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Science News Archive August 2014


Page 26 of 31

Boomers building muscle at the gym -- without passion

A study by Concordia University found that baby boomers' primary motivator for exercise is 'toned and fit,' followed by stress reduction. However, motivation declines with age, particularly in 'mental toughness' and 'fun and friends' categories.

Man-made noise makes fish more susceptible to predators

A new study found that marine noise pollution, such as ship noise, compromises the anti-predator behaviour of European eels. The research, published in Global Change Biology, showed that exposed eels are 50% less likely to respond to predator threats and have slower reaction times.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Galápagos hawks hand down lice like family heirlooms

Research reveals that the population structure of feather lice matches that of Galápagos hawks across the archipelago, indicating a co-evolutionary relationship. This study provides evidence for the hypothesis of co-divergence between parasites and hosts as a major driver of biodiversity.

NREL uses industry best practices to add partners

NREL's commercialization strategy and partnering approach enable technology transfer to the market. The lab has more CRADAs than any other national laboratory, including a partnership with GeoSolarHeat to license its transpired solar collector technology for poultry farms.

Burrowing animals may have been key to stabilizing Earth's oxygen

A new study suggests that burrowing animals played a key role in stabilizing the Earth's oxygen reservoir around 540 million years ago. The research, published in Nature Geoscience, links data from the fossil record to established connections between the phosphorus and oxygen cycles.

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.

Studying muscle function to advance treatment of heart failure

A team led by Dr. Edward Debold is using a single molecule laser trap assay to directly observe muscle fatigue at the molecular level. They aim to understand how metabolites disrupt muscle contraction and develop new drug therapies to enhance function under fatigue-like conditions.

Study: Link between vitamin D and dementia risk confirmed

A study published in Neurology found that low vitamin D levels double the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease in older people. Researchers analyzed blood levels of vitamin D and found a significant association between low vitamin D levels and increased dementia risk.

Pyrocumulonibus cloud rises up from Canadian wildfires

A rare pyrocumulonimbus cloud has been spotted over Canadian wildfires, posing a risk to air quality. The cloud, which is an extreme manifestation of pyrocumulus clouds, can inject smoke and pollutants high into the atmosphere, affecting areas far from the fire site.

Crime Victims' Institute tracks the state of stalking in Texas

According to a 2010 CDC survey, an estimated 1.4 million women in Texas experience stalking during their lifetimes, with nearly half reporting weekly unwanted contacts. The report emphasizes the need for increased data collection and reporting on stalking to improve laws and support services.

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.

Skull shape risk factors could help in the welfare of toy dog breeds

Researchers have identified two significant risk factors for painful neurological diseases in toy breeds, including brachycephaly and skull doming. This study aims to provide guidance for breeders and veterinarians to select against these conditions and promote the welfare of affected breeds.

Wildlife corridors sometimes help invasive species spread, UF research finds

Research suggests that wildlife corridors can facilitate the spread of invasive species, such as one type of fire ant, by creating connected habitats. The study found that polygyne fire ants, which are poorly dispersing, benefited from corridors, increasing their abundance and negatively impacting native ant diversity.

Adult myelination -- Wrapping up neuronal plasticity

Researchers have found that adult myelination is crucial for regulating neural networks and supporting functions such as learning and memory. The study, published in Neural Regeneration Research, highlights the importance of myelin plasticity in coordinating with neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity.

New standards proposed for reporting spinal cord injury experiments

A new reporting standard has been proposed for spinal cord injury experiments to ensure uniformity in scientific reporting. The standard aims to facilitate the development of databases of experimental information, promoting the successful translation of treatments from laboratory to clinical settings.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Photon hunting in the twilight zone

A study found that bioluminescent sharks possess higher rod densities in their eyes compared to non-bioluminescent sharks. This adaptation allows them to capture and process bioluminescent light more efficiently, which is crucial for communication, prey detection, and camouflage.

Stress during pregnancy can be passed down through generations

Research in rats reveals that stress experienced by mothers, grandmothers, or even great-grandmothers can lead to shorter pregnancies and higher glucose levels in their offspring. The study's findings suggest a potential link between inherited epigenetic effects and preterm birth risk.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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NASA engineer set to complete first 3-D-printed space cameras

Jason Budinoff's project uses additive manufacturing to create fully functional imaging telescopes with a reduced number of components. The technology enables the production of complex geometries and mitigates risks associated with traditional manufacturing methods.

Aggressive outreach increases organ donation among Hispanic Americans

A targeted outreach effort increased consent rates for organ donation by 27% among Hispanic Americans, compared to a 17% increase in the non-Hispanic population. The intervention resulted in over 25,000 contacts and led to a significant increase in organ donations from this demographic.

Single-cell analysis holds promise for stem cell and cancer research

Researchers at UCSF have developed a method for analyzing hundreds of cells individually using microfluidic technology, which reveals novel molecular features in diverse cell types. This approach holds promise for understanding how the human cortex arises from cells spun off from stem cells.

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.

Exposure to inflammatory bowel disease drugs could increase leukemia risk

A new study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that thiopurine therapy for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may increase the risk of myeloid disorders, including acute myeloid leukemia. The study analyzed data from over 19,000 IBD patients and found a seven-fold increased risk among those taking thiopurines.

New material structures bend like microscopic hair

Researchers have developed an elastic material coated with microscopic, hairlike structures that tilt in response to a magnetic field. The microhairs can direct water upward and even control the flow of light.

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.

NREL research earns 2 prestigious R&D 100 Awards

NREL's breakthroughs in silicon solar cells and ultra-efficient supercomputers have been recognized by the R&D Magazine with two prestigious awards. The innovative growth system produces thin solar cells at half the cost and 100 times the speed of conventional epitaxial reactors.

Mercury in the global ocean

Researchers estimate mercury levels in global ocean, separating natural and human sources for the first time. The study found that ocean waters shallower than 100m have tripled in mercury concentration since the Industrial Revolution.

NASA satellite paints a triple hurricane Pacific panorama

The NASA Terra satellite captured images of three tropical cyclones in the Pacific Ocean: Hurricane Genevieve, Hurricane Iselle, and Hurricane Julio. Satellite data shows that Genevieve has strengthened into a hurricane with maximum sustained winds near 75 mph.

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.

Healthy diet set early in life

A new study published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health found that promoting a healthy diet from infancy can prevent childhood obesity and chronic disease. The research described food preferences developed at 12-16 months, persisting into adulthood.

A new way to model cancer

Researchers have found an alternative way to model cancer using CRISPR, a gene-editing system that can introduce cancer-causing mutations into the livers of adult mice. This method enables scientists to screen these mutations much more quickly than traditional breeding methods.

Gene increases risk of breast cancer to 1 in 3 by age 70

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that women with mutations in the PALB2 gene have a one in three chance of developing breast cancer by age 70. The study analyzed data from 154 families and found that risks were higher for those with family history of breast cancer.

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.

Most kids with blunt torso trauma can skip the pelvic X-ray

A new study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine suggests that pelvic X-rays are not necessary for most children with blunt force trauma. The study found that abdominal/pelvic CT scans are a superior diagnostic test for diagnosing children with pelvic fractures or dislocations, increasing accuracy and reducing radiation exposure.

New hand-held device uses lasers, sound waves for deeper melanoma imaging

Researchers have developed a new hand-held device that uses photoacoustic microscopy to accurately measure the depth of melanoma tumors in living tissue. This technology has the potential to improve diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment planning for melanoma patients by providing valuable information on tumor volume.

Young loggerhead turtles not going with the flow

A study found that juvenile loggerhead turtles in the South Pacific Ocean swim against prevailing currents at a rate of 30 cm/sec. The turtles use multiple sensory cues to detect current flow and orient themselves for swimming.

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.

Older adults have morning brains!

A study published in Psychology and Aging found that older adults who were tested in the morning performed better on demanding cognitive tasks and showed greater activation of attentional control regions in their brains. This suggests that scheduling mentally challenging tasks for the morning can be beneficial for older adults.

Study: Many cancer survivors smoke years after diagnosis

A study of nearly 3,000 cancer survivors found that nearly one in ten continued to smoke many years after diagnosis. The highest rates were seen among bladder and lung cancer patients. Meanwhile, sociodemographic factors such as age, education, and income played a role in smoking status.

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.

Farm manager plays leading role in postharvest loss

A study in Mato Grosso, Brazil found that farm managers who are aware of factors contributing to postharvest loss actually experience less grain loss. The main causes of loss include harvest speed, lack of truck maintenance, bad weather, and poor road conditions. Despite identifying these issues, many farmers do not prioritize loss red...

Nutrition an issue for Indigenous Australians

A study published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health found that nutrition was not given enough priority in national Aboriginal health policy between 2000 and 2012. The research identified a significant gap in life expectancy, with Indigenous Australians living 11.5 years less than non-Aboriginal Australians.

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.

Discovery about wound healing key to understanding cell movement

A team of international researchers, led by Professor Wayne Brodland from the University of Waterloo, found that wounds knit together through a complex process involving cellular crawling and contraction. This discovery has potential applications in addressing major health issues such as birth defects and cancer

Wiki ranking

Researchers develop AI-powered system to score Wikipedia entries based on quality, outperforming human users. The algorithm uses Bayesian statistics and multivariate Gaussian distribution modeling to analyze content and rank articles accordingly.

Link between vitamin D and dementia risk confirmed

A recent study published in the medical journal Neurology has confirmed a substantial link between vitamin D deficiency and an increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease in older adults. The research found that participants with severe vitamin D deficiency were more than twice as likely to develop dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

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.

NIST ion duet offers tunable module for quantum simulator

Physicists at NIST demonstrated a pas de deux of atomic ions that combines precise control with entangled states. The ion duet enables scalable simulation and computing, with potential applications in logic operations and precision measurement tools.

Aggressive behavior increases adolescent drinking, depression doesn't

A recent study found that adolescents with aggressive behavior are more prone to drinking alcohol, while depression and anxiety do not increase the risk of alcohol use. The study also linked smoking, attention problems, early menarche, and parental divorce to increased alcohol consumption.

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.