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Science News Archive 2014


Page 263 of 376

Fires in the Primorsky Province of Russia

Human-caused fires in the Primorsky Province of Russia are ravaging the landscape, with statistics showing that 94% of forest fires can be attributed to human activities. The uncontrolled burning of dry grass for centuries has led to widespread deforestation and degradation of forests, posing a significant threat to various species.

A key to enjoying massive online photo files may be giving up some control

A study found that people reflected more on past events and developed a renewed interest in their online photos when a device called Photobox would randomly print four or five of those photos at varying intervals each month. This slower pace re-engage users with their own photos, making them a regular part of their everyday life.

Picky male black widow spiders prefer well-fed virgins

A study by University of Toronto researchers found that male black widow spiders overwhelmingly choose well-fed, unmated females as mates. The preference is driven by pheromones released by females indicating their nutritional status.

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.

New discovery helps solve mystery source of African lava

Scientists at Michigan State University have made a groundbreaking discovery that challenges long-standing theories on the origin of massive lava flows in Africa. The study found that some of these lavas came from within the African tectonic plate itself, rather than deep within the mantle.

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.

On the defensive

Researchers found that protein aggregates in Huntington's disease are not toxic, but rather a defense mechanism for stressed brain cells. This discovery may lead to new therapeutic approaches by targeting the stress response instead of protein clusters.

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.

Quality control guidelines for genomics studies

The proposed guidelines focus on study design, gene-variant implication, and database implications, emphasizing the need for detailed statistical analysis and evidence-based claims. Researchers highlight the importance of sharing genetic and clinical data to accelerate research and infrastructure development.

Scientists discover a new shape using rubber bands

Researchers fabricate hemihelix shapes from flat parts using rubber strips and discover a critical aspect ratio for their formation. This phenomenon may lead to creation of new molecules with unusual properties.

Steering chemical reactions with laser pulses

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have successfully controlled the splitting of hydrocarbons into smaller fragments using femtosecond laser pulses. By manipulating the distribution of electrons, scientists can induce chemical reactions and select specific reaction paths.

Some astronauts at risk for cognitive impairment, animal studies suggest

A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that rats exposed to high-energy particles simulating space radiation show lapses in attention and slower reaction times. The cognitive impairments are linked to protein changes in the brain and may be predicted by developing a biological marker for sensitivity to radiation's effects.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Hundreds of genetic mutations found in healthy blood of a supercentenarian

Scientists discovered over 400 genetic mutations in the white blood cells of a 115-year-old woman, indicating that these mutations may not contribute to disease. The study also found extremely short telomeres in the blood cells, suggesting 'stem cell exhaustion' as a possible cause of death at extreme ages.

Novel compound halts cocaine addiction and relapse behaviors

A novel compound, RO5263397, has been found to severely blunt a range of cocaine addiction behaviors, including relapse behavior, in animal studies. The compound targets TAAR1 receptor and shows promise as a potential lead compound for treating cocaine addiction.

NASA satellites show drought may take toll on Congo rainforest

A new analysis of NASA satellite data reveals a gradual decrease in Congo rainforest greenness, suggesting a slow adjustment to long-term drying trend. The study found that climate factors such as land surface temperatures and decreased cloudiness contribute to the observed browning of the forest canopy.

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.

Toward unraveling the Alzheimer's mystery

Researchers find prion protein attaches to amyloid-beta peptides, contrary to previous studies, and do not break them down into smaller pieces. This discovery bodes well for a potential approach using prion-protein-based compounds to treat Alzheimer's disease.

UH biomedical engineer works to make blood transfusions safer

A UH biomedical engineer is working on a device to separate well-preserved red blood cells from potentially harmful materials in blood transfusions. The system uses microfluidic technology to scale up the separation process, making it safer and more efficient.

Citizen scientists match research tool when counting sharks

Researchers found a strong correlation between shark abundance observed by citizen scientists and those identified by telemetry, suggesting that citizen science can be a cost-effective means to monitor shark populations. The study also showed that shark behavior was unaffected by tourist divers' presence.

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.

People with more education may recover better from traumatic brain injury

A study published in the American Academy of Neurology found that individuals with higher levels of education tend to recover better from traumatic brain injuries. This is attributed to the cognitive reserve theory, which suggests that educated individuals have a greater ability to maintain brain function despite damage.

WSU researchers tackle 'virtually ignored' psychological study of spite

Researchers at WSU have developed a scale to measure spitefulness, a behavior that involves hurting an opponent even when it comes at a cost to oneself. The study found that spitefulness is closely linked to other negative traits such as psychopathy and narcissism, and that people with guilt tend to score lower on the scale.

Microbes provide insights into evolution of human language

Researchers discovered that Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria use combinatorial communication to achieve an effect different from the sum of individual signals, a method previously thought to be unique to humans and some primates. This finding has serious implications for our understanding of language origins.

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.

Study: Iron consumption can increase risk for heart disease

A new study from Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington found a strong association between heme iron consumption and coronary heart disease. Heme iron intake was shown to increase the risk for coronary heart disease by 57 percent, while nonheme iron had no such link.

Scientists discover a new shape using rubber bands

Researchers at Harvard's SEAS discovered a hemihelix shape, rarely seen in nature, by stretching and joining rubber strips. The shape has a predictable and deterministic growth from a two-dimensional state to a three-dimensional state.

Child's autism risk accelerates with mother's age over 30

A recent study finds that older mothers are at higher risk of having a child with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), particularly when combined with intellectual disability. The risk is lower for fathers, who experience a more gradual increase in ASD risk as their age advances.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

New tool helps doctors better predict, prevent deadly respiratory failure

A new prediction tool can help doctors identify patients at highest risk for respiratory failure after surgery, allowing them to take measures to prevent the condition. The tool uses nine predictors to determine a patient's risk level, enabling doctors to assign risk levels and use preventive measures more effectively.

Risk of pregnancy greater with newer method of female sterilization

A new study by Yale University and UC Davis researchers found that hysteroscopic sterilization is more than 10 times more likely to result in pregnancy over a 10-year period compared to laparoscopic sterilization. The study highlights the need for informed decision-making among women considering sterilization.

Sleep disorder linked to brain disease

Researchers at the University of Toronto found a strong link between rapid-eye-movement sleep behavior disorder and neurodegenerative brain diseases. Up to 90% of people with RBD will develop a brain disease, making it an important warning sign for clinicians.

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.

Grant for research that could lead to new therapies for Parkinson's Disease

Researchers at Plymouth University will use drug and gene therapies to test whether altering mitochondrial fission or fusion improves dopamine-producing nerve cells in experimental models of Parkinson's Disease. The goal is to identify a potential new therapeutic strategy for this brain disorder, potentially slowing disease progress an...

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Biting vs. chewing

A Cornell study published in Eating Behaviors found that children aged 6-10 who ate whole foods like drumsticks and apples were twice as likely to disobey adults and exhibit aggressive behavior compared to those eating cut-up foods. The researchers suggest cutting food can help reduce rowdy behavior at mealtime.

Ask yourself: Will you help the environment?

A Concordia University study found that consumers are more likely to buy eco-friendly products if they predict their own sustainable shopping behavior and feel observed. The study also discovered that this effect is stronger for individuals who define themselves based on social ties and peer opinions.

New challenges in internet of physical world addressed

The book explores the major challenges of wireless sensor and robot networks, including controlled mobility, energy efficiency, and coordination. These challenges affect various applications, such as fleet operations, sensor networks, and fully cooperative systems.

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.

Multiple sclerosis: A review of current treatments for physicians

The article provides evidence-based information on the latest treatments for multiple sclerosis, highlighting the benefits and risks of various therapies. Steroids are found to be the most effective way to treat relapses, while immunosuppressants like natalizumab and fingolimod have varying degrees of success.

Specialized ambulance improves treatment time for stroke

A specialized ambulance equipped with a CT scanner, laboratory, and telemedicine connection was shown to reduce treatment time for ischemic stroke patients. The study found that the average alarm-to-treatment time decreased by 25 minutes, and the rate of thrombolysis increased from 21% to 33%.

New drugs offer hope for migraine prevention

Two new studies release promising results for migraine prevention, with one study showing a 66% decrease in migraine days and another demonstrating a 63% reduction. The new treatments target calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a protein thought to be involved in migraine, and are considered safe and well-tolerated.

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.

Neuroscientists discover brain circuits involved in emotion

Researchers at the University of Bristol have identified a key brain pathway linking emotional behavior to survival circuits, revealing potential therapeutic targets for anxiety and phobias. The study highlights the cerebellum's role in fear response and suggests its involvement in managing dysregulated emotional states.