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Science News Archive February 2014 - Page 10


Page 10 of 30

'Mission of firsts' showcased new range-safety technology at NASA Wallops

The NASA Wallops Flight Facility successfully deployed a record-breaking 29 small satellites into orbit, also testing a new autonomous flight safety system that promises to eliminate expensive down-range tracking and command infrastructure. The system's first certification test was deemed 'positive' with initial data indicating it sent...

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 20, 2014

Mega-bucks from Russia seed development of 'big data' tools

Brookhaven physicist Alexei Klimentov receives a $3.4 million mega-grant to develop new 'big data' computing tools, building on the success of his ATLAS experiment workload and data management system. The project aims to efficiently handle large-scale data distribution and processing for various scientific fields.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·DateFeb 20, 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.

CHOP researcher co-leads study finding genes that affect blood pressure

A large international study has found 11 new genetic signals linked to blood pressure levels, with 10 of those signals being 'druggable' targets. The discovery offers the possibility of expedited pharmaceutical development of therapeutics for high blood pressure, a serious risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateFeb 20, 2014

Unstable Atlantic deep ocean circulation under future climate conditions

A new study suggests that Atlantic deep water formation may be much more fragile than previously realised, with sudden and large reductions in the influence of these North Atlantic waters in the deep ocean. This could have widespread impacts on regional sea level, droughts, and ocean acidification under future climate change scenarios.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalScience·DateFeb 20, 2014

Vibration energy the secret to self-powered electronics

Researchers have developed a nanogenerator that can harness and convert vibration energy from surfaces like car seats into power for smartphones. The device uses piezoelectric materials to generate electricity from mechanical forces, enabling self-charged personal electronics.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateFeb 20, 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.

Researchers say distant quasars could close a loophole in quantum mechanics

Researchers at MIT have proposed an experiment using distant quasars to determine the settings of particle detectors, which could close the 'free will' loophole and provide evidence for quantum mechanics. This setup would utilize the oldest light in the universe to eliminate potential biases.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 20, 2014

Crop species may be more vulnerable to climate change than we thought

A recent study suggests that plant speciation may not be influenced by environmental factors, instead emphasizing the importance of seed dispersal and similar habitats. This finding has significant implications for agriculture and climate change, as many crop species are polyploids and may not adapt well to changing climates.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalEcology Letters·DateFeb 20, 2014

Sustainable manufacturing system to better consider the human component

Researchers at Oregon State University created a new approach to sustainable manufacturing that incorporates the human component, addressing economic, environmental, and social impacts. The method considers various facets of sustainability, including energy usage, materials, worker safety, and satisfaction, to create a holistic process.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·DateFeb 20, 2014

Researching Facebook business

A recent study found that online and offline reasons contribute to unfriending on Facebook. Businesses can avoid being unfriended by avoiding frequent posts, committing to individual-level relationships, and refraining from controversial topics.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Business Environment·DateFeb 20, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

MATH, HPV status in HNSCC patients effective markers of improved patient outcome

Research using next-generation sequencing data and clinical records from HNSCC patients found that combining MATH with HPV status is an effective marker of improved patient outcome. High tumor MATH at surgery is associated with poor outcomes, while HPV-positive patients have lower average MATH values than HPV-negative patients.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·DateFeb 20, 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.

Nanoscale pillars could radically improve conversion of heat to electricity

Researchers have developed a new technique using nanoscale pillars to radically improve thermoelectric materials, potentially leading to more efficient solar panels and power plants. By slowing down the flow of heat, these pillars can reduce thermal losses and increase electricity generation.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 20, 2014

Dishonesty and creativity: 2 sides of the same coin?

A study published in Psychological Science found that almost 59% of participants cheated on a task, leading to increased creative thinking on a subsequent task. Cheating seemed to encourage creativity by priming people to be less constrained by rules.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 20, 2014

Legal harvest of marine turtles tops 42,000 each year

A comprehensive review of global marine turtle fisheries reveals that over 42,000 turtles are caught annually through legal means. This number is largely driven by the green turtle species, with the majority coming from the Caribbean and Indo-Pacific regions.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalDiversity and Distributions·DateFeb 20, 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.

Sustainable use of energy wood resources shows potential in North-West Russia

The study analyzed the potential of energy wood resources in the Leningrad region of Russia, finding significant potential for intensification. Maximization of sustainable energy wood supply could create new jobs and business opportunities, but challenges like low productivity and technical accessibility need to be solved.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalInternational Journal of Forest Engineering·DateFeb 20, 2014

Surprising culprit found in cell recycling defect

Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine have identified a rare genetic disease caused by the misplacement of a normal protein, phosphotransferase. The protein ends up in the lysosomes, causing a shortage of enzymes and leading to skeletal and heart abnormalities.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 20, 2014

Two new butterfly species discovered in eastern USA

Scientists have discovered two new butterfly species in the eastern United States, one of which is a close relative of the well-known Carolina Satyr. The study reveals distinct differences in genitalia and DNA sequences between the two species, highlighting the complex genetic diversity of these butterflies.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateFeb 19, 2014
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.

Infants with leukemia inherit susceptibility

A new study reveals that babies who develop leukemia during the first year of life inherit a strong genetic predisposition to the disease. The research found that infants with leukemia have an excess of damaging changes in genes linked to leukemia, which can be passed from both parents.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalLeukemia·DateFeb 19, 2014

New study reveals communications potential of graphene

A new study reveals graphene's ability to absorb 90% more electromagnetic radiation, opening doors for secure wireless networks and improved communication devices. Researchers are now developing prototypes to translate this potential into practical applications.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 19, 2014

Genetics linked to children viewing high amounts of violent media

A study found that children with a specific variation of the serotonin-transporter gene were more likely to consume high amounts of violent media and exhibit ADHD-related behaviors. The researchers suggest that genetic factors may play a role in shaping children's media use habits.

SourceInternational Communication Association·JournalJournal of Communication·DateFeb 19, 2014
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.

Study finds nothing so sweet as a voice like your own

The study found that voices similar to one's own convey a sense of community and social belongingness. Key gender differences were identified, with females preferring breathier voices and males preferring shorter average word length. Regional dialects also played a significant role in voice preferences.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 19, 2014

Graduate student makes major discovery about seal evolution

Thomas Cullen's research found evidence of sexual dimorphism in seals between 20-27 million years ago, suggesting that early pinnipeds formed harems. This discovery sheds light on the history of pinnipeds and has major implications for the future of the species due to climate change.

SourceCanadian Museum of Nature·JournalEvolution·DateFeb 19, 2014

LGBT youth face greater cancer risks, CCNY-led study

A CCNY-led study found that LGBT youth are more likely to engage in cancer-risk behaviors, including tobacco use, drinking, and early sex. The research emphasizes the need for early interventions to address these disparities.

SourceCity College of New York·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateFeb 19, 2014

Stratification determines the fate of fish stocks in the Baltic Sea

The Baltic Sea's unique stratification affects the fate of fish stocks, with different species occupying distinct salinity layers. This research highlights the importance of considering regional conditions in fisheries management, as individual stocks do not necessarily benefit from each other.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalProgress In Oceanography·DateFeb 19, 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.

When faced with a hard decision, people tend to blame fate

New research suggests that people deal with difficult decisions by blaming fate to alleviate stress and fears. The study found that participants who faced more difficult decisions were more likely to believe in fate.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 19, 2014

Aging men: More uplifts, fewer hassles until the age of 65-70

Researchers found that 80% of men experience stable happiness until mid-60s, while hassles increase after 65-70 due to health issues or social changes. Meanwhile, some individuals find happiness in late life despite dealing with negative events.

SourceOregon State University·JournalPsychology and Aging·DateFeb 19, 2014

ORNL microscopy system delivers real-time view of battery electrochemistry

Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a new microscopy method to image and measure electrochemical processes in batteries in real time. This technique allows them to capture an unprecedented view of the solid electrolyte interphase, a nanometer-scale film that forms on a battery's negative electrode.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalChemical Communications·DateFeb 19, 2014

A challenge to the genetic interpretation of biology

Researchers propose a new approach to understanding biology, shifting focus from genes to energy consumption and complex dissipative systems. The theory suggests that genes cannot determine biological activity, but rather, it is the energy flows within cells that drive emergence of properties.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateFeb 19, 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.

Iron deficiency may increase stroke risk through sticky blood

Scientists at Imperial College London have discovered a link between iron deficiency and an increased risk of stroke due to stickier blood cells. Iron deficiency affects around two billion people worldwide and can increase the stickiness of platelets, which initiate blood clotting.

SourceImperial College London·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 19, 2014

Space eye with 34 telescopes will investigate 1 million stars

The PLATO mission aims to discover and characterize Earth-like planets in the Sun's neighborhood. With an array of telescopes, it will measure planetary sizes, masses, and ages to determine their habitability. By observing one million stars, PLATO is expected to find thousands of new exoplanets.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·DateFeb 19, 2014
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Gecko-inspired adhesion: Self-cleaning and reliable

Researchers have developed a gecko-inspired adhesive tape that not only adheres reliably to surfaces like geckos but also features self-cleaning properties. This breakthrough enables the opening and closing of food packagings or bandages multiple times without significant adhesion loss.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateFeb 19, 2014

IU mathematician receives $2.7 million to establish center in Russia

Vladimir Touraev, a renowned expert in low-dimensional topology, has been awarded $2.7 million by the Russian government to establish a scientific center in Chelyabinsk, Russia. The center will facilitate collaboration between IU scientists and their counterparts in Russia, promoting international research opportunities.

SourceIndiana University·DateFeb 19, 2014

Antidepressant holds promise in treating Alzheimer's agitation

A multi-site US-Canada study found that antidepressant citalopram significantly relieved symptoms of agitation in Alzheimer's patients and reduced caregivers' stress levels. The study involved 186 patients with Alzheimer's disease who showed no relief from non-medication therapies or antipsychotic drugs.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 19, 2014
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.

Dreams, deja vu and delusions caused by faulty 'reality testing'

Researchers discovered a common link between dreams and delusions - faulty reality testing in the brain's higher order cognitive systems. This faulty 'reality testing' leads to persistent thoughts and actions that are not based on reality, causing immense mental health difficulties.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateFeb 19, 2014

Which asthma drugs, dosages work best for African Americans?

The trial will examine effectiveness of different doses of inhaled corticosteroids with or without long-acting beta agonists in 500 African American patients aged 5 and older. Researchers aim to identify the most effective combination of medications and dosing regimens to manage asthma symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·DateFeb 19, 2014

'Beautiful but sad' music can help people feel better

A study by University of Kent psychologists found that listening to 'sad' music with high aesthetic value directly predicts mood enhancement. Music selection strategies were linked to individual expectations and emotions.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalPsychology of Music·DateFeb 19, 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.

Could metabolism play a role in epilepsy?

Researchers have identified metformin as a potential treatment for epilepsy by reducing the intensity of seizures. The study used fruit fly movement to analyze the effects of dietary modifications on seizure susceptibility. Dr. Kuebler's lab developed a low-cost, video-based method to investigate metabolic causes of seizures.

SourceThe Journal of Visualized Experiments·JournalJournal of Visualized Experiments·DateFeb 19, 2014

Does more stress equal more headaches?

A new study reveals that higher stress levels are associated with an increase in the number of headaches per month. The study found that for those with tension-type headache, a 10-point increase in stress was linked to a 6.3% rise in headache days per month.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateFeb 19, 2014

Reasons for becoming self-employed in later life vary by gender, culture

Researchers found that older male workers are more likely to become self-employed due to a willingness to take risks and access to financial resources. In contrast, female workers may be forced into self-employment due to financial necessity, having fewer economic resources and less access to pensions.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalGreener Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare·DateFeb 19, 2014

NuSTAR helps untangle how stars explode

A team of astrophysicists has created the first-ever map of radioactive material in a supernova remnant using NuSTAR. The findings suggest that massive dying stars likely rip apart with distorted shock waves, ending their lives.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateFeb 19, 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.

A forgotten model of the universe

A 1931 paper by Albert Einstein featuring a dynamic model of the universe has been re-examined, highlighting numerical errors and questionable calculations. The model, which includes a contraction phase, contrasts with the widely known expanding Einstein-de Sitter model.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal H·DateFeb 19, 2014