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Science News Archive 2014


Page 136 of 376

Arctic sea ice influenced force of the Gulf Stream

Reconstruction of sea ice changes in the Fram Strait reveals that Arctic sea ice cover decline led to significant weakening of the Gulf Stream. This change had a direct impact on European climate, with cooling occurring twice in the past 30,000 years.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Coping with smart phone threats

A Canadian team outlines possible coping mechanisms for lost or stolen mobile devices, highlighting the importance of user awareness and organization security measures. The researchers found that many users are either unaware or unwilling to use security countermeasures, leaving them vulnerable to data loss risks.

Water window imaging opportunity

Researchers develop theoretical framework to generate coherent radiations in the water window range, enabling high-contrast imaging of biological samples. The study extends previous work on hydrogen and applies it to argon atoms, paving the way for improved spectroscopy techniques.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Electric sparks may alter evolution of lunar soil

A University of New Hampshire and NASA study suggests that high-energy particles from solar storms can charge the moon's polar soil, creating sparking and potentially altering its composition. This process could have significant implications for our understanding of planetary surfaces in extremely cold regions.

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.

Severe drought is causing the western US to rise

Scientists at UC San Diego's Scripps Institution used GPS technology to track uplift caused by the severe drought, estimating a water deficit of 62 trillion gallons. This has resulted in an average uplift of 4 millimeters across the western US and up to 15 millimeters in California's mountains.

Of bees, mites, and viruses

Researchers found that Deformed Wing Virus (DWV) is the most affected virus species by Varroa infestation, while Kashmir Bee Virus (KBV) peaks two years after initial infestation and disappears. The study highlights the importance of beekeeper awareness, mite monitoring, and efficient Varroa control.

Hacking Gmail with 92 percent success

A team of researchers, including a UC Riverside assistant professor, developed a method to attack apps on Android and other operating systems with high success rates. They tested the method on six popular apps, including Gmail, and found it was successful between 82-92% of the time.

Liberal democracy is possible in Muslim-majority countries

A new study by University of Toronto researchers explores the relationship between Islam and liberal democracy in Muslim-majority countries. They found that while people in these countries are less tolerant on average than those in Western nations, socio-economic conditions and political regimes play a significant role.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Enabling a new future for cloud computing

The NSF awards two $10 million projects to create cloud computing testbeds, enabling the academic research community to develop and experiment with novel cloud architectures. Chameleon and CloudLab will support real-time and safety-critical applications in medical devices, power grids, and transportation systems.

In our digital world, are young people losing the ability to read emotions?

A UCLA study suggests that excessive digital media use is linked to declining social skills in children, as they spend less time engaging in face-to-face interactions. The research found that sixth-graders who went device-free for five days showed significant improvements in recognizing human emotions compared to their peers.

JILA team finds first direct evidence of 'spin symmetry' in atoms

Researchers at JILA have confirmed the presence of spin symmetry in strontium atoms, which could lead to breakthroughs in simulating exotic materials and understanding quantum phenomena like superconductivity. The discovery was made possible by an ultra-stable atomic clock, allowing for precise measurements of atom interactions.

Climate change could see dengue fever come to Europe

Research suggests that climate change could lead to an increased risk of dengue fever in Europe, particularly in coastal areas along the Mediterranean and Adriatic seas. The disease is spread by mosquitoes, which thrive in warm and humid conditions, making these regions most at risk.

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.

Cause of global warming hiatus found deep in the Atlantic Ocean

Researchers at University of Washington found that heat absent from Earth's surface is plunging deep into the North and South Atlantic Ocean, part of a naturally occurring cycle. This explains the global average air temperature flatlining since 1999 despite greenhouse gases.

Learning to play the piano? Sleep on it!

Researchers at the University of Montreal found that sleep improves performance on piano tasks by increasing communication between subcortical brain regions. After a night of sleep, these regions function with greater synchrony, enabling better motor learning and memory consolidation.

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.

Primary care physicians can be critical resource for abused women in rural areas

Despite their crucial position, primary care physicians in rural communities rarely screen women for intimate partner violence (IPV). Women experiencing IPV in these areas often face limited resources and support. Providing training to PCPs, educating the community, and improving access to referral services can help address this issue.

Yale's cool molecules

Yale physicists have successfully cooled strontium monofluoride to near absolute zero using magneto-optical trapping, enabling new research in quantum chemistry and particle physics. The discovery opens doors for experimentation in precision measurement, quantum simulation, ultracold chemistry, and tests of the standard model.

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.

Influenced by self-interest, humans less concerned about inequity to others

Researchers at Georgia State University found that humans are strongly influenced by self-interest and do not protest being overcompensated, even in situations where others are unfairly disadvantaged. This suggests that humans' sense of unfairness is affected by their own outcomes, indicating a recently evolved propensity.

Researchers map quantum vortices inside superfluid helium nanodroplets

Researchers successfully characterized quantum vortices in helium nanodroplets for the first time, revealing unique features and opening new avenues to study quantum rotation. The discovery confirms that helium nanodroplets are superfluid throughout and exhibit a single quantum object behavior.

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.

Delivery by drone

MIT researchers have created an algorithm that enables a drone to monitor its health in real-time, allowing it to take proactive measures during delivery missions. The approach simplifies planning by separating vehicle-level and mission-level tasks, resulting in more efficient and reliable deliveries.

Ice cream goes Southern, okra extracts may increase shelf-life

A new study by the Institute of Food Technologists found that okra extracts can be used as a stabilizer in ice cream, improving texture and extending shelf life. The naturally extracted stabilizers offer an alternative to traditional stabilizers, making them suitable for the ice cream industry.

Overexpression of Notch1 in temporal lobe epilepsy

Overexpression of Notch1 in temporal lobe epilepsy is associated with reduced seizure frequency and brain discharges. The study found increased presence of Notch 1 and hairy and enhancer of split-1 in intractable temporal lobe epilepsy patients, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for treating the condition.

Sunlight, not microbes, key to CO2 in Arctic

A new study finds that sunlight, not bacteria, is the key to converting carbon stored in Arctic permafrost into carbon dioxide. As climate change alters the timing and pace of thawing, this process could significantly impact global CO2 levels.

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.

Shaping the future of nanocrystals

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have observed the direct formation of facets on platinum nanocubes, revealing that a long-held scientific principle breaks down at the nanoscale. This breakthrough enables the control of a nanocrystal's geometric shape and its subsequent chemical and electronic properties.

How hummingbirds evolved to detect sweetness

Researchers discovered how hummingbirds detected sugar by analyzing their taste receptors, which expanded to respond to carbohydrates. The study revealed that a single mutation drove behavior changes in the birds.

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.

Research offers insight into cellular biology of colorectal cancer

A study by researchers at the University of Kansas reveals a new function for APC in protecting against chronic colitis-induced inflammation and tumor development. The team found that functional nuclear APC is necessary to suppress Wnt signaling pathway, controlling goblet cell differentiation.

Playing hunger games: Are gamified health apps putting odds in your favor?

A new study by Brigham Young University researchers suggests that gamification in health and fitness apps may not lead to sustainable behavior change. The study analyzed over 2,000 apps and found that most popular apps feature gamification as a key motivator, but this approach may be limited and demotivating in the long run.

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.

Sequence of rare kidney cancer reveals unique alterations involving telomerase

A team of scientists sequenced chromophobe renal cell carcinoma tumors and found unique alterations involving telomerase, a gene that plays a critical role in cell division. This discovery provides new clues about the disease's biology and may lead to the development of targeted therapies for this rare type of kidney cancer.

CHEST releases new expert guidance in care of the critically ill and injured

The American College of Chest Physicians has released a consensus statement providing evidence-informed suggestions for preparing and managing the critically ill and injured during large-scale disasters and pandemics. The document aims to guide ethical decision-making, coordination of care, resource conservation, and research in crises.

Polio: Mutated virus breaches vaccine protection

Scientists have isolated a mutated polio virus that can evade the immune system and render vaccinations ineffective. This discovery is alarming as it threatens to undermine progress made in eradicating polio, which has been nearly eradicated thanks to effective vaccination.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

TeleStroke units improve stroke care in underserved areas

Researchers found that TeleStroke Units improved stroke care in rural Bavaria, Germany, by increasing the number of patients receiving tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) from 2.6% to 15.5%. The median time between arrival and tPA administration fell from 80 minutes to 40 minutes.

Adherence to diet can be measured from blood

A study published in The Journal of Nutrition found that a blood sample can be used to assess dietary compliance. The researchers identified biomarkers in the blood that reflected consumption of key components of a healthy Nordic diet, including fatty fish, vegetables, and whole grains.

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.

New DNA test for diagnosing diseases linked to childhood blindness

A new DNA test can identify the exact genetic cause of congenital cataracts in 75% of cases, allowing for earlier treatment and genetic counseling. The targeted next-generation sequencing test has been shown to be effective in diagnosing rare diseases associated with childhood blindness.

Toothpaste fluorine formed in stars

Researchers at Lund University found that toothpaste fluorine is formed in stars similar to our sun, supporting a theory about its origins. By analyzing light emitted by stars, they calculated the amount of fluorine present and compared it with predictions.

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.

Electric sparks may alter evolution of lunar soil

Researchers propose that high-energy particles from solar storms can create sparking, altering the moon's polar soil and potentially reactivating permanently shadowed regions. This 'breakdown weathering' process could change our understanding of planetary evolution in extremely cold regions.

NIH scientists establish new monkey model of severe MERS-CoV disease

Researchers at the NIH have developed a new animal model of severe Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection in marmosets. This model closely mimics the severe pneumonia experienced by people infected with MERS-CoV, making it an ideal option for testing potential treatments.