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Science News Archive October 2014 - Page 24


Page 24 of 35

Researchers compare efficacy of 'natural' bed bug pesticides

Two non-synthetic bed bug pesticides, EcoRaider and Bed Bug Patrol, showed promise in laboratory tests, killing over 90% of bed bugs. However, their effectiveness is likely to be much lower in real-world settings due to the difficulty of applying insecticides directly on hidden bed bugs.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Economic Entomology·DateOct 12, 2014

Solid nanoparticles can deform like a liquid

Researchers found that metal nanoparticles appear to be liquid droplets on the outside but maintain a stable crystal configuration within. This phenomenon, known as Coble pseudoelasticity, could impact nanotechnology applications.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 12, 2014
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.

Australian teams set new records for silicon quantum computing

Two research teams at UNSW Australia have developed high-accuracy quantum bits in silicon, surpassing 99% accuracy. The breakthroughs are published simultaneously in Nature Nanotechnology and aim to build powerful quantum computers.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateOct 12, 2014

NASA sees a weaker Typhoon Vongfong near Amami Oshima

NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP and Aqua satellites monitored Typhoon Vongfong's weakening, showing strongest thunderstorms in the northern quadrant. The storm is now forecasted to spread out and become an extra-tropical storm, tracking over Japan's islands.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 12, 2014

A novel platform for future spintronic technologies

Researchers have discovered a new way to control electron spin in an insulating material, paving the way for more efficient spintronics devices. This breakthrough could lead to the development of spin-polarized materials and directly observe elusive Majorana fermions.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 12, 2014
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.

Bioinspired coating for medical devices repels blood and bacteria

Developed using FDA-approved materials, the coating prevents flowing blood from clotting for at least eight hours. It also suppresses biofilm formation and reduces bacterial adhesion, making it a potential solution to common medical device challenges.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateOct 12, 2014

NASA sees Cyclone Hudhud approaching India's coast

Cyclone Hudhud is forecast to peak near 115 knots before quickly weakening, dissipating over land on Monday. The storm has strengthened in the last day, indicated by cloud top temperatures dropping and stronger thunderstorms developing.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 12, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Oral capsule as effective as invasive procedures for delivery of fecal transplant

A non-invasive oral capsule approach has been shown to be as effective as colonoscopy or nasogastric tube delivery in eliminating recurrent diarrhea caused by C. difficile infection. The study found a 90% success rate for the oral capsule method, with most participants experiencing complete symptom resolution after a single treatment.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJAMA·DateOct 11, 2014

Mineralization of sand particles boosts microbial water filtration

Researchers found that microbial activity increases with mineral deposits on sand particles in rapid sand filters, removing impurities like iron and ammonia. The study refutes the conventional assumption that minerals interfere with microbial colonization, suggesting potential improvements in drinking water production.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateOct 10, 2014
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Real-life social networking prompts people to get tested for HIV

A study by the Infectious Diseases Society of America found that social networking strategies are more efficient and targeted, resulting in 2-1/2 times more positive test results. As many as one in five HIV-positive people is unaware of their infection, making testing critical to prevent disease spread.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·DateOct 10, 2014

In-home visits reduce drug use, depression in pregnant teens

A new study finds that intensive parenting and health education provided in homes of pregnant American Indian teens reduced drug use, depression, and behavior problems. The Family Spirit intervention was also cost-effective and created badly needed jobs in low-income communities.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateOct 10, 2014

Mechanism that repairs brain after stroke discovered

Researchers at Lund University have identified a previously unknown mechanism by which the brain produces new nerve cells after a stroke. Astrocytes, support cells in the brain, can form immature nerve cells that mature into functional neurons.

SourceLund University·JournalScience·DateOct 10, 2014
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.

CNIO researchers associate 2 oncogenes with the aggressiveness and incidence of leukemia in mice

CNIO researchers found that the simultaneous inhibition of Cdk4 and Cdk6 is more effective than individual inhibition in reducing tumour growth and promoting aggressive tumours in mice. The study also revealed that the combined activation of both oncogenes leads to uncontrolled cell division and an increased risk of developing leukemia.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalBlood·DateOct 10, 2014

Antiretroviral therapy benefits HIV-infected stimulant users, UCSF study shows

A UCSF study found that HIV-infected men who use stimulants experience difficulties accessing antiretroviral therapy due to concerns over adherence. However, the research shows that these patients can take their medications reliably with integrated care services.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes·DateOct 10, 2014
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.

Virtual worlds to be used to trial potential new water systems

Experts from the University of Exeter are developing a computer platform to simulate how existing and prospective new water systems will cope with issues such as land management and flooding in a virtual environment. The Nexus Game, a Serious Gaming approach, will focus on the unique interplay of infrastructure and the Nexus in the UK.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·DateOct 10, 2014

Dangerous blood clots: A serious global problem

Annual incidences of venous thromboembolism range from 0.75 to 2.69 per 1,000 individuals globally. Hospital-acquired cases contribute significantly to years lost due to ill-health.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis·DateOct 10, 2014

Professor examines terrorist propaganda

A new study analyzing terrorist propaganda has revealed increasing language intensity in jihadist magazines, suggesting a shift in strategy. The research also found that Inspire, an online magazine published by al-Qaida, is experimenting with gamification strategies to increase motivation for lone-wolf attacks.

SourceQueen's University·JournalSecurity Informatics·DateOct 10, 2014
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.

Tiny travellers of the animal world: Hitchhikers on marine driftwood

Researchers have discovered a new group of tiny animals, specialist driftwood talitrids, that live on and feed from decomposing marine driftwood. These hitchhikers use floating driftwood logs to disperse across distant oceanic islands, with adaptations like dwarfism allowing them to survive long journeys.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZoosystematics and Evolution·DateOct 10, 2014

BIDMC researchers looks at impact of patient-to-physician messaging

A new study from BIDMC found that while patients didn't message doctors more over time, the overall number of messages per doctor increased as more patients enrolled in secure patient web portals. Primary care doctors received 85% of email traffic, despite representing only 40% of the system.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalHealth Affairs·DateOct 10, 2014

No single explanation for biodiversity in Madagascar

Researchers analyzed Madagascar's lizard, snake, frog, and tortoise populations to understand how biodiversity hotspots come to be. Climate change and land use affect different species differently, with some doing better while others decline.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 10, 2014

NASA gathering data on Super Typhoon Vongfong as Japan prepares

NASA's TRMM and Aqua satellites provide forecasters with detailed data on Super Typhoon Vongfong's cloud extent, rainfall rates, and distribution. The storm is expected to slowly weaken as it moves north, passing just east of Okinawa before turning northeast and changing to an extra-tropical cyclone over Japan.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 10, 2014
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.

An enzyme and synaptic plasticity

Researchers found that Pin1, a small enzyme, modifies the number of postsynaptic receptors and regulates signal transmission. This discovery sheds light on the biochemical mechanisms of synaptic plasticity, offering insights into healthy mechanisms and potential treatments for pathological conditions.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 10, 2014

Using a novel biological aging clock, UCLA researchers find obesity accelerates aging of the liver

Researchers used an epigenetic clock to measure the biological age of liver tissues in obese subjects, finding a significant acceleration of liver aging. The study suggests that obesity may contribute to the premature development of age-related diseases such as liver cancer and insulin resistance.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 10, 2014
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.

Longer-term outcomes of program to reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions

A study found that an outpatient antimicrobial stewardship intervention lost its initial benefits after discontinuing audit and feedback to clinicians. The program reduced broad-spectrum antibiotic prescribing rates by nearly 50 percent initially, but saw a significant increase in prescriptions after termination of the feedback component.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateOct 10, 2014

Charged graphene gives DNA a stage to perform molecular gymnastics

University of Illinois researchers use charged graphene to control the movement of DNA through a nanopore, allowing for faster and more accurate DNA sequencing. The study reveals that changing the graphene's charge can stop or speed up DNA movement, and even force it into specific conformations.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 10, 2014

The dwindling stock of antibiotics, and what to do about it

The number of antibiotics available for clinical use has declined to 96 from a peak of 113 in 2000, with the rate of withdrawals being double the rate of new introductions. Pharmaceutical companies are leaving the antibiotic space due to financial constraints and patent law, forcing research universities to step in.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalDrug Discovery Today·DateOct 10, 2014
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.

Big data sharing for better health

A $9.2 million grant from the NIH will help researchers share, use and cite biomedical datasets more efficiently. The project, led by UC San Diego, aims to create a searchable online digital library for health-related datasets.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateOct 10, 2014
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.

NAMS to launch free menopause mobile app

The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) has launched a free menopause mobile app, MenoPro, that uses an algorithm to help clinicians and patients make personalized treatment decisions. The app offers two modes, including one for healthcare providers and one for patients, and provides access to NAMS resources and a cardiovascular di...

SourceThe Menopause Society·JournalMenopause·DateOct 10, 2014

Getting sharp images from dull detectors

Scientists at the Joint Quantum Institute use thermal light and cheap detectors to achieve sub-wavelength imaging, overcoming classical optical limitations. They observe an interference pattern with fringes as narrow as 30 nm, pushing the boundaries of extreme quantum coherence.

SourceJoint Quantum Institute·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateOct 10, 2014
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.

Interactive history beats interactive chat for website engagement

Researchers found that displaying a user's interaction history on a website can offer a sense of conversation, making it more engaging than traditional websites. This approach also fosters positive attitudes towards the site, improving user trust and awareness of their actions.

SourcePenn State·JournalCommunication Research Reports·DateOct 10, 2014

Fish moving poleward at rate of 26 kilometers per decade

Climate change is projected to drive large-scale shifts in fish populations, with some species moving away from their current habitats at a rate of up to 26 kilometers per decade. This could lead to significant losses in tropical regions, including the loss of important fisheries and communities that rely on fish for food and nutrition.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalICES Journal of Marine Science·DateOct 10, 2014