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Science News Archive February 2014


Page 23 of 30

WASP gives NASA's planetary scientists new observation platform

WASP offers sub arc-second accuracy and stability, enabling planetary scientists to study Jupiter and other celestial bodies. The device allows for flexible, standardized support of multiple science payloads, freeing researchers to focus on instrument development.

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.

Fish biomass in the ocean is 10 times higher than estimated

A study published in Nature Communications reveals that mesopelagic fish have a stock estimated at 10,000 million tons, surpassing previous estimates of 1,000 million tons. This discovery has significant implications for the understanding of carbon fluxes in the ocean and the operation of ocean deserts.

Study provides surprising new clue to the roots of hunger

Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have identified the paraventricular nucleus as a key player in regulating hunger. By mapping neural circuits and manipulating upstream neurons, the team discovered that this brain region communicates with AgRP neurons to drive intense motivation for food.

Against thirst and drought

The MARSOL project aims to address water shortage in the Mediterranean region by storing excess water in aquifers, reducing crop losses and mitigating droughts. Eight field sites across Greece, Portugal, Spain, Malta, Italy, and Israel are being studied for their specific approaches to water storage.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Thinking skills take biggest hit from anxiety in midlife women with HIV

A new analysis of data from the Women's Interagency HIV Study reveals that anxiety is the biggest factor affecting thinking skills in midlife women with HIV. Mental processing speed and verbal memory were more closely linked to depression, anxiety, and hot flashes in both HIV-infected and healthy women.

Dating is refined for the Atapuerca site where Homo antecessor appeared

Researchers at the Spanish National Research Centre for Human Evolution have clarified that the sediment of Gran Dolina, where the first remains of Homo antecessor were discovered, is 900,000 years old. This finding has led to major advancements in our knowledge of human evolution and occupation of Eurasia.

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.

Study shows drop in crime rates is less where Wal-Mart builds

A new study found that counties where Wal-Mart built stores experienced a less significant drop in crime rates compared to other counties. The study, which analyzed data from over 3,000 US counties, suggests that the retailer's presence may even contribute to higher crime rates in areas with existing social issues.

NASA spots fourteenth tropical cyclone of Southern Indian Ocean season

The fourteenth tropical cyclone of the Southern Indian Ocean season was identified by NASA's Terra satellite on February 7. Cloud top temperatures indicating strong convection and powerful thunderstorms were observed north of the center of circulation. The cyclone is expected to intensify before turning southwest and weakening.

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.

Protein structure: Peering into the transit pore

Researchers have successfully imaged the critical transition of proteins passing through a transit pore in cell membranes. The study reveals a side-door within the channel that opens to allow proteins to diffuse into the membrane, and provides new insights into protein function and dynamics.

Bottom-up insight into crowd dynamics

Researchers developed a procedure for comparing different crowd models and evaluating their accuracy using real-world data. A bottom-up model focused on individual behavior was found to best match real-world evacuation data, providing insights into safety planning and crowd dynamics.

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 plant species a microcosm of biodiversity

Biologists discovered a new plant species, Piper kelleyi, that is home to an estimated 40-50 insect species, most of which are entirely dependent on the plant for survival. The study highlights the importance of unique plant compounds in driving evolution and biodiversity.

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.

Anderson recognized with TMS Application to Practice Award

Anderson's work on powder metallurgy and rapid solidification has led to the development of innovative materials, including rare earth compounds, magnetic materials, and lightweight porous materials. He is recognized for his ability to address both scientific and technical challenges and bring new materials to commercial use.

New application of physics tools used in biology

Researchers found a new application of physics tools in understanding epigenetic memory, which is how organisms create a biological memory of certain conditions. The study highlights the interdisciplinary nature of modern molecular biology and shows how mathematical models can help clarify complex biological problems.

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.

The biomass of ocean mesopelagic fish is 10 times higher than estimated

Researchers have discovered that ocean mesopelagic fish biomass is at least 10 times higher than estimated, with significant implications for the planet's biogeochemical cycles. These deep-sea fish play a crucial role in transporting CO2 to the ocean floor and increasing oxygen consumption.

'Steak-knife' teeth reveal ecology of oldest land predators

Researchers have discovered that the oldest land predator, Dimetrodon, had 'steak-knife' teeth with serrated edges, allowing it to efficiently eat large prey. The study suggests a gradual change in feeding habits over 25 million years of evolution.

Stroke trigger more deadly for African-Americans

African-Americans are 39 times more likely to die from a stroke after an infection compared to other ethnic groups. Infection promotes blood clot formation and fat buildup in arteries, contributing to higher stroke mortality rates among blacks.

Smithsonian reports GMO soybean pollen threatens Mexican honey sales

Researchers from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute have found GMO soybean pollen in six honey samples from Mexico, sparking concerns over its impact on honey exports. The presence of GMO pollen could lead to significant price cuts or rejection of honey products under European regulations.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Women fare worse than men following stroke

A study published in Neurology found that women who survived a stroke had a lower quality of life compared to men. At three months post-stroke, women were more likely to report problems with mobility, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression, with these differences diminishing at one year.

Video by UC Riverside lab receives honorable mention in international competition

The UC Riverside lab, led by Professor Zhenbiao Yang, received an honorable mention for their short movie 'Visualizing Leaf Cells from Within' in the International Science & Engineering Visualization Challenge. The challenge, sponsored by NSF and Science magazine, selected the top winners from 227 submissions across 12 countries.

Cobalt intoxication diagnosed with the help of Dr. House

A patient's symptoms were linked to cobalt poisoning after a doctor used a TV show as a teaching tool to diagnose a rare disease. The patient had undergone a metal hip replacement, leading to severe heart failure and other symptoms that were eventually resolved with a new ceramic prosthesis.

Why do young people fail to thrive?

A new study from IIASA reveals that young adult failure to thrive is linked to three major economic factors: a globalized labor force, soaring education levels, and increasing women's participation in the workforce. This leads to increased competition for jobs, particularly among those with little practical experience.

Heart disease risk linked with spouses' social support

A new study reveals that couples who perceive their spousal support as ambivalent experience higher levels of coronary artery calcification, a significant predictor of heart disease. Researchers found that this ambivalence can lead to increased stress and undermine supportive interactions in the relationship.

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.

NASA study points to infrared-herring in apparent Amazon green-up

Scientists discovered that Amazon forest canopy greening during the dry season is not caused by biophysical changes, but rather by shadowing within the canopy and satellite observation artifacts. Correcting for this issue reveals a relatively constant greenness and canopy structure throughout the dry season.

Theorists predict new forms of exotic insulating materials

Researchers at MIT predict the existence of six new types of topological insulators with unusual properties, which may provide insights into quantum physics. The team's analysis reveals that these materials' physical properties can be identified unambiguously in a lab.

Cholesterol plays a critical role in hantavirus infection

Researchers identified four proteins involved in hantavirus entry into human host cells, all part of a protein complex regulating cholesterol production. Statins, commonly used to lower cholesterol, also showed promise in preventing viral infection.

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.

Intervention in first 1,000 days vital to fulfilling childhood potential

The special issue emphasizes the importance of combining intervention strategies focusing on both nutrition and early learning to support healthy development. The research reveals that 200 million children under five are not reaching their developmental potential due to poverty, nutritional deficiencies, and lack of responsive caregiving.

CNIO researchers propose a new combined therapy to treat cancer

Researchers at CNIO propose a new combined therapy to treat cancer by combining etoposide with compounds that interfere with the cell cycle, increasing specificity and improving the therapeutic window. This approach aims to reduce toxicity and increase effectiveness in treating tumour cells.

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.

RNA sequencing of 750-year-old barley virus sheds new light on the Crusades

Researchers at the University of Warwick have detected and sequenced an ancient RNA genome of Barley Stripe Mosaic Virus in a 750-year-old barley grain found in modern-day Egypt. The study pushes back the origin of the virus to at least 2,000 years and reveals how intense farming during the Crusades contributed to its spread.

Source of chlamydia reinfections may be GI tract

A recent review suggests that chlamydia can persist in the gut even after treatment, leading to potential reinfections. The source of these reinfections is likely the GI tract, which produces a strong immune response but cannot be cured.

DNA reveals new clues: Why did mammoths die out?

A new DNA study suggests that the drastic change in vegetation from protein-rich herbs to less nutritious grass may be behind the demise of mammoths and other large mammals. The study shows that the mammoth steppe was dominated by herbs during the last ice age, which may have led to a decline in animal populations.

How our immune system backfires and allows bacteria like Salmonella to grow

A study by researchers at the University of California, Irvine found that interleukin-22 enhances the growth of dangerous bacteria like Salmonella while curbing the growth of healthy gut bacteria. This unexpected finding suggests that a protective immune response can actually aid the growth of harmful pathogens.

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.

Histones may hold the key to the generation of totipotent stem cells

Researchers from RIKEN in Japan have identified a duo of histone proteins, TH2A and TH2B, that dramatically enhance the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). The study demonstrates that these proteins function as substitutes for two Yamanaka factors and increase iPSC cell generation by twentyfold and speed up the process.

Early treatment with AED reduces duration of febrile seizures

A new study published in Epilepsia found that early treatment with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) significantly reduces the duration of febrile seizures. The research suggests that a standard Emergency Medical Services (EMS) treatment protocol is needed in the US to improve outcomes for children with prolonged seizures. A total of 199 pedi...

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.

Fires in Northern Sumatra

Unusual dry spell in Northern Sumatra triggers use of slash and burn method to clear fields. Seven hot spots identified in oil palm plantations and forest concessions, fueling fears about the connection between fires and agricultural practices.

Avian flu variant stalks Egypt

A new study tracks the spread of an H5N1 variant in Egypt using phylogeography, a technique that combines viral sequence data and geographical information. The study aims to enhance efforts by public health officials to identify viral outbreaks, limit their spread, and inform the public of risks.

Two sides of a safety switch

A team of researchers has found a link between chloracne and a molecular switch called Nrf2, which causes skin changes similar to those in dioxin victims. The study suggests that therapeutic targeting of Nrf2 may be problematic due to its role in detoxification.

ABO updates standards for measuring algae industry operations

The Algae Biomass Organization has published a new standard for measuring algae industry operations, establishing a common language for describing economic and environmental impact. The updated standards will help compare diverse algae technologies and their commercial production scale.

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.