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Science News Archive January 2014


Page 2 of 28

Rice lab clocks 'hot' electrons

Researchers at Rice University measured the speed and efficiency of excited 'hot' electrons drawn from gold nanoparticles into a sheet of graphene. They found that graphene accelerated damping of plasmons, shortening its lifetime, and calculated the electrons' transfer time.

Scientists discover new genetic forms of neurodegeneration

A study published in Science has identified a genetic mutation in almost 75% of cases, linking HSP to other common neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's and ALS. The research found over 50 families with autosomal recessive HSP, providing insight into the biological processes underlying these diseases.

Geranium extracts inhibit HIV-1

Researchers from Helmholtz Munich demonstrate that geranium extracts inhibit HIV-1 virus replication by blocking attachment to host cells. The extracts contain polyphenols with high anti-HIV-1 activity, making them a promising lead for phytomedicine against HIV-1.

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.

Gastric banding patients should closely monitor nutrition following surgery

A recent study published in the Journal of Investigative Medicine found that gastric banding patients often fail to meet daily nutrient requirements despite supplements and counseling. To maintain health after bariatric surgery, patients are advised to consume more protein-rich foods, include fatty fish, and limit processed foods.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Forests in Central America paying the price of drug trafficking shift

Researchers at Northern Arizona University found that drug trafficking is causing widespread deforestation in Central America, threatening conservation efforts and the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor. The team hopes to influence drug policy with their message, emphasizing the importance of conservation in shaping future decisions.

Worry on the brain

A team of researchers at Caltech has identified a new neural circuit in the lateral septum that plays a causal role in promoting anxiety states. Activation of this circuit increases stress hormone levels, suggesting that it acts to increase anxiety rather than reduce it.

Storage system for 'big data' dramatically speeds access to information

A new storage system, BlueDBM, uses a network of flash storage devices and field-programmable gate arrays to dramatically speed up the time it takes to access information. The system can analyze high-volume scientific data at around 30 frames per second, making it possible to answer user queries with very low latencies.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Third-hand smoke shown to cause health problems

A UC Riverside-led study found significant damage in the liver and lung of mice exposed to third-hand smoke, with wounds taking longer to heal and displaying hyperactivity. The study's findings suggest a critical need for research on human health risks associated with third-hand smoke exposure.

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.

FDA approves new MS treatment regimen developed at Wayne State University

The FDA has approved a new multiple sclerosis treatment regimen developed at Wayne State University, which involves injecting Copaxone at a higher dose but fewer times per week. The study demonstrated that this dosing regimen is effective and safe, with reduced relapse rates and improved tolerability.

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.

Nearly everyone uses piezoelectrics -- Be nice to know how they work

Researchers at NIST and Simon Fraser University have discovered the origin of distinct differences in relaxor behavior compared to ferroelectric PZT. The study found that random electric fields vary randomly from unit cell to unit cell in relaxors, leading to a greater piezoelectric effect.

Discovery may lead to new drugs for osteoporosis

Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine have discovered a potent stimulator of new bone growth, which could lead to new treatments for osteoporosis. The study found that the WNT7B protein enhances bone formation through the mTOR pathway.

New ER examines arts education, NCLB, student risk factors

The January/February ER issue investigates the impact of arts education on critical thinking skills and finds benefits for disadvantaged students. The special section discusses standards for high-quality education research, emphasizing the importance of understanding policy decisions and contextual nuances.

UC Irvine stem cell researchers awarded $1.54 million in state funding

Two UC Irvine research teams will use the grants to investigate the fundamental structure and function of stem cells, with potential applications for treating cancer, neurological diseases, and injuries. The funded projects aim to uncover specific properties of human stem cells used in transplants.

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.

Mount Sinai researchers identify UHRF1 as oncogene driving liver cancer

Researchers identified UHRF1 as a key driver of liver cancer in zebrafish models and human tumors, showing that high levels of UHRF1 can cause tumors to form rapidly. The study suggests that targeting UHRF1 could be an effective approach to halting cancer formation and offers new hope for treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Photon recoil provides new insight into matter

Researchers from the QUEST Institute have demonstrated a new method called photon-recoil spectroscopy, which enables the investigation of fast transitions in atoms or molecules. The method involves trapping two ions and using laser light pulses to measure their frequencies with unprecedented accuracy.

UCSF team reveals how the brain recognizes speech sounds

The study found that brain regions in the superior temporal gyrus respond to broader acoustic features rather than individual phonemes, enabling more accurate speech recognition. This discovery may contribute to a better understanding of language disorders such as dyslexia and reading difficulties.

Research shows wallabies lose on the pokies

Researchers found wallabies have dichromatic colour vision like dogs, but lack a third colour-sensitive receptor. The 'Neutral Point' colour stimulates confusion in wallabies, unlike other marsupials.

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.

A detailed look at HIV in action

Researchers at Caltech used high-resolution electron microscopy to visualize HIV infection in the gut of an infected mouse model. The study revealed novel observations about HIV behavior, including semisynchronous wave patterns of virus release from infected cells and transmission through free pools of virus.

Up close and 3-dimensional: HIV caught in the act inside the gut

A new study reveals the 3D structure of HIV infection in the gut, showing how the virus infects immune cells and spreads through tissue. The researchers used electron tomography to visualize the architecture of infected parts of the gut, revealing details on viral transmission events.

Campus police officers' role in sex assault cases

A survey of 118 campus law enforcement officers found that 72% had responded to at least one sexual assault case, with 77% receiving specialized training. However, only 64% understood federal requirements under the Clery Act, highlighting a need for improved training and awareness.

UK establishes 3 new synthetic biology research centers

The UK has established three new synthetic biology research centres, with £40M+ investment, to drive advancement in modern synthetic biology research and develop new technologies. The centres will focus on diverse expertise to stimulate innovation in this area.

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.

A protein-production tale of the tape

A study by Whitehead Institute researchers found that poly(A)-tail length does not impact translation efficiency in cells matured beyond gastrulation stage. This discovery may challenge existing mechanisms of gene regulation involving the poly(A) tail.

Tracking Asian air pollution aids policymakers

Research shows that China's export of air pollution reaches the western United States, tied to consumer goods production. A study in India reveals a 60% increase in sulfur dioxide emissions from 2005 to 2012, shifting India into the No. 2 spot as the biggest emitter after China.

NIST cell membrane model studied as future diagnostic tool

Researchers developed a NIST cell membrane model to detect bacterial vaginosis (BV) at low concentrations. The model revealed the presence of BV-causing bacteria by detecting protein toxin VLY in real-time, with improved sensitivity and speed compared to current methods.

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.

UD catalyst can convert CO2 to CO with 92 percent efficiency

Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed a highly selective catalyst that can convert carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide with 92 percent efficiency. The nano-porous silver electrocatalyst offers high selectivity and is significantly more active than other catalysts, making it a promising route for clean energy.

Savanna vegetation predictions best done by continent

Researchers found that tree density in savannas is influenced by moisture availability, temperature, soil fertility, and fire frequency, but these relationships differ significantly among Africa, Australia, and South America. The study predicts different responses to global warming across the continents.

CU-Boulder researchers sequence world's first butterfly bacteria, find surprises

The study reveals that the internal bacterial diversity of the red postman butterfly is halved during pupal stage and doubles after emergence as an adult. This discovery highlights the importance of the microbiome in insect health and behavior, with potential implications for pest control and understanding the evolution of unique traits.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

NYU WIRELESS welcomes Intel as industry affiliate

Intel joins NYU WIRELESS as an affiliate sponsor to explore millimeter wave technology for next-generation small-cell network technologies. The collaboration aims to address growing demand for wireless bandwidth and ensure consumers have access to desired data services.

Trick that aids viral infection is identified

Researchers discovered a stem-loop structure in viral RNA that blocks host cell immune proteins, allowing viruses to evade the immune system. By altering this structure, scientists hope to develop treatments that restore natural virus-fighting capabilities and stop or slow viral infections.

New study suggests choline recommendations during pregnancy may be too low

A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that large amounts of choline are needed during pregnancy to support fetal development, and current recommendations may be too low. This increased demand is linked to elevated levels of homocysteine, which can cause birth defects.

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.

Novel genes determine division of labor in insect societies

A recent study by Mainz biologists has identified novel genes that determine the division of labor in ants, showing how gene expression differs between castes. The research found that queens express more known genes related to solitary insects, while workers have unique, modified or novel genes.

Flying the not-so-friendly skies

A new MIT study found that passengers of low-cost upstarts tend to complain less about service quality than network carriers. In a study published in the Journal of Air Transport Management, Michael Wittman tallied airline-related complaints made to the U.S. Department of Transportation from 2002 to 2012.

At last: Mysterious ocean circles in the Baltic Ocean explained

Researchers from University of Southern Denmark and University of Copenhagen explain the mysterious ocean circles off the Baltic coast, revealing a toxic substance that inhibits eelgrass growth. The circular formations are formed when eelgrass plants trap mud containing sulfide, which weakens older plants in the center.

Diagnosis just a breath away with new laser

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have developed a new type of laser that can detect very low concentrations of gases in exhaled breath and the atmosphere. The laser's high power and efficiency make it suitable for detecting gases such as methane and ethane, which are important in global warming.

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.

Video game teaches kids about stroke symptoms and calling 9-1-1

A new video game called Stroke Hero has been found to improve children's understanding of stroke symptoms and the importance of calling 9-1-1. The game, designed for kids aged 9-10, teaches them how to recognize stroke symptoms and take action in an emergency.