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Science News Archive August 2014


Page 24 of 31

What does 'diversity' mean to you? The answer may depend on your race

A study published in PSPB found that racial minority groups approach diversity differently, with African Americans prioritizing in-group representation and Asian Americans considering national statistics on discrimination. Understanding these differences is crucial for creating diverse teams and organizations.

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.

Individual genotype influences effectiveness of HIV vaccine

A recent study in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that an individual's genotype correlates with their ability to develop immunity to HIV in response to vaccination. Researchers identified single nucleotide variations in genes involved in antibody production, which were associated with protection against HIV infection.

Parents part of problem in distracted teen driving, study finds

Distracted teen driving is a significant concern, with parents playing a direct role in the problem. According to a new study, more than half of teens talk on cellphones with their parents while driving, despite warnings about the hazards of distracted driving.

Chu, Selvamanickam honored at superconductivity conference

Paul Chu and Venkat Selvamanickam are recognized for their sustained service and significant contributions to applied superconductor materials technology. The awards acknowledge their work in advancing high-temperature superconductivity, with applications in commercialization.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Lead linked to obesity in mice exposed by mothers

Research at the University of Michigan found that lead exposure in mouse mothers is associated with increased weight and obesity in male offspring, as well as impaired insulin response. The study suggests that toxicant exposures during pregnancy can contribute to the obesity epidemic.

Stem cells show promise for stroke in pilot study

A pilot study using stem cells extracted from patients' bone marrow shows promising results in treating acute stroke. The therapy was found to be safe and improved clinical measures of disability in all five patients.

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.

Disney Research software systems add motion to physical characters

Researchers developed tools for designing mechanisms that achieve desired cyclical motion in planar mechanical characters and linkage-based sculptures. The systems enable casual users to create animated characters using 3D printing techniques, making it possible to bring creations to life.

Expecting to teach enhances learning, recall

A new study by Washington University in St. Louis found that students who were told they would later teach a passage performed better on recall and organization tasks than those expecting a test. The study suggests that instilling an expectation to teach may be a simple, inexpensive intervention with the potential to increase learning ...

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Editing HPV's genes to kill cervical cancer cells

Researchers at Duke University have successfully used CRISPR gene-editing to target and destroy two HPV genes responsible for cervical cancer cell growth. By hijacking the bacterial defense system, they were able to selectively kill cancer cells while leaving normal cells intact.

The immediate aftermath of an oil spill

A field experiment in the North Sea provides insight into the fate of oil during the immediate aftermath of an accidental oil spill. Researchers found that a fraction of the oil immediately evaporates into the air or dissolves into seawater, posing threats to aquatic species and rescue workers.

Natural light in office boosts health

A new study by Northwestern University finds that office workers with natural light exposure have longer sleep duration, better sleep quality, more physical activity, and improved quality of life. The study suggests that architects should prioritize natural daylight exposure in office environments to boost employee health.

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.

Work-related stress is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes

A study by Helmholtz Munich found that individuals with high workplace stress and low control have a 45% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The researchers analyzed data from over 5,300 employed individuals and identified the link independently of classic risk factors.

Ancient shellfish remains rewrite 10,000-year history of El Nino cycles

Scientists have found that ancient El Niño cycles were as strong and frequent 10,000 years ago as they are today. The new record, based on analysis of 25-foot piles of shells, contradicts a widely held interpretation of past climate, suggesting that current understanding of the El Niño system is incomplete.

Should women 'man up' for male-dominated fields?

New research by Michigan State University scholars suggests that women applying for jobs in male-dominated fields should emphasize masculine traits, such as assertiveness and independence, to be seen as a better fit. This approach is seen as an effective strategy to counteract bias in the hiring process.

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.

Cell mechanics may hold key to how cancer spreads and recurs

Cancer cells that break away from tumors can prefer soft environments for growth and proliferation, researchers at the University of Illinois found. The study suggests that this preference may explain why soft tissues are more vulnerable to cancer metastasis and recurrence.

Regulations needed to identify potentially invasive biofuel crops

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed regulatory definitions and a list of 49 low-risk biofuel plants to prevent invasive species. The 'white list' offers producers clearly identified options, reducing conflicts between renewable fuel production and environmental concerns.

Stanford researchers use fruit flies to unlock mysteries of human diabetes

Researchers have developed a new technique to measure insulin levels in fruit flies with high sensitivity and reproducibility. This breakthrough is expected to transform the field of diabetes research by bringing the power of fruit fly genetics to bear on the devastating condition, enabling rapid testing of diabetes risk factors.

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.

Wild sheep show benefits of putting up with parasites

Researchers found that wild sheep with higher tolerance to nematode infection produced more offspring, while those with lower tolerance left fewer descendants. The study provides groundwork for boosting human and livestock resilience to infection.

Scientists uncover stem cell behavior of human bowel for the first time

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have uncovered the behavior of stem cells in the human bowel for the first time. They found that within a healthy bowel, only a certain number of stem cells can exist within one area at a time, and increased competition for survival is seen in early tumours.

Small, origami-inspired pop-up robots function autonomously

Researchers developed a way to coax flat sheets of composite materials into complex robots that crawl and turn. The new approach allows for rapid assembly, scalability, and high strength-to-weight ratio, making it ideal for mass production and diverse applications.

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.

Fundamental plant chemicals trace back to bacteria

Researchers have identified two groups of ancient bacteria as the source of a critical amino acid pathway used by plants to create essential compounds. This breakthrough sheds light on the complex evolution of plant chemical pathways and may lead to increased production of valuable nutrients and medicinal compounds.

Cell signaling pathway linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes

A Purdue University study reveals that blocking Notch signaling in fat cells can transform white fat into a healthier beige fat type, potentially reducing obesity and related health issues. The research also found that suppressing Notch signaling improves glucose balance and insulin sensitivity.

LSUHSC awarded $5.6 million NCI grant to save lives and boost economy

The LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans has received a $5.6 million NCI grant to build a regional cancer clinical trials network, focusing on minority and underserved patients who die at higher rates from cancer. The program aims to provide access to state-of-the-art treatments and create jobs in the biomedical workforce.

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.

Origami robot folds itself up, crawls away

Researchers at MIT and Harvard University have created an origami robot that can fold itself into arbitrary shapes, crawl away, and perform active folding structures. The robot's mechanical design enables it to walk using a synchronized motor system.

Growing human GI cells may lead to personalized treatments

Researchers have developed a method to grow human GI cells from patient tissue in as little as two weeks, creating over 65 cell lines. This breakthrough enables the study of individual patients' underlying problems and can be used to test new treatments.

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*Star scientists make breakthroughs in ovarian cancer research

Researchers at A*STAR's Institute of Medical Biology have identified a biomarker, Lgr5, to detect ovarian cancer earlier. Bioinformatics analysis has also revealed genes whose mutation status can be used for prognosis and development of personalized treatment.

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.

Kentucky professor develops new tool to prevent heroin deaths

A new nasal spray application of anti-opioid drug naloxone has been developed to make overdose treatment more accessible and easier to administer. The product, which is currently in clinical trials, aims to reduce the death toll from heroin abuse and make a lifesaving treatment more available to those at high risk.

Learning from origami to design new materials

Physicists and materials scientists are using origami-based folding methods to create controllable new materials that exhibit desired physical properties. The technique, known as Miura-ori, allows for the creation of programmable metamaterials with tunable stiffness and stability.

Part of the brain stays 'youthful' into older age

A study at the University of Adelaide found that certain areas of the brain remain protected from aging, enabling spatial attention skills to remain consistent across ages. The research challenges current models of cognitive aging and may have implications for understanding Alzheimer's disease.

Water-polluting anxiety drug reduces fish mortality

A study published in Environmental Research Letters found that a commonly used anxiety drug can reduce mortality rates in fish. The results suggest that existing aquatic risk assessment tests may not be effective in detecting the potential benefits of pharmaceutical contaminants.

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.

APA presents highest honor to Spelman College president

Beverly Daniel Tatum, PhD, received the American Psychological Association's Award for Outstanding Lifetime Contribution to Psychology for her groundbreaking work on race relations. She has also led Spelman College to become one of the nation's top liberal arts colleges.

Scientists uncover key piece to cancer cell survival puzzle

Researchers at Cardiff University have identified a specific gene, Ligase 3, that human cells require to survive chromosomal defects and evade death. This discovery has significant implications for understanding the development of cancer and could lead to new therapeutic targets.

Step closer to birth of the sun

Researchers have dated the final addition of heavy elements like gold and platinum to the solar system 100 million years before the sun's birth. This discovery has shed light on the sun's prehistory, including the duration of an 'incubation' period that preceded its formation.

NASA sees Typhoon Halong approaching Japan

Typhoon Halong is expected to make landfall in southern Japan on August 9 with maximum sustained winds near 85 knots, generating dangerous swells. The storm has already passed over the Minamidaito and Kitadaito Islands with hurricane-force winds.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Gut microbes browse along a gene buffet

Researchers at Duke University discovered that the host determines which genes are open in the gut, while microbes regulate their usage, indicating a cooperative environment where both parties interact to thrive. This study has significant implications for understanding the intricate relationships between hosts and microbiomes.

Gut microbiome analysis improved noninvasive colorectal cancer screening

Researchers found that gut microbiome analysis successfully distinguished healthy individuals from those with precancerous adenomatous polyps and invasive colorectal cancer. The composition of the gut microbiome was different for each group, leading to improved prediction of colorectal cancer presence.

Dramatic growth of grafted stem cells in rat spinal cord injuries

Researchers at University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and Veteran's Affairs San Diego Healthcare System report that neurons derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) extended tens of thousands of axons across the rats' central nervous system. The study suggests a promising approach for treating spinal cor...

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.

Diamonds are a quantum computer's best friend

Scientists propose a new quantum computer architecture based on microscopic defects in diamond, which could lead to the development of reliable quantum computers. The architecture has great potential for miniaturization and mass production, similar to how transistors were miniaturized in classical computer science.