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Science News Archive February 2014


Page 22 of 30

No strength in numbers

A new study confirms that big-city legislation is passed at lower rates than smaller bills, citing infighting within city delegations as the primary cause. Despite larger representation, urban areas struggle to pass legislation due to internal divisions and party politics.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Wasps use ancient aggression genes to create social groups

Researchers found that aggression genes control dominance in wasps, while also being linked to fighting behaviors in bees, fruit flies, and mice. External environment plays a crucial role in shaping gene expression, suggesting a stronger influence of nature over nurture.

Study suggests ways to improve common furniture fire test

Researchers at NIST and American University suggest changes to the common furniture fire test to make it more realistic, focusing on air flow and foam materials. The modifications aim to identify upholstery materials most likely to prevent smoldering ignition, with potential implications for fire safety regulations.

Flowing water on Mars appears likely but hard to prove

Researchers found distinct spectral signatures of ferric and ferrous minerals at most RSL sites, suggesting a possible connection to water. However, the lack of water-related absorptions rules out hydrated salts as a dominant phase on RSL slopes.

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.

Better RNA interference, inspired by nature

Researchers have developed nanoparticles that can efficiently silence target genes in the liver, showing promise for treating cancer and other diseases. The new particles, inspired by lipoproteins, achieve gene knockdown with a small amount of RNA, minimizing side effects in other tissues.

Young, unvaccinated adults account for severest flu cases

A study of 55 patients treated for flu at Duke University Hospital found that unvaccinated young adults had severe cases and required intensive treatment. The findings highlight the importance of vaccination in reducing severity and preventing costly hospitalizations.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Weakness exposed in most common cancer gene

Researchers at NYU Langone Health have found a biological weakness in mutant K-Ras, the most commonly mutated gene involved in human cancers. By blocking the activity of related genes H-Ras and N-Ras, chemotherapy drug irinotecan can stall tumor growth.

Genetic discovery to keep crops disease-free

Researchers at Curtin University have found a way to breed disease-resistant wheat, reducing yield loss due to Yellow Spot and other diseases. This new technology allows for improved disease resistance without affecting yields or increasing costs.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Manga comics may help promote fruit consumption among youth

A recent study found that exposure to Manga comics promoting fruit intake significantly improved healthy snack selection among minority students. The intervention resulted in a 26% increase in children choosing healthy snacks compared to those without the comic exposure.

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.

Is height important in matters of the heart? New study says yes

A new study from Rice University and the University of North Texas suggests that physical similarity is not the dominant rule in human mating when it comes to height preferences. Women prefer taller partners mostly for protection and femininity, while men prefer shorter women but not extremely short ones for intimacy purposes.

Virtual avatars may impact real-world behavior

New research suggests that playing as a heroic or villainous avatar in video games can impact participants' behavior towards anonymous strangers. For example, those who played as Superman poured more chocolate than chili sauce, while those who played as Voldemort poured more chili sauce than chocolate.

Study reveals unexpected cell hijack method in pancreatic cancer

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have discovered a 'cell hijack' method in pancreatic cancer where pancreatic stellate cells are recruited to aid the growth and spread of cancer. This process can be blocked to prevent tumour growth, suggesting new therapeutic strategies for treating pancreatic cancer.

The content of our cooperation, not the color of our skin

Researchers found that peaceful cooperation triggers the alignment of social categories with coalitional alliances, regardless of race. The study's findings suggest that cognitive systems are specialized for detecting alliances in the social world, but do not necessarily link racial differences to patterns of cooperation and conflict.

Researchers call for more study into impact of repetitive heading in soccer

Researchers warn that soccer's unique aspect – the purposeful use of the head to control the ball – may contribute to long-term cognitive consequences. Studies found concussions accounted for 5.8% to 8.6% of injuries in soccer games, with players who executed more headers experiencing memory and planning deficits.

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.

Heart attack research discovers new treatment target

Researchers found that hydrogen sulfide regulates the body's production of nitric oxide, which protects the heart muscle against cell death. The study's discovery has far-reaching implications for developing novel treatments for cardiovascular disease.

Smoking linked with increased risk of most common type of breast cancer

A recent study published in Cancer journal found that smoking is significantly linked with an increased risk of estrogen receptor positive breast cancer among young women. Young women who have smoked a pack a day for 10 years or more experience a 60% higher risk of developing this type of breast cancer.

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.

Clues to cancer pathogenesis found in cell-conditioned media

Researchers have identified twenty specific proteins secreted by primary effusion lymphoma cell lines, which may explain the cancer's peculiar behavior. These proteins are involved in inflammation, immune response, and cell growth, and their presence in tumor cells could lead to more personalized treatment approaches.

Drifting herbicides produce uncertain effects

Research on drifting herbicides reveals mixed effects, including positive, neutral, and negative impacts on neighboring fields and farms. Grasses dominated field edge test sites, while herbicide drift was associated with declines in three species of herbivores.

Researchers build nonflammable lithium ion battery

Scientists at UNC Chapel Hill have identified a nonflammable alternative to the inherently flammable electrolyte used in current lithium-ion batteries, paving the way for safer and more efficient electric vehicles. The new material, PFPE, exhibits unique properties that make it an ideal replacement, with potential applications in aeros...

Cars, computers, TVs spark obesity in developing countries

Researchers found a 400% increase in obesity and 250% increase in diabetes among TV, computer, and car owners in low-income countries. The study suggests that these modern conveniences contribute to a sedentary lifestyle, leading to increased rates of obesity and diabetes.

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.

New live-cell printing technology works like ancient Chinese woodblocking

Researchers have developed a new live-cell printing technology called BloC-Printing that can print living cells onto any surface in a grid-like formation. The technology, which manipulates microfluidic physics to guide cells into hook-like traps, produces high survival rates of over 100% compared to traditional inkjet printing.

Slowing down the immune system when in overdrive

A study published in The Journal of Immunology found that Interleukin 21 (IL-21) contributes to fatal inflammatory disease, particularly when another cytokine is deficient. Removing IL-21 can greatly subdue the inflammatory response and may help people with chronic inflammation due to defective T cell regulation.

Oil composition boost makes hemp a cooking contender

Scientists at the University of York have developed hemp plants with dramatically increased oleic acid content, making them attractive for cooking oil production. The new oil profile has a longer shelf life and greater heat tolerance, opening up industrial applications.

Chips that listen to bacteria

A team of researchers at Columbia University has developed a CMOS chip that can electrochemically image signaling molecules from bacterial colonies, providing new insights into how biofilms form. The chip enables direct detection of small molecules, such as phenazines, which control gene expression and contribute to colony morphogenesis.

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.

American Chemical Society to honor UT Arlington chemist

Daniel W. Armstrong, a professor at UT Arlington, will receive the ACS Award in Separations Science and Technology for his development of novel applications with major impacts in the field of separation science and technology. He has also made significant contributions to chromatography, including the development of over 30 different t...

Embargoed news on statins and personal genome services

Researchers suggest lower-intensity statin combination therapy as an alternative to high-intensity monotherapy for certain patients. Meanwhile, a medical author argues that personal genome services lack evidence to support their claims and may overwhelm the healthcare system.

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.

Pacific trade winds stall global surface warming -- for now

Researchers find Pacific trade winds have driven more heat into oceans, slowing global warming; however, when winds weaken, heat will rapidly return to atmosphere. The study suggests a hiatus in global warming is temporary and temperatures will soon rise rapidly.

Fight or flight? Vocal cues help deer decide during mating season

Researchers found that fallow bucks respond differently to fast vs. slow rate groans, indicating they signal aggression through calling speed. Bucks also recognize early-rut groans as more threatening than late-rut ones, helping them avoid exhausted rivals during mating season.

Optogenetic toolkit goes multicolor

Researchers have discovered a new, red-light-sensitive opsin called Chrimson that enables the independent control of two brain populations. The new opsin was found in a screen of algae and can mediate neural activity in response to red light with high precision.

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.

Australians discover oldest star

The discovery of the oldest known star in the Universe allows scientists to study its chemistry, providing a clearer idea of the early universe. The ancient star is around 6,000 light years from Earth and formed shortly after the Big Bang.

Seven new genetic regions linked to type 2 diabetes

A study of over 48,000 patients and 139,000 healthy controls from four ethnic groups revealed seven new genetic regions associated with type 2 diabetes. The research provides insights into the biological processes involved in the disease and may lead to novel therapies.

Study involving twin sisters provides clues for battling aggressive cancers

A study involving twin sisters has identified a novel molecular target, SETD2, which can become a way to treat recurring and deadly malignancies. The researchers found that the SETD2 gene mutation contributes to the initiation and progression of leukemia by promoting the self-renewal potential of leukemia stem cells.

Cochlear implants -- with no exterior hardware

Researchers at MIT have developed a new, low-power signal-processing chip that could lead to a wirelessly rechargeable cochlear implant without external hardware. The device uses the natural microphone of the middle ear and can be charged via an ordinary cell phone in two minutes.

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.

Genome editing goes hi-fi

Researchers have found a way to efficiently edit the human genome one letter at a time, boosting ability to model human disease and paving the way for therapies that fix genetic 'bugs'. The new technique highlights out-of-the-box thinking critical for scientific success.

New maps reveal locations of species at risk as climate changes

The study provides critical information for targeting conservation efforts and highlights the need for urgent action to protect biodiversity. Climate change is expected to force plants and animals to adapt or migrate to track their ideal climate, with some species facing significant challenges in finding new habitats.

Study identifies protein to repair damaged brain tissue in MS

A study published in Neuron has identified a small protein, Endothelin-1, that can be targeted to promote repair of damaged brain tissue in multiple sclerosis patients. The molecule inhibits myelin repair, and blocking it or using genetic approaches may help restore myelin in the brain.

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.

Tiny soft medicine factories

Researchers at Aarhus University have developed tiny, degradable 'medicine factories' inside the body that can produce specific medicines in response to specific enzymes. The technology, funded by a €2 million ERC grant, has the potential to revolutionize pain relief and cancer treatment.