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Science News Archive August 2012


Page 11 of 29

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.

New attack on pain

Researchers have discovered that blocking GM-CSF action can suppress both pain and inflammation in experimental models of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. This breakthrough could lead to a new therapy for patients suffering from debilitating conditions.

Sleep improves memory in people with Parkinson's disease

People with Parkinson's disease performed better on a working memory test after a night's sleep, with slow wave sleep linked to improved performance. Sleep disorders can interfere with this benefit, and dopamine-enhancing medications may play a role in memory improvement.

UI instruments aboard twin NASA spacecraft set for launch Aug. 24

The Radiation Belt Storm Probes mission will help scientists understand how the Van Allen radiation belts react to solar changes, contributing to Earth's space weather. The twin satellites will collect data on particles, magnetic and electric fields, and waves to reveal how the belts change in space and over time.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

'CSI' technology holds potential in everyday medicine

A new mass spectrometer, DESI, is being used in real-world medicine to analyze fingerprints, detect pesticides, and identify biomarkers for prostate cancer. The device can also aid in brain cancer surgery by analyzing tissue samples and determining tumor type and stage.

Soybeans susceptible to man-made materials in soil

Researchers discovered that two nanomaterials, cerium oxide and zinc oxide, can profoundly alter soil-based food crop quality and yield. The study found that zinc oxide nanoparticles increased the level of zinc in plant tissues, while cerium oxide reduced nitrogen fixation, compromising soil fertility.

Many options, good outcomes, for early-stage follicular lymphoma

A University of Rochester Medical Center study challenges traditional treatment guidelines for early-stage follicular lymphoma, concluding that six different therapies can bring remission. Careful patient staging is key to predicting prognosis and superior progression-free survival.

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.

2 CU-Boulder student rocket payloads set for launch Aug. 23

Two CU-Boulder student-built payloads will be launched on a NASA sounding rocket on August 23, as part of the RockSat-X project. The experiments are designed to test drag effects on CubeSat satellites and analyze atmospheric particles and pressure.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Time with parents is important for teens' well-being

A study by Penn State researchers found that teens continue to spend time with their parents, contrary to the stereotype that they grow apart. Shared time with fathers has a positive impact on adolescents' social skills and self-esteem.

Drastic desertification

Researchers studied Dead Sea sediment cores to reconstruct climate conditions over the past 10,000 years, finding rapid changes between moist and dry phases. They linked pollen data to plant species that can tolerate specific temperature and precipitation levels.

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.

Viruses with integrated gene switch

Researchers have successfully integrated RNA switches into viral genetic material to control gene expression, increasing the production of therapeutic genes by ten times. This technology has vast potential for various research and medical applications.

Compounds shown to thwart stubborn pathogen's social propensity

Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison have identified small molecule chemicals that can disrupt quorum sensing in Acinetobacter baumanni, a pathogenic bacterium responsible for deadly hospital-acquired infections. The compounds may potentially be used to limit the virulence of the bacteria and prevent biofilm formation.

Eating cool: What to eat to beat the heat

The American Chemical Society shares expert insights on how certain foods, like chili peppers and ice cream, can actually make you feel hotter. Researchers will discuss counter-intuitive ways to cool down with food during a special briefing.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Thinking and choosing in the brain

A study published in PNAS found that different regions of the frontal lobes are responsible for behavioral control and decision making. The researchers mapped brain lesions in over 300 patients and showed that damage to specific areas can impair reasoning and decision-making abilities.

Flood risk ranking reveals vulnerable cities

A new study reveals that Shanghai is the most vulnerable city to severe flooding due to its exposure to powerful storm surges and subsiding land. The index also ranks Dhaka and Manila as highly vulnerable cities, while European cities like Marseille and Rotterdam excel in resilience.

Language barrier creates legal hurdles for Brits in Turkey

A study from Queen Mary University of London found that British citizens in Turkey struggle with local and international laws, leaving them financially at risk. An inability to speak or read Turkish hinders access to Turkish citizenship, limiting civic legal rights.

Sacrificing sleep to study can lead to academic problems

A new longitudinal study found that sacrificing sleep time for studying can lead to increased academic problems the following day. The study, conducted at UCLA, analyzed data from 535 students in grades 9-12 and found that extra hours of studying reduced sleep time led to poorer performance on tests and homework.

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.

Clemson scholar receives top agriculture science award

Chittaranjan Kole, a Clemson University scientist, has received the Outstanding Crop Scientist Award from the International Crop Science Society for his lifetime and original contributions to crop science. He is recognized for developing crop varieties for functional foods and dietary supplements to combat chronic ailments.

NIH awards $7.8 million for innovative HIV vaccine approaches

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has awarded 14 grants totaling $7.8 million to focus on basic research for designing a safe and effective HIV vaccine. Recent discoveries about HIV biology are guiding the development of new vaccine strategies.

MRI findings shed light on multiple sclerosis

A new MRI study reveals that vein abnormalities do not contribute to multiple sclerosis (MS) severity and are not specific to the disease. Despite previous speculation, the researchers found no correlation between cerebral blood flow and MS symptoms.

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.

Time flies when you're having goal-motivated fun

Research suggests that time perception is influenced by approach motivation, with goal-oriented activities making it feel like time is passing quickly. This effect is specific to states high in approach motivation, such as desire or excitement, which narrow memory and attention processes.

Fueling nuclear power with seawater

Researchers at PNNL and ORNL have developed a new method to extract uranium from seawater, with initial tests showing the adsorbent material can soak up more than two times the uranium than Japan's material. The study could potentially provide a cost-competitive source of nuclear fuel, enough to power the world's reactors for 6,500 years.

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.

Advances in decades-old dream of mining seawater for uranium

Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in extracting uranium from seawater, which holds at least 4 billion tons of the precious material. The economic analysis suggests that uranium from the oceans could help solidify nuclear energy potential as a sustainable electricity source for the 21st century.

Self-charging power cell converts and stores energy in a single unit

Researchers developed a self-charging power cell that converts mechanical energy into chemical energy, eliminating the need for separate generators and batteries. The device can harness mechanical energy from walking or other sources, generating enough current to power small electronic devices.

Natural regeneration building urban forests, altering species composition

A study found that natural regeneration accounts for two-thirds of urban trees, but newly established young trees are less likely to be planted, with rates ranging from 1 in 12 to 1 in 20. The proportion of naturally regenerated trees is higher in grassland or desert regions and decreases in forested areas.

ORNL technology moves scientists closer to extracting uranium from seawater

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a material called HiCap that can extract valuable and precious dissolved metals from water. The material effectively removes toxic metals from water and has been shown to outperform current best adsorbents in terms of capacity, speed and selectivity.

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.

Time with parents is important for teens' well-being

A new study found that spending time with parents increases in early and middle adolescence, despite a decline in overall parent-teen interaction. Teens who spend more time alone with their dads experience better social skills with peers, while those with mothers report higher self-worth.

In your future: More healthful foods to nourish the non-human you

Researchers are developing new prebiotic ingredients to support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Studies show that consuming more prebiotics can improve gut balance and lead to various health benefits, particularly for individuals with gastrointestinal diseases, Type-2 diabetes, and low-grade inflammation.

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.

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.

Statin therapy associated with lower risk of pancreatitis

A meta-analysis of 16 statin trials and 7 fibrate trials found that statin therapy was associated with a 21% lower risk of pancreatitis. In contrast, fibrates showed no significant risk reduction. Lifestyle modifications remain important for improving lipid profiles in patients with hypertriglyceridemia.