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Science News Archive 2014 - Page 151


Page 151 of 376

NASA sees Typhoon Halong approaching Japan

Typhoon Halong is expected to make landfall in southern Japan on August 9 with maximum sustained winds near 85 knots, generating dangerous swells. The storm has already passed over the Minamidaito and Kitadaito Islands with hurricane-force winds.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 7, 2014

Gut microbes browse along a gene buffet

Researchers at Duke University discovered that the host determines which genes are open in the gut, while microbes regulate their usage, indicating a cooperative environment where both parties interact to thrive. This study has significant implications for understanding the intricate relationships between hosts and microbiomes.

SourceDuke University·JournalGenome Research·DateAug 7, 2014

Gut microbiome analysis improved noninvasive colorectal cancer screening

Researchers found that gut microbiome analysis successfully distinguished healthy individuals from those with precancerous adenomatous polyps and invasive colorectal cancer. The composition of the gut microbiome was different for each group, leading to improved prediction of colorectal cancer presence.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Prevention Research·DateAug 7, 2014
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.

Dramatic growth of grafted stem cells in rat spinal cord injuries

Researchers at University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and Veteran's Affairs San Diego Healthcare System report that neurons derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) extended tens of thousands of axons across the rats' central nervous system. The study suggests a promising approach for treating spinal cor...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNeuron·DateAug 7, 2014

Microtubule-based strategies for promoting nerve regeneration after injury

Research by Prof. Peter W. Baas highlights the importance of microtubules in facilitating nerve regeneration following injury. The study demonstrates that microtubule-based strategies can promote axonal growth and regeneration, particularly in the distal tip of the axon.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateAug 7, 2014

Diamonds are a quantum computer's best friend

Scientists propose a new quantum computer architecture based on microscopic defects in diamond, which could lead to the development of reliable quantum computers. The architecture has great potential for miniaturization and mass production, similar to how transistors were miniaturized in classical computer science.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review X·DateAug 7, 2014
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.

Violent solar system history uncovered by WA meteorite

A Curtin University study of a WA meteorite has shed light on the solar system's bombardment history, revealing that asteroid collisions ceased after 3.4 billion years ago due to asteroids being too small or protected by regolith. The research suggests that impacts stopped occurring after this period and remain unchanged until now.

SourceCurtin University·JournalGeochimica et Cosmochimica Acta·DateAug 7, 2014
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.

White dwarfs crashing into neutron stars explain loneliest supernovae

Researchers at the University of Warwick found that white dwarf stars crashing into neutron stars could be responsible for the loneliest supernovae. The team used observations from the Very Large Telescope and Hubble Space Telescope to rule out other explanations, such as binary systems or massive stars.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 7, 2014

New test predicts individual's risk of a second kidney stone

A new nomogram tool uses 11 questions to accurately calculate the probability of developing another symptomatic kidney stone at various time points. The tool helps determine whether preventive measures are needed, and can help patients avoid burdensome dietary restrictions or medications.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateAug 7, 2014

Notch developmental pathway regulates fear memory formation

Researchers discovered that the Notch signaling pathway is involved in adult fear memory formation. MicroRNAs, specifically miRNA-34a, regulate the pathway and are increased after fear learning occurs. This study provides a starting point for developing new treatments against PTSD.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNeuron·DateAug 7, 2014
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.

Caffeine intake associated with lower incidence of tinnitus

A recent study published in the American Journal of Medicine found that higher caffeine intake is associated with a lower incidence of tinnitus in younger and middle-aged women. Researchers tracked over 65,000 women for 18 years and discovered a significant inverse association between caffeine consumption and reported tinnitus cases.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·DateAug 7, 2014

Study: Attending a more selective college doesn't mean a better chance of graduating

A new study published in the American Educational Research Journal found that attending a more selective college does not significantly impact a student's chance of graduating with a bachelor's degree. Instead, factors such as individual background characteristics and institutional resources like tuition play a crucial role in determin...

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalAmerican Educational Research Journal·DateAug 7, 2014
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.

New disposable biosensor may help physicians determine which patients can safely be fed following surgery

A new disposable biosensor may help physicians determine which patients can safely be fed following surgery by monitoring intestinal movements. The device, AbStats, uses sound waves to measure the rate of acoustic events in the intestines, allowing doctors to make evidence-based decisions about post-operative feeding.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Gastrointestinal Surgery·DateAug 7, 2014

The economy of bitcoins

Researchers found that internet activity significantly influences Bitcoin's value, with correlations between price developments, new user growth, and online searches. The study also identified two positive feedback loops and a negative feedback loop, highlighting the complex dynamics of the Bitcoin economy.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalInterface·DateAug 7, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Synthesis of structurally pure carbon nanotubes using molecular seeds

Researchers at Empa successfully synthesized structurally homogenous single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) by using molecular 'seeds' that were transformed into three-dimensional objects and grown on a platinum surface. The resulting SWCNTs have mirror-image symmetry and reach lengths in excess of 300 nanometres.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalNature·DateAug 7, 2014

Losing weight won't make you happy

New research finds that weight loss significantly improves physical health markers but is less effective in improving mood and overall wellbeing. Participants who lost at least 5% of their initial body weight were more likely to report depressed mood, even after adjusting for serious health issues.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 7, 2014

Robot folds itself up and walks away

A team of engineers developed a robot that assembles itself into a complex shape in four minutes flat and crawls away without human intervention. The robot uses an origami-inspired approach to fold itself up, with the potential for exotic applications such as space-based robotic satellites.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalScience·DateAug 7, 2014
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Peer-reviewed paper says all ivory markets must close

A new peer-reviewed paper by the Wildlife Conservation Society suggests that all ivory markets must be closed to conserve Africa's elephant populations. The paper argues that corruption and organized crime make legal trade in ivory a major factor contributing to the decline of elephants.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalConservation Biology·DateAug 7, 2014

How we form habits and change existing ones

Habits emerge through associative learning, involving automatic behaviors in stable contexts. Changing habits requires derailing existing habits, repetition, and stable context cues.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·DateAug 7, 2014

Researcher finds companies' religious affiliation can buffer negative reactions

A new study by Kelly Cowart reveals that companies' religious affiliations can buffer against negative reactions to store policies, especially in the event of a service failure. The research found that customers are more likely to forgive firms with religious affiliations, regardless of their own attitudes towards the religion.

SourceGrand Valley State University·JournalJournal of Services Marketing·DateAug 7, 2014

How critically ill infants can benefit most from human milk

Critically ill infants in the NICU can greatly benefit from human milk, which offers essential immunological and anti-inflammatory properties. This is supported by research and best practices outlined in a special issue of Advances in Neonatal Care, led by CHOP nurse researcher Diane L. Spatz.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalAdvances in Neonatal Care·DateAug 7, 2014
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.

Acute psychological stress promotes skin healing in mice

Researchers found that brief acute psychological stress promotes healing in mouse models of three different types of skin irritations. The study revealed that the anti-inflammatory effects of glucocorticoids produced by the adrenal glands under stress are beneficial for inflammatory disorders and acute injury in both mice and humans.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateAug 7, 2014

Origami could lead to exotic materials, tiny transformers

Researchers at Cornell University discovered a way to control the stiffness of a sheet material using an origami folding pattern called Miura-ori. By introducing pop-through defects, they can program the material's properties, creating a programmable matter that can snap into place and perform mechanical functions.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateAug 7, 2014
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.

Study reveals dynamics of microbes and nitrate

Researchers analyzed microbial communities from sandy tidal flats, finding three key factors controlling denitrification and ammonification: nitrite to nitrate ratio, carbon to nitrogen ratio, and generation time. The study's findings shed light on the complex interactions between microbes and their environment.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Charlotte·JournalScience·DateAug 7, 2014

New treatment successful for the Mal de Debarquement Syndrome

Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine developed an effective treatment for the rare disorder, which causes continuous feelings of swaying or rocking. The treatment re-adapts the vestibulo-ocular reflex, a mechanism in the inner ear that maintains balance, and achieves significant recovery rates in patients.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalFrontiers in Neurology·DateAug 7, 2014

Poor hearing confines older adults to their homes

Two studies found that older adults with poor hearing participate less in group activities and meet friends fewer often than those with good hearing. The researchers emphasize the importance of face-to-face conversation to facilitate lip-reading and suggest rehabilitation as a key strategy for supporting socially active lives.

SourceAcademy of Finland·DateAug 7, 2014
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Study shows Asian carp could establish in Lake Erie with little effect to fishery

A study published by University of Notre Dame scientists estimates that bighead and silver carp biomass in Lake Erie could be up to 25 metric-tons/km2, potentially increasing Yellow perch biomass by 15-50% but decreasing Walleye biomass by 10-40%. The experts emphasize the importance of considering uncertainty in decision-making.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalConservation Biology·DateAug 7, 2014

Designing better materials for the 21st century

Professor Jian Luo at UC San Diego is developing a new materials design tool called interfacial phase diagrams to create better structural materials for energy generation and storage. This basic research aims to improve the properties of materials, such as molybdenum-based alloys and zirconia-based ceramics.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateAug 7, 2014
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.

Finding the genetic culprits that drive antibiotic resistance

Researchers developed a powerful new tool to identify genetic changes in disease-causing bacteria that drive antibiotic resistance. The technique, called genome-wide association study (GWAS), has the potential to inform control and treatment strategies for diseases like pneumonia and meningitis.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateAug 7, 2014

Air traffic growth set to outpace carbon reduction efforts

New research by the University of Southampton suggests that air traffic growth rates will surpass carbon reduction efforts unless demand is substantially reduced. To achieve emission reductions, ticket prices must rise by at least 1.4% annually.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalAtmospheric Environment·DateAug 7, 2014

Cancer categories recast in largest-ever genomic study

A new study analyzing over 3,500 tumor samples reveals that many cancers can be classified differently based on cellular and molecular criteria. The research suggests that patients may benefit from more accurate diagnoses and tailored treatments, with potential implications for personalized cancer therapy.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCell·DateAug 7, 2014
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.

NASA sees Hurricane Julio organize and emit a gamma-ray flash

NASA's Fermi and Aqua satellites captured two distinct views of Hurricane Julio as it intensified: a gamma-ray flash produced by the powerful electric fields in thunderstorms, and a more structurally organized storm. These findings provide insights into the complex relationship between thunderstorms and hurricane dynamics.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 7, 2014

Cancer study reveals powerful new system for classifying tumors

A comprehensive analysis of data from thousands of patients revealed that one in ten cancers would be classified differently using a new classification system based on molecular subtypes. The study provides a more refined, quantitative picture of cancer subtypes and could lead to different treatment options for those patients.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalCell·DateAug 7, 2014

Curing arthritis in mice

A new fusion molecule has been developed to treat rheumatoid arthritis in mice, with promising results showing the animals' symptoms disappear completely. The therapy targets specific immune messengers and reduces side effects by concentrating the active substance at the site of disease, offering a potential long-term cure.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 6, 2014
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.