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Science News Archive 2012


Page 192 of 333

Scientists discover gene which causes rare disease in babies

Researchers identified 20 distinct mutations in a specific gene causing Familial Glucocorticoid Deficiency (FGD), leading to cortisol production issues. The antioxidant gene NNT provides a new mechanism for this adrenal disease, potentially opening doors to treating other diseases.

NIH scientists identify new HIV-inhibiting protein

Researchers have identified a new HIV-suppressing protein called CXCL4, which binds to the outer coat of the virus and prevents it from entering human cells. This discovery may provide new insights into treating and preventing HIV disease progression.

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.

Chemical fingerprinting tracks the travels of little brown bats

A novel technique using stable hydrogen isotopes enabled researchers to determine the summer origins of tens of thousands of bats hibernating in three Michigan mines. This could help predict and manage the spread of white-nose syndrome by identifying connected hibernation sites.

Progress of arachidonic acid biosynthesis in microorganisms

Researchers have successfully developed a genetically modified microorganism that produces high levels of arachidonic acid, a key fatty acid essential for infant nutrition. The microorganism, produced through ion beam mutation breeding, has shown promise for industrial application and potential use as a sustainable bio-diesel source.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Trafficked women experience violence and poor health

A systematic review found that trafficked women experience high levels of physical and sexual violence, as well as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The study also highlights the lack of evidence on the health consequences experienced by trafficked children, men, and individuals trafficked for labor exploitation.

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.

NASA satellites watch Tropical Storm Beryl

Tropical Storm Beryl formed off the Carolina coast and was monitored by NASA satellites. The storm made landfall near Jacksonville, Florida, causing heavy rainfall and dangerous surf conditions in nearby areas.

IU bisexuality studies focus on health, behavior and identity

Researchers at Indiana University have conducted two studies on bisexual individuals, finding that women who identify as bisexual or lesbian report better health when their sexual identity matches their recent sexual history. In contrast, queer-identified women's mental, physical, and sexual well-being is not related to the gender of t...

50-year cholera mystery solved

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have uncovered the mechanism behind V. cholerae's resistance to human immune responses. The discovery could lead to the development of a new class of antibiotics that target the bacteria's defenses, rather than directly killing them.

Livestock industry beefs up Illinois's economy

The Illinois livestock industry contributes significantly to the state's economy, generating over 25,000 jobs and $3.5 billion in production. The report also highlights the importance of strategic partnerships between the livestock industry and meat and dairy processing sectors.

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.

Use of stun guns increases injuries

Studies found that stun gun use increases citizen injuries by 41% when solo and 47% when paired with other force methods, but officer safety is also heightened

Greenland's current loss of ice mass

Research reveals Greenland's ice sheet is losing mass at an unprecedented rate, with melting and calving processes increasing by 0.07mm/year annually since 2005. The study provides insights into the impact of regional weather patterns on ice sheet dynamics.

Blocking LRRK2 activity is not a simple answer to Parkinson's disease

Research on LRRK2 protein mutation G2019S reveals potential drawbacks of blocking its kinase activity. In a study published in Molecular Neurodegeneration, deleting the kinase domain of LRRK2 led to changes in motor coordination and anxiety-like behaviors in mice without affecting dopamine signaling.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Discovery of historical photos sheds light on Greenland ice loss

Researchers analyzed 80-year-old photo plates and found that glaciers were melting faster today than in the 1930s, with most glaciers retreating at an average of 20 meters per year. A brief cooling period in the mid-20th century allowed new ice to form before accelerating again.

Got nectar? To hawkmoths, humidity is a cue

Researchers discovered that hawkmoths can detect minuscule differences in humidity near flowers to determine if they have enough nectar. This allows the moths to quickly evaluate flowers and avoid wasting energy on unprofitable ones.

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.

Is California preparing for climate change?

A majority of California's coastal planners acknowledge the need to prepare for climate change impacts like rising sea levels and increased floods. Despite challenges such as limited funding and staff resources, many professionals are actively planning and trying to understand their climate change risks.

Female fat prejudice persists even after weight loss, study finds

A study found that female fat prejudice persists even after weight loss, with participants viewing thin women with a weight loss history as less attractive. The researchers also discovered that negative attitudes towards obese people increase when participants are falsely told that body weight is easily controllable.

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.

Iconic New Zealand reptile shows chewing is not just for mammals

The tuatara's unique chewing technique, using its lower jaw to slice food apart, raises doubts about the link between chewing and high metabolism in mammals. This specialized mechanism allows the tuatara to eat a wide range of prey, including beetles, spiders, and small lizards.

21st century bloodletting reduces cardiovascular risk

Researchers found that two bloodletting sessions improved blood pressure, glucose levels, and cholesterol ratios in obese individuals with metabolic syndrome. Blood donation may prevent diabetes and cardiovascular disease in these patients.

Copper-nickel nanowires could be perfect fit for printable electronics

Duke University chemists created copper-nickel nanowires with improved stability and conductivity compared to plain silver and copper. The new material is an attractive option for printed electronics applications, including solar cells, LEDs, and clothing. Its low cost and high speed make it suitable for mass production.

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.

The Mediterranean diet is definitively linked to quality of life

A study of over 11,000 university students found that adhering to the Mediterranean diet increased scores on quality of life questionnaires, particularly for physical well-being. The diet's emphasis on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats was associated with better mental health outcomes.

Freecycling has viral effect on community spirit and generosity

A growing number of recession-weary Americans are shifting towards 'gift economies' built on freebies and community spirit. Online gift-giving communities like Freecycle generate strong feelings of solidarity and identification, driving people to give more gifts in the system.

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.

Typhoon Sanvu had a bad weekend

Typhoon Sanvu transformed into an extra-tropical storm due to cooler sea surface temperatures and wind shear, weakening it significantly. The storm passed Chichi Jima island on May 27, with most rainfall pushed to the northeast of its center.

The first chemical circuit developed

Researchers at Linköping University have developed the first chemical circuit, combining ion transistors to control and transport ions and charged biomolecules. This breakthrough enables chemical control of muscles and signaling systems in the human body, with potential applications for treating diseases.

Mathematicians can conjure matter waves inside an invisible hat

A team of international mathematicians has devised an amplifier that can boost light, sound, or other waves while hiding them inside an invisible container. The researchers propose using this technology to manipulate matter waves, which could enable the creation of a quantum microscope to monitor electronic processes on computer chips.

Why chemotherapy fails

A study by Weizmann Institute scientists reveals that leukemia recurrence is often caused by 'cancer stem cells' that divide slowly, evading chemotherapy drugs. These cells can give rise to new rapidly-dividing cancer cells, making them a key target for new treatment approaches.

After 25 years, World No Tobacco Day is making an impact

A new study found that World No Tobacco Day significantly increases interest in quitting smoking, with cessation news coverage and Internet search queries peaking on the anniversary day. The research also suggests that low- and middle-income countries can benefit from increased awareness and inspiration to quit tobacco.

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.

DFG establishes 20 new Collaborative Research Centres

The DFG is establishing 20 new Collaborative Research Centres to tackle ambitious, long-term projects. The centres aim to improve our understanding of stress responses, develop new therapies for multiple sclerosis, and increase efficiency in gas turbines.

Tendency of operational routines to falter is widespread but fixable

A new study by a University of Illinois expert reveals that operational routines tend to move towards higher entropy due to complacency and lack of checks and balances. The research also found that mergers can cause decay in adherence to routines, while acquisitions by healthier firms can serve as a renewal.

Defense funding awarded to 4 Scripps Oceanography researchers

The Navy awarded nearly $4.5 million to six research projects led by Scripps Institution of Oceanography researchers, including Eric Terrill, to acquire instruments from California and Massachusetts manufacturers. The funding will support studies in coastal oceanography, deep-ocean acoustics, and other areas.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Cancerous tumors deliver pro-metastatic information in secreted vesicles

Researchers discovered that cancer cells release exosomes containing pro-metastatic proteins that fuse with distant organs, establishing a nurturing environment for tumor growth. This discovery offers fresh diagnostic and treatment potential, including the use of exosomal protein profiles to predict tumor aggressiveness.

Speeding up drug discovery with rapid 3-D mapping of proteins

Researchers at Salk Institute create cell-free expression system to synthesize and analyze integral membrane proteins, solving their three-dimensional structures in just 18 months. This breakthrough enables precise biochemical mechanisms understanding and targets the proteins with new drugs.

Study finds emissions from widely used cookstoves vary with use

A new study found that emissions from cookstoves are highly dependent on how they are used, and laboratory tests do not accurately reflect real-world operations. The research team developed a real-time analysis technique called Patterns of Real-Time Emissions Data (PaRTED) to measure emissions under different operating conditions.

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.

Community and health system approaches improves mental health in Afghanistan

A case study from Afghanistan reports a substantial increase in mental health consultations, from 659 to 20,000, after integrating psychosocial problems into basic health services. The authors argue that concurrent community-based approaches and capacity building are crucial for fostering structural changes within the healthcare system.

Leading statistician receives national citation award

Walter and Eliza Hall Institute researcher Professor Terry Speed was awarded the 2012 Thomson Reuters Citation Award in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. His research has been cited more than other Australian researchers, with applications to infection, immunity, inherited diseases, and cancer.

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.

Why do Scots die younger?

A study published in Public Health found that Scotland's higher mortality rates may be linked to the political direction of past decades, rather than single factors like smoking or poor diet. The researchers identified a range of potential explanations, including climate change and economic inequality.