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Science News Archive August 2012


Page 2 of 29

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 cybersecurity tool suite demonstrated this week

The Idaho National Laboratory has demonstrated a suite of cybersecurity tools that provides situational awareness of networks and control systems. The Sophia software tool passively observes network communications, providing real-time and historical records of those communications.

Scientists call policy-makers to be scale-aware

Researchers emphasize the need for policy-makers to consider various scales in conservation decisions, including space and time, to effectively protect biodiversity. The SCALES project highlights the importance of adopting scale-sensitive approaches to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical applications.

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.

Antibody prevents hepatitis C in animal model

Researchers developed a monoclonal antibody that protects chimpanzees from HCV infection in a dose-dependent manner. The study provides preclinical proof-of-concept for the use of neutralizing antibodies to prevent HCV transmission, which could lead to improved treatment options for patients with end-stage liver disease.

Many US schools are unprepared for another pandemic

A study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that less than half of US schools address pandemic preparedness and only 40% have updated their plan since 2009. Many schools lack personal protective equipment, staff training, and medication stockpiles, highlighting the need for improved emergency planning.

WSU researchers discover mechanism leading from trichomoniasis to prostate cancer

Researchers at Washington State University have identified a biological mechanism connecting trichomoniasis, a curable sexually transmitted disease, to an increased risk of developing prostate cancer in men. The study reveals that the parasite activates a series of proteins, with one protein acting as a key regulator in this process.

Major astronomy meeting draws to a close

The IAU XXVIIIth General Assembly in Beijing, China, has ended after two busy weeks with significant progress on astronomical heritage and new results. New guidelines for filter passbands, a redefined astronomical unit, and an international NEO early warning system were among the key resolutions approved.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

New research uncovers diverse metabolic roles for PML tumor suppressor gene

Studies reveal paradoxical roles of PML in regulating fat-burning metabolism and its impact on breast cancer cells, hematopoetic stem cell maintenance, and obesity. Enhanced cellular metabolism provides energy to breast cancer cells, while inhibition of fatty acid oxidation poses a risk to replenishment of HSCs.

Soil Science Society of America presents 2012 class of fellows

The Soil Science Society of America has announced its 2012 class of fellows, comprising 26 soil scientists from around the world. These distinguished professionals have made significant contributions to the field of soil science through their research, teaching, and extension work.

Human and soil bacteria swap antibiotic-resistance genes

Researchers found at least seven shared antibiotic-resistance genes between soil bacteria and disease-causing pathogens, suggesting recent gene transfers. The discovery highlights the potential for environmental bacteria to contribute to human health risks.

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.

Gender bias in leading scientific journals

Researchers at Lund University found that a lower percentage of women than men are invited to write articles in top science journals. This results in women being less visible and having reduced career advancement opportunities. The authors call for increased inclusion of women in invitation-only sections.

Crop Science Society of America presents 2012 class of fellows

The Crop Science Society of America has selected 7 members for the 2012 class of Fellows, recognizing their professional achievements and meritorious service in crop science. The new fellows include experts from universities, government institutions, and private companies.

Ecological monitoring on bird populations in Europe re-evaluated

A comprehensive review of European bird monitoring programs revealed opportunities for improvement in sampling design, data analysis, and public involvement. Recommendations include collecting quantitative data, optimizing resource allocation between sites, and increasing collaboration among programs to integrate and reuse sampled data.

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.

Water pipe smoking has the same respiratory effects as smoking cigarettes

A recent study published in Respirology reveals that water pipe smoking can have severe respiratory effects, comparable to those of cigarette smoking. The research, led by Mohammad Hossein Boskabady, found profound impacts on lung function among water pipe smokers and deep inhalation cigarette smokers.

Yellowstone into the future

Researchers predict increased likelihood of large-volume lava flows and phreatomagmatic eruptions at Yellowstone National Park along three NNW-trending fault lines. Geochemistry suggests rapid magma ascent without storage, supporting a higher probability of future volcanism along these regions.

IFA 2012: Mobile perspective in regional public transportation

The Fraunhofer Institute for Open Communication Systems developed a mobile app that integrates real-time traffic data into regional public transportation. The system provides personalized routing suggestions based on user preferences and displays bus schedules, routes, and nearby points of interest.

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.

Does wisdom really come with age? It depends on the culture

A cross-cultural study found that Japanese participants showed higher wisdom scores than Americans in resolving group conflicts, while older age was associated with increased wisdom for Americans but not Japanese. This research highlights the importance of culture on human development and lifespan development.

'Nanoresonators' might improve cell phone performance

Nanoresonators, created by Purdue researchers, have the potential to improve cell phone performance by reducing congestion over the airwaves. The devices can filter out noise and allow signals to pass through more precisely, resulting in better call quality and faster downloads.

Walls of lunar crater may hold patchy ice, LRO radar finds

The LRO radar has detected small patches of ice in the walls of Shackleton crater, with estimates suggesting they could make up at most 5-10% of the material by weight. This finding supports the possibility that permanently shadowed lunar craters are sites for water accumulation.

American Society of Agronomy presents 2012 class of fellows

The American Society of Agronomy has selected 0.3 percent of its members as Fellows for their outstanding contributions to the field of agronomy. The 2012 class of ASA Fellows includes researchers, scientists, and educators from universities and government institutions across the US.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Viruses could be the key to healthy corals

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a treatment for coral infected with White Plague disease, a deadly bacterium that causes 9% of Favia favus corals to die. The treatment uses viruses that infect bacteria, providing a breakthrough in developing regionalized treatments.

Ancient genome reveals its secrets

A study led by Svante Pääbo describes the Denisovan genome, revealing genetic variation was extremely low, suggesting a small population that grew quickly. The research documents genetic changes between modern humans and their archaic relatives, including genes associated with brain function and nervous system development.

Early activation of immune response could lead to better vaccines

Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine discovered a new 'first response' mechanism that the immune system uses to respond to infection, challenging current understanding of immunity. This fast-acting immune response is orchestrated by inflammatory monocytes and can provide immediate protection against microbes.

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.

Up in the air: Heating by black carbon aerosol re-evaluated

A recent field study in California cities found black carbon absorption enhancements of just 6 percent, suggesting that climate models may be overestimating warming by black carbon. The researchers' findings highlight the complexity of airborne particles and challenge existing projections about their impact on global and regional climate.

Lyme retreatment guidance may be flawed

A statistical review of four studies on Lyme disease retreatment suggests flaws in design, analysis, and interpretation that challenge the evidence against treatment. The review found inconclusive results and potential benefits from antibiotics, leading experts to question the guidelines' recommendation against retreatment.

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.

£30 million boost for biomedical engineering research

A £30 million initiative will fund groundbreaking projects addressing healthcare problems with current solutions inadequate, enabling adoption into clinical practice and basic research. The partnership aims to tackle rare diseases, mental health issues, and care for infants, leveraging UK and international expertise.

Millipede family added to Australian fauna

A group of Pyrgodesmidae millipedes previously unknown in Australia has been discovered on museum shelves. The study reveals dozens of native species across over 2000 km of eastern Australia's warm forests.

More heart problems with 2 chemo drugs for breast cancer

A new Cancer Research Network study estimates real-world use of anthracycline and trastuzumab in breast cancer patients, showing a higher risk of heart failure and cardiomyopathy compared to previous clinical trials. The study's findings highlight the importance of awareness about the risks associated with these chemotherapy drugs.

Moving toward regeneration

Researchers at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research discovered that planarian stem cells, known as neoblasts, can mobilize and rebuild tissues lost to amputation. The team found that these stem cells remain pluripotent even in fully mature animals and migrate to the site of injury when needed.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Affluent people less likely to reach out to others in times of trouble?

A new study from UC Berkeley suggests that affluent people are more focused on material possessions during times of trouble, while lower-income individuals tend to reach out to friends and loved ones. The research sheds light on how socio-economic class affects human behavior in response to uncertainty and chaos.

Science study shows 'promiscuous' enzymes still prevalent in metabolism

A new study by bioengineers at the University of California, San Diego, challenges the long-held paradigm that enzymes are highly efficient and specific in catalyzing chemical reactions. The researchers found that at least 37 percent of E. coli's enzymes catalyze multiple metabolic reactions in actively growing cells.

Delivering solar geoengineering materials may be feasible and affordable

A cost analysis of delivering solar geoengineering materials to the stratosphere shows that it is feasible and affordable, with costs estimated at $1-2 billion per year. The study concludes that using aircraft is the cheapest option, while guns and rockets are more expensive due to lack of reusability.

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.

Shedding new light on one of diabetes' most dangerous complications

A new noninvasive imaging technique, dynamic diffuse optical tomography imaging (DDOT), uses near-infrared light to map hemoglobin concentration in tissue, revealing effective blood flow to patients' hands and feet. DDOT has the potential to diagnose PAD earlier, allowing for medication and lifestyle changes to alleviate the disease.

New genetic risk factor for inflammation identified in African-American women

Researchers identified a genetic variant associated with elevated C-reactive protein levels in African American women, linked to higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers. The study found that genetic factors specific to African Americans may contribute to the observed differences in inflammation levels.

Bees that go 'Cuckoo' in others' nests

Recent research reveals five new species of cuckoo bees from the Cape Verde Islands, demonstrating the region's rich biodiversity and evolutionary diversity. The discovery highlights a phenomenon known as 'island gigantism,' where isolated populations exhibit increased body size.

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.

Rice, MD Anderson scientists probe mystery of operon evolution

Researchers at Rice University and MD Anderson Cancer Center offer a possible explanation for the existence of operons, jointly controlled clusters of genes found in bacterial chromosomes. The study suggests that operons help bacteria deal with noisy biochemical signals by suppressing noise in gene regulatory networks.

No-till farming helps capture snow and soil water

Agricultural Research Service scientist David Huggins found that standing crop residues on no-till farms increase snow cover uniformity, leading to more uniform soil water distribution and higher soil water recharge rates. This can result in increased winter wheat yield potential by up to 13 bushels per acre.

'Hulk' protein, Grb10, controls muscle growth

Researchers have discovered that Grb10 protein plays a crucial role in increasing muscle mass during development, which could lead to new strategies for treating muscle wasting conditions and metabolic disorders. The study found that blocking Grb10 function while mice were in the womb resulted in increased muscle strength and mass.

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.

Strong female portrayals eliminate negative effects of violent media

A recent study found that positive depictions of strong female characters can mitigate the negative impacts of violent media on viewers' attitudes towards women. The research, conducted by Christopher Ferguson, surveyed 150 university students and showed that men and women exhibited less anxiety when viewing shows with positive female ...

The evolution of the mustards' spice

Researchers at Duke University have identified the genetic variation behind wild mustard plants' varying levels of spicy chemical production. This difference affects their ability to survive in environments with changing conditions. The study sheds light on how complex traits are shaped over thousands of years.

Study gives new insight on inflammation

Researchers at Monash University have discovered a mechanism that shuts down the body's inflammatory response after injury. This finding has significant implications for treating inflammation and may lead to new treatments for conditions such as myeloperoxidase deficiency.

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.