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Science News Archive October 2014


Page 34 of 35

Solving the mystery of the 'man in the moon'

Researchers from MIT and other institutions found the Procellarum region on the moon's near side was formed by a large plume of magma deep within the moon's interior. The angular outline of the basin could not have been created by an asteroid impact, according to the team.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Nanoparticles accumulate quickly in wetland sediment

A Duke University team found that nanoparticles called single-walled carbon nanotubes accumulate rapidly in wetland sediments, potentially harming aquatic food chains. The accumulation of these nanoparticles in sediment poses concerns for both sediment-dwelling organisms and animals that eat them.

Hide and seek: Sterile neutrinos remain elusive

The Daya Bay Collaboration's new result shows no evidence for a sterile neutrino in a previously unexplored mass range. The absence of detection supports the standard three-flavor neutrino picture, but leaves room for future experiments to explore this possibility.

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.

New drug-delivery capsule may replace injections

Researchers have developed a novel drug capsule coated with tiny needles that can deliver drugs directly into the lining of the stomach, bypassing the need for injections. The capsules successfully delivered insulin to pigs, causing a faster and larger reduction in blood glucose levels than traditional injections.

AAO-HNSF clinical practice guideline: Tinnitus

The AAO-HNSF clinical practice guideline provides a framework for clinicians to differentiate between bothersome and nonbothersome tinnitus. The guideline's recommendations aim to mitigate the personal and social impact of tinnitus on patients, with approximately 20% requiring clinical intervention.

UT Dallas Cybersecurity program earns $3.9 million award

The UT Dallas Cybersecurity program has received a $3.9 million award from the National Science Foundation to provide scholarships and support education in computer science related to cybersecurity. The program aims to fulfill the US government's needs for cybersecurity employees, with nearly 30 students expected to be supported.

Coral reef winners and losers

A study published in PLOS ONE suggests that coral reefs will have winners and losers among species facing increasing stressors. Fast-growing, small, and stress-resistant corals are likely to thrive in a warmer future.

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.

The science and practice of people-centerd health systems

A new supplement published in Health Policy and Planning presents the latest research on people-centred health systems, emphasizing the importance of patient and community involvement. The studies reveal four key themes: ensuring people have a voice, putting people first in healthcare design, recognizing social relationships within hea...

Robot researcher combines nature to nurture 'superhuman' navigation

A QUT researcher has developed a new navigation system for robots using computer algorithms that mimic the human eye and rat brain. This technology could improve robotic navigation in complex environments and even help researchers understand spatial memory loss in diseases like Alzheimer's.

Worry, jealousy, moodiness linked to higher risk of Alzheimer's in women

A nearly 40-year-long study found that middle-aged women experiencing anxiety, jealousy, and moodiness are at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Women who scored highest on neuroticism tests had double the risk of dementia, with those who were both easily distressed and withdrawn having the highest risk.

Omega-3 fatty acids may prevent some forms of depression

A randomized study found that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation decreased the incidence of interferon-alpha-induced depression in patients with hepatitis C. The treatment also delayed the onset of depression and was well-tolerated without serious side effects.

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.

Evolving plumbing system beneath Greenland slows ice sheet as summer progresses

Researchers directly observed multiple parts of Greenland's subglacial plumbing system and found that it adapts to increased meltwater over the course of the summer season. The findings suggest that a component of the system is changing in response to climate change, potentially slowing down the ice sheet's movement towards the sea.

Decreased ability to identify odors can predict death

A study published in PLOS ONE found that older adults who failed a simple smelling test were more likely to die within five years. The researchers found that olfactory dysfunction was a stronger predictor of mortality than chronic diseases like heart failure and cancer.

Study offers insight into challenges facing college athletes

A new study from North Carolina State University explores how collegiate student-athletes cope with dual challenges of meeting team expectations and university responsibilities. Researchers found that student-athletes struggled with uncertainty in balancing schoolwork, social relationships, and future career prospects.

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.

Nanoparticles give up forensic secrets

A Swiss research team has revealed that nanoparticles are attracted to fingermarks through chemical bonding, rather than electrostatically. This discovery could lead to more accurate and sensitive techniques for detecting previously undetectable fingermarks, improving forensic science.

Origin of moon's 'ocean of storms' revealed

New research suggests the Moon's 'ocean of storms,' Oceanus Procellarum, was formed by ancient rifts in the crust that provided a magma plumbing system. This theory argues against the long-held impact basin hypothesis and provides a new alternative for understanding the region's unique shape and composition.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Predictor of tissue injury in kidney transplant recipients found

A new blood test has been identified as a potential predictor for focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a devastating form of kidney disease. The test, called FAST, uses high-density protein tests to detect antibodies against specific antigens that are significantly increased in patients at risk for FSGS.

Genetic secrets of the monarch butterfly revealed

Researchers identified a single gene central to monarch migration and another controlling pigmentation. Migratory butterflies have reduced levels of collagen IV α-1, increasing flight efficiency, while a new gene functions as a pigmentation switch.

Researchers find promise in new treatments for GBM

Researchers have identified the interleukin-13 receptor ¬ chain variant 2 (IL13R¢) as a potential target for therapy in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Early successes of clinical trials with targeted therapies against IL13R¢ suggest increased survival time for GBM 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.

Quantum environmentalism

Scientists at the Cavendish Laboratory and Joint Quantum Institute create a new type of qubit control that leverages its surroundings to maintain quantum integrity. By harnessing the environment's magnetic field, they enable efficient manipulation and readout of quantum states, paving the way for quantum computing advancements.

New frontier in error-correcting codes

Researchers have developed an interactive-coding scheme that can approach the optimum on all three measures: noise tolerance, transmission rate, and decoding complexity. The scheme uses list decoding to create a list of likely candidates, allowing devices to zero in on optimal decoding with perfect knowledge of their own messages.

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.

Keeping your eyes on the prize can help with exercise, NYU study finds

A new NYU study suggests that focusing attention on a specific target during exercise can reduce perceived distance and increase walking speed. Participants who focused their attention on a finish line walked 23% faster and reported less physical exertion than those who looked around their surroundings.

All directions are not created equal for nanoscale heat sources

Researchers from the University of Illinois found that standard thermal models fail for nanoscale heat-transfer problems when dimensions are on the order of one micron or smaller. Heat is transported ballistically, not diffusively, and interfaces add significant thermal resistance.

Lift weights, improve your memory

A new study found that a short bout of resistance exercise, such as lifting weights for 20 minutes, can improve episodic memory by 10% in healthy young adults. The researchers tested participants before and after the exercise, using a series of photos to assess their memory recall.

Changing Antarctic waters could trigger steep rise in sea levels

Researchers found that Antarctic ocean temperature layering, similar to conditions 14,000 years ago, may lead to rapid collapse of glaciers and ice shelves, causing a steep rise in global sea levels. This stratification is caused by global warming adding freshwater to the ocean surface.

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.

New absorber will lead to better biosensors

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new nanostructure that absorbs a very narrow spectrum of light, enhancing the sensitivity of biosensors. This ultranarrow band absorber can detect smaller changes in the environment and has been shown to exceed 90% absorption at visible frequencies.

Diabetes in a dish

Researchers at UC San Diego aim to bioengineer the irregularly shaped patches of the pancreas called Islets of Langerhans in a dish. This could lead to studying the events that trigger beta cell destruction and developing new drug therapies, as well as understanding the genetic component of the disease.

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.

Effect of topical antibiotics on antibiotic resistance, patient outcomes in ICUs

A study found that selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD) and selective oropharyngeal decontamination (SOD) significantly reduced antibiotic-resistant gram-negative bacteria and ICU-acquired bacteremia. Patient survival rates were similar, but SDD showed a lower incidence of ICU-acquired respiratory tract infections.

Winter is coming ... to Titan's south pole

Researchers observe massive polar cloud at Titan's south pole, composed of hydrogen cyanide ice, and conclude that the upper atmosphere must have cooled by over 50 degrees in less than a year.

Fibromyalgia and the role of brain connectivity in pain inhibition

A new study suggests decreased brain connectivity between pain-related and sensorimotor areas may contribute to deficient pain regulation in fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia patients exhibit impaired normal pain perception due to functional decoupling of pain-processing brain regions.

Power can corrupt even the honest

A recent study published in The Leadership Quarterly found that power can lead to corruption in leaders, regardless of their initial honesty. The researchers used experimental methods to investigate the effects of power on behavior, and found that individuals who scored lower on honesty were more likely to exhibit corrupt behavior.

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.

Treatment of substance abuse can lessen risk of future violence in mentally ill

A new study from the University at Buffalo Research Institute on Addictions suggests that reducing substance abuse has a greater influence on reducing violent acts by patients with severe mental illness. The study found that treating substance abuse was more effective in decreasing aggression than improving psychiatric symptoms.

Scientists aim to give botox a safer facelift

Researchers have made breakthroughs in understanding the interactions between botulinum neurotoxins and cells, paving the way for safer forms of Botox. By designing inhibitors or specific antibodies, scientists hope to prevent toxic interactions and engineer safer toxins for medical and cosmetic use.

Child mortality falls worldwide, but not fast enough, study finds

A study by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that child mortality rates have decreased globally, but complications from preterm birth and pneumonia remain major causes of death. The largest burden of child mortality is in sub-Saharan Africa, where nearly half of deaths occur.

Public feels more negative toward drug addicts than mentally ill

A recent study from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that people are more likely to have negative attitudes toward those suffering from drug addiction than those with mental illness. The researchers suggest that society often perceives substance abuse as a moral failing rather than a treatable medical condition.

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.

'Smart' bandage emits phosphorescent glow for healing below

A new paint-on, see-through 'smart' bandage glows to indicate tissue oxygenation concentration, enabling direct measurement for improved wound care. The bandage's phosphorescence emits light based on oxygen levels, allowing for non-invasive monitoring of wounds and burns.

Platinum meets its match in quantum dots from coal

Researchers developed a hybrid catalyst combining graphene quantum dots and graphene oxide, nitrogen, and boron, outperforming commercial platinum-based catalysts in fuel cells. The new material cuts the cost of generating energy with fuel cells, offering a promising solution to the expensive metal hurdle.

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.

Is Australia prepared for Ebola?

Australia's lack of preparedness for Ebola is highlighted by experts who call for a national disease control centre to coordinate risk assessments and response plans. The current outbreak in multiple regions of five countries underscores the need for such a centre.

Scientists wield plant viruses against deadly human disease

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University are working on two projects to deliver protection from aggressive breast cancer and deadly heart attacks using plant viruses. The first project aims to create a vaccine that tricks the immune system into attacking HER2 proteins, while the second project targets blood clots by delivering cl...

Deconstruction of avant-garde cuisine could lead to even more fanciful dishes

Researchers investigate formation and stability of calcium alginate spheres in molecular gastronomy, finding key role for calcium ions and spontaneous wrapping of alginate chains around liquid droplets. The study's findings could help chefs design innovative cooking techniques, leading to even more fanciful dishes.

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.