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Science News Archive 2012


Page 225 of 333

NIST physicists benchmark quantum simulator with hundreds of qubits

The NIST simulator, built with 350 beryllium ions, has passed benchmarking tests and can study complex problems in material science that conventional computers cannot model. Scientists are now poised to explore high-temperature superconductors using the simulator's controlled quantum interactions.

Blood samples show deadly frog fungus at work in the wild

A new study by University of California, Berkeley and San Francisco State University researchers reveals that a deadly fungal infection causes severe dehydration in wild frogs, disrupting fluid and electrolyte balance. The study provides valuable insights into the disease progression and offers hope for potential treatments.

Tiny 'spherules' reveal details about Earth's asteroid impacts

Researchers have developed a new technique to analyze spherules embedded in rock layers, providing precise information about asteroids impacting Earth between 3.5 billion and 35 million years ago. The findings support a theory that the early Earth endured an intense period of asteroid bombardment.

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.

Nano nod for lab on a chip

The Domino technology, developed at the University of Alberta, enables fast and accurate genetic testing using a miniaturized plastic chip. The innovation has the potential to transform point-of-care medicine, making it possible to screen large populations in a short time.

Handheld plasma flashlight rids skin of bacteria instantly

A handheld plasma flashlight has been developed to effectively kill bacteria on the skin's surface, including antibiotic-resistant Enterococcus faecalis. The device, powered by a 12-volt battery, generates a plasma plume that penetrates deep into bacterial layers, killing them in tens of seconds.

ASPB names 2012 award recipients

This year, ASPB honored researchers for their contributions to plant development, photosynthesis, and plant nutrition. Winners included Stephen Long for his discoveries on photosynthesis responses to environmental changes and Elizabeth Ainsworth for her research on global change impacts on plant ecosystems.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New harvesting approach boosts energy output from bacteria

A team of scientists at CU Denver has developed a novel energy system that increases the amount of energy harvested from microbial fuel cells by more than 70 times. This breakthrough improves energy efficiency and enables active extractions of electrons from bacteria.

Kidney transplanted twice in 2 weeks

A 27-year-old man received a new kidney after his original one failed, then donated the healthy organ to another patient with FSGS. The successful re-transplant reversed damage and allowed another patient to thrive.

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.

Supplements and cancer prevention: A cautionary tale

The Journal of the National Cancer Institute warns that dietary supplements may lower cancer risk, but only observational studies support this claim. Randomized controlled trials show no correlation between supplement use and reduced cancer risk.

Warm ocean currents cause majority of ice loss from Antarctica

A new study by British Antarctic Survey reveals that warm ocean currents are the dominant cause of recent ice loss from Antarctica. The research found that 20 out of 54 ice shelves around Antarctica are being melted by warm ocean currents, most of which are in West Antarctica.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Stanford and MIT scientists win Perl-UNC Neuroscience prize

Karl Deisseroth, Edward Boyden, and Feng Zhang received the $10,000 award for developing optogenetics to control neural circuits. This technique has revolutionized neuroscience by allowing selective stimulation of neurons associated with behaviors.

Genetic markers for tracking species

Scientists have identified sections in the DNA of living beings as 'DNA barcodes' that differ among species, allowing for fast and accurate identification. The project aims to collect over 5,000 plant samples using these markers to monitor environmental effects and track species.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Brand loyalty increases when other customers look, act like us

A study by Michigan State University found that customer loyalty increases when participants view other customers as similar to themselves. The general physical appearance and behavior of the other customers also play a role in increasing loyalty by up to 30 percent.

Watching neurons learn

A study using two-photon microscopy has mapped neuronal activity in the cerebral cortex of mice during learning, revealing that only selected aspects of behavior change neural representation. The research also found that sensory and motor representations are spatially intermingled in the rodent brain.

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Facial defects shown to self-repair

Researchers at Tufts University have identified a self-correcting mechanism by which developing organisms recognize and repair head and facial abnormalities. This process allows craniofacial structures to move and remodel themselves to compensate for defects, restoring normal shape and position.

Feel-good music

The conference, Gender, Health & Creative Arts Therapies, will explore themes such as feminism/womanism and social justice, offering a platform for practitioners to share their experiences. Participants can expect rich artistic and music opportunities, including traditional Mohawk blessing ceremonies and performances.

New diagnostic tool determines aggressiveness of prostate cancer

A new diagnostic tool using gold nanoparticles can determine the aggressiveness of prostate cancer, providing doctors with more accurate information to treat patients. The test has been validated in human tissue samples and could lead to more treatment options if clinical trials begin in two to three years.

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Number line is learned, not innate human intuition

A study found that unschooled adults from Papua New Guinea mapped numbers onto space but only used endpoints when placing numbers on a line. In contrast, educated individuals used the entire number line, demonstrating that this understanding can be learned through education and cultural practices.

Agent reduces autism-like behaviors in mice

Researchers found that GRN-529 increased social interactions and reduced repetitive self-grooming behavior in mice with autism-like symptoms. The compound also almost completely stopped repetitive jumping in another strain of mice.

Just a few cell clones can make heart muscle

A small number of cells in the embryo are enough to form the outer layer of pumping heart muscle in an adult zebrafish. The researchers discovered that only eight single cells contributed to forming a major type of heart muscle, and just one or two cells could create up to 70% of the entire ventricular surface.

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.

From feast to famine: A metabolic switch that may help diabetes treatment

Scientists at the Salk Institute have identified fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1) as a crucial protein in maintaining insulin sensitivity and regulating fat storage. The discovery offers new avenues for treating type 2 diabetes, potentially providing a more natural alternative to existing antidiabetic drugs.

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.

Plant perfumes woo beneficial bugs

Researchers discovered that maize crops emit chemicals attracting growth-promoting microbes to live amongst their roots. This attracts beneficial bacteria, making important nutrients like iron and phosphorous more available, and competing against harmful bacteria.

Mysterious 'monster' discovered by amateur paleontologist

An amateur paleontologist has discovered a massive, roughly elliptical shape with multiple lobes, totaling almost seven feet in length, which is believed to be a biological organism. The team plans to reconstruct the timeline of the fossil's life and burial events to better understand its origins.

Locked down, RNA editing yields odd fly behavior

Brown University researchers found that RNA editing enzyme activity varies with temperature, affecting fly behavior in mating and daily routines. High or low self-editing levels can create different personalities, such as wallflowers or pick-up artists, highlighting the significance of this process in animal behavior.

School climate can affect overweight children for life

Obese and overweight children are more disliked by their classmates than healthy-weight peers, study finds. This negative social environment can lead to decreased physical activity and emotional eating, making childhood obesity worse over time.

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.

The search for a job begins and ends with you

A new study by Georgia Institute of Technology researchers found that managing negative thoughts and emotions is crucial for a successful job search. Effective self-management strategies, such as seeking social support and developing daily routines, can increase the likelihood of landing employment and sustaining motivation over time.

Physical abuse may raise risk of suicidal thoughts

A recent study published in Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior found that nearly one-third of adults who were physically abused in childhood seriously considered taking their own life. The study suggests that children exposed to physical abuse may be at greater risk for suicidal behaviours in adulthood.

Do urban 'heat islands' hint at trees of future?

A new study found that common native red oak seedlings grow eight times faster in New York's Central Park due to urban heat levels. This phenomenon could have implications for changing climate and forest composition over a wide region. The research suggests that warmer temperatures, especially at night, can promote tree growth.

A report card on adolescents from UNICEF

The report emphasizes the need for more attention and resources devoted to issues facing older children. Adverse trends include early marriage and birth among girls, and high adolescent birth rates, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.

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.

Beyond apples: A serving a day of dark chocolate might keep the doctor away

Researchers found that daily consumption of dark chocolate (70% cocoa) lowered blood glucose and LDL cholesterol levels while increasing HDL cholesterol levels. This study suggests that moderate dark chocolate consumption may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by improving glucose and lipid profiles.

Creating nano-structures from the bottom up

Researchers at Duke University have developed a new technique to assemble crystalline structures using varying concentrations of microscopic particles and magnetic fields. They demonstrated the creation of over 20 programmed structures, paving the way for advanced optics, data storage, and bioengineering applications.

Pod corn develops leaves in the inflorescences

Scientists from Max Planck Institute discover pod corn's unique trait is caused by a damaged transcription factor controlling glume growth. The mutated gene leads to glumes resembling leaf sheaths and kernels covered in fine membranous husks.

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.

Binge eating may lead to addiction-like behaviors

Researchers found a link between bingeing on fat and cocaine-seeking behavior in rats, indicating that conditions promoting excessive behavior towards one substance can increase the probability of excessive behavior towards another. This study may shed light on the factors that promote substance abuse and addiction.

Fish oil could be therapy for periodontal disease

A review of eight studies suggests that fish oil supplementation can improve clinical measures of periodontitis, particularly when combined with aspirin. Intake of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids is recommended for general health benefits beyond oral care.

'Junk DNA' can sense viral infection

Researchers have found that non-coding RNA molecules can detect the presence of viruses in cells, providing a potential tool for developing new treatments. The discovery was made using deep sequencing technology and has been used to identify infected cells with 100% accuracy.

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.

NASA goes on top of the Smokies, all covered in light rain

Scientists from NASA's Precipitation Measurement Missions discovered that light rain makes up 50-60% of total precipitation in the region, contributing to freshwater resources. The study used satellite data and ground-based instruments to validate measurements and make new discoveries.