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Science News Archive 2011


Page 23 of 311

New evidence of an unrecognized visual process

Researchers discovered evidence of visual ambiguity and rivalry in an unrecognized reference frame, challenging the understanding of how our brains process visual information. The study found that object-frame rivalry is a competing process to spatial rivalry, with similar brain regions and processes involved.

Seeing brands as people

New research reveals that brands perceived as partners elicit cooperative behavior, while those viewed as servants prompt competitive actions. Participants' responses were influenced by automatic social behaviors, revealing a complex relationship between cognition and consumer culture.

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.

JCI online early table of contents: Dec. 1, 2011

Researchers found that dental pulp stem cells can repair spinal cord injuries in rats, promoting hind limb function and nerve regeneration. A new vaccine combination boosted BCG's effectiveness against tuberculosis by reducing clinical disease and preventing reactivation of latent infection.

New research project to examine the trans-Atlantic slave trade

The EUROTAST project brings together young researchers to study the transatlantic slave trade's history and impact. The four-year project will explore captives' origins in Africa and physical quality of life, with a focus on interdisciplinary research and public dissemination.

Christmas burst reveals neutron star collision

A neutron star spiraling into its companion star caused a unique gamma-ray burst with varying wavelengths and characteristic radii. The Helium Merger Model, developed in 1998, explained the unusual properties of the burst, which may be part of a new class of bursts.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Manchester jet engine project takes FLITES

The Manchester FLITES project aims to produce first-ever images of chemical species in aero-engine exhaust plumes using novel fibre lasers. The four-year study will focus on lowering carbon dioxide emissions, enhancing turbine-related research and development capacity.

Not all cellular reprogramming is created equal

A study published in Cell Stem Cell reveals that adjusting the levels of reprogramming factors can significantly impact the quality and fidelity of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. This finding explains the variability in iPS cell quality reported in recent studies, which has sparked debate about their therapeutic potential.

Repairing spinal cord injury with dental pulp stem cells

Researchers found that dental pulp stem cells can inhibit nerve cell death, promote nerve regeneration, and replace lost support cells in rats with severe spinal cord injuries. The study aims to translate this approach into an effective treatment for severe spinal cord injury.

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.

Newly discovered heart stem cells make muscle and bone

Researchers have identified a new pool of stem cells in the heart with long-term expansion capacity and ability to form various cell types, including muscle, bone, and neural cells. This discovery may lay the foundation for regenerative therapies to enhance tissue repair in the heart.

Super athletic mice are fit because their muscles burn more sugar

Researchers at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute discovered a way to reprogram muscle cells to burn sugar more efficiently, resulting in increased athletic ability and reduced lactic acid production. This novel mechanism could lead to new prevention or treatment methods for obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Petroleum-eating mushrooms

Researchers B. Franz Lang and Mohamed Hijri have identified mushroom species that can consume petroleum, offering a breakthrough in soil decontamination. The discovery is based on phytoremediation principles, where microorganisms play a key role in degrading contaminants.

British butterfly is evolving to respond to climate change

New research reveals that climate change is causing certain species to adapt to new habitats, helping them track ongoing warming. The Brown Argus butterfly has successfully expanded its distribution northwards in the UK, using a range of distinct habitats.

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.

Engineered botulism toxins could have broader role in medicine

Scientists re-engineered botulism toxins to target non-nerve cells, blocking inflammation-linked protein release. This could expand treatment options for chronic inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and asthma, reducing risks associated with nerve cell disruption.

MAKS: Drug-free prevention of dementia decline

Researchers found that a year-long Maks therapy, combining motor stimulation, cognitive exercises, and daily living activities, halted the progression of dementia in patients. This therapy showed similar results to cholinesterase inhibitors, but with twice as much effect on daily living tasks.

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.

Unlocking the genetic and molecular mystery of soft-tissue sarcoma

Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center have identified two major molecular signaling pathways that regulate cell growth and division, hallmarks of cancer biology. The study provides new candidate targets for treating soft-tissue sarcomas, which can be controlled but not cured by current treatments.

UBC study explores distrust of atheists by believers

A UBC study explores the social psychological processes underlying anti-atheist sentiments, finding that religious believer's distrust is central to prejudice against atheists. The research suggests that outward displays of belief may be viewed as a proxy for trustworthiness, leading to disapproval and mistrust of atheists.

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.

Biocompatible graphene transistor array reads cellular signals

Researchers demonstrate graphene-based transistor array compatible with living cells, recording electrical signals generated by individual nerve cells. The platform shows potential for future bioelectronic applications, including brain-eye-ear implants to compensate for neural damage.

NASA satellite sees strong wind shear taking final toll on Tropical Storm 5A

Tropical Storm 5A is weakening due to strong wind shear in the Arabian Sea. The storm's convection and thunderstorms are waning, with no visible bands of thunderstorms in NASA satellite imagery. Forecasters predict the storm will dissipate late tomorrow as a shortwave trough steers it away from the Oman coast.

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.

Lithosphere highlights for Dec. 2011

Research highlights the age of continental crust, with over 60% originating in the Archean, 2.5 billion years ago. A new paleomagnetic pole for chron 32 corrects for spreading-rate dependence, improving skewness data accuracy. Seismic ambient noise analysis reveals structural alignments in the Chile Ridge Subduction Region.

Researchers' new recipe cooks up better tissue 'phantoms'

Scientists have created a novel combination of additives that enable gelatin to mimic the acoustical and optical properties of soft tissue in humans. The resulting tissue 'phantoms' can be used to test photoacoustic and ultrasonic imaging technologies, which are increasingly being used in clinical applications.

Is transparency bad for science?

The article discusses the controversy surrounding science transparency, with some scientists arguing that data sharing and freedom of information can hinder their work. Researchers like Fred Pearce argue that openness would have prevented time-consuming debates between climate deniers and scientists.

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.

Bush embryonic stem cell lines different from newly derived cell lines

Researchers found that newly derived human embryonic stem cell lines have a better molecular signature than established lines, indicating higher quality and potentially better performance in disease modeling. The study suggests that maintaining the original state of X chromosome inactivation could be crucial for achieving optimal results.

A dash of physics thrown into the cocktail mix

Top bartenders are ditching trial and error for a more measured approach to cocktail making, inspired by physics techniques. Rotary evaporators and thermocouples help extract flavors and balance the taste of cocktails, such as martinis and manhattans.

Chemical warfare of stealthy silverfish

Researchers found that silverfish steal the ant's scent to avoid being killed or rejected from the nest. By continually updating this scent, the silverfish remain protected from ant aggression. This co-evolutionary arms race highlights the ants' complex scent recognition system and the silverfish's elaborate behavioral adaptations.

MIT: New algorithm may improve defensive driving

Researchers developed an algorithm that accurately identifies potential 'red-light violators' within seconds, reducing false alarms. The algorithm's accuracy surpasses existing safety-prediction technologies, with a 85% success rate in identifying violators.

In a star's final days, astronomers hunt 'signal of impending doom'

Researchers studying a binary star system in the Whirlpool Galaxy have detected a star dimming noticeably before its companion exploded in a supernova. The study provides evidence that certain patterns of brightening and dimming may signal an impending doom for stars, making it possible to predict when a star is near death.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Stronger corn? Take it off steroids, make it all female

Researchers at Purdue University have found a naturally occurring mutation in corn that eliminates the need for detasseling, a labor-intensive process. The mutation, which affects brassinosteroids, results in plants that produce only female organs, including kernels where male tassels should be.

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.

The newest of the new in gene therapy: 'Tag and target and exchange'

Scientists have developed a new approach to gene therapy using site-specific recombinases from yeast and phages, allowing for precise genetic modifications. This technique has the potential to improve efficiency and effectiveness of experimental gene therapies while reducing side effects.

Artificial leaf could debut new era of 'fast-food energy'

The artificial leaf technology uses sunlight and renewable ingredients to produce electricity, with the potential to power homes in developing countries. The technology has the potential to provide a low-cost solution for generating electricity, making it an attractive option for households and communities.

Magnetic pole reversal happens all the (geologic) time

Magnetic pole reversals occur frequently over millions of years, with hundreds of occurrences recorded in the past three billion years. The process is gradual and does not have significant effects on plant or animal life, climate, or glaciation.

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.

Marzipan Santas, elves and stollen: Real deal or cheap fakes?

A new test developed by scientists can accurately detect contaminants in marzipan pastes, including cheap substitutes made from soy and peas. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method can identify small amounts of almond substitutes as little as 0.1%.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Trauma drug first for civilian ambulance service

The South West Ambulance Service will introduce TXA for civilian trauma patients, which has shown a 30% reduction in death from bleeding when used within three hours of trauma. The cost of the drug is estimated to be £2,560 in year one, with potential savings of many lives and reduced trauma-related disability.

Hull research proves color is not a black and white issue

Scientists at the University of Hull found that highly suggestible individuals can see colours in monochrome patterns and experience changes in brain activity under hypnosis. The study suggests that these abilities exist independently of hypnosis and may be useful for medical interventions, such as pain control.

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.

Improving patient care by improving nurses' work environment

A new study published in Health Care Management Review found that physical environment, workgroup cohesion, and job satisfaction have a significant impact on nurses' ratings of patient care quality. Improving these factors can lead to better patient outcomes without requiring increases in nurse staffing.