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Science News Archive April 2012


Page 25 of 29

Treatment hope for muscular dystrophy

Researchers at the University of Melbourne have discovered a potential treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy by increasing levels of heat shock protein 72 in muscles, improving muscle strength and slowing disease progression.

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.

Single baby boomers facing increased challenges as they age

Unmarried baby boomers are disproportionately affected by economic and social outcomes, including lower economic resources, poorer health, and a higher prevalence of disability. They also face significant barriers to accessing health insurance.

Your supermarket may affect your weight

A study of 7,131 participants in Paris found that shopping at discount supermarkets or in areas with poorly educated consumers is associated with higher body mass indices (BMI) and waist circumferences. Supermarket size and produce quality were not linked to BMI or waist circumference.

Quantum computer built inside a diamond

Researchers at USC and international partners successfully built a quantum computer inside a diamond, showcasing solid-state computing's potential. The device protects against decoherence, a major obstacle to quantum systems, by utilizing microwave pulses to stabilize electron spin rotation.

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.

First targeted nanomedicine to enter human clinical studies

Researchers have successfully tested the first targeted cancer drug called BIND-014, demonstrating its ability to target receptors in tumors and achieve high tumor concentrations. The study shows remarkable efficacy, safety, and pharmacological properties compared to traditional chemotherapy.

Cone snail venom controls pain

Researchers have identified three active variants of a conotoxin that blocks the transmission of pain signals in nerves. These venomous peptides, derived from cone snails, show great promise for developing new painkillers with minimal dependency and faster degradation rates.

A new MCAT for tomorrow's physician

A new medical college admission test (MCAT) is proposed to prioritize knowledge of behavioral and social sciences. The authors argue that this shift will help practicing physicians address modifiable behaviors contributing to premature deaths in the US.

Internet use promotes democracy best in countries that are already partially free

A study by Ohio State University researchers found that internet use is most effective in promoting democracy in countries with partial freedoms. In these nations, increased internet penetration and online activity drive demand for democratic reforms. However, the internet has limited impact in highly authoritarian regimes, where ruler...

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Food science poised to help address needs of aging population

The aging baby boomer population is driving demand for food products that can help manage chronic conditions like diabetes, vision loss, and bone/joint problems. Food scientists are exploring ways to create healthier options, including clearly labeling foods as suitable for specific health needs.

CWRU raises wind-energy labs over Cleveland area

Case Western Reserve University has erected its third and largest wind turbine, a 1-megawatt utility-scale power generator, to provide working laboratories for researchers. The turbines are being used to develop better products and improve efficiency, with the ultimate goal of establishing a wind-energy supply chain in Northeast Ohio.

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.

Mobile technology helps explore nicotine addiction

A team of researchers used mobile devices to collect data on nicotine addiction and found that successful quitters had a weaker association between their urge to smoke and their ability to quit. The study suggests that baseline nicotine dependence and negative emotional states influence people's urge to smoke while trying to quit.

Disarming disease-causing bacteria

Research discovered a protein complex called the Translocation and Assembly Module (TAM), which forms a molecular pump allowing bacteria to shuttle disease-causing molecules from inside to outside the bacterial cell. This finding paves the way for designing new drugs that inhibit this process, potentially preventing antibiotic resistance.

Free apps drain smartphone energy on 'advertising modules'

Researchers at Purdue University found that popular free apps spend up to 75% of their energy tracking user location, sending info to advertisers and downloading ads. A new tool called eprof analyzes app energy consumption, revealing a way to improve energy efficiency by reducing power drain in interactive programs.

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.

New £13 million UK Centre for CCS Research to be established

A new £13 million UK Centre for Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Research will be established to drive innovative research and development. The centre, coordinated by the University of Edinburgh, aims to support the UK economy by driving an integrated research programme focused on maximising CCS contribution to a low-carbon energy system.

Reproductive seasonality observed in male giant pandas

A study of eight male giant pandas found that reproductive fitness varies throughout the year, with waves of activity occurring 3-5 months before most females display estrus. This new understanding will help improve captive panda management and potentially aid in reintroducing pandas into the wild.

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.

Consumers need simple, concise messages about benefits of phytonutrients

The Institute of Food Technologists' Wellness 12 meeting highlighted the need for simple language to communicate phytonutrient benefits. Phytonutrients, such as beta carotene and lycopene, promote health when consumed as part of a balanced diet. The industry must agree on clear messages and present them consistently to consumers.

Defying conventional wisdom, water can float on oil

Scientists have discovered that water can float on oil under certain conditions, depending on the size of the droplet and type of oil. This finding has important potential applications in cleaning up oil spills.

Dino eggs shape Easter eggs, says new study

Researchers have discovered that different species of dinosaurs had distinct egg shapes, with some being more elongate and symmetrical than bird eggs. This new research has significant implications for understanding the origins of modern Easter eggs.

Growing nitrous oxide levels explained

Researchers have generated a 65-year record of Southern Hemisphere nitrous oxide measurements to better understand the long-lived greenhouse gas's impact on climate and stratospheric ozone depletion. The study found a 20% increase in atmospheric nitrous oxide since 1750, largely attributed to agricultural sources.

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.

Fasting for Lent forces hyenas to change diet

Spotted hyenas adapt to changing human food sources during the 55-day Abye Tsome (Lent) fast, shifting from scavenging to hunting, with donkey hairs found in their droppings increasing significantly during Lent

Genetic mutations at conception linked to many cases of autism

A recent study by Yale University researchers found that approximately 15% of autism cases in families with a single autistic child are associated with spontaneous genetic mutations. The study analyzed DNA sequencing data from 238 families and identified hundreds of de novo sequence variations linked to an increased risk for autism.

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.

Scientists solving the mystery of human consciousness

A study published in The Journal of Neuroscience found that primitive brain structures activate before neocortex when individuals regain consciousness after general anesthesia. This discovery provides new insights into the emergence of consciousness and its relationship with brain function.

A cannibalistic galaxy with a powerful heart

The closest large elliptical galaxy to the Milky Way, Centaurus A has a twisted disc of dust near its centre, formed from a cosmic collision with another galaxy. The galaxy's powerful heart features two massive jets streaming from a massive black hole, emitting strong radio emission and visible in far-infrared images.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Gene mutation identified as contributor to autism spectrum disorders

A new study by UCLA researchers has discovered a single instance of two independent mutations disrupting the SCN2A gene in affected siblings, confirming its importance. The study found multiple variations between unaffected and affected groups, making promising new candidates for autism susceptibility genes.

Eating flavonoids protects men against Parkinson's disease

A new study published in Neurology finds that consuming flavonoids, particularly anthocyanins found in berries, can significantly reduce the risk of developing Parkinson's disease. Male participants who ate the most flavonoids were 40% less likely to develop the disease than those who ate the least.

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.

Thawing permafrost 50 million years ago led to global warming events

Researchers propose that thawing permafrost 50 million years ago released massive amounts of carbon into the atmosphere, triggering global warming events. The study suggests a simple new mechanism for past global warming events and highlights the potential for similar feedback loops in modern times.

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.

Is rainfall a greater threat to China's agriculture than warming?

New research reveals that rainfall has a greater impact on China's agriculture than rising temperatures. The study, published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, found that maize is sensitive to warming but not as affected by rainfall variability as previously thought.

Researchers develop a new cell and animal model of inflammatory breast cancer

Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center have developed a new cell and animal model of inflammatory breast cancer, which may provide a better understanding of the disease and help with developing effective interventions. The model recapitulates aggressive metastasis and cancer stem cell activity associated with poor outcomes in patients.

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.

Vanderbilt researchers help reveal complex role of genes in autism

A multi-institutional team of researchers has identified two genes as 'genuine risk factors' for autism spectrum disorders. The study, published in Nature, used massively parallel sequencing to search for mutations that might affect autism risk and found that these genes are functionally related and physically interact with each other.

Rising CO2 levels linked to global warming during last deglaciation

Researchers reconstruct global surface temperatures and find that average temperature correlated with rising CO2 levels, indicating the greenhouse effect played a key role in ending the last Ice Age. The study provides evidence that CO2 caused much of the global warming, contrasting previous efforts that only examined local temperatures.

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.

New forage plant prepares farmers for climate changes

A new sorghum plant has been developed that can withstand drought and produce toxins without harming animals. The breakthrough is expected to provide farmers with a reliable source of food during droughts, saving hundreds of millions of dollars annually.

Facilitating the work of forensic scientists

The Metabolomips group has developed a methodology for detecting gunshot residues, which can produce reliable analyses within an hour. They have also created a method to identify antipsychotic drugs in the human brain, with potential applications in forensic analysis and post-mortem diagnostic tests.

Korean connection makes an 8,000-km telescope

Australians and Koreans have linked their radio telescopes for the first time, creating a gigantic telescope spanning over 8,000 km. The combined system has 100 times the resolving power of the Hubble Space Telescope, enabling scientists to study distant galaxies in unprecedented detail.

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.