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Science News Archive September 2014


Page 24 of 34

ESA Certification Corporation names winners of 2014 awards

The ESA Certification Corporation has recognized two professionals, Bob and Kathy, with the ACE Professional Award and Distinguished Service Award to the Certification Program. These individuals were honored for their contributions to the field of entomology and pest management.

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.

Study provides more evidence that sleep apnea is hurting your brain

Researchers at UCLA School of Nursing have found that people with sleep apnea have weaker brain blood flow, which may be damaging the brain. The study used a non-invasive MRI procedure to measure global blood volume and oxygen-dependent signal in the brain, revealing changes in oxygenated blood across the whole brain.

Back pain killing your sex life?

A new study from the University of Waterloo has discovered exactly why certain sex positions trigger back pain, revealing recommendations for couples to manage their pain during intimacy. The findings suggest that men with flexion-intolerant back pain should replace spooning with doggy-style sex and use a hip-hinging motion.

Ferrara receives Champalimaud Award for role in eye disease therapy

Ferrara's discovery of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) led to the development of ranibizumab, a monoclonal antibody drug treating wet macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease. This achievement has significantly improved vision for patients affected by these conditions.

EPSRC's £6 million to drive new Low Carbon Vehicle Technologies research

Two new projects, ELEVATE and Ultra Efficient Engines and Fuels, will develop better materials for energy storage devices and improve internal combustion engine efficiency. The £6 million funding will support academics from eight UK universities in their research to produce low-carbon vehicles on a mass scale.

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.

Happy Camp Fire in California and 790 Fire in Oregon

The 790 Fire in Oregon affects over 3,000 acres with a 54% containment rate, posing risks to natural resources like the Northern Spotted Owl habitat. The Happy Camp Fire Complex in California spans 105,000 acres, with an estimated cost of $60.7 million to fight.

MRI shows gray matter myelin loss strongly related to MS disability

Researchers found that people with multiple sclerosis (MS) lose myelin in their gray matter, a characteristic of the disease that affects brain function. The study's findings suggest that gray matter demyelination is strongly related to MS disability and have important implications for treatment monitoring and clinical trials.

Blocking one receptor could halt rheumatoid arthritis

A team of researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago has identified a single receptor, TLR5, that triggers inflammation and bone degradation in rheumatoid arthritis. Blocking this receptor may provide a new therapeutic target to interrupt the disease's vicious cycle.

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.

SF State astronomer pinpoints 'Venus Zone' around stars

Astronomers have pinpointed the 'Venus Zone' as a critical area around stars where planets are likely to exhibit unlivable conditions. This definition will help Kepler researchers distinguish between habitable and uninhabitable planets, enabling better understanding of Earth's atmospheric evolution.

Diverse neighborhoods may help infants' social learning

A new study found that hearing diverse languages in infancy can make babies more open-minded in their social learning. Infants from diverse neighborhoods were more likely to imitate actions from a non-English speaker than those from less diverse areas.

New species of extinct dolphin sheds light on river dolphin history

A new fossil dolphin species from the Miocene era has been discovered in Peru, shedding light on the history and relationships of river dolphins. The species, Huaridelphis raimondii, is part of a rare extinct family, squalodelphinids, which are related to endangered Ganges and Indus river dolphins.

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.

Behçet's syndrome drugs to be investigated for first time

A three-year study led by the University of Liverpool will investigate the effectiveness of two Behçet's syndrome treatments, potentially saving the NHS £500k. The research aims to identify factors that make medicine work for some patients but not others, allowing doctors to prescribe evidence-based treatment.

How age alters our immune response to bereavement

The study found that younger people have a more robust immune response to grief, while elderly people are more likely to experience reduced immune function. The researchers suggest that hormonal supplements could be used to help individuals at risk of stress, but highlight the importance of a strong support network in managing grief.

Mapping the DNA sequence of Ashkenazi Jews

A comprehensive catalog of mutations in Ashkenazi Jewish genomes was created to improve genomic research and personalized medicine. The study's findings shed light on the population's origins, revealing a mix of European and Middle Eastern ancestry.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Texting gives a voice to community members

A pilot study among low-income African-Americans in Detroit found that texting is the preferred method of collecting real-time information from community members. The study suggests that texting can help give a voice to underrepresented populations and tap into their needs.

Contrast-enhanced CT scan safe for most patients

A large-scale study found that iodine-based contrast material used in CT scans is not linked to kidney damage or death in most patients. The research, conducted at the Mayo Clinic, analyzed data from over 21,000 patients and showed no significant difference in adverse events between those who received contrast and those who did not.

Exercise before school may reduce ADHD symptoms in kids

A new study from Michigan State University and University of Vermont researchers found that daily before-school aerobic activities can help reduce ADHD symptoms in elementary school students. Children with a higher risk of ADHD showed significant improvements across various outcomes compared to those receiving sedentary activities.

Why do mushrooms turn brown?

Scientists from the University of Vienna have identified the enzyme responsible for mushroom browning, which has implications for food spoilage prevention and medical treatment. The study's findings provide a new understanding of the mechanisms behind tyrosinase pigmentation.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

X-ray imaging paves way for novel solar cell production

Scientists from DTU have created a new technique to produce cheap, flexible and versatile double solar cells using roll-to-roll processing. The method uses 3D ptychography to image the layer structure of the tandem solar cell, which converts 2.67% of incoming sunlight into electric energy.

Buckyballs and diamondoids join forces in tiny electronic gadget

Researchers at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have created a molecule that conducts electricity in one direction, paving the way for shrinking chip components down to the size of molecules. The hybrid molecule, known as buckydiamondoid, was made by combining carbon spheres (buckyballs) with tiny diamond cages (diamondoids).

Penn researcher and CVS Health physician urge new payment model for gene therapy

A Penn researcher and CVS Health physician suggest an alternative payment model for gene therapy, which would replace single large payments with annuity payments over a defined period. This approach could help ensure sufficient investments in expensive gene therapies by spreading out payments and linking them to evidence of continued e...

Two-dimensional electron liquids

Researchers have discovered a novel form of superconductivity in two-dimensional electron liquids, characterized by the presence of quantum point contacts. These tiny channels enable the flow of superconducting currents, but with a twist: the spin degree of freedom is broken, allowing for new types of electron transport.

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.

High-stakes testing, lack of voice driving teachers out

A recent study found that standardized testing is a major contributor to teacher turnover, with many educators leaving the profession due to frustration with high-stakes testing. The study's findings suggest that a culture of high-stakes testing can lead to demoralization among teachers and a lack of quality instruction time.

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.

Little fire ant control is a big job

The University of Guam Entomology Lab has received a $50,000 USDA Forestry grant to implement control procedures for the invasive little fire ant (Wasmannia auropunctata) on Guam. The team aims to demonstrate that these ants can be controlled through ongoing funding.

Shift in Arabia sea plankton may threaten fisheries

A growing 'dead zone' in the Arabian Sea allows green Noctiluca scintillans to dominate the base of the food chain, potentially devastating fish populations that support 120 million people. The shift is linked to massive sewage flows and nutrient-rich waters.

Sharks in acidic waters avoid smell of food

A new study suggests that sharks' ability to sense the smell of food may be impaired by rising atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. Adult sharks avoided squid odor after swimming in a pool of water treated with carbon dioxide concentrations consistent with climate forecasts for midcentury and 2100.

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.

Fires continue in Northern California

Storms have caused massive fires in Northern California's Happy Camp Complex, affecting over 99,200 acres. The fire is at 30% containment, with multiple spot fires occurring across the region.

Study sheds light on asthma and respiratory viruses

A new study found that people with asthma have a similar immune response to respiratory viruses as those without asthma, suggesting another aspect of the immune system is at play. The researchers compared the key immune response to viruses in the lungs and breathing passages, finding no significant differences.

Race and ethnicity important when evaluating risk of fat around the heart

Researchers found that African American men with mid-section fat are at higher risk of heart disease, while Korean men with higher BMIs have increased fat around the heart. These findings suggest that race and ethnicity should be considered when designing obesity prevention programs to effectively reduce heart disease risk.

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.

PP&AR sets national agenda for long-term care

The latest issue of Public Policy & Aging Report lays down a policy prescription for a sustainable system of long-term services and supports. The report provides groundwork for policymakers to build upon, with recommendations on financing, delivery, and workforce issues.

Winter is coming: British weather set to become more unsettled

Scientists from the University of Sheffield found that British winters have become increasingly unstable, with contrasting conditions between mild and stormy to cold and snowy. The research suggests a significant rise in variation in weather patterns over the last century, particularly during December.

The saplings go their own way

Researchers found that most young tropical trees grow spatially independent from their parent trees, giving generalist species an edge. This pattern supports the neutral theory, which suggests that random processes shape tree behavior in species-rich forests.

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.

Positive outlook and social support help diabetes patients cope

Researchers found that a positive outlook and support from family and friends help people deal with the emotional, psychological and social challenges of living with diabetes. The study also highlighted the importance of sharing experiences and needs with loved ones to relieve stress and improve health outcomes.

UC San Diego researchers build first 500 GHz photon switch

Researchers at UC San Diego built the first 500 GHz photon switch, enabling ultrafast optical control and opening a new class of sensitive receivers. The team developed a measurement technique to resolve sub-nanometer fluctuations in the fiber core, critical for fast switching and processing.

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.

1 in 5 young men unable to purchase emergency contraception

A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that male shoppers had a 20% chance of being unable to purchase emergency contraception, with nearly three-quarters of pharmacies creating barriers for them. The pharmacies required the presence of a female or her identification card in 73% of cases.

Phosphorus a promising semiconductor

Researchers at Rice University discover that phosphorus exhibits stable semiconducting properties in its 2-D form, even with defects. This property makes it a promising candidate for solar cells and electronics applications.

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.

Why humans don't suffer from chimpanzee malaria

Researchers have identified a genetic region controlling red blood cell invasion in the chimpanzee malaria parasite, which differs from the human malaria parasite. This finding provides potential pathways for developing vaccines against human malaria.

Crystal Solar and NREL team up to cut costs

The new epitaxial system produces up to 500 wafers per hour, reducing wafer cost to 13 cents per watt and potentially making solar energy more competitive with fossil fuels. The technology has the potential to create American jobs and stem the flow of solar cell manufacturing overseas.