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Science News Archive August 2014


Page 9 of 31

'Haven't my neurons seen this before?'

A new study reveals that neurons in the brain's inferotemporal cortex fire strongly and selectively when exposed to familiar images, especially those seen many times before. This finding suggests that the brain uses this mechanism to track a rapidly changing visual environment and may lead to improvements in perception and cognition.

Does apolipoprotein E mimetic peptide reduce neuronal apoptosis induced by DBI?

Researchers found that apolipoprotein E-derived therapeutic peptide improved synaptic stability and learning and memory performance after diffuse brain injury. The peptide also protected against brain injury by reducing oxidative stress, suppressing the ERK1/2-Bax mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, and decreasing neuronal death.

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.

Signatures of selection inscribed on poplar genomes

A recent study reveals that genetic selection has imprinted its signature on the genomes of poplars, a finding that could improve predictive climate change models and tree breeding programs. By analyzing over 1,100 wild poplar trees, researchers identified 397 genomic regions contributing to adaptive traits.

Study: Cutting emissions pays for itself

Researchers found that carbon-reduction policies can lead to significant health savings, with benefits ranging from 26% to 10.5 times the cost of implementation. A transportation policy was the most expensive option, costing over $1 trillion in 2006 dollars, while a clean energy standard fell between the costs of other policies.

Train your heart to protect your mind

A new study published in Neurobiology of Aging found that exercising improves cardiovascular strength, which may protect against cognitive impairment as we age. The researchers tested 31 young people and 54 older adults, finding that those with better aortic elasticity and aerobic fitness performed better on cognitive tests.

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.

5 UC Riverside scientists among world's most influential scientific minds

Thomson Reuters has included five UC Riverside researchers in its list of highly cited individuals, citing their impact on various scientific fields. The researchers, Roya Bahreini, Julia Bailey-Serres, Robert Haddon, Wei Ren and Yadong Yin, were identified through citation data analysis over 11 years.

NASA sees Tropical Storm Karina get a boost

Tropical Storm Karina intensified on August 22 with moderate rainfall and towering thunderstorms, dropping rain at a rate of near 25 mm/1 inch per hour. The storm is moving to the northeast near 3 mph (6 kph) and is expected to weaken in two days as it enters cooler waters and stable dry air.

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.

New enzyme targets for selective cancer therapies

Researchers at the University of Alberta have developed a compound that targets a specific enzyme overexpressed in certain cancers. The enzyme inhibitor shows promise in turning glioblastoma cancer stem cells into normal cells and stopping their growth.

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.

The striatum acts as hub for multisensory integration

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet find that the striatum integrates sensory input from touch, vision, and sound to guide movements. The study provides insight into the brain's processing of external input and its role in motor function and disease.

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.

Calcium and reproduction go together

Researchers found calcium involved in chemical signaling throughout the double fertilization process, guiding sperm release and fusion with the egg cell. This discovery sheds light on the complex process of flowering plant fertilization.

Proteins: New class of materials discovered

Researchers at HZB's BESSY II have discovered a new class of materials using protein crystalline frameworks, which can achieve high stability and be intricately interconnected. The discovery allows for controllable interpenetration and variability, opening up potential applications.

Deletion predicts survival in advanced non-small cell lung cancer

Researchers found BIM deletion independently predicts overall and progression-free survival in advanced NSCLC patients, particularly in those treated with EGFR TKIs or chemotherapy. The study suggests considering BIM deletion as a clinical trial stratification factor for Asian NSCLC patients.

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.

Many patients are discharged without a diagnosis

New research reveals that one out of four acutely admitted medical patients leave the hospital without a diagnosis. The study found that many patients were not adequately examined during their hospitalization, increasing the risk of deterioration and re-hospitalization.

Use a rule of thumb to control how much you drink

Researchers at Iowa State University found that using a rule of thumb to control pouring reduces overconsumption. Men who poured wine with a general guideline poured significantly less than those without one, regardless of their body mass index. This study suggests using a drinking rule can help prevent overdrinking.

Smokers consume same amount of cigarettes regardless of nicotine levels

A recent study from the University of Waterloo monitored smokers switching to cigarettes with reduced nicotine levels, finding no change in puffing behavior or toxic chemical exposure. This suggests that reducing nicotine levels may not lead to an increase in cigarette consumption or nicotine intake.

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.

Study identifies challenges faced by NYU nurses after Hurricane Sandy

A recent study by NYU researchers found that NYU nurses deployed to other hospitals after Hurricane Sandy experienced significant stress and uncertainty. The mixed-methods study identified several psychosocial and practice-based challenges, including limited orientation time, legal concerns, and issues with patient assignments.

Strategies for myelin regeneration: Lessons learned from development

Recent studies have shown that microglia-conditioned culture medium supports OPCs' survival and enhances their differentiation. The role of microglia in remyelination is complex and varies depending on the timing of disease progression. Microglia/macrophage activation can lead to poor remyelination in MS plaques lacking microglia.

Tissue regeneration using anti-inflammatory nanomolecules

A team led by Arun Sharma has developed a system to protect against inflammatory reactions that can hinder tissue growth and function. Using self-assembling peptide amphiphiles, they demonstrated superior bladder function in a urinary bladder augmentation model.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

ESMO honors outstanding oncology professionals

The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) recognizes the contributions of three outstanding individuals in cancer research and treatment. Carsten Bokemeyer receives the ESMO Award for his work on malignant germ cell tumours, while Peter Boyle wins the Lifetime Achievement Award for his long-standing contribution to cancer epidem...

Scientists map risk of premature menopause after cancer treatment

Researchers estimated the risk of premature menopause in women treated for Hodgkin lymphoma, providing precise estimates based on treatment types and ages. The study found that certain treatments, such as ovarian radiotherapy and chemotherapy, significantly increased the risk of early menopause.

From happiness to pain: Understanding serotonin's function

Researchers at Champalimaud Foundation establish the effect of serotonin on sensitivity to pain, revealing a significant decrease in pain perception when serotonin is released. This breakthrough provides new insights into chronic pain treatment.

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.

NASA's infrared data shows newborn Tropical Storm Marie came together

Tropical Storm Marie rapidly formed off Mexico's coast, with powerful thunderstorms stretching towards the troposphere. The storm is expected to intensify rapidly due to warm sea surface temperatures, potentially becoming a hurricane by Monday, August 25. Rapid intensification is predicted due to favorable environmental conditions.

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.

A NASA satellite double-take at Hurricane Lowell

Hurricane Lowell strengthened into a Category One hurricane with sustained winds of 75 mph after being observed by NASA satellites. The storms' cloud top temperatures exceeded -63F, indicating high thunderstorms with potential heavy rainfall.

Mouse model for epilepsy, Alzheimer's gives window into the working brain

Scientists have developed a genetically engineered mouse line that allows them to study calcium levels in living brain cells, enabling new research on epilepsy, Alzheimer's, and other neurological diseases. This breakthrough opens up possibilities for new treatments and a deeper understanding of the immune system's role in brain function.

Recombinant adenovirus-mediated DHCR24 inhibits neural apoptosis

Researchers successfully constructed an adenovirus that induces DHCR24 specifically in neuronal cells, demonstrating its neuroprotective effects against amyloid beta-induced apoptosis. This breakthrough paves the way for further studies on DHCR24 gene therapy and neuronal functional research.

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.

Losing weight lowers health care costs for adults with type 2 diabetes

A new study found that overweight individuals with type 2 diabetes who lose weight through dieting and physical activity can reduce their healthcare costs by an average of over $500 per year. Those in the intensive lifestyle intervention group had fewer hospitalizations, shorter hospital stays, and used fewer prescription medications.

UW-Madison chosen for federally funded cloud computing research

The University of Wisconsin-Madison has been selected to participate in the National Science Foundation-funded CloudLab project, which aims to develop cloud infrastructure and support high-level research. The $2.3 million grant will enable researchers to evaluate novel cloud technologies in a realistic environment.

When it comes to how pizza looks, cheese matters

Researchers found that elasticity, free oil, moisture, water activity, and transition temperature influence color uniformity of cheeses. Mozzarella can be combined with less burnt cheeses like Gruyere or provolone to create a gourmet pizza.

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.

Feeling bad at work can be a good thing (and vice versa)

Researchers found that negative emotions like anger can be used as a force for good when motivated by moral standards, while excessive positivity can lead to complacency and superficiality. In some team situations, negativity can actually enhance discussion and effectiveness.

Arctic sea ice influenced force of the Gulf Stream

Reconstruction of sea ice changes in the Fram Strait reveals that Arctic sea ice cover decline led to significant weakening of the Gulf Stream. This change had a direct impact on European climate, with cooling occurring twice in the past 30,000 years.

Coping with smart phone threats

A Canadian team outlines possible coping mechanisms for lost or stolen mobile devices, highlighting the importance of user awareness and organization security measures. The researchers found that many users are either unaware or unwilling to use security countermeasures, leaving them vulnerable to data loss risks.

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.

Water window imaging opportunity

Researchers develop theoretical framework to generate coherent radiations in the water window range, enabling high-contrast imaging of biological samples. The study extends previous work on hydrogen and applies it to argon atoms, paving the way for improved spectroscopy techniques.

Electric sparks may alter evolution of lunar soil

A University of New Hampshire and NASA study suggests that high-energy particles from solar storms can charge the moon's polar soil, creating sparking and potentially altering its composition. This process could have significant implications for our understanding of planetary surfaces in extremely cold regions.

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.