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Science News Archive November 2014


Page 2 of 31

Researchers identify a natural shield against harmful radiation belt

Researchers found that Earth's 'plasmaspheric hiss' protects against a harmful radiation belt, deflecting high-energy electrons with an impenetrable barrier of about 11,000 kilometers. This natural shield could extend lifetimes for satellites and space stations orbiting near the Earth's surface.

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.

With age, we lose our visual learning filter

Researchers found that older individuals take in more irrelevant visual information due to a decline in filtering out non-task relevant details. This suggests a failure of attentional systems to suppress task-irrelevant signals.

The mysterious 'action at a distance' between liquid containers

Researchers from the Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences developed a theory describing the phenomenon of mysterious communication between fluid reservoirs. The new model suggests that the effect can occur in classical one-component fluids and mixtures, not requiring quantum physics.

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.

Tropical depression 21W forms, Philippines under warnings

Tropical Depression 21W made landfall in southern Philippines on Nov 26, with heavy rainfall warnings issued for several provinces. The storm is forecast to track westward along a high-pressure ridge before strengthening in the Sulu Sea.

Hacked emails slice spam fast

Research by Ghita Mezzour and Kathleen Carley found that hacked emails tend to send spam more aggressively, reaching a larger audience faster. This is because malware-infected accounts generate spam automatically, whereas human-propagated spam is often done manually.

Study: Most people with dementia never have screening

A new study published in Neurology suggests that approximately 1.8 million Americans over the age of 70 with dementia have never had an evaluation of their cognitive abilities. Early evaluation and identification can help families make plans for care, improve quality of life.

The unbelievable underworld and its impact on us all

A new study reveals the vast diversity of life below-ground, with rapid responses to climate change having far-reaching impacts on future ecosystems. The research suggests that healthy soil is essential for healthy crops, and that integrating knowledge of soil biodiversity into land management decisions could help mitigate climate change.

Protecting the rainforest through agriculture and forestry

Researchers found afforestation and intense pasturing to be effective ways to increase environmental and economic value of abandoned farmlands. Afforestation with native Andean alder had a positive impact on climate and water balance, while intense pasturing scored higher on ecological scale.

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.

Minimally invasive disc surgery is a pain in the neck

Researchers found that minimally invasive disc surgery does not support the routine use of the procedure, as it does not improve long-term outcomes. The study suggests that conventional open discectomy surgery often provides better results for carefully selected patients.

DNA survives critical entry into Earth's atmosphere

Researchers from the University of Zurich successfully tested DNA's ability to survive extreme conditions, including space travel and re-entry. The study found that DNA molecules were still able to transfer genetic information to bacterial cells after being launched into space and back.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

New guide to the genetic jungle of muscles can help health research

Researchers from Aarhus University developed a comprehensive overview of gene interactions in muscles, providing insights into the effects of exercise on metabolism. The study's results, published in Scientific Data, offer a platform for future research into diseases like diabetes and obesity.

Van der Waals force re-measured

Scientists at Forschungszentrum Juelich re-measured the van der Waals force for single molecules, revealing a superlinear increase with growing molecular size. The study highlights the importance of van der Waals forces in biomolecules and adhesives, such as geckos' ability to climb smooth walls.

Process converts human waste into rocket fuel

A team of researchers from the University of Florida has developed a process to convert human waste into rocket fuel, producing 290 liters of methane per crew per day. This anaerobic digester process can also produce non-potable water and hydrogen, offering a sustainable solution for space missions and potentially on Earth.

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.

Classical enzymatic theory revised by including water motions

Researchers revised classical enzymatic theory by incorporating long-lasting protein-water coupled motions into models of functional catalysis. The study revealed a new biological phenomenon where water motions adapt to substrate binding, critical for effective binding.

Elderly brains learn, but maybe too much

A new study led by Brown University found that older adults learn and retain visual perception tasks as well as younger people, but struggle to filter out irrelevant information. The researchers suggest this may be due to the brain's tendency to learn more than necessary, leading to a 'plasticity and stability dilemma'.

Glassy protein solution may cause eyesight deterioration

Researchers at Lund University discover that proteins in the lens of the eye convert from a fluid to a glassy state, leading to reduced mobility and potential cataract formation. This transition may be responsible for age-related long-sightedness.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Studying the speed of multi-hop Bluetooth networks

A team of researchers from the University of the Basque Country has analyzed the most suitable configurations to minimize delays in multi-hop Bluetooth networks. The study found that permanent node connections result in minimal delay, while varying delay between one hop and another.

Multi-million pound grant awarded to research secure communication technologies

A £120 million investment will fuel the development of secure communication technologies, leveraging quantum physics to transform data security and transactions. The Quantum Communications Hub brings together world-leading researchers from top UK universities, with potential applications in healthcare, communications, and security.

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.

Young scientist discovers new method to achieve ultra-narrow laser linewidth

Researchers from Chongqing University have discovered a new method to compress laser linewidth based on Rayleigh backscattering, achieving ultra-narrow linewidths of hundreds of hertz. This breakthrough enables the development of portable laser devices with precise optical signals, revolutionizing fields like spectroscopy and sensing.

Precise measurements of microbial ecosystems

Researchers have described the intricate relationships within a biological wastewater treatment plant in unprecedented detail. This study provides new insights into the laws governing bacterial function, with potential applications in medicine and environmental conservation.

The artificial pancreas shown to improve the treatment of type 1 diabetes

A clinical trial confirms the external artificial pancreas system improves glucose control and reduces the risk of hypoglycemia compared to conventional diabetes treatment. The dual-hormone artificial pancreas provides additional reduction in hypoglycemia, offering a promising treatment option for type 1 diabetes patients.

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.

iPS cells used to correct genetic mutations that cause muscular dystrophy

Researchers used iPS cells to correct genetic mutations in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a severe muscular degenerative disease. Engineered nucleases TALEN and CRISPR were successfully used to edit the genome of iPS cells generated from DMD patient skin cells, resulting in the disappearance of the mutation responsible for DMD.

UNL study details laser pulse effects on electron behavior

Researchers at UNL pinpoint characteristics of laser pulses that can control electron behavior, enabling predictive and controlled electron motion. The study's findings offer a new signature for classifying experimentally produced laser pulses.

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.

Dogs hear our words and how we say them

Researchers found dogs process human speech in left- and right-hemisphere biases, similar to humans. Dogs respond differently to familiar commands and intonation cues, suggesting they pay attention to both who and how we communicate.

Brain researchers pinpoint gateway to human memory

Researchers identified specific circuits in the brain where memories are generated, using a precision MRI technique that tracked information flow within the brain. The study aims to gain new insights into how Alzheimer's disease affects the brain and memory processing.

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.

NASA's Van Allen Probes spot an impenetrable barrier in space

The Van Allen radiation belts contain a nearly impenetrable barrier that prevents the fastest, most energetic electrons from reaching Earth. The discovery was made using NASA's Van Allen Probes, which study the region and provide accurate measurements of high-energy electrons for the first time.

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.

Why do so many seniors with memory loss and dementia never get tested?

A new study by the University of Michigan found that more than half of seniors with signs of dementia haven't received a medical evaluation. The study suggests that as many as 1.8 million Americans over 70 with dementia are not being evaluated for cognitive symptoms, which can lead to modifiable causes of thinking or memory impairment.

Scientists discover treatment breakthrough for advanced bladder cancer

Scientists from Queen Mary University of London have developed a new therapy for advanced bladder cancer, showing significant tumor shrinkage in patients. The treatment, MPDL3280A, has been given breakthrough therapy designation status by the US FDA and has promising results in a phase one clinical trial.

SLU researcher finds an off switch for pain

Saint Louis University researcher Daniela Salvemini and colleagues have discovered a way to block a pain pathway in animal models of chronic neuropathic pain, suggesting a promising new approach to pain relief. Activating the A3 adenosine receptor subtype provides robust pain reduction across several types of pain.

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.

'Eye of Sauron' provides new way of measuring distances to galaxies

A team of scientists has developed a new way to measure precise distances to galaxies tens of millions of light years away, using the W. M. Keck Observatory. By measuring the physical size of a dusty ring around supermassive black holes, they calculated the distance to the galaxy NGC 4151 with only 10% uncertainty. This method has the ...

How do our muscles work?

Scientists at Max F. Perutz Laboratories have elucidated the molecular structure and regulation of α-actinin, a crucial muscle protein. The findings provide unprecedented insights into the protein's mode of action and its role in muscle disorders, paving the way for improved treatments.

Shaping the future of energy storage with conductive clay

Researchers at Drexel University have developed a conductive clay that can be easily molded into various shapes and sizes, representing a significant shift in the production of electrodes for energy storage devices. The clay's high conductivity and plasticity make it an attractive candidate for use in batteries and supercapacitors.

DNA may survive suborbital spaceflight, re-entry

Researchers found that plasmid DNA attached to a rocket exterior survived suborbital spaceflight, re-entry, and landing conditions. The study showed that up to 53% of the DNA retained its full biological function, with 35% remaining functional after heating up to 1000°C.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Global quantum communications -- no longer the stuff of fiction?

A breakthrough in atomic memory technology allows for reliable quantum information storage and transmission over long distances. The device can store light with multiple spatial modes, enabling higher capacity and paving the way for widespread adoption of quantum communications.

How a common antacid could lead to cheaper anti-cancer drugs

A recent study published in ecancermedicalscience found that cimetidine, an over-the-counter medication, can increase survival rates in colorectal cancer. The ReDO project aims to repurpose other common medicines for cancer treatment, offering promising alternatives to expensive anti-cancer drugs.

Particles, waves and ants

Researchers found that the time spent by a drunken sailor on a square with streetlamps is constant regardless of the lamp density. This effect also applies to light waves in disordered media, rubber balls rolling across a plank, and even ant paths, revealing a universal phenomenon.

Funding to investigate an alternative to chemotherapy

A £600,000 grant from Cancer Research UK will fund a research study investigating the efficacy of BTK inhibiting drugs in treating mantle cell lymphoma. The trial will compare these new drugs to standard chemotherapy and aim to improve life expectancy and quality of life for patients.

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.