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Science News Archive November 2011


Page 6 of 28

Earth's core deprived of oxygen

A team of scientists led by Yingwei Fei found that oxygen is not a major component of the Earth's liquid outer core, contradicting previous models. The discovery has significant implications for understanding the planet's formation through accretion of dust and clumps of matter.

Introducing the monarch butterfly genome

The monarch butterfly's genome has been fully sequenced, offering insights into its long-distance migration. The study reveals genes responsible for vision, circadian clocks, and juvenile hormone synthesis, essential for extended lifespan and navigation.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Incidences and severity of prostate cancer correlated with meat consumption

A study published in PLOS ONE found that increased consumption of ground beef or processed meat is positively associated with aggressive prostate cancer. The research team suggests that this result is due to increased levels of carcinogens in meat prepared using high heat methods, such as grilling or barbecuing.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Hopkins scientists turn on fountain of youth in yeast

Researchers at Johns Hopkins have successfully manipulated yeast life span by removing and restoring a protein function related to aging. By restoring this function, the organism's life span is dramatically extended. The discovery reveals molecular components of an aging pathway that appears related to one regulating longevity in humans.

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.

Insect cyborgs may become first responders

Researchers at the University of Michigan are developing insect 'cyborgs' that can power sensors and communications equipment, allowing them to monitor hazardous situations before human intervention. The devices harness kinetic energy from wing movements, enabling the insects to gather vital information in confined environments.

Finger (mal)formation reveals surprise function of desert DNA

Researchers at EPFL and University of Geneva uncover a genetic mechanism that modulates gene activity through seven enhancers, leading to diversity in finger shapes. This discovery could help understand hereditary malformations and evolutionary variations in the animal kingdom.

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.

New butterfly species identified in Yucatan peninsula

Researchers used DNA barcoding to discover several previously undiscovered butterfly species in the Yucatan peninsula, correcting four cases of mistaken identification. The study showcases the utility of this method in characterizing biodiversity.

Scientific sleuths pinpoint the guilty coral killers

Researchers have developed a method to diagnose coral diseases using quantitative-PCR technology, which can detect pathogens at low levels. This will help control the impact of disease on coral reefs affected by rapid coastal development, declining water quality, and climate change.

Diabetes drug shows promise in reducing risk of cancer

A new study by Michigan State University researchers found that metformin prevents tumors from growing in human cultures, providing biological evidence for its potential to reduce the risk of diabetes-associated cancers. The research suggests that metformin may be used as a preventive drug for individuals with Type-2 diabetes.

Big pest, small genome

Researchers sequence the two-spotted spider mite's genome, revealing genes capable of detoxifying pesticides and plant toxins. This breakthrough sheds light on how these pests counteract plant defenses and provides new insights for developing targeted pesticides.

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.

Closer to a cure for eczema

Researchers have identified six yeast-killing peptides that target Malassezia sympodialis without harming human skin cells. These peptides could provide a potential new treatment for atopic eczema, increasing patients' quality of life. Further study is needed to develop a comprehensive treatment plan.

The scoop on the dangers of snow shoveling

A study published in Clinical Research in Cardiology found that snow shoveling was associated with a significant proportion of heart problems among patients, particularly males with a family history of coronary artery disease. The study identified three key risk factors: gender, family history, and smoking.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Exercise helps us to eat a healthy diet

A new study reveals that physical activity is linked to an improvement in diet quality, leading to more successful weight loss treatments. Exercise also modifies the brain's executive functions, enabling better control of appetite and food choices.

Dreaming takes the sting out of painful memories

Researchers at UC Berkeley found that dream sleep helps process emotional experiences, removing the edge from painful memories. During REM sleep, stress neurochemicals are suppressed, allowing the brain to connect and integrate memories in a more rational state.

Mite-y genomic resources for bioenergy crop protection

Researchers are utilizing genomic data to create novel pest-control strategies, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides and environmental pollution. The study focuses on the biology of the two-spotted spider mite, exploring its ability to develop pesticide resistance and potential applications in crop protection.

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.

Spider mite's secrets revealed

The sequenced spider mite genome provides insights into its feeding frenzy, pesticide resistance, and web-making abilities. The study reveals the genetic basis for these traits, including the acquisition of bacterial genes that enhance digestion and detoxification.

Doctors can do better if they learn from their mistakes

A team of researchers found that doctors who learned from both successes and failures performed better in making treatment choices. They used fMRI imaging to detect characteristic brain patterns for high performers and low performers, showing a correlation between attention to failed treatments and better performance.

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.

Blossom end rot: Transport protein identified

A team of researchers has identified a protein that facilitates the radial transport of calcium ions from the root to the shoot, resolving a long-standing mystery. This breakthrough could lead to new strategies for preventing blossom end rot and other nutrient deficiencies in crops.

Robojelly gets an upgrade

Researchers at VirginiaTech have improved Robojelly's performance by introducing a flexible margin, reducing folding and increasing speed. The upgrade provides new insights into jellyfish propulsion mechanisms, enabling the robot to detect chemical spills, monitor ships and submarines, and observe fish migration.

Great Lakes fish feed on invading shrimp

Researchers found that several native fish species have incorporated the bloody red shrimp into their diet over multi-seasonal periods. The study suggests these fish are adapting to the invasive species, alleviating concerns about its impact on native populations.

Surprising pathway implicated in stuttering

A new study found that mutations in a gene called NAGPA, which affects lysosomal function, are associated with persistent stuttering. The research provides evidence that impairment in cellular recycling centers may play a role in causing some people to stutter.

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.

UO chemists develop liquid-based hydrogen storage material

Researchers at the University of Oregon have developed a boron-nitrogen-based liquid-phase storage material for hydrogen that works safely at room temperature and is air- and moisture-stable. The new material features clean, fast, and controllable hydrogen desorption without any phase change.

On the road to plasmonics with silver polyhedral nanocrystals

Researchers have discovered a way to self-assemble uniform polyhedral silver nanocrystals into densest packings and exotic superlattices, opening the door to simpler fabrication of plasmonic materials. The technique uses gravity-driven sedimentation and allows for precise control over superlattice dimensions.

Arginine restores T-cell ability to target cancer

A recent study published in Clinical Cancer Research found that arginine supplementation can reactivate cancer-fighting T-cells in patients with glioblastoma. This is achieved by replenishing the amino acid arginine, which is depleted due to persistent neutrophil activity. The result is an improved immune response against cancer cells.

A tiny flame shines light on supernovae explosions

A team of researchers performed new 3-D calculations to better understand the complex conditions driving Type Ia supernovae. The simulations provide insight into the deflagration-to-detonation transition process, which is crucial for calculating cosmic distances and understanding the evolution of the universe.

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.

New class of drugs for the reversible inhibition of proteasomes

Scientists have identified a new class of drugs that target the proteasome in a unique way, leading to potential breakthroughs in cancer medication. The newly discovered hydroxyurea structures work more specifically than existing proteasome inhibitors, reducing severe adverse side effects.

Nanowrinkles, nanofolds yield strange hidden channels

Researchers at Brown University have found unusual properties in wrinkles and folds at the nanoscale, including hidden long waves and closed nanochannels. These discoveries hold promise for developing new technologies like fluid-carrying nanochannels and printable cell phones.

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.

Blocked holes can enhance rather than stop light going through

Researchers at Princeton University discovered that blocking small holes in a metal film enhances light transmission by up to 70%. The technique challenges common assumptions in optics and could have significant implications for ultrasensitive detectors. Further investigation is needed to apply this finding to various applications.

Use of retail medical clinics rises 10-fold over 2-year period, study finds

A new RAND Corporation study reveals a 10-fold increase in retail clinic usage between 2007 and 2009, driven by factors such as age, health status, income, and proximity. Retail clinics are found to be more effective for managing simple acute conditions like upper respiratory infections and ear infections.

Peering inside the 'deflagration-to-detonation transition' of explosions

Scientists have discovered that unconfined flames can spontaneously form detonations in reactive gases and astrophysical systems, providing a missing link for theoretical models of Type la supernovae. The research team used computer simulations to study the deflagration-to-detonation transition in hydrogen-air and methane-air mixtures.

When friends fail them, girls hurt worse than boys

A new report from Boston College and Duke University finds that girls are more devastated than boys when friends let them down. The study examined fourth- and fifth-grade children and found that girls interpreted friendship transgressions in a negative way, leading to increased anger and aggression.

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.

Girls feel more anger, sadness than boys when friends offend

A Duke University study found that pre-teen girls are just as likely to react aggressively to a friend's betrayal as boys, but may struggle more with feelings of sadness. The research suggests that girls' friendships require a different approach than previously thought, focusing on teaching them how to cope when a friend lets them down.

Is sustainability science really a science?

Researchers from Los Alamos National Laboratory and Indiana University analyzed the field's evolution, composition, and collaboration structure. The study concludes that sustainability science is both applied and basic, spanning worldwide institutions and governments. A global collaboration network emerged around 2000, defining the fie...

New projection shows global food demand doubling by 2050

A new projection shows global food demand doubling by 2050, which could lead to significant environmental issues if not addressed. Increasing yield in poorer countries through adapted high-yielding technologies and efficient nitrogen fertilizers usage can help mitigate these effects.

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.

Toll-like receptors play role in brain damage in newborns

New research reveals that Toll-like receptors play a major role in brain damage risk for newborns, contributing to conditions like cerebral palsy and epilepsy. The discovery could lead to more effective treatment strategies, such as blocking special TLRs to reduce brain damage following hypoxia.

Hefty impact of poor eating habits

A Concordia University study found that 25% of Canadians aged 31 to 50 exceed the safe limit of total calories derived from fats. Individuals who eat well are 20% less likely to be obese, according to the researchers.

Commercial 'green' solar cells may be possible, say Pitt researchers

Pitt researchers are working on a new method to produce solar cells with higher energy efficiency rates using Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy. The goal is to create plastic solar cells that can be used to charge devices simply by stepping into sunlight, reducing energy consumption and promoting sustainable energy.

Surgery improves endocarditis-induced heart failure survival rates

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that surgery significantly improves short- and long-term outcomes in patients with heart failure caused by bacterial endocarditis. The study showed patients who underwent surgery had a lower mortality rate compared to those treated with medical therapy alone.