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Science News Archive March 2014


Page 28 of 34

New center for space environmemt management announced in Australia

The Australian National University-led Cooperative Research Centre for Space Environment Management will track space debris, improve predictions of space debris orbits, and predict potential collisions in space. The center aims to reduce the rate of debris proliferation and remove debris using ground-based lasers.

Robotic prosthesis turns drummer into a 3-armed cyborg

A robotic prosthesis has been developed for an amputee drummer, allowing him to play with unprecedented control and creativity. The device features two drumsticks, one controlled by the musician's arms and the other using electromyography sensors that respond to muscle signals.

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.

Returning vets face 'warring identities' distress

A recent study explores the mental state of returning veterans, finding that many struggle with identity conflict and feel 'alien' among family and friends. The research highlights the need for broader dialogue around veteran experiences beyond diagnosable illnesses like PTSD.

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.

Sudden cardiac death: Genetic disease ARVC more common than hitherto assumed

A recent study reveals that the genetic disease ARVC is more widespread than initially assumed, with all known affected families sharing a common genetic origin. The mutation was first identified in Canada and has since been found in European countries including Germany, Denmark, and the USA, indicating a shared European heritage.

Listening to whispers at the water cooler

A Tel Aviv University study reveals that pay secrecy weakens employees' perception of a pay increase following performance improvement. High-performing workers are more sensitive to the lack of link between performance and pay, leading to decreased job satisfaction and increased turnover.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Plasma plumes help shield Earth from damaging solar storms

Scientists at MIT and NASA have identified a process in the Earth's magnetosphere that reinforces its shielding effect, keeping incoming solar energy at bay. A plume of low-energy plasma particles slows magnetic reconnection, blunting the sun's effects on Earth.

Hudds researchers call for major 'de-escalation' survey within the NHS

A lack of evidence on effective de-escalation techniques has been identified by researchers, who are now calling for a randomized controlled trial to establish best methods. The NHS reports a rise in reported assaults, highlighting the need for research to identify the most successful approaches.

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.

Large-scale study shows power of pre-K

The study found significant positive outcomes for children enrolled in the state's universal pre-k program, with average scores above the national norm on key measures of language, literacy, and math. The results were most pronounced in key language and literacy skills, which are important precursors for later reading ability.

Extraordinary momentum and spin discovered in evanescent light waves

A team of researchers at RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science discovered that evanescent electromagnetic waves carry momentum and spin components orthogonal to the direction of wave propagation. These findings offer a unique opportunity to investigate fundamental physical features, previously hidden in usual propagating light.

Birds display lateralization bias when selecting flight paths

A study published in PLOS Computational Biology found that birds exhibit individual lateralization biases when choosing flight paths, enabling flocks to split and avoid crowding. This allows them to navigate complex environments, such as dense bush and forests, with remarkable speed and accuracy.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

ALMA sees icy wreckage in nearby solar system

Astronomers using ALMA telescope discover compact region of carbon monoxide gas swirling around young star Beta Pictoris, suggesting total destruction of comet every five minutes. The detection implies a massive swarm of icy bodies, possibly two Mars-size planets colliding within the past million years.

Fertilizer in small doses yields higher returns for less money

Researchers found that smallholder farmers' investment in microdosing led to improved productivity, with a 30-35% increase in adoption rates after training. Microdosing uses fertilizer more efficiently and has unlocked the power of chemical fertilizers in low-rainfall areas.

Waiting for a donor heart: Motion prolongs survival

A new study found that patients with advanced cardiac insufficiency who remain active and have low levels of depression can significantly increase their chances of surviving the waiting period for a donor heart. The researchers recommend psychological counseling to help patients stay physically active and reduce symptoms of depression.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Birds of all feathers and global flu diversity

A global inventory of flu strains in birds has identified over 116 avian flu strains in wild birds, twice the number found in domestic birds. The study also reveals patterns of flu diversity in different bird hosts, with some strains specific to certain species.

Genetic techniques have role in future of dental care

Researchers at the University of Adelaide are investigating epigenetics as a tool for understanding oral health. They aim to develop personalized treatments by analyzing an individual's epigenetic profile and environment.

ANU astronomers to help clean up space junk

A new Cooperative Research Centre will use lasers to track and remove space debris in low orbits around the Earth. The initiative aims to reduce collision risks for satellites, space stations, and spacecraft.

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.

Infants using known verbs to learn new nouns

Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that infants can use known verbs to learn new nouns by paying attention to how words are used in sentences. This suggests that word learning occurs naturally and can be facilitated by everyday conversations.

Drug protects mice against malaria brain damage, raises levels of BDNF in humans

A study published in PLOS Pathogens found that rosiglitazone, a known diabetes drug, can prevent brain damage in mice with cerebral malaria and increase brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) levels in humans. The findings suggest that this approved drug may have protective mechanisms against long-term cognitive impairments.

Strategies on the Internet to discredit generic drugs

A four-year study of over 3,000 opinions on Spanish web pages found that communication strategies aimed at creating risk perceptions about generic drugs may influence their low usage. Generic drugs have the same composition, quality, and safety as brand-name counterparts, yet their market share in Spain is lower than in Europe.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Common mutation is culprit in acute leukemia relapse

Researchers found that a common mutation activates the Akt pathway, rendering cells resistant to chemotherapy and increasing growth. Inhibition of this pathway restored leukemic cell responses to front-line therapy.

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.

Warmer temperatures fuel spread of malaria into higher elevations

New research by HHMI scientists shows that as temperatures rise in tropical regions, malaria can spread to populations at higher elevations previously unaffected. Without increased control measures, climate change will increase the burden of malaria, particularly in densely populated areas at higher elevations.

Researchers calculate how river networks move across a landscape

Researchers at MIT and ETH Zurich develop technique to measure river network change, finding some rivers shifting due to imbalance in drainage divides. The study suggests that regions like the southeastern US are experiencing river network movement due to tectonic activity.

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.

How seeing the same GP helps your health

Research reveals patients who see the same doctor over time are more likely to raise a range of health problems and issues during consultations. This is because the doctor has better knowledge of their medical history and can address more topics within available time frames.

Researchers map European climate change

A new study predicts that most of Europe will experience higher warming than the global average if surface temperatures rise to 2 °C above pre-industrial levels. This could lead to increased evaporation and drought in regions like Spain, Portugal, and France, as well as more frequent extreme precipitation events and flood risks.

Offshore dispersant data and decisions

Scientists have identified issues with standard toxicity testing data used to inform dispersant decisions, highlighting the need for more accurate and comparable data. The current practices do not adequately replicate field conditions, such as sea state and weather, or consider exposure durations and concentrations.

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.

NASA's THEMIS discovers new process that protects Earth from space weather

A new study reveals that a pool of dense particles in the magnetosphere can extend out to meet and block incoming solar material, adding an extra layer of protection for spacecraft. This process helps curb magnetic reconnection, allowing energy and solar material to cross the boundary into the magnetosphere.

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.

Preschoolers can outsmart college students at figuring out gizmos

Preschoolers outperformed college students in figuring out cause-and-effect relationships using an unconventional game, thanks to their flexible thinking and ability to consider unlikely possibilities. The study suggests that young children's exploratory learning skills can be leveraged to improve machine learning.

Energy drinks linked to teen health risks

A new report finds energy drink consumption among teenagers may be linked with poor mental health and substance use, with nearly two thirds reporting use in the past year. Younger high school students were more likely to consume energy drinks than older ones, highlighting a trend of concern.

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.

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.