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Science News Archive December 2014 - Page 23


Page 23 of 28

NASA observes Super Typhoon Hagupit; Philippines under warnings

NASA's Terra satellite and GPM/TRMM satellites provide valuable data on Super Typhoon Hagupit's rainfall patterns and cloud height. Forecasters expect the storm to reach peak intensity and weaken, while warnings are issued for the Philippines due to typhoon-force winds.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 4, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Kent State researchers find more smartphone play equals less fun during leisure

Researchers at Kent State University found that college students who spent more time on their smartphones during leisure activities experienced decreased enjoyment and increased stress. The study suggests that excessive phone use can diminish the experience of daily leisure, leading to feelings of uptightness and anxiety.

SourceKent State University·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateDec 4, 2014

Quiet as a mouse, but so much to hear

A University at Buffalo researcher has found that mice can distinguish between partial sound waves, similar to how humans recognize word onsets. This discovery could help better understand human hearing loss and strengthen the use of mice as models for human communication.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateDec 4, 2014

New research paves the way for nano-movies of biomolecules

Scientists have developed a new technique to capture the fast dynamics of biomolecules using high-speed X-ray lasers, revealing subtle processes with unprecedented clarity. The study used the photoactive yellow protein as a model system and achieved snapshots of molecular movements at atomic resolution.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience·DateDec 4, 2014
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.

Pulsars with black holes could hold the 'holy grail' of gravity

Researchers from Spain and India found that pulsars with black holes are ideal for testing general relativity, but two cases reduce their value. The 'holy grail' pair is a normal black hole, which has yet to be discovered.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics·DateDec 4, 2014

Antarctic seawater temperatures rising

New research finds Antarctic seawater temperatures are rising, causing accelerated glacial melting and potential sea-level rise. The study also reveals that warmer waters could impact ocean biodiversity.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalScience·DateDec 4, 2014
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.

Smoking and higher mortality in men

Researchers found an association between smoking and loss of the Y chromosome in blood cells, which may explain why men have a shorter life expectancy. Heavy smokers showed more frequent loss of the Y chromosome than moderate smokers.

SourceUppsala University·JournalScience·DateDec 4, 2014

Chinese scientists create new global wetland suitability map

A team of Chinese scientists has developed a new global wetland suitability map to help protect these vital ecosystems. The map, which matches individual wetland sites with local water table depth, shows that the total area of global wetlands is approximately 3.316×107km2.

SourceScience China Press·DateDec 4, 2014

NTU leads global research to uncover one of mankind's most ancient lineages

Scientists at NTU and Penn State University have discovered one of modern human's ancient lineages by sequencing the genome of five living individuals from a hunter/gatherer tribe in Southern Africa. The study found that these individuals are genetically distinct from Europeans, Asians, and all other Africans.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 4, 2014
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.

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.

Don't worry, be happy: Just go to bed earlier

A study published in Cognitive Therapy and Research found that individuals who sleep for shorter periods and go to bed later experience more repetitive negative thoughts. This association suggests that prioritizing regular sleep schedules may help mitigate anxiety symptoms.

SourceSpringer·JournalCognitive Therapy and Research·DateDec 4, 2014

UH team fights antibiotic-resistant bacteria with NIH grant

Researchers at the University of Houston are using a patented equation to assess the effects of antibiotics on bacteria and develop more effective treatments. They plan to use image analysis technology to automatically record data, reducing the need for physicians to run excessive tests.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateDec 4, 2014

Imaging techniques reliably predict treatment outcomes for TB patients

Researchers used positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) imaging to monitor antibiotic treatment effects in TB-infected monkeys and humans. Changes in PET/CT scans over time accurately predicted treatment outcomes, potentially shortening clinical trials and saving resources.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateDec 4, 2014
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.

Are the benefits of breast milk stimulant worth the risk?

A new review article suggests that domperidone can increase breast milk production, but also poses a risk of irregular heartbeat and sudden cardiac death in women. The study found that moderate improvements in milk production were observed with lower doses, but higher doses increased the odds of cardiac complications.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Human Lactation·DateDec 4, 2014

Ebola rapid response

The National Science Foundation has awarded rapid response grants to support researchers in understanding the fundamental nature of Ebola and its impact on public safety. The grants will fund projects that explore new methods for virus detection, disinfection, and medical response, as well as research into risk assessment and behavior.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateDec 4, 2014

High-sugar diet in fathers can lead to obese offspring

A study found that high sugar diets in male fruit flies can cause obesity in their offspring through epigenetic changes affecting gene expression. Researchers also discovered a similar system regulating obesity susceptibility in mice and humans.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateDec 4, 2014

Greenhouse gases linked to African rainfall

A recent study has linked African rainfall increases to greenhouse gas concentrations thousands of years ago. The research team used computer simulations and geologic records to recreate past moisture conditions, finding that changes in carbon dioxide and methane led to the African Humid Period.

SourceOregon State University·JournalScience·DateDec 4, 2014
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.

Approved breast cancer drug offers hope for the treatment of blood disorders

Researchers discovered that tamoxifen, a breast cancer drug, can target and control the survival and proliferation of stem cells responsible for blood cancers. The study found that activation of estrogen receptors with tamoxifen could block the excessive production of abnormal white blood cells in mice with blood neoplasms.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateDec 4, 2014

Antarctica: Heat comes from the deep

Scientists observe rising water temperatures on the West Antarctic shelf, accelerating glacial melting and potentially increasing global sea levels. The warming trend is linked to changes in wind systems over the southern hemisphere and may have significant environmental implications for the region.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalScience·DateDec 4, 2014

Localized climate change contributed to ancient southwest depopulation

Researchers used tree-ring data and computer programs to create a finely scaled map of ideal Southwest growing regions for the past 2,000 years. The study suggests that localized climate change contributed to the depopulation of ancestral Pueblo people in southwest Colorado, with some areas becoming highly suitable for maize agriculture.

SourceWashington State University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 4, 2014
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.

Green meets nano

Researchers at TU Darmstadt develop a green method to produce gold nanotubes, suitable for building sensors to measure hydrogen peroxide, with potential applications in medical research and diagnosis. The production process is energy-efficient and uses non-toxic chemicals.

SourceTechnische Universitat Darmstadt·JournalRSC Advances·DateDec 3, 2014

Reliable RNA analysis now easier with NIST 'dashboard' tool

The NIST 'erccdashboard' tool evaluates experimental methods used to study gene expression, ensuring reproducibility and reliability. The dashboard provides a standardized approach for analyzing gene expression data, allowing researchers to assess technical performance and prevent erroneous conclusions.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 3, 2014

UNC researchers pinpoint chemo effect on brain cells, potential link to autism

Researchers at UNC School of Medicine found that the chemotherapy drug topotecan suppresses a gene essential for normal brain function, leading to neurological side effects like memory loss and confusion. The effects are reversible upon removal of the drug, suggesting a potential link to autism.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 3, 2014

Researcher works to block the blood-vessel dysfunction that occurs in diabetes

Researchers are investigating a protein that may be key to disabling endothelial dysfunction, a major risk factor for vascular disease in diabetes. By blocking PTP1B expression, the study aims to improve nitric oxide production and reduce inflammation, potentially leading to more effective treatments for diabetes-related complications.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateDec 3, 2014
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Buckyballs enhance carbon capture

Researchers at Rice University have created an environmentally friendly compound that effectively captures carbon dioxide emissions from industrial flue gases and natural gas wells. The new material, combined with buckminsterfullerene molecules, achieves high selectivity and efficiency in capturing carbon dioxide while rejecting methane.

SourceRice University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 3, 2014

New study explains the role of oceans in global 'warming hiatus'

A new study attributes the global 'warming hiatus' to increased oceanic heat drawdown, particularly in the equatorial Pacific, North Atlantic, and Southern Ocean basins. The research reveals distinct mechanisms for each region, improving climate models' projections of future temperature changes.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateDec 3, 2014

NJ brain injury researchers find retrieval practice improves memory in youth with TBI

A study by researchers from Kessler Foundation and Children's Specialized Hospital found that retrieval practice can improve memory in children and adolescents with TBI. This method was found to be the best learning strategy for each of the participants, improving learning and memory among this age group with TBI.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalArchives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation·DateDec 3, 2014
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.

NASA tracks intensifying Typhoon Hagupit

Typhoon Hagupit continues to intensify as it moves through Micronesia, triggering warnings for strong winds and rough seas. The storm's maximum sustained winds have increased to 115.1 mph, with forecasters predicting it will peak at Category four on the Saffir-Simpson scale.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 3, 2014

Mapping human disease: 'Not all pathogens are everywhere'

The study identified seven vectored and five non-vectored disease regions, highlighting the impact of colonization, climate, and geography on disease distribution. Researchers found that not all pathogens are limited to specific geographic areas, suggesting a complex relationship between humans and their associated diseases.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalEcosphere·DateDec 3, 2014

Commuting linked to lower life satisfaction

A new study from the University of Waterloo reveals that longer commutes are related to lower life satisfaction and increased stress levels. Comuters with time for physical activity had higher life satisfaction.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalWorld Leisure Journal·DateDec 3, 2014
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.

Peptide shows great promise for treating spinal cord injury

Researchers developed a new peptide that promotes functional recovery following spinal cord injury, with 21 out of 26 animals regaining bladder control, movement, or both. The peptide allows nerve fibers to overcome scarring and promotes serotonergic sprouting, enabling critical functions to be restored.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalNature·DateDec 3, 2014

People conceived during the Dutch famine have altered regulation of growth genes

Researchers found that individuals conceived during the Dutch Famine had altered regulation of growth genes, which may help them withstand adverse conditions but also increase risk for metabolic disease. The study, published in Nature Communications, provides new insights into epigenetics and its impact on human development.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 3, 2014

Is a brace necessary for spinal fracture healing?

A new study found that patients with spinal compression fractures who wore no brace fared as well as patients instructed to wear a brace for treatment, with comparable outcomes in terms of pain and healing. However, prolonged use of the braces may result in muscle deterioration, skin irritation, and additional costs.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateDec 3, 2014
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.

Movements help measure child sleep problems

Researchers have developed a new measure to accurately group children into those with or without sleep-related breathing problems. The study found that movements during sleep are a key indicator of potential sleep problems, leading to improved diagnosis and treatment options.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalSLEEP·DateDec 3, 2014

Animal welfare could be improved by new understanding of their emotions

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London studied goats' physiological, behavioral and vocal indicators to understand their emotional states. They found that goats exhibit subtle positive emotions through ear position and call stability, paving the way for improved animal care.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateDec 3, 2014
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

How soil microorganisms get out of step through climate change

Climate change alters soil microorganisms' metabolic activity and composition, positively stimulating denitrification and increasing N2O emission rates. This shift impacts plant-microbe competition for nitrogen, with implications for ecosystem function and global climate.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 3, 2014

Protect the world's deltas

Extensive world deltas will be lost due to rising sea levels, with major cities like Shanghai, Dhaka, and Bangkok facing inundation. The retention of sand, mud, and vegetation is not fully understood, hindering development of maintenance strategies.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalNature·DateDec 3, 2014

Jeffrey Lagarias and Chuanming Zong to receive 2015 Conant Prize

Mathematicians Jeffrey Lagarias and Chuanming Zong have made significant contributions to understanding the most-efficient packing arrangements for regular tetrahedra. Their research builds upon centuries-old problems, including Aristotle's conjecture about space-filling figures.

SourceAmerican Mathematical Society·DateDec 3, 2014
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.

Arabian Sea humpback whales isolated for 70,000 years

A recent study reveals the Arabian Sea humpback whale population has remained separate from other humpback whales for approximately 70,000 years. This genetic isolation may be linked to glacial episodes and asynchronous breeding cycles, highlighting the need for urgent conservation efforts.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 3, 2014

Ever tried a 'laser delicious' apple?

A team of researchers from Lebanon and France has developed a laser biospeckle technique capable of detecting the climacteric peak in fruits like apples, bananas, and pears. This non-invasive method uses coherent light to analyze speckle patterns, which change with time depending on the medium's scattering properties.

SourceOptica·JournalApplied Optics·DateDec 3, 2014
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.