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Science News Archive 2014


Page 156 of 376

NASA catches the brief life of Tropical Storm Nakri

Tropical Storm Nakri formed on August 2 and struggled to organize for a week, eventually becoming visible to NASA's Suomi NPP satellite. The storm dissipated just one day later while approaching the Korean peninsula, with its maximum sustained winds reaching near 40 knots.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Key adjustment enables parasite shape-shifting

African parasites undergo significant shape changes during their life cycle, enabling adaptation to varying environments. Researchers found that adjusting a key protein's expression can trigger these transformations, allowing the parasites to survive and reproduce for multiple generations.

Fires in California and Oregon

Fires in California and Oregon are burning due to lightning strikes, affecting over 36,000 acres. The Beaver Complex fires have reached 20% containment despite shifting wind conditions and weather inversions aiding firefighting efforts.

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.

Declining intelligence in old age linked to visual processing

A study found that declines in visual perception speed are strongly related to declines in intelligence in old age. The researchers tested 600 healthy older people on a simple task of visual perception and found that the brain's ability to make correct decisions based on brief visual impressions limits complex mental functions.

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.

Ecology research paper wins national award

A UC Riverside PhD student's study on how species interact with each other has been selected as this year's recipient of the Thomas M. Frost Award for Excellence in Graduate Research. The study found patterns that have never been seen before, including changes in the network structure of interacting plants and animals within ecosystems.

NASA sees Typhoon Halong's eye wink

NASA's Aqua and Terra satellites captured images of Super Typhoon Halong, revealing an 11.5-mile-wide eye and signs of eyewall replacement. The storm has weakened from a Category 5 to a Category 2 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds near 120mph.

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.

Drilling in the dark: Biological impacts of fracking still largely unknown

A study by conservation biologists highlights the lack of accessible information on fracking fluid chemistry and spill data, raising concerns about chemical contamination and its impact on plants and wildlife. The authors call for increased transparency and cooperation to minimize environmental damage.

Collaborative research uses camelina to build better biofuel

Researchers are developing Camelina sativa as a biodiesel crop for the Great Plains, which can grow on poor-quality farmland and requires little irrigation and fertilizer. By altering the plant's biochemistry, they aim to create low-viscosity oil that can be used directly in diesel engines.

Eating baked or broiled fish weekly boosts brain health, Pitt study says

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh found that eating baked or broiled fish once a week is associated with greater grey matter brain volumes in areas responsible for memory and cognition. The study suggests that lifestyle factors contribute to structural changes in the brain, rather than biological factors.

Sulfur signals in Antarctic snow reveal clues to climate, past and future

Researchers have discovered anomalous sulfur signals in Antarctic snow that provide insights into the Earth's atmosphere, past climate patterns, and potential future climate scenarios. The findings reveal a previously overlooked atmospheric chemistry process that should be included in climate models.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

How should flood risk assessments be done in a changing climate?

Researchers propose a new method of flood risk assessment that starts with the null hypothesis of 'no trend' but explicitly assesses statistical uncertainties. This approach could help water managers better estimate future flood risks and avoid wasting money on unneeded infrastructure.

'I cant figure out how to do this!'

A novel course at Washington University in St. Louis evaluates the effectiveness of active-learning techniques in large lecture classes, showing mixed but consistent benefits in conceptual learning and attitudes towards learning and problem-solving. The study eliminates traditional concerns about large classes and inquiry-based courses.

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.

Scientists call for increased conservation efforts to save black bears

A comprehensive study found that black bears in the Central Interior Highlands (CIH) have a remnant lineage in the northern Ozarks of Missouri, indicating their presence throughout the region. The reintroduction of bears in the 1950s and 1960s helped restore diversity and increase population size in the Ozarks and Ouachitas.

Prenatal alcohol exposure alters development of brain function

Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles found that prenatal alcohol exposure can alter brain activation over time, leading to persistent cognitive and behavioral problems in individuals with FASD. The study suggests a possible neural mechanism for the attention problems seen in FASD, highlighting the importance of early developm...

Medical consultations for surgical patients examined amid payment changes

A study found significant variation in hospital use of medical consultations for surgical patients, with greater differences among those without complications. Hospitals that are non-teaching or for-profit have a higher rate of medical consultation use, while larger hospitals have more consultations for THR patients.

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.

GW researcher reveals how amphibians crossed continents

A large-scale biogeographic analysis by GW researcher Alex Pyron shows that amphibians have moved across the planet throughout time, with some species dispersing long distances over water. The study reveals three major processes driving their distribution: vicariance, dispersal, and unexpected oceanic dispersals.

Bottling up sound waves

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have developed a technique for generating acoustic bottles that can bend sound waves along prescribed convex trajectories. This technology has the potential to revolutionize various applications, including advanced ultrasonic imaging and therapy, acoustic cloaking, and levitation.

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.

Scientists uncover combustion mechanism to better predict warming by wildfires

Researchers from Los Alamos National Laboratory and Carnegie Mellon University uncover key attributes of brown carbon, a toxic airborne particle that warms the atmosphere. The study reveals that brown carbon shares a common production mechanism with black carbon, leading to significant underestimation of warming effects in climate models.

Extracting audio from visual information

Researchers developed an algorithm to reconstruct audio signals from minute object vibrations captured in video. They successfully extracted intelligible speech from a potato-chip bag and useful audio signals from other objects like aluminum foil and leaves.

When highest perceptual ability occurs in a day?

A study published in Neural Regeneration Research found significant differences in tactile sense and two-point discrimination among healthy subjects at different times of the day. Highest perceptual ability was observed in the evening compared to morning and noon.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

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Horses communicate with their eyes and mobile ears

Researchers found that horses rely on facial expressions, particularly eye and ear positions, to gauge attention and locate food. The study's results suggest individual facial features may be important in horse communication, contradicting earlier notions about animals with eyes to the sides of their heads.

Humane strategy reduces shark attacks

Researchers in Brazil developed a non-lethal strategy to reduce shark encounters with humans, increasing protected species survival rates and decreasing attacks. The 'simple and humane' approach has been shown to be effective over 8 years, making swimmers safer without harming threatened shark populations.

Baby universe picture brought closer to theory

The Planck Telescope's most detailed map of the cosmic microwave background contains features that challenge the standard model of cosmology. By processing the data differently and including other effects, scientists have found that several anomalies disappear, but others may still persist.

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.

Implanted neurons become part of the brain

Researchers at the University of Luxembourg have made a breakthrough in implanting neurons into mouse brains, demonstrating long-term stability and functional integration. The successful technique, which uses reprogrammed skin cells to produce healthy neurons, holds promise for treating neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's disease.

Eiler and Bald Fires in California

The Eiler wildfire has consumed 26,000 acres with unknown cause, while the Bald Fire has spread 39,500 acres with moderate containment, fueled by dry lightning and thunderstorms.

In defense of mouse models for studying human disorders

Recent studies reanalyze gene expression patterns in mouse models, finding greater similarities with human disease conditions, contrary to a 2013 study that suggested poor correlation. The new research highlights the potential of mouse models for studying human disorders and developing treatments.

Protective hinge process enables insulin to bind to cells

Researchers have deciphered how insulin binds to target cells, unlocking a protective hinge that triggers biological signals. This mechanism has attracted international study since the landmark 1969 elucidation of insulin's storage structure, enabling new molecular designs for safer and more effective insulin products.

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.

Atorvastatin protects against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury

Research published in Neural Regeneration Research found that atorvastatin, a commonly used lipid-lowering drug, protects against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. The study discovered that atorvastatin's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects contribute to its protective benefits.

Kangaroos win when Aborigines hunt with fire

A University of Utah researcher found that the Aboriginal Martu people's traditional hunting and fire practices help maintain ecosystem stability, increasing kangaroo populations. The study suggests encouraging small-scale burning to bolster wildlife populations in certain areas.

Australian Twitter accounts hit 2.8 million

The study found that Australian Twitter adoption grew slowly in early days before peaking at 100,000 new registrations per month in 2009. By August 2013, the monthly growth rate averaged 45,000 accounts, reaching 80,000. This trend suggests a steady influx of new Australian Twitter accounts.

Uncovering the 3-D structure of a key neuroreceptor

Scientists have determined the 3D structure of 5HT3-R, a receptor involved in conditions like chemotherapy-induced nausea and anxiety. The high-resolution structure reveals the receptor's molecular anatomy, providing insights into its function and potential targets for novel medicines.

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.

Tumor suppressor mutations alone don't explain deadly cancer

Researchers have found a link between tumor suppressor mutations and missing segments of genetic material in squamous cell head and neck cancers. The study suggests that treating tumors with both markers may intensify treatment, while those with only one marker may benefit from de-intensified treatment.

Atlantic warming turbocharges Pacific trade winds

Rapid Atlantic warming has turbocharged Pacific Equatorial trade winds, causing eastern tropical Pacific cooling and amplifying the Californian drought. The increased winds also accelerated sea level rise in the Western Pacific and slowed global surface temperature rise since 2001.

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.