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Science News Archive August 2014


Page 25 of 31

Violent solar system history uncovered by WA meteorite

A Curtin University study of a WA meteorite has shed light on the solar system's bombardment history, revealing that asteroid collisions ceased after 3.4 billion years ago due to asteroids being too small or protected by regolith. The research suggests that impacts stopped occurring after this period and remain unchanged until now.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

White dwarfs crashing into neutron stars explain loneliest supernovae

Researchers at the University of Warwick found that white dwarf stars crashing into neutron stars could be responsible for the loneliest supernovae. The team used observations from the Very Large Telescope and Hubble Space Telescope to rule out other explanations, such as binary systems or massive stars.

New test predicts individual's risk of a second kidney stone

A new nomogram tool uses 11 questions to accurately calculate the probability of developing another symptomatic kidney stone at various time points. The tool helps determine whether preventive measures are needed, and can help patients avoid burdensome dietary restrictions or medications.

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.

Notch developmental pathway regulates fear memory formation

Researchers discovered that the Notch signaling pathway is involved in adult fear memory formation. MicroRNAs, specifically miRNA-34a, regulate the pathway and are increased after fear learning occurs. This study provides a starting point for developing new treatments against PTSD.

Caffeine intake associated with lower incidence of tinnitus

A recent study published in the American Journal of Medicine found that higher caffeine intake is associated with a lower incidence of tinnitus in younger and middle-aged women. Researchers tracked over 65,000 women for 18 years and discovered a significant inverse association between caffeine consumption and reported tinnitus cases.

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.

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.

The economy of bitcoins

Researchers found that internet activity significantly influences Bitcoin's value, with correlations between price developments, new user growth, and online searches. The study also identified two positive feedback loops and a negative feedback loop, highlighting the complex dynamics of the Bitcoin economy.

Synthesis of structurally pure carbon nanotubes using molecular seeds

Researchers at Empa successfully synthesized structurally homogenous single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) by using molecular 'seeds' that were transformed into three-dimensional objects and grown on a platinum surface. The resulting SWCNTs have mirror-image symmetry and reach lengths in excess of 300 nanometres.

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.

Losing weight won't make you happy

New research finds that weight loss significantly improves physical health markers but is less effective in improving mood and overall wellbeing. Participants who lost at least 5% of their initial body weight were more likely to report depressed mood, even after adjusting for serious health issues.

Robot folds itself up and walks away

A team of engineers developed a robot that assembles itself into a complex shape in four minutes flat and crawls away without human intervention. The robot uses an origami-inspired approach to fold itself up, with the potential for exotic applications such as space-based robotic satellites.

Peer-reviewed paper says all ivory markets must close

A new peer-reviewed paper by the Wildlife Conservation Society suggests that all ivory markets must be closed to conserve Africa's elephant populations. The paper argues that corruption and organized crime make legal trade in ivory a major factor contributing to the decline of elephants.

How we form habits and change existing ones

Habits emerge through associative learning, involving automatic behaviors in stable contexts. Changing habits requires derailing existing habits, repetition, and stable context cues.

Researcher finds companies' religious affiliation can buffer negative reactions

A new study by Kelly Cowart reveals that companies' religious affiliations can buffer against negative reactions to store policies, especially in the event of a service failure. The research found that customers are more likely to forgive firms with religious affiliations, regardless of their own attitudes towards the religion.

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.

How critically ill infants can benefit most from human milk

Critically ill infants in the NICU can greatly benefit from human milk, which offers essential immunological and anti-inflammatory properties. This is supported by research and best practices outlined in a special issue of Advances in Neonatal Care, led by CHOP nurse researcher Diane L. Spatz.

Acute psychological stress promotes skin healing in mice

Researchers found that brief acute psychological stress promotes healing in mouse models of three different types of skin irritations. The study revealed that the anti-inflammatory effects of glucocorticoids produced by the adrenal glands under stress are beneficial for inflammatory disorders and acute injury in both mice and humans.

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.

Origami could lead to exotic materials, tiny transformers

Researchers at Cornell University discovered a way to control the stiffness of a sheet material using an origami folding pattern called Miura-ori. By introducing pop-through defects, they can program the material's properties, creating a programmable matter that can snap into place and perform mechanical functions.

Study reveals dynamics of microbes and nitrate

Researchers analyzed microbial communities from sandy tidal flats, finding three key factors controlling denitrification and ammonification: nitrite to nitrate ratio, carbon to nitrogen ratio, and generation time. The study's findings shed light on the complex interactions between microbes and their environment.

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.

New treatment successful for the Mal de Debarquement Syndrome

Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine developed an effective treatment for the rare disorder, which causes continuous feelings of swaying or rocking. The treatment re-adapts the vestibulo-ocular reflex, a mechanism in the inner ear that maintains balance, and achieves significant recovery rates in patients.

Poor hearing confines older adults to their homes

Two studies found that older adults with poor hearing participate less in group activities and meet friends fewer often than those with good hearing. The researchers emphasize the importance of face-to-face conversation to facilitate lip-reading and suggest rehabilitation as a key strategy for supporting socially active lives.

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.

Study shows Asian carp could establish in Lake Erie with little effect to fishery

A study published by University of Notre Dame scientists estimates that bighead and silver carp biomass in Lake Erie could be up to 25 metric-tons/km2, potentially increasing Yellow perch biomass by 15-50% but decreasing Walleye biomass by 10-40%. The experts emphasize the importance of considering uncertainty in decision-making.

Designing better materials for the 21st century

Professor Jian Luo at UC San Diego is developing a new materials design tool called interfacial phase diagrams to create better structural materials for energy generation and storage. This basic research aims to improve the properties of materials, such as molybdenum-based alloys and zirconia-based ceramics.

Finding the genetic culprits that drive antibiotic resistance

Researchers developed a powerful new tool to identify genetic changes in disease-causing bacteria that drive antibiotic resistance. The technique, called genome-wide association study (GWAS), has the potential to inform control and treatment strategies for diseases like pneumonia and meningitis.

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.

Air traffic growth set to outpace carbon reduction efforts

New research by the University of Southampton suggests that air traffic growth rates will surpass carbon reduction efforts unless demand is substantially reduced. To achieve emission reductions, ticket prices must rise by at least 1.4% annually.

Cancer categories recast in largest-ever genomic study

A new study analyzing over 3,500 tumor samples reveals that many cancers can be classified differently based on cellular and molecular criteria. The research suggests that patients may benefit from more accurate diagnoses and tailored treatments, with potential implications for personalized cancer therapy.

NASA sees Hurricane Julio organize and emit a gamma-ray flash

NASA's Fermi and Aqua satellites captured two distinct views of Hurricane Julio as it intensified: a gamma-ray flash produced by the powerful electric fields in thunderstorms, and a more structurally organized storm. These findings provide insights into the complex relationship between thunderstorms and hurricane dynamics.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Cancer study reveals powerful new system for classifying tumors

A comprehensive analysis of data from thousands of patients revealed that one in ten cancers would be classified differently using a new classification system based on molecular subtypes. The study provides a more refined, quantitative picture of cancer subtypes and could lead to different treatment options for those patients.

Curing arthritis in mice

A new fusion molecule has been developed to treat rheumatoid arthritis in mice, with promising results showing the animals' symptoms disappear completely. The therapy targets specific immune messengers and reduces side effects by concentrating the active substance at the site of disease, offering a potential long-term cure.

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 breath reveals a hidden image in anti-counterfeit drug labels

Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a new technology that uses nanpillars to hide images on labels, revealing them with a breath. This could help prevent counterfeit drugs from reaching consumers and is made possible through a cost-effective manufacturing process.

Risks to penguin populations analyzed

A major study analyzing all penguin species highlights the need to mitigate effects of habitat degradation, food scarcity, and climate change. The authors recommend measures such as establishing marine protected areas and implementing ecosystem-based management methods to protect biodiversity.

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.

HSCI researchers identify another potential ALS treatment avenue

Researchers at Harvard University's H SCI have identified a promising new potential treatment for ALS, using compounds already in clinical trials. The study found that inhibiting a specific receptor in glial cells increased survival time in an animal model of the disease.

Discovery yields master regulator of toxin production in staph infections

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have identified a key enzyme that regulates toxin production in Staphylococcus aureus, a common cause of serious infections. The discovery provides a promising target for developing new antibiotics to combat multi-drug resistant staph and related bacteria.