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Science News Archive October 2014


Page 18 of 35

Simple test may predict surgical wound healing complications

A simple test called transcutaneous oximetry may predict which patients are most likely to experience wound-healing complications after surgery. Patients with lower oxygen levels before surgery were more likely to develop complications, highlighting the potential tool as a means of taking extra precautions.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

That pregnant feeling makes a fly start nesting

A study published in Cell Reports found that female fruit flies exhibit a preference for acetic acid, or vinegar, when carrying eggs due to sensory neurons detecting stretch in the reproductive tract. This behavior is linked to pregnancy and egg production, challenging previous assumptions about hormonal influences.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

NASA spacecraft provides new information about sun's atmosphere

The study provides five key findings on the sun's atmosphere, including heat pockets of 200,000 degrees Fahrenheit and structures resembling mini-tornadoes. These discoveries help researchers better understand the sun's energy transfer and dynamic solar activity that impacts technological infrastructure in space and on Earth.

Diabetic men with low testosterone run higher risk of developing atherosclerosis

A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that diabetic men with low testosterone levels are more likely to develop severe atherosclerotic plaques and other cardiovascular markers. The research suggests a strong association between low testosterone concentration and the severi...

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.

Older adults satisfied with aging more likely to seek health screenings

A new study found that older adults who feel comfortable with the aging process are more proactive in seeking preventive health care services. These individuals were more likely to undergo regular health screenings, such as cholesterol tests and mammograms, compared to those who were less satisfied with aging.

NASA study finds 1934 had worst drought of last thousand years

A new NASA study reconstructs North American drought history over the last 1,000 years and finds that the 1934 drought was the driest and most widespread of the past millennium. The drought was caused by a high-pressure system and dust storms, which suppressed rainfall and led to severe conditions across western North America.

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.

Journey to the center of the earth

A UCSB geochemist used lead and helium isotope measurements to analyze Samoan volcanoes, finding evidence of a primordial component within the deep interior. The study revealed distinct chemical configurations and mixing relationships among four endmembers, providing new insights into Earth's mantle plume structure.

Probing the past

Astronomers have combined traditional method with reverse engineering to improve accuracy in measuring distant galaxies. They calculated a robust distance measurement using near-infrared and visible-light photos, estimating a redshift of 10 for the galaxy.

Mysterious Midcontinent Rift is a geological hybrid

Scientists discovered the Midcontinent Rift evolved in three stages: a narrow crack, volcanic rock filling, and igneous rocks rising to surface. The rift's unique geology was formed by magma flowing into the developing crack and eventually creating a large igneous province.

Misfolded proteins clump together in a surprising place

Researchers found that 90% of misfolded protein aggregates form on the ER surface, dependent on active protein synthesis and ribosome activity. The aggregation is regulated by mitochondria, which play a key role in confining the aggregates to the mother cell during asymmetric cell division.

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.

Physicists sound warning to 'nail beauty fanatics'

Researchers have devised equations to identify physical laws governing nail growth, shedding light on common nail problems like ingrown toenails. Daily poor trimming can tip the balance of nails, causing residual stress that leads to shape changes and potential serious conditions.

Male and female brains aren't equal when it comes to fat

A new study in mice found that male and female brains respond to high-fat diets in remarkably different ways, with males experiencing greater inflammation and reduced cardiac function. The findings suggest that dietary advice should be made more sex-specific, with women allowed occasional high-fat meals and men advised to avoid them.

Cadavers beat computers for learning anatomy

A recent study published in Anatomical Sciences Education reveals that cadaver-based instruction is more effective than computer simulation in teaching anatomy. Students who learned on cadavers scored up to 16% higher on identification and 11% higher on explanation compared to those who used digital technologies.

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.

New catalyst could improve biofuels production

Washington State University researchers develop a new catalyst using inexpensive iron and rare palladium to remove oxygen from plant-based materials, improving biofuel production. The combination increases activity, stability, and selectivity, reducing costs and increasing yields.

Researchers develop personalized ovarian cancer vaccines

The study identifies tiny differences in protein sequences between cancer cells and healthy tissue, enabling the creation of personalized vaccines. The research aims to improve treatment outcomes for patients with ovarian cancer, which often responds well to surgery and chemotherapy but returns lethally within a year or two.

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.

Curious signal hints at dark matter

A team of scientists from the University of Leicester has detected a curious signal in the X-ray sky that could be the first direct indication of dark matter. The signal appears to be consistent with the prediction of axions, particles believed to make up a significant portion of the universe's mass.

EPA grant will help localities conserve headwater wetlands

Researchers at VIMS will develop tools to identify vulnerable headwater wetlands and provide climate-adaptation strategies for conservation. The project uses historical tidal-marsh observations to build a comprehensive picture of resilience.

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.

Resveratrol boosts spinal bone density in men with metabolic syndrome

A new study published by The Endocrine Society reveals that resveratrol increased spinal bone density in men with metabolic syndrome and improved levels of the bone formation marker BAP. This finding suggests the compound's potential as an anti-osteoporosis drug, stimulating bone-forming cells within the body.

Human cancer prognosis is related to newly identified immune cell

A new study by University of California, San Francisco researchers has discovered a rare population of immune cells associated with less severe cancer outcomes in humans. These 'good' cells, known as antigen-presenting CD103+ dendritic cells, are found in most tumors and may hold therapeutic potential.

Engineers find a way to win in laser performance by losing

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a method to reverse optical loss and increase laser intensity by modulating loss in the system. By adding loss to a laser system, they achieved energy gains and demonstrated new nonlinear phenomena.

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.

Sugared soda consumption, cell aging associated in new study

A new study by UCSF researchers found a significant association between sugared soda consumption and cell aging, as measured by telomere shortening in immune cells. The findings suggest that regular consumption of sugar-sweetened sodas may influence disease development through accelerated cellular aging.

Tiny 'nanoflares' might heat the Sun's corona

New observations from the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) suggest that miniature solar flares called 'nanoflares' could be partly responsible for heating the Sun's million-degree corona. High-energy electrons generated by these nanoflares may deposit energy in the plasma, leading to coronal heating.

Light bending material facilitates the search for new particles

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have designed a material that manipulates the Cherenkov cone to distinguish between common and rare particles. The material uses transformation optics to create distinct light cones for particles with high momentum, making it possible to efficiently separate and identify these particles.

Modeling tumor dormancy

A new computational model developed at Princeton University may help understand tumor dormancy, a phenomenon that can last up to 25 years in pancreatic cancer. The model predicts that tumors are likely to grow rapidly when the number of dividing cells reaches a certain critical level.

Novel RNAi-based therapy for anemia stimulates liver to produce EPO

A novel RNAi-based therapy has shown promising results in treating anemia by stimulating the liver to produce erythropoietin (EPO). The treatment targets the EGLN1 gene, leading to increased EPO and hemoglobin levels. This breakthrough could provide a safer alternative to current recombinant human EPO treatments.

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.

Are male brains wired to ignore food for sex?

Researchers discovered that male nematode brains suppress food-seeking behavior to focus on finding a mate. This study sheds light on how subtle changes in brain circuitry dictate differences in behavior between males and females.

First step: From human cells to tissue-engineered esophagus

Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles developed a tissue-engineering technique to grow an entire esophagus from human cells on a biodegradable scaffold. This breakthrough may lead to new treatments for children born with missing portions of the organ, as well as patients who have had esophageal cancer or damaged tissue.

New perspectives for development of an RSV vaccine

Scientists at VIB and Ghent University have developed a promising vaccination strategy to counteract Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infections. The new vaccine candidate uses a novel approach, stimulating macrophages to selectively eliminate infected cells, providing protection in lab animals.

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.

DFG establishes 9 new research units

The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft is establishing nine new Research Units to tackle pressing issues in their respective fields. The units will focus on topics such as needs-based distribution, academic learning, photonic networks, gravity waves, and synaptic plasticity.

Cell architecture: Finding common ground

Researchers have discovered that a previously known protein plays a crucial role in determining the form and function of plant cells by influencing their architecture. GCP-WD, a protein found in plants, is also essential for positioning microtubules and organizing cell skeletons.

Informative visit to the toilet

White-footed sportive lemurs use scent-marks in latrines to maintain contact with family members and inform intruders of a male's presence. The study found that males visited latrines more often during nights when an intruder invaded the territory, promoting social bonding among group members.

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.

Assurex Health and CAMH awarded $6 million grant from Genome Canada

The study will evaluate the benefits of genetic testing to guide medication decisions for patients with depression or schizophrenia, including clinical outcomes and cost benefits. The research aims to provide personalized treatment recommendations tailored to individual patient genetics.

Wobbling of a Saturn moon hints at what lies beneath

Astronomers using Cassini data infer the presence of a potentially rugby ball-shaped rocky core or sloshing sub-surface ocean in Mimas. The moon's unusual wobble reveals surface displacement of up to 6 kilometers, contradicting predictions of uniform interior structure.

Dispelling a misconception about Mg-ion batteries

Mg-ion batteries may provide improved safety and cost, but their development has been hindered by misconceptions. New findings from Berkeley Lab's Joint Center for Energy Storage Research suggest that multivalent ions like Mg can still move through electrolytes more efficiently than thought.

Public health in the 21st century

A new supplement to the American Journal of Preventive Medicine addresses the need for a more effective public health workforce in the 21st century. Key findings include the importance of clear definitions of public health workforce challenges and the role of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) in workforce development.

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.

MicroRNA molecules serve as on/off switches for inflammation

Researchers discovered two microRNA molecules that control chronic inflammation, with one promoting and the other preventing the condition. The study sheds light on the role of T follicular helper cells in chronic inflammation and offers hope for preventive measures.

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.