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Science News Archive August 2011


Page 10 of 27

NASA sees heavy rain in Hurricane Irene, satellite video watches her growth

Researchers confirmed that tropical cyclones with hot towers intensify faster than those without. Hurricane Irene featured multiple 'hot towers', leading to its intensification into a hurricane. The storm's heavy rainfall is expected across several Caribbean islands, with totals reaching up to 20 inches in some areas.

Locating the elusive

Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin have engineered a material that exhibits both electrically charged (ferroelectric) and magnetic (ferromagnetic) properties, controlled by electricity. This 'multiferroic' material has potential for multi-state data storage in computers, offering cost-effectiveness compared to existing materials.

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.

Alternative health-care funding in Canada will not lower costs

A recent commentary in CMAJ highlights that alternative funding models for healthcare in Canada will not reduce costs nor achieve financial sustainability. The majority of healthcare costs are spent on a small proportion of the population, and private healthcare has higher administrative costs.

Small molecules shed light on cancer therapies

Researchers at the University of Illinois have identified 25 microRNAs associated with glioblastoma survival and discovered 20 new microRNAs linked to initiation or growth of other cancer types. These findings suggest common pathways that can be targeted with similar drugs, offering hope for improved treatment options.

Better 'photon loops' may be key to computer and physics advances

Researchers at NIST and University of Maryland have developed a new photon loop technology that could lead to more efficient information processors and enable exploration of the quantum Hall effect. The technology uses multiple rows of resonators to build alternate pathways, allowing photons to bypass defects in microchips.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Painting a 'bullseye' on cancer cells

Researchers successfully created a computerized model of cancer cell metabolism, predicting which drugs are lethal to cancer cells' function and demonstrating efficacy in kidney cancer models. The approach holds promise for future investigations aimed at effective drug therapies for other types of cancer.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Is marriage good for the heart?

A study published by the University of Rochester found that happily married people are more than three times as likely to survive bypass surgery for 15 years compared to unmarried individuals. The study also found that marriage quality is crucial for women's survival, with satisfying unions increasing their survival rate almost fourfold.

Eco-labeled seafood is not always what it seems

Researchers found that many eco-labeled Chilean sea bass sold in US groceries were not sustainably sourced from the recognized fishery off South Georgia. The study revealed genetic variations in the fish, indicating possible mislabeling and mixing with other species.

Happiness can deter crime, a new study finds

A new University of California-Davis study found that happier adolescents report less involvement in crime and drug use. The research suggests that programs increasing childhood happiness may have a notable effect on deterring nonviolent crime.

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.

Galaxies are running out of gas

A CSIRO study reveals galaxies have less molecular hydrogen gas than in the past, leading to fewer stars forming. The decline in gas availability is linked to Dark Energy's acceleration of the Universe's expansion.

Are stellar explosions created equal?

Scientists have discovered that about a quarter of Type Ia supernovae are born from medium-sized stars similar to our Sun. This finding challenges the long-held assumption that all Type Ia supernovae have the same luminosity, which is crucial for measuring cosmic distances.

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.

Experience puts the personal stamp on a place in memory

Researchers found that rats' place cells behave like new environments when they don't explore, highlighting the importance of direct experience in creating stable episodic memories. This discovery translates to humans, where recalling past experiences relies on autobiographical memory and direct recollection of events.

'Redirect' by Timothy D. Wilson

This book explains a new, scientifically based approach called story editing that can make you happier and turn you into a better parent. Wilson argues that conventional approaches are ineffective and shows what works, highlighting the strategies outlined in his practical advice chapters.

Nano bundles pack a powerful punch

Rice University scientists have developed a solid-state, nanotube-based supercapacitor that combines the benefits of batteries and capacitors. The new device is stable, scalable, and suitable for extreme environments, with potential applications in electronics, sensors, and renewable energy systems.

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.

For depression, relapsers go to the front of the brain

A new study suggests that differences in brain activity, particularly in the frontal lobe and visual areas, can predict depression relapse in formerly depressed patients. Those who ruminate and activate the frontal lobes are more likely to relapse.

The ignored virus that causes liver cancer

Research suggests Hepatitis G virus may cause liver damage and cancer, contrary to FDA's initial declaration in 1997. A review of scientific literature shows the virus is prevalent globally, linked to hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Dartmouth Med School lands $11M grant for regional biomedical research center

The National Institutes of Health has awarded Dartmouth Medical School a $11 million grant to establish a network of institutions in northern New England for quantitative biologists. The Center of Biomedical Research Excellence will recruit, train, and support young scientists to investigate the interaction between genes and environment.

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.

Study: Extramarital sex and divorce more common among veterans

A study found that over 32% of veterans reported extramarital sex, compared to 16.8% of non-veterans. Veterans were also almost 10% more likely to have gotten divorced, and those who reported extramarital sex were 2.3 times more likely to have ever divorced.

Low oxygen triggers moth molt

A study by Duke University scientists found that low oxygen levels in caterpillars trigger a molt to the next stage of development, as their respiratory system is fixed in size. This discovery reveals a new factor regulating body size during specific developmental stages.

Hospital readmission rates not accurate measure of care quality

A recent study in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that avoidable hospital readmissions are relatively uncommon and do not accurately reflect hospital care quality. Only 2.2% of discharged patients were deemed avoidably readmitted, suggesting that urgent readmission rates may be an overestimated measure of quality.

Newest screen for newborns will indicate heart problems

A new screening strategy for critical congenital heart disease (CHD) uses pulse oximetry to detect low oxygen levels in newborns. The American Academy of Pediatrics and other medical organizations endorse the approach, which has already been adopted by New Jersey.

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.

Beams to order from table-top accelerators

Researchers achieve stable, high-energy electron beams by controlling wave velocity and intensity using a two-stage process. This innovation enables compact, cost-effective colliders for fundamental physics and new ultrafast light sources.

Stanford study draws connection between narcolepsy and influenza

A new Stanford study found a significant correlation between narcolepsy onset and seasonal H1N1 infections, suggesting that getting vaccinated may provide protection. The study of over 900 patients in China revealed a five-to-seven month delay between flu/cold outbreaks and narcolepsy cases, with the disease most frequent in April.

Antennas in your clothes? New design could pave the way

Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a new antenna design that can be integrated into clothing, offering a range four times larger than traditional antennas. The system overcomes previous problems of body absorption and interference by surrounding the body with multiple antennas working together.

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.

Poverty and national parks: Decade-long study finds surprising relationship

A decade-long study of people living near Kibale National Park in Uganda found that most households improved their prosperity, despite conventional wisdom suggesting parks contribute to poverty. The study suggests that parks provide a source of insurance for poor families, allowing them to hunt or sell park resources.

Males believe discussing problems is a waste of time, MU study shows

A new University of Missouri study reveals that boys perceive discussing problems as not beneficial for their emotional well-being. The research suggests that parents should encourage their children to adopt a middle ground when discussing problems, and help them see some utility in talking about issues.

Nanowires get into the groove

Scientists at the Weizmann Institute of Science have developed a method to grow semiconductor nanowires on a surface, producing relatively long, orderly, aligned structures. This breakthrough enables the production of enhanced electronic and optical properties suitable for various applications.

Study confirms food security helps wildlife

A Wildlife Conservation Society program, COMACO, has improved rural livelihoods while restoring local wildlife populations. The study found that COMACO farmers had higher crop yields and improved soil quality, contributing to the stabilization of wildlife populations.

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.

Heart attack patients winning the race to angioplasty treatment

A five-year study by Yale researchers found that nearly all heart attack patients were receiving angioplasty within 90 minutes of hospital admission, with a significant improvement from 44% in 2005 to 91% in 2010. This rapid progress was attributed to nationwide efforts to accelerate treatment and improve care for patients.

Road block as a new strategy for the treatment of Alzheimer's

Blocking a transport pathway through brain cells offers new prospects for preventing Alzheimer's disease development. Researchers discovered that the amyloid beta precursor protein and beta secretase enzyme follow different paths, leading to the formation of amyloid plaques.

Southern South American wildfires expected to increase, says CU-Boulder study

A new CU-Boulder study finds that a major climate oscillation in the Southern Hemisphere is expected to increase wildfire activity in southern South America. The research team used tree rings dating back 500 years to track past wildfire activity, revealing widespread fires in Patagonia during periods of positive SAM phase.

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.

New study examines window fall-related injuries among youth

A new study by Nationwide Children's Hospital found that approximately 5,200 children were treated for window fall-related injuries each year, translating to 14 children per day. Children under 4 years old and those falling from heights over 3 stories or landing on hard surfaces are at increased risk.

HPV vaccine protects against anal HPV infection which can lead to anal cancer

The bivalent HPV vaccine has been shown to protect against anal HPV 16 and 18 infections, preventing nearly 84% of cases in women without prior exposure. The vaccine also offers cross-protective efficacy against other cancer-causing HPV types, suggesting a broader potential for prevention of HPV-associated cancers.

UH researchers explore treatments for breast and colon cancers

Researchers at the University of Houston discovered the potential for estrogen hormone compounds to prevent colon cancer by activating estrogen receptors. They also identified a key gene involved in breast cancer tumor cell growth, opening new opportunities for targeted therapeutics.

Study finds narcolepsy cases in China peak in early spring

Researchers found a seasonal pattern of narcolepsy onset in China, most frequent in April, with a significant spike following the H1N1 pandemic. The study suggests that flu vaccination was unlikely to cause the increase and points towards an autoimmune disease trigger.

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.

Nature: How the N2O greenhouse gas is decomposed

A study published in Nature journal has identified the structure of the enzyme that decomposes nitrous oxide, a harmful climate gas with a 300 times stronger impact than carbon dioxide. The discovery provides insight into the decomposition mechanism and its dependence on environmental conditions, which may help prevent N2O emissions.

Study: New job trends reproducing old forms of gender inequality

A study by Indiana University and Cornell University reveals that overworking is partly responsible for the slowdown in narrowing the gender wage gap. Women face more family obligations, limiting their availability for high-demand occupations, which often require long work hours.

The secret life of millipedes

New research on male helminthomorph millipedes has uncovered the intricate process of leg-to-gonopod metamorphosis, essential for their reproductive success. This complex transformation involves significant reorganization of the exoskeleton and muscles, altering the animal's body plan.

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.

Study identifies new way to treat common hospital-acquired infection

Researchers identify a molecular process by which human cells can neutralize toxins released by Clostridium difficile, offering a promising new treatment for intestinal disease. The discovery could also be applied to other bacterial diseases and has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of hospital-acquired infections.

Newly discovered Icelandic current could change North Atlantic climate picture

Researchers confirm presence of a deep-reaching ocean circulation system off Iceland that influences the ocean's response to climate change in unprecedented ways. The North Icelandic Jet contributes to the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, transporting warm surface water and affecting global climate patterns.

Less-educated Americans turning their backs on religion

A new study finds that less-educated Americans are increasingly disengaging from religious institutions, with lower attendance rates than their more educated peers. This trend is particularly concerning as religious institutions often provide vital social and emotional support to the less educated.