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Science News Archive November 2011 - Page 10


Page 10 of 28

In an enzyme critical for life, X-ray emission cracks mystery atom

Scientists used powerful synchrotron spectroscopy and computational modeling to reveal carbon as the mystery atom in nitrogenase, a complex enzyme crucial for life. The research was published online in Science and provides insight into the chemistry of how the cluster behaves, a step toward unraveling its mechanism.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateNov 17, 2011
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Antarctica's Gamburtsev Subglacial Mountains mystery solved

Researchers have found that the Gamburtsev Subglacial Mountains were formed by multiple tectonic events over a billion years, rather than a single event. The mountains' youthful appearance is thought to be due to the preservation of ancient crustal roots and uplift caused by rifting.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature·DateNov 17, 2011

How the brain senses nutrient balance

Researchers discovered a cellular mechanism allowing brain cells to translate different diets into distinct activity patterns. The orexin/hypocretin neurons are stimulated by amino acids, but inhibited by glucose, revealing a complex 'push-pull' control by sugars and proteins.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateNov 17, 2011

Biodegradable mulches successfully control weeds in container-grown arborvitae

A new study by Italian scientists shows that biodegradable mulches can effectively control weeds in container-grown arborvitae, with results comparable to chemical herbicides. The researchers found no impact on substrate temperature or water content, and noted that transpiration is the main component of water loss from these plants.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortTechnology·DateNov 17, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Increasing uterine expression of developmental genes may improve IVF success

A new study suggests that increasing the expression of certain developmental genes in the uterus at precise times may improve IVF success rates. The researchers found that these genes, Msx1 and Msx2, play a crucial role in ensuring uterine receptivity for successful embryo implantation.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateNov 17, 2011

New hope for young leukemia patients?

A study published in Blood has identified a potential marker, PD-1, that is more frequently found in young leukemia patients who experience relapses. This discovery could lead to the development of simple tests to predict relapse, reducing the risk for these vulnerable individuals.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalBlood·DateNov 17, 2011
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.

Archeologists investigate Ice Age hominins' adaptability to climate change

A team of researchers used computational modeling to study the evolution of Neanderthals in response to climate change, revealing that they were as adaptable and resourceful as modern humans. The study suggests that Neanderthals' success led to their own extinction due to interbreeding with modern humans.

SourceArizona State University·JournalHuman Ecology·DateNov 17, 2011

Adolescents underserved at American Public Gardens

A recent study found that 65.8% of public gardens offer some form of adolescent programming, but only 28.9% provide long-term programs. The research identified seven institutional benefits and strategies for implementing successful youth programming.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortTechnology·DateNov 17, 2011

Planting depth's effect on container-grown trees

Research on container-grown trees found that deep structural roots contribute to physiological stresses and abnormally deep roots. Remediation techniques reduced growth delays in pin oak, while littleleaf linden showed more persistent issues after three years.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateNov 17, 2011

Public willing to pay more for greener urban spaces

Research from the University of Sheffield found that people are willing to pay extra for greener urban spaces, with greater tree coverage attracting higher payments. The study surveyed public opinions on various redevelopment scenarios and found a strong correlation between green space quality and willingness to pay.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·DateNov 17, 2011
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.

The crisis of no new antibiotics: No action today, no cure tomorrow

The world is facing a dire shortage of new antibiotics, with increasing resistance making treatment increasingly difficult. Professor Laura Piddock calls for urgent action to turn this around, citing the need for increased public awareness and government support.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateNov 17, 2011
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.

Bleak future for Bay area tidal marshes?

A new study projects a bleak future for San Francisco Bay's tidal marshes under high-end sea-level rise scenarios, with up to 93% of the bay's tidal marshes potentially lost. However, the study also highlights the importance of restoration efforts and sediment management in preserving these vital ecosystems.

SourcePoint Blue Conservation Science·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 17, 2011

Could lemmings be involved in regulating our climate?

A new study found that lemmings can promote greening in the Arctic by increasing grass and sedge biomass, which could tip the climate either way. The researchers suggest that lemming populations play a key role in regulating tundra ecosystems, potentially maintaining them as carbon sinks.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateNov 17, 2011

Micro-cavity arrays: Lighting the way to the future

Micro-cavity arrays, pioneered by Air Force research, utilize micro-plasmas for efficient and environmentally friendly lighting. The technology boasts high utilization efficiency, is fully dimmable, and has a high Color Rendering Index, approaching sunlight quality.

SourceAir Force Office of Scientific Research·DateNov 17, 2011
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.

MU scientist eyeing enzymes that could help fight flu

Researchers are studying two enzymes to combat the flu virus, which causes 36,000 US deaths and 200,000 hospitalizations annually. The goal is to identify targets for drug therapies that can block the spread of the influenza virus.

SourceUniversity of Missouri School of Medicine·DateNov 17, 2011

Study details links between climate, groundwater availability – will help states prepare for drought

A new study from North Carolina State University reveals that groundwater levels are influenced by precipitation three months earlier. The research provides unprecedented detail on how climate affects surface water and streamflow in the region, enabling better planning and policy decisions to mitigate water shortages.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Hydrologic Engineering·DateNov 17, 2011

Princeton release: Massive volcanoes, meteorite impacts delivered one-two death punch to dinosaurs

Researchers from Princeton University reject the prevailing theory that a single large meteorite caused the mass extinction event at the end of the Cretaceous period. Instead, they link the extinction to massive volcanic eruptions in western India known as the Deccan Traps, which were 3 times larger than France.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalJournal of the Geological Society of India·DateNov 17, 2011
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Soybean adoption came early by many cultures, archaeologists say

New archaeological evidence suggests that soybean domestication may have occurred as early as 5,500 years ago, with widespread adoption in northern China, Japan, and South Korea. This discovery challenges long-held assumptions about the origins of soybean domestication.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 17, 2011

Friends with benefits

Human relationships rely on endorphin rewards for motivation, unlike rodents which focus on oxytocin and vasopressin. The study suggests that endorphins enable complex relationship networks to endure and persist.

SourceBrill·JournalBehaviour·DateNov 17, 2011
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.

How the fly flies

Researchers at Max Planck Institute identified the genetic switch Spalt that regulates flight muscle formation in flies. Without Spalt, flies are flightless, but can still move their legs normally. This discovery has potential medical applications for understanding and regulating human muscle function.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateNov 17, 2011

One for you, one for me

Stowers researchers used baker's yeast to study chromosome separation and found that Mps3 ensures accurate spindle pole body duplication, which is crucial for cell division. They also discovered a novel mutant with defects in nuclear membrane structure and function.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateNov 17, 2011

Researchers discover new way to form extracellular vesicles

Researchers at NYU Langone Medical Center have discovered a protein called TAT-5 that inhibits the budding of extracellular vesicles from cells, affecting tumor spread, blood clotting, and inflammation. The study reveals new potential strategies to manipulate diseases like cancer.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 17, 2011

A mathematical model determines which nations are more stable and which are more likely to break up

A new mathematical model developed by an international research group can predict the stability of European nations and identify regions more likely to break up. The model considers demographic, economic, cultural, and genetic factors, showing a correlation between population genetics and cultural distance.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Economic Growth·DateNov 17, 2011
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.

University of Alaska science station nets $16 million award

The University of Alaska Fairbanks' Toolik Field Station will receive a $16.3 million award from the National Science Foundation to improve its infrastructure and services. The funding will support upgrades to housing, utilities, meals, communications, and lab space for hundreds of scientists and students working at the station.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·DateNov 17, 2011

Vermicompost beneficial for organically grown tomatoes

Researchers found vermicompost amendments in organic substrates significantly enhanced tomato growth and yield. The addition of vermicompost resulted in lower incidence of defective fruit, further increasing the benefits for organic production.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateNov 17, 2011

Multidisciplinary team of researchers develop world’s lightest material

A multidisciplinary team of researchers has developed the world's lightest material, boasting a density of 0.9 mg/cc and unparalleled mechanical behavior. The novel material's unique micro-lattice cellular architecture enables complete recovery from compression exceeding 50 percent strain and extraordinary high energy absorption.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalScience·DateNov 17, 2011

Brain study explores what makes colors and numbers collide

A recent study reveals that individuals with grapheme-color synesthesia exhibit increased activity in the brain's visual cortex, a finding that provides insight into the neural mechanisms underlying conscious awareness. The research also suggests that the brains of synesthetes may be more excitable than those without the condition.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 17, 2011

The buzz around beer

Flies sense glycerol, a sweet-tasting compound made during fermentation, which signals high nutritive value. Researchers found that a receptor called Gr64e plays a crucial role in signaling a good taste for beer.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateNov 17, 2011
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.

Paving the way for better prevention and management of delirium

A systematic review of delirium biomarkers found that clinicians are not using these chemical indicators to diagnose or treat patients with delirium. Biomarkers linked to delirium provide a window into the disease process, enabling better recognition and management of the condition.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateNov 17, 2011

The modeling of multiple relationships in social networks

Researchers develop an integrated statistical framework to model multiple relationships of different types on a common set of actors. The study found that common factors determined the likelihood of relationship formation, including geographical proximity and online popularity. The model accurately predicted relationships in networks, ...

SourceColumbia Business School·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateNov 17, 2011

Marshall study shows nanoparticles used as additives in diesel fuels can travel from lungs to liver

A recent study by Marshall University researchers discovered that nanoparticles of cerium oxide, commonly used in diesel fuels, can travel from the lungs to the liver and cause damage. The study found a dose-dependent increase in cerium levels in the liver, associated with liver enzyme elevations and histological evidence of liver damage.

SourceMarshall University Research Corporation·JournalInternational Journal of Nanomedicine·DateNov 17, 2011

Researchers discover Achilles' heel in lethal form of prostate cancer

Researchers have identified a genetic vulnerability in an aggressive type of prostate cancer, found in fewer than 2% of tumors but potentially treatable with targeted therapy. The study discovered that a specific drug, PHA-739358, showed dramatic responses in animal models and is now being tested in human trials.

SourceNewYork-Presbyterian·JournalCancer Discovery·DateNov 17, 2011
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.

Corals can sense what's coming

A team of Australian scientists has made a groundbreaking discovery about the mechanism behind coral bleaching, a devastating event caused by rising water temperatures. Corals are able to respond to stress by killing off some cells while strengthening others in an attempt to recover after the hot water has moved on.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·DateNov 17, 2011

Presenteeism: A new word for working when sick

A study by Concordia University found that employees with acute, chronic or episodic illness report higher rates of presenteeism, with caregivers in early education reporting the highest rates. Presenteeism can be influenced by job insecurity and social obligation, but research suggests it may not always be a productive option.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Occupational Health Psychology·DateNov 17, 2011

SLAC research cracks puzzle of enzyme critical to food supply

Researchers identified carbon as the key atom in nitrogenase, an enzyme that converts atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form for living things. The discovery could lead to a more efficient and environmentally friendly method for manufacturing fertilizer.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalScience·DateNov 17, 2011
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.

Researchers watch a next-gen memory bit switch in real time

Engineering researchers have successfully watched a ferroelectric memory bit switch between 0 and 1 states in real time. The breakthrough discovery offers greater storage capacity, faster write speed, and longer lifetimes than current memory designs.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScience·DateNov 17, 2011

UGA researchers develop 'super' yeast that turns pine into ethanol

Researchers at UGA developed a 'super strain' of yeast that can efficiently ferment ethanol from pretreated pine, increasing ethanol production by up to 17.5% compared to previous studies. The new process has the potential to utilize forestry residues and waste, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional biofuels.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·DateNov 17, 2011
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.

Nudity tunes up the brain

Researchers found that nude bodies are processed more efficiently by the brain than clothed bodies, even at an early stage of visual processing. This effect is strongest for pictures of nude female bodies, and may play a role in reproduction.

SourceAcademy of Finland·DateNov 17, 2011

Rivers may aid climate control in cities

Researchers have discovered that rivers in cities can produce a cooling microclimate, helping to reduce overheating temperatures. The University of Sheffield's URSULA project has found that rivers can absorb excess heat from the sun and help cities stay cool, making them a valuable tool for urban planning.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·DateNov 17, 2011