Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive August 2014


Page 19 of 31

How useful is economics -- how is economics useful?

Economics experts will debate the usefulness of economic models, experiments and econometric regressions in addressing real-world issues. The meeting will feature lectures on topics like kidney donation matching and US unemployment, as well as systemic risk measurement.

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 make major breakthrough in understanding leukemia

Researchers identified two key genes RAS and JAK that mutate to turn normal blood cells into cancer cells, offering a breakthrough in understanding leukemia. This discovery enables the identification of specific gene mutations, allowing for more effective treatment with lower toxicity.

Stimuli-responsive drug delivery system prevents transplant rejection

A new stimuli-responsive drug delivery system has been developed to prevent transplant rejection by delivering immunosuppressant drugs locally and when prompted. The system reduces toxicity and improves therapeutic outcomes, offering a paradigm shift in clinical immunosuppressive therapy.

'Shape-shifting' material could help reconstruct faces

A team of researchers has developed a 'self-fitting' material that can precisely fill bone defects in the head, face, and jaw, providing a potential solution for reconstructing facial features after injuries or surgery. The material, made from a shape-memory polymer, expands with warm salt water to conform to irregular defect shapes.

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.

What are the advantages of being married to a physician?

A University of Michigan Medical School study reveals strategies for success in 'medical marriages', where one or both spouses are physicians. Key findings include the importance of mutual support, role definition, and shared values in maintaining a resilient relationship.

New blood: Tracing the beginnings of hematopoietic stem cells

Scientists at UC San Diego School of Medicine discovered the Notch signaling pathway's early role in establishing hematopoietic stem cell fate during development. They found JAM proteins serve as co-receptors for Notch signaling, facilitating HSC precursor cells' growth.

Many older emergency department patients are malnourished

A new study by researchers at UNC Chapel Hill found that over half of older emergency department patients were either malnourished or at risk for malnutrition. Most of these patients had not previously been diagnosed as malnourished, highlighting the need for better nutrition assessments and support services.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A new look at what's in 'fracking' fluids raises red flags

A new study reveals that fracking fluids contain eight substances toxic to mammals and raise concerns about their potential health impacts. The research highlights the need to characterize compounds used in hydraulic fracturing to evaluate environmental and human health effects.

Young blue sharks use central North Atlantic nursery

Researchers tracked 35 blue sharks for up to 1,000 days and found evidence of a discrete central North Atlantic nursery. Juvenile female blue sharks migrate seasonally while juvenile males expand their range southward, with males displaying greater behavioral variation.

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.

Minke whales lunge 100 times/hour to feed under sea ice

Researchers have made the first live observations of minke whales feeding under sea ice, revealing a unique behavior that involves lunging up to 100 times per hour. The team used non-lethal tagging methods to study the whales' diet and habitat, providing new insights into the Antarctic ecosystem.

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.

NIH-led scientists boost potential of passive immunization against HIV

Researchers have successfully mutated the powerful anti-HIV bNAb called VRC01 to make it last longer in blood and collect in rectal mucosal tissue, potentially blocking HIV transmission. A low-dose infusion of mutated VRC01 also protected monkeys against SHIV infection more effectively than unmutated VRC01.

Coming soon: Genetically edited fruit?

Researchers suggest genetically edited fruit could be more acceptable in Europe, with potential applications in vitamin A production and browning prevention. Genome editing tools like CRISPR enable precise adjustments to natural ingredients.

New material could enhance fast and accurate DNA sequencing

Scientists at the University of Illinois have discovered a single-layer sheet of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) that can sequence DNA more accurately and quickly than existing materials. The new material outperforms graphene, which had limitations due to DNA sticking to it.

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.

Eco-friendly 'pre-fab nanoparticles' could revolutionize nano manufacturing

Researchers at UMass Amherst develop a water-based method to control molecular assembly of nanoparticles, reducing the need for toxic solvents and increasing efficiency. The new technique enables faster, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly production of organic photovoltaics and other electronic devices.

Injected bacteria shrink tumors in rats, dogs and humans

A modified version of Clostridium novyi bacterium has been shown to produce a strong anti-tumor response in rats, dogs and now humans. The treatment involves direct injection of spores into tumors, targeting oxygen-starved cells while sparing healthy tissue.

Unhealthy culture around anal sex encouraging coercion and pain

Researchers from London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found young men often prioritize anal sex over consent, while women report repeated requests and a culture of coercion. The study calls for open discussion to challenge these attitudes and promote healthier relationships.

Virginia Tech unmanned aircraft test site 'fully operational,' FAA says

The Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership's Unmanned Aircraft Systems test site program is fully operational and ready to conduct research on integrating unmanned aircraft into the nation's airspace. The partnership has been granted seven Certificates of Waiver or Authorization by the FAA, paving the way for the development of commercial u...

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

HPV vaccine could help 'close the gap' on Indigenous health

The HPV vaccine has resulted in a dramatic drop in genital warts among young Australians, with a 90% decrease in girls aged 12-17 and a 73% decrease in women between 18-26. The vaccine also showed an indirect protective effect among young men, leading to a 38% drop in genital warts.

New progress in long bone fracture evaluation using ultrasound

Researchers have made a breakthrough in evaluating long bone fractures using ultrasound, providing a new method for monitoring healing. The study found that the amplitude of ultrasonic guided waves can quantify fracture degree and depth, offering a non-invasive diagnostic tool.

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.

Bacteria growing less susceptible to common antiseptic

A recent study found that bacteria growing in hospitals are increasingly resistant to chlorhexidine gluconate, a common antiseptic used to prevent infections. The study suggests that daily antiseptic baths may be contributing to this trend, emphasizing the need for vigilant monitoring.

Statistical model predicts performance of hybrid rice

A new statistical model predicts the performance of hybrid rice, revolutionizing hybrid breeding in agriculture. The UC Riverside-led research uses genomic prediction to identify high-performance hybrids, increasing grain production and achieving global food security.

Little penguins forage together

Researchers found that 70% of little penguins' foraging tracks were associated with other penguins and 40% exhibited synchronized diving. These behaviors suggest group foraging and synchronization of underwater movements in little penguins.

Fire danger extreme in British Columbia, Canada

Extreme wildfire danger is raging in British Columbia, Canada, with over 142,000 hectares of land impacted. The majority of fires occurred in BC, Alberta, and the Northwest Territories, with high to extreme fire danger across western and northern Canada.

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.

Gut flora influences HIV immune response

Researchers found that the HIV virus's outer envelope is mistaken for bacterial antigens by the immune system, leading to ineffective antibodies. The study suggests a new hypothesis for how HIV vaccine development could be improved by targeting the gut flora.

Poor sleep quality associated with increased suicide risk in older adults

A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that poor sleep quality is associated with a higher risk of suicide in older adults. The research, conducted over a 10-year period, revealed that individuals who reported poorer sleep at baseline had a significantly increased risk of suicide, even when controlling for depressed mood.

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.

Ebola protein blocks early step in body's counterattack on virus

A study published in Cell Host & Microbe reveals how the Ebola virus blocks the body's first line of defense against infection. By targeting a specific protein called eVP24, the virus cripples the immune system's ability to respond effectively, allowing it to mass-produce itself and trigger a deadly response.

Pitt engineer turns metal into glass

Materials scientist Scott X. Mao successfully creates metallic glasses from pure metals by applying ultrafast cooling rates, solving a long-standing issue in the field. The process involves a novel technique that enables transformation of liquefied elemental metals into glass.

Involuntary eye movement a foolproof indication for ADHD diagnosis

Researchers at Tel Aviv University developed a diagnostic tool using involuntary eye movements to accurately diagnose Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The test showed a direct correlation between ADHD and the inability to suppress eye movement in anticipation of visual stimuli.

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.

Cell discovery brings blood disorder cure closer

Researchers have identified key mechanisms that trigger hematopoietic stem cell production, which could lead to new treatments for blood disorders. The discovery brings the potential for more widespread use of blood stem cells in therapy closer.

Embalming study 'rewrites' key chapter in Egyptian history

Researchers from the Universities of York, Macquarie and Oxford discovered evidence that ancient Egyptians used complex embalming agents 1,500 years earlier than thought. The findings suggest that mummification originated in Upper Egypt during the Neolithic period, around 4500-3100 BC.

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.

New program bridges gap between research and market

The University of California, Davis's STAIR Grant program provides funding and support for innovative research, allowing selected researchers to generate early proof-of-concept models. The four finalists have been awarded $50,000 each to develop their projects into commercial applications.

Why seniors don't eat: It's complicated

A study found that nearly three-quarters of older adults with malnutrition had never been diagnosed, highlighting the importance of screening in emergency departments. Factors contributing to malnutrition include depression, difficulty buying groceries, and denture problems.

Snow has thinned on Arctic sea ice

Research confirms significant thinning of Arctic sea ice snow, particularly in the Beaufort and Chukchi seas, with results showing a decline of 14 inches to 9 inches (35 cm to 22 cm) in western waters near Alaska. Thinner snow cover may impact ice thickness and ecosystem health.

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.

Researchers uncover how Ebola virus disables immune response

Researchers have discovered how Ebola blocks and disables the body's natural immune response. The protein VP24 disrupts a crucial early step in the virus's path to causing deadly disease. Understanding this mechanism could lead to new treatments for the deadly virus.

Bones from nearly 50 ancient flying reptiles discovered

A team of scientists discovered the bones of 49 ancient flying reptiles from a new species of pterosaur, Caiuajara dobruskii, in southern Brazil. The bones revealed features such as a bony expansion and rounded depressions on the skull, suggesting this species may have been gregarious and able to fly at a young age.

Ebola outbreak highlights global disparities in health-care resources

The Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa has claimed over 1,000 lives, with healthcare professionals facing new challenges in capital cities and Nigeria. Dr. Fauci emphasizes the need for sound public health practices, community engagement, and international assistance to defeat the epidemic.

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.

Up-regulation of neuronal alpha-1 adrenoceptors after peripheral nerve injury

Research finds that peripheral nerve injury increases the expression of α1-adrenoceptors on pain-signalling nerve fibers. This up-regulation may intensify pain by boosting neural excitability. Blocking alpha-1 adrenoceptors could be a useful therapeutic strategy for patients with chronic pain after peripheral nerve injury.