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Science News Archive July 2011


Page 13 of 25

U.Va.'s Pfister accomplishes breakthrough toward quantum computing

Physicist Olivier Pfister and his team create 60 measurable Qmodes, a multilevel variant of entangled qubits, in a major step towards building a quantum computer. This achievement has significant implications for quantum computing, potentially revolutionizing fields such as data encryption and complex system simulations.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Research links telomere length to emphysema risk

Researchers found that short telomeres increase emphysema risk after cigarette smoke exposure, suggesting a biological clock mechanism. Telomere length may be an inherited factor contributing to emphysema development.

Rising oceans -- too late to turn the tide?

A University of Arizona-led team found that rising sea levels during the Last Interglacial Period were primarily driven by melting ice sheets, rather than thermal expansion. The study suggests that even small amounts of warming may have committed to more ice sheet melting, and sea levels will continue to rise for a long time.

USC researchers explore the source of empathy in the brain

A USC study reveals that empathetic responses are generated by both the sensory-motor and rationalizing parts of the brain. The research found that even individuals with physical differences can understand pain in a different limb due to automatic brain processes.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

UWM research offers hope for treatment of cocaine addiction

Researchers at UWM have discovered that propranolol, a common beta blocker, can prevent the brain from retrieving memories associated with cocaine use in animal models. This finding could lead to the development of a first-ever pharmacological treatment for cocaine addiction.

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.

New gene for intellectual disability discovered

A new gene, MAN1B1, has been identified as the cause of recessive intellectual disability in five families. The gene codes an enzyme involved in quality control functions in cells, leading to faulty proteins being released into the body.

New health-care payment system slows spending while improving patient care

A new study found that a global payment system in Massachusetts lowered medical spending by nearly 2% while improving the quality of patient care compared to traditional fee-for-service systems. The Alternative Quality Contract (AQC) model, which includes more than a third of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts' provider network, s...

Making blood-sucking deadly for mosquitoes

A team of biochemists at the University of Arizona discovered that disrupting a molecular process used by mosquitoes to direct proteins to their proper destinations causes more than 90 percent of affected mosquitoes to die within 48 hours of blood feeding. This approach could be used as an additional strategy in the worldwide effort to...

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.

Crystals detect threats to national security

Wake Forest University and Fisk University have partnered to create crystals that can accurately detect nuclear threats, radioactive material, and chemical bombs. The $900,000 grant will support research in radiation detection, leading to improved detector devices for screening cargo and passengers.

Scientists seek to increase science literacy

Researchers Richard Boone and Pat Marsteller propose enhancing the NSF's GK-12 program, which has placed 10,000 graduate students in over 6,000 schools. The revamped program aims to strengthen science education for K-12 students and improve teaching skills for graduate students.

In-shell pistachios: The original 'slow food?'

Two studies published in Appetite found that consuming in-shell pistachios reduces calorie intake by 41% and provides visual cues to control portion size. Pistachio shells offer a simple technique to fool oneself full, supporting the 'Pistachio Principle'.

Discovery opens new options for improving transfusions

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that donated red blood cells lose their key feature to diminish lifesaving power with storage time. This loss can lead to complications in critically ill patients, prompting a search for ways to optimize transfusion benefits and extend stored blood's shelf life.

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.

Adolescent binge drinking can damage spatial working memory

A new study found that female teens who binge drink have less brain activation and worse performance on attention and working memory tasks. Male binge drinkers showed some but less abnormality compared to non-drinkers. The findings suggest that adolescent girls may be more vulnerable to the negative effects of heavy alcohol use.

Pity the boss man

Researchers found that alpha males in Kenya's baboon groups have higher glucocoricoid levels, indicating a potential cost to high social rank. The study has implications for human behavior and societal structures.

Loss of large predators caused widespread disruption of ecosystems

The decline of apex consumers has triggered trophic cascades, affecting ecosystem dynamics and leading to changes in vegetation, wildfire frequency, and disease outbreaks. Restoration efforts focus on reestablishing large animals, requiring large-scale approaches to conserve functional ecosystems.

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.

Stress and alcohol 'feed' each other

A new study found that acute stress can increase alcohol consumption by altering its effects, while chronic stress may prolong recovery from a stressful event. The study's results suggest that using alcohol to cope with stress may actually make a person's response to stress worse.

Graphene gives up more of its secrets

Researchers used ARPES to study graphene's behavior near the Dirac point, observing unusual electronic interactions and renormalization. This discovery confirms graphene's semimetal properties and provides insight into its unique electronic structure.

Editing the genome

Researchers developed genome-scale editing tools, replacing instances of a stop codon in E. coli with another, creating novel cell strains with increased functionality and safety. The new method, CAGE, surpasses current methods by two orders of magnitude.

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.

Fuel cell mobile lighting system featured at Space Shuttle Atlantis launch

A hydrogen fuel cell-powered mobile lighting system was deployed at the Kennedy Space Center for the final Space Shuttle Atlantis launch, providing clean and quiet power. The system has the potential to drastically reduce dependence on diesel-fueled mobile lighting across the US, offsetting up to 900 gallons of fuel per year.

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.

How the mole got its 12 fingers

Researchers discovered that moles' extra 'thumb' develops from a single bone that forms later than the real fingers. This adaptation allows for increased digging efficiency.

Study finds that it is the number of sexual partners, rather than whether they are concurrent, that increases risk of HIV transmission in a typical high prevalence African population

A new study published in The Lancet found that the number of sexual partners, rather than concurrent partnerships, is strongly predictive of HIV transmission in women. Researchers analyzed data from over 87,000 individuals in South Africa and found that men with multiple lifetime partners were more likely to transmit HIV.

Weight-loss surgery cost-effective for all obese

A new study found that bariatric surgery is a cost-effective treatment option for all obese patients, with significant savings in medical costs over lifetime. The analysis suggests that the procedure should be universally available to all obese people, making it a good value and a potential game-changer in obesity treatment.

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.

Protein may help diagnose and treat lymphoma in people and dogs

Researchers at the University of California, Davis have identified a protein that may play a key role in the development of lymphoma by inhibiting a tumor-suppressing gene. The study found that this protein, known as RNPC1, is frequently overactive in dog lymphomas and may contribute to the formation of cancerous cells.

When will a message of social responsibility backfire?

A study found that luxury brands associated with self-enhancement concepts can cause consumers to feel a sense of disfluency when receiving social responsibility messages. In contrast, brands associated with openness or conservation concepts tend to have less conflict and experience more positive reactions to CSR initiatives.

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.

The secret to successful aging

New research explains how positivity bias in the brain contributes to successful aging, with increased engagement in positive emotions leading to greater emotional stability. The study suggests that focusing on the positive can help individuals age successfully.

Soft memory device opens door to new biocompatible electronics

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a soft memory device that functions well in wet environments, similar to the human brain. The device has biocompatibility and holds promise for interfacing electronics with biological systems, such as cells or tissue.

Your brain on androids

A team of researchers led by Ayse Pinar Saygin found that the human brain responds with a mismatch in perception when an android's appearance and motion are at odds. This phenomenon, known as the 'uncanny valley,' occurs when an artificial agent becomes too human-like, causing discomfort and unease.

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

A new gene identified for restless legs syndrome

Researchers have identified a new genetic risk factor for restless legs syndrome (RLS), a neurological disorder characterized by unpleasant sensations in the legs. The discovery provides new avenues for understanding the disease and developing effective treatments.

Novel adenovirus confirmed to infect both humans and monkeys

A novel virus has been identified that can infect both humans and New World monkeys, spreading between species. The titi monkey adenovirus (TMAdV) was found in a California primate research center and later infected a human researcher and a family member.

Swarms of locusts use social networking to communicate

Researchers used network science to study swarming behavior in locusts, finding that social interactions play a crucial role in coordinating movements. The study suggests that animals may be creating equivalent social networks to humans, with locusts convincing others to move in the same direction.

Cancer gene therapy from camels

Scientists have successfully used camel blood-derived nanobodies to target and kill cancer cells expressing specific markers. The approach involves attaching the nanobodies to nanoparticles that deliver a killer gene, preventing non-specific cell killing and improving safety.

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.

New ways to measure magnetism around the sun

Researchers use old mathematical techniques and insights on CMEs to devise a fresh way to measure magnetic fields in the sun's upper atmosphere. By spotting a diffuse ring around a CME, they can determine the strength of the magnetic field using Alfvén speed.

Study challenges baby formula claim

A recent study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that using hypoallergenic baby formula does not decrease the risk of allergies in high-risk infants. The trial involved 620 infants and assessed whether hypoallergenic formula could prevent childhood eczema, asthma, or hay fever up to seven years of age.

'Amplified' nanotubes may power the future

Rice University scientists have developed a cable made of metallic nanotubes that can carry electricity with minimal loss. The 'amplified' nanotubes are created by chemically attaching an iron/cobalt catalyst to the ends of nanotubes and fine-tuning the temperature and environment for amplification.

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.

New mechanism in the regulation of human genes

Researchers have discovered a new mechanism in regulating human genes by enabling pre-mRNA splicing. The U2AF protein plays a crucial role in this process, which involves the cooperation of different proteins to remove introns and form mature mRNA. This process is essential for genetic information flow from DNA to RNA to proteins.