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Science News for September 12, 2014


Getting hot and wet in Vermont

A new study by University of Vermont scientists predicts increased precipitation and temperature in the Lake Champlain region, leading to more extreme weather events and potential flooding. The forecast suggests a rise in average temperatures by mid-century, with some ski resorts experiencing a 50% decline in annual snowfall.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalJournal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology·DateSep 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.

Tropical Storm Odile taken on by 2 NASA satellites

The TRMM satellite detected powerful thunderstorms near Odile's center, dropping rain at a rate of over 196 mm/h. The combined data from TRMM and Aqua satellites showed the coldest cloud tops in storms circling Odile's center, with temperatures as low as -63F/-53C.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 12, 2014

Sleep disorders widely undiagnosed in individuals with multiple sclerosis

A large-scale study found that more than 70% of individuals with multiple sclerosis screened positive for one or more sleep disorders, highlighting the importance of diagnosing and managing these conditions. The study's findings suggest that sleep problems may be a hidden epidemic in the MS population, separate from MS fatigue.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateSep 12, 2014

Selway complex and Johnson Bar fires in Idaho

The Selway complex of fires has grown to 1,659 fires, mostly contained. The Johnson Bar fire, sparked by a lightning strike, has affected 8,867 acres and is currently 55% contained. Warmer weather may increase fire activity.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 12, 2014

How evolutionary principles could help save our world

A group of researchers recommend applying evolutionary biology to combat modern threats, proposing gene therapies, drought-resistant crop varieties, and conservation strategies to protect land with high genetic diversity. This approach can help develop more robust solutions to societal problems and promote sustainable development.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalScience·DateSep 12, 2014
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.

Experts call for massive global response to tackle Ebola

The current Ebola outbreak in West Africa requires a rapid global response to contain the virus, which has already killed nearly 2000 people and may infect up to 20,000. Experts warn that fear, mistrust, and lack of resources are exacerbating the situation.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalScience·DateSep 12, 2014

High-dose opioid prescribing continues to climb

Rates of high-dose opioid dispensing increased across provinces, with Ontario having the highest rates and Quebec the lowest. Provincial differences may be attributed to varying coverage, training, and marketing strategies.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalCanadian Family Physician·DateSep 12, 2014

Extension of standard model by knot algebra

The article proposes a connection between SLq(2) and the standard model, where preons are creation operators for fundamental particles. This extension describes a finer level of structure than the standard model, with open problems including gravitational binding and renormalization.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalInternational Journal of Modern Physics A·DateSep 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.

USC researchers discover the healing power of 'rib-tickling'

Researchers found that removing only the rib cartilage, but leaving its surrounding perichondrium intact, allowed for rapid repair within one to two months. This discovery suggests the presence of progenitor or stem cells in the perichondrium, which could lead to new regenerative therapies.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateSep 12, 2014

Zebrafish model of a learning and memory disorder shows better treatment

A team from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that some behavioral defects in NF1 fish are not related to abnormal Ras, but can be corrected by drugs targeting another signaling pathway controlled by cAMP. Learning and memory defects can be treated with drugs modulating the Ras pathway.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalCell Reports·DateSep 12, 2014

Moving silicon atoms in graphene with atomic precision

Researchers at the University of Vienna successfully manipulated individual silicon atoms in graphene, revealing a previously unknown phenomenon where the silicon-carbon bond is inverted. This discovery opens promising possibilities for atomic-scale engineering and could lead to the creation of unique quantum structures.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 12, 2014

New glaucoma culprit is found

Researchers found that endothelial cells in eyes with glaucoma are stiffer than healthy cells, leading to increased flow resistance and elevated pressure. This mechanical dysfunction may lead to a cure for the debilitating disease.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 12, 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.

NASA-NOAA Suomi NPP sees formation of Tropical Storm Edouard

The Suomi NPP satellite captured high-resolution infrared images of Tropical Storm Edouard, revealing very high thunderstorms and cold cloud top temperatures. The storm is moving west-northwest at 16 mph, with forecasters predicting it may become a hurricane by September 15.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 12, 2014

Worldwide study demonstrates accuracy of genetic analyses

A comprehensive study led by Mayo Clinic in 12 countries validates the accuracy of RNA genomic sequencing techniques and laboratories. The research establishes best practices for laboratories to ensure reproducible results, enabling clinicians to make informed decisions based on genomic data.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateSep 12, 2014

Piglet health

Scientists investigated how piglet immune systems respond to Cystoisospora suis, finding gamma delta T cells and cytotoxic T-cells play key roles. The study also revealed the importance of maternal antibodies in preventing disease severity.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalParasite Immunology·DateSep 12, 2014
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

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Tropical Storm Odile expected to 'eat' Tropical Depression 16E

Tropical Depression 16E is forecasted to dissipate and be absorbed by Tropical Storm Odile due to unfavorable influence of the larger storm. The depression is currently drifting northwest at 2 mph and will eventually turn east-southeast as it gets caught up in Odile's circulation.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 12, 2014

Protein appears to protect against bone loss in arthritis

Researchers discovered that GILZ protein can reduce bone loss and inflammation associated with arthritis, potentially replacing synthetic glucocorticoids as a treatment option. The study used mice bred with overexpressed tumor necrosis factor alpha and GILZ to demonstrate the protein's protective effects.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateSep 12, 2014

Fluid mechanics suggests alternative to quantum orthodoxy

Researchers propose pilot-wave theory as an alternative to Copenhagen interpretation, inspired by a macroscopic fluidic system exhibiting quantum-like statistics. The system's chaotic dynamics lead to unpredictable particle behavior, challenging traditional notions of reality.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAnnual Review of Fluid Mechanics·DateSep 12, 2014

Conjecture on the lateral growth of Type I collagen fibrils

Researchers propose that internal physical stresses generated during growth limit lateral size, but a specific phyllotactic pattern may control growth. A study suggests the distribution of grain boundaries in this pattern might be determinant for controlling lateral growth.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalBiophysical Reviews and Letters·DateSep 12, 2014
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.

Corn spots: Study finds important genes in defense response

North Carolina State University researchers have identified candidate genes controlling the hypersensitive defense response in corn, a rapid localized cell death that limits pathogen spread. The findings could help build better defense responses in corn and other plants.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateSep 12, 2014

Advancing the science for health programming in crisis conditions

Researchers identify five key themes for scientific advancement in humanitarian response, including better use of non-humanitarian data, robust methodologies, and local participation. The evidence base for many current practices remains weak due to lack of data and inadequate information sharing.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalScience·DateSep 12, 2014

Study solves the bluetongue disease 'overwintering' mystery

Researchers discovered that the bluetongue virus overwinters in female midges infected during previous season, allowing it to survive colder temperatures. The findings have significant implications for predicting and controlling the disease's spread.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 12, 2014

The shadow of a disease

Researchers developed an optical method called iSCAT to detect individual proteins, such as those in cancers, using scattered light shadows. The method promises more sensitive diagnoses and sheds light on fundamental biochemical processes.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 12, 2014
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.

UMass Amherst chemist receives National Pharmacopeia Award

UMass Amherst doctoral student Khaja Muneeruddin has received the 2014-15 Global Fellowship Award for developing new analytical methods to characterize complex pharmaceuticals. The award aims to advance research in quality standards and support his work on creating novel assays for drug manufacturers.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateSep 12, 2014

Boosting armor for nuclear-waste eating microbes

Researchers at Michigan State University have enhanced microbes to clean up nuclear waste by strengthening their pili nanowires. The improved microbes form a biofilm with increased armor, allowing them to neutralize more uranium and survive in higher concentrations.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateSep 12, 2014

CCNY analysis explains rich bird biodiversity in Neotropics

A team of researchers challenged traditional views on how birds ended up in the Neotropics, proposing speciation driven by bird movements across physical barriers. The CCNY analysis suggests that geological changes may not have been the primary driver of biodiversity.

SourceCity College of New York·JournalNature·DateSep 12, 2014

From worm muscle to spinal discs

Researchers found that a muscle, called axochord, runs along the midline of marine worm Platynereis, similar to where the notochord would be in chordates. This discovery suggests that the notochord may have evolved from a muscle-based structure in an ancient ancestor.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalScience·DateSep 12, 2014
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.