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Science News Archive 2012


Page 150 of 333

Male sex ornaments are fishing lures, literally

Researchers found that males with ant-eating traits have ornament shapes resembling ants, attracting female bites that develop a search image for the food. Sensory drive promotes differences among populations based on species in the community.

Controlling your computer with your eyes

Researchers from Imperial College London have developed a low-cost, 3D eye-tracking device that can track users' eye movements and allow them to control a cursor on a screen. The device has been shown to be effective in enabling people with disabilities to interact with computers and their surroundings using just their eyes.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Our coral reefs: In trouble - but tougher than we thought

Indo-Pacific coral reefs are more resilient due to lower seaweed growth rates and a higher abundance of herbivorous fish, which treats seaweed as a delicacy. The study suggests that these reefs can withstand degradation before being overtaken by seaweeds.

Obese kids as bright as thinner peers

A study funded by the Economic and Social Research Council found no causal link between childhood obesity and poor academic achievement. The researchers examined data from nearly 4,000 children and used genetic markers to account for potential confounding factors.

Large, medically important class of proteins starts to yield its secrets

Recent studies have made significant progress in understanding GPCRs, shedding light on their structure and function. The high-resolution structures of several GPCR receptors, including the A2A adenosine receptor, have been determined, providing valuable insights into how these proteins interact with ligands.

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.

From aflatoxin to sake

Researchers mapped genetic differences between domesticated fungus Aspergillus oryzae and its wild relative, finding extensive genome remodeling. The study suggests microbes undergo metabolic changes for desired functions rather than growth and form alterations.

NASA sees hot towers as Tropical Storm Fabio's trigger

NASA's TRMM satellite observed hot towers within Tropical Depression 06E, which later became Tropical Storm Fabio. The research found that storms with hot towers were twice as likely to intensify within six hours than those without.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

In adult humans, brown fat is actually beige

Researchers identified a third type of fat cell, beige adipocytes, that can be activated to burn energy and generate heat in both mice and humans. Beige fat cells are genetically intermediate between white and brown fat, and respond to hormone irisin, which is released during exercise.

Caterpillar gets more from its food when predator is on the prowl

A study by Purdue University researchers reveals that hornworm caterpillars adapt to increase the efficiency of converting food into energy when threatened by predators. They also increase nitrogen extraction and lipid content. However, this adaptation comes at a cost in later developmental stages.

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.

Sake, soy sauce, and the taming of the microbes

Researchers found that domesticated fungi, used to brew sake and soy sauce, have undergone extensive metabolic remodeling. This process led to the suppression of toxins and the evolution into 'cell factories' for enzymes and metabolites.

Leiden researchers achieve highest resolution ever for human protein

Researchers at Leiden University have crystallized the adenosine A2A receptor to a record-breaking high resolution, allowing for detailed study of its structure and function. This breakthrough provides new insights into the mechanisms underlying Parkinson's disease and the effects of caffeine.

NASA's Aqua satellite providing 2 views of Hurricane Emilia

The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) instrument captured a visible image of Hurricane Emilia on July 12, revealing an eye with high clouds overhead. Infrared data from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) instrument showed powerful thunderstorms and cold cloud tops surrounding the eye of the hurricane.

UK space sector trajectory rises through the economic storm

The UK space sector has demonstrated remarkable growth, contributing £9.1 billion to the economy in 2010/11, with an average annual growth rate of 7.5%. The sector's continued success reflects strategic investment in technological innovations and a highly skilled workforce.

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.

Inexpensive paper-based diabetes test ideal for developing countries

A new glucose monitor made from inexpensive materials measures sugar levels in urine, helping people with diabetes monitor their blood sugar levels in rural areas of developing countries. The device was developed to address the challenges of providing affordable diabetes testing in regions where poverty limits healthcare access.

Disentangling information from photons

Researchers develop tool to decompose photon pairs' superimposed states, enabling access to their information even with imperfect measurements. The findings suggest that higher entanglement levels can reveal more information, leading to more resilient quantum info applications.

Solar storm protection

A new warning system can forecast radiation from solar storms nearly three hours in advance, allowing astronauts and air crews to take protective action. The system uses data from neutron monitors installed at the South Pole to estimate the intensity of high-energy particles that arrive on Earth first.

New Au. sediba fossils discovered in rock

South African scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery of a large rock containing significant parts of a skeleton of an early human ancestor, believed to be the remains of 'Karabo', the type skeleton of Australopithecus sediba. The fossil will be unveiled live online and in a laboratory studio for the first time in history, allo...

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.

Platinum is wrong stuff for fuel cells

A Case Western Reserve University researcher suggests that using platinum in fuel cells is inefficient due to energy loss, prompting the search for alternative catalysts. The ideal bonding strength between platinum and intermediate molecules can improve efficiency.

Solar system ice: Source of Earth's water

A team of scientists led by Conel Alexander has found that carbonaceous chondrites, a type of primitive meteorite, are more likely to be the source of Earth's water than comets. This discovery contradicts prevailing theories and provides new constraints for understanding the origin of volatiles in the inner Solar System.

Viruses linked to algae that control coral health

Researchers have identified two viruses that infect symbiotic microalgae essential for coral growth and health. The presence of these viruses could be a contributing factor to the decline of coral reefs worldwide. Corals face various environmental threats, including warming temperatures, competition, and pollution.

Study questions whether becoming a doctor pays off for women

A study published in the Journal of Human Capital found that most women primary-care doctors would have made more money becoming physician assistants after factoring in training costs. Most women doctors do not work enough hours to amortize their expensive training, leading to a lower net present value compared to PAs.

The challenges facing the vulnerable Antarctic

The Antarctic faces numerous challenges from human activity and climate change, including marine system impacts, invasive species, and pollution. The existing Antarctic Treaty System is being tested by growing tourism and resource use, highlighting the need for swifter decision-making and increased collaboration to conserve the region.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

New study on media violence and kids could have applications on school bullying

A new study by Iowa State University researchers suggests a link between media violence exposure and increased aggression in children, which could help identify students at higher risk of bullying behavior. The study found that media violence exposure was one of six risk factors for predicting later aggression in 430 children.

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.

Menopausal hormone therapy associated with increased blood pressure

Research published in PLOS ONE reveals a significant association between menopausal hormone therapy and high blood pressure in postmenopausal women. Longer use of hormone therapy was found to increase the odds of developing high blood pressure, although this risk decreased with age.

Transforming cancer treatment

A Harvard researcher predicts that a multi-drug approach could make many cancers 'manageable' by targeting the KRAS gene. This strategy involves using at least two drugs to combat drug resistance, which currently limits targeted therapy's effectiveness.

Call to improve safety of home treatment for mental health patients

A recent UK study found that deaths by suicide among mental health patients treated at home have reached 150-200 a year, with rates nearly double those on mental health wards. The report recommends prioritizing home-treatment teams for suicide prevention and improving safety measures.

The more gray matter you have, the more altruistic you are

A study by researchers at the University of Zurich found a connection between brain anatomy and altruistic behavior, with individuals displaying more gray matter at the junction of the parietal and temporal lobes when behaving altruistically. This region is linked to empathy and understanding others' thoughts and feelings.

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.

First detailed timeline established for brain's descent into Alzheimer's

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have developed the most detailed chronology to date of the human brain's slow slide into full-blown Alzheimer's disease. The timeline reveals changes in brain structure and function decades before symptoms of memory loss and cognitive decline appear.

NASA sees Tropical Storm Daniel move over cooler water

Tropical Storm Daniel, once a hurricane, is weakening due to moving over cooler waters in the Pacific Ocean. NASA's TRMM satellite data shows light to moderate rainfall with average Sea Surface Temperatures of around 24-25 C.

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.

Native American populations descend from 3 key migrations

A recent study found that Native American populations originated from at least three migrations, with most descending from the First American migration through Beringia. This migration was later joined by two additional streams, which contributed to the genetic diversity of Arctic populations and some Na-Dene-speaking groups.

Fossil turtle from Colombia round like car tire

Scientists discovered a 5-foot-long fossil turtle with an extremely circular shell in Colombia. The shell may have discouraged predators and helped the cold-blooded turtle regulate its body temperature. This new species adds to evidence that tropical reptiles were larger than they are now after the dinosaurs' extinction.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

High-density lipoprotein still matters, look at the particles!

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital discovered that analyzing HDL particle count provides stronger cardio-protection than traditional HDL cholesterol measurement. The study suggests that raising HDL levels through other means may be more effective in preventing coronary heart disease.

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.

JHU Bioethics Institute receives PCORI pilot project award

The Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics has received a $653,344 PCORI pilot project award to study stakeholder views on streamlined informed consent options. The project aims to identify ethically acceptable strategies for patient-centered outcomes research, capturing the views of diverse stakeholders.

Researchers 1 step closer to new kind of thermoelectric 'heat engine'

Ohio State University researchers have discovered a way to amplify the spin-Seebeck effect, producing more electrical power in a non-magnetic semiconductor. The resulting voltages are tiny but promise a 1-million-fold increase in power, enabling low-cost and efficient solid-state engines that convert heat to electricity.

North America's Environment ministers issue statement

The Commission for Environmental Cooperation's Council of environment ministers emphasized the role of communities in building resilience to environmental changes. The ministers also reaffirmed their commitment to initiatives aimed at greenifying North America's economy and protecting its citizens' health.

Rio+20 sustainability conference gets mixed reviews

The UN Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro aimed to build on previous agreements, including treaties on climate change and biodiversity protection. Hundreds of individual commitments from participants hold potential for major environmental impacts.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

TGen method isolates biospecimens for treatment of kidney disease

Researchers at TGen developed a method to isolate protein-rich urinary exosomes, which can help discover biomarkers for better CKD diagnosis and treatment. The study found that the new method produces high yields of miRNA and mRNA, making it suitable for downstream genetic profiling experiments.