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Science News Archive 2011


Page 274 of 311

Doing good with operations research

Karen Smilowitz and her team are applying operations research techniques to promote welfare and equity through efficient delivery of goods and services. They have worked with organizations such as the Mobile C.A.R.E. Foundation to develop models for matching donors and recipients, as well as designing collection and delivery routes.

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.

Efficacy of tuberculosis vaccine enhanced

Researchers at VIB and Ghent University have developed a new tuberculosis vaccine that affords better protection against the disease by triggering an immune reaction in the body. The new vaccine works differently from existing vaccines and acquires its extra protective value by emitting signals that provoke inflammation.

Multiple approaches necessary to tackle world's food problems

To solve the world's food problems, agriculture needs to use resources more efficiently by integrating various sectors and adopting innovative methods. Researchers are exploring ways to grow crops in areas that were previously unused, such as using wastewater to irrigate and fertilize fruit and vegetables.

Stretching before a run does not prevent injury

A study of over 2,700 runners found that stretching before running neither prevents nor causes injury. However, runners who normally stretch and suddenly stop or switch routines are more likely to experience injuries, particularly groin pulls, foot/ankle injuries, and knee injuries.

'Telecoupling' explains why it's a small (and fast) world, after all

The symposium explores the shrinking distance between humans and nature, with increased trade and technological advancements having significant consequences for environmental sustainability. World-renowned experts will present on the topic of telecoupling, highlighting new dynamics in human-nature interactions.

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.

Brain function linked to birth size in groundbreaking new study

A new study reveals that children born small with large placentas exhibit more activity on the right side of their brains, linked to mood disorders like depression. This finding suggests that adverse environments during pregnancy can cause long-term changes in brain function.

How disordered proteins spread from cell to cell, potentially spreading disease

Researcher Ron Kopito shows that mutant misfolded protein responsible for Huntington's disease can move from cell to cell, recruiting normal proteins and forming aggregations in each cell it visits. This ability could explain the progression of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's through the brain.

CeBIT 2011: Preparing for the unexpected

Researchers at Fraunhofer Institute are developing multi-hazard and multi-channel technologies to create trend-setting warning systems. The PRONTO project uses automatic information collection and assessment to support rescue services in crisis situations.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New model for probing antidepressant actions

A new mouse model has been developed to study selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and their effects on the brain. The model shows that SSRIs target a specific protein in the brain, leading to improved treatment options for depression and potentially shedding light on addiction.

Unraveling how prion proteins move alon axons in the brain

A study published in Cell identified the motors driving non-infectious prion proteins up and down long neuronal transport pathways. The research sheds light on how these proteins interact with infectious forms to cause disease, potentially aiding therapies for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.

Male fertility is in the bones

Researchers found that osteocalcin produced in bone enhances testosterone production in testes, supporting sperm survival. This discovery links the skeleton to male fertility and may provide insights into unexplained infertility cases.

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.

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.

Scientists uncover surprising features of bear hibernation

Black bears experience large decreases in metabolism during hibernation, with metabolic rates remaining suppressed for several weeks after emergence. This finding has significant implications for potential applications in emergency medicine, such as reducing metabolic demand in patients experiencing stroke or trauma.

Swedish discovery could lead to new stroke therapy

Researchers at Lund University have found a way to activate the sigma-1 receptor protein, which plays a key role in brain recovery after a stroke. This discovery could lead to new and more effective treatments for stroke patients.

Catching space weather in the act

The IBEX spacecraft has taken unprecedented photos of the plasma sheet, a complex region surrounding Earth's magnetic field. The images show a plasmoid being ejected into space, providing direct visual evidence of space weather events that can cause auroras and radiation failures.

Study suggests statins may prevent diabetic-related blindness

Researchers found that statin drugs can prevent free radicals from killing nerves important to maintaining vision in people with diabetes. The study suggests that oral treatment with atorvastatin can restore proper levels of nerve growth factor and preserve neurons in the retina.

NASA infrared satellite data see an intensifying Tropical Storm Dianne

NASA's Aqua satellite reveals Tropical Storm Dianne is getting organized, with bands of thunderstorms wrapping into the center indicating strengthening. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center expects Dianne to intensify and move south on Feb. 18 while remaining well west of the Australian coast.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Choose less contaminating products thanks to eco-labeling

A researcher has developed an eco-labeling system to provide environmental information on product carbon footprints, enabling consumers to make informed choices. The system, based on a method composed of financial accounts, estimates the ecological and carbon footprint of goods and services throughout their life cycle.

Children in public housing play outdoors more

Researchers discovered that young children living in public housing spend more time playing outdoors than their peers, with a significant link to lower body mass indexes (BMIs). Mothers' perceptions of neighborhood environments also played a key role in predicting children's outdoor playtime and TV watching habits.

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.

Magma power for geothermal energy?

A team of scientists drilling near an Icelandic volcano hit magma in 2009, resulting in a potentially game-changing discovery for geothermal energy. The team estimated that the steam generated from the magma could power up to 25,000 homes.

Checklist cuts lethal ventilator-associated lung infections

A simple checklist designed by Johns Hopkins researchers significantly reduces ventilator-associated pneumonia cases by over 70% in Michigan hospitals. The intervention, combined with education and a culture of patient safety, saves tens of thousands of lives and millions of dollars in healthcare costs.

Carnegie Mellon's Matyjaszewski to receive Wolf Prize in Chemistry

Krzysztof Matyjaszewski will be recognized for his groundbreaking research in synthesis of organic materials and controlled radical polymerization. His work has led to the development of innovative materials with tailored functionalities, enabling applications in energy, environment, and biomedicine.

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.

Total knee replacement patients functioning well after 20 years

A recent study found that total knee replacement patients retain high levels of functionality 20 years after surgery, defying common concerns about long-term decline. The study revealed that 95% of patients could walk at least five blocks and nearly half had unlimited walking abilities.

Shining a light on trypanosome reproduction

Trypanosomes, a distant branch of the eukaryote tree, have been found to reproduce sexually through meiosis, a process previously thought unclear. The study uses fluorescently-tagged proteins to visualize the process inside the tsetse fly.

Warm weather may hurt thinking skills in people with MS

Research found that individuals with MS performed better on learning and memory tests during cooler days compared to warmer days. The study suggests a link between warm weather and cognitive impairment in people with MS, which could inform life decisions and clinical treatment.

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.

The brain as a 'task machine'

Researchers found that the brain area responsible for reading is active in blind individuals who read Braille, challenging the idea of sensory specialization. The study suggests that the brain is a task-oriented system that can adapt to new tasks without prior experience.

Compact high-temperature superconducting cables demonstrated at NIST

Researchers at NIST have developed compact high-temperature superconducting cables with improved strain tolerance, enabling thinner and more flexible cables for electric power grid applications. The new cables may also be used in scientific and medical equipment, as well as for military applications such as HTS power transmission.

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.

Rewrite the textbooks

Researchers at Northwestern University have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of neuroscience, finding that axons can transmit signals to the cell body and even communicate with each other. This challenges conventional wisdom on how neurons operate, revealing a new layer of complexity in neural communication.

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.

The real avatar

Swiss researchers employ virtual reality and brain imaging techniques to investigate the science behind self-consciousness. By immersing subjects in avatar environments, they explore how the brain integrates touch and vision to create a coherent perception of the body.

Skeleton regulates male fertility

Researchers found that osteocalcin enhances testosterone production, leading to improved sperm count and reproductive success in male mice. The study suggests that low osteocalcin levels may contribute to male infertility in humans.

Sleeping Trojan horse to aid imaging of diseased cells

Researchers at Cardiff University have developed a 'sleeping Trojan horse' delivery system that enables the efficient transport of metal ions into cells, opening up new possibilities for medical imaging. This innovative approach resolves some of the difficulties associated with traditional 'Trojan Horse' techniques.

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.

To increase physical activity, focus on how, not why

A new University of Missouri study found that behavior-changing strategies like self-monitoring and goal-setting significantly increased physical activity levels among healthy adults. The research suggests focusing on practical strategies rather than trying to change attitudes or beliefs about exercise.

Engineering atomic interfaces for new electronics

A team of scientists has made fundamental discoveries at oxide material interfaces, discovering how to manipulate electrons by inserting a single layer of atoms. The researchers found that the rare-earth element layer creates an electron gas with unique characteristics.

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.

Biomarker discovery may lead to reliable blood test for ectopic pregnancy

Researchers at The Wistar Institute and University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have discovered protein markers that could predict ectopic pregnancies. A panel of biomarkers, weighing individual proteins' relative importance, may create a more sensitive and reliable test for detecting ectopic pregnancies.

Neisseria meningitidis disseminates itself by sending out 'scouts'

Researchers at Inserm discovered that Neisseria meningitidis uses a strategy called 'scouting' to disperse from the throat into the bloodstream. This process involves the modification of pilin proteins with phosphoglycerol, which triggers dissemination and allows bacteria to colonize other areas of the throat and cross cell walls.

Beyond tender loving care: 'TLCs' promise health and happiness

Lifestyle changes such as exercise and spending time in nature can be as effective as medication to treat depression and anxiety. Therapeutic lifestyle changes also promote cognitive function, overall well-being, and social skills, while reducing stress and promoting joy.

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.