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Science News Archive October 2014


Page 25 of 35

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.

New meningitis vaccine only cost-effective at low price

Researchers estimate that vaccinating babies against meningitis B disease could reduce cases by 26% in the first five years. The maximum reduction would be achieved by combining infant vaccination with an adolescent vaccination at 13-years-old.

An unexpected bonus

Researchers found that blocking STAT3 increases killing activity against melanoma and leukemia cells in Natural Killer (NK) cells. This increase in effectiveness also reduces metastasis of melanoma cells. The findings suggest a potential therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment by boosting NK cell function.

Leaky galaxies lead researchers to better understand the universe

A team of scientists has successfully measured radiation leaks in star-forming galaxies, providing new insights into the formation of the first stars and galaxies. The breakthrough method uses a previously developed indicator, allowing researchers to study distant galaxies at longer wavelengths.

Climate change alters the ecological impacts of seasons

A recent study by George Wang and Michael Dillon found that climate change has increased daily and annual temperature cycling globally. This altered temperature variability can lead to increased crop damage from pest insects and changes in plant seasonal behavior.

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.

Electrically conductive plastics promising for batteries, solar cells

Researchers have developed a new type of plastic that can conduct electricity, paving the way for innovative applications such as transparent solar cells, flexible batteries, and ultrathin coatings. The plastic, called PTMA, is about 10 times more electrically conductive than common semiconducting polymers.

When judging art, men and women stand apart

A new study by Michigan State University researchers found that men tend to focus on an artist's background and authenticity when evaluating art, while women prioritize the artwork itself. This finding has implications for the $64 billion art market and other industries where creativity is involved.

New computational approach finds gene that drives aggressive brain cancer

A new algorithm has identified KLHL9 as the driving force behind aggressive glioblastoma, a type of brain cancer. Reintroducing KLHL9 protein suppressed tumors in mice transplants, offering hope for a possible treatment strategy. The approach also revealed new genes involved in breast cancer and Alzheimer's disease.

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.

Hubble reveals most detailed exoplanet weather map ever

A team of scientists used the Hubble Space Telescope to create a detailed weather map of WASP-43b, tracing the planet's temperature and water vapor content. The study found that the exoplanet has winds that can reach up to 1500 degrees Celsius, with temperatures on the day side hot enough to melt iron.

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.

Dead star shines on

Astronomers have discovered a pulsating, dead star beaming with the energy of about 10 million suns. Pulsars are dense stellar remnants leftover from supernovas, and this one is the brightest ever recorded.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New NIH Big Data to Knowledge center of excellence

The National Center of Excellence for Mobile Sensor Data-to-Knowledge (MD2K) aims to develop computational tools for large-scale health data analysis. Researchers will focus on inferring patient health and behavioral risk factors from mobile sensor data.

'Data smashing' could unshackle automated discovery

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a new method called 'data smashing' that enables automated discovery without human intervention, opening doors to complex observations and expert-driven analysis.

A cost-effective and energy-efficient approach to carbon capture

Scientists from EPFL, UC Berkeley, and Beijing have combined solid and liquid materials to create a hybrid absorption-adsorption method that captures CO2 more efficiently than current methods. The new approach uses a slurry of ZIF-8, a metal-organic framework, with glycol, allowing for low-cost and energy-efficient carbon capture.

Nanoparticles get a magnetic handle

Researchers at MIT have achieved a long-sought goal of creating particles that can emit a colorful fluorescent glow and be precisely manipulated into position within living cells using magnetic fields. The new technology could enable tracking the position of nanoparticles as they move within the body or inside a cell, and manipulate th...

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.

Balancing birds and biofuels: Grasslands support more species than cornfields

A study found that grassland fields in southern Wisconsin supported over three times as many bird species as cornfields, including 10 imperiled species. The research suggests that diverse bioenergy crop fields could benefit birds more than less diverse fields, making grasslands an acceptable tradeoff for biomass production.

Newly discovered brain cells explain a prosocial effect of oxytocin

Researchers at Rockefeller University have identified a newly discovered class of brain cells that respond to oxytocin in female mice. These oxytocin receptor interneurons (OxtrINs) play a key role in influencing social behavior, particularly in females during their reproductive cycle, and may also contribute to human social interactions.

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.

Researchers find RNA molecules in urine and tissue that detect prostate cancer

A new study identifies a set of RNA molecules in urine and tissue samples that can detect prostate cancer with high sensitivity and specificity. These long noncoding RNAs have the potential to serve as biomarkers for early detection and diagnosis of prostate cancer, offering a promising approach to reduce overtreatment and morbidity.

Nanoparticle research could enhance drug delivery through skin

Scientists at the University of Southampton have identified key characteristics that enhance a nanoparticle's ability to penetrate skin. Researchers found that positively charged nanorod-shaped nanoparticles are up to ten times more effective in penetrating skin than others, with cell penetrating peptides further enhancing penetration.

Low birth rates can actually pay off in the US and other countries

A global study from University of California, Berkeley suggests that a moderately low birth rate can actually boost a country's overall standard of living. Researchers found that families bear the costs of raising children, while governments should adjust policies to accommodate population aging.

Mining big data yields Alzheimer's discovery

Researchers have identified a novel gene, MGST3, that regulates hippocampus size in both mice and humans, linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. The discovery provides another biomarker for identifying those at greatest risk of developing the condition.

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.

Embryos receive parent-specific layers of information, study shows

Researchers at San Francisco State University found that embryonic cells receive distinct epigenetic marks from parents, influencing development and behavior. The study identifies unique histone marks in sperm and embryos, potentially aiding proper cell division and human function.

Manipulating memory with light

Scientists at UC Davis used optogenetics to erase specific memories in mice, showing coordinated activity between the cerebral cortex and hippocampus during memory retrieval. The study confirms a long-standing idea about memory processing, providing new insights into how the brain functions.

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.

Satellite movie shows Hurricane Simon's remnants moving through US

NASA's GOES-East satellite captures Hurricane Simon's landfall in Mexico and movement into the U.S. Southwest, with remnants expected to reach the central Plains and Midwest on Oct. 9-10. Heavy rain, including a threat of flash flooding, is forecast for eastern Kansas and western Missouri.

Researchers identify a new class of 'good' fats

Researchers have identified a new class of lipid molecules that enhance insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control, offering a promising direction for preventing and treating type 2 diabetes. The fatty acid hydroxyl fatty acids (FAHFAs) are produced and broken down inside the human body and may serve as an early marker for the risk of...

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.

Thanks, fruit flies, for that pleasing beer scent

Fruit flies are attracted to the beer-like scent produced by brewer's yeast due to a specific gene called ATF1. This symbiotic relationship benefits both species: flies feed on yeasts and yeasts receive dispersal of their cells.

Griffith and Menzies Foundation health collaboration

Griffith University and the Menzies Foundation have collaborated to create a national Menzies Health Institute Queensland, enhancing research excellence in allied health. The new institute will focus on addressing healthcare challenges and opportunities globally.

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.

Researchers reveal lung cancer can stay hidden for over 20 years

Researchers discovered that lung cancers can exist undetected for many years due to unique genetic faults in separate areas of the tumor. The study highlights the need for better early detection methods to improve treatment outcomes, as two-thirds of patients are diagnosed with advanced disease when treatments are less effective.

Earth to data: Making sense of environmental observations

A new DataONE project aims to provide a network of data repositories for Earth observational data, enhancing research efficiency and addressing complex environmental questions. By combining citizen scientist data with land use information, researchers can accurately assess species protection needs and public land agency responsibilities.

Greek Bronze Age ended 100 years earlier than thought, new evidence suggests

Researchers from the University of Birmingham have re-dated the end of the Greek Bronze Age to 925-1025 BCE, based on radiocarbon analysis of animal bones and plant remains. This new chronology challenges traditional estimates and has implications for our understanding of ancient civilizations in the Mediterranean.

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.

Entire female reproductive tract susceptible to HIV infection in macaque model

Researchers have discovered that HIV can infect the entire female reproductive tract, including the vagina and ovaries, in a macaque model. The study used an artificial virus to track the spread of infection through the FRT, revealing that infected cells were detected throughout the tract within 48 hours after vaginal introduction.

Similar but different: New discovery for degenerative disease

Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery about the similarities and differences between two neurodegenerative diseases, progressive supranuclear palsy and Parkinson's Disease. The study reveals that individuals with PSP experience more severe cognitive impairments than those with PD early on.

Big Data methods in biobehavioral health goal of training grant

A Big Data to Knowledge Program grant will develop big data methods to tackle 80% of coronary heart disease causes, including physical inactivity and poor stress management. The goal is to create adaptive, individualized health-behavior interventions using real-time data from smartphones and wearable devices.

Why men are the weaker sex when it comes to bone health

The International Osteoporosis Foundation reports that one-third of all hip fractures worldwide occur in men, with mortality rates as high as 37% in the first year following fracture. Millions of men are left vulnerable to early death and disability due to osteoporosis.

College athletes in contact sports more likely to carry MRSA, study finds

A study found that college athletes playing football, soccer, and other contact sports are more likely to carry MRSA, increasing their risk of infection. Experts recommend practices like frequent hand washing, covering open wounds, and not sharing personal equipment to reduce the spread of the superbug.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Snakes and snake-like robots show how sidewinders conquer sandy slopes

Researchers successfully replicated the sidewinder snake's ability to traverse sandy slopes using a modular snake robot, gaining insights into the animals' unique wave motion. By studying the snakes and physical model simultaneously, they learned general principles that allowed them to improve the robot.