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Science News Archive January 2011


Page 9 of 22

New device may revolutionize computer memory

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new device that can perform both volatile and nonvolatile memory operations. This technology could allow computers to start more quickly and reduce power consumption in server farms.

Unfolding amyloid secrets

Researchers at the University of Leeds have uncovered the first misfold that triggers the formation of amyloid fibres, a critical step in understanding these disease-causing structures. This discovery offers new targets for therapies and may shed light on other protein-related diseases.

NIST puts a new twist on the electron beam

Researchers at NIST have found a way to impart electron waves with high orbital momentum, enabling the study of wider range of materials with atomic-scale resolution. This technique has potential applications in imaging magnetic and biological materials.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

War, plague no match for deforestation in driving CO2 buildup

A new study reveals that deforestation has been the largest contributor to global CO2 buildup, with forests re-growing during wars and plagues having a limited impact. The Mongol invasions, however, led to significant carbon absorption due to forest regrowth.

Thwarting attacks on cell phone mesh networks

Researchers have developed a computer algorithm to identify and block distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks on mobile ad hoc networks in under 22 seconds. The technique can halt 80% of attack traffic and provide a model framework for building better security systems.

Causes of death shifting in patients diagnosed with COPD

A new study reveals that COPD patients on LTOT are at a higher risk of death from non-respiratory causes such as cardiovascular disease. The study found an increase in mortality due to circulatory and digestive organ diseases, emphasizing the importance of optimized diagnostics and treatment.

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.

If you become unemployed you will earn less in your next job

A study by Spanish researchers found that long-term unemployment has a negative impact on future salaries in Europe, particularly in Spain, Italy, and Portugal. The study analyzed employment mobility and relative losses to salary over seven consecutive years and found that these countries had the most significant effects.

Brain's clock influenced by senses

Researchers at University College London found that our sense of time is shaped by sensory input from the environment, allowing us to refine our internal timekeeping. By comparing sensory change to an average rate, we can judge how much time has passed and improve our judgements.

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.

For robust robots, let them be babies first

Researchers created simulated and actual robots that evolve their body forms while learning to walk, resulting in faster adaptation and improved resilience. The evolving robots developed a more robust gait than fixed-body robots, enabling them to better deal with disruptions.

Stretching the truth: JILA biophysicists help unravel DNA stretching mystery

Researchers at JILA disprove the popular theory that DNA's backbone needs a small gap or loose ends to extend by 70% when subjected to 65 picoNewtons of force. The new study uses a novel test structure to demonstrate that the mechanism behind overstretching is the same for both nicked and intact DNA molecules.

Uncovering the genetics of prostate cancer

A research project aims to analyze the genomes of 250 prostate cancer patients under 50 to identify genetic mutations that cause and promote the disease. The goal is to produce a comprehensive map of genetic modifications involved in prostate cancer, which may lead to new treatment approaches and diagnostic methods.

Eggs show arctic mercury cycling may be linked to ice cover

Researchers found lower MIF mercury isotopes in eggs from northernmost nesting areas with year-round sea ice, while those from southern Alaska without ice reflected greater mass-independent fractionation effects. The study aims to investigate the relationship between ice cover and mercury distribution in the environment.

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.

Dino-era sex riddle solved by new fossil find

Scientists have solved the long-standing problem of pterosaur head crests by discovering a female fossil with an egg, showing females were crestless and males used crests to intimidate rivals. The discovery uses hip size and crest development to sex pterosaurs.

Are positive emotions good for your health in old age?

A new review article suggests that positive emotions can protect against poor health in older adults by promoting healthy lifestyle choices, reducing inflammation, and combating stress. These findings imply that a proactive approach to aging may lead to extended years of quality living.

With chemical modification, stable RNA nanoparticles go 3-D

Scientists have developed a method to create stable three-dimensional RNA nanoparticles by modifying their chemical structure, making them resistant to RNase degradation. This breakthrough has significant implications for the use of RNA in nanotechnology applications, including targeted therapies for cancer and viral infections.

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.

Girls who are bullied are at risk for substance use through depression

A new study has identified a link between bullying and substance use in adolescent girls, primarily through the mechanism of depression. The research, based on data from a nationally representative sample of 1,495 tenth graders, found that bullying can have serious consequences for young girls.

A mathematical model for moving bottlenecks in road traffic

A mathematical model for moving bottlenecks in road traffic is proposed, taking into account the influence of a slow-moving vehicle on entire traffic flow. The model improves transportation designs and reduces congestion, accidents, and risk management.

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.

Scientists reveal complete structure of HIV's outer shell

Researchers at Scripps Research and UVa determine the structure of HIV's protein package, also known as the capsid. The detailed description provides a roadmap for developing drugs that can disrupt its formation and prevent infection. The study uses X-ray crystallography to reveal the flexibility and mobility of the capsid's components.

Bedbug genetic study finds possible pesticide-resistance genes

A recent study on bedbugs has identified potential genes associated with pesticide resistance, shedding light on the mechanisms behind their increasing resilience to insecticides. The research may lead to the development of novel control methods that are more effective against these troublesome insects.

Couples sometimes communicate no better than strangers

A recent study found that married couples and close friends may not communicate as well as they think. The researchers used an experiment to test this idea, finding that accuracy rates for spouses and strangers were statistically identical. Closeness can create the illusion of insight, leading to communication problems.

Killer paper for next-generation food packaging

Scientists have developed a new food packaging material that uses silver nanoparticles to fight bacteria and extend shelf life. The material has been shown to be effective against E. coli and S. aureus, two common causes of bacterial food poisoning.

Research provides new kidney cancer clues

Researchers have identified a frequently mutated gene, PBRM1, in one in three patients with the most common form of renal cancer. The gene is tied to two previously identified genes on chromosome 3 and plays a role in controlling cell growth and repairing DNA damage.

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.

Speeding up Mother Nature's very own CO2 mitigation process

Researchers have developed a seawater/mineral carbonate gas scrubber that removes up to 97% of CO2, converting it to dissolved calcium bicarbonate. This can help mitigate ocean acidification and its effects on marine life, such as coral reefs.

Parental divorce linked to suicidal thoughts

A new study found that adult children of divorce are at higher risk of suicidal thoughts, especially men who experienced parental divorce before age 18. Men from divorced families had more than three times the odds of suicidal ideation compared to men from intact families.

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.

Spike reported in number of people with HIV having a stroke

Research suggests that people with HIV are up to three times more likely to experience a stroke than those without the condition. The study found a 67% increase in stroke hospitalizations among people with HIV, despite a decline in overall stroke rates.

Health-care systems not using best evidence in decision-making

A study by Dr. Sharon Straus found that 55% of adult patients do not receive recommended care, highlighting the need for improved knowledge translation in healthcare. Evidence-based approaches, such as delirium prevention strategies, can lower hospitalization rates and improve patient outcomes.

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.

Students are more likely to retake the SAT if their score ends with '90'

A study published in Psychological Science found that students are more likely to retake the SAT if their score ends with a round number, such as 1290. This phenomenon suggests that people are driven by self-motivation and arbitrary goals, leading them to take major actions like retaking a test.

Triblock spheres provide a simple path to complex structures

University of Illinois researchers developed a simple method to create intricate lattice structures using triblock Janus spheres. The innovative material exhibits self-assembly capabilities, enabling the creation of porous sheets with tailored properties for specialized filtering applications.

VIMS team glides into polar research

Researchers from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science deployed an underwater glider in the Ross Sea near Antarctica, collecting data on water temperature, salinity, and chlorophyll concentrations. The glider's continuous sampling allows for a better understanding of short-term physical changes and their impact on ocean biology.

PNNL recognized for technology transfer

PNNL has developed power-delivery devices to improve trace gas analysis and create propylene glycol from renewable sources. The lab's IncubATRTM technology enables real-time monitoring of live cells, accelerating scientific discovery and reducing animal testing.

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.

New mortgage design would minimize home foreclosures

Researchers propose a new adjustable balance mortgage contract that resets the loan balance and monthly payment based on the mortgaged home's market value. This design reduces the economic incentive to default, costing about the same as a typical fixed-rate mortgage.

How does anesthesia disturb self-perception?

Researchers found that anaesthetizing an arm impairs the ability to distinguish between right and left hands, leading to false sensations and altered body perception. The study aimed to understand how neuronal circuits are reorganized during anesthesia, which could lead to new therapeutic tools for treating phantom limb pain.

UCSF team views genome as it turns on and off inside cells

UCSF researchers developed a new approach to examine how cells convert DNA into RNA, bridging a gap in understanding gene expression. The technique enables direct observation of the transcription process at unprecedented resolution, providing insights into gene regulation and function.

Study suggests possible new treatment for severe 2009 H1N1 infection

A study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases suggests that convalescent plasma therapy may reduce the death rate in patients severely ill with 2009 H1N1 influenza. The treatment showed a 20% mortality rate compared to 55% in non-treated patients, and reduced viral load at a higher rate.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Putting the dead to work for conservation biology

A new review highlights the importance of geohistorical data in conservation biology, providing insights into species responses to climate change. Fossil records show that some species persisted in suitable habitats despite range contractions, while others went extinct due to human activities.

Sea-level researchers win major funding

A major grant award of £3.3 million has been secured by a Southampton-led consortium project to study past and possible future sea-level rise. The researchers aim to obtain a better picture of how much and how quickly sea level may rise as a result of global warming.

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.

Hotspots tamed by BEAST

Researchers have developed a single molecule imaging technology called BEAST to map the electromagnetic field inside nano-sized metal hotspots. The results show highly localized fields with exponential shapes that rise steeply to peaks and decay quickly.

University of Maryland shares NSF grant to study urban development impact

The University of Maryland is leading a multidisciplinary project to investigate the complex dynamics between water and the built urban environment in the Chesapeake Bay region. The research aims to simulate land conversion patterns and predict future land development under various policy scenarios.

Like humans, amoebae pack a lunch before they travel

Researchers found that about a third of wild-collected Dictyamoeba are 'farmers' who store bacteria as food and thrive in environments where others struggle to find sustenance. The study's findings suggest potential insights into the development of new treatments for diseases like tuberculosis.

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.

Data matrix codes used to catalogue archaeological heritage

Researchers at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona have implemented a digital cataloguing system that uses data matrix codes to reduce manual registration errors in archaeological heritage. The system, tested on Spanish and African sites, demonstrates substantial advantages over manual coding in terms of speed and reliability.

Research provides new kidney cancer clues

Researchers have identified a gene, PBRM1, that is mutated in one in three patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), the most common form of kidney cancer. This discovery provides new insights into the biology of renal cancer and may lead to new therapeutic directions for treatment.

Survey reveals potential innovation gap in the US

A new survey by the Lemelson-MIT Invention Index reveals that American women and men ages 16-25 possess characteristics necessary to become inventors, yet do not see themselves as inventive. Young adults cite access to funding, education, and mentorship as key factors to encourage inventive pursuits.