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Science News Archive 2014


Page 100 of 376

Star Trekish, rafting scientists make bold discovery on Fraser River

A team of scientists led by Jeremy Venditti used oceanographic instruments to study flow through steep bedrock canyons on the Fraser River. They discovered a complicated flow field with high velocity flow plunging down canyon walls, resulting in greater flow force applied to the bed.

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.

A look at Florida's charterboat-based recreational shark fishery

A University of Miami study found that most charter fishing captains in Florida have a strong conservation ethic towards sharks, with 82% practicing catch and release. However, hammerhead sharks are not suitable for catch-and-release methods and require immediate release to reduce mortality rates

Arabic tweets point to US influence as fuel for anti-Americanism

A study analyzing millions of Arabic-language tweets confirms high levels of anti-American sentiment, revealing that criticism of the US is consistent across various regions and issues. The research suggests a deep-seated dislike of American intervention and an unwillingness to give credit when US policies are beneficial.

NCI/FDA lung cancer workshop leads to the innovatively designed clinical trials

The NCI/FDA workshop resulted in the development of two innovative clinical trials, Lung-MAP and ALCHEMIST, which employ a 'Master Protocol' approach to improve patient outcomes. These trials aim to accelerate the development of targeted therapies for lung cancer by integrating multiple sub-studies based on genomic profiles.

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.

A wriggly solution to a first-world problem

Australian researchers successfully treated 12 participants with celiac disease using hookworms, increasing gluten tolerance by a factor of 60. The study suggests a potential new treatment for inflammatory diseases, including asthma and Crohn's disease.

NASA sees the end of post-depression Fung-Wong

Tropical Depression Fung-Wong's clouds had cloud-top temperatures near -63F/-53C over Japan's northern Ryuku Islands. The depression moved to the northeast at 11 knots (12.6 mph/20.3 kph) before becoming an extra-tropical storm.

Evolution of snake courtship and combat behavior

Researchers identified patterns in courtship and male-to-male combat behaviors across 70 snake species, revealing evolutionary relationships between behaviors. The study found that different clades developed unique behaviors, such as coiling without neck-raising and body-bridging, which replaced earlier toppling behavior.

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.

Better information about prenatal testing leads to fewer tests

A UCSF study found that educating pregnant women about their choices on prenatal genetic testing leads to a decrease in the number of tests. Women who received clear information and unbiased guidance were less likely to undergo diagnostic testing, scoring higher in knowledge of genetic testing.

Clinical trial examined treatment for complicated grief in older individuals

A clinical trial found that a targeted treatment for complicated grief in older individuals was more effective than traditional depression therapy, with 70.5% symptom improvement compared to 32%. The new approach resolved grief complications and facilitated natural mourning, offering hope for millions of people affected by this debilit...

Clear skies on exo-Neptune

Astronomers have detected water vapour and other molecules on HAT-P-11b, the smallest exoplanet known to harbor these compounds. The discovery is significant for its potential implications on understanding the atmospheres of smaller planets.

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.

Are weak values quantum? Don't bet on it

Weak measurements aim to gain information from quantum systems by minimizing disturbance. However, researchers Joshua Combes and Christopher Ferrie found a classical analogy for the same process, casting doubt on its quantum nature.

Syracuse's new cooling system heats up physics research

Britton Plourde's new cryogen-free adiabatic demagnetization refrigerator allows for rapid development of devices for quantum information science. The system enables the study of superposition and quantum states at extremely low temperatures.

Most metal-poor star hints at universe's first supernovae

Researchers found a star with extremely low iron content, which could be evidence of the universe's first supernovae. The star's unusual chemical composition supports the theory that massive stars formed in the early universe and exploded as supernovae.

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.

'Funnel' attracts bonding partners to biomolecule

A team of scientists has found that water molecules form a 'funnel' around proteins, guiding them to potential binding partners. This collective water movement assists binding and supports the mutual recognition of biomolecules, allowing them to select or reject certain partners.

Fossil of multicellular life moves evolutionary needle back 60 million years

A team of researchers has found fossils indicating complex multicellularity in ancient organisms around 600 million years ago, contradicting previous interpretations. This discovery sheds new light on the evolution of multicellular life and could have significant implications for our understanding of the Cambrian Explosion.

Study: Biochar alters water flow to improve sand and clay

A new study by researchers at Rice University explains the hydrological mystery of biochar's effect on soil. Biochar makes clay soils drain faster due to its light and porous structure, increasing hydraulic conductivity, while sandy soils drain slower due to absorption and tortuous pathways for water movement.

'Skin-like' device monitors cardiovascular and skin health

A new wearable medical device can quickly alert a person to cardiovascular trouble or skin dryness, using thousands of liquid crystals to sense heat. The device provides sub-millimeter spatial resolution for accurate monitoring of temperature and thermal transport characteristics.

First mouse model for ALS dementia

Researchers at Northwestern University have created the first mouse model for ALS dementia, allowing scientists to directly view the brains of living mice under anesthesia. This breakthrough enables rapid testing and real-time monitoring of test drugs, paving the way for accelerated development of effective therapies.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The plus side of population aging

A new study finds that population aging can have positive impacts on society, including increased productivity due to higher education levels, reduced energy consumption, and improved health outcomes. The study suggests that these benefits may outweigh the challenges posed by demographic change.

Study: Pain keeps surgery patients awake, extends hospital stay

A new study by Henry Ford Health reveals that pain can disrupt sleep in patients undergoing total hip replacement or knee replacement surgery, leading to longer hospital stays. The study found that better pain control could improve sleep duration for these patients.

Think you have Alzheimer's? You just might be right, study says

A study published in Neurology found that people who notice their memory slipping may be on to something, with 56% of participants reporting changes in their memory. The study suggests a significant window of opportunity for intervention before diagnosable problems show up, approximately 12 years after initial complaints began.

Cardiorespiratory fitness is often misdiagnosed

Researchers from University of Eastern Finland propose a new method for measuring cardiorespiratory fitness by scaling maximal oxygen uptake and maximal workload by lean mass. This approach can avoid confounding effects of body adiposity, leading to more accurate assessments of an individual's functional capacity.

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.

Realizing the promise of education

The University of Miami's Linda Ray Intervention Program demonstrates positive outcomes for children with developmental delays, cognitive improvements, and reduced need for special education services. Children who received 25 hours of services per week made significant strides in cognitive, language, and behavior.

When David beats Goliath

Research by Queen's University biologist Paul Martin found that smaller bird species can overcome size disadvantages when interacting with distantly related species. The study examined 23,362 aggressive interactions among 246 bird species pairs and identified specific traits that enhance small species' abilities in conflicts.

Solar explosions inside a computer

Researchers have developed a model that uses self-organised criticality and fluid dynamics to predict the occurrence of solar flares. The model has shown to be consistent with observations in a quantitative sense, enabling scientists to better understand and prepare for these powerful events.

States need to assume greater role in regulating dietary supplements

Dietary supplements can cause severe health issues and are often ineffective. States should increase regulation of these products to protect consumers, particularly adolescents. Recommended state actions include conducting laboratory testing, generating safety warnings, and instituting minimum age purchase limits.

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.

Family-based therapies can treat anorexia in teens, Stanford/Packard study finds

Two family-based therapies are found to be effective in treating anorexia nervosa in teenagers, with one approach producing faster weight gain and lower hospitalization rates. The study suggests that involving parents in treatment can lead to improved outcomes for adolescents struggling with the life-threatening eating disorder.

Enzyme discovery paves way to tackling deadly parasite diseases

Researchers have discovered an enzyme that can be targeted to kill parasites causing deadly diseases such as sleeping sickness and Chagas disease. The study found that a small sugar molecule activates the enzyme, providing an opportunity to design drugs that block its activity in specific species.

New dinosaur from New Mexico has relatives in Alberta

A new armoured dinosaur, Ziapelta sanjuanensis, discovered in New Mexico shares similarities with ankylosaurid dinosaurs found in Alberta. The species boasts unique features, such as tall spikes on its cervical half ring and distinctive scales on its snout.

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.

Interactive website helps lower-income smokers to stop smoking

A randomized controlled trial found that using StopAdvisor increased the likelihood of quitting among lower-income smokers by 36%. The website was designed to mimic the support provided by NHS stop-smoking advisors and improved quit rates among those with lower socioeconomic status.

Many elite college athletes return to play after ACL surgery

A new study by UNC researchers found that younger elite athletes are more likely to suffer repeat ACL reinjuries than those who experienced their first injury during collegiate play. The study also showed significant differences in return-to-play and reinjury rates between precollegiate and intracollegiate groups.

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.

NIH announces network to accelerate medicines for rheumatoid arthritis and lupus

The National Institutes of Health has established an Accelerating Medicines Partnership in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus (AMP RA/Lupus) Network to transform the current model for identifying promising biological targets for new drugs and diagnostics. The network will analyze interplay among biological pathways, including at the single...

A single statistic can strengthen public support for traffic safety laws

A new study found that providing statistical information about injury risks can increase public support for road safety laws. The survey of 2,397 adults showed significant increases in support for laws aimed at drunk driving and red-light running after participants were given statistics on related injury risks.

Brain scans reveal 'gray matter' differences in media multitaskers

A new study reveals that frequent media multitasking is associated with lower grey-matter density in the anterior cingulate cortex, a region responsible for cognitive and emotional control. The research supports earlier findings on the link between multitasking and poor attention, depression, and anxiety.

Scientists create new 'designer proteins' in fight against Alzheimer's and cancer

Researchers at the University of Leicester have developed a breakthrough technique to generate synthetic amino acids and designer proteins, which can be used to develop innovative new protein drugs for cancer and Alzheimer's disease treatment. The discovery opens up new avenues for drug discovery with potentially highly potent drugs an...

Most stars are born in clusters, some leave 'home'

New modeling studies show most stars were formed from unstable protostar clusters that broke up, leaving behind single or binary stars. These clusters, however, rarely form stable multi-star systems, instead ejecting stars to achieve stability.

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.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Grant to help find why people reveal information online

Penn State researchers are teaming up to study how certain cues on mobile and web devices inspire mental shortcuts that predict user trust in online sites and social networks. The study aims to promote better interface design and educate users about mental shortcuts that compromise their privacy when online.

Buffet pricing surprise

A study by Cornell Food & Brand Lab found that lower buffet prices lead to less taste satisfaction. Diners who paid more for the same food rated it as being 11% tastier and enjoyed the experience more.