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Science News Archive 2011


Page 7 of 311

New Geology science posted online Dec. 8-16 2011

The article discusses the discovery of missing mid-Cenozoic sediments in the Lomonosov Ridge drilling, the variation in the Intertropical Convergence Zone's (ITCZ) position with global climate changes, and the decoupling of taxonomic and ecological severities of major mass extinctions. The ITCZ's position was more southward than today ...

Northwestern scientist gets mentoring award at White House

Teresa Woodruff, a Northwestern University professor, received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring at the White House. The award honors her Women's Health Science Program for High School Girls and Beyond, which mentors urban minority high-school girls in science and health.

Notre Dame researchers demonstrate new DNA detection technique

The Notre Dame research team has demonstrated a novel DNA detection method called laser transmission spectroscopy (LTS) that can rapidly determine the size, shape, and number of nanoparticles in suspension. The technique is highly sensitive and takes only a few seconds to score a sample for species presence or absence, making it a prom...

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.

Caterpillars mimic one another for survival

Researchers found that caterpillars in Neotropical regions mimic the warning coloration of toxic species for protection. The study reveals that mimicry is a common survival tactic among caterpillars, with some species forming Müllerian mimicry rings to avoid predators.

Traumatic experiences may make you tough

Research suggests that small amounts of trauma can help individuals develop resilience, contrary to the common notion that traumatic experiences are always detrimental. People who have experienced some negative life events tend to have better outcomes than those with no adverse experiences or those with excessive adversity.

Fear no supernova

Supernovas release enormous amounts of energy, but are too far away to harm Earth's ozone layer. Gamma-ray bursts could pose a threat if directed towards our planet, but estimates suggest it's unlikely to occur in the near future.

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.

Quantum cats are hard to see

Researchers demonstrate why quantum mechanics' physical effects are rarely seen in daily life. They found that precisely counting photons becomes increasingly difficult as the number of photons increases.

Tool enables scientists to uncover patterns in vast data sets

Researchers have developed a tool called Maximal Information Coefficient (MIC) that can uncover patterns in large data sets. MIC can tease out recurring events or sets of data hidden in health information, the changing bacterial landscape of the gut, and statistics from competitive sports.

Protecting confidential data with math

Researchers Rudolf Ahlswede and Harout Aydinian analyze a security-control model for statistical databases, proposing an optimal collection of SUM queries to prevent compromise of confidential information. Query restriction is one approach used to limit the amount of data that can be retrieved by users.

GDP up, happiness down

A team of scientists from the University of Vermont measured global happiness using Twitter data over three years. The trend shows a gradual downward trend, with drops in happiness following major events and weekly patterns. The researchers propose a tool for real-time monitoring of collective emotions.

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.

No brakes on breast cancer cells

Researchers have discovered a microRNA, miR-520, that suppresses NFkappaB and TGF-b signaling pathways in breast cancer cells. This finding suggests that miR-520 may act as a tumor suppressor and could lead to new treatment options for ER-negative breast cancer.

Group sex among adolescents a public health concern, new study says

A recent study published in the Journal of Urban Health found that one in 13 teenage girls reported having group-sex experience, which was often pressured or coerced. The study highlights the need for additional research on this topic and provides insights into the potential risks to sexual and reproductive health.

Long-term inhaled dry powder mannitol improves lung function in CF

A new study found that adding inhaled dry powder mannitol to standard therapy for cystic fibrosis improved lung function over 52 weeks. The treatment showed a significant improvement in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and fewer pulmonary exacerbations compared to the control group.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Can science predict a hit song?

Researchers at the University of Bristol used musical features and machine learning algorithms to predict song hits in the UK singles chart. They found that danceability increased in popularity from the late 1970s and that slower styles, such as ballads, were more likely to become hits in the 1980s.

2 research facilities awarded technology seeding grants

Two Ontario research facilities, The Centre for Applied Genomics and StemCore Laboratories, have been awarded $10,000 each to develop leading-edge technologies in Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) methods. Dr. Stephen Scherer will compare genome enrichment and exome capture kits, while Pearl Campbell will optimize ChIP-Seq methods.

Remote wilderness polluted by humans

A comprehensive study of 36 lakes in the USA, Canada, Greenland, and Svalbard reveals that biologically active nitrogen from human sources can be traced back to the end of the 19th century. The rate of change has accelerated over the past 60 years, coinciding with the commercialization of artificial fertilizer production.

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.

New device creates lipid spheres that mimic cell membranes

Researchers developed a microfluidic device to produce stable, biocompatible lipid vesicles that mimic natural cell membranes. This breakthrough overcomes previous hurdles by generating precisely sized droplets in an oil environment, producing an oil-and-water membrane for lipid assembly.

Midwives use rituals to send message that women's bodies know best

A study by Oregon State University researcher Melissa Cheyney found that midwife-attended home births have better health outcomes, including lower cesarean section rates. Midwives construct woman-centered rituals around pregnancy and birth to put mothers in control, involving family members and downplaying technology.

UCSF-led team discovers cause of rare disease

A UCSF-led team has identified the gene PRRT2 as the cause of a rare childhood neurological disorder called PKD/IC. The study may improve diagnosis and shed light on other movement disorders like Parkinson's disease.

Following the crowd supports democracy

Researchers found that uninformed individuals can bring about a majority decision, even if the minority is more determined than the majority. The number of undecided individuals must not be excessive, or decisions become unpredictable and follow a random pattern.

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.

Rapid rise in wildfires in large parts of Canada?

Large areas of Canada are approaching threshold values for wildfires, increasing the area burnt down annually and fire size. Climate change is expected to cause an abrupt increase in fires, making strategies for combating wildfires reconsidered.

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.

Close family ties keep microbial cheaters in check, study finds

Experiments with social amoebae reveal that cooperation depends on kinship, and population bottlenecks can stabilize cellular cooperation. The study found that nearly all multicellular organisms begin life as a single cell, and that cheater mutants are more likely to occur in groups where relatedness is low.

Novel device removes heavy metals from water

The cyclic electrowinning/precipitation (CEP) system removes heavy metals from water by increasing their concentration, making it possible for a proven metal-removal technique to take over. The automated CEP system can remove up to 99% of copper, cadmium, and nickel, returning the contaminated water to federally accepted standards.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Winter diets? The secret is to chill the extremities

Researchers found that red deer lower their heart rates in winter regardless of food intake, suggesting an internal programming mechanism. The deer's ability to regulate body temperature is crucial for conserving energy during the cold season.

Tool detects patterns hidden in vast data sets

Researchers developed a tool called MINE that can detect multiple patterns hidden in health information, baseball statistics, and more. It analyzes large data sets with great speed, identifying relationships and ranking them in an equitable way.

Shared flavor compounds show up on US menus, rare in Asian cuisines

North American cuisine tends to share more flavor compounds than expected, with ingredients like milk and butter contributing positively to food pairing. In contrast, East Asian cuisine often avoids mixing ingredients with shared flavor compounds, such as beef and ginger, which may negatively impact food pairing.

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.

Can proteins in the blood predict an early death?

Researchers analyzed data from a large study to find that certain protein markers in the blood, such as cystatin C and beta trace protein, are better predictors of an individual's prognosis than creatinine. These markers may indicate not only kidney health but also other aspects of well-being.

Gene discovery explains how fruitflies retreat from heat

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center discovered naturally occurring variations of the TRPA1 gene that allows fruit flies to sense potentially dangerous discomforts, including heat and pain. The findings may have implications for understanding temperature sensitivity in humans and developing new treatments for conditions such a...

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.

Cancer from fetal exposure to carcinogens depends on dose, timing

A recent study found that fetal exposure to carcinogens can lead to different types of cancer later in life, with the type of cancer depending on the stage of pregnancy when the fetus is exposed. The research also showed that mice who received multiple doses of a carcinogen had a higher rate of ovarian and lung cancer.

Gene discovered for Weaver syndrome

Scientists have identified a gene mutation in the EZH2 gene that causes Weaver syndrome, a rare genetic disorder characterized by large size at birth and intellectual disability. This breakthrough discovery enables DNA-based diagnostic testing for the disease, providing definitive answers for families seeking a diagnosis.

A supernova with a view

The study of the closest supernova in 25 years has shed new light on its formation. The team found that the exploding star was a white dwarf, and while they couldn't rule out a white dwarf merger, their results suggest a medium-sized star supplied the white dwarf with extra material to trigger the explosion.

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.

Genome tree of life is largest yet for seed plants

Researchers plotted evolutionary relationships of 150 plant species based on advanced genome-wide analysis, providing insights into genetic basis of diversity. The study resolves the long-standing problem of producing an unequivocal evolutionary tree of seed plants.

Scientists discover second-oldest gene mutation

A new study identified a gene mutation that dates back to 11,600 B.C. and causes a rare vitamin B12 deficiency called Imerslund-Gräsbeck Syndrome. The mutation was found in people of Arabic, Turkish, and Jewish ancestry and is believed to have originated in a single prehistoric individual.

Tool detects patterns hidden in vast data sets

Researchers developed a tool called MINE that can detect multiple patterns in large data sets, including health information, baseball statistics, and bacterial landscapes. The tool identifies relationships in a way that no other software program can, offering tremendous exploratory potential.

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.

A 'fantastic voyage' through the body -- with precision control

A 'fantastic voyage' through the body is now possible with precision control thanks to a new capsule endoscope developed by Tel Aviv University researcher Dr. Gabor Kosa. The device uses MRI technology to navigate the digestive tract, enabling doctors to detect problems and perform biopsies or local drug delivery in a non-invasive manner.

New Research Demonstrates Lean Beef is Good for Heart Health

A new study published in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that diets including lean beef every day are as effective in lowering total and LDL 'bad' cholesterol as the 'gold standard' of heart-healthy diets. Participants experienced a 10% decrease in LDL cholesterol from consuming 4.0 oz/day of lean beef daily.

First low-mass star detected in globular cluster

Astronomers detect first low-mass star in globular cluster M22 using gravitational microlensing, suggesting alternative explanation for cluster mass. The star has less than a fifth of the sun's mass and is 3.2 kiloparsecs from it.