, and improved biodiversity. Local participation is key to long-term success, as it leverages local knowledge and draws in more landholders.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateSep 13, 2013

New findings from UNC School of Medicine challenge assumptions about origins of life

Researchers from UNC School of Medicine challenge the widely-held theory that RNA self-replicated without protein enzymes, instead suggesting a 'Peptide-RNA World' scenario where proteins accelerated key chemical reactions. The study's findings support the idea that ancient protein enzymes played a vital role in life's emergence.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateSep 13, 2013
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.

Model organism gone wild

Scientists studying the wild strain of the model organism Dictyostelium discoideum discovered that some clones can farm bacteria and carry defensive symbionts to protect their crops. The researchers isolated wild clones from soil and found that these clones were more complex than previously thought.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 13, 2013

Sleep better, look better? New research says yes

Researchers found significant improvements in facial appearance, including reduced puffiness and redness, after just a few months of CPAP treatment for middle-aged patients with sleep apnea. The study used face mapping and photogrammetry techniques to measure changes in facial contours.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateSep 13, 2013

Potential new drug target for cystic fibrosis

Scientists at EMBL and Regensburg University identify DGKi as a potential drug target for cystic fibrosis, which regulates ENaC activity and reduces mucus thickness in patients' airways. The discovery uses large-scale screening to uncover genes not previously linked to the disease.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalCell·DateSep 13, 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.

Immune to aging

Researchers found that yeast S. pombe remains youthful when reproducing under favorable conditions, producing offspring younger than the parent. However, after stress or negative influences, the yeast ages and produces cells with damaged material.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 13, 2013

Friday the 13th brings double tropical trouble to Mexico

Residents of Mexico's eastern and western coast are experiencing double tropical trouble as two storms, TD13E and Ingrid, form in the Pacific Ocean. The storms have the potential to drop up to 20 inches of rain, causing life-threatening flash floods and mudslides.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 13, 2013

'Red nugget' galaxies were hiding in plain sight

New research reveals that 'red nugget' galaxies, previously thought to be extinct, were actually hidden within previous survey data. These compact galaxies may represent a missing link between distant 'red nuggets' and nearby elliptical galaxies.

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateSep 13, 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.

Researchers capture speedy chemical reaction in mid-stride

Scientists have isolated and characterized a stable intermediate in a dirhodium metal complex reaction, allowing them to study its mechanism for the first time. The discovery opens new avenues for the field of catalysis and could lead to more efficient chemical reactions.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScience·DateSep 13, 2013

'Terminator' polymer that regenerates itself

Researchers in Spain have created a 'Terminator' polymer that spontaneously regenerates itself, displaying impressive 97% healing efficiency. The material could enhance the security and lifetime of plastic components in various industries.

SourceRoyal Society of Chemistry·JournalMaterials Horizons·DateSep 13, 2013

Fate of new genes cannot be predicted

Researchers confirmed Haldane's 90-year-old theory that new genes may get lost from populations but found it cannot predict the ultimate fate of beneficial alleles. Genetic diversity can be maintained indefinitely through complex population dynamics.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 13, 2013