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Science News for May 11, 2014


Ocean winds keep Antarctica cold, Australia dry

Researchers found that stronger westerly winds are delivering rain to southern Australia while pushing colder air towards Antarctica. This explains why Antarctica is not warming as much as other continents and why Australia faces more droughts.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMay 11, 2014

Atlas shows how genes affect our metabolism

Researchers have created an atlas of genetic associations with human metabolism, identifying 90 new genetic variants linked to metabolites. The study provides a powerful tool for understanding the molecular pathways underlying complex diseases and improving drug discovery for metabolic disorders.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 11, 2014

Hydrologists find Mississippi River network's buffering system for nitrates is overwhelmed

A new method reveals that nearly every drop of water in the Mississippi River network passes through a chemical filter, but this process is operating at max capacity due to high nitrate levels. The river's natural ability to filter out nitrates is being overwhelmed, resulting in an increased risk of dead zones and aquatic life decline.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMay 11, 2014
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.

Patient stem cells used to make 'heart disease-on-a-chip'

Researchers at Harvard University have developed a new model of heart tissue carrying an inherited cardiovascular disease, a major step forward for personalized medicine. The study used patient-derived cardiac cells and 'organs-on-chips' technology to create a functional human heart tissue that can be replicated in the laboratory.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Medicine·DateMay 11, 2014

Hijacking bacteria's natural defenses to trap and reveal pathogens

A breakthrough in diagnostic technology could make it easier to detect pathogenic bacteria, particularly in developing nations. The innovative approach involves hijacking bacterial metabolic machinery to grow polymers that selectively bind to specific bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 11, 2014

Green-energy community projects need better government backing

A new report highlights the need for improved policy support for grassroots environmental projects in the UK. Community energy initiatives, such as solar panels and wind turbines, have potential to make a significant impact on tackling climate change.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEnvironmental Innovation and Societal Transitions·DateMay 11, 2014

Flexible supercapacitor raises bar for volumetric energy density

Researchers developed a fiber-like supercapacitor with high volumetric energy density, comparable to thin-film lithium batteries. The device offers fast charging and discharging capabilities, making it suitable for powering wearable medical monitors and communications equipment.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMay 11, 2014
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.

Ice-loss moves the Earth 250 miles down

Researchers have discovered that the upward motion of Antarctica's crust is occurring at a rate of 15mm per year, much faster than previously thought. The land is rising due to the melting of glaciers and the subsequent reduction in weight on the Earth's crust.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateMay 11, 2014

Link found between cell death and inflammatory disease

A new study reveals a connection between necroptosis, a type of programmed cell death, and inflammatory diseases such as Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis. RIPK1 is identified as the molecule that regulates this process, allowing cells to choose whether to live or die.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalCell·DateMay 11, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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