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Science News Archive 2012


Page 211 of 333

Secrets of the first practical artificial leaf

The new device splits water into hydrogen and oxygen gas, releasing hydrogen for fuel cells to make electricity. It employs abundant Earth materials, replacing expensive metals like platinum.

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.

Portable diagnostics designed to be shaken, not stirred

Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a low-cost portable diagnostic system that uses a textured surface to move small drops of liquid along predetermined paths. The system, inspired by the lotus effect, requires little energy and avoids contamination.

Costs of screening children for sudden cardiac death outweigh its benefits

Researchers found that screening programs can save lives, but at a significant cost, with estimated annual costs ranging from $90,000 to $200,000 per life year saved. The study suggests that finite public health resources may be better spent elsewhere due to the rarity of conditions causing sudden cardiac death in children.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Why do people choke when the stakes are high?

A study by Caltech researchers suggests that when high financial incentives are involved, people become afraid of losing their potential reward and perform worse. The team found that the more someone is afraid of loss, the worse they perform, and that this effect even occurs when there are no explicit losses.

Not your grandma's quilt

A group of researchers at the University of California, Riverside developed a technique to lower hot spots in GaN transistors by introducing graphene multilayers, increasing device lifetime by a factor of 10. The new approach represents a transformative change in thermal management.

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.

Plastic trash altering ocean habitats, Scripps study shows

A new study reveals a 100-fold surge in small plastic debris in the North Pacific Ocean Subtropical Gyre, altering marine habitats and changing natural ecosystems. The influx of plastic has led to an increase in sea skater egg densities, potentially affecting animals across the food web.

Creating a new weapon in the fight against malaria

Researchers developed a new class of compounds that block malaria transmission from humans to mosquitoes by inhibiting bumped kinase I. This approach represents a new strategy for controlling malaria spread. The study's preclinical data in mice suggests the inhibitors are safe and well-tolerated.

Negative view of foreign aid for health is based on flawed analysis

A recent study in PLOS Medicine challenges the widely-held view that foreign aid for health displaces government funds in recipient countries. Experts Rajaie Batniji and Eran Bendavid re-analysed data to find no straightforward negative relationship between government spending on health and foreign aid for health.

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.

JCI early table of contents for May 8, 2012

Researchers have discovered a new class of malaria transmission-blocking compounds that work by inhibiting bumped kinase I, blocking the parasite's infectious stage. Genetic variation is also linked to high blood pressure, with researchers finding that inhibiting renin pathway activity can return blood pressure to normal levels.

Model forecasts long-term impacts of forest land-use decisions

A new computer model developed at NC State University predicts the environmental impact of forest land-use decisions, considering factors such as plant growth and water cycles. The DRAINMOD-FOREST model will help policy makers and forest managers make informed decisions to minimize environmental harm while maintaining forest productivity.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Intrauterine devices provide the most effective emergency contraception

A systematic review of data from 35 years found that intrauterine devices (IUDs) have a failure rate of less than one per thousand and are more effective than the morning after pill. IUDs also provide long-term protection against unwanted pregnancy, making them a recommended option for emergency contraception.

Heart patients with a distressed personality reported worse health

A new study found that heart patients with a distressed personality type (Type D) reported worse health after having an implanted internal defibrillator. Those who received a shock from their device within the first year scored themselves up to 30 points lower than others, indicating poorer overall health and mental well-being.

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.

Americans fall short of federal exercise recommendations

Despite federal recommendations for four hours of physical activity per week, Americans spend only about two hours engaging in sports and fitness activities. The most prevalent activity is dedicated walking, with teenagers spending seven times more time playing basketball than older adults.

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.

Palliative care resource helps ease changes

The Changes Toolkit helps palliative care patients and their care providers navigate physical, emotional, and relationship changes with a self-administered interactive resource. The toolkit provides a foundation for conversations about health, goals of care, and living wills, aiming to ensure better outcomes for patients and families.

A new accelerator to study steps on the path to fusion

The NDCX-II accelerator is a compact machine designed to produce powerful pulses of ion beams that can accelerate heavy-ion fusion energy production. Research with NDCX-II aims to advance the acceleration, compression, and focusing of intense ion beams.

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.

Study indicates finding a positive parental balance is key

Researchers found that parents with a firm but fair style tend to have children with positive behavior, while those with overly permissive or authoritarian styles are associated with negative behavior. Effective parenting involves providing structure and routines in a loving and clear way.

Physical activity linked to reduced mortality in breast and colon cancer patients

A recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that physical activity is associated with reduced mortality in breast and colon cancer patients. The research suggests that exercise may provide benefits such as improved insulin levels, reduced inflammation, and enhanced immunity for cancer survivors.

Sequencing works in clinical setting to help -- finally -- get a diagnosis

Researchers used next-generation sequencing to identify genetic causes of developmental delays and congenital abnormalities in seven out of twelve patients. The study found that the technology can provide a diagnosis about half of the time, motivating its use for patients with unknown genetic conditions.

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.

Are women with a history of violent experiences more likely to have risky sex?

A study by Miriam Hospital found that women experiencing multiple forms of violence, including community and childhood maltreatment, are more likely to take significant sexual risks. The research highlights the need for clinicians to consider the overlap between violence and sexual risk-taking in order to impact health consequences.

Long commutes may be hazardous to health

A new study found that longer commutes by automobile are associated with decreased cardiorespiratory fitness, increased weight, and other indicators of metabolic risk. Commuting distances greater than 10 miles were linked to high blood pressure.

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.

Fewer suicides after antidepressive treatment for schizophrenia

A study of 2,588 Finnish schizophrenic patients found that antidepressive treatment reduced mortality risk by 43%, whereas bensodiazepine use increased the risk of early death and suicide by 91%. The researchers also found no association between taking multiple antipsychotics and increased mortality.

New light on enigmatic burial rituals in Cambodian mountains

Researchers from the University of Otago have provided radiocarbon dates for unusual jar and log coffin interments in southern Cambodia's Cardamom Mountains. The findings reveal that the enigmatic burial rituals were practiced from at least 1395AD to 1650AD, coinciding with the decline and fall of the powerful Kingdom of Angkor.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

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.

A better method for diagnosing kidney disease

A new study published in JAMA found that the CKD-EPI equation for calculating GFR is a more accurate predictor of kidney disease risk compared to the MDRD Study equation. The study suggests that switching to the CKD-EPI equation could lead to better assessment of patient future risk and improved treatment of kidney disease.

UCLA scientists unlock mystery of how 'handedness' arises

Researchers used lithography to create achiral particles that spontaneously formed chiral super-structures with distinct orientations. Entropy played a key role in the emergence of chirality, contradicting traditional views on disorder and order. The discovery sheds new light on the physical origins of molecular handedness.

KIT researchers succeed in realizing a new material class

Researchers at KIT have successfully manufactured a pentamode metamaterial, also known as a metafluid, which exhibits unique mechanical properties. The material's behavior is determined by varying parameters, allowing it to mimic the properties of water and other substances.

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.