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Science News Archive August 2011 - Page 3


Page 3 of 27

New chemical reagent turns mouse brain transparent

Researchers at RIKEN have developed a new aqueous reagent, Scale, which renders biological tissue transparent, allowing for vivid 3D images of neurons and blood vessels deep inside the mouse brain. The reagent's unique properties enable visualization of fluorescently-labeled samples at unprecedented depths and levels of spatial detail.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateAug 30, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Studies question effectiveness of sex offender laws

Two studies cast doubt on whether sex offender registries work as intended, finding that registration requirements reduce reported sex crime by up to 13%, but public notification may actually increase recidivism. A third study finds no evidence that sex offender registries are effective in increasing public safety.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalThe Journal of Law and Economics·DateAug 30, 2011

Localizing language in the brain

Researchers used innovative fMRI technique to pinpoint areas of the brain dedicated solely to language. Eight out of nine analyzed regions uniquely supported language tasks, while remaining regions showed no activation for non-language tasks.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 30, 2011
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.

Health systems research needs overhaul

The article emphasizes the need for a structured approach to health policy and systems research (HPSR), citing its current challenges. To address this, the authors propose establishing dedicated homes for HPSR in universities and independent research institutes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 30, 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.

Researchers build a tougher, lighter wind turbine blade

Researchers have developed a new wind turbine blade material that is lighter, tougher, and more durable than current materials. The polyurethane reinforced with carbon nanotubes outperforms existing resins for wind blades applications.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateAug 30, 2011

New Stanford method reveals parts of bacterium genome essential to life

A Stanford team cataloged the bacterial genome's essential elements, revealing 12% crucial for survival. The researchers used an efficient new method to map the genome and identify 480 protein-coding genes, 402 promoter regions, and 130 non-coding segments of unknown function.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·DateAug 30, 2011

Hospitalized children who carry MRSA at risk for full-blown infections

A Johns Hopkins Children's Center study of over 3,000 hospitalized children reveals that those colonized with MRSA but not sick are at significant risk for developing full-blown infections. The study found nearly six times more likelihood of invasive MRSA infections among carriers compared to noncarriers.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateAug 30, 2011

Awareness of ethnicity-based stigma found to start early

New research finds that even elementary school children from ethnic-minority backgrounds are aware of stigma and experience higher levels of academic anxiety. However, surprisingly, these students also report high interest in school, with close connections to peers playing a key role in maintaining this interest.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateAug 30, 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.

Computers are oversold and underused

A study in Bahrain, Jordan, and UAE finds that ICT is used mechanically to optimize equipment and perpetuate cultural traditions, rather than enhancing student abilities.

SourceSAGE·JournalSAGE Open·DateAug 30, 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.

Patients’ health motivates workers to wash their hands

A new study by Adam Grant found that healthcare professionals are more likely to wash their hands when reminded of the importance of keeping patients safe. The sign with a patient-focused message increased soap and gel use by 33% and hand-washing rates by 10%. This challenges prevailing wisdom on safety messages.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 30, 2011

Happiness: All in who you know, goals

A study by Bernardo J. Carducci found that happy college students who are less outgoing focus on family and friends connections, positive thinking, and goal-oriented activities, leading to increased happiness. Additionally, goal-oriented students tend to be happier due to engaging in purposeful leisure and spiritual reflection.

SourceIndiana University·DateAug 30, 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.

Study of childhood bullying shifts focus to victims

A new study found that children's social goals play a crucial role in how they respond to bullying. Children who are interested in developing relationships tend to have more positive perceptions and use proactive strategies to solve conflicts. In contrast, those who want to be perceived as 'cool' or competent may retaliate and engage i...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalChild Development·DateAug 30, 2011

Wolves may aid recovery of Canada lynx, a threatened species

Scientists suggest that wolves may play an important role in helping to save the threatened Canada lynx by controlling coyote populations, which are a major food source for the lynx. This 'trophic cascade' of impacts has contributed to the decline of the species due to habitat alteration and climate change.

SourceOregon State University·JournalWildlife Society Bulletin·DateAug 30, 2011

Graphene's shining light could lead to super-fast Internet

Researchers at the University of Manchester and Cambridge have discovered a way to enhance graphene devices for photodetectors in high-speed optical communications by 20 times. This is due to the addition of metallic nanostructures that concentrate light within the graphene layer, increasing its efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 30, 2011

Why does Japan have the highest life expectancy?

Rapid declines in infectious disease and stroke mortality enabled by salt reduction campaigns, improved healthcare technologies, and universal health insurance coverage have contributed to Japan's exceptional longevity. The country faces new challenges due to an aging population and rising healthcare costs.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 30, 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.

Secure attachment to moms helps irritable babies interact with others

Research followed 84 infants from birth to age 2 and found that highly irritable children who have secure attachments to their mothers are more likely to get along well with others. The study suggests that interventions to help children become securely attached may be especially important for children who are highly irritable.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateAug 30, 2011

Using ground covers in organic production

Using fabric ground covers in organic production allows farmers to control weeds, hold down costs, and maintain soil health. The study found that fabric covers limited water penetration and reduced soil levels of nitrogen and phosphorus.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalInternational Journal of Fruit Science·DateAug 30, 2011
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.

Ability to remember memories' origin not fully developed in youths

Researchers found that children's ability to remember memories' origin is immature and develops gradually during adolescence. Brain maturity in this area continues until adulthood, influencing the reliability of child testaments. The study suggests that adolescents' memories can be distorted by distracting information.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateAug 30, 2011

The Great Recession could reduce school achievement for children of unemployed

The Great Recession's lingering effects on children of unemployed parents can be seen in lower academic achievement, increased problem behavior in classrooms, and more suspensions. Research by the University of Chicago found that maternal job loss is associated with a 40% increase in problem behavior among young children.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalJournal of Policy Analysis and Management·DateAug 30, 2011

Landlubber fish leap for love when tide is right

The Pacific leaping blenny, a marine fish living on land, has a complex social life that thrives during the brief mid-tide period. The study found males use visual displays to warn off rivals and attract mates, while females defend feeding territories.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalEthology·DateAug 30, 2011

How Japan looks after its elderly people: a benchmark for nations worldwide

Japan's mandatory long-term care insurance has proven effective in managing care needs, with over half of elderly residents reporting no financial hardship. The system provides a range of services, including adult day care, home help, and nurse visits, and has increased formal care use while reducing financial burdens.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 30, 2011
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

New study shows patients with coronary artery disease

A new study shows that patients with coronary artery disease are more likely to experience thrombotic and bleeding complications after orthopedic surgery. The study found that increasing age, kidney disease, and female sex were strong predictors of these events.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 30, 2011

Youths' social goals help determine response to bullying

A new study published in Child Development found that second and third graders who prioritize developing social skills and relationships are more likely to respond constructively to bullying. In contrast, children who focus on gaining popularity or avoiding negative judgments tend to disengage or retaliate.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateAug 30, 2011

Testing the water for bioenergy crops

A recent study highlights the importance of considering water usage in bioenergy crop production, particularly with large grasses like miscanthus or switchgrass. The research found that these crops can increase net water use due to higher transpiration rates and land conversion's impact on hydrology.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 30, 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.

Future climate change may increase asthma attacks in children

A new study predicts a 7.3% increase in asthma-related emergency room visits for children in the NYC metropolitan area by 2030 due to climate change. The research, led by Dr. Perry Sheffield, used regional and atmospheric chemistry models to simulate ozone levels and their impact on air quality.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateAug 30, 2011

Breakthrough in hydrogen fuel cells

Researchers have created a reusable system to store and extract hydrogen from ammonia borane, a stable solid, making it suitable for various applications. The system is air-stable and efficient, with potential uses in motor-driven cycles and small aircraft.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 30, 2011

Registry: Do medications which reduce angina

A French registry study found that antianginal medications had no significant association with improved or worsened long-term survival in patients who suffered a heart attack. Molsidomine was associated with an increased risk of death, while nitrates showed a trend towards increased mortality.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 30, 2011
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.

Cardiac disease: Coronary or not?

A new algorithm using hs-cTnT levels at presentation and one hour after admission accurately differentiates acute myocardial infarction from non-coronary cardiac diseases. This approach reduces avoidable early coronary angiographies and shortens time of uncertainty for patients.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 30, 2011
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.

Stanford/UCSF scientists invent new way to disarm malaria parasite

Researchers at Stanford and UCSF have developed a novel method to grow large volumes of modified malaria parasites that no longer cause the disease, revealing how the parasite's survival depends on isopentenyl pyrophosphate. This breakthrough could speed up drug development and provide a basis for an effective vaccine against malaria.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 30, 2011

Mild hearing loss linked to brain atrophy in older adults

Researchers found that declines in hearing ability accelerate gray matter atrophy in auditory areas of the brain, leading to increased listening effort for speech comprehension. Early detection and intervention can help prevent speech comprehension difficulties in older adults.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateAug 30, 2011

New insight into impulse control

A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that differences in when movement neurons begin accumulating information from sensory neurons explain adjustments in response times. This discovery forces a major modification to existing cognitive models of impulse control, shedding new light on how the brain controls basic impulses.

SourceVanderbilt University·DateAug 30, 2011
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

What's really in that luscious chocolate aroma?

Researchers identified over 600 volatile compounds in cocoa beans, with only 25 essential for the characteristic flavor. They developed a method to recreate the chocolate flavor using these compounds, mimicking its aroma and taste in 'recombinates'. This breakthrough could lead to improved flavors and aromas in chocolates.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 29, 2011

UCLA memory fitness program improves memory abilities of oldest adults

A new UCLA study found that a six-week memory fitness program improved verbal memory and reduced age-related memory decline in seniors over 80. The program included education on lifestyle factors impacting memory ability and overall brain health, resulting in enhanced self-perceived memory and cognitive function.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateAug 29, 2011

A mouse model brings new perspectives on Lafora disease

Researchers have developed a genetically engineered mouse model to study Lafora disease, revealing the role of malin-laforin complex in glycogen synthesis and neuronal degeneration. The study provides evidence for abnormal sugar accumulation leading to neuronal deterioration and death.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateAug 29, 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.

Flexible electronics hold promise for consumer applications

Researchers developed a large molecule stable and inexpensive to produce, paving the way for plastic-based flexible electronics. The technology may turn into everyday realities, including artificial skin, smart bandages and wearable electronics.

SourceWake Forest University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateAug 29, 2011