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Science News Archive April 2012


Page 1 of 29

Science fair winner publishes new study on butterfly foraging behavior

A new study published in Psyche reveals that different butterfly species exhibit unique foraging behaviors, and the findings may be used to develop effective synthetic lures for understanding pollinators. Researchers used multi-colored landing pads and baits to determine that some butterflies rely on both sight and smell to locate food.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalPSYCHE·DateApr 30, 2012

Cost study shows timing crucial in appendectomies

A recent study published in the Journal of American College of Surgeons found that removing a child's ruptured appendix within 24 hours significantly lowers hospital costs and charges. The study showed an estimated $10,000 savings in hospital charges when pediatric general surgeons removed the ruptured appendix early.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateApr 30, 2012

Rogue stars ejected from the galaxy are found in intergalactic space

Astronomers have discovered a group of over 675 hypervelocity stars on the outskirts of the Milky Way, which are believed to have been ejected from the galactic core. These stars, found in intergalactic space between the Milky Way and Andromeda galaxy, exhibit high metallicity indicating an inner galactic origin.

SourceVanderbilt University·DateApr 30, 2012
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.

Study shows halting an enzyme can slow multiple sclerosis in mice

A study published in Brain Pathology has found that halting the Kallikrein 6 enzyme can slow multiple sclerosis progression in mice. The researchers discovered an antibody that neutralizes the enzyme, which was shown to reduce inflammatory white blood cells and slow demyelination.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalBrain Pathology·DateApr 30, 2012

Starting a family does not encourage parents to eat healthier

A longitudinal study found that parenthood does not significantly improve parents' diets compared to non-parents, with both groups showing similar decreases in saturated fat intake and increases in fruit and vegetable consumption over time. However, parents lag behind their childless counterparts in making healthier dietary changes.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateApr 30, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

Key lessons from history on alcohol taxes

Historical research suggests that affluence rather than poverty drives alcohol consumption levels, particularly among the middle classes. This challenges traditional approaches to reducing consumption through taxation.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateApr 30, 2012

Modern hybrid corn makes better use of nitrogen, study shows

A recent study by Purdue University researchers found that modern hybrid corn varieties are more efficient in using nitrogen, producing more grain per pound of accumulated nitrogen. Grain yields have increased by an average of 28 bushels per acre over the past 21 years, despite a slight increase in total nitrogen uptake.

SourcePurdue University·JournalField Crops Research·DateApr 30, 2012
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.

Electric charge disorder: A key to biological order?

Researchers discovered that random patches of disordered electric charges can induce a twisting force strong enough to affect biological objects at nanometers or micrometers away. This phenomenon could help understand patterns in biology, such as lock and key interactions.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateApr 30, 2012

Antarctic albatross displays shift in breeding habits

A new study reveals that some wandering albatrosses are breeding 2.2 days earlier than before, with older or recently changed partners being key drivers of this trend. The researchers found no clear explanation for the change, which may be linked to environmental factors such as weather or ocean conditions.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalOikos·DateApr 30, 2012

Prenatal exposure to insecticide chlorpyrifos linked to alterations in brain structure and cognition

A new study finds that prenatal exposure to the insecticide chlorpyrifos may lead to long-term changes in brain structure, potentially resulting in cognitive deficits. The study used MRI to evaluate the brains of 40 New York City children and found associations between higher exposure levels and brain anomalies.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 30, 2012

Researchers develop rapid test strips for bacterial contamination in swimming water

Researchers at McMaster University have developed rapid testing method using paper strip to detect E. coli in recreational water within minutes, improving public safety and closing the gap between outbreaks and detection. The test strips can detect potentially harmful concentrations of E. coli with much greater accuracy than existing p...

SourceMcMaster University·JournalAnalytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry·DateApr 30, 2012

High-strength silk scaffolds improve bone repair

Researchers created fully biodegradable silk scaffolds with high-compressive strength, mimicking native bone features. The composite materials enhanced human mesenchymal stem cell differentiation and improved bone remodeling.

SourceTufts University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 30, 2012
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.

Research breakthrough takes supercomputing out of the lab

Researchers developed a novel solution to produce entangled photon pairs using an integrated circuit, making quantum technologies more accessible. The breakthrough could lead to faster data sorting and solve complex computational problems, potentially leading to new gadgets.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 30, 2012

Gene involved in sperm-to-egg binding is key to fertility in mammals

Researchers at Durham University have identified a key gene involved in sperm-to-egg binding, enabling fertilization in mammals. The discovery highlights the importance of cumulus cells surrounding eggs and suggests potential avenues for improving IVF treatment effectiveness and developing new contraceptives.

SourceDurham University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 30, 2012

Old maps and dead clams help solve coastal boulder mystery

Researchers in The Journal of Geology found that plain ocean waves, aided by strong storms, can move giant boulders inland. By comparing old maps to modern photos, the team showed that sections of the ridges have moved significantly since 1839.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalThe Journal of Geology·DateApr 30, 2012

Maintaining bridges on a budget

Concordia engineers develop a decision-making approach that considers factors like traffic, drainage system efficiency and seismic risk to prioritize bridge maintenance. The new method has the potential to reduce costs by avoiding costly repairs later on and promoting sustainability.

SourceConcordia University·JournalCanadian Journal of Civil Engineering·DateApr 30, 2012
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

India designs its own image as global power

India uses branding campaigns to showcase its modernity and attract foreign investment, but the actual state of the country raises concerns about corruption and internal conflicts. The Indian government's efforts to suppress these issues may become increasingly difficult.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalThird World Quarterly·DateApr 30, 2012

Equal access to care helps close survival gap for young African-American cancer patients

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found no significant difference in survival rates between African-American and white children treated for virtually all cancers during a 15-year period. The study suggests equal access to comprehensive treatment translates into equally good outcomes, closing the racial survival gap.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateApr 30, 2012

Venus to appear in once-in-a-lifetime event

Astronomers will witness a rare transit of Venus, appearing as a small black dot on the Sun's surface, which won't happen again until 2117. The event will help scientists study Venus's atmosphere and potentially aid in finding extrasolar planets.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalPhysics World·DateApr 30, 2012

Radiologists rank themselves as less than competent on health policy issues

A new study by American Roentgen Ray Society shows radiologists ranking themselves as less competent in patient imaging costs and patient safety compared to non-radiology physicians. The researchers aim to use this data for self-reflection to improve their knowledge and be ambassadors of change in healthcare reform.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·DateApr 30, 2012
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Scientists uncover exciting lead into premature aging and heart disease

Researchers at A*STAR's Institute of Medical Biology found that reducing SUN1 levels in mouse models doubled the life spans of those with progeria and tripled it for those with Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy. This discovery opens up a possibility for therapeutic use of reduced SUN1 levels for other forms of heart disease.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalCell·DateApr 30, 2012

Vitamin D supplements may protect against viral infections during the winter

Research published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology suggests that vitamin D supplementation can strengthen innate immunity against viral infections. The study found that vitamin D insufficiency is associated with impaired immune function and lower levels of toll-like receptor 7, which regulates immune responses to viruses.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateApr 30, 2012
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.

Keep your fruit close and your vegetables closer

A recent study published in Environment and Behavior found that placing fruit and vegetable bowls near participants increases the likelihood of eating them. However, this effect is more pronounced for fruits due to their natural sweetness, which stimulates brain reward regions.

SourceSAGE·JournalEnvironment and Behavior·DateApr 30, 2012

Potent protein heals wounds, boosts immunity and protects from cancer

Researchers have found that lactoferrin, a protein with iron-binding properties, plays a key role in innate immunity and can protect against bacterial, viral, fungal, and protozoal infections. Lactoferrin also shows promise in preventing certain types of cancer.

SourceCanadian Science Publishing·JournalBiochemistry and Cell Biology·DateApr 30, 2012

Bilingualism fine-tunes hearing, enhances attention

Research at Northwestern University reveals that bilingualism sharpens the brain's ability to encode basic sound patterns and improve attention. Bilingual speakers outperform monolingual peers in processing complex sounds under noisy conditions.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 30, 2012

JCI early table of contents for April 30, 2012

Researchers found that PAX5 stabilizes MYC protein levels in B cells, correlating with poor patient survival. Additionally, STIM1 regulates calcium signaling to control fat preference, while IL-12 production is decreased in diabetic patients with increased infection risk.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 30, 2012
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.

Graduation year drives Facebook connections for college grads

Researchers found social networks on Facebook tend to form around graduation year or university housing rather than shared interests. The study's findings suggest universities can create strong community among students by manipulating student housing efforts.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·DateApr 30, 2012

Tablet-based case conferences improve resident learning

A new study shows that tablet-based conference mirroring enhances radiology residents' learning experience by allowing them to manipulate images, zoom in on subtle abnormalities, and participate remotely. More than 75% of residents who participated in this format strongly agreed that it improved their learning.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·DateApr 30, 2012

Superconducting strip could become an ultra-low-voltage sensor

Researchers observed an intermittent motion of magnetic flux in a superconducting strip, resulting in alternating static and dynamic phases with zero and non-zero voltage peaks. The study's findings have potential applications for gate devices controlling on/off states in electrical systems.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateApr 30, 2012

How human cells 'hold hands'

A team of University of Iowa researchers found that a lack of gamma-protocadherin cell adhesion molecules in the cerebral cortex disrupts neural circuitry formation. This discovery may help understand causes of human developmental disorders like autism, mental retardation, and schizophrenia.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalNeuron·DateApr 30, 2012
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.

Impaired recovery of Atlantic cod -- forage fish or other factors?

Researchers suggest increased predation by grey seals may be responsible for Atlantic cod's delayed recovery on the eastern Scotian Shelf. Further investigation is needed to identify underlying factors affecting high adult death rates.

SourceCanadian Science Publishing·JournalCanadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences·DateApr 30, 2012

New research: Why bigger animals aren't always faster

A study of monitor lizards found that midsize lizards are the fastest, suggesting that larger size can create biomechanical constraints. The researchers discovered that above a certain size, lizards change their running style, making them slower.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalPhysiological and Biochemical Zoology·DateApr 30, 2012
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.

Conquering LED efficiency droop

Researchers from California and Japan have devised a new LED design that avoids efficiency droop, a major problem limiting solid-state lighting growth. The breakthrough could lead to more energy-efficient and affordable LED lighting, with potential applications in household bulbs.

SourceOptica·DateApr 30, 2012
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.

Culturally tailored program helps Mexican-American women lose weight

A study funded by the National Institutes of Health found that Mexican-American women who participated in a culturally tailored weight management program lost an average of nearly 16 pounds. The program, called De Por Vida, helped participants return to traditional Mexican diets and learn basic measuring skills.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJournal of Immigrant and Minority Health·DateApr 30, 2012

WHO growth curves offer no distinct advantage over CDC measures

A study published in CMAJ found that WHO growth curves are not more effective than CDC curves in detecting cardiometabolic abnormalities in children aged 9 years. The WHO curves use older data, but did not offer a significant advantage in identifying overweight and obesity.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 30, 2012

Poorer quality of life for gay men and minorities after prostate cancer treatment: What are we missing?

A literature review highlights the need for a tailored approach to improving quality of life in subpopulations, including African Americans, Latin Americans, Asians, and men who have sex with men. The authors emphasize the importance of considering demographic, socioeconomic, and sexual preference factors in treatment decision-making.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalNature Reviews Urology·DateApr 30, 2012

Old star, new trick

For the first time, astronomers have detected arsenic and selenium in an ancient star, revealing insights into the origin of these elements. The discovery sheds light on how stars produce heavier elements, including those found on Earth.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·DateApr 30, 2012
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Researchers develop new method to measure IT quality

A new method to measure IT quality has been proposed by researchers at the University at Buffalo School of Management. The Quality Distinction (QD) Capability Model offers a more reliable understanding of IT capabilities by acknowledging the importance of regularly evaluating and adapting development and delivery processes.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalIEEE Transactions on Engineering Management·DateApr 30, 2012

Archaeology expands beyond traditional scope into other sciences

Archaeologists are utilizing information from multiple disciplines to inform and enhance their data, providing new insights into social systems, economic processes, and political dynamics. The field has expanded beyond anthropology to include perspectives from sociology and other social sciences.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 30, 2012