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Science News Archive September 2014 - Page 30


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.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalOptica·DateSep 4, 2014

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.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 4, 2014
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.

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.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateSep 4, 2014

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.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAddiction·DateSep 4, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateSep 4, 2014

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.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalSoft Robotics·DateSep 4, 2014

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalThe Review of Economics and Statistics·DateSep 4, 2014

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.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateSep 4, 2014
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.

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.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalScience·DateSep 4, 2014
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.

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.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalJournal of Molecular Medicine·DateSep 4, 2014

Use of dengue vaccine may cause short-term spikes in its prevalence

Experts warn that dengue vaccines could lead to short-term spikes in disease incidence, but long-term vaccination will reduce overall infections. The issue arises from the natural fluctuations in mosquito populations and the imperfect vaccine protection.

SourceOregon State University·JournalEpidemiology and Infection·DateSep 4, 2014

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.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalSuperconductor Science and Technology·DateSep 4, 2014
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalCopeia·DateSep 4, 2014

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateSep 4, 2014

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.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 4, 2014

Magnetic nanocubes self-assemble into helical superstructures

Researchers have found that magnetite nanocubes can form chiral helices when exposed to an external magnetic field. The helices are formed through a balance of competing forces, including the Zeeman force and dipole-dipole magnetic force.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalScience·DateSep 4, 2014

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.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalGeology·DateSep 4, 2014
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.

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.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNeuron·DateSep 4, 2014

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.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateSep 4, 2014
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.

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 ...

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateSep 3, 2014

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.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateSep 3, 2014

UCLA-led study identifies genetic factors involved in pediatric ulcerative colitis

Researchers have discovered a link between genetic factors and the development of early-onset ulcerative colitis. The study's findings suggest that phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN) may play a role in helping the disease develop, and that altering the gut microbiome could be a key to prevention.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateSep 3, 2014

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...

SourceFraunhofer-Gesellschaft·DateSep 3, 2014
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

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...

SourceCell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair·JournalCell Transplantation·DateSep 3, 2014

LSU Health New Orleans awarded grant to provide early data on cancer in kids

LSU Health New Orleans will enhance its cancer data on children and young adults by linkages with secondary data sets, providing a more robust research resource. The award aims to better understand why survival rates for adolescents and young adults have not improved over the last two decades.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·DateSep 3, 2014

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.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of Power Sources·DateSep 3, 2014

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.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 3, 2014
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.

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.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·DateSep 3, 2014

IU researchers isolate process that damages lungs of donors with traumatic brain injury

Researchers at Indiana University have isolated a process that damages the lungs of donors who suffered from traumatic brain injury, which may lead to improved lung transplant outcomes. The study found that fluid accumulation in the lungs occurs within hours after head trauma, limiting oxygenation and reducing lung function by nearly 80%.

SourceIndiana University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 3, 2014

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...

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalEnergy Policy·DateSep 3, 2014
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.

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.

SourceWashington State University·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateSep 3, 2014

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.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature·DateSep 3, 2014
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalIEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Signal Processing·DateSep 3, 2014

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.

SourceUniversity of Calgary, Faculty of Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateSep 3, 2014

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.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·Journalسياقات اللغة والدراسات البينية·DateSep 3, 2014
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

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.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateSep 3, 2014

Exposure of pregnant women to certain phenols may disrupt the growth of boys

A study published in Epidemiology found that exposure to parabens and triclosan during pregnancy may hinder boys' growth, while bisphenol A was not associated with any significant impact. The research also suggested a link between parabens and increased weight at birth and three years old.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalEpidemiology·DateSep 3, 2014
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.

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.

SourceSpringer Science+Business Media·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateSep 3, 2014

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.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 3, 2014

40 percent of women with severe mental illness are victims of rape or attempted rape

A new study led by University College London found that 40% of women with severe mental illness have suffered rape or attempted rape in adulthood, compared to 7% of the general population. Women with severe mental illness are also more likely to suffer domestic violence, with 69% reporting childhood abuse and 49% reporting adult abuse.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateSep 3, 2014

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.

SourceFraunhofer-Gesellschaft·DateSep 3, 2014
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.