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Science News Archive May 2014


Page 5 of 31

Zeroing in on the proton's magnetic moment

Scientists from RIKEN have directly measured the proton's magnetic moment with record precision, resolving one of physics' deepest mysteries. This achievement could help explain the matter-antimatter asymmetry in the universe.

Indoor tanning, even without burning, increases the risk of melanoma

A study published in JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that indoor tanning increases melanoma risk, regardless of burn history. Researchers matched 1167 melanoma patients with 1101 control subjects and found nearly four times more indoor tanners among those with zero burns.

Coating stents with vitamin C could reduce clotting risks

Researchers have found that coating stents with vitamin C could lower implant-related risks by inhibiting smooth muscle cell growth and encouraging endothelial cells. This technique could make stents safer for millions of Americans who receive them annually.

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.

Sight for sore eyes: Augmented reality without the discomfort

Researchers developed a new optical see-through head-mounted display that superimposes 3D images onto the real world, reducing eye strain and discomfort. The device uses microscopic integral imaging technology to create a seamless blend of virtual and physical environments.

Drug users switch to heroin because it's cheap, easy to get

A nationwide survey reveals that heroin users are attracted to the drug for its lower cost and ease of use compared to prescription painkillers. The study found that most people switching to heroin began with OxyContin or other opioids, highlighting a significant shift in the US heroin market.

Negative social interactions increase hypertension risk in older adults

A study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found that negative social interactions significantly increase the risk of hypertension among older adults. Women were more affected by these interactions than men, and relationships with friends and family led to a higher risk of developing hypertension.

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.

May the force (shoes) be with you

Researchers will use the ForceShoe to measure exercise loads and ground reaction forces, aiming to understand how joint forces differ between Earth-based exercises and those in microgravity. The goal is to recommend optimal exercise regimens for safe bone and muscle strength maintenance during spaceflight.

Supersonic spray delivers high quality graphene layer

A new supersonic spray system produces a smooth, defect-free graphene layer by dispersing and restructuring graphene flakes. This method enables the production of high-quality graphene on various substrates without post-treatment or introducing defects.

Rice researcher rebooting 'deep brain stimulation'

A Rice University researcher is rebooting 'deep brain stimulation' technology to treat Parkinson's disease and other neurological disorders. The new technique uses embedded processors and real-time analytics to optimize results, potentially increasing effectiveness for a third of patients.

Barriers to HIV testing in older children

A new study from Zimbabwe found that providers are hesitant to test children for HIV due to concerns about guardianship and privacy. The research highlights the need for improved guidelines, training, and organizational adjustments to increase HIV testing and counseling among this vulnerable population.

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.

Moving 'natural capital' from metaphor to reality

Economists at Yale School of Environment develop framework to value natural resources as long-term wealth stores, rather than commodities. The new approach combines economic and biophysical measurements to quantify feedbacks between nature and human behavior, providing a basis for accurate valuation.

Dealing with stress -- to cope or to quit?

A team of researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has identified the group of neurons in the brain that determines how a mouse responds to stress, whether with resilience or defeat. The study's findings may lead to improved treatments for depression.

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.

Learning early in life may help keep brain cells alive

A recent Rutgers University study published in Frontiers in Neuroscience found that young rats who mastered a learning task had newborn brain cells survive for longer periods. The study suggests that learning helps keep brain cells alive and could impact how the brain functions after puberty.

Scientists develop new hybrid energy transfer system

Researchers at University of Southampton have developed a new hybrid energy transfer system that mimics the processes responsible for photosynthesis. The system enables efficient energy transfer over long distances, with potential applications in optoelectronic devices and synthetic systems.

The future of sweet cherry in Australia

The study found that Australian sweet cherry varieties 'Sweetheart' and 'Kordia' have different chill hour requirements. The researchers concluded that regions in Western Australia and Queensland will become marginal for 'Kordia', while 'Sweetheart' can still thrive with increased winter temperatures.

Keeping active pays off even in your 70s and 80s

Older adults who engage in at least 25 minutes of moderate or vigorous exercise daily require fewer prescriptions and experience lower rates of emergency hospital admissions. This study highlights the importance of exercise programs for maintaining physical function and preventing chronic diseases.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Google Glass adaptation opens the universe to deaf students

Deaf students can now fully participate in planetarium shows and enjoy literacy tools like a virtual dictionary that provides video definitions. The innovative technology is also being explored as a tool for assisting deaf clients in medical settings.

A habitable environment on Martian volcano?

A Martian volcano, Arsia Mons, may have supported one of the most recent habitable environments on the Red Planet. Researchers found evidence of englacial lakes and volcanic lava flows that could have created a liquid water environment suitable for microbial life. The discovery is significant as it suggests that such environments may h...

Precision-guided epidurals and better blood monitors

Researchers have developed precision-guided epidurals using optical coherence tomography (OCT) to reduce pain and complications. OCT also enables better blood monitors that measure oxygen saturation and flow rates without contrast agents.

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.

UH awarded $2 million for new engineering professor

The University of Houston will bolster its biomedical research capabilities with the recruitment of cancer imaging expert David Mayerich. Mayerich's work focuses on improving diagnosis and treatment through high-performance imaging and modeling of complex tumor structures.

Chest CT helps predict cardiovascular disease risk

A new study uses chest CT scans to identify individuals at high risk for cardiovascular disease, regardless of conventional risk factor status. The study found that radiologic information can complement standard clinical strategies in cardiovascular risk screening.

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.

Imaging scientists develop a better tool for tracking MS

Researchers have developed a new imaging technique to track Multiple Sclerosis (MS) progression from its earliest stages. The study uses QS Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to measure damage in specific brain areas, revealing that even at early disease stages, patients already show significant damage.

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.

UCI researchers identify new functional roles on cell surfaces for estrogen

Researchers at UCI have discovered a new role for estrogen receptors on the surface of cells, which collaborate with nuclear receptors to regulate organ development and function. The study has significant implications for understanding estrogen's role in diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and bone disease.

May 27 update on Slide Fire, Arizona

The Slide Fire smoke has shifted from Flagstaff to Sedona in Arizona, covering over 20,000 acres of the Coconino Forest. Crews have completed the final perimeter burnout and are working to hold the containment line along the west edge of the fire.

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.

Where have all the craters gone?

Researchers predict that only a few craters from asteroid impacts could persist on Earth due to tectonic processes and weathering. However, layers of molten rock blasted out during the impact process may serve as better records of impacts, providing insights into Earth's bombardment history.

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.

People attribute free will to mind, not soul

A new study suggests that people's perception of free will is based on the agent's ability to make intentional and independent choices, regardless of their spiritual beliefs. The study found that participants generally attributed free will to humans with mental capacity, but not to those without.

Migrating stem cells possible new focus for stroke treatment

Pericytes, a type of stem cell found in the brain, play a key role in brain repair after a stroke by migrating to damaged areas and converting into microglia cells. This discovery opens up new possibilities for targeting pericytes as a potential treatment for stroke treatment.

Agricultural fires light up central Africa

Agricultural fires are on the rise in central Africa due to the dry season, affecting air quality and public health. The region's reliance on slash-and-burn agriculture has led to a recurring pattern of annual burning that can have significant environmental implications.

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.

The science of school lunch

The Johnson Lab is developing state-of-the-art digital imaging to measure consumption, which has been validated by a paper in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Researchers are exploring ways to employ the method, including training non-researchers to collect data.

Steroids prescribed in the ICU linked to delirium

Critically ill patients receiving steroids in the ICU are significantly more likely to develop delirium, with up to 80% of ventilated patients at risk. Minimizing steroid use may reduce delirium and its long-term impact on functional recovery and cognitive function.

Ultraviolet cleaning reduces hospital superbugs by 20 percent: Study

Researchers found that ultraviolet environmental disinfection (UVD) significantly reduced healthcare-associated infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms and Clostridium difficile. The study analyzed 52 months of hospital-acquired MDROs plus C. difficile before and during UVD use, resulting in a 20 percent decrease in superbugs.

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.

Mycotoxin protects against nematodes

Researchers discover protein toxic to nematodes, protecting fungus and plant roots from parasites. The toxin docks on modified sugar structures, paving the way for novel vaccines against parasites and pathogenic germs.

Intertwined evolution of human brain and brawn

A recent study suggests that the evolution of human brain and brawn are intertwined. Human muscle accumulated more metabolic change than chimpanzees, while the human brain metabolome evolved four times faster. These findings may hold clues to common human metabolic diseases.

Why are girl babies winning in the battle for survival?

A University of Adelaide research team discovered significant genetic and physiological differences between male and female babies, with placenta playing a crucial role. The findings suggest that female babies are more likely to adopt a risk-averse strategy towards development and survival.

Climate warming favors light-colored insects in Europe

A study published in Nature Communications reveals that climate change is favoring the distribution of light-colored insects in Europe, particularly butterflies and dragonflies. This phenomenon is due to their ability to regulate heat through their color variation, allowing them to thrive in warmer areas.

The secret cargo of mosquitoes

Scientists detect Dirofilaria repens in mosquitoes in Austria, a parasite that attacks subcutaneous tissue of dogs and causes skin lumps. The parasite is also present in other European countries, and its spread into Austria is expected.

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.

New method discovered to protect against chemical weapons

Researchers at Oregon State University have discovered that polyoxoniobates can degrade and decontaminate nerve agents like sarin gas, making them ideal for protective suits and clothing. The discovery could have significant implications for military and civilian protection against deadly nerve gases.