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Science News Archive September 2014


Page 30 of 34

Atomically thin material opens door for integrated nanophotonic circuits

Researchers developed a basic model circuit combining silver nanowire and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) that efficiently guides electricity and light along the same wire. The material enables strong light emission and efficient energy transfer, promising to improve mobile technology performance and efficiency.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Archerfish target shoot with 'skillfully thrown' water

Researchers reveal that archerfish actively control the dynamics of their water jets to hit targets at varying distances, employing a unique tool-using behavior. This adaptability has potential applications in human-built nozzles and industries.

Implact of dexamethasone on intelligence and hearing in preterm infants

A meta-analysis of 10 randomized controlled trials found that dexamethasone may impact preterm infant intelligence in early stages after birth, but lead to hearing impairment at later stages. The study provides evidence for clinical application of dexamethasone in treating respiratory distress syndrome and chronic lung diseases.

Study shows complexities of reducing HIV rates in Russia

A new study in Russia highlights the challenges of reducing HIV transmission among heavy drinkers. The study shows that a behavioral intervention did not lead to a reduction in STIs and HIV risk behaviors, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions. Researchers recommend exploring alternative approaches to stem the growing epidemic.

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.

An 'anchor' that keeps proteins together

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum have discovered a new scaffold protein called PRO40 that plays a crucial role in the production of fruiting bodies in hyphae fungi. By binding to specific kinases, PRO40 enables signal transmission and regulates MAP kinase modules.

Harvard and Cornell researchers develop untethered, autonomous soft robot

Researchers at Harvard University and Cornell University have developed a non-rigid, shape-changing robot that can walk on four legs and operate without constraints. The robot can function in snowstorms, move through puddles of water, and withstand limited exposure to flames, with a payload capacity of up to 8 kg.

Should scientists handle retractions differently?

A recent study by MIT scholars reveals that retracted papers can have a significant impact on the field, causing a relative decline in citations and funding. The study highlights the need for scientists to describe the nature of each retraction in more detail, as well as the importance of separating scientific value from misconduct.

Researchers identify new rare neuromuscular disease

A new inherited neuromuscular disorder has been identified, resulting from a genetic mutation disrupting nerve-muscle communication. The condition affects multiple generations and is associated with mutations in the synaptotagmin 2 protein.

Artificial cells take their first steps

Scientists at Technical University of Munich created a simple cell model with a specific function using basic ingredients. The artificial cell can move and change shape without external influences, mimicking natural cell behavior.

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.

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.

Cystic fibrosis: Additional immune dysfunction discovered

Research found that cystic fibrosis patients have a deficiency in the immune system, specifically with HLA-DQ molecules on their cells. This deficiency affects the body's ability to fight off infections and is linked to the disease's progression.

Titania-based material holds promise as new insulator for superconductors

Researchers from NC State University have developed a titania-based material that can effectively insulate superconducting magnets, allowing for the preservation of electrical pathways and efficient heat dissipation. This breakthrough has significant implications for next-generation power generation technologies and medical devices.

Scientists prove ground and tree salamanders have same diets

Researchers found that red-legged salamanders on trees had the same diet as those on the ground, contradicting the theory that climbing allows access to new food sources. The study suggests alternative explanations for salamander behavior, including competition and predator avoidance.

Sugar substitutes not so super sweet after all

A study by Penn State researchers found that non-nutritive sweeteners are not as sweet as commonly believed, contrary to marketing claims. Participants could detect these sweeteners at lower levels but did not perceive them as sweeter than sugar.

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.

Researchers define a spontaneous retinal neovascular mouse model

A novel mutant mouse model, NRV2, has been developed to study retinal neovascularization, a condition characterized by abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina. The researchers found that NRV2 mice show spontaneous retinal depigmentation and neovascularization, which mimic the early clinical stages of RAP disease in humans.

Trinity geologists re-write Earth's evolutionary history books

Researchers found evidence of chemical weathering and soil formation at least 60 million years earlier than previously thought. This discovery suggests that oxygen-producing species existed on Earth 3 billion years ago, paving the way for complex life to evolve.

Reacting to personal setbacks: Do you bounce back or give up?

A new study from Rutgers University-Newark reveals that the ability to persist in the face of personal setbacks may depend on how the news is delivered. The study found that when individuals perceive a loss of control, activity in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex is necessary to promote persistence.

Birth of a mineral

Researchers used a powerful microscope to study the birth of crystals in real time, revealing that calcium carbonate forms into different minerals through various pathways. This discovery may help scientists understand how to lock carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and better reconstruct ancient climates.

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.

Pesticide risk assessments seen as biased

A study published in BioScience argues that the US Environmental Protection Agency's pesticide risk assessment practices are flawed, inviting bias towards industry interests. The agency's reliance on manufacturer-funded studies and rigid inclusion criteria may lead to incomplete assessments. The authors recommend improving the process ...

Lesbian, gay and bisexual populations in England report poorer health

A new study by RAND Corporation reveals that lesbian, gay and bisexual women and men in England are more likely to suffer from poor health than the general population. They also experience unfavorable healthcare experiences, including negative interactions with primary care physicians and nurses.

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.

Ship ahoy! Fraunhofer displays innovations at SMM

The Fraunhofer Institute is showcasing its Virtual Maritime Interior Configurator, a tool that enables realistic planning of ship interiors without physical mock-ups. The company is also introducing the Crew Compliance Organizer software to simplify crew management and reduce regulatory violations. Additionally, Fraunhofer will display...

Transplanted stem cells help prevent bladder fibrosis after spinal cord injury

Researchers found that transplanting B10 human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells into the bladder wall of mice with spinal cord injury improved bladder function by promoting the growth of smooth muscle cells. This study provides potential evidence for MSC-based cell transplantation as a novel therapeutic strategy for bladder d...

Live from inside a battery

Lithium-ion battery researchers observed the phenomenon of 'lithium plating' during charging, which can cause short-circuits and reduce battery performance. The study used neutron diffraction to investigate the mechanism at work, shedding light on how lithium plating occurs and potentially paving the way for faster-charging batteries.

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.

Is type 2 diabetes 'diabetes' as currently understood?

A new study published in PLOS ONE suggests that the current way of diagnosing type-2 diabetes using blood glucose levels needs to be revised. The researchers found changes in blood fat metabolites before glucose levels increased, indicating a potential alternative approach for diagnosis and treatment.

The Aboriginal world and the challenges of living together

A seven-year research partnership aims to improve socioeconomic conditions for Aboriginal Peoples through greater involvement in education, health care, and sustainable development. The project also explores Aboriginal civil society, governance, and relations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Wind energy cuts the electricity bill

A study by the University of the Basque Country found that wind energy produced savings of between 25 and 45 euros per megawatt hour in the early stages of renewable energy integration. However, as the penetration of renewable energy grew exponentially from 2010 onwards, the regulatory costs rose excessively, imposing a positive net co...

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.

Estrogen increases cannabis sensitivity

A new study from Washington State University found that estrogen levels significantly increase tolerance to THC in female rats, making them more vulnerable to negative side effects. The research suggests that women are at higher risk of experiencing anxiety, paranoia, and addiction when using cannabis.

Airlock-like transport protein structure discovered

Researchers have elucidated the atomic structures of sugar transporters, revealing an 'airlock-like' mechanism that moves sugars in multiple stages. This discovery is crucial for understanding diseases like diabetes and improving crop yields.

Forming consensus in social networks

Researchers developed a novel computational model to capture the process of reaching consensus in social networks. The model analyzes communication patterns and handles uncertainties associated with soft data, establishing conditions for agents to reach a consensus that is consistent with the ground truth.

Researchers unlock new mechanism in pain management

A team of researchers at the University of Calgary has discovered a new mechanism that can reverse chronic pain conditions. They found that interfering with the communication between a specific enzyme and calcium channels in nerve cells can shut off pain signals.

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.

Study finds 'family meal' ideal is stressful, impossible for many families

Research from North Carolina State University reveals that home-cooked meals and family dinners can be stressful and impossible for many families due to financial limitations. The study found that middle-class and poor families face significant challenges in accessing healthy food, including transportation and kitchen tools.

Research finds crowdsourcing is vulnerable to malicious behavior

Researchers found that crowdsourcing openness makes it susceptible to malicious behavior, including sabotaging progress and submitting misinformation. The study published in Journal of the Royal Society Interface highlights the need for effective deterrents against attackers.

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.

Tree frogs speed up their life cycle when becoming lunch

Hansen's tree frog embryos hatch earlier after being preyed upon by katydids, responding to chemical cues. This flexible hatching behavior allows the frog an adaptive advantage, as it gives them time to escape into the next life-stage.

CNIO experts discover the genomic origin of telomere protectors

Researchers have identified the specific chromosomes where telomere-protecting RNAs (TERRAs) originate from. The study reveals that TERRAs exclusively come from chromosome 18 and to a lesser extent from chromosome 9. This discovery will help design tools to study their role in telomere biology and disease.

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.

Fingerprints for freight items

Researchers at Fraunhofer IFF are developing a digital fingerprint system for freight items to verify security status throughout the transport chain. This system aggregates features like 3D contours and RFID identifiers into one central profile, allowing for accurate information on security status.