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Science News Archive March 2011


Page 24 of 28

Happy hour linked to pub violence

A Cardiff University study found a strong link between happy hour-style drinking promotions and pub violence in the UK. The research suggests that premises with aggressive pricing strategies and lax staff monitoring are more likely to experience high levels of violence.

Environmental impact of animal waste

Researchers found that anaerobic lagoons in North and South Carolina have high levels of nitrogen-cycling genes but low denitrification enzyme activity, leading to acidification and eutrophication of surrounding ecosystems. The study highlights the need for improved waste management practices to minimize environmental harm.

Bone-creating protein could improve dental implant success

Researchers have found a bone-creating protein that can improve dental implant success when used to augment the maxillary sinus. The protein, BMP, induces superior bone quality and improves chances for successful implants compared to conventional bone grafting.

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.

String blossom thinner proves effective across stages of bloom development

Research provides valuable data on optimal thinning times for commercial peach and nectarine production, with mechanical string blossom thinners showing significant benefits across stages of bloom development. The study found that thinning at the right stage increased fruit size and market value, while reducing follow-up hand-thinning ...

Boston Medical Center receives grant from Astrazeneca to 'end diabetes'

The END Diabetes Program aims to show that lifestyle changes can prevent or delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes, thus reducing cardiovascular disease risk. The six-month program offers educational workshops, free membership, individual coaching, and regular exercise sessions for at least 200 adults.

College students surveyed on guns on campus

A survey of college students at two universities found that more students were uncomfortable with concealed weapons on campus than those who supported it. The study, conducted by Sam Houston State University, found significant differences in opinions between students' comfort levels with guns on campus versus the wider community.

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.

Sperm quality and counts worsening in Finland

A new study reveals semen quality has deteriorated significantly in Finland over the last decade, with total sperm counts decreasing from 227 million to 165 million. The incidence of testis cancer among younger men is also increasing, with a significant increase observed between those born in the late 1980s and earlier generations.

Kidney transplant recipients: Get moving to save your life

A study published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society Nephrology found that kidney transplant recipients who engage in little physical activity face increased risks of dying prematurely. The research suggests that patients need to exercise to fend off an early death and maintain heart health, which is crucial for these indi...

Our ancestors lived on shaky ground

Scientists discovered a link between ancient human sites and tectonically active landscapes in southern Africa. The research suggests that early humans were attracted to habitats created by tectonic movements near rivers or lakes, which provided food, shelter, and drinking water.

ATS issues report on emerging issues in HIV-associated pulmonary disease

The American Thoracic Society's report highlights the evolving landscape of HIV-associated pulmonary disease, including increased chronic lung diseases and new syndromes associated with antiretroviral therapy. Clinicians face a wider range of HIV-associated diseases, emphasizing the need for continued research and treatment modalities.

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.

Method developed to match police sketch, mug shot

Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a system that can automatically match hand-drawn facial sketches to mug shots in law enforcement databases. The method achieved promising results, correctly identifying the suspect in 45% of cases.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Soot packs a punch on Tibetan Plateau's climate

Soot on snow accelerates glacier melt, altering snowmelt and monsoon patterns in Asia. The Tibetan Plateau's surface temperature increased by over 2 degrees Fahrenheit due to soot on snow, leading to stronger monsoons.

New findings on drug tolerance in TB suggest ideas for shorter cures

Researchers found that multi-drug tolerant organisms can form within days of infection in zebrafish and grow inside host macrophages, helping to promote the continuation of TB. Inexpensive drugs like verapamil may block tolerance mechanisms, potentially shortening treatment duration.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

In search of cancer's common ground: A next-generation view

Researchers have synthesized cancer literature to introduce the concept of enabling and emerging hallmarks, which are features that set the stage for cancer and may become core characteristics in nearly all cancers. This review article provides a cohesive foundation for biomedical researchers to develop new cancer treatments.

Scientists call for 'swifter and sounder' testing of chemicals

The letter highlights growing concerns about chemicals like BPA and the need for experts from genetics, reproductive medicine, and other fields to interpret and evaluate science. The authors advocate for swifter and sounder testing procedures to prevent chemicals from entering the environment.

Scripps Research scientists create cell assembly line

Researchers at Scripps Institute develop a novel technology that synthesizes complex cellular structures from simple starting materials, creating uniform cell-like compartments. The new process is highly efficient and customizable, revolutionizing the field of synthetic biology.

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.

Keeping soft fruit 'fur-free' for longer

Cold plasma technology is being used to keep mould at bay for longer in soft fruit, with results showing an extra five days of shelf-life. This innovation has the potential to reduce waste and losses in the industry, benefiting producers and customers alike.

Scientists identify susceptibility factor for bipolar disorder

A new study reveals a previously unrecognized susceptibility factor for bipolar disorder, with genetic variation in the neurocan (NCAN) gene associated with an increased risk. The findings suggest that NCAN variants may disturb neuronal processes in patients with bipolar disorder, leading to cognitive deficits.

26 percent of herbs eaten in Spain are contaminated with bacteria

A study by researchers at the University of Valencia found that up to 26% of herbs sold in Spain are contaminated with bacteria, compromising their quality. The study highlights the need for improved health controls during production and cultivation to prevent health risks.

Star-shaped brain cells feed long-term memory

Astrocytes are essential for making long-term memories, and their dysfunction can lead to amnesia. Long-term memory formation depends on the delivery of lactate from astrocytes into neurons.

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.

Optical tweezers software now available for the iPad

Researchers have developed an iPad application for optical tweezers, overcoming limitations of computer mouse control. The multi-touch-based app allows for clear representation of particle systems and offers various techniques for movement.

Research into chromosome replication reveals details of heredity dynamics

A novel study reveals that a protein complex (Smc5/6) helps release torsional stress during DNA replication, shedding light on heredity dynamics and potential new cancer treatments. The findings may lead to the development of drugs targeting Smc5/6, providing another tool for inhibiting tumour growth.

For birds, the suburbs may not be an ideal place to raise a family

A study by Smithsonian scientists found that suburban areas can be ecological traps for breeding birds due to high predation rates, particularly from domestic cats. The team tracked 69 fledgling catbirds and found that almost 80% were killed before reaching adulthood, with most deaths occurring within the first week after fledging.

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.

Researchers discover new shapes of microcompartments

Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered new shapes of microcompartment shells, including dodecahedra and octahedra, which can be used to create containers or microreactors with specific functions. These designed shells could efficiently deliver therapeutic materials to cells at targeted locations.

Oldest objects in solar system indicate a turbulent beginning

Scientists have discovered that calcium, aluminum-rich inclusions (CAIs) formed far away from the sun and later fell back into the mid-plane of the solar system. The findings provide new insights into the formation and evolution of our solar system, suggesting turbulent conditions during its early stages.

Mapping human vulnerability to climate change

Researchers have created a global map suggesting climate change will disproportionately affect the world's poorest regions. The study forecasts potential changes in local populations for 2050, predicting that those living in hot, low-latitude areas such as Africa and South America will be most vulnerable to climate-related challenges.

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.

Grazing of cattle pastures can improve soil quality

A team of US Department of Agriculture scientists found that moderate cattle grazing can improve soil health and sequester carbon and nitrogen. Decades of plowing have degraded the soil in the Piedmont region, but researchers discovered that grasses planted on eroded land and grazed by beef cattle can restore soil quality.

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.

Food forensics: DNA links habitat quality to bat diet

A new study uses genetic techniques to link bat diet to habitat quality, showing that bats rely heavily on insects from aquatic environments. The research also identifies specific pollution tolerances among insect species, providing insights into the bats' foraging behavior and conservation efforts.

Solving the puzzle of Henry VIII

Researchers link Henry VIII's reproductive issues, including multiple miscarriages, to Kell blood group incompatibility. The study also suggests McLeod syndrome as a possible cause for his dramatic physical transformation and mental instability.

Some Antarctic ice is forming from bottom

Researchers found that refrozen ice makes up 24% of the ice sheet base around Dome A, with rates of refreezing greater than surface accumulation rates. This discovery reshapes understanding of how the ice sheet expands and moves, and its potential reaction to a warming climate.

Solving a traditional Chinese medicine mystery

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered a natural product from traditional Chinese medicine that blocks gene control machinery in cells, suggesting potential as an anticancer drug. The compound, triptolide, has been shown to be effective against cancer and other conditions.

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.

The more secure you feel, the less you value your stuff, UNH research shows

A recent study from the University of New Hampshire found that individuals who feel more secure in their relationships place a lower monetary value on their possessions. This heightened sense of security can lead to decreased valuation of possessions, as people perceive them as already being protected by their loved ones.

Study finds MRSA danger in gyms may be exaggerated

A recent study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that community gym surfaces do not appear to be reservoirs for MRSA transmission. The researchers collected 240 samples from three local gyms and found none to be positive for MRSA or MSSA, suggesting that aggressive disinfection programs may not be warranted.

Using wastewater to enhance mint production

A team of researchers has found that residual distillation water from certain plant species can increase the yields and essential oil content of peppermint and spearmint crops. The study suggests using wastewater as a foliar spray can boost biomass production, with increased essential oil content observed in some cases.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Women who miscarry continue to have mental health problems

A study found that women who have experienced pregnancy loss may continue to suffer from depression and anxiety, even after having a healthy baby. The study suggests that previous pregnancy loss should be taken into account when assessing the risk of antenatal or postnatal depression.