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Science News Archive November 2011


Page 1 of 28

Super athletic mice are fit because their muscles burn more sugar

Researchers at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute discovered a way to reprogram muscle cells to burn sugar more efficiently, resulting in increased athletic ability and reduced lactic acid production. This novel mechanism could lead to new prevention or treatment methods for obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes.

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.

Petroleum-eating mushrooms

Researchers B. Franz Lang and Mohamed Hijri have identified mushroom species that can consume petroleum, offering a breakthrough in soil decontamination. The discovery is based on phytoremediation principles, where microorganisms play a key role in degrading contaminants.

British butterfly is evolving to respond to climate change

New research reveals that climate change is causing certain species to adapt to new habitats, helping them track ongoing warming. The Brown Argus butterfly has successfully expanded its distribution northwards in the UK, using a range of distinct habitats.

Engineered botulism toxins could have broader role in medicine

Scientists re-engineered botulism toxins to target non-nerve cells, blocking inflammation-linked protein release. This could expand treatment options for chronic inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and asthma, reducing risks associated with nerve cell disruption.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

MAKS: Drug-free prevention of dementia decline

Researchers found that a year-long Maks therapy, combining motor stimulation, cognitive exercises, and daily living activities, halted the progression of dementia in patients. This therapy showed similar results to cholinesterase inhibitors, but with twice as much effect on daily living tasks.

Unlocking the genetic and molecular mystery of soft-tissue sarcoma

Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center have identified two major molecular signaling pathways that regulate cell growth and division, hallmarks of cancer biology. The study provides new candidate targets for treating soft-tissue sarcomas, which can be controlled but not cured by current treatments.

UBC study explores distrust of atheists by believers

A UBC study explores the social psychological processes underlying anti-atheist sentiments, finding that religious believer's distrust is central to prejudice against atheists. The research suggests that outward displays of belief may be viewed as a proxy for trustworthiness, leading to disapproval and mistrust of atheists.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Biocompatible graphene transistor array reads cellular signals

Researchers demonstrate graphene-based transistor array compatible with living cells, recording electrical signals generated by individual nerve cells. The platform shows potential for future bioelectronic applications, including brain-eye-ear implants to compensate for neural damage.

NASA satellite sees strong wind shear taking final toll on Tropical Storm 5A

Tropical Storm 5A is weakening due to strong wind shear in the Arabian Sea. The storm's convection and thunderstorms are waning, with no visible bands of thunderstorms in NASA satellite imagery. Forecasters predict the storm will dissipate late tomorrow as a shortwave trough steers it away from the Oman coast.

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.

Lithosphere highlights for Dec. 2011

Research highlights the age of continental crust, with over 60% originating in the Archean, 2.5 billion years ago. A new paleomagnetic pole for chron 32 corrects for spreading-rate dependence, improving skewness data accuracy. Seismic ambient noise analysis reveals structural alignments in the Chile Ridge Subduction Region.

Researchers' new recipe cooks up better tissue 'phantoms'

Scientists have created a novel combination of additives that enable gelatin to mimic the acoustical and optical properties of soft tissue in humans. The resulting tissue 'phantoms' can be used to test photoacoustic and ultrasonic imaging technologies, which are increasingly being used in clinical applications.

Is transparency bad for science?

The article discusses the controversy surrounding science transparency, with some scientists arguing that data sharing and freedom of information can hinder their work. Researchers like Fred Pearce argue that openness would have prevented time-consuming debates between climate deniers and scientists.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Bush embryonic stem cell lines different from newly derived cell lines

Researchers found that newly derived human embryonic stem cell lines have a better molecular signature than established lines, indicating higher quality and potentially better performance in disease modeling. The study suggests that maintaining the original state of X chromosome inactivation could be crucial for achieving optimal results.

A dash of physics thrown into the cocktail mix

Top bartenders are ditching trial and error for a more measured approach to cocktail making, inspired by physics techniques. Rotary evaporators and thermocouples help extract flavors and balance the taste of cocktails, such as martinis and manhattans.

Chemical warfare of stealthy silverfish

Researchers found that silverfish steal the ant's scent to avoid being killed or rejected from the nest. By continually updating this scent, the silverfish remain protected from ant aggression. This co-evolutionary arms race highlights the ants' complex scent recognition system and the silverfish's elaborate behavioral adaptations.

MIT: New algorithm may improve defensive driving

Researchers developed an algorithm that accurately identifies potential 'red-light violators' within seconds, reducing false alarms. The algorithm's accuracy surpasses existing safety-prediction technologies, with a 85% success rate in identifying violators.

In a star's final days, astronomers hunt 'signal of impending doom'

Researchers studying a binary star system in the Whirlpool Galaxy have detected a star dimming noticeably before its companion exploded in a supernova. The study provides evidence that certain patterns of brightening and dimming may signal an impending doom for stars, making it possible to predict when a star is near death.

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.

Stronger corn? Take it off steroids, make it all female

Researchers at Purdue University have found a naturally occurring mutation in corn that eliminates the need for detasseling, a labor-intensive process. The mutation, which affects brassinosteroids, results in plants that produce only female organs, including kernels where male tassels should be.

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.

The newest of the new in gene therapy: 'Tag and target and exchange'

Scientists have developed a new approach to gene therapy using site-specific recombinases from yeast and phages, allowing for precise genetic modifications. This technique has the potential to improve efficiency and effectiveness of experimental gene therapies while reducing side effects.

Artificial leaf could debut new era of 'fast-food energy'

The artificial leaf technology uses sunlight and renewable ingredients to produce electricity, with the potential to power homes in developing countries. The technology has the potential to provide a low-cost solution for generating electricity, making it an attractive option for households and communities.

Magnetic pole reversal happens all the (geologic) time

Magnetic pole reversals occur frequently over millions of years, with hundreds of occurrences recorded in the past three billion years. The process is gradual and does not have significant effects on plant or animal life, climate, or glaciation.

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.

Marzipan Santas, elves and stollen: Real deal or cheap fakes?

A new test developed by scientists can accurately detect contaminants in marzipan pastes, including cheap substitutes made from soy and peas. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method can identify small amounts of almond substitutes as little as 0.1%.

Trauma drug first for civilian ambulance service

The South West Ambulance Service will introduce TXA for civilian trauma patients, which has shown a 30% reduction in death from bleeding when used within three hours of trauma. The cost of the drug is estimated to be £2,560 in year one, with potential savings of many lives and reduced trauma-related disability.

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.

Hull research proves color is not a black and white issue

Scientists at the University of Hull found that highly suggestible individuals can see colours in monochrome patterns and experience changes in brain activity under hypnosis. The study suggests that these abilities exist independently of hypnosis and may be useful for medical interventions, such as pain control.

Improving patient care by improving nurses' work environment

A new study published in Health Care Management Review found that physical environment, workgroup cohesion, and job satisfaction have a significant impact on nurses' ratings of patient care quality. Improving these factors can lead to better patient outcomes without requiring increases in nurse staffing.

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.

Violent video games alter brain function in young men

A study found that playing violent video games for one week reduced activation in certain brain regions associated with emotional control and aggressive behavior in young adult men. After two weeks without game play, the changes were diminished.

Renowned UGA chemist Henry Schaefer honored with Humboldt Research Award

Henry F. Schaefer III, Graham Perdue professor of chemistry at UGA, has been awarded a Humboldt Research Award for his significant impact on theoretical chemistry and collaboration with European researchers. The award, valued at $80,000, enables him to undertake prolonged periods of research in Germany.

Eating fish reduces risk of Alzheimer's disease

A study found that consuming baked or broiled fish on a weekly basis preserves gray matter volume in areas at risk for Alzheimer's disease. This reduction in risk is associated with improved cognitive function, particularly working memory.

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.

UC research examines home births –- then and now

A University of Cincinnati researcher is comparing historical data on home births from the 1970s with current trends, highlighting similarities in higher education levels among women opting for home births. In contrast, physician attendance at home births has decreased significantly over time, according to the study.

Earthquakes: Water as a lubricant

Researchers found that rock water acts as a lubricant, causing significant differences in mechanical properties along the fault at depth. This supports the idea that fluids play a key role in the onset of earthquakes, and tremor signals are linked to areas with trapped fluids.

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.

Surgeons perform better with eye movement training

Research by the University of Exeter shows that trainee surgeons learn technical surgical skills more quickly and deal better with stress if taught to mimic expert eye movements. The study highlights the potential for 'gaze training' to speed up initial skill learning, getting trainees ready for the operating room earlier.

Texas drought visible in new national groundwater maps

The record-breaking Texas drought has reduced groundwater levels in much of the state to their lowest levels in over 60 years. The latest maps from NASA's Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellites show severely depressed groundwater levels, indicating a prolonged drying effect.

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.

Study shows hospice caregivers need routine care interventions

A study led by the University of Kentucky found that hospice family caregivers experience 'second-order patient' stress due to caregiving tasks and emotional impact. Researchers recommend routine care interventions to address these unique needs and improve caregiver outcomes.

From gene to function

Researchers have identified 68 genetic variants involved in platelet formation, including a novel role for tropomyosin 1 in platelet production. The study found that genes associated with heart attacks and strokes overlap with those affecting platelets, offering potential new targets for treatments.