Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive April 2011


Page 12 of 26

Historical context guides language development

Researchers analyzed 301 languages across four families to find recurring patterns in sentence structure. The study reveals that sentence structure is determined by historical context rather than innate rules, contradicting long-held views on language evolution.

'Jurassic Park' had it right: Some dinosaurs hunted by night

New research reveals that some dinosaurs, such as big plant-eating dinosaurs, were active both day and night due to their need for constant food intake. Velociraptors, on the other hand, hunted at night like modern nocturnal animals, challenging the traditional assumption about dinosaur activity patterns.

Tourette Syndrome: non-drug therapy to reduce tics

A new study found that cognitive-behavioral therapy can reduce tics and brain activity in patients with Tourette syndrome, potentially leading to improved treatment options. The therapy was shown to have a measurable impact on brain activity linked to symptom improvement.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Illusion can halve the pain of osteoarthritis, scientists say

Researchers at the University of Nottingham discovered a simple illusion can reduce and even eliminate arthritic pain in the hand, affecting 85% of volunteers. The MIRAGE technology uses computer manipulations to trick the brain into feeling less pain, with some participants experiencing temporary elimination of pain.

Mayo Clinic finds botox eases painful spinal headaches

A Mayo Clinic case study finds Botox effective in treating disabling low cerebrospinal fluid headaches. The patient's headaches improved significantly after receiving Botox treatments, allowing her to live a more normal life.

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.

People know when first impressions are accurate

Researchers found that people do reasonably well at judging their own first impressions, with accuracy tied to moderate levels of confidence. The study suggests that most people are like most people, and that recognizing this similarity leads to more accurate perceptions.

The heat is on: NIST zeroes in on energy consumption of ice makers

Researchers found that ice makers in four different refrigerators increased rated energy consumption by 12 to 20 percent, with three-fourths of the extra energy used for heaters. This study aims to improve efficiency and inform federal minimum efficiency standards for refrigerators.

Stroke survival among seniors better in sociable neighborhoods

Research finds that stroke survival improves for seniors living in cohesive neighborhoods, where social support and interactions with neighbors play a crucial role. The study's results suggest that a positive neighborhood environment is essential for senior health.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

The eyes have it: Dinosaurs hunted by night

A new study reveals that dinosaurs, like velociraptors, were nocturnal hunters, while plant-eaters were active during the day and night. The research uses eye measurements to separate ecological and phylogenetic signals, providing insight into how environment influences evolution.

Evolution points to genes involved in birth timing

Researchers found that variations in the follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) gene may increase a woman's risk for delivering her infant prematurely. The study suggests that human gestation has been pushed to shorter times due to evolutionary changes, which could lead to new targets for therapeutic or preventive measures.

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.

New global portal for cyber-physical systems research launched

Vanderbilt University's ISIS has built a web-based platform for Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) researchers to collaborate and share knowledge. The CPS-VO aims to foster progress, develop priorities, and distribute information in the rapidly emerging field of cyber-physical systems.

Nationwide Children's Hospital accepted to Neonatal Research Network

Nationwide Children's Hospital has been accepted into the Neonatal Research Network, a national organization dedicated to improving neonatal care. The center will contribute patient data to a registry of very low birth weight infants, providing valuable insights into premature infant health outcomes.

Eyes of rock let chitons see predators

Scientists have discovered that chitons can see objects overhead using eye lenses made of aragonite, a type of rock. This unique feature allows them to detect potential predators and defend against being eaten.

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.

Polluted air leads to disease by promoting widespread inflammation

Research at Ohio State University found that polluted air can activate a protein triggering white blood cell release, leading to widespread inflammation. Chronic exposure to particulate matter increases the risk of cardiovascular problems and diseases like diabetes and obesity.

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.

New DNA nanoforms take shape

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a method to construct arbitrary, two and three-dimensional shapes using DNA origami. The new technique allows for the creation of complex curvature in 3D nanostructures, enabling potential applications in ultra-tiny computing components and nanomedical devices.

Humpback whale songs spread eastward like the latest pop tune

Researchers found that male humpbacks sing the same mating tune, but with changing patterns over time, spreading across the ocean from west to east. The study revealed cultural transmission on a broad scale, similar to humans, as songs spread between populations in the Pacific Ocean.

New study identifies possible cause of salt-induced hypertension

Researchers found that salt intake raises blood pressure by disrupting temperature regulation in the cardiovascular system, affecting some individuals more than others. This discovery may lead to a comprehensive theory explaining most cases of high blood pressure.

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.

Older workers benefit from high-tech, high-touch health promotion

A randomized trial found that older workers who received personalized coaching alongside a web-based risk assessment reported improved physical activity and reduced dietary fat intake. In contrast, those in a control group experienced a decline in waist circumference at six months that was maintained at 12 months.

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.

Novel therapy improves immune function in teen with rare disease

Researchers used an alternative cell signaling pathway to improve immune function in a 13-year-old boy with mild Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome, a rare and deadly immunodeficiency disorder. The study achieved clinical laboratory benefits and represents a new treatment option for patients with WAS.

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.

UCSF team describes neurological basis for embarrassment

A team at UCSF has identified the right hemisphere's pregenual anterior cingulate cortex as crucial for embarrassment. The study found that people with neurological damage in this region responded less emotionally to criticism, suggesting a potential diagnostic tool for neurodegenerative diseases.

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.

A chance discovery may revolutionize hydrogen production

Researchers have discovered a new, room-temperature method to produce hydrogen using molybdenum-based catalysts, which could significantly lower production costs. The new catalysts are stable, efficient, and compatible with acidic, neutral, or basic conditions in water.

Rising star of brain found to regulate circadian rhythms

Researchers at Tufts University discovered that astrocytes play a crucial role in regulating circadian rhythms and sleep patterns. The study found that disrupting astrocyte function in fruit flies led to altered daily rhythms, indicating the importance of these glial cells in controlling circadian behavior.

Hydrocarbons in the deep earth

Researchers used computational simulations to explore hydrocarbon formation from methane under high pressure and temperature conditions. They found that hydrocarbons with multiple carbon atoms can form from methane at temperatures greater than 1,500 K and pressures 50,000 times those at the Earth's surface.

Genes that control 'aging' steroid identified

Researchers have uncovered 8 genes that control the main steroid produced by the adrenal gland, which is believed to play a role in aging and longevity. The study found that these genetic regions are also associated with common age-related diseases, providing the first genetic evidence for the ageing role of the steroid.

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.

University of Toronto researchers 'brighten' the future of OLED technology

Researchers at the University of Toronto have developed a new method to improve OLED efficiency by using a one-atom thick layer of chlorine. This innovation enables record efficiencies of up to 50% at high brightness levels, making it a promising technology for future flat-panel displays and lighting applications.

Serotonin: A critical chemical for human intimacy and romance

A new study published in Biological Psychiatry suggests that serotonin activity affects how people perceive intimate relationships. Healthy adults with lower serotonin levels rated couples as less intimate and romantic than those with normal serotonin activity.

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.

Inability to detect sarcasm, lies may be early sign of dementia, UCSF study shows

A UCSF study reveals a possible early sign of dementia: the inability to detect sarcasm and lies. Researchers mapped brain activity in older adults with neurodegenerative diseases and found associations between deteriorating brain regions and this ability. This finding could help diagnose dementia earlier, enabling timely intervention.

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.

Targeting top 911 callers can trim cost, improve patient care

A pilot program in Baltimore City identified frequent 911 callers and paired them with case workers, reducing calls by nearly half while improving access to care. The study found significant savings and benefits for participants, highlighting the potential for targeted interventions to improve EMS efficiency.