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Science News Archive August 2014


Page 15 of 31

Neglected boys may turn into violent adolescents

Physical neglect during childhood is a stronger predictor of male adolescent violence than physical abuse, according to Penn State researchers. The study suggests that understanding neglect's role in influencing violent behavior can lead to better education and care for at-risk youths.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Study suggests hatha yoga boosts brain function in older adults

A study suggests that practicing hatha yoga for eight weeks can improve cognitive tasks in older adults, including information recall, mental flexibility, and task-switching. The findings indicate that yoga may boost brain function by reducing stress and anxiety.

Children's drawings indicate later intelligence

A study by King's College London found that children's drawings at age 4 are moderately associated with their intelligence at ages 4 and 14. The researchers also measured the heritability of figure drawing, finding a strong genetic link between drawing ability and cognitive development.

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.

Blood pressure medication does not cause more falls

A comprehensive study in patients with type 2 diabetes found no evidence that blood pressure medication increases the risk of falling and breaking bones. In fact, results showed possible trends towards fewer fractures in intensive treatment groups.

Tropical Storm Karina: Status quo on infrared satellite imagery

NASA satellite data shows Tropical Storm Karina's consistent strength and thunderstorm development since weakening from hurricane status. The storm's cloud pattern has remained relatively unchanged, with strong thunderstorms circling the center, especially on the northern edge.

Researchers inspired by marine life to design camouflage systems

A team of researchers has developed a technology that allows materials to automatically read their environment and adapt to mimic their surroundings. The optoelectronic camouflage system was inspired by the skins of cephalopods, which can change coloration quickly for camouflage and warning purposes.

Ocean warming could drive heavy rain bands toward the poles

A study published in Geophysical Research Letters found that ocean warming causes atmospheric circulation changes, leading to increased heavy rain bands and extreme precipitation events at mid- and high-latitudes. This shift could result in more common, but intense storms in previously rare regions.

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.

New tool makes online personal data more transparent

Researchers developed XRay, a first step in understanding online personal data transparency. The tool analyzes data inputs and outputs to detect abusive practices, revealing sensitive topics and obscure targeting behaviors.

Engineering long-lasting joint lubrication by mimicking nature

Johns Hopkins scientists develop a new material that binds slippery molecules, potentially delivering long-lasting lubrication and easing painful joints. The material, inspired by natural functions lost in synthetic materials, has shown promise in animal tests.

Muscle for all: Athletes to the elderly

A University of Kansas professor is leading a grant project investigating the effects of nitric oxide synthase on muscle growth. The study aims to understand how this compound can be used to promote muscle growth in various populations, including athletes and the elderly.

Hope for healthy hearts revealed in naked mole rat studies

Researchers discovered that naked mole rats maintain youthful heart function until age 90, offering insights into preventing debilitating cardiovascular disease. The rodents' natural habitat and stress resistance may hold the key to understanding these protective mechanisms.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Compromise needed on roads through sensitive wild areas

Compromise solutions are needed when building roads through sensitive tropical and subtropical areas, say experts. The authors propose four measures to mitigate tensions between roads and protected areas, including early involvement of infrastructure engineers and natural resource managers.

IU study: Parents' vaccine intentions influenced by how benefits are communicated

A national online survey of 802 parents found that parents who viewed informational material highlighting direct benefits to their own child were the most likely to indicate that they would have their baby vaccinated for MMR. Combining details about societal benefits had a similar impact on vaccine intentions, with mentioning direct po...

White, straight women leading surge in infertility treatments

A recent study published by the American Psychological Association found that white, straight women are more likely to seek fertility help than racial or sexual minority women. Lack of insurance is a significant factor in lower rates of fertility assistance for lesbian and bisexual women, especially in recent years.

Visual 'gist' helps us figure out where a crowd is looking

Researchers at University of California, Berkeley and University of Denver discovered that we rely on a specialized visual process known as 'ensemble coding' to perceive where a crowd is looking. This enables us to tell where a group of people is looking even after just a fraction of a second.

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.

Artificial cells act like the real thing

Researchers design a network-like cell system that reproduces dynamic behavior of protein synthesis, allowing for control over genetic content and protein production. The system enables the study of gene network design and emerging protein dynamics, potentially paving the way for controlling protein synthesis for various applications.

Bacterial nanowires: Not what we thought they were

Scientists at USC have discovered that bacterial nanowires are not pili, but rather membrane extensions equipped with electron-transfer proteins called cytochromes. This finding challenges the previous understanding of these 'electric bacteria' and opens up new avenues for research on their potential applications in bioelectronic devices.

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.

Rettsyndrome.org invests $1.5 million in new 2014 awards

Rettsyndrome.org has awarded $1.5 million to support translational research and launch of the neuro-habilitation therapeutic program, focusing on cognitive therapies, physical therapies, and speech therapies to aid in skill development in Rett syndrome. The grants also fund clinical research to identify effective pharmacologic treatments.

New study reveals vulnerability in photo-ID security checks

A new study by psychologists from Aberdeen, York, and Sydney found that Australian passport office staff have a 15% error rate in matching people to their photos, equivalent to several thousand fake passports. The researchers suggest that security measures would be enhanced if passports carried multiple images of a person.

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.

UM research improves temperature modeling across mountainous landscapes

Researchers at the University of Montana have improved computer models for estimating temperature across mountainous landscapes by creating a new climate dataset. This dataset uses weather station data, atmospheric weather model data, and satellite-based observations to estimate daily temperatures from 1948 to 2012.

New mouse model points to therapy for liver disease

A new mouse model closely resembles human non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and demonstrates that interfering with key inflammatory proteins inhibits disease development and cancer progression. The study uses a genetically modified mouse strain to show the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory compounds in preventing NASH.

Recycling old batteries into solar cells

A system proposed by MIT researchers recycles materials from discarded car batteries to produce long-lasting solar panels, providing emissions-free power. The production process uses a compound called perovskite, which has achieved power-conversion efficiency of over 19 percent.

Worm virus details come to light

The research reveals the viral capsid structure, showing similarities to other viruses, and identifies potential binding sites for modification. The findings may lead to new information on host-virus interactions and the development of custom-made viruses to target parasitic or pathogenic worms.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Pygmy phenotype developed many times, adaptive to rainforest

Researchers found that the pygmy phenotype in Africa and Southeast Asia is a result of multi-gene adaptation, making individuals better suited for their challenging environments. The study suggests that this adaptation may have occurred independently in different regions.

Quasi-legal drug 15 times stronger than heroin hides in plain sight

Emergency physicians face a growing concern of acetyl fentanyl overdoses due to its potency and potential for adulteration in street drugs marketed as heroin. The lack of regulation around acetyl fentanyl creates an environment where it can be easily distributed through networks, posing a significant risk to users.

Did an exceptional iceberg sink the Titanic?

A new study suggests that exceptional icebergs and weather conditions outside human control contributed to the sinking of the Titanic in 1912. The paper notes an increase in iceberg discharge from glaciers since the 1980s, which is linked to global warming.

Study identifies 'bonus effect' for certain multiracial daters

A new study has identified the 'bonus effect' for certain multiracial daters, where they are viewed as more desirable than individuals from all other racial groups. Three multiracial groups - Asian-white women, Asian-white and Hispanic-white men, and black-white daters - were found to be on the receiving end of this preference.

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.

Sun's activity influences natural climate change

Researchers have reconstructed solar activity at the end of the last ice age, showing a persistent link between solar activity and Greenland climate. The study suggests that reduced solar activity could lead to colder winters in Northern Europe, while warmer winters are seen in Greenland with greater snowfall.

Passport study reveals vulnerability in photo-ID security checks

A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that passport officers struggled with face matching tasks, making errors comparable to those of untrained university students. The researchers suggest that selecting staff based on their aptitude for visual tasks could significantly improve security checks.

Bionic liquids from lignin

Researchers at JBEI have developed bionic liquids from lignin and hemicellulose, which can efficiently dissolve biomass and represent a renewable platform for biomass pretreatment. The new liquids outperform current imidazolium-based ionic liquids in terms of sugar yields, making them a significant step towards cost-competitive biofuels.

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.

Targeted brain stimulation aids stroke recovery in mice, Stanford scientists find

Stanford researchers found that targeted brain stimulation using optogenetics significantly improved motor ability and weight regain in mice affected by strokes. The study's findings have potential implications for developing new clinical therapies for stroke recovery, including the placement of electrical brain-stimulating devices.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Upgrading electronic monitoring, downgrading probation

A new electronic monitoring system is being implemented in England and Wales, combining GPS tracking and radio frequency technology. This system aims to improve the reliability and credibility of offender management, with a focus on reducing recidivism rates.

Antibiotics in early life may alter immunity long-term

Researchers found that antibiotics can alter the gut's bacterial ecosystem, increasing susceptibility to diseases like hypersensitivity pneumonitis. The study suggests that probiotics could be used to boost helpful bacteria and prevent disease.

New research explores the red v. blue state knowledge about abortion

A new national survey reveals that only 13% of respondents demonstrated high knowledge of abortion, with no correlation between state or politics. The study suggests that comprehensive and evidence-based sexual reproductive health education is needed to address lack of informed decision-making.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Training the next generation of cancer nanomedicine scientists

A five-year, $1.15 million grant supports Northeastern's 'CaNCURE' program, offering 75 undergraduate students hands-on research experience with leading cancer nanomedicine experts. The program aims to address cancer disparities and motivate students to pursue careers in cancer research and clinical practice.

Study at Deepwater Horizon spill site finds key to tracking pollutants

Scientists from University of Miami's Rosenstiel School conducted a drifter experiment to study small-scale ocean currents, revealing their crucial role in pollutant dispersion. The findings provide new information for predicting oil and pollutant movements in the ocean, with immediate practical applications.

Breast Cancer Breakthrough Award funds search for new treatments

Researchers, led by UC Santa Cruz's Seth Rubin, are developing a new class of drugs to treat breast cancer by targeting the inactivated retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein. The innovative approach may have fewer toxic side effects and be less vulnerable to drug resistance.

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.

U-Michigan Water Center to help lead national estuary research program

The U-Michigan Water Center is joining the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to oversee research at a nationwide network of 28 coastal reserves. The program aims to improve stewardship of economically significant estuaries facing water-quality degradation, habitat loss, and climate change.