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Science News Archive April 2014


Page 18 of 32

NASA sees Tropical Cyclone Ita over the Coral Sea

Tropical Cyclone Ita weakened to a tropical storm after making landfall in northeastern Queensland, Australia. NASA's TRMM and Suomi NPP satellites captured imagery of the storm's elongating structure and heavy rainfall rates.

Researchers describe 4 new species of 'killer sponges' from the deep sea

Four new species of carnivorous sponges have been discovered in the deep sea, using intricate microscopic hooks to trap crustaceans and other small organisms. These 'killer sponges' thrive in the dark depths of the ocean, where energy is scarce, and rely on clever trapping mechanisms to survive.

Puget Sound's rich waters supplied by deep, turbulent canyon

A submarine canyon offshore from the strait that separates the U.S. and Canada supplies most of the water coming into Puget Sound, the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Canada's Georgia Strait. This intense flow and mixing contribute to the region's high productivity and mysterious ocean conditions.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Website information on colon cancer too complex, fails to address key concerns

A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that popular web information on colorectal cancer screening materials are written beyond the recommended sixth-grade reading level and fail to address key risks and barriers. Only half of the sites discussed colorectal cancer risk in the general population, while only a quarter specifical...

Young people with epilepsy significantly more at risk of injury

Children and young adults with epilepsy are more likely to suffer broken bones, burns, and poisonings compared to those without the condition. Young people with epilepsy are at significantly greater risk of being poisoned by medication, especially in the age group of 19-24 years old.

Plague alters cell death to kill host

Scientists have discovered how Yersinia pestis alters cell death pathways to kill host cells and cause pneumonic plague. The study reveals that the bacterium destroys Fas ligand, a molecule that stimulates apoptosis, allowing it to overwhelm the lungs and kill its host.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Bizarre parasite may provide cuttlefish clues

Researchers have discovered 10 new parasite species in Australian cuttlefish, revealing complex life cycles and infection patterns. The parasites' ability to reinfect hosts independently suggests a high degree of specificity, making them potential biological tags for assessing population structures.

Nano shake-up

University of Delaware researchers show that routine procedures in handling and processing nanocarrier solutions can alter their size and shape, affecting targeted drug delivery to cancer cells. The study's findings have significant implications for the production, storage, and use of nano-based drug delivery systems.

Saturn's hexagon: An amazing phenomenon

Researchers studied Saturn's northern polar region and confirmed the hexagon's stability and unchanged jet stream. They suggest it's a manifestation of a Rossby wave similar to those on Earth, with implications for understanding Saturn's atmosphere.

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.

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for April 15, 2014

A new delirium severity score helps predict hospital outcomes in patients with delirium. The Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) scoring system is validated for predicting adverse outcomes, including prolonged hospital stay and functional decline. Additionally, a US survey shows that obesity contributes to the dramatic increase in diabet...

Plugging an ozone hole

A new MIT study finds that international efforts to limit ozone-depleting chemicals have been successful in preventing extreme Arctic ozone losses, unlike Antarctica.

New Commission study identifies Europe's top ICT hubs

The European Commission Joint Research Centre has identified Europe's top ICT hubs, which excel in access to top universities, research centers, and funding opportunities. These regions have a high concentration of businesses, innovative output, and strong networks, making them ideal for digital success.

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.

Ferns borrowed genes to flourish in low light

Ferns acquired a gene called neochrome from hornworts, allowing them to thrive in shaded environments. The transfer of this gene helped ferns diversify and flourish under the new canopy, outcompeting flowering plants.

Nutrient-rich forests absorb more carbon

A new study found that forests growing in fertile soils with ample nutrients can sequester up to 30% of the carbon they take up during photosynthesis. In contrast, nutrient-poor forests retain only 6% of that carbon, which is released back into the atmosphere as respiration.

Let the sun shine in: Redirecting sunlight to urban alleyways

Researchers developed a corrugated, translucent panel that redirects sunlight onto narrow streets and alleyways, increasing illumination by 200 percent in autumn and winter. The panel is designed to provide natural light for everyday tasks and improve mental health, and its cost is estimated between $70 and $100 per square meter.

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.

Long-term antibiotic treatment for Q fever causes weight gain

Research finds that long-term antibiotic treatment with doxycycline and hydroxychloroquine can cause significant changes in gut microbiota, leading to weight gain in nearly one quarter of patients. The study highlights the need for reduced calorie diets during long-term antibiotic treatment.

Making dams safer for fish around the world

Researchers from PNNL explore ways to protect fish from barotrauma, a phenomenon caused by dramatic shifts in water pressure near dams. Modifying turbines to minimize pressure change is a promising solution, improving turbine designs and reducing injuries to fish.

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.

Neuroscientists: Brain activity may mark the beginning of memories

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that brain activity in place cells helps construct cognitive maps, a pattern of activity reflecting an animal's internal representation of its environment. This activation can mark the birth of a memory, as seen in rats who pause to inspect their surroundings and create new place fields.

Beam on target!

The CEBAF accelerator successfully delivered its first data of the 12 GeV era, achieving 6.11 GeV electrons at 2 nanoAmps average current for over an hour. The milestone marks a major step in the commissioning process and demonstrates the ability to deliver high-energy beams beyond the original operational energy.

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.

Shiny quantum dots brighten future of solar cells

Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory and University of Milano-Bicocca have developed large-area luminescent solar concentrators using 'Stokes-shift-engineered' quantum dots. These concentrated solar cells can generate significant power from sunlight, enabling the creation of transparent photovoltaic windows.

Lashing out at your spouse? Check your blood sugar

A new study found that lower levels of blood glucose in married individuals predict increased anger and aggression towards their spouse. Participants who had lower evening blood glucose levels were willing to deliver louder and longer noise blasts at their spouse, even after controlling for relationship satisfaction.

Quantum manipulation: Filling the gap between quantum and classical world

Recent studies have explored quantum superposition and its potential applications, including quantum computing and optical clocks. Researchers have developed advanced techniques to manipulate individual quantum systems, such as ion traps and microwave cavities, allowing for the investigation of fundamental quantum mechanics.

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.

A stable model for an unstable target

Singlet oxygen modifies target molecules through precise location and monitoring its effects on HCN channels in open and closed states. The findings introduce a method for further exploration of singlet oxygen's role in biological processes, including memory, heart rate, pain sensation, and cancer development.

Osteoporosis drugs appear to impede cell membrane repair

Researchers found that osteoporosis medications inhibit the ability of cells to repair their outer membranes, which can lead to jawbone destruction and other serious side effects. The study suggests that patients taking these drugs should talk to their physicians about potential risks.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Irrational health beliefs linked to skipping cardiac rehab sessions

Research suggests that irrational health beliefs are associated with lower adherence to cardiac rehabilitation programs. Patients with more irrational health beliefs completed a lower percentage of sessions than those with fewer such beliefs. Providing evidence-based medical information may help enhance adherence to the program.

Shared decision making during radiation therapy improves patient satisfaction

A study of 305 patients undergoing radiation treatment found that playing an active role in their treatment decisions improved patient satisfaction. Patients who experienced shared decision making or perceived control over their treatments were more satisfied and reported lower levels of anxiety, depression, and fatigue.

Beneficial organisms react differently to parasite drug

Research reveals that beneficial insects like dung beetles and flies react differently to ivermectin due to varying levels of sensitivity. This poses a risk to ecosystem functioning and highlights the need for more comprehensive safety tests to protect these organisms.

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.

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.

'MicroRNA' could be key target for bowel cancer treatment

A new study finds that microRNA 135b drives the growth of bowel cancers and is a vital 'worker' for several important cancer genes. Testing levels of this molecule could identify patients with aggressive disease, while drugs targeting it may prevent tumour growth and reduce resistance.

Driven to high-energy excellence

Connor Richards, a second-year undergraduate student at UC Riverside, has won the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship for his research in high-energy physics. He is participating in research at the Large Hadron Collider to detect evidence of supersymmetry and understand dark matter.

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.

Researchers identify children with emotional behavior difficulties

A new diagnostic tool has been developed to identify children with emotional behavior disorders, including those orphaned by HIV/AIDS. The study found that poverty may wash out any effects of AIDS on the children's mental health, and that community-based organizations need training to respond to their needs.

Does germ plasm accelerate evolution?

Scientists discovered that species with germ plasm, a cell lineage responsible for producing gametes, evolve faster than those without. This accelerated rate of evolution leads to 'explosive radiations' of species and challenges traditional views on the process.

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.

Boston-area researchers develop new delirium severity measure for older adults

Researchers developed a new scoring system, CAM-S, to measure delirium severity in older adults, which is associated with hospital mortality rates of up to 33% and estimated annual healthcare costs of over $182 billion. The study found that length of hospital stay increases with delirium severity, as well as mean hospital costs.