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Science News Archive September 2011 - Page 8


Page 8 of 29

Study finds congestion pricing works best when partnered with land-use planning

A new study finds that congestion pricing works best when partnered with land-use planning, suggesting that the two strategies are mutually supportive. The study analyzed data from a Portland mileage-fee pilot program and found that VMT reduction is greater in traditional neighborhoods than suburban ones.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of the American Planning Association·DateSep 23, 2011

Bimetallic nanoantenna separates colors of light

Researchers have created a simple nanoantenna that directs red and blue colours in opposite directions, defying wavelength size limitations. This discovery can lead to the development of optical nanosensors for detecting very low concentrations of gases or biomolecules.

SourceSwedish Research Council·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 23, 2011
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Lessons to be learned from nature in photosynthesis

Researchers have identified key areas for improving artificial photosynthesis, including developing chromophores with large absorption strengths and studying the role of quantum coherence. The goal is to create an efficient and sustainable energy source that can be produced on a commercial scale within the next 20 years.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Chemistry·DateSep 23, 2011

Study 'changes our understanding' of youth voting behavior

A Michigan State University study found that low-income youth are more likely to vote if they are involved in political activism and influenced by friends and family. The researchers controlled for civic knowledge and found discussions with peers and parents to be key drivers of engagement.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalChild Development·DateSep 23, 2011

A micro-RNA as a key regulator of learning and Alzheimer's disease

Researchers have identified micro-RNA 34c as a key regulator of learning and Alzheimer's disease. Elevated levels of miRNA 34c are associated with memory impairment, while lowering its levels can restore learning ability in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateSep 23, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Nature shows the way

Researchers at Empa have developed self-healing membranes for inflatable structures that can plug up holes on their own, inspired by the rapid wound sealing process of climbing plants. The technology has shown promising results in lab tests, with a membrane able to hold for eight hours after being punctured.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalJournal of Bionic Engineering·DateSep 23, 2011

Scientists lay out plans for efficient harvesting of solar energy

Researchers have discovered a way to create molecular 'circuitry' that can capture, direct, regulate and amplify raw solar energy. By leveraging the collective quantum properties of natural light-harvesting systems, scientists can design efficient antennas that transfer energy quickly and regulatedly.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Chemistry·DateSep 23, 2011

Better lithium-ion batteries are on the way from Berkeley Lab

Researchers have designed a new conducting polymer that enables the use of silicon as a next-generation lithium-ion battery anode, storing eight times more energy than current designs. The material maintains its capacity after over a year of testing, with potential applications in electric cars and consumer electronics.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateSep 23, 2011

What employers look for of those re-entering the workforce

Researchers found that middle-aged women seeking entry-level jobs require vocational training to secure job interviews. The study suggests that employers focus almost exclusively on educational background, but outside activities may have some impact in certain communities.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Career Development·DateSep 23, 2011

First Phase III trial of an alpha-pharmaceutical

A Phase III trial of Radium-223 Chloride has shown improved survival rates among patients with bone metastases from advanced prostate cancer. The study found that patients taking radium-223 had a 30% lower rate of death compared to those receiving placebo.

SourceECCO-the European CanCer Organisation·DateSep 23, 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.

UofL chosen to turn engineering innovations into medical solutions

University of Louisville bioengineering researchers will use a $3.33 million award from the Wallace H. Coulter Foundation to help commercialize promising academic innovations into medical solutions. The five-year program aims to save, extend and improve patients' lives with a focus on translational research.

SourceUniversity of Louisville·DateSep 23, 2011

Compression experiments lead to shocking results

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory scientists used an ultrafast spectroscopic technique to measure breakouts in aluminum thin films at high strain rates. The research tested fundamental scaling laws and revealed unexpected insight into shock wave phenomena.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 23, 2011

Living in damp river valleys leads to lung problems

A new study by researchers from the UK found a link between living in river valley areas and an increased frequency of COPD symptom exacerbations. The unique climate in these areas, with high humidity and low dew point, retains particles and pollutants that can worsen lung symptoms.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·DateSep 23, 2011
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.

Shape memory materials ready for mass production

Researchers have successfully developed a new, cheaper alloy for shape memory materials, which could revolutionize industries such as aerospace engineering and electronics. The new alloy, produced using copper, has shown promising properties and is expected to be cost-effective alternative to existing alloys like Nitinol.

SourceEUREKA·DateSep 23, 2011

GM food solutions at risk from lobbyists, research suggests

Research from the University of Edinburgh and Warwick University finds that powerful lobby groups in Europe are threatening public acceptance of genetically modified (GM) food. This has resulted in greater restriction of plant biotechnology research and development, hindering efforts to address global hunger and climate change.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalEMBO Reports·DateSep 23, 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.

TGen breast cancer research benefits from $3.5 million Komen award

A multi-institute team led by TGen will study triple-negative breast cancer, a highly aggressive form of the disease that disproportionately affects African-Americans. The research aims to uncover new ways of treating this aggressive form of breast cancer by understanding molecular makeup of breast cancer stem cells.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·DateSep 23, 2011

Dust makes light work of vehicle emissions

Research by Queensland University of Technology found that large dust particles can coagulate with ultrafine vehicle emissions particles, making the latter nearly invisible in their presence. This process reduces the risk of respiratory problems associated with ultrafine particle pollution.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalAtmospheric Environment·DateSep 23, 2011

Reports of mental health disability increase in US

Self-reported mental health disabilities among US non-elderly adults rose by 2.7% from 1997-99 to 2007-09, equating to nearly 2 million disabled adults. The increase was mainly among those with significant psychological distress and unmet mental health care needs.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateSep 23, 2011

Edible carbon dioxide sponge

Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered edible compounds that efficiently detect, capture and store carbon dioxide. The porous crystals, made from sugar, salt and alcohol, are simple to prepare and turn red when full of CO2.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateSep 23, 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.

Researchers studying 10,000 Solutions participatory online platform

Arizona State University researchers are studying the 10,000 Solutions participatory online platform to understand conditions for collective action. They aim to investigate how participation spreads, voting mechanisms impact community dynamics, and team formation affects solution quality.

SourceArizona State University·DateSep 23, 2011

University of Arizona to study human-fire-climate interactions

Researchers will examine how humans have responded to changes in surrounding forests over multiple centuries, focusing on New Mexico's Jemez Mountains and the intersection of climate change, drought, and forest fires. The team aims to understand how humans can live sustainably within fire-adapted ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·DateSep 23, 2011

Hints of universal behavior seen in exotic 3-atom states

Researchers have observed four cesium states with roughly the same size, surprising theorists and suggesting a new kind of ultracold chemistry at work. The three-body parameter varies consistently across different atomic species, implying universal behavior.

SourceJoint Quantum Institute·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 23, 2011

Keeping pets sweet: Treating diabetes in dogs

A recent study developed a system to continuously monitor blood glucose levels in diabetic dogs, revealing that none were receiving ideal treatment. The system provided valuable insights for improving treatment plans, including adjusting insulin doses and diets.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalVeterinary Record·DateSep 23, 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.

2 new cost-effective ways to predict prostate cancer

Two new risk indicators for prostate cancer have been identified, showing an association between benign prostatic hyperplasia and an increased risk of developing and dying from prostate cancer. Elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in healthy men also predict long-term risk of developing prostate cancer.

SourceECCO-the European CanCer Organisation·DateSep 23, 2011

Heart drug offers possible treatment for patients facing respiratory failure

Researchers have found that a heart drug called levosimendan can improve the mechanical efficiency of the diaphragm, suggesting a new therapeutic approach to treat respiratory muscle weakness. The study showed that levosimendan prevents muscle fatigue in respiratory muscles and improves contraction force.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateSep 23, 2011

Zebras vs. cattle: Not so black and white

African ranchers may need to rethink their approach to managing savanna rangelands, as a new study suggests that coexisting with wildlife can enhance cattle growth. Grazing by wild animals like zebras can actually improve the quality of grass for cattle during the wet season when grass becomes rank and unproductive.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScience·DateSep 22, 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.

Johns Hopkins researchers pinpoint the cause of MRI vertigo

A Johns Hopkins team discovered that MRI's strong magnet pushes on fluid in the inner ear's balance organ, leading to vertigo. This finding may affect results of functional MRI studies and could lead to a non-invasive method for diagnosing balance disorders.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 22, 2011

Virus kills breast cancer cells in laboratory

Researchers found that Adeno-associated virus type 2 (AAV2) targets all different grades of breast cancer by activating death pathways. The virus causes 100% of cancer cell destruction within seven days, with majority of cell death proteins activated on the fifth day.

SourcePenn State·JournalMolecular Cancer·DateSep 22, 2011

Aboriginal Australians: The first explorers

Researchers have sequenced the Aboriginal Australian genome, demonstrating that they descended directly from an early human expansion into Asia around 70,000 years ago. This study provides new insights into the dispersal of the first humans to leave Africa and re-writes the story of their journey to Australia.

SourceBGI Shenzhen·JournalScience·DateSep 22, 2011
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.

Nitrate levels rising in northwestern Pacific

Researchers found increased nitrate levels in coastal waters of Korea and Japan since the 1980s, correlated with human-generated atmospheric nitrogen. This shift may influence marine plants and ecosystems, favoring organisms adapted to high nitrate conditions.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience·DateSep 22, 2011

Cancer protein's surprising role as memory regulator

Scientists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have found that a common cancer protein, cyclin E, plays a crucial role in memory formation and may be implicated in Alzheimer's disease. By inhibiting the activity of cyclin E, researchers believe they can improve memory function.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateSep 22, 2011

Error rate higher in breast imaging reports generated by automatic speech recognition

A new study in Canada found that breast imaging reports generated with automatic speech recognition (ASR) systems have a higher error rate compared to conventional dictation transcription. At least one major error was found in 23% of ASR reports, while 4% of conventional reports contained errors affecting patient management.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateSep 22, 2011

Virus discovery helps scientists predict emerging diseases

Scientists have discovered a key to predicting emerging diseases like HIV, SARS, and flu by studying how viruses infect different species. By analyzing the relationships between species and viruses, researchers found that closely related flies are more susceptible to certain viruses.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateSep 22, 2011
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.

Close up look at a microbial vaccination program

Berkeley lab researchers have discovered a complex protein structure in E.coli that plays a critical role in defending against viruses and other invaders. The 'Cascade' complex acts as a surveillance system, detecting and inactivating invading pathogens using RNA-guided target binding.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateSep 22, 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.

Optical Materials Express focus issue: Nanoplasmonics and metamaterials

The journal Optical Materials Express has published a special Focus Issue on Nanoplasmonics and Metamaterials, highlighting recent advances in nano-optics. Researchers have successfully developed new optical materials and nanofabrication techniques to control light fields beyond the diffraction limit.

SourceOptica·JournalOptical Materials Express·DateSep 22, 2011

With more choice, friends are more similar -- but not closer

According to research published in Group Processes and Intergroup Relations, people prefer friends who share their beliefs, values, and interests. With more choice, these similarities increase, but surprisingly, the quality of friendships doesn't necessarily improve.

SourceSAGE·JournalGroup Processes & Intergroup Relations·DateSep 22, 2011
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Patented method transforms digital cameras for aerial color infrared photography

A team of scientists at the US Department of Agriculture has patented a method to convert commercial digital cameras into color infrared cameras for aerial photography. This technology allows for immediate image availability without further processing, making it ideal for detecting farmland extent and crop health. The innovation enable...

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateSep 22, 2011

Aboriginal Australians: The first explorers

The study demonstrates that Aboriginal Australians descend directly from an early human expansion into Asia around 70,000 years ago. The results show that modern day Aboriginal Australians are the direct descendants of the first people who arrived in Australia as early as 50,000 years ago.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalScience·DateSep 22, 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.

This month in ecological science

A study reveals how human activities can diminish the usefulness of ornamental traits like colorful feathers as signals of fitness. In contrast, a new field experiment shows that invasive yellow starthistle responds favorably to increased carbon dioxide levels. Plant breeding experts emphasize its potential to bring about a more positi...

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalEcology·DateSep 22, 2011