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Science News Archive 2014


Page 267 of 376

Better thermal-imaging lens from waste sulfur

Researchers have created a polymer material that can be used for quality thermal imaging, providing a potential solution for heat detection and infrared applications. The new plastic lenses are inexpensive, lightweight, and can be easily molded into various shapes.

Gene variant raises risk for aortic tear and rupture

Researchers confirmed a genetic variant linked to significantly increased risk of aortic dissection or full rupture. Patients with the mutation may benefit from earlier surgical therapy before an aortic dissection occurs.

Call for alternative identification methods for endangered species

Researchers suggest using non-lethal techniques such as high-resolution photography and DNA sampling to identify species, avoiding harm to small populations. The goal is to balance scientific understanding with conservation concerns and minimize the impact of field collections.

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.

Fear of the cuckoo mafia

Scientists confirm the mafia hypothesis, which suggests that birds cooperate with parasitic birds to avoid retaliation, increasing survival rates of parasites. Host birds must learn and adapt to reject foreign eggs, while parasites use their behavior to extort hosts.

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.

Lab researcher discovers the green in Greenland

A team of researchers, including a scientist from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, has found evidence that ancient dirt in Greenland was cryogenically frozen for millions of years. The discovery provides insights into how major ice sheets reacted to past climate change and could inform predictions about future changes.

The malaria pathogen's cellular skeleton under a super-microscope

Scientists investigated the malaria pathogen's cellular skeleton using high-resolution structural biology methods. They discovered two versions of actin protein with different structures and behaviors, which may contribute to designing tailored anti-malarial medication.

Vitamin B3 might have been made in space, delivered to Earth by meteorites

A new analysis by NASA-funded researchers suggests that vitamin B3 could have originated from carbon-rich meteorites. The team found high levels of vitamin B3 and related molecules in eight different meteorites, which support the theory that extraterrestrial sources may have assisted the origin of life.

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.

Refining the language for chromosomes

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital propose a new Next-Gen Cytogenetic Nomenclature system to standardize chromosomal abnormality descriptions, improving clinical and research reports. The system focuses on nucleotide-level details, reducing errors and saving time in reporting.

Sprifermin offers benefit for cartilage loss from knee osteoarthritis

A new study found that sprifermin (recombinant human fibroblast growth factor 18) reduces total and lateral femorotibial cartilage thickness and volume in patients with knee osteoarthritis. The treatment was shown to improve joint space width and WOMAC pain score, particularly at a dose of 100µg.

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.

Adrenaline does little to increase patient's survival after cardiac arrest

Research at St. Michael's Hospital found that administering adrenaline after a cardiac arrest outside of a hospital does not improve long-term survival rates, despite its long-standing use as treatment for decades. The study suggests alternative methods such as early defibrillator use and effective CPR may be more beneficial.

Unraveling the 'black ribbon' around lung cancer

A Michigan State University study highlights the emotional toll of lung cancer stigma, with patients feeling guilt, self-blame, and discomfort around healthcare providers. The research aims to raise awareness among healthcare providers and develop strategies to strengthen coping skills and symptom management for affected individuals.

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.

New state-of-the-art biotech and nanotech equipment for INRS

INRS has secured a $10 million grant from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) to acquire cutting-edge biotech and nanophotonics equipment. The new laboratories will enable researchers to develop innovative materials and technologies, improving healthcare and information technology.

Discovery could lead to novel therapies for Fragile X syndrome

Researchers discovered how Fragile X mental retardation protein affects brain cell protein production, leading to the development of potential therapies for the genetic disorder. The study identified a critical binding site on the ribosome that could be targeted by drugs.

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.

Proteomics discovers link between muscle damage and cerebral malaria

A multidisciplinary team of scientists analyzed over 1000 proteins in more than 700 children with and without malaria. They found elevated muscle-specific proteins in plasma that could distinguish cerebral malaria from other syndromes. These findings suggest a link between muscle damage and the severity of cerebral malaria.

Drought and fire in the Amazon lead to sharp increases in forest tree mortality

A recent study found that severe droughts and repeated fires in the Amazon lead to high tree mortality rates, with 60% of trees dying in a single experiment. The researchers warn that climate change will exacerbate this issue, making it essential to implement policies and programs to control forest fires and prevent deforestation.

Study recalculates costs of combination vaccines

Pediarix is the most cost-effective combination vaccine, but Pentacel's sales are higher due to overlooked factors. Health care providers often overlook extra immunizations required for certain vaccines.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The story of animal domestication retold

Recent research on large herbivore domestication reveals little control of breeding and significant gene flow, challenging traditional assumptions. This lack of genetic isolation threatens livestock diversity and survival in the face of climate change and disease.

Fish consumption advisories fail to cover all types of contaminants

A recent modeling study reveals that fish consumption advisories are ineffective in reducing infant exposure to long-lived pollutants like persistent organic pollutants (POPs), with estimates suggesting only a 10-15% reduction in child exposure even for mothers who stop eating fish before pregnancy.

Tracking flu levels with Wikipedia

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital developed a method to estimate flu levels in the American population by analyzing Internet traffic on specific flu-related Wikipedia articles. The model performs well during severe influenza seasons and H1N1 pandemics, providing accurate near-realtime information about disease burden.

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.

New pain relief targets discovered

Researchers at King's College London have identified new pain relief targets that could help chemotherapy patients who suffer from persistent pain. The discovery was made by investigating how pain occurs in nerves and found that the immune system plays a key role in causing pain.

Chickens to chili peppers

Researchers have found a genetic connection between chickens and chili peppers, suggesting that the latter were domesticated around the same time as humans. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, used DNA analysis to reveal that yellow-skinned chickens became common only about 500 years ago.

Study sheds light on how the immune system protects children from malaria

Researchers found that children living in malaria-endemic regions mount an immune response to infection with malaria parasites, enabling them to partially control parasite growth and avoid repeated fever. This exposure-dependent control of inflammation may have evolved to protect young children from life-threatening illness.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Impact of childhood bullying still evident after 40 years

Research by King's College London found that childhood bullying has a lasting impact on adults' physical and psychological health, social relationships, and well-being. Individuals who were bullied in childhood were more likely to experience depression, anxiety disorders, and lower quality of life.

Researcher looks at public perceptions around newborn testing

A study by Dr. Yvonne Bombard explores the public's perception on newborn testing, revealing concerns about freedom of choice and the danger of over-diagnosis with whole-genome sequencing. The research highlights the need for a balanced approach to screening programs that prioritize both benefits and potential harms.

JCI online ahead of print table of contents for April 17, 2014

Researchers developed a double-stapled peptide that prevents RSV infection by stabilizing its structure, allowing for effective prevention in both cell culture and murine models. Additionally, intranasal and intratracheal delivery methods were found to be effective in preventing nasopulmonary infection.

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.

Structure of sodium channels different than previously believed

New research reveals a fresh understanding of the structure of sodium channels, with particular focus on the β3-subunit's role in regulating heart cell activity. The study suggests that these channels may be functionally connected, leading to more efficient action potential initiation.

First Earth-size planet is discovered in another star's habitable zone

Scientists discover the first Earth-size planet in the habitable zone of a different star, confirming that planets like Earth exist elsewhere. The newly discovered planet, Kepler-186f, is 10% larger than Earth and located comfortably in its star's habitable zone, where liquid water could potentially exist on its surface.

Rapid whole-brain imaging with single cell resolution

A new high-throughput imaging method called CUBIC enables rapid whole-brain imaging at single-cell resolution, overcoming previous limitations. This allows for unprecedented insights into gene expression patterns and neural networks in the brain.

In sex-reversed cave insects, females have the penises

Researchers discovered that female cave insects, Neotrogla, have evolved elaborate penis-like organs, reversing traditional sex roles during copulation. This unique adaptation may be linked to the resource-poor environment and advantageous mating strategies.

AltaSim Technologies wins DOE grant for additive manufacturing

The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded AltaSim Technologies nearly $150,000 to further develop additive manufacturing technologies through its Small Business Innovation Research program. The award boosts momentum for the AweSim initiative, a public-private partnership aiming to increase industrial use of modeling and simulation.

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 MRSA superbug emerges in Brazil

A new MRSA superbug has been identified in Brazil, with high levels of resistance to vancomycin. The superbug belongs to a genetic lineage commonly found outside hospitals and can affect not only sick individuals but also healthy people, posing a serious public health concern.

Science: There's something ancient in the icebox

Researchers discover 3-million-year-old organic soil frozen beneath 2 miles of ice, indicating the Greenland Ice Sheet has persisted longer than known. The ancient landscape suggests a stable center during warm periods, with minimal erosion.

Key milestone for brown fat research with a ground-breaking MRI scan

Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery using MRI scans to identify brown adipose tissue in adults, a major step towards developing new weight loss treatments. The study's findings could lead to the creation of safe and effective therapies that activate brown fat to promote energy expenditure.

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.

For resetting circadian rhythms, neural cooperation is key

Researchers found that morning and evening oscillators in fruit flies rely on neural cooperation to follow the sun. Without this cooperation, circadian clocks are useless or even harmful. The study's findings suggest a more complex role for light detection in regulating circadian behavior.

East African honeybees are safe from invasive pests… for now

Researchers found East African honeybees resistant to invasive parasites, but preliminary data suggests habitat loss and drought may be major factors driving colony declines. The study recommends protecting nesting habitats and native flowering plants to maintain healthy bee populations.

Bright points in sun's atmosphere mark patterns deep in its interior

Researchers use NASA's SDO to map dynamic magnetic fields and brightpoints in the sun's atmosphere, revealing deep-seated activity and potential cells of flowing material. This breakthrough offers near real-time mapping of the sun's interior, affecting solar flares and other events.

Patented research remotely detects nitrogen-rich explosives

The patented template-based system detects explosives hidden underground or in car trunks, improving safety for soldiers in combat zones. The researchers aim to make the system effective at 100-meter distances, enabling quick detection of improvised explosive devices.

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.

The ilk of human kindness

Researchers found that compassionate behaviors are associated with better health and well-being as we age. The study identified three factors predictive of self-reported compassion: gender, recent suffering, and high mental resiliency.