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Science News Archive January 2014


Page 17 of 28

Megafloods: What they leave behind

Researchers suggest that megafloods created the unique amphitheater-headed canyons in Idaho and on Mars, replacing traditional theories of groundwater sapping. The team analyzed rock samples and scour marks to support their claims, pointing to much larger water discharges and shorter flow durations.

Key species of algae shows effects of climate change over time

A study reveals a shift in competitive dynamics among crustose coralline algae due to ocean acidification, altering biodiversity. The researchers found that the dominant species, Pseudolithophyllum muricatum, no longer enjoys its competitive advantage, likely due to lower pH levels recorded over the last 12 years.

Scientists warn: Conservation work in zoos is too random

Zoos spend significant resources on endangered species, but their efforts are often ineffective due to a lack of coordination and international legislation. Researchers from the University of Southern Denmark found that certain groups of threatened species are overrepresented in zoos, while others are underrepresented.

Multihormone reverses metabolic damage of high calorie diet

A new peptide treatment has been shown to restore leptin responsiveness, improve body weight and glucose metabolism in obese mice fed a high-fat, high-sugar diet. The treatment overcomes leptin resistance, a major obstacle in treating obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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NASA sees Tropical Cyclone Colin's final bow

Tropical Cyclone Colin is becoming an extra-tropical system in the Southern Pacific Ocean, with NASA's Aqua satellite capturing an image of the transitioning storm. The storm had maximum sustained winds near 35 knots/40 mph/62 kph and was weakening.

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.

Heart attack damage slashed with microparticle therapy

Researchers have developed a microparticle therapy that targets inflammatory cells causing damage after a heart attack, reducing lesion size by 50%. The therapy has potential to transform treatment of cardiovascular disease and could be translated for clinical use within two years.

Discovery of an early predictor of increased diabetes risk

A study discovered that PGC-1α, a protein regulating energy production in cells, may contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes. Chronically low levels of this protein in muscle tissue were linked to increased risk and detrimental effects on other tissues, including inflammation in the liver and adipose tissue.

Camera-carrying falcons reveal mystery of raptor pursuit

Researchers from Haverford College discovered that falcons head off their prey by flying so the target appears stationary in the falcon's visual field, reducing energy expenditure and increasing hunting success. This strategy is also employed by bats and humans when chasing prey or evading threats.

Coral reefs in Palau surprisingly resistant to naturally acidified waters

Researchers discovered that coral reefs in Palau's Rock Islands are surprisingly diverse and healthy despite being exposed to acidic water. The unique conditions in Palau, including a residence time of seawater that allows for continuous calcification and respiration, contribute to the corals' resilience.

Joslin finds metabolic clues to diabetic kidney failure

A recent study by Joslin Diabetes Center researchers has identified key metabolic factors that may contribute to diabetic kidney failure. The study found increased levels of uremic solutes and myo-inositol in patients who developed end-stage renal disease, suggesting a potential link between tubular injury and kidney failure.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

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Hugging hemes help electrons hop

Bacteria use molecular groups called hemes to transfer electrons through tiny protein-based wires. The researchers found that evolution has set the protein up so that when electrons have a strong drive to hop, heme stepping stones are less tightly connected, and when the drive is low, they are more closely connected.

Global warming's biggest offenders

A new study published in Environmental Research Letters reveals the US and China are among the 7 countries most accountable for global warming. The study assigns a temperature change value to each country reflecting its contribution to observed global warming, with the US responsible for a significant 20% of the observed warming.

NASA sees system 94S still trying to organize near Darwin

System 94S continues to develop over the Northern Territory of Australia, with strong central convection and spiral bands of thunderstorms pushed west by moderate to strong vertical wind shear. The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology has issued a Severe Weather Warning for heavy rainfall and flash flooding in the affected areas.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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Brain regions 'tune' activity to enable attention

Researchers discovered that brain regions synchronize their activity to make it possible for people to pay attention, with the process likened to tuning multiple walkie-talkies to the same frequency. The findings have implications for understanding attention deficits in brain injuries or strokes.

Study explores possible costs, benefits of making movies with 'Oscar appeal'

Researchers found that making movies with 'Oscar appeal' comes with both risks and rewards, including increased box office receipts but also a decrease in audience enjoyment. The study used data on nearly 3,000 Oscar-eligible films to build an algorithm predicting Oscar nominations based on film characteristics.

Study shows elevated rates of inadequate pap tests in transgender men

A new study finds that FTM transgender patients have over 10 times higher odds of having an inadequate Papanicolaou (Pap) test compared to female patients. The researchers also found that FTM patients were more likely to have multiple inadequate Pap tests and had longer latency to follow-up testing.

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.

Exposures to some phthalates fall after federal ban

Exposures to some phthalates have decreased since the 2008 federal ban, while others are rising due to industry replacement. The study found significant decreases in exposure to banned phthalates like BBzP and DEHP, but increases in alternative chemicals like DiNP.

Finally, a way to authenticate premium chocolate

Researchers at ACS report a new authentication method for cacao beans, enabling verification of varietal purity and origin. This innovation has significant implications for the global chocolate industry, including conserving biodiversity and preventing adulteration.

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.

Oldest trees are growing faster, storing more carbon as they age

Scientists have found that most tree species grow faster and sequester more carbon as they age, challenging the long-held assumption that older trees are less productive. This finding is based on data from over 673,000 individual trees measured across six continents.

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.

Leukemia: Mode of action of a targeted treatment clarified

Researchers discovered a targeted treatment's mechanism of action, which involves the PML/p53 pathway and senescence. The treatment's effectiveness relies on reorganizing nuclear bodies and triggering p53 activation, leading to the elimination of cancer cells and patient recovery.

IU study: Copycats pave the way to problem-solving success

A new IU study explores social learning dynamics and finds that being surrounded by copycats can lead to better problem-solving success. The researchers created a virtual problem landscape using a computer game and found that imitators often make their own improvements, which are then adopted and improved upon by others.

Alaskan caribou and ptarmigan migrations recorded

Researchers used automated cameras to track the northern spring migrations of Alaskan caribou and ptarmigan, estimating 40,000 images were analyzed. The study shed light on caribou and ptarmigan behavior, including speed, foraging habits, and avoidance of water.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

UD-developed smart gels deliver medicine on demand

Researchers at UD developed a smart hydrogel that delivers medicine in response to mechanical force, reducing inflammation and pain in osteoarthritis. Preliminary results indicate biocompatibility and potential applications beyond osteoarthritis.

'Barcode' profiling enables analysis of hundreds of tumor marker proteins at once

Researchers have developed a novel DNA-barcoded antibody sensing approach to analyze hundreds of cancer-related protein markers from miniscule patient samples. This technology enables comprehensive analysis of protein expression patterns in single cells, revealing significant differences between tumors and predicting treatment response.

Head injuries triple long-term risk of early death

Researchers found that traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivors are three times more likely to die prematurely from suicide or fatal injuries. The study also showed that TBI survivors who have a history of substance abuse or psychiatric disorders are at highest risk of premature death.

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.

Genes and calls reveal 5-fold greater diversity of Amazon frog species

A study published in ZooKeys found up to 11 species among populations previously considered two widespread treefrog species. The genetic variation of dozens of Amazonian populations across six countries revealed a large amount of cryptic diversity, with four new species formally described.

BMC alleviates alarm fatigue by decreasing noise

Boston Medical Center implemented a cost-effective approach to reduce audible alarms, resulting in a 89% decrease in cardiac monitor and telemetry alarms. The pilot study showed significant improvements in patient and clinician satisfaction, with increased time for direct care and interaction with patients.

Massive galaxy cluster verifies predictions of cosmological theory

A team of scientists has detected for the first time in an individual object the kinetic Sunyaev-Zel'dovich effect, a change in the cosmic microwave background caused by massive moving objects. The observation was made using the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory and confirms predictions of cosmological theory.

Easier said than done

A team of researchers used virtual reality to conduct experiments on moral dilemmas, finding that subjects were more likely to choose a utilitarian approach when faced with immediate consequences, rather than adhering to deontological principles.

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.

First comprehensive test to detect genetic modification in food

Researchers have created a test called MACRO that can flag about 97% of known commercialized modifications, making it easier for policymakers to monitor genetically modified (GM) foods. The new method combines two well-known genetic methods and can be easily expanded to include future GM crops.

Acidification, predators pose double threat to oysters

New research finds that invasive snails eat 20% more juvenile oysters under ocean conditions forecast for the end of this century. The combination of climate change and invasive predators may make restoration of oyster populations increasingly difficult.

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.

Research advancements made in diabetes-induced blindness

Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have identified gene expression regulators, microRNAs, in normal and diabetic human corneas, which may contribute to stem cell and epithelial abnormalities. The study aims to accelerate healing and repair processes in damaged corneas to reverse diabetes-induced eye complications.

Breakthrough announced in treatment of patient with rare type of leukemia

Researchers at the University of Leicester successfully used Vemurafenib, a BRAF inhibitor approved for melanoma, to clear malignant cells from a patient's blood and achieve complete clinical recovery. The study demonstrates the potential for repurposing existing cancer treatments for rare types of leukemia.

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.

The internal clock and feeding rhythm set the pace of the liver

The liver's protein production and release are influenced by both the internal clock and feeding behaviors, according to a recent study published in PNAS. The researchers found that the circadian clock does not solely regulate protein production but also affects the storage and release of proteins into the body.

New analysis shows fewer years of life lost to cancer

A new analysis reveals steady progress against cancer's burden, despite underestimation due to other disease advancements. Researchers measured years of life lost to cancer and found increased longevity offsetting progress.

Diabetes blood glucose targets are risk free, research shows

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that maintaining higher blood glucose levels than recommended does not increase the risk of diabetes complications. People with MODY, a genetic change leading to elevated blood glucose from birth, had the same risk as their normal relatives.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Ants protect acacia plants against pathogens

Researchers found that ants inhibit pathogen growth on leaves by inhibiting symbiotic bacteria colonization. Mutualistic ant species reduced leaf damage from herbivores and microbial pathogens compared to parasitic ant species.