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Science News Archive August 2014


Page 14 of 31

Electrical engineers take major step toward photonic circuits

Researchers at the University of Alberta have developed a non-metallic metamaterial that enables the compression and containment of light in smaller cables. This breakthrough could lead to radical increases in computing speeds and reduced energy use by electronic devices.

The ABC's of animal speech: Not so random after all

A recent study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B analyzed the vocal sequences of seven different species and found that they appear to be generated by complex statistical processes more akin to human language. The findings suggest an intermediate step on the evolutionary path between animal communication and human language.

Financial weight makes it trickier to lose pounds where it counts

A new study from Concordia University reveals that financial struggles significantly impact weight loss efforts, with lower-income individuals less likely to engage in healthy habits like exercise or reducing fat intake. Instead, they often turn to quick fixes like diet pills or skipping meals.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Intimacy a strong motivator for PrEP HIV prevention

A new study found that desire for intimacy is a strong predictor of whether gay and bisexual men will adopt PrEP. Men in steady same-sex relationships with HIV-negative partners who value intimacy are more likely to take antiretroviral medications to prevent HIV.

Common antibiotic linked with heart deaths

A study found that clarithromycin, a widely used antibiotic, is associated with an increased risk of heart deaths in people over 40-74 years old. The absolute risk difference was 37 cardiac deaths per 1 million courses with clarithromycin.

Seafood substitutions can expose consumers to unexpectedly high mercury

New study finds that seafood mislabeling distorts true abundance of fish, defrauds consumers, and causes unwanted exposure to harmful pollutants like mercury. The researchers found that even MSC-certified fish can have high mercury levels if substituted with other species from the same geographic area.

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.

Over-reliance of pulse oximetry for children with respiratory infection

A study published in JAMA found that artificially increasing pulse oximetry readings by a small amount can significantly reduce hospitalizations for infants with bronchiolitis. The findings suggest that oxygen saturation should not be the only factor in deciding to admit or discharge patients.

Red eye feels endless? Blame the Internet

A Tel Aviv University study reveals a direct link between online price competition and longer flight times. The research found that the shift to online distribution channels has changed the way airlines compete for customers, prioritizing price over performance.

Hospitalizations, deaths from heart disease, stroke drop in last decade

Researchers found consistent improvements in the use of evidence-based treatments and medications, as well as an increase in quality improvement initiatives. Hospitalization rates dropped for all racial groups, with notable declines in heart attack, unstable angina, and ischemic stroke rates.

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.

A new species of endemic treefrog from Madagascar

A new species of Boophis rappiodes group, Boophis ankarafensis, has been described from the hidden streams of Ankarafa Forest in northwest Madagascar. The species is characterized by high genetic divergence and a unique call with a double click.

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.

Proteins critical to wound healing identified

Researchers found that mice lacking specific vascular system proteins developed normally but healed poorly from injuries. Increasing FGF signaling may improve wound healing, while inhibiting it in the eye could help patients with age-related macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy.

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.

Men viewed more favorably than women when seeking work-life balance

A new study by Christin Munsch found that men who requested flexible work arrangements for childcare-related reasons were viewed more favorably than women with similar requests. Those who made flexible work requests for childcare were perceived as more respectable and likable, leading to greater support and approval from employers.

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.

Why aren't pregnant women getting flu vaccine?

A statewide survey in Oregon found that most doctors recommend flu vaccine to healthy pregnant patients, but only half of American women receive the vaccine while pregnant. Doctors who see more pregnant patients or are younger are more likely to recommend vaccination.

Invasion of the Americas by mosquito-borne virus likely

A recent study published in Clinical Microbiology and Infection warns of the high risk of Chikungunya virus spread in the Americas and Europe due to mosquito-borne transmission. The disease can cause severe symptoms, including fever, joint pain, and muscle aches, with no available treatment.

Vaccines can cut the spread of meningitis by nearly 40 percent

Two new vaccines have been shown to prevent the transmission of meningitis bacteria from person to person, reducing carriage rates by up to 39% and 20-30%. This discovery could provide a degree of herd protection against meningitis if implemented in a campaign.

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.

StopInfo for OneBusAway app makes buses more usable for blind riders

The StopInfo program, developed at the University of Washington, integrates with OneBusAway to provide crucial information on bus stops, including location, safety features, and stop closures. The app has been found to be generally helpful for blind riders, promoting spontaneous travel and confidence while riding.

Taking the pulse of aging

New technique reveals correlations between arterial health and cognitive decline in older adults, highlighting the importance of cerebrovascular well-being for healthy aging. The study also explores the impact of stress on arterial stiffness and its consequences for brain function.

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.

Fighting unfairness

A new study by Harvard University researchers found that children as young as six exhibit in-group favoritism when reacting to unfair behavior, but by eight years old, they are more likely to intervene regardless of group affiliation. The study suggests that fairness norms may be universal and not specific to Western culture.

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.

12th tropical depression appears huge on satellite imagery

The 12th tropical depression of the hurricane season has formed in the Eastern Pacific, with satellite imagery showing it is significantly larger than nearby Tropical Storm Karina. The depression spans approximately 800 nautical miles in diameter, dwarfing typical sizes of around 350 miles/600 km.

Resistant hypertension: A review for physicians

Resistant hypertension is a condition affecting 20% of Canadian adults with high blood pressure, characterized by elevated blood pressure despite treatment. Structured approaches, including medication optimization and lifestyle modifications, are recommended for effective management.

Clinical practice guidelines: Trying to get them right the first time

Researchers found that clinical practice guidelines for beta-blockers were adopted quickly despite later studies showing no difference in postoperative outcomes. The case study highlights the importance of critically evaluating guideline development processes to ensure reliable and safe medical practices.

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.

Family members of victims pose a growing challenge for capital punishment

Annulla Linders' research reveals that family members of victims witnessing executions has transformed the process and audience, re-personalizing executions with emotional satisfaction for families. Currently, 18 US states allow intimates to witness executions, complicating arrangements and public perception.

Queen's scientists in hospital superbugs breakthrough

Researchers at Queen's University Belfast have developed the first innovative antibacterial gel that acts to kill Pseudomonas aeruginosa, staphylococci, and E. coli using natural proteins. The gels target and break down biofilms, a thick jelly-like coating that makes bacteria resistant to current therapies.

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.

Club cells are 'bad guys' during flu infection

Researchers discovered that club cells, which normally protect against inhaled microbes, contribute to prolonged inflammation during flu infection. Targeting these cells may help shorten flu symptoms by reducing lung damage.

Older coral species more hardy, UT Arlington biologists say

A recent study published in PLOS ONE has found that older Caribbean coral species exhibit fewer diseases and better immunity than newer species. Researchers examined 140 samples of 14 species, including the ancient Porites astreoides coral, which has been around for over 200 million years.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Hand gestures improve learning in both signers and speakers

Researcher Susan Goldin-Meadow found that hand gestures play a crucial role in language learning for both hearing and deaf children. Gestures help children develop language skills and can even become a primary means of communication in the absence of a spoken or sign language.

Smoking during pregnancy may affect grandchildren's growth

A UK study found that smoking during pregnancy affects grandkids' growth, with paternal grandmother's smoke increasing daughters' height and both sexes' bone mass. Maternal grandmother's smoke, however, linked to sons' increased weight and muscle mass during adolescence.

Study reveals sex differences in experiencing orgasms

Women experience less predictable and varied orgasms compared to men, with an average of 63% of sexual activity resulting in orgasm. Lesbian women have a significantly higher probability of orgasm than heterosexual or bisexual women.

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.