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Science News Archive July 2014


Page 21 of 34

Study rebuts negative reputation of 'No Child Left Behind'

A recent study published in Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis found that No Child Left Behind (NCLB) does not have a significant impact on teacher job satisfaction or commitment to the profession. Instead, NCLB has increased autonomy and support for teachers.

Timing is not only ticking

Researchers used transgenic zebrafish and multidimensional time-lapse microscopy to visualize gene expression waves and segment formation. They found that the timing of segmentation is influenced by a Doppler effect caused by shortening embryonic tissue, which modulates the wave profile.

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.

Neuropeptide Y protects cerebral cortical neurons

Researchers found that Neuropeptide Y prevents excessive production of cytokines, reduces microglial reactivity, and inhibits N-methyl-D-aspartate current in rat cortical neurons. This study suggests a potential neuroprotective role for Neuropeptide Y in cerebral cortical neurons.

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.

A-maize-ing double life of a genome

Researchers captured a genetic snapshot of maize 10 million years ago and traced how it used copied genes to cope with domestication pressures. These gene copies played a vital role in optimizing photosynthesis in maize leaves.

Proof: Parkinson's enhances creativity

A new Tel Aviv University study confirms that Parkinson's sufferers exhibit greater creative energy than healthy individuals. Researchers found that Parkinson's patients offered more original answers and thoughtful interpretations during testing.

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.

Elsevier announces launch of new journal: Current Opinion in Insect Science

The first issue of Current Opinion in Insect Science is now available for free online on ScienceDirect, featuring articles on insect body size, genetics, and social structure. The journal aims to provide a unique platform for specialists to keep up-to-date with the expanding volume of information published in the field of insect science.

Domestication syndrome: White patches, baby faces and tameness

A new hypothesis proposes that breeding for tameness causes changes in diverse traits, including floppier ears, patches of white fur, and more juvenile faces, due to impaired development or migration of neural crest cells. This unified explanation ties together several components of the domestication syndrome.

Flower development in 3D: Timing is the key

A team of scientists monitored 14 developmental stages of Arabidopsis thaliana flowers using micro-computed tomography and mass spectrometry, revealing distinct metabolic profiles for each stage. These findings provide new insights into the interaction between developmental processes and metabolism in plant development.

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.

Labs characterize carbon for batteries

A new theoretical model predicts how carbon components will perform in lithium-ion batteries, providing a tool for fine-tuning electrodes. The study found a universal linear relationship between lithium binding energy and states-filling work, allowing scientists to quickly evaluate material performance without expensive computations.

'Noisy' memory in schizophrenia

Researchers found that schizophrenia patients exhibit altered brain activity in the ventro-lateral prefrontal cortex, leading to impaired ability to control working memory. This deficit is characterized by increased activation of irrelevant information, hindering cognitive function.

Rutgers chemists develop technology to produce clean-burning hydrogen fuel

Researchers have developed a novel catalyst that efficiently catalyzes the production of clean-burning hydrogen fuel, outperforming cost-prohibitive platinum and other less-expensive alternatives. The technology, based on carbon nanotubes, could make electrolysis reactions commercially viable using renewable energy sources.

Prostate cancer is focus of 2 studies, commentary

Two studies suggest that primary androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for low-risk prostate cancer is not associated with improved survival rates. Alternative treatments may be more effective for patients, but must consider the potential adverse effects and costs of ADT.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Suomi NPP satellite sees Typhoon Rammasun approaching Philippines

Typhoon Rammasun is approaching the central Philippines, and NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP Satellite has captured images of the storm. The storm has strengthened, with powerful thunderstorms surrounding a tightly wound eye and bands of thunderstorms wrapping into its center.

University of Illinois researchers demonstrate novel, tunable nanoantennas

A team from the University of Illinois developed a novel, tunable nanoantenna that enables plasmonic field enhancement to actuate mechanical motion. The researchers demonstrated tunability down to 5nm and showed that an electron beam can be used to deform individual p-BNAs or groups with velocities as large as 60 nm/s.

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.

Pre-diabetes label 'unhelpful and unnecessary'

Researchers from UCL and the Mayo Clinic argue that labelling people with moderately high blood sugar as pre-diabetic has no health benefits. The term could create significant burdens on healthcare systems without conferring any long-term health benefits.

New combination drug controls tumor growth and metastasis in mice

Researchers have created a combination drug that controls both tumor growth and metastasis by combining a COX-2 inhibitor and an epoxide hydrolase (sEH) inhibitor. The study found that the dual inhibitor blocked angiogenesis, limiting tumor growth and metastasis in human lung and breast tumors.

Squishy robots

A phase-changing material developed by MIT researchers allows robots to transform between a rigid and soft state, enabling them to navigate through tight spaces without damaging organs or vessels. The material can also self-heal and repair damage, making it suitable for applications such as surgical robotics and search-and-rescue opera...

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.

Older adults nearly twice as likely to have memories affected by distractions

A new study from Rice University found that older adults are nearly twice as likely as their younger counterparts to have memories affected by environmental distractions, leading to decreased memory accuracy and speed. This research provides valuable insights into how the brain is affected by environmental interference, critical inform...

Protective effect of α-synuclein knockdown on dopaminergic neurons

Knocking down α-synuclein in a methamphetamine-induced model of Parkinson's disease reduced depression manifestations, increased striatal dopamine and tyrosine hydroxylase levels, and decreased reactive oxygen species. This suggests that α-synuclein may exacerbate oxidative stress and apoptosis in dopaminergic neurons.

The ADC does not reflect cytotoxic edema on the uninjured side after TBI

Researchers found that ADC values accurately reflect changes on the injured side but not on the uninjured side, indicating a delay in pathological changes. This study suggests that ADC measurements may not be reliable for detecting cytotoxic edema on the unaffected brain tissue after traumatic brain injury.

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.

July/August 2014 Annals of Family Medicine tip sheet

A recent study in Iowa found that nearly all adolescents aged 11-16 had ridden an ATV, with most engaging in risky behaviors like riding daily or weekly and not wearing helmets. The authors conclude that prevention efforts should be prioritized to reduce the risk of pediatric ATV crashes.

The power of making amends

A recent study from researchers at the University of Miami found that peacemaking efforts such as apologies, offers of compensation, and owning up to one's responsibility increase forgiveness and reduce anger by making the aggressor seem more valuable as a relationship partner. The study suggests that humans have a psychology for confl...

Acute glaucoma discovered to be an inflammatory disease

Researchers have discovered that acute glaucoma is an inflammatory disease caused by high eye pressure, leading to vision loss. The study found that a rapid increase in eye pressure triggers an immune response that damages retinal cells.

MD Anderson researchers discover new route for ovarian cancer spread

Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center have discovered that circulating tumor cells (CTCs) rely on the HER3 receptor protein to metastasize to the omentum, a fatty tissue covering abdominal organs. High expression of HER3 is associated with shorter survival in ovarian cancer patients.

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.

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.

Cancer is avoidable as you grow older. Here's how.

Certain cancers have a characteristic age at which they occur, and their incidence decreases beyond that age. This 'developmental origin of disease hypothesis' suggests many cancers originate early in life, possibly before birth.

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for July 15, 2014, issue

Research shows that pill appearance can affect how patients take their medications, with a study finding that 30% of heart patients who stopped taking their medication had changed pill color or shape beforehand. In contrast, having strong social ties is associated with lower rates of suicide death among men, according to another study.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Research: Business should embrace 'boomerang employees'

Research by University of Illinois expert T. Brad Harris finds that boomerang employees have distinct experiences, often leaving due to personal shock rather than job dissatisfaction. Organizations can improve re-employment performance by considering previous performance histories, exit terms, and individual circumstances.

A*STAR partners Roche to develop new cancer therapeutics

A*STAR's Bioprocessing Technology Institute has partnered with Roche to develop new cancer treatments using novel antibodies that can directly target and destroy cancer cells. The partnership aims to improve cancer detection and treatment, offering a potential breakthrough in cancer therapy.

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.

Scientists deepen genetic understanding of eosinophilic esophagitis

Scientists have identified genetic markers associated with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), an inflammatory disease characterized by high levels of immune cells in the esophagus. The study found that several genes are involved in EoE development, which can cause difficulty eating and is often associated with food allergies.

The world's first photonic router

Researchers have successfully demonstrated a photonic router – a quantum device based on an atom that enables routing of single photons by single photons. This achievement brings closer the goal of building quantum computers, which rely on superposition and photonic communication to process data in parallel.

Bothered by hot flashes? Acupuncture might be the answer

A recent study found that acupuncture can positively impact both the frequency and severity of hot flashes in women undergoing natural menopause. The analysis revealed that various forms of acupuncture, including traditional Chinese medicine and sham acupuncture, were effective in reducing hot flash frequency for up to three months.

Flashes of light on the superconductor

Researchers induce pseudogap state in material and subject it to laser pulses, inducing a temporary metallic state. The study provides new insight into superconductors and offers the possibility of controlling their characteristics through laser light.

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.