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Science News Archive 2011 - Page 28


Page 28 of 311

Supercool

Researchers found that water changes its molecular structure to form 'intermediate ice' at -55 F, allowing it to remain liquid below the traditional freezing point. The discovery sheds light on atmospheric scientists' need to predict global climate patterns and how much solar radiation is absorbed by atmospheric water and ice.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature·DateNov 23, 2011

Public restrooms ripe with bacteria, study says

Researchers found diverse bacterial communities in public restroom surfaces, with human skin being the primary source of bacteria. The study suggests that proper hygiene practices can help identify and mitigate the spread of pathogens through contaminated building surfaces.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 23, 2011

How drought-tolerant grasses came to be

A new grass family tree reveals that the C4 photosynthetic pathway has evolved in grasses over 20 times within the last 30 million years. The study suggests that once C4 evolution occurs, it's unlikely to reverse, making scientists interested in engineering this pathway into drought-tolerant crops.

SourceNational Evolutionary Synthesis Center (NESCent)·JournalNew Phytologist·DateNov 23, 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.

UMMS scientists present draft sequence of monarch butterfly genome

Researchers at UMass Chan Medical School have sequenced the monarch butterfly genome, revealing an estimated 16,866 protein-coding genes involved in its seasonal migration. The study provides new insights into the genetic and regulatory elements underlying this remarkable journey.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalCell·DateNov 23, 2011

Tiny levers, big moves in piezoelectric sensors

Researchers have integrated a highly efficient piezoelectric material into a silicon microelectromechanical system, enabling significant advances in sensing, imaging, and energy harvesting. The new material, PMN-PT, delivers two to four times more movement with stronger force than rival materials, while using only 3 volts.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalScience·DateNov 23, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Enhanced treatment of brain tumors

A new treatment combination of radiation therapy and LY2109761 blocks TGF-β signaling pathways, slowing down tumor cell self-renewal and growth. This combination therapy improved outcomes in animal models and has the potential to delay glioblastoma progression in patients.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalCancer Research·DateNov 23, 2011

Genetic study confirms: First dogs came from East Asia

A recent genetic study confirms that the wolf ancestors of modern dogs came from southern East Asia, contradicting theories placing their origins in the Middle East. The research, led by Dr. Peter Savolainen, analyzed Y-chromosomal DNA and found strong evidence supporting an Asian origin for dog domestication.

SourceSwedish Research Council·JournalHeredity·DateNov 23, 2011

Physicists set strongest limit on mass of dark matter

Researchers from Brown University report that dark matter must have a mass greater than 40 GeV to explain the universe's accelerated expansion. This limits potential weakly interacting massive particle (WIMP) candidates, which were previously suggested by other experiments.

SourceBrown University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 23, 2011
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.

Mice with fewer insulin-signaling receptors don't live longer

A new study from the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio challenges the idea that lacking a copy of the IGF1 receptor gene would increase life span. Knocking out one copy of the gene failed to lengthen male mice lifespan, with only modest increases in female mice.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 23, 2011

Earth's core deprived of oxygen

A team of scientists led by Yingwei Fei found that oxygen is not a major component of the Earth's liquid outer core, contradicting previous models. The discovery has significant implications for understanding the planet's formation through accretion of dust and clumps of matter.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature·DateNov 23, 2011

Introducing the monarch butterfly genome

The monarch butterfly's genome has been fully sequenced, offering insights into its long-distance migration. The study reveals genes responsible for vision, circadian clocks, and juvenile hormone synthesis, essential for extended lifespan and navigation.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateNov 23, 2011
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.

How old yeast cells send off their daughter cells without the baggage of old age

Researchers at Stowers Institute for Medical Research discovered that aging yeast cells retain protein aggregates in mother cells during cell division, preventing them from passing on to daughters. This process is facilitated by the limited mobility of protein aggregates and the narrow opening of the bud neck.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalCell·DateNov 23, 2011

Hopkins scientists turn on fountain of youth in yeast

Researchers at Johns Hopkins have successfully manipulated yeast life span by removing and restoring a protein function related to aging. By restoring this function, the organism's life span is dramatically extended. The discovery reveals molecular components of an aging pathway that appears related to one regulating longevity in humans.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell·DateNov 23, 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.

Insect cyborgs may become first responders

Researchers at the University of Michigan are developing insect 'cyborgs' that can power sensors and communications equipment, allowing them to monitor hazardous situations before human intervention. The devices harness kinetic energy from wing movements, enabling the insects to gather vital information in confined environments.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Micromechanics and Microengineering·DateNov 23, 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.

Finger (mal)formation reveals surprise function of desert DNA

Researchers at EPFL and University of Geneva uncover a genetic mechanism that modulates gene activity through seven enhancers, leading to diversity in finger shapes. This discovery could help understand hereditary malformations and evolutionary variations in the animal kingdom.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalCell·DateNov 23, 2011

New butterfly species identified in Yucatan peninsula

Researchers used DNA barcoding to discover several previously undiscovered butterfly species in the Yucatan peninsula, correcting four cases of mistaken identification. The study showcases the utility of this method in characterizing biodiversity.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 23, 2011

Scientific sleuths pinpoint the guilty coral killers

Researchers have developed a method to diagnose coral diseases using quantitative-PCR technology, which can detect pathogens at low levels. This will help control the impact of disease on coral reefs affected by rapid coastal development, declining water quality, and climate change.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateNov 23, 2011
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.

Diabetes drug shows promise in reducing risk of cancer

A new study by Michigan State University researchers found that metformin prevents tumors from growing in human cultures, providing biological evidence for its potential to reduce the risk of diabetes-associated cancers. The research suggests that metformin may be used as a preventive drug for individuals with Type-2 diabetes.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 23, 2011

Big pest, small genome

Researchers sequence the two-spotted spider mite's genome, revealing genes capable of detoxifying pesticides and plant toxins. This breakthrough sheds light on how these pests counteract plant defenses and provides new insights for developing targeted pesticides.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature·DateNov 23, 2011

Closer to a cure for eczema

Researchers have identified six yeast-killing peptides that target Malassezia sympodialis without harming human skin cells. These peptides could provide a potential new treatment for atopic eczema, increasing patients' quality of life. Further study is needed to develop a comprehensive treatment plan.

SourceWiley·JournalLetters in Applied Microbiology·DateNov 23, 2011
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.

The scoop on the dangers of snow shoveling

A study published in Clinical Research in Cardiology found that snow shoveling was associated with a significant proportion of heart problems among patients, particularly males with a family history of coronary artery disease. The study identified three key risk factors: gender, family history, and smoking.

SourceQueen's University·JournalClinical Research in Cardiology·DateNov 23, 2011

Exercise helps us to eat a healthy diet

A new study reveals that physical activity is linked to an improvement in diet quality, leading to more successful weight loss treatments. Exercise also modifies the brain's executive functions, enabling better control of appetite and food choices.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalObesity Reviews·DateNov 23, 2011

Dreaming takes the sting out of painful memories

Researchers at UC Berkeley found that dream sleep helps process emotional experiences, removing the edge from painful memories. During REM sleep, stress neurochemicals are suppressed, allowing the brain to connect and integrate memories in a more rational state.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 23, 2011
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.

Mite-y genomic resources for bioenergy crop protection

Researchers are utilizing genomic data to create novel pest-control strategies, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides and environmental pollution. The study focuses on the biology of the two-spotted spider mite, exploring its ability to develop pesticide resistance and potential applications in crop protection.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalNature·DateNov 23, 2011

Spider mite's secrets revealed

The sequenced spider mite genome provides insights into its feeding frenzy, pesticide resistance, and web-making abilities. The study reveals the genetic basis for these traits, including the acquisition of bacterial genes that enhance digestion and detoxification.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalNature·DateNov 23, 2011

Doctors can do better if they learn from their mistakes

A team of researchers found that doctors who learned from both successes and failures performed better in making treatment choices. They used fMRI imaging to detect characteristic brain patterns for high performers and low performers, showing a correlation between attention to failed treatments and better performance.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 23, 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.

Blossom end rot: Transport protein identified

A team of researchers has identified a protein that facilitates the radial transport of calcium ions from the root to the shoot, resolving a long-standing mystery. This breakthrough could lead to new strategies for preventing blossom end rot and other nutrient deficiencies in crops.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 23, 2011

Robojelly gets an upgrade

Researchers at VirginiaTech have improved Robojelly's performance by introducing a flexible margin, reducing folding and increasing speed. The upgrade provides new insights into jellyfish propulsion mechanisms, enabling the robot to detect chemical spills, monitor ships and submarines, and observe fish migration.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateNov 22, 2011
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.

Great Lakes fish feed on invading shrimp

Researchers found that several native fish species have incorporated the bloody red shrimp into their diet over multi-seasonal periods. The study suggests these fish are adapting to the invasive species, alleviating concerns about its impact on native populations.

SourceQueen's University·JournalJournal of Great Lakes Research·DateNov 22, 2011

Surprising pathway implicated in stuttering

A new study found that mutations in a gene called NAGPA, which affects lysosomal function, are associated with persistent stuttering. The research provides evidence that impairment in cellular recycling centers may play a role in causing some people to stutter.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateNov 22, 2011

UO chemists develop liquid-based hydrogen storage material

Researchers at the University of Oregon have developed a boron-nitrogen-based liquid-phase storage material for hydrogen that works safely at room temperature and is air- and moisture-stable. The new material features clean, fast, and controllable hydrogen desorption without any phase change.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·DateNov 22, 2011

On the road to plasmonics with silver polyhedral nanocrystals

Researchers have discovered a way to self-assemble uniform polyhedral silver nanocrystals into densest packings and exotic superlattices, opening the door to simpler fabrication of plasmonic materials. The technique uses gravity-driven sedimentation and allows for precise control over superlattice dimensions.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateNov 22, 2011

Arginine restores T-cell ability to target cancer

A recent study published in Clinical Cancer Research found that arginine supplementation can reactivate cancer-fighting T-cells in patients with glioblastoma. This is achieved by replenishing the amino acid arginine, which is depleted due to persistent neutrophil activity. The result is an improved immune response against cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateNov 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.

A tiny flame shines light on supernovae explosions

A team of researchers performed new 3-D calculations to better understand the complex conditions driving Type Ia supernovae. The simulations provide insight into the deflagration-to-detonation transition process, which is crucial for calculating cosmic distances and understanding the evolution of the universe.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateNov 22, 2011

New class of drugs for the reversible inhibition of proteasomes

Scientists have identified a new class of drugs that target the proteasome in a unique way, leading to potential breakthroughs in cancer medication. The newly discovered hydroxyurea structures work more specifically than existing proteasome inhibitors, reducing severe adverse side effects.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 22, 2011
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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