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Science News Archive 2011


Page 259 of 311

As we sleep, speedy brain waves boost our ability to learn

Researchers found that bursts of brain waves known as 'sleep spindles' may network between key brain regions to clear a path to learning. This networking helps shift fact-based memories from the hippocampus to the prefrontal cortex, freeing up storage space for new data.

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.

Study shows no-till's benefits for Pacific Northwest wheat growers

A study by US Department of Agriculture scientists found that no-till production systems can significantly reduce soil erosion and enhance efforts to protect water quality. The research compared runoff, soil erosion, and crop yields in conventional and no-till winter wheat-fallow systems.

New bowel cancer evidence calls for routine DNA repair test

Researchers found that tumors with defects in DNA repair systems are less likely to recur post-surgery, reducing the need for chemotherapy. The study suggests testing for defective DNA mismatch repair and KRAS gene mutations to guide treatment strategies.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Research finds open-source software is actually more secure for health care IT

Research by the University of Warwick's Institute for Digital Healthcare and UCL Medical School finds that open-source software can provide higher security and quality through public disclosure and community review. This contradicts the common misconception that open-source software is inherently riskier due to its transparency.

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.

1 in 5 children in Sweden is overweight

A recent study by the University of Gothenburg found that one in five children in Sweden is overweight, with urban areas experiencing lower rates of obesity compared to smaller towns and rural areas. The study also highlights the link between low levels of education and overweight children.

AGU journal highlights -- March 7, 2011

Groundwater depletion in California's Central Valley poses a significant threat to the state's economy and food security, with two-thirds of the loss attributed to central valley groundwater depletion. Conversely, corals are expanding their range poleward in temperate areas as seas warm, indicating rapid modifications to coastal ecosys...

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.

Accurate measurement of radioactive thoron possible at last

The Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) has developed a primary standard for the measurement of short-lived radioactive thoron, allowing for accurate calibration of thoron measuring instruments. This enables the estimation of risks associated with thoron exposure through its progenies.

Weak supporting evidence can undermine belief in an outcome

Researchers found that weak supporting evidence can make people less likely to believe in an outcome, even if they have no evidence at all. This effect, known as the 'weak evidence effect,' influences professional persuaders and public perceptions of policy.

Smoking abstinence found more effective with residential treatment

A study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that residential treatment for tobacco dependence significantly increases the chances of long-term abstinence. Compared to standard outpatient treatment, residential patients showed a higher success rate, with 52% still not smoking after six months.

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.

Mediterranean diet: A heart-healthy plan for life

The Mediterranean diet has been shown to have beneficial effects on waist circumference, HDL-cholesterol levels, triglycerides, blood pressure, and glucose metabolism. A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that the diet can help prevent metabolic syndrome and its components.

Multiple sclerosis blocked in mouse model

Researchers from Washington University School of Medicine successfully blocked harmful immune cells from entering the brain in mice with a condition similar to multiple sclerosis. The breakthrough discovery, made using an anti-cancer drug, prevents symptoms and provides early evidence for a potential new treatment.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Rainwater harvest study finds roofing material affects water quality

A recent study found that metal and concrete tile roofs produce the highest quality rainwater for indoor domestic use, while asphalt and green roofs contain high levels of dissolved organic carbon. The research highlights the importance of considering roofing material when harvesting rainwater for potable use.

Otters on road to recovery in Andalusia

The study found that otters are more common in areas with moderate human impact, where water quality has improved and prey species like fish and crayfish are abundant. The researchers suggest conserving aquatic habitats to encourage greater distribution of the species.

Scientists find key mechanism of childhood respiratory disease

Researchers discovered a critical link between respiratory syncytial virus and oxidative stress, which causes lung inflammation and damage in children. The study found that the virus blocks the activity of Nrf2, a protein needed for antioxidant enzymes, leading to increased reactive oxygen species and cell killing.

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.

Acupuncture curbs severity of menopausal hot flushes

A small clinical trial suggests traditional Chinese acupuncture can curb the severity of menopausal hot flushes and other symptoms. The treatment showed cumulative benefits, with significant improvements in somatic and psychological symptoms but minimal impact on urogenital symptoms.

Diabetes belt identified in southern United States

Researchers identified a 'diabetes belt' of 644 counties in 15 southeastern states with high prevalence rates, linked to sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and non-modifiable factors. Community design changes can promote physical activity and healthy lifestyles to reduce diabetes risk.

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.

Loss of plant diversity threatens Earth's life-support systems

A comprehensive analysis of 574 field and laboratory studies reveals that plant communities with many species are nearly 1.5 times more productive than those with only one species. This suggests that biodiversity is essential for maintaining the functioning of ecosystems, particularly in estuaries like Chesapeake Bay.

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.

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

A new study predicts the spread of cholera in Haiti and identifies effective control strategies. The researchers' model suggests a three percent risk reduction in infection through vaccination, which is twice the impact of providing clean water.

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.

Text messaging helps smokers break the habit

Researchers found that text messaging is at least as effective as handheld devices in measuring smoking urges and resisting cravings, with tailored interventions tailored to individuals' response-inhibition capacities. The study also identified key brain regions involved in response inhibition.

Iowa State, Ames Lab researcher hunts for green catalysts

L. Keith Woo is searching for cleaner chemical reactions by studying iron porphyrins, a type of enzyme that catalyzes oxidation and electron transfer reactions. His research aims to develop more efficient catalysts that promote reactions at lower pressures and temperatures, reducing waste and creating safer alternatives.

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.

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.

Sleepy connected Americans

A National Sleep Foundation poll found that 43% of Americans report rarely getting a good night's sleep on weeknights due to pervasive technology use before bedtime. The study highlights the impact of screens and interactive technologies on sleep habits, particularly in younger generations.

Flipping a switch on neuron activity

Researchers at the University of California and Germany have developed light-sensing modules to attach to neuronal molecules, allowing for real-time study of complex cascades. This breakthrough enables selective activation of individual classes of molecules, paving the way for new treatments for vision impairments.

The underemployed -- increasing and overlooked

A study by University of Nevada, Reno researchers finds that underemployment is a complex phenomenon with broad effects on individuals, organizations, and society. The study identifies eight dimensions of underemployment, affecting up to one in three employees, with difficult situations like the recession leading to its occurrence.

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.

Pathology study tracks uterine changes with mifepristone

A recent pathology study suggests that mifepristone could be a therapeutic option for women with severe uterine fibroid symptoms. The research confirms that the drug does not trigger cancerous lesions in the uterus, but rather causes benign changes such as fluid-filled glands and abnormal blood vessels.

You are what your mother ate

Poor diet during pregnancy increases offspring's vulnerability to aging effects, leading to increased risk of type 2 diabetes and age-related diseases. The study reveals a novel mechanism by which maternal diet interacts with epigenetics to influence gene expression in offspring throughout life.

JCI online early table of contents: March 7, 2011

Researchers create a molecular switch that enhances DC-mediated tumor antigen-specific T cell responses, improving the efficacy of cancer vaccines. Additionally, they find that reducing Tie1 levels attenuates the development of lesions in atherosclerosis models, highlighting a potential new target for therapy.

Universal screening programs can uncover abuse, study finds

A new study confirms that universal screening programs for domestic abuse increase the number of women acknowledging abuse, with effective programs having support services and training for staff. The study reverses previous thinking on the value of such programs.

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.

Web use doesn't encourage belief in political rumors, but e-mail does

A new study by Ohio State University researcher R. Kelly Garrett found that using the internet generally doesn't make people more likely to believe political rumors, but e-mail does. E-mails from friends and family are more likely to be believed than online sources like websites and blogs.