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Science News Archive February 2015


Page 10 of 31

Dasgupta receives American Chemical Society's J. Calvin Giddings Award

Dasgupta, a renowned chemist and educator at the University of Texas at Arlington, has received the prestigious J. Calvin Giddings Award for his commitment to teaching and research excellence. The award recognizes his efforts to enhance analytical chemistry students' professional development and publish influential textbooks on teaching.

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.

Beyond silicon: New semiconductor moves spintronics toward reality

A new semiconductor compound is bringing fresh momentum to the field of spintronics, an emerging breed of computing device that may lead to smaller, faster, less power-hungry electronics. The compound's unique low-symmetry crystal structure offers much greater flexibility, enabling precise control over conductivity and magnetism.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Evolving a bigger brain with human DNA

Researchers found a key difference in human and chimpanzee DNA that boosts brain size in mouse embryos. This discovery sheds light on the genetic basis of human brain evolution and may help explain why humans have unique capabilities compared to chimps.

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 finds climate change may dramatically reduce wheat production

A recent study finds that climate change will lead to a significant decrease in wheat production, with yields projected to drop by 6% for each degree Celsius temperature rise. The resulting loss of nearly one-quarter of current wheat production could severely impact global food supplies.

New nanogel for drug delivery

A new type of self-healing hydrogel has been developed by MIT chemical engineers that can carry one or two drugs at a time. The gel consists of a mesh network made of nanoparticles and polymers that can be injected through a syringe and released over several days, targeting specific tissues and allowing for long-term drug delivery.

New ALS gene and signaling pathways identified

Researchers have identified a new gene, TBK1, associated with sporadic ALS, highlighting the importance of inflammation and autophagy pathways. The study also found that OPTN may be a major player in the disease, interacting physically and functionally with TBK1.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Combination of imaging methods improves diagnostics

Researchers at Helmholtz Zentrum München developed an approach to quantify gadolinium-based contrast agents in tissue using MALDI-MS imaging, correlating it with MRI images. This combination improves diagnostic value by detecting tissue-related kinetics of contrast agents used in myocardial infarction models.

Cattle damage to riverbanks can be undone

A study published in Springer's Environmental Management journal found that removing grazing cattle from a wildlife refuge in Oregon has led to significant rehabilitation of the natural environment. The removal of cattle has resulted in an increase in woody riparian vegetation, reduction in erosion, and improved water quality.

Clearing up Europe's air pollution hotspots

Current EU legislation will lead to significant improvements in particulate matter pollution, but many areas of Europe will still exceed limits. The study identifies Eastern Europe, Southern Poland, and major cities as hotspots that require targeted emission controls.

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.

Caribbean coral findings may influence Barrier Reef studies

Researchers found that symbiotic algae Symbiodinium D is more common in Caribbean corals than previously thought, suggesting potential for coral resilience. This discovery could inform future analysis of the Great Barrier Reef's response to climate change.

Statins may not lower Parkinson's risk

A recent study suggests that statins may not protect against Parkinson's disease, despite previous reports of a potential link. The research found no evidence that statin use lowered the risk of PD, and may even increase it over 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.

Gene may help reduce GM contamination

Researchers at the University of Guelph identified a gene that can make certain plants self-pollinate, reducing the risk of genetically modified crop contamination. The discovery could also benefit perfume-makers by allowing for more control over fragrance production.

Smarter multicore chips

Researchers at MIT developed a system that cleverly distributes data around multicore chips' memory banks, improving execution times by 18 percent on average while increasing energy efficiency. In simulations involving a 64-core chip, the system increased computational speeds by 46 percent while reducing power consumption by 36 percent.

Neck pain can be changed through altered visual feedback

Research shows that altering visual cues can impact pain by changing the physical point at which pain is experienced. Participants who suffered from chronic neck pain were shown to have a broader range of motion when visual feedback understated head rotation and a reduced range when it overstated head rotation.

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.

Jumping genes have essential biological functions

Researchers have discovered that Alu RNAs form complexes with specific proteins, regulating ribosome activity and contributing to cell immunity. This process helps cells adapt to stress and defend against viruses, such as HIV and hepatitis C.

Diet quality declines worldwide, but with major differences across countries

The study found that overall diet quality worsened globally despite increased consumption of healthier foods in many countries. Poorer regions, such as Sub Saharan Africa and Latin America, showed little improvement in dietary patterns, highlighting the need for urgent action to address diet-related health issues.

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.

$8 million grant to fund Rat Genome Database at MCW

The Medical College of Wisconsin has received a $8 million grant to fund the Rat Genome Database, providing a globally-accessible collection of data from ongoing rat genetic and genomic research. The database holds nearly 4.5 million functional data annotations for rat, human, and mouse genes, as well as files on specific animal strains.

NASA's MAVEN spacecraft completes first deep dip campaign

MAVEN spacecraft completed its first deep-dip campaign, gathering measurements closer to the lower end of the Martian upper atmosphere. The campaign allows scientists to study connections between the lower and upper atmospheres, shedding light on gas escape and climate history.

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.

Sickness and health between men and women

A study by Washington State University researchers found that women are more impacted by illness than men, unless multiple symptoms are present. Women with specific personality types, such as high agreeableness or low conscientiousness, may experience less impact from mental illness due to their social networks and coping mechanisms.

Why are kidney patients starting dialysis sooner?

A recent study found that patients with advanced kidney disease have been initiating dialysis progressively earlier over time. Despite no measurable differences in patient sickness or reasons for dialysis, the trend suggests a shift towards embracing higher levels of kidney function as acceptable for dialysis initiation.

Does dark matter cause mass extinctions and geologic upheavals?

Research suggests that Earth's movement through dark matter may perturb comets' orbits, leading to heat in the Earth's core, which could trigger events like volcanic eruptions and changes in sea level. This phenomenon may hold the answer to understanding large-scale extinction events.

NASA covers Tropical Cyclone Lam's landfall in northern territory

Tropical Cyclone Lam made landfall in Australia's Northern Territory, with NASA satellites and instruments gathering data on the storm's structure and behavior before and after landfall. The storm was characterized by sustained winds of up to 90 knots (103.6 mph) and heavy rainfall rates of almost 55 mm per hour.

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.

New NIST tools to help boost wireless channel frequencies and capacity

Researchers at NIST are developing measurement tools for channels that could offer more than 1,000 times the bandwidth of today's cell phone systems. The tools will enable the development of innovative millimeter-wave wireless technologies and support the expected increases in demand for wireless capacity.

A new view of the solar system: Astrophysical jets driven by the sun

Scientists discover that the sun's magnetic field controls the large-scale shape of the heliosphere, producing two jets that split its tail, similar to astrophysical jets observed in other stars and black holes. The discovery could lead to better understanding of particle acceleration, cosmic rays, and space travel protection.

NASA satellites reveal Tropical Cyclone Lam strengthening

NASA's Aqua satellite captured infrared data on Tropical Cyclone Lam, revealing a large area of strong thunderstorms circling the center of the storm. The system is expected to intensify to Category one hurricane status, bringing heavy rainfall and powerful winds to northern Australia.

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.

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.

Doctoral students to develop gentle anti-tumor drugs

A European Training Network is supporting the development of targeted cancer medication using peptides as delivery vectors. The goal is to create effective treatments with fewer side effects, building on the concept of "magic bullets" coined by Nobel laureate Paul Ehrlich.

Hydrogel baits offer novel way to manage invasive ants

Researchers found that hydrogels saturated with thiamethoxam dissolved in sugar water reduced the Argentine ant population by 94% in two weeks. The use of hydrogel baits offers an inexpensive, easy-to-apply alternative to traditional pesticides, reducing environmental costs and selectively targeting invasive ants.

Best drug to improve poor vision in diabetes

A national study found Eylea effective in improving eyesight for individuals with poor vision due to diabetic macular edema. The condition affects an estimated 7.7 million people in the US, and treatment options are limited, making informed decisions crucial.

Igniting the air for atmospheric research

Austro-Russian research team develops high-energy mid-infrared laser capable of igniting laser filaments in air at normal atmospheric pressure. This technology enables tracing pollutants in the atmosphere using back-scattered light analysis.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Development of personalized cellular therapy for brain cancer

A preclinical study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found engineered T cells to be both safe and effective at controlling tumor growth in mice with glioblastoma. The CAR T cells target a mutation in the epidermal growth factor receptor protein called EGFRvIII, found on about 30% of glioblastoma patients' tumor cells.

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.