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Science News Archive February 2011


Page 7 of 25

Texas-bound: Fungus keeps Texas leaf-cutter ants from spreading

A study found that Texas leaf-cutter ants use a fungus as an external digestive system to survive the cold, and the fungus's resistance is based on genetic differences. The ants' ability to manage fungal crops prevents them from spreading farther north than their current range.

Polygamy hurt 19th century Mormon wives' evolutionary fitness

A study of 19th century Mormon polygamy found that more sister-wives led to fewer children per woman, due to a 'Bateman gradient' effect. The practice reduced the strength of sexual selection on males by 58%, bringing their reproductive success closer to women's.

Plankton key to origin of Earth's first breathable atmosphere

Researchers studying the origin of Earth's first breathable atmosphere have found that ancient plankton played a critical role in providing oxygen. This discovery builds on earlier work that showed a reverse-greenhouse effect cooled the oceans, spawning giant plankton blooms and sending oxygen into the atmosphere.

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.

Plenary speech by HHMI professor highlights efforts of scientist-educators

Graham Walker's education research group developed resources to address science education challenges, including a protein folding software that sparks creativity and engagement. Their work aims to transform science education into an interdisciplinary endeavor that reflects the excitement of real research.

Chemical compounds in trees can fight deadly staph infections in humans

Scientists have identified a compound found in Eastern Red Cedar trees that effectively fights methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria. The compound's discovery could lead to the development of new treatments for deadly MRSA infections, which are resistant to most medications.

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.

Patient education helps earlier detection of skin lesions after kidney transplant

Sharing educational materials with kidney transplant recipients increased their likelihood of performing self-examinations and detecting skin cancers, according to a randomized controlled trial. The intervention also improved knowledge and attitudes towards skin cancer risk, leading to more follow-up appointments with dermatologists.

Scientists to sequence DNA of cystic fibrosis superbug

Researchers at the University of Liverpool identified a particularly virulent strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, known as the 'superbug', that causes aggressive infections in cystic fibrosis patients. The team used new DNA sequencing technology to understand how the bacteria adapts to infect patients and develop targeted treatments.

Reprogrammed stem cells hit a roadblock

A recent study found that reprogramming stem cells leads to genomic aberrations and genetic mutations similar to those in cancer cells. This raises concerns about the safety and effectiveness of using these cells for regenerative medicine applications.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

AAAS news briefs from UC Davis

Researchers at UC Davis are presenting innovative solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector, including electrification of vehicles and producing biofuels. The university is also exploring celestial superfluids, which offer potential breakthroughs in materials science and technology.

Study shows tobacco retail proximity to schools

Researchers found that tobacco outlets in Buffalo and Niagara Falls are more concentrated around elementary and secondary schools, particularly in lower-income areas. This concentration may exacerbate socioeconomic disparities in tobacco use.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Common congenital defect a prickly problem for the kidney

Researchers have identified a new cellular mechanism underlying hydronephrosis by studying kidney development in mice. Genetic mutations in the Hedgehog signaling pathway impaired urine flow from the kidney to the bladder, leading to hydronephrosis.

Gastric bypass surgery associated with improved health outcomes

A study found that gastric bypass surgery resulted in greater weight loss and improved resolution of type 2 diabetes compared to sleeve gastrectomy and lap-band surgery. Additionally, patients who underwent gastric bypass experienced better quality of life outcomes.

£7M ($11.3M) for public wheat pre-breeding program announced

The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council has announced a £7 million grant to increase wheat diversity via comprehensive pre-breeding. This project aims to accelerate genetic improvement of UK wheat, ensuring its sustainability for the benefit of farmers and global food security.

First harmful algal bloom species genome sequenced

The genome sequencing of Aureococcus anophagefferens reveals its unique advantages over other phytoplankton, including adaptations to low light conditions and toxic metal handling. The research provides insights into the genetic predisposition of this species to thrive in environmentally impacted estuaries.

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.

Lesbian moms vulnerable when abused, reluctant to seek help

A study by University of Illinois professors reveals that lesbian moms who experience intimate partner violence are often reluctant to seek help due to fear of losing custody. The researchers found that these women assume people are prejudiced against them and may try to solve the problem alone or hide their abuse from others.

Top-tier work earns UH biologist prestigious Humboldt Prize

Dan Graur, a UH biologist, has received the Humboldt Research Award for his groundbreaking work in evolutionary biology and genomics. His research focuses on mutation processes and genome analysis, with potential applications in flu vaccine development.

Pollution with antibiotics leads to resistant bacteria

Swedish scientists reveal that pollutants from Indian factories are breeding resistance genes in river bacteria, posing a global risk for untreatable diseases. The study's novel DNA sequencing approach may also aid future hospital research.

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.

Shellshock: New report lists 25 most endangered turtle species

The Wildlife Conservation Society has released a report listing 25 most endangered turtle species, many of which are found in Asia and are threatened by illegal hunting for food and the pet trade. The report calls for better enforcement of trade laws, habitat protection, and captive breeding to prevent extinction.

JCI table of contents: Feb. 21, 2011

Researchers have discovered a new cellular mechanism underlying hydronephrosis, a common congenital defect in the kidney. They found that the Hedgehog signaling pathway controls the development of cells required for urine flow, and genetic mutations can impair this process. The study also suggests potential therapeutic targets and gene...

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.

Climate change affecting food safety

Climate change is affecting the world's food supply by altering temperature patterns and causing extreme weather events like droughts and heavy rains. As a result, crops are being wiped out, leading to higher prices and health issues.

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.

Sustainability solutions need the power of networks

Researchers are studying how social networks can be leveraged to effectively communicate sustainability science and make informed decisions. By analyzing the structure of social networks, scientists can identify key influencers who can spread information and have a dialogue with them.

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.

Smallest magnetic field sensor in the world

Researchers from KIT and IPCMS have developed the world's smallest magnetic field sensor using organic molecules. This breakthrough has significant potential for increasing reading speed and data density in hard disks and non-volatile memories.

Cold winters mean more pollution

Researchers found a strong link between climate and air pollution in Gothenburg, where extreme cold air from Siberia leads to high nitrogen oxide concentrations. The study, published in Atmospheric Environment, shows that air quality standards were exceeded more frequently during negative NAO phases.

High cholesterol and blood pressure in middle age tied to early memory problems

A recent study found that individuals with high cholesterol and blood pressure in middle age are more likely to experience early cognitive decline and memory problems. The research, which tracked over 4,800 participants for 10 years, showed a significant association between cardiovascular risk factors and poorer cognitive test scores.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Arizona State University archaeologist models past and future landscapes

Archaeologist C. Michael Barton is revolutionizing the field of archaeological modeling by integrating new methods with a radical shift in thought. His research suggests that even small communities can experience significant environmental impacts from practices like shifting cultivation and grazing.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.