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Science News Archive March 2014


Page 4 of 34

Great earthquakes, water under pressure, high risk

Researchers analyzed the Chile earthquake of February 2010, finding that fluid pressure in rocks affects earthquake rupture processes. The study revealed that mechanical coupling between plates controls stress build-up and seismic energy release, with fluid pressure variations linked to subduction zone dynamics.

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.

Underweight people at as high risk of dying as obese people, new study finds

A recent study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Public Health found that being underweight increases the risk of death for both adults and fetuses. Adults with a BMI under 18.5 are 1.8 times more likely to die than those with a normal BMI, while obesity is associated with a 1.2-1.3 times higher risk of mortality.

Erectile dysfunction can be reversed without medication

A new study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that 29% of men with erectile dysfunction were able to reverse their condition through lifestyle changes. The study highlights the importance of addressing risk factors such as obesity, alcohol intake, and sleep disorders to improve sexual health.

Revolutionary solar cells double as lasers

Researchers have developed perovskite solar cells that excel at absorbing and emitting light, with a remarkable 70% efficiency rate. These 'wonder cells' can also produce cheap lasers, opening up new applications in telecommunications and light-emitting devices.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Eating fruits and vegetables linked to healthier arteries later in life

A study found that women who ate a diet high in fruits and vegetables as young adults were less likely to have plaque build-up in their arteries 20 years later. In contrast, men did not show the same benefit. The study's findings support the importance of developing healthy eating habits early in life.

Married people less likely to have cardiovascular problems

A large-scale survey of 3.5 million Americans found that married people have a significantly lower risk of heart disease than singles, divorced, or widowed individuals. The study also revealed age-related differences in cardiovascular disease risk among married couples.

Gene may predict if further cancer treatments are needed

Researchers developed a predictive tool that analyzes gene expression changes to predict patient survival. The tool, based on mouse studies, has shown promise in predicting treatment risk for early-stage breast cancer and certain lung cancers.

Number of babies mom has may play role in future cardiovascular health

Research suggests that women with four or more children are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, with a two-fold higher risk of abnormal coronary artery calcium scores and aortic wall thickness. This association remains even after adjusting for socioeconomic factors, education, race, and known risk factors.

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.

Research center to develop next generation of advanced chemical products

A new UK research center will focus on developing advanced chemical products worth £200 billion to the economy. The Centre for Doctoral Training in Complex Particulate Products and Processes will train researchers to develop people who can go out there and continue the UK's leadership in this field.

Concerning number of kids have elevated cholesterol

A study of 12,712 children found that 30% had borderline or elevated total cholesterol, underscoring the importance of universal pediatric cholesterol screening. The findings suggest that adopting healthy lifestyle choices and regular screening can potentially stall vascular changes and reduce future disease risk.

Fingerprint of dissolved glycine in the Terahertz range explained

Chemists at Ruhr-Universität Bochum have completely analyzed the Terahertz spectrum of dissolved glycine in water, revealing its motion and disproving a long-standing theory. The study used spectroscopy and molecular-dynamics simulations to track the amino acid's movement in an aqueous solution.

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.

More male fish 'feminized' by pollution on the Basque coast

Research reveals endocrine disrupting chemicals cause feminization in male thick-lipped grey mullet; 60-91% of males show vitellogenin and Aromatase Cyp19a1b gene expression, indicating feminization. Estuaries across Basque coast show high levels of pollutants contributing to the phenomenon.

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.

Research suggests autumn is ending later in the northern hemisphere

A study by the University of Southampton found that Autumn is becoming significantly later in the year, while Spring is arriving slightly earlier. The researchers analyzed satellite imagery and vegetation data to identify changes in vegetation growth cycles, finding a delay in Autumn's onset.

Rainbow-catching waveguide could revolutionize energy technologies

Engineers have developed a multilayered waveguide taper array that can absorb light across different frequencies, boosting the efficiency of solar power and thermal energy recycling. This technology has potential applications in stealth technology and waste heat recycling.

Fabricating nanostructures with silk could make clean rooms green rooms

Researchers at Tufts University have demonstrated an environmentally friendly process to generate nanostructures from silk using water as a developing agent. This approach provides a green alternative to conventional synthetic polymers and delivers fabrication quality comparable to conventional methods.

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.

Gulf War illness not in veterans' heads, but in their mitochondria

Researchers found Gulf War veterans with impaired mitochondrial function had significantly delayed phosphocreatine recovery after exercise, a robust marker of mitochondrial dysfunction. Impaired mitochondrial function accounts for Gulf War illness symptoms like fatigue, cognitive challenges, muscle problems, and exercise intolerance.

New guidance system could improve minimally invasive surgery

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a computerized process that enhances image-based guidance in minimally invasive surgery, potentially replacing conventional tracking systems. The new system achieves high accuracy, often exceeding 2 millimeters, while using low-dose radiation, making it suitable for various procedures.

Brain scans link concern for justice with reason, not emotion

Researchers found that individuals with high 'justice sensitivity' are driven by cognitive reasoning rather than emotion when evaluating morally good or bad behavior. This suggests that the search for justice is fueled by analysis and mental calculation rather than sentimental motivations.

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.

A tale of 2 species

Researchers investigate why only 14 percent of woodrat hybrids have genetic signatures from both desert and Bryant's woodrats. Habitat differences and mating conflicts are found to be key factors limiting hybridization in closely-related species.

Genetic variation linked to heart disease risk through RNA machinery

Researchers identified a new mechanism linking genetic variation to heart disease risk by disrupting the interaction between a developmental gene and a specialized type of RNA. This discovery expands understanding of complex disease risk and potential drug targets for cardiovascular disease.

UT Southwestern faculty member receives Norman Hackerman Award

Dr. Tu's research identified a unique nutritional pathway in mammalian cells crucial to cancer cell growth, which he hopes will lead to new treatments for human disease. He received the award for his work expanding our understanding of metabolism's role in cellular processes.

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.

Smoking bans cut premature births and childhood asthma attacks

Banning smoking in public places has been shown to cut premature births by 10% globally, according to a comprehensive study published in The Lancet. The research also found a 10% fall in hospital attendances for childhood asthma attacks in regions with anti-smoking laws.

Scientists watch nanoparticles grow

Researchers at Århus University used X-ray light to track the growth of tungsten oxide nanoparticles, which can be tailored for smart windows and solar cells. The study shows that nanoparticles form from octahedra units in solution and develop a predominantly ordered crystal structure as they grow.

Cholesterol levels vary by season, get worse in colder months

A large-scale study found that cholesterol levels tend to be worse in the colder months compared to warmer months, with significant variations in lipid profiles. The researchers speculate that behaviors such as reduced sun exposure and lower vitamin D levels during winter may contribute to these seasonal fluctuations.

US clean-air efforts stay on target

A Rice University analysis of state implementation plans reveals that most urban areas have met the next benchmark for reducing airborne particulate matter. The study found that PM 2.5 concentrations declined by an average 2.6 micrograms per cubic meter in regions that filed SIPs to attain the standard by 2009.

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.

Mechanical forces driving breast cancer lead to key molecular discovery

UCSF researchers found that breast tissue stiffening in cancer development leads to tumor progression, triggering the production of a molecule associated with worse clinical outcomes. The discovery may lead to more accurate prognosis and new treatment strategies targeting structural changes in breast cancers.

Strictly yeast

Researchers have made a computer app to spot and decode the unique footprints in yeast DNA, revealing an intricately choreographed dance of ribosomal RNA genes. This discovery enables biologists to track evolutionary relationships between different species using these tiny changes.

New Parkinson's disease chemical messenger discovered

Researchers at the University of Dundee have identified a critical chemical messenger that protects brain cells against Parkinson's disease. The discovery of phospho-ubiquitin suggests it may be possible to develop drugs to switch on Parkin enzyme by mimicking this molecule, offering new avenues for treatment.

More severe heart disease found in patients with vitamin D deficiency

Research shows that vitamin D deficiency is associated with higher prevalence and severity of coronary artery disease. Patients with low vitamin D levels are at a higher risk of developing severe heart disease, and the study suggests that vitamin D may be beneficial in preventing heart disease.

Computing with slime

Researchers created logical circuits using living slime molds, which can process information and carry out Boolean logic operations. The slime mold-based system could potentially be used to build low-cost, biological computing devices and sensors.

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.

Hormone levels linked to survival of deer calves, study suggests

Researchers from the University of Edinburgh found that newborn male deer with high testosterone levels are less likely to survive their first year compared to peers. The study also showed that testosterone levels in offspring are linked to their mother's condition, suggesting a potential survival advantage for younger calves.

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.

Natural history dying of neglect

A study by Simon Fraser University ecologist Anne Salomon warns of a declining natural history research and use in academia, government agencies and non-government organizations. Natural history collections have stopped expanding since 1990, but it remains vital for making wise management and conservation decisions.

Seasonal Arctic summer ice extent still hard to forecast, study says

A study analyzing 300 summer Arctic sea ice forecasts found that predictions are accurate when conditions follow the observed downward trend, but less so when they deviate from it. Improving forecasting by incorporating sea ice thickness and concentration data may enhance seasonal predictions.

People unwilling to swallow soda tax, size restrictions

A recent study found that US adults are unwilling to accept soda taxes and portion size restrictions, but support adding front-of-package nutrition labels in schools. The survey of 1,319 adults revealed a strong positive relationship between years of education and policy support for reducing sugar-sweetened beverage consumption.

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.

The heart responds differently to exercise in men vs. women

Researchers found significant differences between men and women in heart rate responses to exercise. A new formula takes these nuances into account, providing a more accurate estimate of peak heart rate. The updated formula helps optimize workouts and improve test results for both men and women.

Acupuncture enhances antidepressant effect of Seroxat

Researchers found that acupuncture/electroacupuncture combined with Seroxat improves depressive symptoms and reduces obsessive-compulsive and anxiety symptoms. The treatment produces a rapid onset of therapeutic effect.

New way to filter light

Researchers at MIT have developed a new system that selectively filters light waves based on their direction of propagation. The technique, which uses a stack of ultrathin layers with precise thickness control, could improve efficiency in solar photovoltaics, detector systems for telescopes and microscopes, and display screens.

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.

Study finds gaming augments players' social lives

A new study by North Carolina State University and other institutions found that online gaming supplements social behavior, rather than replacing it. Researchers observed thousands of gamers at public events and conducted in-depth surveys to conclude that gaming is a social activity that complements offline interactions.

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.