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Science News Archive April 2012


Page 18 of 29

Coral reef winners and losers in a warmer world

A new study reveals that coral reefs will survive climate change by altering the mix of coral species as temperatures rise and oceans become more acidic. This shift could have significant implications for ecosystem services like reef tourism and fishing, with potential losses in biodiversity.

Blood type A may predispose to some rotavirus infections

Baylor College of Medicine researchers found that the P[14] strain of rotavirus uses the histo-blood group antigen A as a receptor to infect human cells. Laboratory tests showed that cells with this antigen were easily infected, while those without it were not.

An Achilles heel of AML

Researchers have discovered that activating mutations in the FLT3 gene play a crucial role in acute myeloid leukemia, making it an attractive target for new treatments. The study identifies drug-resistant mutations in FLT3 and suggests that therapies involving combinations of multiple drugs could suppress these mutated forms.

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.

3-D RNA modeling opens scientific doors

Researchers have developed a cost-effective method for three-dimensional RNA structure prediction, enabling scientists to understand the functions of RNA molecules that dictate human cell behavior. The technique has the potential to help identify new therapeutic targets for diseases.

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.

Decision guide reduced uncertainty over breast cancer prevention, study finds

A web-based intervention tool called Guide to Decide helped post-menopausal women understand their breast cancer options and feel comfortable with their choice, leading to less uncertainty and increased decision-making. The study found that tailored information reduced anxiety and improved decision outcomes for high-risk women.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Hogg named to National Academy of Engineering

Richard Hogg, a renowned expert in particle technology, has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering for his groundbreaking work on coagulation and flocculation. His research interests span multiple areas of particle technology, including characterization, mixing, and agglomeration processes.

Scientists determined first-ever census for emperor penguins

A new study reveals a large number of emperor penguins in Antarctica, with 595,000 birds estimated, providing an important benchmark for monitoring environmental change. The research uses high-resolution satellite images to differentiate between birds and ice, allowing for accurate estimates.

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.

AGU: Uranus auroras glimpsed from Earth

Researchers detect faint, short-lived glowing dots on Uranus' dayside using Hubble Space Telescope. The unusual appearance of the auroras is attributed to Uranus' rotational weirdness and magnetic field's peculiar traits.

UCSF project yields major resource for scientific research

The UCSF project provides a large publicly available resource to help researchers determine the importance of genes in mice. The resource includes 162 gene-disrupting vectors, 64 new stem cell lines, and 46 new strains of mice with missing microRNAs.

Topological transitions in metamaterials

Metamaterials can control light by imprinting properties on photons, paving the way for commercial applications in 5-10 years. This breakthrough also enhances microscopic capabilities to reveal nanofeatures to the human eye.

Children teaching parents about Aboriginal culture: UBC study

A UBC study finds that children are sharing their knowledge of Aboriginal culture and language with their parents, reversing traditional roles. This reversal is significant as many Aboriginal parents have lost this knowledge due to Canada's residential school system.

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.

Discovery could help to develop drugs for organ transplant and cancer patients

Loyola researchers found a molecule called transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) that can amplify the immune response in some cases and suppress it in others. This discovery could lead to the development of new drugs to regulate the immune system, such as activating it to attack tumor cells or suppressing it to prevent organ rejection.

Water, water everywhere – but is it essential to life?

Researchers at the University of Bristol have discovered that a protein can refold its structure in an environment devoid of water molecules. This finding has significant implications for the development of new industrial enzymes with hyper-thermal resistance.

Scientists count penguins from space

A new study using satellite mapping technology reveals there are twice as many emperor penguins in Antarctica than was previously thought. The research provides an important benchmark for monitoring the impact of environmental change on the population of this iconic bird.

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.

Ocean acidification linked with larval oyster failure in hatcheries

Marine researchers have linked ocean acidification to the collapse of oyster seed production at an Oregon hatchery, where larval growth declined due to corrosive water conditions. The study's findings suggest that increased CO2 levels may push oyster larval growth past the break-even point in terms of production.

New tool helps teachers use technology more effectively

Researchers at UBC developed a tool to aid teachers in creating effective clicker questions, increasing student academic achievement in science and mathematics. The Elementary Science Questions Evaluation Rubric helps teachers develop and evaluate multiple-choice questions for clickers.

Cyberbullying and bullying are not the same: UBC research

A UBC study involving 17,000 Vancouver students found that 25-30% experience or participate in cyberbullying, compared to 12% for schoolyard bullying. Online behavior is often underestimated, with youth downplaying harm and failing to recognize its consequences.

Scientists complete first-ever emperor penguin count from space

A new study using high-resolution satellite mapping technology has counted over 595,000 emperor penguins in Antarctica, nearly double the previous estimate of 270,000 to 350,000 birds. The research provides an important benchmark for monitoring the impact of environmental change on these iconic birds.

European dung-fly females all aflutter for large males

In European dung flies, larger males are preferred by females for mating, leading to increased copulation frequency and potentially larger testes. This difference in mating behavior is attributed to female preference, but the underlying evolutionary cause remains unclear.

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.

Exercise improves quality of life during breast cancer treatment

A University of Miami study shows that physically active women with non-metastatic breast cancer experience reduced depression and fatigue, as well as improved quality of life. Women who engaged in regular physical activity reported less debilitating fatigue and an enhanced ability to perform daily activities.

NASA's Swift monitors departing Comet Garradd

Researchers use NASA's Swift satellite to study Comet Garradd as it moves beyond the solar system's snow line. The comet sheds water and dust at an unprecedented rate, offering clues about its composition and behavior.

Changes in gene expression may help explain high blood pressure in pregnancy

Researchers found that epigenetic mechanisms, such as reduced DNA methylation, contribute to high blood pressure and increased susceptibility to forming blood clots in pregnant women with preeclampsia. Inhibition of thromboxane synthase or dietary supplementation with folate may provide potential treatments for this condition.

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.

UC Berkeley passes management of Allen Telescope Array to SRI

The Allen Telescope Array will continue searching for intelligent life in space and monitoring space debris under new management by SRI International. The facility will also support the SETI Institute's efforts to detect signals from newly discovered exoplanets.

Being in power does not always magnify personality

A new study suggests that powerful individuals are not immune to environmental influences, which can trigger counter-dispositional behavior. Research found that power-holders' habitual natures can be superseded by other responses, including those they rarely consider.

Biomarker family found for chemo resistant breast cancers

Researchers from the University of Hull have identified a family of proteins associated with chemotherapy resistance in breast cancer patients. The 14-3-3 protein family was found to be twice as prevalent in resistant patients, suggesting its potential use as a predictive test for clinical decision-making.

Teamwork: IBEX and TWINS observe a solar storm

The IBEX and TWINS missions observed a solar storm on April 5, 2010, revealing the impact on Earth's magnetosphere. The data provides insights into how solar energy affects the magnetosphere, enabling better protection for satellites against space weather hazards.

Manatee hearing good enough to sense approaching motorboats

Researchers found that manatees can hear within the frequency range where boats operate, with good hearing between 8-32kHz and even ultrasonic frequencies. However, their ability to focus on these sounds in nature is uncertain due to environmental factors.

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.

Volcker awarded 2012 Moynihan Prize

The American Academy of Political and Social Science recognized Paul Volcker's career for its use of social research in shaping public policy. Volcker, a former Chairman of the Federal Reserve, advocated for increased banking regulation, leading to the inclusion of the Volcker Rule in Dodd-Frank legislation.

Discovery of the Musket Ball Cluster

The Musket Ball Cluster is a newly discovered galaxy cluster where so-called normal matter has been wrenched apart from dark matter through a violent collision. The system, observed 700 million years after the collision, provides valuable insight into the evolution of galaxy clusters and their member galaxies.

Strip-till improves soybean yield

Research found that strip-till farming produces higher yields than no-till systems due to more efficient phosphorus and potassium use. The study also revealed that strip-till helps retain soil water, leading to better plant growth conditions.

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.

Probing hydrogen under extreme conditions

Scientists have developed new techniques to contain hydrogen at pressures above 3 million times normal atmospheric pressure, exploring its behavior under extreme conditions. The study confirms the stability of the chemical bond between atoms, disproving previous interpretations of a metallic state.

Breakthrough discovery unveils 'master switches' in colon cancer

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University identified a set of master switches, called Variant Enhancer Loci (VELs), that regulate key genes in colon cancer. VELs are epigenetic changes that can potentially be reversed and may play a role in determining individual susceptibility to colon cancer.

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.

UCSB researchers detect 'hypervirulent' Salmonella bacteria

A recent discovery by UCSB researchers has identified 'hypervirulent' Salmonella bacteria, which pose a significant risk to human and animal health. The strains were found in livestock isolates and render current vaccines obsolete due to their ability to switch between virulence levels during infection.

Sex, tools and chromosomes

Researchers at UC Davis have discovered a crucial enzyme system that regulates chromosome pairing during meiosis, ensuring precise genome sorting and development of healthy sperm and eggs. The discovery could lead to insights into fertility, miscarriages, cancer, and developmental disorders.

Rapid climate change threatens Asia's Rice Bowl

Climate change is expected to reduce agriculture productivity by up to 50% in Southeast Asia, posing a significant threat to food security. Climate-smart agriculture has become crucial for the region's adaptation strategy, focusing on innovations to adapt agriculture to wild swings in climate extremes.

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.

Researchers call for a new direction in oil spill research

Researchers call for a new approach to studying deepwater oil spills, emphasizing the need for understanding oil movement at depth, microbial action, and deep sea ecology. This new direction is crucial for responding to future spills and restoring damaged ecosystems.

Determining total fertility in strip-tilled fields

Fertilizer placement in strip-tilled fields causes non-uniform distribution of potassium and phosphorus, affecting whole-field fertility. To address this issue, researchers recommend taking multiple samples outside the fertilizer band for more accurate assessments.

Migrant women adapt in economic crises

In a recent study, migrant women in Central Illinois were found to be more resilient in controlling their environment through work and self-employment. They took on jobs such as childcare, cleaning, and cooking, which allowed them to adapt to economic crises.

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.

Parolees behaving badly

Researchers found that drug use and sex with multiple partners were common behaviors among men who had been reincarcerated due to parole violations. The study highlights the need for prevention programs targeting substance abuse and sexual risk behavior among parolees.