Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive September 2014


Page 26 of 34

Graphene gets a 'cousin' in the shape of germanene

A team of European researchers has successfully synthesized germanene, a 2D material with impressive electrical and optical properties. The material was synthesized by depositing individual germanium atoms onto a gold substrate under high temperatures and in an ultra-high vacuum, revealing its characteristic honeycomb structure.

An evolutionary approach to epidemics

Researchers applied evolutionary game theory to analyze disease outbreaks, identifying four key outcomes influenced by government response and healthcare provision. The approach has been tested with actual data from the 2009 influenza outbreak and may inform quarantine measures for future pandemics.

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.

Olaparib tablet safe in pretreated ovarian cancer patients

A phase Ib clinical trial found that olaparib tablets were safe and effective in heavily pretreated ovarian cancer patients, particularly those with BRCA mutations. The treatment regimen provided a response rate of 66 percent and no grade 4 toxicities, making it a promising option for improving cure rates and quality of life.

New digital map reveals stunning hidden archaeology of Stonehenge

The Stonehenge Hidden Landscapes Project has discovered hundreds of new archaeological features using remote sensing techniques and geophysical surveys. The project has revealed detailed maps of burial mounds, Bronze Age settlements, and Iron Age fields, providing a new understanding of the development of Stonehenge over 11,000 years.

No convincing evidence to support use of new hip and knee implants

A recent study by researchers found no conclusive evidence to support the use of new hip and knee implants, highlighting concerns over inadequate regulatory oversight. The review of 15,384 implants in 13,164 patients revealed higher rates of repeat surgery associated with some devices.

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.

First evidence for water ice clouds found outside solar system

Brown dwarf W0855, located just four light-years from our Sun, exhibits frozen clouds of sulfide and water in its atmosphere. This breakthrough finding, published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, provides crucial insights into the atmospheric composition of exoplanet candidates.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis cases linked with asbestos exposure

A proportion of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) cases may be linked with unknown asbestos exposure according to the results of a new study. This would mean that current treatment strategies for IPF need to be altered as people with a history of asbestos exposure are not currently eligible for new treatments.

An appetite for life

A study published in Appetite found that elderly people with fair or poor appetites had higher risks of mortality than those with good appetites. Those with poor appetites consumed a less diverse diet, leading to lower energy and nutrient intake.

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.

Understanding a molecular motor responsible for human development

Researchers at the University of Bristol have defined the composition of the human cytoplasmic dynein-2 complex, essential for normal human development. This discovery sheds light on ciliopathies, a range of diseases caused by dysfunctional cilia, and could lead to new treatments.

Rice wireless experts tap unused TV spectrum

Researchers at Rice University have created a multiuser, multiantenna transmission scheme for the UHF band, which can serve multiple users simultaneously over long distances. The new technology combines proven technologies like MIMO to boost data rates without increasing power or channel usage.

Co-flowing liquids can stabilize chaotic 'whipping' in microfluidic jets

A research team led by Alberto Fernandez-Nieves has figured out how to convert the standard chaotic waveform to a stable helical form. By controlling the viscosity and speed of the secondary liquid surrounding the jets, they were able to stabilize the structure associated with the whipping behavior.

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.

NASA catches the end of Tropical Depression 14W

Tropical Depression 14W made landfall in southeastern China on September 8 after forming in the South China Sea. NASA's Aqua satellite captured infrared data showing a powerful storm with cold cloud top temperatures near -63F/-52C.

Whale sex: It's all in the hips

Research from USC and NHM found that whale pelvic bones serve a purpose and are influenced by sexual selection. The study compared the size of pelvic bones to testis size, revealing a correlation between more competitive mating environments and larger pelvic bones.

Study puts some mussels into Bay restoration

Researchers found that mussels on restored oyster reefs can filter up to two-fold more plankton than oysters alone, significantly enhancing water quality. This discovery could increase the 'return on investment' for oyster-reef restoration projects.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Fish as good as chimpanzees at choosing the best partner for a task

Researchers at the University of Cambridge found that coral trout are as proficient as chimpanzees in determining when to collaborate and selecting the most effective partner. The study showed that the fish can learn quickly and make informed decisions about their collaborators, mirroring human-like abilities.

Researchers part water

Researchers have developed a method to isolate and separate para and ortho water molecules, which differ in their nuclear spin states. This breakthrough could provide new insights into various phenomena, including the study of interstellar ice and protein structures.

Coral trout pick their collaborators carefully

Researchers found that coral trout can choose the best moray partner for hunting, and even learn which one is more helpful. They use intentional communication to manipulate the behavior of suitable species to achieve a common goal.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Brain damage caused by severe sleep apnea is reversible

A neuroimaging study reveals that severe obstructive sleep apnea causes significant damage to brain white matter integrity in multiple brain areas. However, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy has been shown to reverse this damage and improve cognitive function, mood, and quality of life after just 12 months of treatment.

Novel cancer drug proves safe for leukemia patients

A new cancer drug targeting mitochondrial function has been proven safe and showed some efficacy in a Phase I clinical trial for leukemia patients. The drug selectively shut down energy production in cancer cells, which can reproduce faster and repair damage from chemotherapy.

Transformative science

A new partnership between NSF, NCI, SU2C, and The V Foundation will explore transformative, theoretical biophysics for cancer research and treatment. This collaboration aims to merge life sciences with physical, computational, and engineering sciences to develop innovative approaches.

A single evolutionary road may lead to Rome

Researchers identified a shared gene responsible for flashy markings in two butterfly families, tracing it back to their ancient ancestors. This finding suggests that simple traits may follow a single evolutionary road, potentially revolutionizing our understanding of evolution.

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.

Rice chemist wins rare NSF Special Creativity Award

Zubarev's team is refining methods to produce more gold nanorods using ascorbic acid, with potential applications in medical diagnostics and photothermal therapy. The NSF grant extension will support further research into processing and incorporating nanorods into metamaterials.

Sodium's influence on blood pressure statistically insignificant

A new study published in the American Journal of Hypertension suggests that sodium intake has a minimal impact on blood pressure. Higher consumption of fruits and vegetables was shown to significantly lower blood pressure, while increased physical activity showed no noticeable effect.

Rapid and durable protection against ebola virus with new vaccine regimens

Researchers have successfully tested a new vaccine regimen that provides rapid protection against Ebola virus in monkeys, with some animals remaining protected for up to 10 months after vaccination. The experimental ChAd3 Ebola vaccine demonstrated strong immune responses in both single-dose and prime-boost regimens.

Bacteria from bees possible alternative to antibiotics

Researchers identified lactic acid bacteria in honey that effectively counteracted severe human wound pathogens and persistent horse wounds. The bacteria produce a broad spectrum of antimicrobial compounds as needed, depending on the threat.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Gobbling up poison: A method for killing colon cancer

Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have discovered a novel approach to killing colon cancer cells by using an antibody that targets the GUCY2C receptor, which is over-produced and exhibited on the surface of cancer cells. The immunotoxin selectively destroys colon cancer cells while sparing surrounding tissue.

New mechanism in gene regulation revealed

Scientists have unraveled a molecular mechanism of mRNA recognition, essential for understanding differential gene regulation in male and female organisms. This principle represents an essential and widespread mechanism of gene regulation in higher organisms.

Doped graphene nanoribbons with potential

Scientists create doped graphene nanoribbons with nitrogen atoms, enabling directional electronic current flow and solving scaling issues. The development allows for the transfer of ultra-narrow graphene ribbons onto non-conductive materials, paving the way for future graphene-based electronics.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

UCLA biologists delay the aging process by 'remote control'

Researchers identified a gene called AMPK that can slow the aging process throughout the entire body when activated remotely in key organ systems. Activating AMPK in fruit flies increased their lifespans by about 30 percent and kept them healthier longer.

E-cigarette nicotine refill cartridges pose danger for toddlers

E-cigarette nicotine refill cartridges contain high levels of nicotine, posing a risk to young children who may accidentally ingest them. The US CDC reports a massive rise in accidental poison calls related to e-cigarette refills, with over half involving children under 5.

Study finds tear gas could have temporary impact on lung health

A study found that tear gas exposure can lead to respiratory symptoms such as coughing, chest pain, and phlegm production in protesters, with the effects lasting up to two weeks. Researchers also discovered that people living near protest areas were exposed to harmful lung health effects from tear gas use.

Miriam Hospital among national research group awarded $20 million NIH grant

The Miriam Hospital is part of a research collaboration that has received a $20 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to develop an intravaginal ring (IVR) that can deliver powerful antiretroviral drugs to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted HIV in women. The project will test multiple-drug combinations to d...

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.

Textbook theory behind volcanoes may be wrong

Researchers confirm that textbook theory behind volcanoes is incorrect, with no evidence for narrow mantle plumes. Instead, large, slow-moving chunks of mantle drive volcano formation through plate tectonics.

Layered graphene sandwich for next generation electronics

Scientists have successfully demonstrated how combining hexagonal boron nitride and graphene can create perfect crystals capable of being used in ultra-high frequency devices. The research paves the way for innovative applications in high-frequency electronics.

Sex hormones may play a part in autism

A study found that autistic males have lower levels of estrogen receptors and aromatase, an enzyme converting testosterone to estradiol. This could lead to increased testosterone levels, potentially contributing to the disorder's prevalence in men. The findings suggest a possible reason for the gender bias in autism diagnosis.

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.

In directing stem cells, study shows context matters

Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison found that the stiffness of surfaces on which stem cells are grown influences cell fate. A soft, brain tissue-like surface directed cells to become neurons, while stiffer surfaces favored the stem cell state.

NASA sees post-Tropical Cyclone Norbert fading near Baja California

Post-tropical cyclone Norbert is weakening and losing strength, but still causing rough surf along the Baja California coast. The storm's remnants are expected to spread heavy rains and life-threatening flash flooding across northern Mexico and the southwestern United States.

Input from a psychologist can help improve asthma symptoms

A new study suggests that addressing psychological needs can help alleviate severe asthma symptoms. The research found a 42% reduction in hospital days among patients who received psychological support after experiencing an asthma exacerbation.

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.

Sun-powered desalination for villages in India

Researchers at MIT have developed a solar-powered desalination system that can provide clean drinking water to villages in India. The system, which uses electrodialysis technology, is more energy-efficient and cost-effective than traditional reverse-osmosis systems.

First-ever look inside a working lithium-ion battery

Using a neutron beam, researchers at Ohio State University track lithium atoms in real time as batteries charge and discharge. This technique, called neutron depth profiling, may help explain why rechargeable batteries lose capacity over time.

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.

To admit or not to admit: Variation in hospitalizations from ER costs billions

A new University of Michigan study found significant variation in hospital admissions for ER patients with common non-life-threatening conditions, resulting in estimated annual costs of $5 billion and $266 billion. The study analyzed data from 961 hospitals and 28.5 million emergency visits, revealing that some conditions had high rate...

Light detector to revolutionize night vision technology

A team of researchers at Monash University has developed a light detector based on graphene that can detect light over an unusually broad range of wavelengths, including terahertz waves. This breakthrough could lead to inexpensive infrared cameras or night-vision goggles with unparalleled sensitivity and speed.