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Science News Archive 2012


Page 67 of 333

The worst noises in the world: Why we recoil at unpleasant sounds

A recent study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that the brain's amygdala and auditory cortex interact when processing negative emotions triggered by unpleasant sounds. The study used fMRI to examine how brains responded to a range of sounds, from knife-on-bottle to soothing water flowing.

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.

A complex logic circuit made from bacterial genes

Researchers have designed a complex logic circuit using bacterial genes, enabling synthetic bacteria to monitor and respond to their environments. The circuit consists of four sensors and three two-input AND gates, allowing the bacteria to perform tasks such as detecting cancer indicators and releasing tumor-killing factors.

New weapons detail reveals true depth of Cuban Missile Crisis

Recent analysis in the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists reveals that the Cuban Missile Crisis was even more perilous than history has acknowledged. Senior experts have calculated the nature of nuclear weapons capabilities on both sides, finding that the situation was more serious and dangerous than previously thought. The study highli...

The body's own recycling system

Scientists identified a protein called p38 that alters another molecule, Atg5, to block the final step of autophagy, preventing cell damage. Defective molecules of the Atg family are implicated in inflammatory bowel disease.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scientists identify trigger for explosive volcanic eruptions

Researchers found that pre-eruptive mixing within magma chambers, triggered by older cooler magma mixing with younger hotter magma, is the common event before catastrophic eruptions. This discovery could prove invaluable in future hazard and risk assessment on islands prone to volcanic activity.

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.

Veterans are at higher risk of alcohol abuse relapse due to smoking

A recent study published in Frontiers found that veterans who smoke are more likely to experience cognitive impairment and are at a higher risk of relapse. The research controlled for genetic variables and showed that smokers performed worse on measures of learning, memory, and processing speed compared to non-smokers.

Folic acid, vitamins B6 and 12 do not affect colorectal adenoma risk

A study of 5,442 female health professionals found that combined folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 supplements did not reduce the risk of colorectal adenomas. No association was seen between supplement intake and cancer risk despite previous observational studies suggesting potential protective effects.

Cells control energy metabolism via hedgehog signalling pathway

Researchers have identified a novel signalling pathway controlling cellular energy metabolism, independent of the known hedgehog pathway. This discovery suggests that substances targeting this pathway could provide an easy and safe adjunct therapy for diabetes and obesity, resolving complications induced by cancer treatments.

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.

Treatment of obstructive sleep apnea improves blood pressure in men

A new study found that treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) significantly lowers blood pressure in men with hypertension. The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, suggests that OSA treatment can be beneficial even for patients with other chronic medical conditions.

NASA sees some strength in Tropical Storm Patty's brief debut

Tropical Storm Patty formed on October 11 and showed strong thunderstorms around its center, intensifying into a tropical storm within six hours. NASA's satellite imagery captured the storm's rainfall intensity and cloud heights, indicating a potential strengthening of the system before it weakens due to dry air.

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.

Scientists discover that shape matters in DNA nanoparticle therapy

Researchers from Johns Hopkins and Northwestern universities discovered how to control the shape of DNA nanoparticles that move through the body. The shapes of these carriers may make a big difference in treating cancer and other diseases. Using computer models, they found that worm-shaped particles resulted in 1,600 times more gene ex...

Blood cells may offer telltale clues in cancer diagnosis

Dartmouth College researchers have found that variations in white blood cell patterns can help predict the onset of certain cancers and diagnose them. By analyzing methylation signatures in leukocytes, they discovered correlations between specific cancers and unique patterns of immune cell subsets.

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.

Prostate cancer: Curcumin curbs metastases

A new study reveals that curcumin, a compound found in turmeric, can inhibit the formation of metastases in prostate cancer. Curcumin reduces inflammation and decreases the expression of proteins that promote metastasis, resulting in a decline in tumor cell growth.

Smoking may lead to cataracts in aging population

A meta-analysis conducted by researchers from China found a strong association between smoking and the risk of age-related cataracts. Current smokers were found to have a higher risk of incidence compared to non-smokers, while former smokers also showed an increased risk of certain subtypes of cataract.

X-ray satellites monitor the clashing winds of a colossal binary

Two O-type stars in the Cygnus OB2 #9 binary system emit intense X-rays as their stellar winds collide during closest approach. The interaction reveals details about the stars' masses, luminosity, and orbits, shedding light on star formation and galaxy evolution.

Kidney grafts function longer in Europe than in the United States

A study found that kidney transplants performed in Europe have higher survival rates after 5 and 10 years compared to those in the United States. The disparity may be attributed to the lack of cost reimbursement for anti-rejection drugs in the US, leading to poorer outcomes among certain demographics.

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.

Developmental biologist proposes new theory of early animal evolution

Stuart A. Newman's alternative model suggests that the origination of animal form motifs was predictable and sudden, with abrupt morphological transformations favored during early evolution. This perspective resolves puzzling aspects of animal evolution, including the rapid rise of complex body forms.

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.

1 CVD death in China every 10 seconds

China is experiencing a rising epidemic of hypertension and type 2 diabetes, leading to an increasing burden of cardiovascular disease. The country has seen a significant increase in smoking rates, with 54% of men smoking and 92 million people living with type 2 diabetes.

Choreography of submerged whale lunges revealed

Researchers found that humpback whales use a unique tactic to lunge for krill, beating their tail fins twice as fast as normal and maintaining speed while gliding after opening their mouths. This discovery suggests that lunge feeding may be cheaper than previously thought, but still highly demanding.

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.

Soft-shelled turtles urinate through mouth

Researchers discovered that Chinese soft-shelled turtles urinate primarily through their mouths, allowing them to conserve water in brackish environments. This unique adaptation enables the turtles to avoid problems associated with drinking salty water and excreting excess salts.

UCI gets $1 million to combat elder abuse

UC Irvine's Program in Geriatrics has been awarded a three-year, $1 million grant from the U.S. Administration on Aging to implement a new federal initiative combating elder abuse. The program will test promising community-based practices to prevent the abuse of people with dementia, with the goal of reducing this complex and interrela...

Alzheimer's sufferers may function better with less visual clutter

Researchers found that reducing perceptual interference can improve object perception in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and early-stage Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that minimizing visual clutter could help MCI patients with everyday tasks, such as recognizing familiar faces and objects.

University of Tennessee receives DOE funds to improve nuclear safety

The University of Tennessee will participate in two Department of Energy projects worth over $9 million to enhance nuclear energy safety and efficiency. Researchers aim to develop new materials and designs that can prevent accidents, such as those seen at Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant in 2011.

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.

UCI garners $11.5 million in continued support of systems biology center

The UCI Center for Complex Biological Systems has been awarded $11.5 million in continued funding, enabling researchers to explore dynamic interactions underlying complex functions. This award reinforces the center's interdisciplinary approach and its contributions to advancing our understanding of biological systems.

Researchers seek way to make solar cells ultra-thin, flexible

Researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas are developing nanotechnology to create ultra-thin-film photovoltaic devices that convert light into electric power. By reducing the thickness of silicon from hundreds of microns to just one micron, they aim to achieve lighter and more flexible solar cells with improved efficiency.

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.

Preemies from low-income families at high risk for dangerous brain bleeds

A study of 38 premature babies from low-income families found a higher risk of brain bleeds, fewer follow-up appointments, and more ER visits compared to those from higher-income families. The findings highlight the critical need for better identification of high-risk pregnancies and reduction of premature births.

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.

Minutes of hard exercise can lead to all-day calorie burn

Researchers discover that short bursts of intense exercise, like sprint intervals, can boost calorie burn for up to two days after the workout. The study's findings suggest that incorporating such exercises into a daily routine could aid in weight maintenance by burning an additional 200 calories.

Surprising solution to fly eye mystery

Research reveals fly photoreceptors physically contract in response to light, generating electrical responses faster than previously thought. The study provides a new concept in cellular signalling and suggests potential therapeutic targets for various diseases.

Airborne superbugs elude hospital cleaning regimes

Researchers at University of Leeds found that hospital superbugs can spread far beyond patient beds through airborne dispersal, contaminating surfaces up to 3.5 meters away. This discovery highlights the need for improved ward layouts and ventilation systems to prevent microorganism deposition on accessible surfaces.

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.

Enzyme triggers cell death in heart attack

University of Iowa researchers have discovered that CaM kinase II triggers cell death in heart cells following a heart attack. Blocking the enzyme can prevent heart cells from dying and protect against heart failure.

Diverse intestinal viruses may play a role in AIDS progression

Researchers found a large number of previously undescribed viruses in the gastrointestinal tract of monkeys with SIV-induced AIDS, suggesting these viruses may contribute to disease progression. The presence of RNA viruses alongside DNA viruses offers new insights into the complex interplay between microorganisms and disease.

South Central Climate Science Center receives funds for seven projects

The South Central Climate Science Center has received funding for seven projects, including studies on terrestrial connectivity, marsh types, and submersed aquatic vegetation in the Gulf of Mexico. These projects aim to improve management decisions for wildlife populations and coastal ecosystems.