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Science News Archive April 2012


Page 13 of 29

New coating for hip implants could prevent premature failure

Researchers at MIT have developed a new coating for hip implants that promotes bone growth, creating a stronger seal between the implant and the patient's own bone. This coating could prevent premature failure and reduce the risk of infection, allowing patients to walk and perform physical therapy during the healing process.

Finding the roots and early branches of the tree of life

A study in PLOS Computational Biology reconstructs the complete early evolutionary history of biological carbon-fixation. The researchers identified an early form of carbon fixation that achieved built-in robustness, allowing early life to compensate for internal chemistry issues.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Stable electrodes for improving printed electronics

Researchers at Georgia Tech have introduced a universal technique to reduce the work function of conductors, enabling efficient and low-work-function electrodes. The new method uses a thin layer of polymer to create a strong surface dipole, making air-stable conductors suitable for printed electronics.

Women face a higher risk of care home admission due to their partner's age

A new study by Queen's University Belfast reveals women face a higher risk of care home admission due to their partner's age. The research found that on average, women have partners who are approximately 5 years older, and those with limiting long-term illnesses were more likely to be admitted to care homes.

Cellular 'glue' resists breast cancer

Researchers discover Perp, a protein involved in cellular 'glue', plays dual role in preventing breast cancer. Abnormal levels of Perp linked to enhanced inflammatory response and tumor development.

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.

5 NSF Graduate Research Fellowships awarded to UH students, alumna

The National Science Foundation has awarded five University of Houston students with Graduate Research Fellowships to pursue advanced degrees in various fields. The fellows will study at top institutions including Harvard, MIT, and the University of Michigan, and receive funding for tuition and a $30,000 annual stipend.

Swallowing exercises can help patients with head and neck cancer

A study published in Archives of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery suggests that targeted swallowing exercises can alleviate debilitating side effects in people undergoing chemoradiation therapy for head and neck cancer. Patients who performed five targeted swallowing exercises throughout their CRT showed significantly better scores...

Warning signs from ancient Greek tsunami

New research from Aachen University suggests the Possidi peninsula in northern Greece is at risk of significant tsunami waves due to its proximity to earthquake-prone areas. The study also highlights the need for updated tsunami hazard calculations, particularly in densely populated and tourist regions.

How thinking about death can lead to a good life

Research suggests that thinking about death can motivate positive changes and promote tolerance, egalitarianism, compassion, empathy, and pacifism. Additionally, increased awareness of mortality can lead to better health choices, such as using more sunscreen or increasing levels of exercise.

IBN discovers human neural stem cells with tumor targeting ability

Researchers at IBN discover engineered human stem cells can target and inhibit tumor growth, prolonging survival in mice with breast tumors. This finding paves the way for innovative stem cell-based therapies, offering a promising alternative to conventional cancer treatment.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Study: Optimizing biofuel supply chain is a competitive game

Researchers developed models to address complex interactions among multiple stakeholders in the biofuel supply chain. They found that diverting corn crops to ethanol can affect food prices, but overall system welfare improves, with farmers as primary beneficiaries. The study's holistic model provides guidelines for optimizing the biofu...

Political blogging on the right and the left

A new study published in the American Behavioral Scientist found that left-wing blogs are more collaborative and less individualistic than right-wing blogs. Left-wing blogs incorporate more user activity, authorship, and calls to action, while right-wing blogs tend to be more hierarchical and rely on external sources.

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.

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.

It's the network!

Researchers at Northwestern University develop a new theory of networks, establishing relationships between disparate topics such as friendship paradoxes and material properties. The study reveals that cascading processes can be controlled and collective behavior depends on network properties, opening new avenues for disease treatment ...

Presentation of 1-year IVAN and 2-year CATT study results

The presentation presents one-year IVAN and two-year CATT trial results evaluating the efficacy of Lucentis and Avastin in treating age-related macular degeneration. The studies demonstrate Lucentis' effectiveness in reducing edema and improving vision.

Bioreactor redesign dramatically improves yield

Scientists at Ben-Gurion University have created bioreactors that increase microalgae biomass yields dramatically. The innovative design, which synchronizes photosynthesis with flow patterns and illumination, has the potential to make microalgae an economically viable source of renewable energy.

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.

New findings in breast cancer

A recent study published in PNAS contradicts the prevailing belief that basal-like cells are responsible for invasive tumors. Luminal-like cells, previously thought to lack stem cell properties, have been found to be highly tumorigenic and capable of generating larger tumors than their basal-like counterparts.

Reminders of secular authority reduce believers' distrust of atheists

A recent study published in Psychological Science found that reminding people about secular authority decreases their distrust of atheists. The research suggests that when individuals are reminded of the role of government and law in maintaining social order, they become less negative towards atheists.

Photoreceptor transplant restores vision in mice

Scientists at University College London have successfully transplanted photoreceptors into adult mice with degenerate retinas, restoring their vision. The study suggests that this approach could lead to effective treatments for thousands of people affected by degenerative eye disorders.

Kids get more active when given more toy choices, studies show

Two University at Buffalo studies found that giving children more toy choices increases their physical play time by nearly 200% for girls. The research also showed that providing autonomy and mastery in toy selection motivates children to be physically active, especially when combined with exergames.

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.

Tasmanian tiger suffered low genomic diversity

Scientists sequenced the Tasmanian tiger genome, revealing extremely low genetic variability due to geographical isolation. This limited genetic makeup makes the species highly susceptible to diseases and extinction.

Victims of online dating scams feel doubly traumatized

A study by University of Leicester scientist Professor Monica Whitty found that online dating scammers use basic marketing techniques to groom victims, leading to feelings of a genuine relationship. The research also reveals that people with strong romantic beliefs and idealized views of partners are most likely to fall prey to online ...

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.

Hormone levels higher for soccer fans watching a game, but not upon win

A study published in PLOS ONE found that soccer fans' testosterone and cortisol levels rise when watching a game, regardless of age, gender, or interest level. However, cortisol levels only increased for dedicated young male fans who perceived a strong threat to their social esteem if their team didn't win.

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Saving forests? Take a leaf from insurance industry's book

A group of environmental scientists suggest applying insurance policies and premiums to strengthen the REDD scheme, addressing leakage, permanence, and additionality issues. This new scheme, iREDD, aims to protect forests and promote biodiversity by ensuring both buyers and sellers are protected.

Genetic similarity promotes cooperation -- new study

Researchers from the University of Leicester discovered a new mechanism for cooperation in simple organisms, where individuals prefer those who resemble themselves. This 'similarity discrimination' effect can evolve quickly and powerfully in many social encounters, solving the long-standing puzzle of natural selection.

Jellyfish on the rise: UBC study

A global study by University of British Columbia researchers found increasing jellyfish populations in 62% of the world's coastal ecosystems, including East Asia and Antarctica. The study also notes decreases in jellyfish abundance in seven per cent of coastal regions.

Daily physical activity may reduce Alzheimer's disease risk at any age

A new study by Rush University Medical Center found that daily physical activity is associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline. The study, which tracked the activities of 716 older individuals over 3.5 years, showed that those in the bottom 10% of daily physical activity were more than twice as likely t...

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.

How selective hearing works in the brain

Scientists from UCSF used brain recordings to decode which speaker a subject was listening to, even when multiple voices were present. The study sheds light on the human brain's ability to focus on one voice in noisy environments, with implications for language learning disorders and neuroprosthetic devices.

Researchers discover non-surgical test for brain cancer

A new non-surgical test has been developed to diagnose and monitor brain tumors without surgery, providing a significant breakthrough in treatment options for patients. The test uses microRNA profiling of cerebrospinal fluid to determine the presence of glioblastoma, the most common and lethal type of brain tumor.

Meat eating led to earlier weaning, helped humans spread across globe

A recent study found that carnivorous mammals, including humans, tend to have shorter breast-feeding periods than herbivorous or omnivorous species. This may be due to the higher-quality diet that allows for earlier brain development and weaning. The research suggests that meat-eating played a crucial role in human evolution and popula...

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.

Live fast, die young

A recent study found that plant species living in urban backyards are closer related to each other and live shorter than those in rural areas. The study, conducted by Jeannine Cavender-Bares and Sonja Knapp, analyzed the diversity of plant species in private yards in Minneapolis and compared it to nearby natural ecosystems.

Lactating tsetse flies models for lactating mammals?

Researchers discovered that a key enzyme in the milk of lactating tsetse flies functions similarly to mammalian enzymes, making them a potential model for studying lipid metabolism during mammalian lactation. Reduced levels of this enzyme led to poor health in offspring, suggesting targeting it could aid population reduction efforts.

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.

Use less water, producing energy and fertilizer at the same time

Researchers developed a modern water treatment plant using rainwater and treated wash water for personal needs. Vacuum sewage systems significantly reduce water consumption and lower costs. The DEUS technology recovers biogas, produces fertilizer, and benefits regions with extreme water shortages

Carrot but no stick for a healthy child

Norwegian researchers recommend parents provide healthy food options, involve kids in cooking and shopping, and avoid restrictive rules. The study found daily fruit and vegetable consumption among Norwegian children is below recommended levels, sparking concerns.

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.