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Science News Archive 2011


Page 186 of 311

Climate change allows invasive weed to outcompete local species

A Purdue University study finds that climate change allows yellow starthistle to outcompete native species, leading to economic and ecological damage. As carbon dioxide levels rise, the invasive weed grows up to six times its normal size, while native grassland species remain relatively unchanged.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Kids who bully, are aggressive are twice as likely to have sleep problems

Researchers found a two-fold higher risk for symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing and daytime sleepiness in urban schoolchildren with conduct problems like bullying. The study suggests that poor sleep may play into bullying or aggressive behaviors, highlighting the importance of good sleep for a healthy lifestyle.

'Dead' galaxies aren't so dead after all, U-M researchers find

Researchers have found that galaxies previously thought to be dead and devoid of star formation are actually still producing new stars. Using the Hubble Space Telescope, scientists observed individual young stars and clusters in four galaxies, revealing an average star-formation rate of one sun every 10,000 years.

Lasers used to form 3-D crystals made of nanoparticles

Physicists at the University of Michigan have successfully created 3D arrays of optically induced crystals using laser beams. The technique allows for the formation of crystalline structures without the need for X-ray crystallography, which is commonly used to analyze biological molecules.

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.

New research may lead to improved diagnosis of autism

Researchers at Columbia University used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to document language impairment in autistic children. The study found that brain activity patterns were different between autistic and control patients, suggesting a possible early diagnosis method for autism.

UCI researchers find link between environment and genetics in triggering MS

Researchers at UCI have identified a unifying mechanism responsible for multiple sclerosis, suggesting personalized therapies based on genetic factors. Vitamin D3 and GlcNAc supplements can reverse the effects of four human MS genetic factors, restoring normal protein modification and potentially treating the disease.

UNH researchers receive grant for pioneering carbon cycle model

Scientists Jingfeng Xiao and Scott Ollinger at the University of New Hampshire's Institute for the Study of Earth, Oceans, and Space are developing a unique modeling method to estimate continental-scale carbon fluxes. The $517,000 NSF grant will fund a three-year project using large ecological data sets and new modeling techniques.

From seawater to freshwater with a nanotechnology filter

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) offer a promising solution to the global water crisis by transforming abundant seawater into pure, clean drinking water. CNT-based reverse osmosis membranes can remove salt ions efficiently, reducing costs and energy consumption compared to traditional methods.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Stamping out low cost nanodevices

Researchers create rapid, low-cost imprinting process for nanodevices, enabling production of devices with high sensitivity and precision. The new approach overcomes complexity and expense challenges in processing nanoporous materials.

Big city holds empty promise for bats

Researchers at the University of Calgary discovered that urban life is far from ideal for Prairie bats, contrary to expectations. Despite the presence of roosts and food sources in cities, bat populations exhibit poor body condition, reproductive rates, and juvenile survival.

Education research helps under-achieving students

The Association of Canadian Deans of Education released an Accord on Research in Education, committing to the best in education research and its application in policy-making. The accord aims to ensure Canadians benefit from new knowledge on early childhood education and adult learning.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Code green: Energy-efficient programming to curb computers' power use

Researchers at the University of Washington have created a system called EnergJ that reduces energy consumption in simulations by up to 50 percent. The system has the potential to cut energy by as much as 90 percent and could be used in various applications such as streaming audio and video, games, and real-time image recognition.

Searching the web for dengue

A study shows that web search queries can be used to detect and monitor outbreaks of dengue, a mosquito-borne virus, in near real-time. The research team developed an online tool that tracks epidemics using Google search results, which was found to be a viable source of information for early detection and monitoring.

Penn researchers help nanoscale engineers choose self-assembling proteins

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed an algorithm to computationally select the best proteins for building nanostructures, drawing inspiration from biological structures. The method eliminates thousands of candidate proteins to identify suitable ones, making the protein selection process more efficient.

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.

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Drs. Fauci and Dieffenbach emphasize the importance of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in controlling HIV transmission, with early treatment preventing 96% of transmission in a clinical trial. They also highlight the need for a cure and new biomedical prevention therapies to ultimately end the epidemic.

Study finds dangerous bacteria on cell phones of hospital patients

A study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that patient cell phones were more likely to contain potentially dangerous bacteria than those of healthcare workers. The researchers also discovered seven patient phones with multidrug-resistant pathogens, highlighting a potential risk for nosocomial infections.

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.

Similarities cause protein misfolding

Studies using single-molecule fluorescence reveal that neighboring protein domains with similar amino acid sequences are more prone to misfold, potentially leading to neurodegenerative diseases. This finding suggests that proteins have evolved to limit similarity between domains to prevent misfolding and maintain functionality.

Plant biology meets up with computational wizardry

Researchers are using computational approaches to analyze and unify data on plant responses to environmental stresses, aiming to improve crop stress adaptation abilities. The Beacon database will facilitate the curation and archiving of signaling pathways for abiotic stress responses.

Nanoscale waveguide for future photonics

Researchers have demonstrated the first true nanoscale waveguides for next-generation on-chip optical communication systems, enabling ultrafast data transfer. The use of hybrid plasmon polaritons in a metal-insulator-semiconductor device reduces optical losses and increases signal confinement.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Online advertising waters down impact of offline ad bans

A study by University of Toronto researchers found that online advertising can reduce the effectiveness of offline ad bans on certain products, such as alcohol and tobacco. The study showed that when consumers with limited knowledge of a product were exposed to online ads, it made online ads more effective substitutes for offline ads.

Blueberry's effects on cholesterol examined in lab animal study

A lab animal study found that hamsters fed blueberry-enhanced rations had improved cholesterol health, with lower total plasma and VLDL cholesterol levels. The study suggests that liver genes involved in cholesterol production may be responsible for the effects.

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.

PLoS NTDs press release -- cholera in Haiti

A coalition of researchers and policymakers argue that a universal vaccination campaign is essential to ending the crisis. The authors recommend increasing vaccine availability through advance purchase commitments and scaling up efforts to prevent similar shortages during future outbreaks.

Sleep loss lowers testosterone in healthy young men

A study published in JAMA found that sleep loss of just five hours a night can lower testosterone levels by 10% to 15%, similar to aging 10-15 years. This significant decline is linked to reduced sense of well-being, mood, and vigor.

Why childhood obesity? It's so much more than what kids eat

The study examines various factors that contribute to childhood obesity, such as genetic predisposition, breastfeeding, TV watching, neighborhood environment, and cultural influences. The researchers have collected data from approximately 400 families and are beginning a third wave of data collection.

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.

Fracture prediction methods may be useful for patients with diabetes

Researchers found that established fracture prediction methods were associated with hip and nonspine fracture risk in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Femoral neck BMD T score and FRAX score were linked to fracture risk, but patients with DM had a higher risk of fracture at the same scores as those without DM.

Support for local community programs key to climate change response in Arctic

Research highlights the importance of supporting Inuit community institutions in adapting to climate change, fostering resilience through community-led initiatives and preserving traditional knowledge. Community resource centers like Ilisaqsivik play a vital role in connecting local voices to resources and decision-making processes.

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

A new article suggests changes to compassionate release guidelines to address medical-related flaws, including the development of standardized guidelines and the assignment of advocates to help navigate the system. The authors propose palliative care for critically-ill prisoners awaiting decision on compassionate release or approval.

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.

The alcohol industry needs more scrutiny

A new editorial in PLoS Medicine calls for greater scrutiny of the alcohol industry's impact on health research, government policy, and public perceptions. The authors highlight questionable behavior by the industry, including promoting health benefits while downplaying harms, and suggest stricter regulation to protect public health.

Potential new drug candidate found for Alzheimer's disease

Researchers have discovered a potential new therapy for Alzheimer's disease, with the cysteine protease inhibitor E64d improving memory deficits and reducing β-amyloid build-up. The study suggests that increasing Cathepsin B activity is not detrimental to memory function, contrary to previous assumptions.

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.

Carnegie Mellon researchers uncover how the brain processes faces

A study by Marlene Behrmann and colleagues identifies a network of cortical areas working together to identify faces, changing the future of neural visual perception research. The discovery allows scientists to develop targeted remedies for disorders such as face blindness.

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.

Cells do talk to one another, but the question remains how

Three Virginia Tech researchers, T.M. Murali, Padma Rajagopalan, and Rich Helm, are developing innovative solutions to study inter-cellular signaling in complex environments. They aim to provide a comprehensive picture of how cells communicate to maintain their phenotypes and optimize functions.

Facelift incision offers safe option for some thyroid patients

Georgia Health Sciences University surgeons developed a robotic facelift incision technique for removing diseased thyroid tissue, reducing the risk of neck scars and other complications. The procedure is considered safe for some patients, particularly those with larger thyroids or known cancers.

Storing seeds for a rainy day -- or in this case, a fire

Researchers discovered that seeds from cones on the forest floor of lodgepole pines can provide a viable seed bank after mountain pine beetle outbreaks, with high germination capacity. However, germination capacity decreases over time, highlighting the need for fire to trigger regeneration.

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.

Higher return to prison for women without drug abuse programs

A new study by St. Michael's Hospital reveals that female prisoners who did not participate in a drug treatment program after their release were 10 times more likely to return to prison within one year. The study highlights the importance of post-release treatment programs for prisoners with substance abuse problems.

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.

A mammoth task -- sorting out mammoth evolution

Researchers found nearly indistinguishable mitochondrial genomes between two species, suggesting possible interbreeding. The study's lead author believes the individual could be a hybrid of both species, challenging traditional views on North American mammoth evolution.

Arrowing in on Alzheimer's disease

Researchers have expanded on existing knowledge of Alzheimer's disease by identifying a novel location within the MS4A gene cluster associated with the condition. The study suggests that the immune system plays a key role in its progression, with several genes implicated in allergies and autoimmune diseases.