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Science News Archive 2012


Page 76 of 333

A complete solution for oil-spill cleanup

A superabsorbent material can recover up to 5 gallons of crude oil per pound and is strong enough for collection and transportation. The material transforms an oil spill into a soft gel that can be converted back into refined oil, providing a cost-effective solution to reduce environmental impacts.

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.

Rutgers study finds economic abuse affects maternal mental health, parenting

Mothers who experience economic and psychological abuse are more likely to become depressed and spank their children in year five. The study found that controlling for demographic variables, mothers who experienced economic abuse were 1.9 times more likely to exhibit signs of depression than those who did not.

Southern Hemisphere becoming drier

Research by CSIRO scientists reveals a southward shift in the subtropical dry-zone is driving autumn rainfall decline across south-eastern Australia. The expansion also affects southern-coastal Chile and southern Africa, with some regions experiencing increased rainfall during April-May.

Oldest evidence of regular meat consumption by early humans found

A 1.5-million-year-old skull fragment from Tanzania shows signs of anemia caused by a nutritional deficiency, suggesting regular meat consumption in early hominids was common. The discovery supports the idea that early human ancestors were hunters and had a physiology adapted to regular meat consumption.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Nadine bringing tropical storm conditions back to the Azores

Tropical Storm Nadine is expected to bring tropical storm conditions to the Azores on Oct. 3 and early Oct. 4, according to NASA data. The National Hurricane Center forecasts some weakening over the next two days, but Nadine will still be a tropical storm when it moves near or over the Azores.

Scripps Health, STSI Get $3.75M grant from Qualcomm Foundation

The funding will support clinical trials of wireless biosensor systems and rapid pharmacogenomic diagnostic tests to track heart attacks and Type 1 diabetes. Scripps Digital Medicine aims to revolutionize healthcare with breakthrough technologies, including DNA sequencing tools.

New fanged dwarf dinosaur from southern Africa ate plants

A new species of plant-eating dwarf dinosaur, Pegomastax africanus, has been discovered in southern Africa. The species had a unique combination of features, including a short parrot-shaped beak and stabbing canines that were likely used for self-defense and competitive sparring.

For some women, genes may influence pressure to be thin

A Michigan State University study found that genetic factors play a significant role in the development of thin-ideal internalization, with heritability at 43%. Environmental influences also contribute to the pressure, but non-shared factors have a greater impact.

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.

Drug reverses abnormal brain function in rett syndrome mice

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine have discovered a promising treatment for Rett syndrome by reversing abnormalities in brain activity with an FDA-approved anesthesia drug, ketamine. This study provides new evidence that drug treatment can improve neurological function in individuals with Rett syndrome.

Home-based assessment tool for dementia screening

A home-based computer software, ClockMe System, allows adults to screen themselves for early signs of dementia. The system scores the participant's clock-drawing test and records the duration and timing of the test, providing valuable insight into thought processes.

Smartphones to steer unmanned rotorcraft on the battlefield

The Autonomous Aerial Cargo Utility System (AACUS) aims to deliver supplies quickly and safely in hostile conditions using autonomous robotic helicopters. With a smartphone-like device, warfighters can control the aircraft's takeoff, flight, and landing.

Diabetes screening study finds no reduction in mortality rates

A new study published in The Lancet found that widespread diabetes screening programs do not reduce overall mortality rates. The study, which included over 20,000 patients, also showed no significant difference in mortality rates between screened and non-screened groups.

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.

UT Dallas research shows graphene nanopores can be controlled

Researchers at UT Dallas have successfully controlled the size of graphene nanopores, enabling potential low-cost DNA sequencing. The achievement could lead to improved disease diagnosis and treatment by allowing tailored drug development based on an individual's genetic code.

Study finds faults in proposed mental disorder diagnosis

A recent study found that a newly proposed mental disorder diagnosis, attenuated psychosis syndrome (APS), may not be necessary due to overlap with existing conditions. Researchers evaluated 1,200 patients and found that APS did not identify a single patient who didn't meet the criteria for another existing diagnosis.

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.

Digital mammography improves population-based breast cancer screening

A new study from the Netherlands found that digital mammography improves breast cancer screening detection rates, particularly for high-grade lesions. While there was a slight increase in clinically insignificant disease diagnoses, the benefits of digital mammography outweighed the risks.

Payoff lacking for casino comps

A study by Temple University researchers found that free room giveaways are less profitable than alternative comps such as free travel and parking. In fact, casinos could see an $8.45 return on every dollar spent on their own travel and parking promotions compared to only a $2.51 return on room, food, or beverage giveaways.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Alzheimer's disease in men linked to low levels of hormone, IGF-1

A recent study found that low serum levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) are associated with Alzheimer's disease in men, but not women. IGF-1 may be a potential treatment target for early-stage Alzheimer's disease.

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.

Surgeons recreate eggs in vitro to treat infertility

Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center have made a breakthrough in helping infertile, premenopausal women produce enough eggs to become pregnant. By stimulating ovarian cell production using an in vitro rat model, they were able to generate early-stage eggs that could be fertilized.

Beta-blocker use not associated with lower risk of cardiovascular events

A recent study published in JAMA Network found that beta-blocker use was not associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular events among patients with coronary artery disease or at high risk for but without established CAD. However, the study did reveal that among patients with recent MI (one year or less), beta-blocker use was linked ...

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.

New research into species extinction under climate change

A new research project led by associate professor David Nogués-Bravo will test historical data on species extinction to improve prediction methods for climate change. The study aims to protect threatened species and inform decisions to prevent extinctions.

Acoustic cell-sorting chip may lead to cell phone-sized medical labs

A new acoustic cell-sorting chip developed by Penn State researchers can sort cells into multiple channels, paving the way for smaller and more efficient analytical devices. This technology has the potential to replace bulky and expensive current methods, allowing for easier analysis of blood and genetic testing.

US edition of bmj.com launched

The BMJ Group has launched a dedicated US edition of bmj.com, prioritizing clinical and journalistic content relevant to US physicians and researchers. The site now features a homepage with direct-relevance articles and channels prioritizing content of interest to US readers.

The water flow of the Amazon River in a natural climate archive

Researchers found that oxygen isotopes in tree rings preserve the isotopic composition of rainwater, providing a valuable historical archive of rainfall in the Amazon. This new method allows for better understanding of long-term hydrological patterns and natural variability of the climate system.

Prehistoric builders reveal trade secrets

A fossilized graptolite has provided evidence that early organisms developed specialized roles and cooperated to construct their homes, much like modern builders. The ancient animals displayed complex structures, including slender branches and hourglasses, indicating an elaborate division of labor.

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.

Low levels of vitamin D are associated with mortality in older adults

A new study by The Endocrine Society reveals that low levels of vitamin D are associated with increased mortality in African American and Caucasian older adults. Vitamin D insufficiency was found to be common among African Americans, and its impact on remediating low levels may be greater for this population.

Trojan horse drug therapy provides new approach to treating breast cancer

Researchers at Wake Forest University have designed a targeted therapy that delivers a sneak attack on breast cancer cells, similar to a Trojan horse. The new platinum-based molecule has shown promising results in treating non-small cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer, with potential applications for breast cancer treatment.

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.

NASA sees strong thunderstorms in Tropical Storm Gaemi

Tropical Storm Gaemi shows signs of strengthening with powerful thunderstorms and a band wrapping into the low-level center. NASA satellite imagery reveals the storm's disorganization but expects it to become more circular over the next couple of days.

New firework causes severe eye injuries, warn doctors

A new type of firework has caused severe eye injuries and blindness in children and adults at public events, including bonfire night celebrations. Doctors call for stricter controls on the use and distribution of fireworks to prevent such accidents.

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.

A mammal lung, in 3-D

A team of researchers created the most detailed, three-dimensional rendering of the pulmonary acinus, a complex region in the mammal lung. The model, derived from mice, can help scientists understand where and how lung diseases emerge and how drugs are delivered.

New findings on the workings of the inner ear

Scientists at Karolinska Institutet have discovered that the hairs in the inner ear not only move sideways but also change in length when stimulated by sound waves. This finding provides new fundamental knowledge about the mechanisms of hearing and may help develop a new treatment for impaired hearing.

PETA scientists analyze animal use in HPV chemicals challenge program

The HPV Chemicals Challenge Program initially had the potential to use 3.5 million animals but ultimately reduced the number to 127,000 through PETA's involvement and implementation of animal-saving measures. The program's data collection process was found to be lengthy, disorganized, and inefficient.

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.

Sea urchin's spiny strength revealed

Researchers have gained insight into the microscopic mechanics of a sea urchin's spine, which enables it to absorb impacts and stresses while maintaining strength. The unique structure of the spine allows for an advantageous blend of elasticity and brittleness.

Visionary transparent memory a step closer to reality

Researchers at Rice University have designed transparent, two-terminal, three-dimensional computer memories using silicon oxide and graphene. The devices show promise for electronics and sophisticated heads-up displays, with a working yield of about 80 percent.

1 glue, 2 functions

Scientists at the University of Akron have discovered that cobweb spiders use two different designs to create adhesives with varying strengths, one for firm attachments and another for weak ones. This intelligent design strategy could lead to the development of synthetic adhesives with biomedical applications.

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.

Novel MRI technique could reduce breast biopsies

A novel MRI technique using diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) successfully characterizes 46% of non-malignant breast lesions as benign, reducing false-positive findings and preventable biopsies. DWI differentiates high-risk lesions requiring additional workup from other non-malignant subtypes.