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Science News Archive October 2011


Page 16 of 28

Could a computer one day rewire itself?

Scientists at Northwestern University have developed a reconfigurable electronic material that can rearrange itself to meet different computational needs. This new material enables the creation of self-adapting electronic components with directed paths for electron flow.

Scientists to solve the 'mystery' of Antarctic mass loss

An international team of experts investigates the changing mass of the Antarctic Ice Sheet using satellite observations, GPS data, and climate models. They aim to determine the evolution of the ice sheet's mass over the last 20 years and identify regions of change.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Deep-reef coral hates the light, prefers the shade

A new study published in BMC Evolutionary Biology reveals that deep-reef coral species have adapted to low-light conditions by increasing their nutrient and plankton exploitation capacity. This physiological strategy allows them to outperform shallow corals in growth rate and abundance.

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.

The serious shortfall of mental health workers at all levels

A critical shortage of 1.18 million mental health workers threatens global mental health, with low- and middle-income countries bearing the brunt. Community-based programs and task-shifting approaches are proposed as cost-effective solutions to fill this gap.

Musical aptitude relates to reading ability

Research published in BMC reveals that musical aptitude is intrinsically related to reading ability, with children who excel in music also showing improved literacy skills. The study found a correlation between neural responses to rhythmic sounds and reading ability, suggesting a common cognitive mechanism underlying both skills.

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.

Study reveals new role for RNA interference during chromosomal replication

A recent study by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory reveals that RNA interference plays a crucial role in regulating chromosomal replication. The findings show that RNAi mechanism causes the enzyme to release its hold on the DNA and allows the replication fork to progress smoothly, protecting cells from DNA damage.

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.

CDC to launch new autism curriculum at AAP national conference & exhibition

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is launching a new autism curriculum, 'Autism Case Training', to educate future pediatricians on identifying, diagnosing, and managing autism spectrum disorders. The curriculum consists of seven case-based studies and emphasizes practical skills for patient and parent interaction.

AAP President provides update on agenda for children

The AAP president will focus on maintaining advances in children's health while addressing challenges posed by budget cuts. Dr. Burton also highlighted the importance of international efforts, such as the Helping Babies Breathe initiative, which aims to reduce child mortality rates.

Young artists draw their healthy lifestyles

The American Academy of Pediatrics National Children's Art Contest drew hundreds of entries from 39 states and 10 countries. Winners received a $500 cash prize, with their artwork on display at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center.

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.

Intruder detected: Raise the alarm!

Scientists at EMBL have discovered how a protein called RIG-I sounds the alarm when it detects viral RNA, triggering an immune response. The study sheds light on how cells rapidly respond to various viruses, including influenza and hepatitis.

A hidden order unraveled

Scientists directly observe quantum-correlated particle-hole pairs in a one-dimensional optical lattice, allowing them to unravel a hidden order in the crystal. The work reveals fluctuations at absolute zero temperature and opens new ways to characterize novel quantum phases of matter.

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.

Better ways to predict kidney disease risk for African Americans

New research reveals that APOL1 gene variants are a major risk factor for two forms of kidney disease, with African Americans having a significantly higher risk due to genetic predisposition. Early screening and treatment could potentially safeguard against kidney failure and early death for millions of individuals.

Contamination of UK mobile phones and hands revealed

A UK-wide study found one in six mobile phones are contaminated with faecal matter, highlighting poor handwashing habits. The study also revealed a strong North-South divide in bacterial levels, with Glasgow having the highest levels on phones and hands.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Polycystic ovary syndrome and cardiovascular disease

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease, with increased triglycerides and insulin resistance contributing to the condition. Regular screening and treatment can help mitigate this risk, but more research is needed to understand the extent of PCOS's impact on cardiovascular health.

Bad eggs and oil slicks

A study suggests that punitive damages should be calculated based on a company's financial worth to effectively deter corporate wrongdoing. Research highlights cases where increased penalties led to behavioral changes, such as BMW's policy shift after being forced to pay $4 million in punitive damages.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Turning slash piles into soil benefit

Students at the University of Washington have developed a low-technology solution to turn slash piles into biochar, a crumbly charcoal-like product that helps farmers' soil hold water and nutrients. The new method is estimated to be cost-effective and could transform what was once a big problem into a money-making engine for landowners.

Vast hidden network regulates gene expression in cancer

Researchers have discovered a vast new gene regulatory network in mammalian cells that could explain genetic variability in cancer. The mPR network allows mRNAs to communicate through small RNA molecules called microRNAs, influencing the expression of other genes.

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.

The future of airport passport control

The BioP@ss project has developed advanced chip cards with embedded software for biometrics-enhanced passports and identity cards, reducing queues at airports and frontier posts. The technology boosts European security while simplifying access to public services, improving passengers' safety.

Super-sized muscle made twin-horned dinosaur a speedster

Researchers found that Carnotaurus' unique tail structure supported a massive caudofemoralis muscle, allowing for exceptional straight-ahead speed. The muscle's attachment to the upper leg bones also enabled powerful flexing, giving the dinosaur increased power and speed.

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.

Watching electrons in molecules

For the first time, Prof. Hans Jakob Wörner and colleagues have recorded electronic motion during a complete chemical reaction using attosecond spectroscopy on nitrogen dioxide molecules. This experiment reveals details of chemical reaction mechanisms that were not accessible to most previous experimental techniques.

Researchers discover material with graphene-like properties

Scientists have developed a material that exhibits physical properties similar to graphene, including superconductivity and magnetic behavior. The discovery was made by combining ultra-high magnetic fields with the unique composition of SrMnBi2, which allows for easy doping with foreign atoms.

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's heart disease tied to small blood vessels

A recent study suggests that women's hearts are more prone to damage from small blood vessels rather than major arteries, leading to misdiagnosis and adverse events. Researchers are working to develop new diagnostic methods and treatments tailored to female heart disease patterns.

Another clue to how obesity works

Researchers at Monash University have discovered how leptin-resistance develops in overweight and obese individuals. The study reveals that targeting only one of the negative regulators won't be enough to increase leptin-sensitivity in obesity, suggesting that all three regulators might need to be switched off.

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.

Frustration inspires new form of graphene

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new form of graphene that resists aggregation, thanks to its crumpled shape. The material retains its surface area and remains pure, making it more useful for applications requiring large amounts of the material.

MARC Travel awards announced for the ABRCMS meeting

The FASEB MARC Program has awarded $232,650 to 137 students and postdoctorates, promoting diversity in biomedical research. This year's recipients include high school honors students, peer mentors, and poster/oral presenters from various institutions.

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.

Gender differences in blood pressure appears as early as adolescence

A new study from the University of California at Merced found that adolescent girls with obesity have a significantly higher risk of developing elevated systolic blood pressure than their non-obese peers. Obesity was not as strongly linked to high blood pressure in boys, who were still more likely to develop it but to a lesser extent.

Carbon nanotube muscles generate giant twist for novel motors

Researchers have developed novel motors that twist like elephant trunks, providing a thousand times higher rotation per length than previous artificial muscles. The motors use carbon nanotube yarns and can accelerate a paddle up to 590 revolutions per minute, making them suitable for applications such as microfluidic pumps and mixers.