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Science News for February 20, 2011


Water, water, everywhere... but is it safe to drink?

Canada Research Chair Barbara Sherwood Lollar's research examines the effectiveness of bioremediation technologies in cleaning up groundwater contamination. Her techniques use isotopic signatures to track clean-up progress, providing a critical framework for regulators and practitioners.

SourceNatural Sciences and Engineering Research Council·DateFeb 20, 2011

Floating spores kill malaria mosquito larvae

Researchers have developed a method to disperse pathogenic fungi as a means of preventing malaria spread, using synthetic oil to increase dispersal effectiveness. The fungi cause muscardine disease in mosquito larvae, killing up to 50% more larvae than untreated spores and reducing pupation levels.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalParasites & Vectors·DateFeb 20, 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.

Too hot, too cold, just right: Testing the limits of where humans can live

Researchers study island settlements to understand human resilience and capacity for colonization. Mobility, social networks, and knowledge of the local environment helped indigenous people survive in the face of natural disasters and climate change. The findings inform how we adapt to vulnerabilities and rebound from catastrophes.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateFeb 20, 2011

Better mapping of human settlements to support crisis management operations

The Global Human Settlements Layer (GHSL) uses advanced algorithms to automatically analyze medium resolution satellite data, providing fast and precise mapping of built-up areas worldwide. This enables regular monitoring of human settlement changes and improved damage analysis in disaster-stricken areas.

SourceEuropean Commission Joint Research Centre·DateFeb 20, 2011

Using amphetamines may increase risk of Parkinson's disease

Using amphetamines like Benzedrine and Dexedrine may increase the risk of developing Parkinson's disease, according to a new study. The research, which followed 66,348 participants in northern California, found that those who used these drugs were nearly 60% more likely to develop the condition.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateFeb 20, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Manipulating molecules for a new breed of electronics

Scientists have successfully controlled the electrical conductance of a single molecule by manipulating its mechanical properties. The research uses a type of molecule called pentaphenylene and demonstrates that changing the tilt angle can increase conductance up to 10 times, thanks to lateral coupling effects.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateFeb 20, 2011

How to leave your body

Researchers can manipulate the brain's perception of its own body, allowing for new prosthetic limbs and virtual reality experiences. This technology has significant implications for fields like medicine, psychology, and robotics.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·DateFeb 20, 2011

Trichinosis parasite gets DNA decoded

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have decoded the genome of Trichinella spiralis, a parasite that causes trichinosis, identifying unique features and novel genes that could lead to effective treatments. The study has implications for understanding parasitic diseases worldwide.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 20, 2011

One Health: From ideas to implementation, rhetoric to reality

The One Health concept aims to integrate surveillance activities across species to monitor and respond to emerging zoonotic diseases. ProMED-mail's global surveillance system has reported over 10,000 animal health issues, highlighting the need for improved interspecies collaboration.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·DateFeb 20, 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.

How many will we be? Are population estimates off the mark?

The actual population trajectory is highly uncertain, with scenarios predicting a peak of 9.5 billion before stabilization or decline. Investments in family planning could reduce the number of people to 8 billion, having a beneficial impact on human welfare and environmental issues.

SourcePopulation Council·DateFeb 20, 2011

Spent nuclear fuel is anything but waste

The US lags behind other countries in nuclear fuel recycling due to unfounded concerns and myths. Reprocessing spent fuel can recover significant energy value and reduce high-level nuclear waste volume.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·DateFeb 20, 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.

Groundbreaking technology will revolutionize blood pressure measurement

A new blood pressure measurement device using CASP has been developed to provide more accurate readings than current methods. The device, invented by scientists at the University of Leicester and HealthSTATS International, measures pressure close to the heart, leading to better treatment decisions and patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateFeb 20, 2011

Look after your brain

Swedish scientist Laura Fratiglioni's research shows that active mental, physical, and social activities can preserve cognitive functions and lower the risk of developing dementia. Factors such as blood pressure, weight, and genetics also play a role in determining an individual's risk.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·DateFeb 20, 2011

Macavity wasn't there! How absent reoviruses kill cancer

New research shows reovirus-infected cancer cells release pro-inflammatory proteins that recruit and activate white blood cells, killing cancer. A cellular signalling protein, Ras, is abnormally activated in many cancers, providing a window of opportunity for reovirus infection.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalMolecular Cancer·DateFeb 20, 2011

New assessment of black carbon and tropospheric ozone's role in climate change

The Integrated Assessment of Black Carbon and Tropospheric Ozone identifies emission reduction measures that can immediately protect climate, public health, and ecosystems. Implementing these measures could reduce future global warming by 0.5oC and potentially halve the projected increase in global temperature by 2050.

SourceEuropean Commission Joint Research Centre·DateFeb 20, 2011
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.

Relatives of melanoma patients ignore their skin cancer risk

A new study found that young people with a family history of melanoma are still ignoring sun safety advice, despite being aware of the risks. The research showed that younger women in particular viewed tanning as healthy and were less likely to use sunscreen.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateFeb 20, 2011

Is the link between poverty and water-related disease making rich people sick?

A new study by Kate Mulligan examines the connection between cities, water, and health, finding that even in wealthy cities with excellent public services, dengue fever still spreads due to environmental factors. The research suggests that traditional links between poverty and water-related diseases may be overstated.

SourceNatural Sciences and Engineering Research Council·DateFeb 20, 2011

Failure to tackle UK's alcohol problem could see many thousands of extra liver deaths than in other European countries

The UK's failure to address its alcohol problem could result in a significant increase in liver deaths, with the country facing a projected 77,000 excess deaths over 20 years if it doesn't adopt effective policies. The authors argue that increasing alcohol quality and limiting availability of cheap products can help reduce death rates.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 20, 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.