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Science News Archive February 2014


Page 17 of 30

Graphene's love affair with water

Researchers at the University of Manchester have discovered that graphene can be used to create ultrafast filters for liquid water, with an astonishingly accurate mesh that allows precise separation of atomic species. The filters also exhibit 'ion sponging' properties, sucking up small ions and concentrating them internally.

How memory and schizophrenia are connected

A study published in Neuron reveals a connection between genes controlling neuronal excitability and working memory, psychiatric disease, and brain activity. The researchers identified a network of genes that plays a crucial role in human brain function, highlighting the importance of understanding its dysfunction in schizophrenia.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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Immunologists from the University of Bonn topple dogma

Immunologists at the University of Bonn have disproved a long-held classification of immune cells, finding that macrophages can take on multiple forms. This discovery offers new hope for treating diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, and 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.

Study explores link between selling and leasing market prices for cars

A new study has modelled the relationship between variations in leasing and selling market prices using almost 10 years of data from the US. The researchers found that when selling prices go up, leasing rates tend to decrease, highlighting the need for a more accurate pricing approach for lease vehicles.

Children living close to fast food outlets more likely to be overweight

New research found that older children are more likely to be overweight when living in close proximity to a high density of unhealthy eating outlets. The study, which analyzed data from over 1 million children, suggests that planning policies can help tackle childhood obesity by reducing the availability of unhealthy food options.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Is zinc the missing link for osteoarthritis therapies?

A study reveals that zinc levels inside cartilage cells regulate and respond to the destruction of cartilage tissue in joints. The researchers identified a molecular pathway involving the protein ZIP8, which transports zinc and leads to cartilage destruction.

Genetic chip will help salmon farmers breed better fish

A new genetic chip will enable salmon breeders to detect fish with desirable genes, improving growth and resistance to diseases such as sea lice. The chip carries over 20 times more genetic information than existing tools and can be used to select the best breeding stock.

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.

NOAA researcher says Arctic marine mammals are ecosystem sentinels

NOAA researcher Sue Moore says Arctic marine mammals respond to climate change by shifting their distribution, timing of movements, and feeding locations. This provides clues on how the ecosystem is responding to changes in sea ice, warming temperatures, and increased storminess.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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Metal implants may cut chemotherapy side effects, study suggests

Researchers discovered that altering chemotherapy drugs to react only with palladium could minimize damage to healthy cells. By implanting devices coated with palladium into tumours, the drugs would become activated only where needed, potentially reducing side effects.

Can-do plan gets women trimmer, healthier, and cuts hot flashes

A six-month pilot program called WAIPointes, funded by insurance, helped 83 women aged 35-55 achieve weight loss, lower blood pressure, and improved hot flash symptoms through lifestyle changes. The program's interactive approach and personalized support led to significant health risks reduction.

How bacteria communicate with us to build a special relationship

Researchers discovered how gut bacteria produce an enzyme that modifies signaling in cells lining the gut and breaks down phytate, a crucial nutrient. The enzyme is packaged in outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) which allow for cross-kingdom communication with human cells, influencing calcium signaling and potentially improving health.

Crazy ants dominate fire ants by neutralizing their venom

A University of Texas at Austin study reveals that crazy ants can neutralize fire ant venom, making them nearly invincible in battles over food resources. This detoxification process allows crazy ants to dominate and displace fire ants in the southeastern US ecosystem.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

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Plants recycle too

Researchers have identified a novel protein complex, TPLATE, essential for plant endocytosis, which is unique to plants. The discovery sheds light on the process of endocytosis and its importance in plant cells.

Science is used to reveal masterpiece's true colors

Researchers have identified carmine lake, a light-sensitive red pigment, used by Renoir in his painting 'Madame Léon Clapisson.' The study also sheds light on Winslow Homer's watercolor and Mary Cassatt's pastel, providing new insights into the techniques of these artistic masters.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

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Interactive map of human genetic history revealed

The study uses genome data from 1490 individuals to identify genetic mixing events between populations, dating back to historical events such as the Mongol Empire. The technique, called 'Globetrotter,' provides insight into past events and may have implications for public health and disease prevention.

€85million European programme targets novel antibiotics

The €85 million ENABLE project aims to develop novel antibiotics against Gram-negative bacteria, addressing a growing epidemic of resistance. The public-private partnership will create an anti-bacterial drug discovery platform and deliver at least one new candidate into Phase 2 clinical trials by 2019.

Why did the orangutan come down from the trees?

A new study found that orangutans come down from trees more often in degraded habitats, suggesting a greater ability to cope with forest loss. Increased terrestriality may also facilitate movement and dispersal, accessing different food sources.

Cat parasite found in western Arctic Beluga deemed infectious

Researchers have discovered an infectious form of the cat parasite Toxoplasma gondii in western Arctic Belugas, raising public health concerns. The discovery also highlights the impact of climate change on pathogen circulation, allowing previously isolated parasites to spread to new hosts.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

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Stanford psychologist shows why talking to kids really matters

Research by Anne Fernald shows a significant gap in language development between rich and poor children emerges during infancy, with child-directed speech playing a crucial role. Infants who hear more child-directed speech develop greater efficiency in language processing and learn new words faster.

Builder bots ditch blueprints for local cues

Researchers designed algorithms that reflect termite behavior, enabling robots to build complex structures without detailed plans. The robots use simple cues from their environment and each other to complete user-defined structures.

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.

New atlas helps protect the soils of Latin America and the Caribbean

The new atlas highlights the delicate relationships between soils and climate, as well as their role in food security, particularly in relation to climate change. Soils also support six out of seventeen countries hosting the highest rate of biodiversity, with approximately 185 Gt of organic carbon stored down to a depth of 1m.

Two new weapons in the battle against bacteria

Researchers at TUM have developed two new mechanisms of action that can permanently deactivate ClpP proteases, essential for bacterial survival. The newly discovered inhibitors target the protein's structure and function, potentially leading to more effective treatment options.

Discovery may help to explain mystery of 'missing' genetic risk

A new study found that some common genetic variants may be indicators of rare mutations with greater influence on disease risk in prostate cancer. The research identified four common genetic variants associated with a small increase in risk, but also discovered an alternative explanation - a small proportion of men with these variants ...

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.

Could action video games help people with dyslexia learn to read?

Researchers found that individuals with dyslexia have difficulty shifting attention from visual to auditory stimuli, leading to slower response times. A new approach using action video games may improve literacy skills by training the brain to associate sounds with corresponding letters.

Discovery may help to explain mystery of 'missing' genetic risk

A new study in PLOS Genetics finds common genetic variants may indicate the presence of influential rare mutations that have yet to be discovered. This 'synthetic association' sheds light on the genetic make-up's large influence on cancer risk, highlighting the importance of identifying causal genetic changes.

Valentine's Day: True love makes pacific salmon healthier

Female Pacific salmon that mate with their chosen partner produce healthier babies than those with selected mates, according to research by the University of Waterloo. This allows for a more robust stock, reducing the use of antibiotics and vaccines, which benefits both producers and fish health.

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.

Researchers find breast cancer drug in bodybuilding supplement

A study found tamoxifen, a breast cancer treatment, in three out of four samples of the bodybuilding supplement Esto Suppress. The product label suggested a dosage that may provide enough to treat gynaecomastia. Off-the-shelf supplements have been known to contain pharmacologically active substances, posing risks to users.

Robotic construction crew needs no foreman

A team of researchers created an autonomous robotic construction crew that builds complex structures without a central command, using collective intelligence and stigmergy. The TERMES system consists of simple robots that cooperate to modify their environment, achieving impressive results in building towers, castles, and pyramids.

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.

Muscle loss ups mortality and sepsis risk in liver transplant candidates

A Japanese study found that sarcopenia, a loss of skeletal muscle mass, increases the risk of sepsis and mortality in patients undergoing live donor liver transplantation. Early nutritional support with enteral nutrition reduced sepsis rates in these patients. Treating malnutrition may reduce mortality risk following transplantation.

Berkeley Lab researchers at AAAS 2014

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab researchers present on topics including improved climate models, synthetic biology for better biofuels, emerging materials for photovoltaics, and efforts to detect Dark Matter. The presentation highlights the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and exploring innovative solutions.

UEF study: Metabolic syndrome is similar in different age groups

A recent study published in Diabetologia found that metabolic risk factors cluster similarly in children and adults, increasing the risk of premature death caused by type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Lifestyle interventions aiming at prevention should be invested in childhood to reduce the risk.

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.

Protein switch dictates cellular fate: stem cell or neuron

Researchers discovered that a well-known protein UPF1 controls the biological circuit to determine whether an immature neural cell remains in a stem-like state or becomes a functional neuron. The study's findings have significant implications for developing new therapies for neurological disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.

Could restless sleep cause widespread pain in older folks?

Researchers found that non-restorative sleep is a strong predictor of widespread pain onset among adults over 50. Anxiety and poor physical health also increase the risk of developing widespread pain. The study suggests combined interventions for both site-specific and widespread pain are needed for older adults.

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.