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Science News for November 2, 2014


Study reveals startling decline in European birds

Bird populations across Europe have experienced sharp declines, with the majority of losses from the most common species. However, some less common birds have shown increases in recent years due to conservation efforts and legal protection. The study highlights the need for greater efforts to halt these continent-wide declines.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEcology Letters·DateNov 2, 2014

Ultracold disappearing act

In a new study published in Nature Physics, Rice University physicists observed ultracold atomic collisions producing gaps between colliding solitons. This phenomenon challenges the expected behavior of solitons, which are waves that do not diminish or change shape as they move through space.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Physics·DateNov 2, 2014

Getting more out of nature: Genetic toolkit finds new maximum for crop yields

Scientists have discovered a set of gene variations that can increase fruit production in tomatoes and potentially other flowering plants, including staple crops like soybeans. By fine-tuning the balance between florigen and anti-florigen, plant breeders can customize genetic variations to maximize yield gains.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Genetics·DateNov 2, 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.

The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology: Weight loss surgery substantially reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes

A new study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology found that bariatric surgery can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by around 80% in obese people compared to standard care. This significant reduction was observed even after controlling for other important factors such as smoking and high blood pressure.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateNov 2, 2014

Two photons strongly coupled by glass fiber

Scientists at Vienna University of Technology have successfully created a strong interaction between two single photons using an ultra-thin glass fiber. This technique enables the creation of maximally entangled photon states required in quantum teleportation and light-transistors for quantum computing.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Photonics·DateNov 2, 2014

Improving imaging of cancerous tissues by reversing time

Washington University engineers apply a novel time-reversal technology to track movement inside the body's tissues, improving imaging of cancerous tissues and developing potential treatments. By using TRAP optical focusing, they can focus light on moving targets, allowing for sharper images even several centimeters into the skin.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Photonics·DateNov 2, 2014
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

The 'valley of death' facing physics start-ups

Despite the grueling challenge, physicists can overcome the 'valley of death' by recruiting expertise and committing to projects. Boston-based company MC10's success highlights the rewards of perseverance.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalPhysics World·DateNov 2, 2014

Mutant models

Researchers develop mathematical toolkit that analyzes cancer mutation data, revealing common and rare mutations have equal impact on tumor behavior. The study also finds that mutations cause subtle, precise alterations in protein communication pathways, enabling targeted therapies.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature Genetics·DateNov 2, 2014

Study: 'Wimpy' antibody protects against kidney disease in mice

A study published in Nature reveals that a 'wimpy' mouse antibody may actually play a key role in protecting against kidney disease. The researchers found that the antibody, which is abundant in mice and thought to offer poor assistance in fighting infections, can prevent the development of kidney disease when injected into genetically...

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalNature·DateNov 2, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Wrangling data flood to manage the health of streams

Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a new database and algorithm to analyze upstream data, enabling the management of stream health across large landscapes. The system allows for rapid analysis of 2.6 million stream reaches in the contiguous United States, reducing analysis time from weeks to just five hours.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalSpringerPlus·DateNov 2, 2014