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Science News Archive 2014


Page 95 of 376

Ultrafast remote switching of light emission

Scientists have created a method to switch on and off the spontaneous emission of light by quantum dots at will, with pulses as short as 200 picoseconds. This technique has potential applications in quantum information transmission and control.

NASA's HS3 looks Hurricane Edouard in the eye

The HS3 mission provided a detailed view of the storm's winds, temperature, and pressure throughout its depth. The data revealed that Eduoard was still a strong Category 2 hurricane, possibly Category 3, as it weakened over cooler Atlantic waters.

Pollution linked to lethal sea turtle tumors

A new study published in PeerJ found that pollution in urban and farm runoff in Hawaii causes tumors in endangered sea turtles. The researchers discovered that high levels of nitrogen in the runoff promote the formation of tumors on the animals' eyes, flippers, and internal organs.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How to make a 'perfect' solar absorber

The researchers created a two-dimensional metallic dielectric photonic crystal that absorbs virtually all wavelengths of light from the sun, but not much of the rest. The material can withstand extremely high temperatures and is made at large scales with cheaply manufactured technology.

Blades of grass inspire advance in organic solar cells

A research team led by Alejandro Briseno has developed a new polymer architecture that mimics the structure of blades of grass to improve the efficiency of organic solar cells. The breakthrough solves a major problem with energy transfer and has widespread applications for solar cells, batteries, and transistors.

Cancer therapy: Driving cancer cells to suicide

Researchers have identified a class of chemical compounds that make cancer cells more sensitive to chemotherapeutic drugs. The compounds, referred to as T8, specifically target the protein disulfide isomerase enzyme and induce programmed cell death in rapidly dividing cancer cells.

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.

Slim cigarette smokers not exposed to more harmful chemicals

A new study by British American Tobacco found that slim cigarette smokers experience lower exposure to toxic chemicals like carbon monoxide and acetaldehyde. The researchers attribute this reduction to the smaller size of slim cigarettes, making it harder for smokers to draw on.

Expect 6,000 more Australian deaths if pollution rises to 'safe' threshold

A QUT expert warns Australian governments that increasing pollution to just below existing standards would cause thousands of additional deaths each year. The health statistician's analysis reveals the devastating impact of pollution on human life, highlighting the need for thorough cost-benefit analyses in environmental studies.

New blood test determines whether you have or are likely to get cancer

Researchers developed a new blood test called the lymphocyte genome sensitivity (LGS) test, which can detect some cancers earlier than ever before. The test analyzes white blood cells exposed to UVA light and measures their DNA damage, allowing for early cancer detection and identifying those at risk of developing cancer.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Damaging legacy: Mothers who smoke affect the fertility of their sons

Research in mice suggests that maternal cigarette smoking can affect the fertility of male offspring, causing reduced sperm counts, poor sperm shape, and impaired fertility. The study's findings have implications for human health, particularly for men who were exposed to cigarette toxins in the womb.

University of Alberta researchers explain 38-year-old mystery of the heart

Researchers at the University of Alberta have explained how a key protein in the heart changes in heart failure, shedding light on the molecular mechanisms behind this complex condition. By studying troponin I, they discovered that increased calcium sensitivity actually helps trigger contraction, despite slower relaxation.

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.

A safer approach for diagnostic medical imaging

Scientists have developed a new generation of hyperpolarizing agents that can be used to dramatically enhance the signal intensity of imaged body tissues without presenting any danger to the patient. The HYPSOs are made from a fine, white, porous powder containing tracking molecules, which act as markers for imaging.

Genetic modifier affects colon tumor formation

Researchers discovered that a genetic modifier called Pla2g2a can protect against colon tumors in mice, which could have significant implications for cancer research and treatment. The study found that mice with the resistant allele of Pla2g2a had fewer tumors than those with the sensitive allele.

New VCU center to target cocaine addiction

The VCU Center for Medication Development for Cocaine Use Disorder aims to develop safe and effective treatments for cocaine addiction. The center will conduct preclinical and early clinical trials, and provide educational resources to train the next generation of translational scientists.

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.

Cells from placentas safe for patients with multiple sclerosis

Researchers found that patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) can safely tolerate treatment with cells cultured from human placental tissue. Early signals also suggest the potential for repairing damaged nerve tissues, offering a new frontier in treatment for the disease.

Recessions result in lower birth rates in the long run

New research from Princeton University shows that recessions have a profound impact on fertility, leading to lower birth rates in the short and long term. Women who experience high unemployment during their 20s are more likely to remain childless by age 40, with the effects increasing exponentially over time.

New data on combination treatments for melanoma

Combination therapy with vemurafenib and cobimetinib achieves greater progression-free survival and response rates than vemurafenib alone in BRAF-mutation positive melanoma. The study also shows a reduced incidence of skin-related side-effects with combination therapy.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Patrick F. Sullivan, M.D., awarded 2014 Lieber Prize

Dr. Patrick F. Sullivan, a psychiatric geneticist, received the 2014 Lieber Prize for his distinguished work on schizophrenia. He heads large international projects and directs mega-analyses involving 90,000 participants.

Ocean acidification could lead to collapse of coral reefs

A recent study found that ocean acidification caused a significant decrease in calcification rates of the Great Barrier Reef, threatening its ecosystem. The research suggests that coral reefs are now producing less dense and fragile skeletons, making them more susceptible to erosion.

Hand size appears to stay constant, providing natural 'ruler'

Researchers found that people consistently estimate their dominant hand to be less magnified than other objects under the same degree of magnification. This finding suggests that our bodies are used as perceptual metrics, allowing us to attribute changes in perceived size to changes in the world rather than our own body.

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.

Project to develop depression care for older adults

The Archstone Foundation's Depression in Late Life Initiative aims to improve depression care for older adults through collaboration among primary care clinics, family members, friends, and community-based organizations. Depression affects 2-5% of older adults in the community and 50% in nursing homes.

How things coil

A team of researchers combined precision model experiments with computer simulations to study coiling patterns, discovering that natural curvature dramatically affects the process. The study has practical impacts on everyday life, including understanding transoceanic communication cables and rodlike structures.

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.

UCSF funded to provide PrEP consultations for clinicians

The UCSF Clinician Consultation Center has been funded by the CDC to provide a telephone consultation service for healthcare providers prescribing PrEP. The service will guide clinicians on identifying patients at risk, evaluating their ability to take PrEP regularly and ensuring safe prescribing practices.

Use of broad-spectrum antibiotics before age 2 associated with obesity risk

A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics found a significant association between the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics before age 2 and an increased risk of obesity. The researchers analyzed data from over 1,000 children and found that greater antibiotic exposure was linked to higher rates of obesity and being overweight or obese.

NASA-funded rocket has 6 minutes to study solar heating

VAULT2.0 will observe light emitted from hydrogen atoms at extreme temperatures to understand coronal heating. The launch allows for six minutes of observations above the atmosphere, capturing images every six to eight seconds.

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.

DNA signature found in ice storm babies

Researchers detected a distinctive DNA signature in children born after the massive Quebec ice storm, linked to maternal hardship and stress. The study found that objective stress exposure, not emotional distress, caused long-lasting changes in the epigenome of their babies.

NIH awards 7 new vaccine adjuvant discovery contracts

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has awarded seven research contracts to discover novel vaccine adjuvants that safely boost immune responses. The goal is to improve current vaccines, extend the vaccine supply, or enhance efficacy in people with immature or weakened immune systems.

Predicting landslides with light

Researchers in Italy have developed a new technology using distributed optical fiber sensors to monitor soil slopes and detect the onset of landslides. This innovation can help mitigate devastating losses of life and property by providing early warnings, making it an entirely new tool for landslide risk monitoring.

Studies report new findings on treatment options for mesothelioma

A recent study found that high-dose radiotherapy did not improve survival rates or delay local relapse in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma who had undergone chemotherapy and surgery. However, researchers discovered that about 20% of patients expressed the PD-L1 protein, which could be targeted with immunotherapy treatments.

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 identify the signature of aging in the brain

Researchers found a unique signature of aging in the choroid plexus, which separates blood from cerebrospinal fluid, and discovered that interferon beta has a negative effect on the brain. Blocking this protein's activity restored cognitive abilities in older mice.

Sweat-eating bacteria may improve skin health

Researchers found that using sweat-eating bacteria to metabolize ammonia improved skin condition and appearance in human volunteers. The study showed significant improvements, especially when the levels of AOB on the skin were high, suggesting potential modulation of the skin microbiota.

Study reveals new clues to help understand brain stimulation

Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center identified brain networks that can help guide site selection for brain stimulation therapies. The findings suggest that stimulating sites in the same connected brain network can improve treatment outcomes across multiple neurological and psychiatric disorders.

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.

Investigating the 'underground' habitat of Listeria bacteria

A study found that 30% of soil and 6% of water samples were contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a potentially dangerous species. The bacteria were more common near rivers and in areas with high concentrations of agricultural land and urban environments.

Glaciers in the Grand Canyon of Mars?

Researchers identify jarosite minerals in Ius Chasma canyon wall, suggesting atmospheric sulfur trapped in ice formed glaciers. The discovery provides evidence of past glaciation in the Valles Marineris on Mars.

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.

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.

Higher nurse-to-patient standard improves staff safety

A California law mandating specific nurse-to-patient staffing standards significantly lowers job-related injuries and illnesses for registered nurses and licensed practical nurses. The study found a 32% reduction in injuries for registered nurses and a 34% reduction for licensed practical nurses.

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.