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Science News Archive March 2014


Page 16 of 34

Autism Speaks announces 2014 Weatherstone Predoctoral Fellows

The Autism Speaks Weatherstone program supports nine fellows in autism research, including investigating histone methylation patterns and DNA methylation in genetic disorders. The fellows will work with top mentors to advance understanding of the brain biology of autism and develop new treatments.

An end to animal testing for drug discovery?

Scientists have developed 'chemosynthetic livers' that can mimic human metabolism, allowing researchers to test drug safety and interactions without animal testing. The technology has already demonstrated accurate results with over 50 pharmaceutical compounds.

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.

Getting rid of bad vibrations

Researchers at Fraunhofer LBF have created a new vibration control table that combines sensors and actuators in an integrated platform. This design allows for better protection against vibrations, particularly at lower frequencies, while maintaining performance and cost-effectiveness.

The precise reason for the health benefits of dark chocolate: Mystery solved

Researchers found that certain bacteria in the stomach break down dark chocolate's polyphenolic compounds into anti-inflammatory compounds. Combining dark chocolate with prebiotics and solid fruits may enhance health benefits. The study suggests a new approach to improving cardiovascular health through gut microbiome modulation.

Pitt study challenges accepted sepsis treatment

A national randomized clinical trial led by University of Pittsburgh experts found that a structured approach to diagnose and treat sepsis did not change survival rates. The study provides strong evidence that may change the way sepsis is diagnosed and treated, with prompt recognition and treatment being key to effective care.

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.

Incentives needed to improve grain markets in India

Researchers found that grain farmers in India face regulatory barriers and lack of incentives to invest in on-farm storage, hindering market integration. Small innovations can encourage independent traders to enter the market, benefiting farmers with access to better prices.

Lied-to children more likely to cheat and lie

Children who are lied to by an adult are more likely to cheat and lie themselves. The study tested 186 children ages 3 to 7 and found that those who were lied to peeked at a temptation toy nearly as much as those who weren't lied to, and were more likely to lie about it later.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New understanding of why chromosome errors are high in women's eggs

A new study from the University of Southampton has found that chromosome errors in women's eggs occur due to a faulty gatekeeper mechanism. The researchers discovered that this 'gatekeeper' allows cells to divide with incorrect chromosomes, leading to conditions like Down Syndrome and early pregnancy loss.

Nanopores control the inner ear's ability to select sounds

Researchers at MIT discovered that tiny pores in the inner ear membrane filter sound frequencies, allowing humans to differentiate between competing sounds. The optimal pore size determines hearing sensitivity, with smaller or larger pores impairing hearing.

Rice study: Simple changes to homework improved student learning

A Rice University and Duke University study found that modifying homework procedures improved exam scores without changing the course curriculum. The study used cognitive science principles, including repeated retrieval practice, spacing, and immediate feedback, to develop inexpensive yet effective educational changes.

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.

Bees capable of learning feats with tasty prize in sight

Bumblebees demonstrate remarkable learning feats, including solving increasingly complex problems and sharing knowledge through social learning. Experienced bees can solve new problems, while inexperienced ones give up, showcasing scaffold learning.

JCI online ahead of print table of contents for March 18, 2014

A genetic variant in SCN10A modifies cardiac expression of SCN5A, essential for conduction. An inflammatory feedback loop activates STAT3, repressing miR-34a and promoting EMT in colorectal cancer cells. Insulin resistance in bone disrupts glucose homeostasis through decreased active osteocalcin.

Owl monkeys don't cheat, Penn study shows

Researchers found that male and female owl monkeys were genetically monogamous, with no cases of extra-pair paternity. The team discovered a strong connection between a species' faithfulness and significant involvement of males in caring for their young.

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.

Humans drive evolution of conch size

Researchers found that 7,000 years ago, fighting conchs had 66% more meat than their descendants, leading to evolutionary change due to human harvesting. The study suggests that long-term size-selective evolution can damage vital traits like reproduction and offspring quality.

Alberta diabetes research receives a big boost

The Alberta Diabetes Institute has launched a new $600,000 partnership to advance early-stage technologies for Type I and II diabetes. The three-year fund will support novel discovery research with high commercialization potential.

Global food trade can alleviate water scarcity

A study by Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research found that global food trade can alleviate water scarcity in parts of India, Morocco, and Egypt through imports of agricultural goods. However, exports from countries like Turkey, Spain, Portugal, Afghanistan, and the US exacerbate local water stress.

A 'back to the future' approach to taking action on climate change

Researchers are using a unique approach to climate change vulnerability, involving community stakeholders and scenario-building techniques. The study focuses on two geographic case studies, Big Hole Valley in Montana and Grand County in Colorado, exploring how communities can prepare for future ecological hazards.

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.

Rocky Mountain wildflower season lengthens by more than a month

A 39-year study reveals that more than two-thirds of alpine flowers have changed their blooming patterns in response to climate change. The blooming season has lengthened by a month, with different species responding in unexpected ways. This change is expected to have strong effects on pollinating insects and migratory birds.

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.

Sorption energy storage and conversion for cooling and heating

Researchers have developed innovative sorbents using metal organic frameworks (MOFs) that can store large amounts of water vapor, offering an energy-efficient cooling method. MOFs are also being used in thermally driven heat pumps and zeolite thermal storage systems to capture waste heat and store it for later use.

Who wants to be a millionaire?

A recent study by Renato Gianella found that lottery numbers can be analyzed using a colored template based on Pascal's rule, allowing players to identify combinations with the highest probabilities of winning. The method was tested across multiple countries and demonstrated its effectiveness in predicting lottery results.

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.

Why international sanctions do not always work

New research suggests that diplomatic pressure and sanctions by the international community can actually support regimes in power, rather than changing their behavior. Countries like Cuba have successfully used stigma and shaming to maintain their sovereignty and resist Western influence. The findings highlight the need for a deeper un...

NRL models Deepwater Horizon oil spill

The Naval Research Laboratory's (NRL) Deepwater Horizon oil spill model accurately predicted shoreline oil impact, utilizing Coupled Ocean-Atmosphere Mesoscale Prediction System (COAMPS). By combining satellite images with ocean circulation models, NRL developed BioCast to forecast water clarity and contaminant distribution.

New lens design drastically improves kidney stone treatment

Duke University engineers developed a modified lens for shock wave machines, improving lithotripsy efficiency by 89% while reducing tissue damage. The new design uses a groove near the lens's perimeter to optimize pressure distribution and cavitation bubble formation.

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.

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.

The frozen truth about glaciers, climate change and our future

Researchers use years of data to understand how glaciers changed over time as climate has changed, providing insights into future glacier melting. The study's findings have significant implications for understanding global environmental change and planning protection efforts.

Penn Medicine researchers show how lost sleep leads to lost neurons

A new study published in The Journal of Neuroscience found that extended wakefulness can result in neuronal injury and loss of brain cells, particularly in the locus coeruleus (LC) neurons. Chronic sleep loss may be more serious than previously thought and may even lead to irreversible physical damage.

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.

Some truth to the 'potent pot myth'

Research from The Netherlands found that high-potency cannabis users still take in more THC than lower potency smokers. Despite attempting to compensate by inhaling less smoke, titration efforts were only partially successful, resulting in roughly half of the THC strength being absorbed.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Many low-income women don't want to leave hospital after false-labor diagnosis

A Baylor University study found that 40% of low-income pregnant women discharged after a false labor diagnosis did not want to leave the hospital. The main reasons were pain and distance from their homes. Receiving written instructions about comfort measures at home improved their satisfaction with care. Comfort is a major aspect of sa...

Ancient DNA shows moa were fine until humans arrived

A study analyzing ancient DNA from over 250 radiocarbon-dated moa samples reveals that the iconic New Zealand bird was thriving when humans arrived, contradicting previous theories of population collapse before human arrival. The research suggests human activities contributed to the moa's extinction.

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.

Only one-fifth of people with hearing problems wear a hearing aid

A recent study by the University of Manchester found that only 2.1% of adults with significant hearing problems use a hearing aid. The study revealed that approximately one in 10 middle-aged adults have substantial hearing difficulties, particularly those from working-class or ethnic minority backgrounds.