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Science News Archive June 2011


Page 9 of 28

Tracking groundwater pollution to its source

Groundwater pollution is a significant issue worldwide due to increasing water consumption and waste disposal. Computer algorithms can help identify pollution sources by processing available data, such as pollutant concentrations and monitoring data.

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.

Gold nanoparticles help earlier diagnosis of liver cancer

A team of researchers from Brown University has developed a new technique using gold nanoparticles to detect liver cancer at early stages. The approach uses X-ray scatter imaging to spot tumor-like masses as small as 5 millimeters, which is significantly smaller than the current detection limit of about 5 centimeters.

Researchers clock the speed of brain signals

Two studies reveal individual neurons control synaptic vesicle recycling speed, with variations across different neurons. This finding refines neuroscience's understanding of neurotransmission at the synaptic gap between brain cells.

It's not about the money for long-term care nurses

Researchers found that job satisfaction and emotional well-being are better predictors of turnover in long-term care facilities. Certified nursing assistants were more likely to switch jobs due to lower emotional distress and greater job satisfaction after switching, even if it meant taking a pay cut.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The human genome -- now on an iPad near you

The Genome Wowser app allows researchers to navigate the human genome using an intuitive interface on an iPad. The app provides interactive tools for exploring genomic information, including annotations, zooming capabilities, and drag-and-swipe navigation.

Record greenhouse gas levels: See for yourself

The CSIRO website provides easy access to greenhouse gas data measured in the Southern Hemisphere atmosphere for the past 35 years. Key findings include a record-high level of carbon dioxide, increasing at about 0.5% each year, and an almost 40% increase over the past century largely due to human activities.

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.

Birds' eye view is far more colorful than our own

Researchers at Yale and Cambridge found that birds' plumage colors only represent a fraction of the colors they're capable of seeing, thanks to additional UV-sensitive cones. The study suggests that structural colors produce most of the color diversity in bird feathers, with limitations preventing them from creating certain colors.

Vitamin A deficiency does not affect onset of asthma

Researchers analyzed over 5,000 children in rural Nepal to assess the impact of early-life vitamin A supplements on asthma development. The study found no difference in asthma risk or lung function between children receiving supplements and those not receiving them.

Tracking down motion perception

Neurobiologists have found that the fly brain requires only two distinct motion detectors to recognize movement, shedding light on the complexity of visual processing in both humans and insects. This discovery has implications for our own understanding of how we perceive motion.

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.

Artificial light quality affects herbivore preference for seedlings

Experiments tested sweetpotato whitefly preference for cucumber seedlings grown under fluorescent lamps with high red:far red ratio or metal-halide lamps. The results showed that FL seedlings were less attractive to the whiteflies and had higher chlorophyll content and thicker leaves than ML seedlings.

Genetic finding offers hope for orphan disease

Researchers have discovered that both types of polycythemia, previously thought to require different treatments, can be effectively treated with JAK2 inhibitors. This finding offers new hope for patients with Chuvash polycythemia, a disease affecting only a small number of people worldwide.

Strongest evidence yet indicates icy Saturn moon hiding saltwater ocean

A new study led by the University of Heidelberg and involving the University of Colorado Boulder has found strong evidence for a large-scale, subterranean saltwater ocean on Enceladus. The research suggests that the plumes shooting water vapor and ice particles into space originate from an ocean beneath the icy surface of the moon.

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.

Molecular glue sticks it to cancer

Researchers developed a novel approach to cancer therapy by creating a drug that inhibits the mobility of cancer-promoting proteins within cells. The treatment uses a 'glue' molecule that binds to these proteins, forcing them to the cell membrane and making cancer cells more vulnerable to chemotherapy.

Evolution to the rescue

Researchers used a long-armed robot to track the fate of over 2000 baker's yeast populations for many generations, observing evolutionary rescue and adaptation to environmental stress. The study found that slow environmental deterioration and previous contact with other populations can increase the likelihood of survival.

Optimal topdressing applications for athletic fields determined

A study by American Society for Horticultural Science found that a 1-inch topdressing depth applied over 2 years improves turfgrass cover, shoot density, and divot resistance. Topdressing rates above 4 inches accumulate over time may compromise surface strength.

Nudging doctors in intensive care unit reduces deaths

A new Northwestern Medicine study finds that attending physicians in intensive care units can reduce mortality rates by 50% when using a checklist and prompted to address overlooked details. The prompting system cut ventilator-associated pneumonia cases and reduced ICU length of stay.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Sharing wisdom, teacher to teacher

A team of MIT math instructors has developed a web-based tool, the Educational Collaboration Space (ECS), to facilitate peer-to-peer collaboration among educators. The platform aims to preserve 'best practices' in teaching and learning, allowing teachers to share strategies and resources.

Fungicides may not increase corn yields unless disease develops

A recent study published in Phytopathology reveals that fungicide applications on corn are unlikely to produce yield increases unless fungal diseases are present. Farmers should weigh the cost of treatments against potential benefits and consider the price of corn when making decisions.

Discovery offers molecular insights into link between Parkinson's and pesticides

Researchers discovered a molecular link between pesticides and Parkinson's disease, shedding light on the oxidative stress that contributes to the neurodegenerative disorder. The study provides evidence that exposure to environmental toxins may be a primary cause of Parkinson's, with potential implications for prevention and treatment.

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.

Dietary leucine may fight prediabetes, metabolic syndrome

Researchers found that mice on high-fat diets who received extra leucine showed improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. Adding leucine to the diet improved metabolic health in animals with prediabetes or metabolic syndrome.

Birds of a feather display only a fraction of possible colors

A new study reveals that bird plumage coloration falls short of filling the colour space, leaving vast regions unoccupied. Despite having an additional color cone sensitive to ultraviolet light, birds can only produce a subset of colors theoretically visible to other birds.

Major malaria drug research award

Researchers from Monash University and international partners have developed a potential new malaria drug candidate targeting dihydroorotate dehydrogenase enzyme. The team's work has been hailed as significant in combating malaria, which kills up to one million people annually worldwide.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Yale researchers pinpoint reasons for dramatic rise in cesarean births

A recent Yale study examining the rise in cesarean births found that a significant proportion of the increase was due to slow progress in labor and fetal heart rate concerns. The researchers also discovered that suspected large infants, twin pregnancies, and preeclampsia contributed to the increase despite stable rates in the population.

Cancer survivors have lower employment rates and work fewer hours

A recent study found that cancer survivors have lower employment rates (8-9%) and work fewer hours (3-6 hours/week) compared to their peers without a history of cancer. The researchers suggest that the findings may be attributed to factors such as changing priorities, employment discrimination, or inadequate workplace accommodations.

Discards ban 'will boost fisheries', says new research

A ban on fisheries discards in the North Sea is expected to promote fish stock recovery and increase fishermen's incomes, according to new research. The study compared long-term data sets on cod, haddock, saithe, and herring in the North Sea with those in Norwegian waters, where a discard ban was introduced in the late 1980s.

Study: Trying to lose weight? Lose the fat substitutes

Researchers at Purdue University found that rats consuming fat substitutes gained weight and developed more fatty tissue compared to those on a regular high-fat diet. The study suggests that using fat substitutes as part of a long-term weight loss strategy may not be effective due to disrupted taste-calorie relations.

Stress in the city

A new international study links city living to increased stress responses in the amygdala and activity in the cingulate cortex. The findings suggest that different brain regions respond to urban environment at various stages of life.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Study: Wild Cuban crocodiles hybridize with American crocs

A recent study confirms that Cuban crocodiles in the wild are hybridizing with American crocodiles, posing a significant threat to the species' survival. This genetic interbreeding may lead to both replacement and genetic mixing, potentially causing the extinction of one lineage.

Yale researchers uncover source of mystery pain

An international team of scientists found that mutations in the SCN9A gene cause nerve cells to become hyperactive, leading to degeneration of nerve fibers and severe pain in patients with peripheral neuropathy. The discovery could lead to specific therapies for victims of this debilitating disorder.

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.

Brief exam diagnoses cognitive impairment in ALS patients

Researchers developed a brief exam to identify frontal and temporal dysfunction in ALS patients, which can impact decision-making and treatment planning. The Penn State Brief Exam of Frontal and Temporal Dysfunction Syndromes (PSFTS) has been used in over 200 patients and is now standard care at the Medical Center.

NEJM study: New drug represents breakthrough in treatment of hepatitis C

A new drug telaprevir has been shown to offer a faster and stronger viral cure for hepatitis C than standard treatment, with 75% of patients cured compared to 44% on standard therapy. The study also found significant benefits in subgroups of patients who do not typically respond well to standard therapy.

New biomarker may help with early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease

A new study found that a protein called soluble amyloid precursor protein beta (sAPPβ) may be a more accurate predictor of Alzheimer's disease than existing biomarkers. The researchers discovered that sAPPβ levels were significantly higher in participants who developed the disease, with an average of 1,200 nanograms per milliliter.

GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Hubble sees Pandora's Cluster

The Hubble Space Telescope has captured the complex history of Pandora's Cluster, a giant galaxy cluster resulting from the simultaneous collision of four smaller clusters. The data reveal that dark matter dominates the cluster's mass, with gas making up only 5% of its total mass.

NASA and NOAA satellite video shows Tropical Storm Beatriz fizzle in 6 hours

Tropical Storm Beatriz rapidly weakened after making landfall in Mexico's western mountains, transforming from a strong tropical storm to a weak tropical depression within six hours. The storm's remnants are now moving over cooler sea surface temperatures with a slim chance of regenerating due to sub-80°F waters.

Toxic compounds in groundwater

A laboratory study found that vinyl chloride concentrations decreased over time, reaching zero after four months, suggesting degradation into ethene.

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.

Prejudice linked to women's menstrual cycle

Women's bias against male strangers increases when they are fertile, suggesting genetic influence on prejudice, according to Michigan State University researchers. Fertile women exhibit more negative attitudes towards men of different races and social groups than their own group, particularly those perceived as physically threatening.

Plant growth rate, stem length unaffected by rice hull, peat substrate

Research found that plant growth retardants had no effect on plant growth rate or stem length when used with a rice hull substrate, similar to a traditional peat and perlite mix. The study suggests that producers can employ PGR drench strategies without worrying about reduced efficacy due to the presence of rice hulls.

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.

A breath of fresh air for detecting vitamin B12 deficiency

Researchers have developed a new, non-invasive breath test to detect vitamin B12 deficiency, a growing public health problem. The test measures the amount of carbon dioxide exhaled after administering propionate, which is broken down by vitamin B12 in the body.

Electrical water detection

Researchers developed an economical method to detect groundwater in semi-arid hard rock areas by analyzing electrical conductivity logs. The approach revealed differences in subterranean rock fissures and correlated with regions of underground water. This technique may be useful for identifying the most abundant sources of groundwater.

Potential impact of cinnamon on multiple sclerosis studied

A Rush University Medical Center scientist is studying cinnamon's effects on multiple sclerosis, a disease that attacks the central nervous system. The research aims to understand how cinnamon's anti-inflammatory property may counteract the disease process in mice.

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.

Pandora's cluster

Researchers use gravitational lensing to map dark matter distribution in the cluster, while NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory observes hot gas. The study reveals a complex collision that separated out hot gas and dark matter, separating them from visible galaxies.