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Science News Archive March 2011


Page 12 of 28

Scientists find candidate for new TB vaccine

Researchers identified a protein called EspC that triggers a stronger immune response in people infected with TB bacteria, making it a promising new vaccine candidate. The protein could also be used to improve diagnosis of TB and underpin next-generation diagnostic blood tests.

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.

Can biochar help suppress greenhouse gases?

A new study found that biochar can significantly reduce nitrous oxide emissions from intensive grazing systems. The research, conducted in New Zealand, showed a 70% decrease in nitrous oxide fluxes when biochar was added to the soil. This effect was attributed to reduced ammonia formation and its adsorption onto biochar.

Is space like a chessboard?

Physicists at UCLA found that dividing space into discrete locations like a chessboard explains how point-like electrons manage to carry their intrinsic angular momentum. This concept, inspired by graphene's electronic properties, proposes that space at very small distances is segmented, rather than smooth.

Electronic medical records improve quality of care in resource-limited countries

A new study conducted in Eldoret, Kenya found that computer-generated reminders about overdue tests yielded a nearly 50% increase in the appropriate ordering of CD4 blood tests. This improvement in quality of care was made possible through the implementation of just-in-time clinician support within electronic medical records.

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.

Pollen also appears outside flowering season

The study found delays or advances of up to a week between pollen release and flowering period for certain species, likely caused by resuspension of grains. This understanding can help draw precise pollen prognoses for people with allergies.

Multiple sclerosis: Risk factors in children

A study published in Neurology has found that children with a specific gene variation are at higher risk of developing Multiple Sclerosis. The research identifies the HLA-DRB1 allele as a key factor in pediatric-onset MS, which can provide insights into disease causes and potentially lead to earlier diagnoses and new therapies.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scientists find a key to maintaining our DNA

Researchers found that acetylation regulates DNA maintenance, favoring protection of genetic information. This discovery may lead to interventions enhancing the body's natural preservation of genetic info, potentially delaying aging-related diseases.

An icy gaze into the Big Bang

Researchers at the University of Innsbruck have successfully produced controlled strong interactions between two fermionic elements, exhibiting analogies to the Big Bang's primordial substance. The experiment opens new avenues for investigating cosmic phenomena and novel states of matter in solid-state physics.

Enhancing the magnetism

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have enhanced spontaneous magnetization in special versions of bismuth ferrite, creating a stable nanoscale mixture of rhombohedral and tetragonal phases. This allows for electric control of magnetization at room temperature, opening the door to spintronic devices.

'Bilingual' neurons may reveal the secrets of brain disease

A team of researchers has identified a phenomenon known as 'cotransmission,' where brain neurons use two different methods of communication to exchange information. This discovery could lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms behind brain diseases such as schizophrenia, Parkinson's, and depression.

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.

Human gender roles influence research on animals

Researchers at Lund University found that terms describing male and female traits in animal sexual conflicts vary, with males often described in active terms and females in passive ones. This bias can lead to incorrect interpretations of results.

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.

Versatile vitamin A plays multiple roles in the immune system

Research reveals vitamin A's dual role in immune response, producing regulatory T cells to dampen inflammation while stimulating pro-inflammatory responses to combat infection. The study highlights the importance of nutritional status in regulating the immune system.

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.

How do consumers estimate a good time?

A new study found that consumers' predicted consumption time is influenced by their assessment of the experience and its representation. Breaking down pleasurable events into subactivities increases expected time spent, while unpacking unpleasant events decreases it.

Production of mustard oils: On the origin of an enzyme

Researchers isolated an enzyme from Arabidopsis thaliana that catalyzes glucosinolate formation and found it resembles an enzyme involved in leucine synthesis. This structural similarity enabled the plant to produce toxic compounds as a defense mechanism, highlighting the importance of small genetic changes in evolutionary adaptations.

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.

Johns Hopkins team creates stem cells from schizophrenia patients

Researchers create induced pluripotent stem cells from adult siblings with schizophrenia and DISC1 gene mutation, providing a potential tool for screening treatments and understanding the disease. The stem cells can be coaxed to become brain cells like neurons, offering new insights into the causes of major mental illnesses.

Want more zest for life? Consider gardening!

Older adults who garden report enhanced optimism, increased physical activity, and higher energy levels compared to nongardeners. Gardening also promotes healthier lifestyles through increased consumption of fruit and vegetables.

New plant species gives insights into evolution

Scientists discovered that the new plant species Tragopogon miscellus has relaxed gene expression control in its earliest generations, allowing it to rapidly adapt. After 80 years of evolution, different patterns of gene expression are now found in every plant, offering new ideas for agriculture.

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.

Study provides new tool to monitor coral reef 'vital signs'

A new study provides a new tool to monitor coral reef vital signs, allowing scientists to assess the impacts of climate change and other threats on coral reef health. By measuring biological productivity, researchers can better understand the balance between coral production and consumption rates.

Fuz is essential for craniofacial and tooth development

Researchers found that Fuz plays a crucial role in regulating craniofacial development, with defects leading to severe deformities. The study also highlights the importance of Fuz in negative feedback loops of canonical Wnt signaling.

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.

What does signing your name mean in the marketplace?

A new study finds that signing one's name can increase engagement among consumers who strongly identify with a product category, leading to more purchases. However, it has the opposite effect on those who don't identify strongly, reducing time spent in stores and fewer shoe tries.

Corn gluten meal tested on squash survival, yields

Researchers tested corn gluten meal on direct-seeded squash and found that banded applications increased crop safety and yields. The study suggests that CGM can be a safe alternative to traditional herbicides for organic vegetable production.

Smart phones not replacing other media for news access -- at least yet

A study by Ohio State University researchers found that mobile media technologies like smart phones are not taking people away from relying on traditional media sources. Instead, mobile media fill the spaces in people's daily routine where other media sources are either unavailable or inconvenient to use.

New research tool targets microRNA expression in zebrafish

Researchers have developed a novel method for measuring microRNA expression in specific tissues of developing zebrafish embryos. This technique uses digoxigenin-labeled riboprobes for in situ hybridization, enabling the study of miRNA's role in embryonic development and disease mechanisms.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Cranky? On a diet? How self-control leads to anger

Research suggests people who exert self-control are drawn to aggressive art and public policy appeals, leading to increased irritability and quickness to anger. This is contrary to messages that promote behavioral change, which can be perceived as controlling.

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.

Optimizing yield and fruit size of figs

Researchers found that varying shoot lengths can maximize fig fruit yield and quality, but some cultivars require differential application of horticultural practices to attain regular high yields. The study provides recommendations for optimal shoot lengths and pruning strategies for three fig cultivars.

Human prejudice has ancient evolutionary roots

A new study led by Yale researchers found that monkeys treat individuals from outside their groups with suspicion, similar to human behavior. The findings suggest that the roots of human intergroup conflict may be evolutionarily quite ancient, dating back at least 25 million years.

New software calculates heating costs in greenhouse operations

A new software system called Virtual Grower helps calculate heating costs in greenhouse operations by analyzing temperature settings, heating systems, and construction decisions. The program uses a weather database to predict heating costs and allows users to define unique design characteristics and heating schedules.

Experimental philosophy opens new avenues into old questions

Experimental philosophy offers a new perspective on the debate over free will and determinism, testing whether our decisions are influenced by causal chains or our own agency. Researchers have found that young children and adults exhibit conflicting responses to scenarios involving free will and moral responsibility.

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.

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.

Upgrading the vanadium redox battery

Researchers have improved the performance of vanadium redox batteries by modifying their electrolyte solution, increasing energy storage capacity by 70 percent. The upgraded battery can now operate in a wider temperature range and reduce cooling costs, making it more suitable for grid reliability and renewable power sources.

Daily home dialysis makes 'restless legs' better

A study found that daily home hemodialysis significantly improved restless legs syndrome (RLS) symptoms and sleep disturbances in dialysis patients. The treatment reduced RLS-related symptoms by over 12 months, leading to lasting improvements.

Horticulture students link problem-solving to employment

A study found that horticulture students prefer finding the right answer over developing a strategy, but still value problem-solving as an important skill. The researchers developed an online learning platform, PSLP, which improved student engagement and understanding of ill-structured problems.