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Science News Archive September 2014


Page 13 of 34

Video game could help anxious children

A new video game called MindLight is being tested to see if it can help youth cope with and conquer their anxiety. The game, designed for children aged 8-16, uses neurofeedback technology to measure the player's level of relaxation or anxiety, providing a safe space for kids to practice regulating their emotions.

Miranda: An icy moon deformed by convection

Numerical models suggest that Miranda's corona formation was driven by tidal heating and convection in the ice mantle. This process is similar to plate tectonics on Earth, resulting in extensional tectonic faults and surface deformation.

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.

A more efficient, lightweight and low-cost organic solar cell

Researchers at UMass Amherst have developed a new type of organic solar cell that can use virtually any metal for the electrode, effectively breaking the 'electrode barrier'. The new design allows for improved electron transport efficiency and reduced work function, making it more efficient and cost-effective.

The 'Angelina Effect' was not only immediate, but also long-lasting

Research reveals a two-and-a-half-fold increase in referrals by GPs for June and July 2013 after Angelina Jolie's announcement, with continued rise through October. The study found that many women with family history of breast cancer were referred for testing, contradicting concerns about 'worried well' individuals.

Researchers develop unique waste cleanup for rural areas

Washington State University researchers have developed a unique method to use microbes in pond sediment to power waste cleanup in rural areas. The microbe-powered system reduces pollution and greenhouse gas emissions by utilizing biological reactions from microbes to generate electricity.

Kids eat better if their parents went to college

Children of college-educated parents are more likely to eat vegetables and drink less sugary drinks, but all kids fall short when it comes to healthy eating at school. The study also found that low-income families face tough choices about packing lunches due to higher-priced healthier options.

Video games could dramatically streamline educational research

Researchers at Washington State University have developed a novel method for educational research using computational modeling with video games. This approach allows computers to learn student behavior and think like students, making it possible to test multiple interventions before classroom implementation.

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.

Language evolution: Quicker on the uptake

A study published in PNAS found that the Foxp2 gene enhances learning ability, allowing humans to acquire and creatively manipulate spoken language more quickly than other animals. The gene modulates the balance between conscious and unconscious learning processes, enabling faster language acquisition.

UT Dallas study uncovers factors in students' reporting of weapons at school

A UT Dallas study found that high academic achievement and school attachment increase willingness to report knowledge about guns and knives, while prior knowledge of school security is associated with increased intent to report. Most students would report a gun or knife to parents, family members, or authority figures.

Hepatitis C virus proteins in space

Two researchers from the Technical University of Munich have won an International Space Station Research Competition to study the structure of Hepatitis C virus proteins in microgravity. The project aims to identify new targets for medications and could lead to breakthroughs in treating the disease, which is prevalent in Egypt.

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.

Evolution of responses to (un)fairness

A review article examines how humans and non-human species respond to unfairness, revealing that reactions are driven by cooperation and social reciprocity. The study suggests that fairness is not the primary motivator, but rather maintaining good relations through reward division.

LSU Health research discovers means to free immune system to destroy cancer

Researchers at LSU Health New Orleans have discovered that the protein Chop regulates the activity and accumulation of cells that suppress the immune response against tumors. The study found that removing Chop boosts the effectiveness of treatment, revealing it as a target for developing new immunotherapies to treat cancer.

Down syndrome helps researchers understand Alzheimer's disease

Researchers studied adults with Down syndrome to understand the role of amyloid-β protein in memory and cognitive function. Contrary to expectations, many individuals with elevated amyloid-β levels did not exhibit negative consequences, highlighting the complexity of 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.

Middle school dilemma: Girls' body image affected by older peers

A study found that female early adolescents who attend schools with older girls report a greater desire to be thin and less satisfaction with their bodies. This suggests that school grade groupings may influence the pace and timing of body image changes during adolescence.

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.

NASA sees Hurricane Edouard enter cooler waters

Hurricane Edouard's minimum central pressure was nearly as low as when it was a category 3 hurricane. The storm is expected to weaken and become post-tropical before winding up west of the Azores in a few days.

First eyewitness accounts of mystery volcanic eruption

Researchers discovered early observations of a 19th-century volcanic eruption, dated to within a fortnight of December 4, 1808. The 'Unknown' eruption occurred before the famous 1815 Tambora volcano, which had significant global impacts on climate and inspired literary works like 'Darkness.'

Gambling with confidence: Are you sure about that?

Scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory identified a brain region in rats responsible for their confidence in decisions. The study used rats to test decision-making and found that a specific region of the orbitofrontal cortex plays a crucial role in measuring confidence.

CHEST announces China as site of CHEST World Congress 2016

The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) will host CHEST World Congress 2016 in China, offering hands-on simulation training, keynote addresses, and presentations by leading health-care experts. The event aims to improve patient care through global collaboration and sharing of clinical knowledge.

Nuclear spins control current in plastic LED

Physicists at the University of Utah have developed a method to control electrical current in a cheap, plastic LED using nuclear spins. They achieved this at room temperature without strong magnetic fields, bringing the study closer to practical machines that work spintronically.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Sensing neuronal activity with light

Researchers at Caltech have developed a new tool that uses genetic engineering and light to visualize and map neural networks in living organisms. The tool, which detects changes in membrane voltage, allows for real-time observation of neuronal activity and its effects on behavior.

How pneumonia bacteria can compromise heart health

Researchers discovered that Streptococcus pneumoniae, the cause of most cases of bacterial pneumonia, can invade the heart and cause death of heart muscle cells. The study found that the pneumolysin toxin is responsible for this damage, and that an experimental vaccine formulation protected mice against cardiac invasion and heart damage.

Fall foliage season may be later, but longer on warmer Earth

Research suggests that fall foliage seasons in the US could be delayed by one to three weeks by the end of the century, affecting agriculture, water supplies, and ecosystems. Daily temperatures and daylight hours can predict leaf coloration, with regional differences playing a significant role.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

A new way to prevent the spread of devastating diseases

Researchers at Caltech have developed a new technique called vectored immunoprophylaxis (VIP) to prevent the spread of diseases like HIV, malaria, and influenza. This method provides specific antibodies that can neutralize pathogens, offering a potential solution for widespread use in the less developed world.

Stem cells use 'first aid kits' to repair damage

Researchers at the University of Cambridge discovered that stem cells 'communicate' with damaged cells by transferring molecules via fluid-filled bags called vesicles, helping other cells modify the damaging immune response. This novel mechanism enables stem-cell-based therapies to work more efficiently.

How stress tears us apart

A team from EPFL Brain Mind Institute finds that chronic stress activates an enzyme that reduces nectin-3 cell adhesion proteins, leading to social skills loss and impaired memory. External treatments can restore sociability and normal cognitive skills.

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.

Study provides insight about providing private mental health service to veterans

A RAND Corporation report examines a unique partnership providing private mental health services to veterans and their families, highlighting key findings on outreach and engagement strategies. The study's insights could inform VA reform efforts, emphasizing the importance of addressing mental health needs in returning service members.

Pupil size shows reliability of decisions

A new study published in PLOS Computational Biology found that pupil size can predict the reliability of decisions. Researchers measured pupil size before participants made decisions and found that larger pupils were associated with poorer performance.

Research milestone in CCHF virus could help identify new treatments

Researchers at Texas Biomedical Institute have discovered new cellular factors essential for CCHFV infection, revealing the site where a drug therapy would need to act. The findings suggest that multivesicular bodies are critical for CCHFV replication and hold promise for broad-spectrum antiviral treatments.

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.

Small, fast, and crowded: Mammal traits amplify tick-borne illness

A new study finds that small, fast-living mammals and high population densities can increase the risk of tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease and anaplasmosis. Research suggests that animals with fast life history features and large populations are more effective at transmitting pathogens to ticks.

Global agriculture: More land, fewer harvests

A new study projects a significant loss of suitable agricultural land in Mediterranean regions and parts of Sub-Saharan Africa under climate change, while high latitudes experience an expansion of cropland. The simulation highlights the need for sustainable land management and adaptation measures to ensure food security.

Tree rings and arroyos

Researchers use tree rings to date arroyo sedimentary beds and combine data with aerial imagery and LiDAR to reconstruct the history of these arroyos. The study reveals that arroyos are unstable features that shift between broad floodplains and incised channels, and that upstream progression is limited to specific locations.

Cooling of dialysis fluids protects against brain damage

A randomized clinical trial found that cooling dialysis fluids to 0.5°C below body temperature protects against progressive white matter brain injury due to blood pressure instability. This simple intervention does not just improve patient comfort but completely prevents brain damage in patients undergoing dialysis.

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.

Human sense of fairness evolved to favor long-term cooperation

Research suggests that humans' sense of fairness evolved to prioritize long-term cooperation, with a preference for equal outcomes and stable relationships. This evolution is rooted in our ability to think about the future and exercise self-control, allowing us to make sacrifices for the benefit of others.

Penn research helps uncover mechanism behind solid-solid phase transitions

Researchers from Penn and HKUST discovered a surprising mechanism facilitating one of the two main routes for solid-solid transitions. The process involves the parent phase producing liquid droplets, which then evolve into the daughter phase, revealing new insight into material development and natural processes.

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.

Spouse's personality influences career success, study finds

A new study from Washington University in St. Louis found that a spouse's personality, particularly conscientiousness, plays a significant role in determining career success. Workers with high-conscientious spouses tend to score higher on measures of occupational success.

Flu vaccine for expectant moms a top priority

A flu shot is crucial for pregnant women to prevent serious illness and protect their babies from influenza. Vaccinated moms also have a lower risk of flu-related hospitalizations for chronic asthma, heart conditions, diabetes, and other health issues.

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.

A new quality control pathway in the cell

A new quality control system has been identified in the cell's inner nuclear membrane, degrading misfolded proteins and preventing toxic accumulation. This discovery sheds light on cellular mechanisms for maintaining protein homeostasis.

Tropical fish a threat to Mediterranean Sea ecosystems

Two tropical rabbitfish species are destroying algal forests in eastern Mediterranean, reducing large seaweeds and algae by 65% and 60%. Climate change is enabling their expansion, posing a threat to entire Mediterranean basin.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Decision-support program helps keep seniors out of the emergency room

A study published in Population Health Management found that an Emergency Room Decision-Support (ERDS) program can significantly reduce ER visits and hospital admissions among older adults on Medicare. By improving care coordination, the program saved $1.24 in healthcare costs for every dollar invested.