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Science News Archive August 2014


Page 4 of 31

NASA's TRMM analyzes Hurricane Cristobal

TRMM analyzed Cristobal's movement northward along the US East Coast before it began to recurve away from the coast due to an approaching shortwave trough. The storm's sustained winds were reported at 70 knots (80.5 mph) with a partial eyewall observed in infrared imagery.

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.

Ebola vaccine trials fast-tracked by international consortium

A candidate Ebola vaccine is being tested on healthy volunteers in the UK, The Gambia, and Mali as part of an international collaboration. The phase 1 trials aim to ensure the vaccine's safety and immunogenicity before deployment to high-risk populations.

Computer games give a boost to English

A Swedish study found that young people who play interactive computer games for more than an hour a week have a larger English vocabulary compared to those who do not. The study also revealed a major difference between boys and girls in terms of their gaming habits, with girls spending more time on language-related activities online.

NIH to Launch human safety study of Ebola vaccine candidate

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has launched an initial human safety study for an Ebola vaccine candidate. The trial is the first in a series of Phase 1 clinical trials that will examine the investigational NIAID/GSK Ebola vaccine, which is designed to induce an immune response in healthy adults.

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.

Informing NASA's Asteroid Initiative: A citizen forum

NASA's Asteroid Initiative aims to protect Earth from potentially hazardous impacts. Citizens participate in forums to discuss detection strategies, planetary defense, and asteroid exploration. The initiative seeks to balance costs, risks, and benefits of human exploration in space.

Breaking benzene

Researchers develop a novel catalyst to cleave aromatic carbon-carbon bonds in benzene at relatively mild temperatures, offering unprecedented mechanistic details on hydrocracking. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and selective production of valuable materials from natural resources.

Brain networks 'hyper-connected' in young adults who had depression

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago discovered hyper-connected emotional and cognitive networks in the brains of young adults who had previously experienced depression. These hyper-connectivities were related to rumination, a maladaptive strategy that can lead to depression and relapse.

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.

Karina's remnants drawn into Hurricane Marie's spin

Karina, a former hurricane, was being drawn into Hurricane Marie's circulation in the Eastern Pacific. The National Hurricane Center reported that Karina's maximum sustained winds were near 30 mph on August 27, centered 1,185 miles west-southwest of Mexico.

Orphaned children can do just as well in institutions

A three-year study across five low- and middle-income countries found that orphaned children in institutions are as healthy as those in family-based care. The type of residential setting was a poor predictor of child well-being, with country, neighborhood, and community being stronger predictors.

NIH issues finalized policy on genomic data sharing

The NIH has issued a final policy on genomic data sharing to promote the acceleration of biomedical research. The policy, which applies to all NIH-funded large-scale human and non-human projects, requires researchers to obtain informed consent from study participants for future use of their de-identified data.

Dosage of HIV drug may be ineffective for half of African-Americans

A new study from Johns Hopkins Medicine suggests that nearly half of African-Americans may not receive effective doses of the HIV drug maraviroc due to their genetic makeup. Researchers developed a simple genetic test to determine individual dosage needs, which could help improve treatment outcomes.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Researchers discover why Listeria bacterium is so hard to fight

Scientists discovered that Listeria uses RNA molecules to fine-tune protein production, allowing it to evade the immune system and resist antibiotics. By understanding this mechanism, researchers can develop targeted treatments to combat the life-threatening bacteria.

Sciatic nerve repair using adhesive bonding and a modified conduit

Scientists Xiangdang Liang and colleagues designed a special conduit for adhesive bonding, improving the repair of sciatic nerves in vitro and in vivo. The new method provides an equivalent repair effect while reducing operation time, making it a feasible and effective technique.

Researchers change the emotional association of memories

Scientists alter emotional associations of specific memories by manipulating connections between the hippocampus and amygdala, finding that changing the emotional valence can transform a negative memory into a positive one. The research demonstrates potential for treating depression and anxiety.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

MU researchers develop more accurate Twitter analysis tools

Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a software program that analyzes event-based tweets and measures context, providing qualitative information about tweets. The program helps Twitter analysts gain better insight into human behavior during trends and events.

Potential therapy for incurable Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease

Researchers have found that the growth factor neuregulin-1 can restore balance to impaired Schwann cells in genetically modified rats with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. This imbalance leads to insufficient myelination and nerve damage, resulting in symptoms such as numbness and weakness.

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.

Neuroscientists reverse memories' emotional associations

Researchers discovered the brain circuit that links feelings to memories and found it possible to reverse emotional associations using optogenetics. This finding could lead to new treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder by strengthening positive memory associations.

'Junk' blood tests may offer life-saving information

Researchers found that contaminated blood cultures can serve as diagnostic predictors for more targeted antibiotics. The study showed that highly resistant skin germs could indicate high mortality rates for the actual disease-causing bacteria.

New study charts the global invasion of crop pests

A new study led by the University of Exeter warns that many global crop-producing countries will be overwhelmed by pests within the next 30 years if current trends continue. The research identifies the most invasive pest species, including fungi and nematodes, which are expected to spread rapidly due to climate change.

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.

What lit up the universe?

Researchers from UCL and collaborators aim to determine whether numerous small galaxies or rare quasars produce more ultraviolet light. A forthcoming survey will analyze detailed measurements of a million distant quasars to map the neutral hydrogen gas in the universe, revealing its history.

New smartphone app can detect newborn jaundice in minutes

The BiliCam app uses a smartphone's camera and flash to take a picture of a baby's belly, which is then analyzed by machine-learning algorithms to detect bilirubin levels. This non-invasive tool could replace current screening methods, especially in resource-poor areas where access to medical care is limited.

Tracking spending among the commercially insured

Researchers tracked spending and utilization in three states and one insurance group, finding that price increases drove growth, not use. The study provides a mechanism for promoting provider accountability on prices through transparency.

Experiments explain why some liquids are 'fragile' and others are 'strong'

Researchers use X-rays and a new apparatus to compare behavior of glass-forming liquids as they approach the glass transition. The results show that bulk properties are linked to microscopic structure, providing insight into the mysterious process of glass formation. This study has potential applications in pharmaceutical industry.

Stop and listen: Study shows how movement affects hearing

Research at Duke University found that the brain's motor cortex influences the auditory cortex, dampening responses to tones when a mouse moves. The study used optogenetics to activate specific neurons and showed that movement stimulates inhibitory neurons, suppressing the response in the auditory cortex.

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.

DTU researchers film protein quake for the first time

Scientists at DTU Physics successfully captured protein quakes that dissipate solar energy throughout entire protein molecules, validating a long-standing hypothesis. This breakthrough has implications for harnessing solar energy in solar cells and other light-absorption systems.

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.

Encyclopedia of how genomes function gets much bigger

Three analyses compare how human, worm, and fruit fly genomes are read out and organized into chromosomes, adding billions of entries to a publicly available archive. Scientists discovered common features that apply to all organisms, offering insights into human development and disease.

Drug represents first potential treatment for common anemia

An experimental drug has demonstrated potential as a first treatment for anemia of inflammation, regulating blood's iron supply and maintaining its transport. The treatment, lexaptepid pegol, inactivates hepcidin hormone production, improving iron levels without interfering with the immune response.

Parents, listen next time your baby babbles

Parents who engage with their infant's babbling can accelerate their child's vocalizing and language learning, according to a new University of Iowa study. Infants whose mothers responded to their babbling showed an increase in developmentally advanced vocalizations and began directing more of their babbling towards their mothers.

Expression of privilege in vaccine refusal

A CU Denver study reveals that vaccine refusal is more common among children from higher-income families with educated mothers. These parents often rely on alternative practices like breastfeeding and social monitoring to prevent disease, rather than vaccinations. In contrast, lower-income families face barriers to accessing healthcare...

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.

Stanford researchers work to understand gene expression across organisms

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have mapped the binding sites and cellular expression patterns of regulatory factors in fruit flies, roundworms, and humans. The study identifies shared and distinct patterns across species, shedding light on how genes are turned on and off.

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.

Research geared to keep women from fleeing IT profession

A new study by Baylor University researchers identifies the challenges facing women in the IT profession as being rooted in occupational culture and informal interoffice social networks. The findings suggest that mentoring, social interaction, and career-stage awareness are key areas for improvement to increase diversity.

Taking aim at added sugars to improve Americans' health

Scientists and policymakers debate ways to curb sugar consumption amid growing health concerns. Despite reduced sugar intake over the past 15 years, Americans still consume excessive amounts, leading to high blood pressure, heart disease, and other conditions.

Rubber meets the road with new ORNL carbon, battery technologies

Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have created a more efficient anode for lithium-ion batteries using recycled tire-derived carbon black, with improved capacity and stability. The novel method could lead to cheaper, environmentally friendly batteries for various applications.

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.

Researchers switch emotion linked to memory

The study reveals that the hippocampus can freely associate with either positive or negative emotions, while the amygdala is hard-wired for specific experiences. This flexibility may help explain the success of behavioral therapy for phobias and PTSD, and suggests novel treatments for depression and other disorders.

Penn paleontologists describe a possible dinosaur nest and young 'babysitter'

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have made a groundbreaking discovery in northeastern China, uncovering a possible dinosaur nest with 24 young Psittacosaurus lujiatunensis and one older individual. The fossilized group suggests post-hatchling cooperation among dinosaurs, where a 'babysitter' cared for its younger siblings.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Scientists plug into a learning brain

Researchers used brain-computer interfaces and machine learning to study neural patterns in monkey brains as they learned to move a computer cursor. The study found that learning was easier when nerve cells rearranged existing patterns of activity, rather than generating new ones.

Detecting neutrinos, physicists look into the heart of the sun

For the first time, physicists have directly detected neutrinos created by the 'keystone' proton-proton fusion process at the sun's core. The detection was made possible by the Borexino instrument, which detects neutrinos as they interact with an ultra-pure organic liquid scintillator.

Pacific plate shrinking as it cools

Researchers at Rice University and the University of Nevada have found that cooling of the Pacific plate causes horizontal contraction and deformation. The rate of contraction is faster in younger parts of the plate, leading to a predicted 10 times faster contraction than older parts.

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.