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Science News for April 27, 2012


Scientists provide first large-scale estimate of reef shark losses in the Pacific Ocean

A new study estimates that reef shark numbers have dropped substantially around populated islands, with numbers declining by more than 90% compared to untouched reefs. The research uses towed-diver surveys to compare shark populations at reefs spanning from heavily impacted ones to pristine areas.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalConservation Biology·DateApr 27, 2012

Golden potential for gold thin films

Researchers at Berkeley Lab directed the self-assembly of gold nanoparticles into device-ready materials using a simple and inexpensive technique. The method has potential applications in computer memory storage, energy harvesting, remote-sensing, catalysis, light management, and plasmonics.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNano Letters·DateApr 27, 2012

Deadly decision: Obese drivers are far less likely to buckle up

Researchers at University at Buffalo found that obese drivers are less likely to wear seatbelts than normal weight drivers, resulting in higher mortality rates. The study suggests that cars should be designed to accommodate obese individuals, increasing the likelihood of seatbelt use.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·DateApr 27, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Moffitt Cancer Center researchers working at frontiers of melanoma research

Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have found a new way to overcome resistance to drugs that target the BRAF gene mutation in melanoma. The study, led by Jeffrey S. Weber and Keiran S. Smalley, showed that an inhibitor called XL888 can restore effectiveness in patients who have developed resistance to existing treatments.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 27, 2012

When to have kids: A complex question for hazel dormice

Researchers found that hazel dormice exhibit a complex reproductive strategy, with early and late birth peaks, due to hibernation. Early-born juveniles outpace late-born counterparts, while females with higher body mass can invest in early reproduction.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalOecologia·DateApr 27, 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.

Fruit flies provide new knowledge about uninhibited cell growth

Researchers found glycolipids play a crucial role in controlling cell growth, with defects linked to neurofibromatosis and certain cancers. The study sheds light on the disease's mechanisms and potential drug development.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 27, 2012

NASA's Landsat satellites see Texas crop circles

Center-pivot irrigation, invented in 1949, improves water distribution and reduces evaporation, resulting in more efficient farming. The technique is used worldwide, covering 20% of cultivated fields, which produce 40% of global food supply.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 27, 2012
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.

New avocado rootstocks are high-performing and disease-tolerant

Three new rootstocks, Zentmyer, Steddom, and Uzi, have demonstrated superior tolerance to Phytophthora root rot (PRR), a devastating disease affecting avocado production globally. The rootstocks offer improved yields and salt tolerance, enabling growers to manage PRR effectively.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalHortScience·DateApr 27, 2012

Folding light: Wrinkles and twists boost power from solar panels

Researchers at Princeton University have developed a method to increase the power output of flexible, low-cost solar cells by creating microscopic folds on the surface of photovoltaic material. This technique increases the absorption of light and generation of energy, particularly in the red spectrum, where conventional solar panels st...

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature Photonics·DateApr 27, 2012

Atomic clock comparison via data highways

A team of researchers has demonstrated an optical frequency transfer with high stability through a standard telecommunication optical fiber network. This achievement enables the ability to compare optical clocks located far apart and transmit their stability to distant laboratories, benefiting fundamental research in physics and industry.

SourcePhysikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB)·JournalScience·DateApr 27, 2012

Big girls don't cry

A study published in Journal of Adolescent Health found that happy body image is linked to lower rates of depression, anxiety, and unhealthy eating habits among overweight teenagers. Researchers suggest improving body satisfaction could be a key component of interventions for overweight youth.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateApr 27, 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.

UAB researcher receives HudsonAlpha Prize

Tim Townes receives $20,000 HudsonAlpha Prize for his groundbreaking work on reprogramming cells to treat sickle cell anemia. His research successfully corrects the DNA mutation associated with the disease, producing healthy red blood cells.

SourceHudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology·DateApr 27, 2012

Moffitt researcher awarded GE grant to develop tool to detect breast cancer metastasis genetic risks

A Moffitt researcher has received a $100,000 grant from General Electric to develop a genetic tool that can identify an individual's predisposition to developing or resisting breast cancer metastasis. The study aims to evaluate inherited changes in DNA predictive of and identify risk for developing or resisting breast cancer metastasis.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·DateApr 27, 2012

New form of intellectual disability discovered

Researchers at CAMH discovered a new form of intellectual disability linked to the NSUN2 gene mutation, affecting cognitive development and neuron functioning. The study found that this recessive disorder requires inheriting two defective genes from parents to develop intellectual disability.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateApr 27, 2012

lobSTR algorithm rolls DNA fingerprinting into 21st century

The lobSTR algorithm accelerates DNA profiling by accurately analyzing over 100,000 short tandem repeats in a single day. This innovation opens up new research opportunities in medical genetics, population genetics, and forensics.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalGenome Research·DateApr 27, 2012
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.

New drug to tackle fat problems

Researchers at the University of Sheffield have defined the structure of the human obesity receptor, a key factor in regulating body fat. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for complications of obesity and anorexia.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalStructure·DateApr 27, 2012

Doubling the information from the double helix

A new group of regulatory molecules called mirror-microRNAs has been discovered to control multiple aspects of brain function. These microRNA genes are produced from the same piece of DNA but have different functions in regulating protein production and movement, doubling the capacity of regulation.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateApr 27, 2012

Maintain your brain: The secrets to aging success

Researchers argue that a youthful brain can be maintained through engagement and lifestyle choices, rather than just compensating for age-related decline. Engagement, including social, mental, and physical stimulation, has been shown to promote better cognitive performance in older adults.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·DateApr 27, 2012
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.

Can nature's beauty lift citizens from poverty?

A long-term study on nature tourism in China's Wolong Nature Reserve found that those with resources, education, and government connections were more likely to succeed in the tourism industry. The research highlights the need for balanced policies between economic development and habitat management.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 27, 2012

Bejeweled: Nanotech gets boost from nanowire decorations

Engineers at Stanford University have developed a novel method to decorate nanowires with nanoparticles, increasing surface area and altering surface chemistry. This technique may lead to improved lithium-ion batteries, more efficient thin-film solar cells and enhanced catalysts.

SourceStanford University School of Engineering·JournalNano Letters·DateApr 27, 2012

NYUCN's Dr. Laura Wagner: Study finds accreditation improves safety culture at nursing homes

A new study by Dr. Laura Wagner and colleagues found that accredited nursing homes report better staffing, teamwork, and training practices, leading to improved resident safety. The research suggests that Joint Commission accreditation stimulates positive changes in safety-related organizational structures and processes.

SourceNew York University·JournalThe Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety·DateApr 27, 2012

Research shows rats have best bite of rodent world

Research reveals rats' ability to chew and gnaw makes their bite more effective than specialized rodents like squirrels and guinea pigs. The study suggests that the rat's muscle adaptation is key to its success, allowing it to efficiently eat through a wide variety of materials.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 27, 2012
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.

Blood samples show deadly frog fungus at work in the wild

A new study published in PLoS ONE found that the fungal infection leads to deadly dehydration in wild frogs, causing cardiac arrest and death. The research confirms what researchers have seen in lab experiments, providing a better understanding of how the disease progresses and suggesting potential treatments for infected frogs.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 27, 2012

New graphene-based material could revolutionize electronics industry

GraphExeter, a graphene-based material, enhances solar panel efficiency by up to 30% due to its wide light spectrum transparency. It has the potential to replace indium tin oxide in wearable devices and smart windows, offering a flexible alternative for electronics industry

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 27, 2012

Polluting China for the sake of economic growth

A study analyzing data from 30 Chinese provinces found that energy consumption has a greater impact on output than labor, while pollution has little effect. China must implement effective environmental regulations to reduce pollution and energy consumption and bind economic growth with environmental protection.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Global Energy Issues·DateApr 27, 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.