Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive 2011


Page 47 of 311

Climate change causing massive movement of tree species across the West

A massive shift in tree species is underway across the Western United States due to climate change, with many native species declining or disappearing and opportunistic newcomers replacing them. The research identifies areas where forests will change composition, with some regions shifting into grasslands or deserts.

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.

Skin 'sees' UV light, starts producing pigment

Skin detects UVA radiation using a light-sensitive receptor found in eyes, leading to melanin production within hours. Researchers find that long-wavelength UVA light stimulates rhodopsin in melanocytes, triggering calcium signals and melanin accumulation.

November GSA Today science article -- Southern Gulf of California

The November GSA Today science article explores why the Southern Gulf of California ruptured so rapidly, attributing it to an oblique divergence across a thin and hot, weak lithosphere. This process allowed for rapid deformation and stretching of the crust, resulting in new sea floor formation in just 6-10 million years.

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.

Research team unravels tomato pathogen's tricks of the trade

A research team has sequenced the genome of Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato to understand how it evades plant defenses and develop methods to prevent further spread. The study found that the pathogen likely evolved on a recent time scale and continues to adapt by minimizing its recognition, posing a threat to biosecurity.

Gene therapy shows promise as hemophilia treatment in animal studies

Researchers have combined gene therapy and stem cell transplantation to successfully reverse hemophilia A in large animals, eliminating symptoms and restoring normal activity. However, the treatment's effects may be reduced or shorter due to an immune response developed by the treated animals.

Saving the day

A study published in BMC Emergency Medicine found that higher body mass index (BMI) and fitness levels improve CPR performance, while lower BMI and fitness lead to decreased compression depth and fatigue. The researchers recommend changing CPR providers every two minutes to prevent tiredness from impeding proper compression.

Study finds voters concerned with privacy in US elections

A Brigham Young University study found that voters who go against the neighborhood norm have less confidence in ballot privacy, with 30% less confidence. Election officials' shift to new voting technology has increased concerns among some voters about privacy.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Evolution during human colonizations

Researchers analyzed genealogies of over one million individuals in Quebec to show that pioneers on the edge of colonization waves had a selective advantage. This advantage led to increased fertility and reproductive success, as well as a desire for exploration and colonization.

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.

Annual UH Mars Rover event gets $400,000 boost from NASA

The UH Mars Rover Model Celebration and Exhibition will receive a $414,000 grant from NASA to develop a stronger event, expand beyond Texas, and provide hands-on science projects for elementary and middle school students. The program aims to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Human skin begins tanning in seconds, and here's how

Researchers have discovered that human skin can begin tanning in seconds after exposure to UV light, using a mechanism similar to the retina's detection of light. This early response provides rapid protection against UV damage and may impact sunscreen design.

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.

A new definition for periprosthetic joint infection

Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have developed a new definition for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) to help diagnose patients with suspected PJI. The criteria include sterile sampling, biomarker testing, and histological analysis to identify virulent organisms like Staphylococcus aureus.

City lights could reveal E.T. civilization

Researchers suggest looking for artificial illumination on distant planets as they orbit their stars, which could provide a measurable signal. This technique relies on the assumption that intelligent life uses Earth-like technologies and could potentially spot alien cities using future generations of telescopes.

IVF proven unnecessary for many infertile couples

A new study published in European Obstetrics & Gynaecology shows that DuoFertility's monitoring and support service can achieve pregnancy rates comparable to IVF for many infertile couples. This viable, non-invasive alternative could save the NHS millions of pounds each year.

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 KAIST research team has developed a fully functional flexible memory

A KAIST research team has developed a fully functional flexible non-volatile resistive random access memory (RRAM) that can be randomly accessed, written, and erased on a plastic substrate. This breakthrough overcomes cell-to-cell interference issues by integrating a memristor with high-performance silicon transistors.

NASA's Fermi finds youngest millisecond pulsar, 100 pulsars to date

A team of scientists using NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope has discovered a young millisecond pulsar named PSR J1823−3021A, challenging existing theories about its formation. The discovery pushes the total count of detected pulsars to over 100, with NGC 6624 globular cluster contributing significantly.

What sort of youth centers do young people really want?

A study involving 50 secondary school children explored what types of youth services young people want. The research found that providing youth services helps prevent youth crime and has a positive impact on their behavior. Young people were asked to prioritize and distribute limited resources, informing the development of youth centers.

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.

Millisecond pulsar in spin mode

Scientists have found the first gamma-ray pulsar in a globular cluster, J1823-3021A, which is also the youngest millisecond pulsar discovered to date. Its high luminosity and strong magnetic field challenge current theories on its formation.

The benefits of being the first to settle

Researchers analyzed genealogies of early pioneers and found they had significantly more children than those who settled within the core of an existing colony. Women on the edge of colonization also showed a 15% higher fertility rate due to earlier marriage, suggesting that fertility can rapidly evolve during range expansion.

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.

Low vitamin D common in spine surgery patients

A study of 313 spine surgery patients found that more than half had inadequate vitamin D levels. Patients with insufficient vitamin D may benefit from taking supplements before and after surgery to aid in recovery.

Study identifies an expanded role for PKM2 in helping cancer cells survive

A new study identifies PKM2 as a critical enzyme for cancer cell survival under oxidative stress. Researchers found that activating PKM2 can sensitize cancer cells to ROS-induced death, opening up potential therapeutic avenues for cancer treatment. The study suggests that manipulating PKM2 activity could be a way to disrupt tumor growth.

Health check on the road

A research team at TUM has developed a sensor system that monitors drivers' vital signs, including heart rate, skin conductance, and oxygen saturation, to prevent fainting spells or heart attacks. The system uses simple sensors in the steering wheel and can initiate measures such as phone call blocking or emergency braking if necessary.

Researchers find anti-depressants reduce pain in opioid-dependent patients

A study published in the journal Pain found that opioid-dependent patients treated with escitalopram experienced significant reductions in pain severity and interference. The findings suggest that antidepressants may be an effective alternative to non-opioid pharmacologic therapies for managing chronic pain in this population.

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.

Alternate ending -- living on without telomerase

Researchers have found a novel mechanism by which cancer cells can continue to divide without the help of telomerase, a key enzyme involved in cell aging. The discovery identifies a special protein complex called APBs as a potential target for cancer therapy.

Erasing the signs of aging in cells is now a reality

Researchers at Inserm have successfully rejuvenated cells from elderly donors, erasing signs of aging and demonstrating the reversibility of cellular aging. The breakthrough uses a new 'cocktail' of six genetic factors to reprogram senescent cells into functional induced pluripotent stem cells.

Nano-tech makes medicine greener

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a nano-tech method to test new medicines in extremely small volumes, allowing for faster and cheaper drug development. The technique uses self-assembling systems made from biological materials, significantly reducing environmental impact.

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.

Scientists identify genes that may signal long life in naked mole-rats

Researchers found genes associated with mitochondria and respiration are expressed at high levels in naked mole-rats, suggesting mechanisms for longevity and disease resistance. The study's findings provide clues on how the rodent protects itself against oxidative stress and may help understand aging processes.

Latex gloves lead to lax hand hygiene in hospitals, study finds

A study of over 7,000 patient contacts found that healthcare workers wearing latex gloves were less likely to clean their hands before and after patient contact. The researchers call this phenomenon the 'Dirty Hand in the Latex Glove,' highlighting an opportunity for improved hand hygiene practices when using gloves.

Biologists use flies and mice to get to the heart of Down syndrome

Biologists have identified two critical genes, DSCAM and COL6A2, responsible for congenital heart defects in individuals with Down syndrome. These genes disrupt cardiac development and function when produced at elevated levels. The study used a novel approach combining fruit flies and mice to untangle the problem.

The selective advantage of being on the edge of a migration wave

A study using Quebec's BALSAC population database found that families on the edge of migration waves had more children and contributed more to the contemporary population's genetics. This phenomenon, known as 'gene surfing', may explain the elevated frequency of genetic diseases in certain regions.

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.

Tiago Branco wins Eppendorf/Science Prize

Tiago Branco's research focuses on how single neurons process information from the outside world to generate behaviors. He discovered that dendrites actively filter and transform this information, enabling single neurons to solve complex computational tasks.

Creating markets to pay for public good offer promise, peril

A study by Arizona State University experts warns that some payment mechanisms for ecosystem services can be detrimental to the environment. The report highlights the need for carefully designed payment schemes to track changes in publicly owned environmental assets, similar to tracking economic indicators like GDP.

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 devastating health consequences of earthquakes

Earthquakes result in massive death tolls due to trauma, crush injuries, and disruptions to medical services. Many victims succumb to complications, sepsis, or organ failure, while others experience mental health problems like depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Researchers aim to improve lives of military families with special needs

Researchers at the University of Kansas are analyzing military policy to develop recommendations that will benefit special-needs families of armed services personnel worldwide. Their goal is to enhance mission readiness, ease redeployment burdens, advance retention, and aid recruitment efforts.

Homo sapiens arrived earlier in Europe than previously known

Researchers have re-analyzed ancient deciduous teeth from Grotta del Cavallo, Italy, and found they belong to anatomically modern humans. The new study suggests that Homo sapiens arrived in Europe earlier than previously known, with dates ranging from ~43,000-45,000 cal BP.

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.

LSU researchers find link between personality and credit scores

Researchers found a connection between conscientiousness and good credit scores, as well as a negative correlation between agreeableness and credit scores. However, poor credit scores were not linked to employee theft or deviant work behaviors, contradicting common employer assumptions.