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Science News Archive April 2014


Page 20 of 32

OU History of Science department receives Sloan Foundation grant

The OU History of Science Department has received a $350,000 grant from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation to build an innovative collaboration platform centered on the Isis Bibliography. The platform will make the entire bibliography available at no cost and provide users with digital tools for managing research and sharing work.

Nobel prize candidates wait often over 20 years to win their prize

The study found that average waiting times for Nobel prizes are increasing exponentially, with average age at which laureates receive the award also rising. This trend threatens to undermine the prestigious award, as the predicted average age among prizewinners could even exceed life expectancy by the end of this century.

AWI researchers decipher climate paradox from the Miocene

A team of AWI climate scientists deciphered a climate paradox from the Miocene era by analyzing complex model simulations. The expansion of the Antarctic ice sheet led to changes in wind patterns, ocean currents, and sea ice in the Southern Ocean, resulting in warming regions despite cooling elsewhere.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The ATM strikes back

Researchers developed a self-defending surface that releases hot foam to deter attackers, protecting cash boxes in ATMs. The film is made of plastic layers filled with chemicals that mix when damaged, producing a violent reaction.

Immunotherapy could help tackle tough liver cancer

Researchers have discovered an immunotherapeutic approach to treating liver cancer, utilizing isolated T-cell receptors that can recognize and eliminate liver cancer cells. This new treatment option holds promise for patients with limited treatment options, including those with advanced stage HCC.

Viral hepatitis more deadly than HIV in Europe

A recent study found that mortality from viral hepatitis is significantly higher than from HIV/AIDS across EU countries. In 2010, there were nearly 90,000 deaths due to hepatitis C and nearly 31,000 deaths due to hepatitis B, compared to just over 8,000 deaths from HIV/AIDS.

New self-healing plastics developed

Scientists at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology have developed a chemical crosslinking reaction that ensures good short-term healing properties of the material under mild heating. The self-healing mechanism can be initiated by heat, light or chemical substance.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

The taming of the shrew

Researchers have discovered that the bicolored shrew acts as a 'pathogen reservoir' for the Borna virus, transmitting it to horses. The virus is not directly contagious and requires an intermediate host to spread, highlighting the importance of keeping shrews away from stables to prevent transmission.

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.

Odds that global warming is due to natural factors: Slim to none

A new study by McGill University professor Shaun Lovejoy uses statistical analysis to determine the probability that global warming since 1880 is due to natural variability. The study concludes that the natural-warming hypothesis can be ruled out with confidence levels greater than 99%, and most likely greater than 99.9%.

Lactate metabolism target halts growth in lung cancer model

Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have identified a key enzyme responsible for lactate production in cancer cells, which they inhibit to halt tumor growth and even cause regression. The study's findings offer promising results for new treatments targeting cancer metabolism.

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.

NASA simulation portrays ozone intrusions from aloft

A NASA simulation shows that stratospheric ozone intrusions have a significant impact on ground-level ozone concentrations in the US West, with effects two to three times greater than previously estimated. High-resolution models can now comprehensively examine these events for the first time.

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.

3-D printing cancer cells to mimic tumors

A team of researchers created a 3D model of cervical cancer cells using 3D printing, mimicking the complex environment of a tumor. The model showed higher proliferation rates and resistance to anti-cancer drugs compared to traditional 2D models.

Team solves decades-old mystery of how cells keep from bursting

A team at The Scripps Research Institute has identified a long-sought protein called SWELL1 that regulates cell volume to prevent excessive swelling. The discovery solves a decades-old mystery of cell biology and may lead to new insights into diseases such as immune deficiency, stroke, and diabetes.

Four-eyed daddy longlegs fossil fills in evolutionary tree

A newly discovered 305-million-year-old fossil fills in the evolutionary tree for primitive harvestmen, providing evidence that they once had two pairs of eyes. This rare find allows scientists to study the anatomy of ancient arachnids in unprecedented detail.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Researchers find that influenza has an Achilles' heel

Researchers have discovered a potential new therapy for influenza by targeting the prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) molecule. This molecule is found to play a crucial role in antiviral immunity and is inhibited by a compound that increases survival rates in mice infected with the H1N1 flu virus.

Ancient 'spider' images reveal eye-opening secrets

Researchers have discovered a 305-million-year-old harvestman fossil with two sets of eyes, challenging previous assumptions about the evolutionary history of arachnids. The fossil's exceptional preservation allows scientists to study its anatomy in unprecedented detail.

Some birds come first -- a new approach to species conservation

A Yale-led research team developed a new approach to species conservation that prioritizes genetic and geographic rarity. The method was applied to all 9,993 known bird species, revealing areas where maximum conservation of bird diversity can be achieved with minimal investment.

How the brain pays attention

A new study reveals that the brain achieves focused attention on faces or other objects by synchronizing activity in the inferior frontal junction (IFJ) with specific brain regions. The IFJ coordinates with the fusiform face area (FFA) and parahippocampal place area (PPA), suggesting a parallel process involving different areas.

Iconic boreal bird species declining in the Adirondacks, study says

A new study finds that several iconic Adirondack birds are in trouble, with declines driven by the size of their wetland habitats, connectivity, and proximity to human infrastructure. The analysis suggests that these species face challenges in this environment, particularly due to climate change and habitat alteration.

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.

Sneak a peek through the mist to technology of the future

Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed a tabletop system called MisTable, which combines interactive personal screens with a fog-based interface. The system allows users to switch between interacting with individual screens and collaborating on tasks, promoting new forms of collaboration and interaction.

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.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder may reflect a propensity for bad habits

Two new studies published in Biological Psychiatry suggest that obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) may be characterized by a tendency to form compulsive habits, rather than irrational beliefs. Researchers found that individuals with OCD displayed impairments in goal-directed decision making and avoidance habits.

Researchers discover possible new target to attack flu virus

Scientists at The University of Texas at Austin have discovered that the influenza A virus uses a protein called NS1 to outwit the body's natural defense mechanism DDX21, which blocks viral replication. By targeting NS1, researchers may be able to develop new antiviral drugs to combat the flu.

Increased time on Facebook could lead women to negative body images

A recent study found that increased time on Facebook can lead to more negative feelings and comparisons to friends' bodies among college-aged women. The researchers also discovered that more time spent on Facebook was associated with a greater attention to physical appearance, including one's own body and clothing.

Poor mimics can succeed as long as they mimic the right trait

Researchers from Stockholm University found that poor mimics need only mimic one key aspect to avoid predation, while ignoring other characteristics. By studying blue tits and artificial prey, the team discovered that predators focus on distinctive traits when learning about prey.

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.

World ranking tracks evoluntionary distinctness of birds

A team of scientists ranked nearly 10,000 bird species by their evolutionary distinctness, identifying over 100 areas requiring additional protection to safeguard avian biodiversity. The study, published in Current Biology, reveals that Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand are leading countries in preserving irreplaceable species.

Antennae help flies 'cruise' in gusty winds

A recent study by Caltech researchers found that fruit flies use their antennae to quickly sense changes in wind speed, helping them maintain a steady groundspeed. The findings suggest the antennae are responsible for initial deceleration in headwinds and provide critical information to help the fly regain its original speed.

HIV battle must focus on hard-hit streets, paper argues

A new paper highlights the disproportionate impact of HIV on communities of color and poor neighborhoods, emphasizing the need for geographically targeted prevention and treatment efforts. The authors call for increased investment in vulnerable communities to combat the epidemic.

Forging iron women

A systematic review found that iron supplementation boosts maximal capacity and exercise efficiency in women, even at submaximal exertion. Women who received iron had lower heart rates and higher efficiencies, especially those with initial iron deficiencies.

Common sense health for young adult cancer survivors

Young adult cancer survivors are at higher risk of mortality due to lifestyle factors such as exercise, alcohol consumption, and physical activity. Additionally, poor self-reported health status, worries about future health and insurance, and frequent medical visits can also impact life expectancy.

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.

Tamiflu & Relenza: How effective are they?

The Cochrane review found no evidence of reduced hospitalizations or serious influenza complications with Tamiflu. However, the medication increased the risk of nausea and vomiting in adults and children, as well as psychiatric events when used for prevention.

Wiring for smell sets up early, then persists

Brown University scientists found that the fundamental neural wiring map between the nose and brain becomes established in early development and remains unchanged throughout life. The study's findings provide insight into neurodevelopmental disorders and may have implications for regenerative medicine.

Getting to the root of Parkinson's disease

A study published in Cell identifies a biological process that triggers a particular form of Parkinson's disease, leading to degeneration of dopamine-producing nerve cells. The research, led by Johns Hopkins Medicine, has shed light on the origins of Parkinson's disease and may lead to new treatments.

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.

Researchers show fruit flies have latent bioluminescence

Researchers at UMass Chan Medical School found that fruit flies can emit light when treated with a synthetic luciferin analog. This discovery expands the scope of bioluminescence imaging and opens new avenues for non-invasive studying of biological processes.

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.

Camels emit less methane than cows or sheep

Researchers found that camels release less methane in absolute terms than cows and sheep of comparable body size. However, when adjusted for feed conversion, methane production is similar between the two groups. This suggests that camels' lower metabolism could explain their ability to thrive in food-scarce environments.

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Common virus may cause anemia in patients with kidney disease

A study by Lynn Butler and colleagues found that cytomegalovirus infection inhibits erythropoietin production, leading to lower red blood cell counts. The researchers suggest targeting CMV as a potential treatment for anemia in patients with kidney disease.