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Science News Archive July 2014


Page 11 of 34

NASA's HS3 mission spotlight: The HIRAD instrument

The Hurricane Imaging Radiometer (HIRAD) will fly aboard a NASA Global Hawk aircraft during the HS3 mission, providing unique observations of sea surface wind speed, temperature, and rain. HIRAD's data will advance understanding and predictability of hurricane intensity, helping to determine maximum wind speed and structure of the vortex.

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.

Dead-body-feeding larvae useful in forensic investigations

A study reports the occurrence of a synanthropic derived form of Chrysomya megacephala from Tamil Nadu, India, providing morphological and molecular characterization. This finding is significant for forensic investigations as it aids in determining post-mortem intervals.

Greater odds of adverse childhood experiences in those with military service

Research suggests that individuals with military service are more likely to experience severe adult health consequences such as PTSD, substance use, and attempted suicide. Men with military service had a significantly higher prevalence of ACEs than non-military peers, particularly in categories related to sexual abuse.

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.

The birth of topological spintronics

Researchers at Penn State and Cornell University have discovered a new material combination that can control magnetic memory or logic 10 times more efficiently than current methods. The discovery uses topological insulators to manipulate spin orientation, overcoming a key challenge in developing spintronics technology.

Diseases of another kind

A new paper by UCSB researchers scrutinizes Naegleria fowleri, a heat-loving amoeba causing rare but fatal infections. The study highlights the distinction between sapronotic diseases and conventional infectious diseases.

Climate change and the soil

A new study published in Nature Climate Change reveals that long-term warming has little effect on the storage of carbon in tropical forest soils. The research suggests that warmer temperatures stimulate an increase in leaf litter and underground sources of carbon, offsetting any potential losses in soil carbon.

The Lancet: Paracetamol no better than placebo for lower back pain

A large randomized trial found paracetamol to be no better than placebo in treating acute lower back pain, challenging universal recommendations. The study suggests advice and reassurance may be more effective than pharmacological strategies for acute episodes of low-back pain.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Melatonin reduces traumatic brain injury-induced oxidative stress

The study found that melatonin treatment reduced decreased levels of antioxidant vitamins and enzymes in rats with traumatic brain injury, indicating a protective effect on cerebral cortex and blood toxicity. Melatonin also inhibited free radical formation and supported the antioxidant vitamin redox system.

Genetics of cancer: Non-coding DNA can finally be decoded

A team of geneticists decodes the role of non-coding DNA in colorectal cancer, identifying two types of mutations that contribute to disease progression. The study reveals the importance of non-coding regions in regulating gene expression and suggests a new approach for understanding the genetics behind various cancers.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

UNH NHAES researchers work to save endangered New England cottontail

New England cottontails have seen a 50% contraction of their range due to habitat fragmentation. Researchers found that restoring habitats is key to saving the species, which requires thicketed areas for survival. Understanding dispersal patterns through DNA analysis can help wildlife and land managers in species recovery efforts.

When it comes to depressed men in the military, does size matter?

A new study published in SAGE Open found that depression risk in military men is related to their body height. Men of all heights are more likely to experience depressive disorders than those of average height, with no correlation between height and anxiety disorders.

The electric slide dance of DNA knots

Researchers simulated DNA knots and their dynamics using electric fields and optical tweezers, enabling controlled movement of the knot. This study provides useful information for setting up new experiments to control DNA knot movement.

A crystal wedding in the nanocosmos

Scientists successfully integrated compound semiconductor crystals made of indium arsenide into silicon nanowires, overcoming a major obstacle in chip technology. The production method, which involves ion implantation and heat treatment, enables the creation of 'hetero-nanowires' with improved performance.

Intestinal parasites are 'old friends,' researchers argue

A new review argues that most intestinal parasite infections have no negative impact in well-nourished people with low overall parasite loads. In some cases, parasite infections could activate the immune system and prevent disorders caused by inflammation of the intestines.

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.

Minimizing drag to maximize results

Researchers from Monash University studied how riders' drag is affected by the relative position of multiple cyclists in a breakaway group. They found that drafting can significantly reduce drag, with up to 49% drop for trailing riders and 5% for lead riders.

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.

The dopamine transporter

Recent research demonstrates a critical link between dopamine signaling and dopamine transporter function in neurological and psychiatric diseases. Michelle Sahai's simulations using TACC's Stampede supercomputer have contributed to the discovery of mutations in the dopamine transporter linked to Parkinsonism and ADHD.

Gene variant identified as a heart disease risk factor for women

Researchers have identified a common gene variant, GPER, that makes women more prone to high blood pressure and increased risk of heart attack and stroke. The study found that many women with the less functional form of GPER had higher blood pressure, highlighting a genetic basis for heart disease in women.

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.

UT Dallas professor receives Engineer of the Year award

Dr. Terry Baughn, a senior lecturer in mechanical engineering at UT Dallas, has been named Engineer of the Year by the North Texas section of ASME. He was recognized for his extensive industry experience and dedication to mentoring students. Baughn's expertise in advanced strength of materials and design of machine elements makes him a...

Are state Medicaid policies sentencing people with mental illnesses to prison?

Researchers found that tighter Medicaid policies governing antipsychotic drugs were associated with higher shares of inmates with psychotic symptoms and a 22% increase in the likelihood of imprisonment. The study suggests that limiting access to effective therapy may have unintended consequences, including more people in prisons.

Enhanced NIST instrument enables high-speed chemical imaging of tissues

The new NIST technique uses broadband, coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (BCARS) to create high-resolution images of biological specimens. It achieves signals that are 10,000 times stronger than spontaneous Raman scattering and 100 times stronger than comparable coherent Raman instruments.

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.

Anti-pain agent shrinks oral cancers, leaves healthy tissues alone

Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio have discovered that capsazepine can shrink oral cancers while leaving healthy tissues intact. The study's findings suggest that capsazepine may reduce oral cancer pain by blocking tumor-secreted factors from stimulating pain-sensing neurons.

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.

Why do challenging tasks make consumers believe drugs wear off faster?

A new study by Veronika Ilyuk and colleagues found that consumers tend to overestimate the duration of pharmacological products' effectiveness. In five studies, participants who engaged in more difficult tasks consumed medications or energy drinks more frequently than those in easier conditions. Brands can use these findings to improve...

Anti-cancer drug kicks HIV out of hiding

Researchers have found that an anti-cancer drug can activate hidden HIV in the body, increasing viral load and potentially allowing killer T-cells to destroy infected cells. The discovery could be a step towards developing a treatment for HIV by combining activation of the virus with a vaccine.

Supermaterial gives rejected drugs a new chance

Researchers at Uppsala University discovered that Upsalite, a highly porous magnesium carbonate, can improve the solubility and bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs. By using Upsalite, about 40% of newly marketed drugs with poor solubility may have their therapeutic efficacy enhanced.

How children categorize living things

A study by Northwestern University found that children's understanding of the natural world is influenced by their cultural background and experience with nature. Children from different communities were asked to name all living things they could think of, revealing convergences and differences in their responses.

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.

A new multi-bit 'spin' for MRAM storage

A France-US research team reports a new multi-bit MRAM storage paradigm that can store up to 4 bits per cell, rivaling flash memory in terms of storage density. The technology uses Crocus Technology's proprietary Magnetic Logic Unit (MLU) technology to remotely control a sensor to probe magnetic configurations.

HIV clinic-based audio project emphasizes the power of patient voices

The VOICES project at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital allows HIV-infected youth to anonymously share their stories, providing a powerful tool for clinicians and students to improve patient care. The project has empowered participants and given health care providers another layer of understanding into the emotional impact of HIV.

Radio frequency ID tags on honey bees reveal hive dynamics

Researchers tracked hundreds of honey bees using RFID tags, discovering that some foraging bees are much busier than others. When these busy bees disappear, others take their place, forming a 'reserve force'. The study, published in Animal Behaviour, sheds light on hive dynamics and the role of individual variation.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Carlton Fire Complex, Washington -- July 22, 2014

The Carlton Complex fires burned over 243,000 acres in timber and grass, with 35 primary residences lost. The high fire danger led to rapid changes in the fire situation, prompting evacuations of 300-500 homes, including the Pateros Red Cross shelter.

Quantum leap in lasers at Dartmouth brightens future for quantum computing

Researchers at Dartmouth College have developed a breakthrough laser that uses an artificial atom to produce light, enabling the potential development of more powerful quantum computers. The new laser relies on superconducting electron pairs and has the ability to transmit information between quantum devices.

Essays in English yield information about other languages

Computer scientists at MIT and Israel's Technion have discovered an unexpected source of information about the world's languages: native speakers' writing habits in English. The system analyzed over 1,000 essays to predict typological features of 14 languages, achieving 72% accuracy on average.

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.

The 92 percent clean plate club

A new study by Cornell University reveals that the average adult eats 92% of whatever they put on their plate, with similar results in eight developed countries. In contrast, children under 18 years old only eat 59% of what they serve themselves, likely due to uncertainty about food preferences.

Boosting the force of empty space

A team of researchers from Weizmann Institute and Vienna University of Technology proposed a method to amplify vacuum fluctuations by several orders of magnitude using a transmission line. This could lead to enhanced understanding of Casimir- and Van der Waals forces, with potential applications in quantum information processing.

Creating optical cables out of thin air

Scientists at the University of Maryland have successfully created air waveguides that can guide light beams over long distances without loss of power. This breakthrough has significant implications for various applications, including long-range laser communications, pollution detection, and topographic mapping.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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