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Science News Archive June 2011


Page 10 of 28

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.

Early-season strawberry tested in high elevation conditions

Researchers from Utah State University found that high tunnels can extend the strawberry growing season by 4 to 5 weeks, resulting in higher total seasonal production and increased profitability. The study suggests that using high tunnels is an effective and economical system for strawberry producers in the Intermountain West region.

Out of sync: Neural activity is disrupted in autistic toddlers

A new study finds neural synchronization abnormality in autistic toddlers' brains related to language and communication symptoms, indicating possible early diagnosis tool. This brain abnormality was present in 70% of autistic toddlers but rare in typically developing or language-delayed children.

Weaker brain 'sync' may be early sign of autism

Researchers found a weakened ability to sync brain hemispheres in toddlers with autism, which could lead to earlier diagnoses and treatment. The study used fMRI scans on sleeping toddlers and identified language areas with reduced synchronization.

Stiff sediments made 2004 Sumatra earthquake deadliest in history

A thick plateau of hard, compacted sediments helped spread the rupture from tens of kilometers below to just a few kilometers below, unleashing larger tsunami waves. The study suggests locations with large thicknesses of sediments may promote more significant tsunamis during great earthquakes.

UCLA scientists accurately predict age with saliva sample

Researchers at UCLA have developed a patented test that uses methylation patterns in DNA to accurately predict a person's age within five years. This test could offer a new forensic tool for crime-scene investigations, as well as personalized medicine applications, such as tailoring medical interventions based on an individual's bio-ag...

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.

Slowing the spread of drug-resistant diseases is goal of new research area

A new research area seeks to discover ways to manage the evolution of drug-resistant disease organisms and slow their spread. The goal is to develop a science-based model for drug-resistance management that can inform treatment guidelines for various diseases, including malaria, MRSA, AIDS, and cancer.

Cause of hereditary blindness discovered

Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum discover that mutations in the CCDC66 gene are responsible for retinitis pigmentosa, a leading cause of inherited blindness. They also develop a genetic test for diagnosis and predictively breeding in dogs, with potential implications for human patients.

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.

College scientist cites enlarged skeletal muscles as reason birds exist

New York Medical College scientist Stuart A. Newman suggests that the loss of a gene critical for heat generation led to the emergence of enlarged skeletal muscles in birds, enabling them to walk on two legs and adapt to flying or swimming. This theory challenges traditional views on bird evolution and extinction

Large numbers of birth defects seen near mountaintop mining operations

A Washington State University study found significantly more birth defects in areas of mountaintop coal mining, with nearly twice the rate of non-mining areas. The research also controlled for socioeconomic and behavioral risks, confirming a link between mountaintop mining and higher birth defect rates.

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.

Carnegie Mellon methods keep bugs out of software for self-driving cars

Computer scientists at Carnegie Mellon University developed a model of a distributed car control system and used mathematical methods to formally verify its safety. They proved that the system design would keep cars from crashing into each other, even for complex scenarios like merging across multi-lane highways.

Returnee migrants face cumulative health risks

Returnee migrants are exposed to health risks due to cumulative factors of the migration process. Policies should facilitate access to healthcare services and continuity of care across borders to improve their health outcomes.

New study reduces threat level for caribou in Alberta's oilsands country

A new study has reduced the threat level for caribou in Alberta's oilsands country by revealing that their survival isn't as threatened as previously thought. The researchers found that it is not merely the presence of roads and cut lines, but the intensity of human activity such as noise levels that has the biggest effect on the animals.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Broadcasters failed to prepare audiences for the Arab spring, says research

Research from International Broadcasting Trust and University of East Anglia reveals UK television left audiences unprepared for Arab Spring. The study finds that North Africa and Middle East received just 5% of international non-news factual coverage in 2010, with Libya and Yemen receiving little or no coverage.

NASA sees Hurricane Beatriz 'wink' on the Mexican coast

Hurricane Beatriz developed an eye that opened on microwave imagery but closed on visible imagery, appearing to give satellites a 'wink' as it brought heavy rains and high surf to the southwestern Mexican coast. The storm strengthened into a hurricane by June 20 night and made landfall near Manzanillo, Mexico.

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.

UA engineering college lands national support for equipment used in unique research

The University of Arizona College of Engineering has been awarded grants from the US Department of Defense to develop high-tech measuring equipment for real-world applications in chemical and civil engineering. Armin Sorooshian's project aims to study cloud droplets and their effect on precipitation, while Jennifer Duan's project focus...

Breakthrough in the search for new treatments for MS

Scientists at The University of Nottingham have discovered a synthetic chemical compound that reduces MS severity by inhibiting pro-inflammatory signals while stimulating interferon-beta production. The findings highlight a potential new mechanism for treating the chronic inflammatory disease, which affects over 100,000 people in the UK.

Scientists reveal a first in Ice Age art

Researchers from the Smithsonian Institution and the University of Florida have discovered a bone fragment with an incised image of a proboscidean, dated to around 13,000 years old. The engraving is significant as it provides evidence that people in the Americas during the last Ice Age created artistic images of animals they hunted.

Diabetic kidney disease more prevalent in US

The prevalence of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in the US has increased significantly over the past two decades, with a 34% rise from 1988-1994 to 2005-2008. The estimated numbers of persons with DKD have also increased, from 3.9 million in 1988-1994 to 6.9 million in 2005-2008.

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.

Can humans sense the Earth's magnetism?

Research by UMass Chan Medical School shows that the human retina protein CRY2 can function as a light-sensitive magnetic sensor in Drosophila. This finding may pave the way for further investigation into human magnetoreception and its potential applications.

Blueberries help lab rats build strong bones

Research funded by USDA suggests that blueberry polyphenols, found in blueberries' powerful antioxidant compounds, may aid in building strong bones. The investigation showed that animals fed rations containing 10% freeze-dried blueberry powder had significantly more bone mass than their counterparts.

Surprises from the ocean: Marine plankton and ocean pH

A team of scientists has discovered that marine plankton, specifically coccolithophores, employ a similar pH-regulation mechanism as vertebrate cells to combat ocean acidification. The armour scales formed by these phytoplankton are found to be dependent on external pH levels.

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.

Putting a new spin on computing

Researchers develop protocol using existing technology to measure and manipulate magnetic spin of electrons for spintronics applications. This breakthrough aims to overcome limitations of conventional computing devices, such as power consumption and data loss.

Do kids prefer playmates of same ethnicity?

A study by Concordia University researchers found that Asian-Canadian and French-Canadian preschoolers tend to interact more with children of their own ethnic group. The children were observed to be more competitive when playing with peers of the same ethnicity.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Scale and health implications of human trafficking deserve more attention

The editorial highlights the lack of knowledge on human trafficking's scale and health implications, leading to inadequate protection systems and poor healthcare for trafficked persons. Many countries fail to meet their responsibilities towards Palermo Protocols, leaving victims without necessary support.

New evidence of the benefits of home dialysis for kidney patients

Researchers at St. Michael's Hospital found that cells protecting blood vessels work better in patients undergoing nighttime home dialysis than those on standard hospital dialysis. This suggests that frequent nighttime dialysis might be beneficial for some patients with blood vessel damage, improving overall health outcomes.

Planning is key to a healthy and happy retirement, studies find

Couples who plan for changes in lifestyle and health experience better retirement outcomes. Research by Angela Curl found that wives' ratings of their health improved over time, while husbands' ratings worsened with age. Staying engaged through part-time work can also promote better health.

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.

Stem cell model offers clues to cause of inherited ALS

A team of scientists used induced pluripotent stem cells from patients with inherited ALS to reveal how reduced VAPB protein levels contribute to the disease. The study provides a novel in vitro model of ALS and offers an unprecedented opportunity to answer questions about the disease's pathogenesis.

Flexible schedule is key to keeping working moms on the job

A Baylor University study found that flexible schedules play a crucial role in retaining working mothers, with job security and adaptability also contributing to reduced turnover and work-related stress. The research surveyed 179 full-time working mothers, highlighting the importance of supporting their mental and physical health.

Patent for arrays of nanoscale electrical probes awarded to NJIT today

NJIT researchers Reginald C. Farrow and Zafer Iqbal developed a method to fabricate arrays of nanoscale electrical probes, which may lead to improved diagnostic tools for measuring biological cell activity. The patented technique allows for precise control over the location of individual nanotubes in an array.

Water for future generations

DANA, a hybrid system developed by Aqwise and Westt B.V., treats industrial wastewater with lower costs and environmental footprint. The technology, facilitated by EUREKA's collaborative funding model, achieves significant financial savings and greenhouse gas emissions reductions.

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.

NASA details achievements of lunar spacecraft

The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter has successfully completed its one-year exploration mission, providing unprecedented detail of the moon's surface and subsurface. The orbiter's instruments have captured over 192 terabytes of data, including the most precise topographic maps to date of the moon's complex landscape.

Marriage improves odds of surviving colon cancer

A new study by Brigham Young University researchers found that married individuals have a 14 percent lower risk of colon cancer death compared to unmarried patients. Married patients were also diagnosed at earlier stages of the disease and received more aggressive treatment, contributing to improved survival odds.

Smoking during pregnancy lowers levels of 'good' HDL cholesterol in children

Researchers found that smoking during pregnancy is associated with lower levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in children. The study suggests that this could predispose them to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease later in life. Children born to mothers who smoked during pregnancy had lower HDL cholesterol levels, wh...

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.

Self-cleaning anodes could facilitate cost-effective coal-powered fuel cells

The new technique uses barium oxide nanoparticles to adsorb moisture, initiating a water-based chemical reaction that oxidizes carbon deposits, keeping nickel electrode surfaces clean. This allows solid oxide fuel cells to be powered directly by coal gas at low temperatures, reducing carbon emissions and increasing efficiency.

Smaller companies hit hardest during emerging market crises

A recent study by Oregon State University reveals that small companies in the US stock market are often disproportionately affected during international financial crises. Investors tend to flee from smaller stocks and shift their holdings towards larger, safer corporations, resulting in significant losses for smaller companies.

Picky pollinators: Native bees are selective about where they live and feed

A USGS study found that native bee communities are shaped by local factors, such as soil type, tree density, and fire frequency, rather than the composition of a plant community. Specialist bees tend to live in open areas with native plants, particularly in disturbed habitats like burned areas and residential zones.

What do we pay attention to?

A study investigated the role of uncertainty in human associative learning, finding that people pay more attention to unfamiliar cues. The researchers discovered that when a cue's reliability is uncertain, it becomes more predictive and leads to faster learning.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

US National Fire Plan, return of Ozark lizard and the Arctic Tundra's fire regime

Researchers evaluate the U.S. National Fire Plan's effectiveness in restoring western U.S. forests and its impact on native lizard populations, including the return of the eastern collared lizard to the Ozarks. The study also examines historical fire records and sediment cores to better understand the Arctic Tundra's fire regime.