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Science News Archive September 2014


Page 18 of 34

Rice rolls 'neat' nanotube fibers

Researchers at Rice University have successfully created strong conductive carbon threads using single-walled carbon nanotubes. By infusing the nanotubes with potassium and employing cage-like crown ethers, they were able to align the tubes and create a gel that could be extruded into fibers.

Protein courtship revealed through chemist's lens

A new method allows researchers to observe ultra-weak protein-protein interactions, which are crucial for protein cooperation and disease prevention. This discovery has significant implications for pharmaceutical development, disease research, and understanding of protein aggregation.

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.

Tigers, pandas and people a recipe for conservation insight

A study comparing the Wolong Nature Reserve in China and Chitwan National Park in Nepal highlights the importance of considering human dynamics in conservation efforts. By understanding how people and wildlife interact, scientists can develop more effective policies for protecting endangered species like tigers and pandas.

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.

EEG study findings reveal how fear is processed in the brain

Researchers identified theta and beta wave activity associated with fear processing in the brain, including early increases in theta activity and a left lateralized desynchronization of the beta band. This study provides insight into how the brain prioritizes threatening information over other cognitive processes.

Smithsonian scientists discover tropical tree microbiome in Panama

A recent study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals a vast array of bacteria living on tropical tree leaves, including over 400 species found on a single tree. The discovery has significant implications for understanding forest health, disease resistance, and the impact of climate change.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Small algae with great potential

Scientists from GEOMAR and Thünen Institute demonstrated Emiliania huxleyi's ability to adapt simultaneously to ocean acidification and warming. The study found no interference between adaptations, indicating high potential for evolutionary changes.

Marijuana users who feel low get high

A study of frequent marijuana users found that negative emotions increased in the days leading up to use and didn't improve with cannabis. The research suggests that this can create a vicious cycle where people continue to use the drug despite feeling worse afterward.

The science behind swimming

Researchers discovered a simple scaling law that describes how the speed of an organism changes with its size, movement speed, and other factors. The study found that all animals, from tiny fish larvae to massive whales, can be described by one of two equations, indicating general principles at work.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Cancer and the immune system: A double-edged sword

Researchers found that cancer cells decorate their surfaces with glycans that can promote or inhibit cancer progression depending on the stage of the disease. The immune system may be a double-edged sword in cancer, with certain immune cell receptors binding to these glycans producing opposite outcomes.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Martian meteorite yields more evidence of possibility of life on Mars

Scientists have found a 'cell-like' structure in a Martian meteorite that once held water, providing further evidence for the possibility of life on Mars. The discovery, published in Astrobiology, suggests that beneath the surface, Mars provides conditions for life to have formed and evolved.

Drug's effect on Alzheimer's may depend on severity of disease

Researchers found that bexarotene reduces amyloid-beta levels in late-stage Alzheimer's mice but increases them in early stages. This study suggests a personalized treatment approach for APOE4 carriers, who may benefit from short-term treatment in later disease stages.

Care coordination can decrease health-care use by frequent users

A study published in Canadian Medical Association Journal found that care coordination strategies can significantly decrease hospital admissions and emergency department visits among older patients with chronic conditions. However, these approaches were less effective in reducing healthcare usage among individuals with mental illness.

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.

Run, cheetah, run

Researchers at MIT have created a robotic cheetah that can run at high speeds using an algorithm inspired by the biomechanics of real cheetahs. The robot's legs are programmed to exert a certain amount of force in the split second during which it hits the ground, allowing it to maintain speed and stability.

Number-crunching could lead to unethical choices, says new study

Researchers found that people in a 'calculative mindset' are more likely to analyze non-numerical problems mathematically and overlook social and moral factors. Participants displayed significantly more selfish behavior when given lessons on calculative economics concepts.

Cellular protein may be key to longevity

Researchers have found that ATF4 levels are elevated in livers of mice exposed to interventions increasing longevity. The protein is shared across diets, drugs, genes, and developmental alterations extending lifespan.

Genetics reveals patients susceptible to drug-induced pancreatitis

A study published in Nature Genetics has identified a genetic marker that increases the risk of pancreatitis in patients prescribed thiopurine drugs. Researchers found that 17% of patients with two copies of the marker are at high risk, four times more than those with one copy.

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.

Satellites show Edouard's transition into an Atlantic Hurricane

NASA's Terra satellite and NOAA's GOES-East satellite captured images of Tropical Storm Edouard as it grew into a Category 2 hurricane. The storm consolidated with its bands of thunderstorms becoming more tightly wrapped around the eye, which became visible on and off during September 14.

Grant to help commercialize silicon surgical blades

A UC Davis engineering professor has developed a technique to mass-produce thin silicon blades at lower cost. The new technology enables the production of sharp blades with reduced manufacturing costs, opening possibilities for incorporating electrical and optical technologies.

'Femme fatale' emerald ash borer decoy lures and kills males

Researchers have designed decoys that mimic female emerald ash borers, enticing male beetles to land on them and get electrocuted. The team's bioreplicated decoys were more attractive to males than simpler 3D-printed decoys due to their fine-scale texture and color.

'Jaws' lived in Doncaster

Fossils of a shark egg case, horseshoe crabs and seed pods have been discovered in Doncaster, providing a window into a tropical water-logged forest teeming with life. The finds are believed to be rare and significant, offering insights into the geological history of Yorkshire.

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.

Network measures predict neuropsychological outcome after brain injury

Researchers identified six hub regions as crucial for cognitive function and found that damage to these areas caused widespread cognitive impairments. In contrast, lesions to other locations resulted in significantly less impairment. This study's findings may improve diagnosis and prognosis for brain injury patients.

Pitt chemical biologist finds new halogenation enzyme

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered a new halogenation enzyme that can selectively replace inert C-H bonds with C-X bonds, enabling the creation of tailored molecules with improved pharmacological profiles. This breakthrough is expected to revolutionize the fields of pharmaceutical and agricultural industries.

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.

Study indicates hunting restrictions for tapirs may not be enough

A recent study published in Oryx, a conservation journal, indicates that lowland tapir populations in French Guiana are at risk despite recent hunting restrictions. The research highlights the need for additional restrictions to ensure the long-term survival of this vulnerable species.

Mindfulness protects adults' health from the impacts of childhood adversity

Adults who experienced childhood adversity show poorer health but those with high mindfulness report better health regardless of adversity levels. Nearly half of adults have multiple types of adverse childhood experiences, and those with higher mindfulness levels have a 50% lower risk of health conditions.

Microbiome research shows each tree species has a unique bacterial identity

Research reveals that 57 Panamanian tree species have distinct bacterial communities on their leaves, with some bacteria linked to nitrogen fixing and methane consumption. The study provides a comparable understanding of the host attributes that explain patterns of microbial diversity in the plant microbiome.

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.

Cells simply avoid chromosome confusion

Researchers found a strong, extra-tight linkage that joins sister chromatids in early stages of meiosis, preventing premature separation and misalignment. This discovery sheds light on the mechanisms that ensure proper distribution of chromosomes in healthy cells.

UH study finds print readers recall more than online readers

A University of Houston study reveals that print readers remember an average of 4.24 news stories, while online readers recall only 3.35 stories. The researchers attribute the difference to the nature of online news as a medium with multiple uses and ephemeral content.

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.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

'Nuclear disasters don't respect national boundaries'

Sonja Schmid, an assistant professor at Virginia Tech, has won a CAREER Award to develop a global nuclear emergency response plan. Her research will address how to create international cooperation and mobilize effective responses to future nuclear disasters.

How are hybridized species affecting wildlife?

Researchers found that hybridization can lead to increased genetic diversity in wild populations, but natural selection can ultimately remove adaptive advantages. The study suggests that hybridized populations may not be as affected by human-mediated hybridization with domesticated species.

Poor diet may increase risk of Parkinson's disease

Research suggests that a high-fat diet can accelerate neurological symptoms in mice genetically predisposed to Parkinson's disease. This diet also causes damage in the brain and affects glucose and insulin regulation.

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.

Researchers control surface tension to manipulate liquid metals

Scientists from North Carolina State University have developed a method for controlling the surface tension of liquid metals by applying very low voltages. This allows researchers to manipulate the shape of antennas, complete or break circuits, and explore various applications in microfluidic channels, MEMS, photonic and optical devices.