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Science News Archive September 2015


Page 12 of 35

New Geosphere themed issue: The anatomy of rifting

A new themed issue explores the anatomy of rifting, revealing diverse extensional processes, including plate thinning, magma intrusion, and volcanism. The study documents active processes at divergent plate boundaries and transforms, synthesizing key research topics on plate extension.

Multi-tasking in the ER: More is not better

A study found that commercial electronic health records (EHRs) increased emergency physicians' tasks performed per minute by nearly 12 percent, leading to potential patient safety hazards. The introduction of a commercial EHR imposed cognitive burdens on physicians, causing stress and frustration.

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.

Confusion afoot

A University of Oxford study reveals people can't accurately identify their toes even when prodded, with errors in toe identification associated with brain damage and conditions like anorexia nervosa.

New research suggests not all trans fatty acids are bad for you

A study found that higher concentrations of naturally occurring trans fatty acids were associated with a lower risk of sudden cardiac death and fewer deaths from any cause. Researchers also discovered that low levels of industrially produced trans fatty acids did not pose a health risk, contradicting previous warnings.

Are we wiser about tsunamis? Expert says yes and no

A Northwestern University expert found mixed results on human preparedness for tsunamis, with significant progress made in tsunami science and education. However, substantial challenges remain, including the impact of 'tsunami earthquakes' and the need to incorporate new knowledge into warning procedures.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

CSI -- on the metabolite's trail

A team of bioinformaticians at the University of Jena has developed a new search engine, 'CSI:FingerID', that significantly simplifies the identification of molecular structures of metabolites. The tool reduces the number of possible compounds from thousands to ten, making it feasible for precise lab tests to identify specific compounds.

WSU researcher receives grant to build family audio database

A Washington State University researcher is building a comprehensive family audio database with funding from the National Science Foundation. The database will combine recordings of children's communications with their parents and siblings, enabling researchers to study family communication dynamics and disorders in greater detail.

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.

Chemistry for the methanol economy

A Franco-Swiss research team has proposed a new explanation for the starting mechanism of the MTO process. They found that alumina, present in zeolites, can transform methanol into ethylene and other hydrocarbons, which can then be converted into carbenium ions. This discovery sheds light on how the MTO process begins.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Researchers reveal when global warming first appeared

New research shows clear signs of global warming appeared in the tropics as early as the 1960s, but in parts of Australia and Africa as far back as the 1940s. The study's findings closely match observational datasets used by the IPCC, indicating a growing trend in increasing temperatures.

Dirty, crusty meals fit for (long-dormant) microbes

Researchers used exometabolomics to study the interactions between soil microbes and their adaptations in desert biocrusts. The team found that diverse microbes target specific metabolites, supporting diverse microbial communities. This discovery suggests a possible mechanism for promoting soil biodiversity by specialization.

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.

Methane observatories successfully deployed in the Arctic

CAGE has deployed two methane observatories on the ocean floor in the Arctic Ocean, monitoring methane and CO2 releases, ocean acidification, and circulation. The observatories will collect crucial data for a full year, helping to understand processes related to climate change.

A new view of the content of Earth's core

A new model of Earth's core formation suggests the magma ocean started out oxidized and became reduced over time through oxygen incorporation into the core. Higher oxygen concentrations were found in the core, contradicting previous estimates.

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.

A fast cell sorter shrinks to cell phone size

A team of researchers developed a cell sorter based on acoustic waves that can compete with existing fluorescence-activated cell sorters, sorting up to 13,000 cells per second while gently manipulating individual cells. The device is compact, inexpensive, and preserves cell viability and functions.

Tracking down the beam

Scientists create 'Prompt Gamma Timing' method using just one detector to measure time span between beam entry and gamma radiation hit, allowing real-time adjustment of radiation parameters. Initial tests show significant improvement in accuracy compared to existing methods.

NASA's Terra satellite sees Tropical Storm Ida meandering

Tropical Storm Ida was observed by NASA's Terra satellite as it meandered in the Central Atlantic Ocean due to wind shear. The storm's movement is expected to change after a couple of days, with wind shear decreasing and Ida moving slowly to the north-northwest.

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.

Research uncovers microsopic key to reducing ocean dead zones

Scientists at Brigham Young University have made a breakthrough in reducing ocean dead zones by studying the potential of rhizobia, a type of beneficial bacteria. By understanding how these bacteria interact with plants, researchers aim to develop more sustainable farming practices that minimize fertilizer use and reduce water pollution.

'Mind-reading' kids are more discriminating learners

A study by Concordia University researchers found that kids with good theory of mind skills selectively learn from accurate individuals, not just those who appear physically strong. This suggests that children's learning abilities are more complex than previously thought.

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.

Do women experience negative emotions differently than men?

A study by researchers at the University of Montreal found that women's brains react more strongly to negative images than men's, possibly due to greater emotional sensitivity. The connection between the amygdala and prefrontal cortex was stronger in men, suggesting a more analytical approach to negative emotions.

Germany: East-west divide in life expectancy almost overcome

Life expectancy has increased everywhere in Germany, with the biggest gains seen in Eastern regions. Regional economic development is becoming a key factor in determining life expectancy, with areas like Baden-Württemberg and Saxony consistently having higher life expectancies.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Attosecond physics: Laser-based molecular fingerprinting

A team of researchers has developed a unique source of coherent radiation for identifying and quantifying molecules in complex mixtures. The new laser can detect minimal amounts of disease markers present in exhaled breath, with the potential to diagnose potentially lethal diseases early.

Hell hath no fury like a female superhero scorned (by fans)

Researchers say that the Black Widow controversy sparked by her romantic subplot with Bruce Banner fueled a surge in online sexism and misogyny. Fan anger over the scene where Natasha Romanoff confesses to being sterilized was partly due to a growing female fan culture, as well as the underrepresentation of women in comics.

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.

Benign by design

The UCSB organic chemistry team, led by Bruce Lipshutz, developed an ecofriendly approach to the Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction, significantly reducing palladium requirements. By using iron salt as a palladium substitute, they eliminated heat input and organic solvents, creating a more sustainable process.

The Karoo Basin and the end Permian mass extinction

New study on Karoo Basin finds no support for climate aridification, floral collapse, and tetrapod turnover as part of the extinction event. Multidisciplinary data indicate that terrestrial response occurred earlier than previously thought.

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.

First circularly polarized light detector on a silicon chip

A team of engineers from Vanderbilt University developed the first integrated circularly polarized light detector on a silicon chip. The device uses metamaterials to detect the polarization state of light and has potential applications in drug screening, surveillance, optical communications, and quantum computing.

Scientists develop rice variety with high folate stability

Researchers from Ghent University have developed a new rice prototype with stable folate content, which remains effective upon long-term storage. This breakthrough can offer a solution to health problems related to folate deficiency in developing countries.

Permanent data storage with light

Scientists of KIT and universities develop the first all-optical, non-volatile on-chip memory using phase change materials, allowing for fast data storage and potentially increasing computer performance and reducing energy consumption. The new memory can store data for decades even when power is removed.

Researchers isolate human muscle stem cells

Researchers have successfully isolated human muscle stem cells that can robustly replicate and repair damaged muscles when grafted onto an injured site. The findings hold promise for patients with severe muscle injury, paralysis, or genetic diseases like muscular dystrophy.

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.

Better trap for greenhouse gases

Researchers have discovered that vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNTs) can be used to capture and store greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide more effectively than traditional adsorption materials. The study found that adjusting the morphological parameters of VACNTs can significantly impact gas adsorption.

New smart robot accelerates cancer treatment research

A new smart lab robot system optimizes cancer treatment by finding the best combination of drugs to kill cancer cells without harming healthy ones. The robot is part of a broader effort to improve cancer treatment research and find new drug compounds for resistant cells.

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.

Unexpected link between choroid plexus and chronic pain

Researchers found a novel connection between the size of the choroid plexus and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), with nearly one-fifth larger choroid plexus in CRPS patients compared to healthy control subjects. The study suggests that the central nervous system plays an important role in the disease.