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Science News Archive February 2011


Page 18 of 25

Delving into manganite conductivity

Researchers have made a significant breakthrough in understanding manganite conductivity by linking it to the Jahn-Teller effect. At ambient pressure, manganites exhibit insulating properties, but applying intense pressure causes them to transition to a metallic state, which conducts electric charges.

A race against time to find Apollo 14's lost voyagers

Hundreds of 'moon trees,' planted by Apollo 14 astronaut Stuart Roosa in 1971, are living out their lives across the US. As some die or succumb to disease, NASA's Dave Williams is racing against time to find and record the remaining trees' locations.

AGU journal highlights -- Feb. 9, 2011

A new study suggests the Arctic Ocean ice may not reach a catastrophic tipping point due to climate change. Microearthquakes could help evaluate potential carbon sequestration sites by detecting fractures in rocks. This technique could pinpoint unknown fractures that could lead to long-term storage of carbon dioxide.

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 study finds eyewitness memory susceptible to misinformation after testing

A new Iowa State University study found that subjects who witnessed a criminal event and were tested about it immediately afterward were more susceptible to having misinformation instilled in their later recall of the event. This effect, known as retrieval-enhanced suggestibility, may lead to false convictions in criminal cases.

Advanced macular degeneration is associated with an increased risk

Research finds late-stage age-related macular degeneration associated with a 56% increased risk of any type of stroke. Specifically, late AMD was strongly linked to over six times the risk of brain hemorrhage but not with brain infarction, according to a study presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference.

Tobacco companies expand their epidemic of death

The tobacco industry is expanding its sales in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific, with Imperial Tobacco and Phillip Morris reporting increases in cigarette sales. The Lancet Editorial criticizes the companies' 'selling, addicting, and killing' business model, describing it as 'morally repugnant'.

Sweeping view of prostate cancer genome yields deep insights

The study reveals several new prostate cancer genes, including those disrupting tumor suppressor proteins and rearrangements that create new genes. These findings may provide insights into the disease's development and suggest potential diagnostic markers and new treatments for aggressive forms of prostate cancer.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Simple marine worms distantly related to humans

Research published in Nature reveals that simple marine worms Xenoturbella and Acoelomorpha are distantly related to humans and other complex species. The findings suggest that these organisms have evolved backwards into simpler forms, shedding light on the early stages of animal evolution.

University of Cincinnati researcher honored with award at stroke conference

A University of Cincinnati researcher won a prestigious award for his study on familial intracranial aneurysms and their genetic connection. The research found that concordance in the location of aneurysms within families was higher than between families, suggesting a heritable component to anatomic vulnerability.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Understanding patterns of seafloor biomass

A comprehensive database analysis found a strong positive relationship between surface production and organic matter export, driving predicted patterns of seafloor biomass. Seafloor biomass is highest around the poles and equator due to nutrient-rich upwelling waters, while central abyssal plains exhibit consistently low values.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Quality varies in social networking websites for diabetics

The study found significant variations in quality and safety across diabetes social networks, with room for improvement. Researchers recommend increasing moderation, making credentials of moderators visible, and improving privacy policies to protect patients' health information.

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.

Detecting pathogens in waterways: An improved approach

A team of USDA scientists has developed a new approach to detecting pathogenic Escherichia coli and Salmonella bacteria in waterways, achieving lower detection levels than previous methods. The process uses a combination of techniques, including filtration, biochemical testing, and polymerase chain reaction technology, to identify even...

Electronic cigarettes hold promise as aid to quitting

A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that electronic cigarettes can help smokers quit, with a 31% six-month abstinence rate among respondents who purchased e-cigarettes first. The average abstinence rate for traditional nicotine replacement products was between 12 and 18 percent.

Dramatic improvement in Parkinson disease symptoms

A groundbreaking study found that mesenchymal stem cells delivered through the nose improved motor function and increased dopamine levels in rats with Parkinson's disease. This non-invasive approach offers a safer alternative to surgical transplantation.

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.

CeBIT 2011: Electronic fitness trainer

Researchers at Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS develop an electronic fitness trainer that collects data on user movements and breathing, providing personalized feedback and advice. The system aims to motivate users towards regular exercise and improve physical well-being, particularly for older adults.

A paperweight for platinum

Researchers created a new catalytic material that is harder, more chemically active, and provides stability for fuel cells. The material combines graphene with metal oxide nanoparticles, resulting in improved performance and durability.

Tool makes search for Martian life easier

A new analytical technique makes it easier to analyze rocks and soils on Mars, possibly indicating signs of life. The tool combines mass spectrometry with laser ablation and an ion funnel, allowing for in-situ analysis without sample handling.

Not just for raincoats

The study reveals a miniature version of the 'water hammer' effect, which causes pressure spikes in water droplets on textured surfaces. This insight could lead to the design of more effective superhydrophobic surfaces for various applications, including energy efficiency improvements.

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.

Study: Neighborhood natives move out when immigrants move in

New research reveals that native residents are more likely to leave neighborhoods with growing immigrant populations, with decreasing homeownership rates and increasing housing costs playing a role. Meanwhile, large concentrations of immigrants outside the neighborhood reduce the likelihood of native black and white residents leaving.

The success of male bustards is measured by their 'beards'

A study shows that great bustard males use their 'beards' to signal their weight and age, avoiding bloody fights and increasing reproductive success. The study found that the heaviest males with well-developed plumage are more attractive to females and avoid confrontations.

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.

Lower mental health co-pays do not help seniors seek care

A new study published in Medical Care found that even steep reductions in co-pays for outpatient mental health care do not motivate more seniors to seek care. Despite parity legislation and reduced co-pays, participation in mental health services remained unchanged, except for black seniors who saw a slight increase.

Why leatherback turtles linger in South Pacific Gyre, and why it matters

Researchers tagged and tracked leatherback turtles for five years, revealing why they linger in the gyre despite its nutrient-poor conditions. The data suggest that jellyfish are abundant in the area, providing a crucial source of food for the turtles, which explains their feeding behavior and diving patterns.

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.

Figuring out fetal alcohol syndrome in fruit flies

Researchers used fruit flies to study fetal alcohol syndrome, finding that prenatal alcohol exposure can cause developmental problems such as intellectual disabilities and abnormal facial features. The study establishes a new model system for studying FAS, which may lead to the development of new therapies.

Lack of sleep found to be a new risk factor for colon cancer

A significant study found that inadequate sleep is associated with an almost 50% increase in the risk of colorectal adenomas compared to those sleeping at least seven hours per night. The researchers suggest that effective intervention to improve sleep duration and quality could be a new avenue for preventing colon cancer.

Turning off stress

The study found that three urocortin proteins play a central role in regulating stress responses and shutting down the stress response. Genetically engineered mice lacking these proteins showed impaired recovery from stress, highlighting their importance in returning to normal behavior.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Polar bear births could plummet with climate change

Researchers link declining litter sizes to loss of sea ice in Hudson Bay, predicting significant threat to western polar-bear population. Climate change could reduce energy availability for pregnant females, leading to failed births or natural abortions.

Cell Press wins prestigious PROSE Award for Article of the Future

Cell Press won the PROSE Award for Excellence in Biological & Life Sciences for its 'Article of the Future' format, which offers a personalized reading experience. This award reflects Elsevier's and Cell Press' commitment to evolving scientific publications with new technologies.

NRL researchers view the sun in 3-D

The STEREO spacecraft provide a 360-degree view of the Sun, allowing NRL researchers to map its entire atmosphere continuously. This capability enables them to study the solar corona and inner heliosphere in unprecedented detail, shedding light on the evolution and structure of the solar atmosphere.

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.

The great tonsil dilemma

A new University of Michigan study suggests that routine analysis of pediatric tonsillectomy specimens may not be worth the money. The analysis rarely leads to the discovery of hidden disease. Pathologists examine tonsillectomy specimens in two ways, but microscopic examination is nearly three times more expensive than visual inspectio...

Childhood cancer research in danger

Despite significant improvements in childhood cancer survival rates, research funding is inadequate and collaboration among countries is limited. The report calls for increased EU funding to support a Europe-wide clinical trials network and the creation of a European Childhood Cancer Epidemiological Registry.

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.

The international digital divide

The study maps global digital divide tiers, revealing four tiers of countries based on ICT access. Developed nations dominate the top tier, while African nations account for most of the lowest tier, indicating significant disparities in computer use and internet access.

New study to use smart phones to track air pollution exposure

Researchers are developing a smartphone app to track air pollution exposure over time, providing a more accurate method for assessing health risks. The two-year study will use GPS-equipped smartphones to collect data on participants' locations and air pollution levels.

The most genes in an animal? Tiny crustacean holds the record

The freshwater crustacean Daphnia pulex has been found to have the most genes in an animal, with approximately 31,000 genes. This discovery was made possible by the sequencing of its genome and provides unprecedented insights into how an organism's genome interacts with its environment.

Major step taken toward an open and shared digital brain atlasing framework

A new open digital brain atlasing framework, combining Waxholm Space and Digital Atlasing Infrastructure, facilitates the integration of genetic, anatomical, and functional imaging studies. This framework is expected to catalyze both basic and medical neuroscience research by linking genetic studies with large-scale brain structure and...

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.