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New Geological Society of America earth science research posted

Researchers have uncovered a compound monogenetic volcano at Ilchulbong, Jeju Island, revealing multiple magma pulses and vent shifts. Additionally, petrographic analysis of Enkingen impact breccias indicates significantly more than previously estimated impact melt volume.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeological Society of America Bulletin·DateOct 4, 2011

Marker for Alzheimer's disease rises during day and falls with sleep

A daily pattern of rising and falling amyloid beta levels in spinal fluid echoes the sleep cycle, with younger individuals exhibiting stronger highs and lows. As people age, this pattern flattens, potentially providing an opportunity for the body to clear away the Alzheimer's marker.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateSep 26, 2011
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.

Scripps research scientists find clue to cause of childhood hydrocephalus

Researchers found that high levels of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) can lead to congenital hydrocephalus in mice by disrupting brain development and causing excess cerebrospinal fluid buildup. Blocking LPA's action prevents the effect, offering a potential new treatment for the condition.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 7, 2011

Nearly half of runners may be drinking too much during races

According to a survey by Loyola University Health System researchers, nearly half of recreational runners drink too much fluid during races, with 36.5% following a preset schedule and 8.9% drinking as much as possible. The main cause of low sodium in runners is drinking too much water or sports drinks.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalBJS·DateSep 2, 2011

A math-based model for deep-water oil drilling

A new math-based model has been developed to predict pressure profiles, liquid/gas volumes, and flow rates in deep-water wells. The model aims to mitigate the risk of blowouts and gas kicks, which can occur when the pressure applied to balance hydrocarbon pressure is not sufficient.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·JournalSIAM Journal on Mathematical Analysis·DateAug 25, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Maternal IV fluids linked to newborns' weight loss

A new study found a positive association between maternal IV fluids and newborn weight loss, suggesting that some weight loss in the first 24 hours may be due to hydration regulation rather than breast milk deficiency. The researchers recommend using weight measured at 24 hours post-birth as a baseline for assessing newborn weight loss.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalInternational Breastfeeding Journal·DateAug 14, 2011

Effortless sailing with fluid flow cloak

Researchers at Duke University have demonstrated a theoretical ability to significantly increase the efficiency of ships by creating a 'fluid flow cloak' that tricks the surrounding water into staying still. The cloak uses porous materials and tiny pumps to push flowing water along, greatly reducing the energy needed to propel vessels.

SourceDuke University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 11, 2011

Genetic analysis of amniotic fluid shows promise for monitoring fetal development

A new study published in The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics has demonstrated the feasibility of focused fetal gene expression analysis of target genes found in amniotic fluid. The analysis could be used to monitor fetal development and determine whether fetal organ systems are developing normally.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·DateAug 8, 2011
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.

Compression stockings may reduce OSA in some patients

Wearing compression stockings reduced daytime fluid accumulation and apneas/hypopnea by over a third in patients with CVI. The findings suggest that compression stockings could be a simple, low-tech treatment option for OSA.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 4, 2011

New findings on therapeutic hypothermia following cardiac arrest in children

Researchers found that rapidly infusing cold IV fluid may not be effective in reducing body temperature quickly in children after a heart attack. This is crucial for minimizing neurological complications caused by cardiac arrest in pediatric patients.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalTherapeutic Hypothermia and Temperature Management·DateJul 29, 2011

Chemical make-up of Gulf of Mexico plume determined

A research team led by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution determined what chemicals were contained in a deep, hydrocarbon-containing plume in the Gulf of Mexico. The plume was found to be 22 miles long and comprised mainly of BTEX compounds, with concentrations significantly higher than background levels.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 20, 2011

WHOI scientists analyze, explain the chemical makeup of Gulf plume

A research team led by WHOI has determined the chemical makeup of a deep hydrocarbon-containing plume in the Gulf of Mexico, shedding light on its composition and potential effects on ocean life. The study found that the plume contained high concentrations of BTEX compounds, which can be toxic to aquatic organisms.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 18, 2011
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.

Advances in research into Alzheimer's disease

Researchers found that vitamin D injections improved the removal of amyloid beta from the brain of mice, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for preventing Alzheimer's disease. Transporter proteins at the blood CSF barrier also play a crucial role in removing amyloid beta from the brain.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalFluids and Barriers of the CNS·DateJul 8, 2011

Geothermal industry to get boost from University of Nevada, Reno research

A $1 million University of Nevada, Reno project is providing a catalogue of favorable structural elements and models for geothermal systems to enhance exploration methodologies and reduce the risk of drilling nonproductive wells. The research aims to identify potential geothermal sites in the Great Basin with 3-D imaging.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Reno·DateJul 8, 2011

Berkeley Lab researchers apply NMR/MRI to microfluidic chromatography

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have developed a portable system for highly sensitive multi-dimensional chemical analysis by pairing NMR/MRI technology with microfluidic chromatography. This breakthrough enables real-time peak detection and chemical shift information for small molecules, demonstrating the unique power of magnetic resonance...

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateJul 6, 2011

How dense is a cell?

Using Archimedes' principle, MIT scientists have devised a method to measure the density of individual cells, which could provide biophysical insight into fundamental cellular processes. The new device rapidly exchanges fluids, allowing for rapid measurement and potentially screening potential cancer drugs.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 21, 2011
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.

Physicists hit on mathematical description of superfluid dynamics

A team of physicists has devised a theoretical framework that explains the real-time behavior of superfluids made of fermions, a crucial step towards studying neutron stars. The researchers used the world's most powerful supercomputer to simulate complex calculations, shedding light on the properties of these enigmatic objects.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience·DateJun 9, 2011

NIST 'catch and release' program could improve nanoparticle safety assessment

Scientists at NIST have developed a method to capture metal-based nanoparticles on a surface and release them at the desired moment, allowing for effective assessment of their toxicity in cell cultures. This approach enables precise delivery of particles to cells, mimicking real-world encounters, and reducing clumping issues.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalApplied Surface Science·DateJun 8, 2011

NIST tunes 'metasurface' with fluid in new concept for sensing and chemistry

Researchers at NIST have demonstrated a unique fluid-tuned 'metasurface,' which can concentrate energy in a material and change its properties. The metasurface's resonant frequency can be tuned by adding purified water, allowing it to reflect, store, or transmit energy.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review B·DateJun 8, 2011
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.

Going with the flow: Caltech researchers find compaction bands in sandstone are permeable

Researchers have discovered that compaction bands in sandstone are more permeable than previously believed, which could significantly improve the development of hydraulic fracturing and CO2 sequestration technologies. This finding was made possible by advanced imaging techniques and multiscale computational models.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 6, 2011

Randomness rules in turbulent flows

A Johns Hopkins University study reveals that two identical beads dropped into a turbulent flow will follow different and random paths. The phenomenon, called 'spontaneous stochasticity,' suggests that even everyday particles can behave randomly in chaotic flows.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalPhysical Review E·DateJun 1, 2011

Making complex fluids look simple

A new microscopic theory describes interactions between components of complex polymer mixtures, enabling realistic modeling and macroscopic property predictions. The method has been experimentally proven using neutron scattering experiments, opening up possibilities for studying complex mixtures with improved properties.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 1, 2011
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.

Mixing fluids efficiently in confined spaces: Let the fingers do the working

A team of researchers at MIT has discovered a simple yet efficient method to mix fluids in small or confined spaces using viscosity contrast. By injecting a thin fluid into a thicker one, the two liquids can be mixed uniformly quickly, overcoming challenges in microfluidics technology and lab-on-a-chip applications.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 12, 2011

Pharmaceutical advances offer lower risk and reduced infection

Research at DDW 2011 shows that patients taking clopidogrel after polyp removal have a relatively low risk of bleeding. Teduglutide increases intestinal absorption, decreasing dependence on intravenous fluid in those with short bowel syndrome. Rifaximin reduces death rates in advanced liver cirrhosis and ascites patients.

SourceDigestive Disease Week·DateMay 10, 2011

Popular diabetes drugs' cardiovascular side effects explained

TZDs act on PPARγ, enhancing sodium transport and water reabsorption, but also have direct effects on kidney channels, explains a recent Cell Metabolism study. The findings may lead to combination therapy and selective PPARγ modulators to prevent massive fluid retention.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMay 3, 2011

Understanding how glasses 'relax' provides some relief for manufacturers

A NIST study reveals that glass transition process is related to molecules moving in long strings around frozen atoms, influencing viscosity. The team's computer model confirms this relationship and provides a firm computational underpinning for material design.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 26, 2011
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.

Stem cells take cues from fluid in the brain

Scientists found that a protein called Igf2 in the cerebrospinal fluid signals brain cells to multiply during embryonic development. This discovery could lead to new treatments for neurological diseases and cancer by targeting specific areas of the brain, eliminating the need for localized drug delivery.

SourceGeorge Washington University Medical Center·JournalNeuron·DateMar 11, 2011

A study reveals the keys to the locomotion of snails

Researchers characterize snail locomotion and find that mucus properties are not crucial for movement. The study's findings have potential applications in designing biomimetic robots that can move on fluid surfaces.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateMar 7, 2011
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Viral infection not responsible for exacerbation of lung disease in most patients

Researchers found no evidence of viral infection causing acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in most patients. Instead, torque teno virus (TTV) was detected in lung fluid samples from a small percentage of IPF patients, suggesting it may be a marker of lung injury rather than a cause.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateFeb 25, 2011

Liquid metal key to simpler creation of electrodes for microfluidic devices

The NC State team has created microfluidic devices with inherently aligned electrodes composed of liquid metal alloy, allowing for easier and faster electrode creation. This approach enables the creation of useful electrode configurations that were previously difficult or impossible to achieve.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalLab on a Chip·DateFeb 22, 2011
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.

Hope for stroke victims

Two new studies provide definitive evidence that administering a naturally-occurring enzyme called oxolacetate can reduce glutamate levels and improve outcomes in stroke patients. High glutamate levels correlate with poor outcomes, while high oxolacetate levels are associated with better recovery.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalJournal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism·DateFeb 8, 2011

Cornstarch might have ended the Gulf spill agony sooner

A study suggests that adding a shear-thickening polymer like cornstarch to drilling mud could suppress instability, allowing the mud to sink and stop the leak. Physicist Jonathan Katz's idea was initially rejected by BP, but experiments show it might have worked.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 21, 2010

UCLA bioengineers discover how particles self-assemble in flowing fluids

Researchers at UCLA discovered that randomly dispersed microparticles can self-assemble into a highly organized structure as they flow through microscale channels. This phenomenon is driven by hydrodynamic interactions between particles, fluid, and the conduit they flow through.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 13, 2010
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.

Smashing fluids: The physics of flow

The study used an extensional rheometer to measure flow properties of complex fluids, revealing intriguing effects depending on concentration and velocity. At high speeds, the fluid can fracture like a solid, behaving like a jammed system with clusters locking together.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 3, 2010

Photos show how a specific fluid defies normal activity

Engineers Sunghwan Jung and Navish Wadhwa found that silicone oil jets do not coalesce when impacted at a specific angle, due to the lubrication effect of air between them. This study sheds light on non-coalescence behaviors in various engineering systems.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateNov 30, 2010

Whale-inspired ocean turbine blades

Researchers at US Naval Academy have designed novel blade modifications inspired by humpback whale flippers to improve turbine performance in converting low-velocity tidal flow energy into electricity. The modified blades proved effective in extracting energy at low speeds without degrading performance at high flow speeds.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateNov 27, 2010

Secrets of sharks' success

Flexible scales on sharks' bodies allow for change in direction while swimming at full speed by controlling water flow separation. This discovery has implications for designing more efficient aircraft, wind turbines, and other systems prone to flow separation issues.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateNov 23, 2010
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

The physics of coffee rings

Researchers have devised a predictive model to control the formation of banded ring patterns left behind by coffee droplets. The model suggests that particle deposition can be controlled by altering physical parameters such as evaporation and surface tension.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateNov 23, 2010

Jellyfish-inspired pumps

Caltech researchers have designed jellyfish-inspired pumps that utilize flexible designs and adaptable tissue composition to create efficient fluid transport systems. The pumps are optimized for medical applications, such as delivering medication or removing excess fluids from the body, without causing damage to surrounding tissues.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateNov 23, 2010

Heating nanoparticles to kill tumor cells

Virginia Tech researchers have developed a promising new cancer treatment using magnetic fluid hyperthermia, which heats up magnetic nanoparticles to kill tumor cells. The treatment has shown no adverse effects on surrounding healthy tissue.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateNov 23, 2010
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.

Flying snakes, caught on tape

Researchers studied Chrysopelea paradisi snakes as they glided from a branch to the ground. The analysis revealed that the snakes never achieved equilibrium gliding state, but were instead pushed upward due to aerodynamic forces. This temporary effect would eventually cause the snake to hit the ground.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateNov 22, 2010

Air flows in mechanical device reveal secrets of speech pathology

Asymmetrical airflow affects vocal fold motion in individuals with paralysis, causing chaotic irregular vibrations and impaired intelligible speech. The discovery may lead to the development of implant materials that mimic voice apparatus properties to restore good vibrations.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateNov 21, 2010

Simple rubber device mimics complex bird songs

Researchers at Harvard University have developed a simple physical model that reproduces the characteristics of real bird song, using a stretched rubber tube to mimic the zebra finch's sounds. The device, which relies on minimal neural control, produces harmonics and patterns similar to those found in actual bird songs.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateNov 21, 2010

How hummingbirds fight the wind

A team of researchers has built a robotic hummingbird wing to discover how these birds manage to hover in gusty conditions. The robotic wing replicates the figure-eight pattern of a hummingbird's wings, creating vortices on both the downstroke and upstroke.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateNov 21, 2010

Jump rope aerodynamics

Researchers build robotic jump rope device to control rope parameters, capturing motion with high-speed cameras. They find that air-induced drag affects the shape of the rope, reducing total drag. Insights from the study may inform other situations involving flexible filaments in engineered and natural systems.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateNov 21, 2010
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.

Radically simple technique developed to grow conducting polymer thin films

A team of UCLA chemists and engineers has developed a new method for coating large surfaces with nanofiber thin films that are both transparent and electrically conductive. The technique, published in the Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences, uses a solution-based approach and can be applied to virtually any surface.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 1, 2010

November 2010 Geology and GSA Today highlights

Researchers propose new techniques for analyzing methane hydrate structures, finding signs of life in iron-oxide-rich spheres and pipes near Escalante, Utah. The study also explores the impact of the Three Gorges Dam on the middle Yangtze, as well as a ~300-million-year-old bivalve shell.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateOct 26, 2010
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.