Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive December 2012


Page 20 of 24

Advice for bag-in-box wine drinkers: Keep it cool

A new study found that bag-in-box wines are more prone to developing unpleasant flavors and aromas when stored at warm temperatures. Storing these wines at cooler temperatures can help preserve their taste and aroma.

Study shows antibody therapy clears Alzheimer's plaques in mice

Researchers developed a plaque-specific antibody that clears existing β-amyloid deposits in Alzheimer's disease mice, promoting potential treatment development. The study suggests that targeting insoluble amyloid beta is critical for plaque removal without microhemorrhage side effects.

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.

Studying marrow, URMC researchers accelerate blood stem cells

University of Rochester Medical Center scientists have discovered a new approach to speed up blood stem cell recovery after a vulnerable period following a stem-cell transplant. Prostaglandin E2 boosts blood production and protects the surrounding microenvironment, offering new hope for patients with leukemia or other blood disorders.

Atherosclerosis found in HIV children

Research finds that HIV-infected children have a 2.5-fold increased risk of early atherosclerosis damage, leading to cardiovascular disease. Experts recommend aggressive treatment of high cholesterol and promotion of healthy lifestyles to prevent complications.

Synthetic fuel could eliminate US need for crude oil

A team of Princeton researchers found that using synthetic fuel made from coal, natural gas, and non-food crops could cut US vehicle greenhouse emissions by up to 50% in the next several decades. The process is competitive with crude oil production and has potential environmental advantages.

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.

A leap forward for red blood cell formation

Researchers have identified 75 genetic regions that influence red blood cell formation, shedding light on the biological pathways and mechanisms involved in controlling the size and number of red blood cells. This discovery may lead to new insights into the genetics of anaemia and potential treatments.

NASA investigates use of 'trailblazing' material for new sensors

Researchers at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center are developing graphene-based sensors to detect atomic oxygen and other trace elements in the upper atmosphere, as well as structural strains in spacecraft. The sensors could greatly simplify the measurement of atomic oxygen and provide insights into the impact on spacecraft lifetime.

Clinical trial tests rice bran to prevent cancer

A University of Colorado Cancer Center review suggests rice bran offers anti-cancer properties due to its synergistic bioactive compounds. The clinical trial tests rice bran's effectiveness in preventing colon cancer recurrence, with researchers exploring the optimal composition and daily intake for chemoprevention.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Reading history through genetics

Researchers developed a new method to analyze genetic data to learn about population history, using the Ashkenazi Jews and Masai people as test subjects. This approach allows for detailed events in recent history to be recovered within the last few centuries.

Where 'where it's at' is at in the brain

A new study in rats identifies a region called the postrhinal cortex that links objects to places in the brain, integrating spatial and nonspatial information upstream of the hippocampus. This finding has implications for treating traumatic brain injuries and neuropsychiatric diseases such as schizophrenia and depression.

Site-specific, long-term research expanding understanding of climate change

A recent study published in Bioscience highlights the importance of long-term, site-specific research to understand climate change's impact on ecosystem structure and function. Climate-driven changes affect multiple components of forest ecosystems, including hydrologic variables, phenology, and plant community composition.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Can the memory of a good meal fill your belly?

Volunteers who saw larger portions before eating reported less hunger 2-3 hours later, while those seeing smaller portions did not. This suggests that cognitive processes influence feelings of satiety after meals.

Bye bye Mediterranean diet, the poorest can't afford it anymore

A recent study published in BMJ Open found that low-income individuals have poorer adherence to the Mediterranean diet, leading to higher rates of obesity. The researchers analyzed data from 13,000 participants and discovered a significant association between income levels and dietary habits.

MECP2 duplication affects immune system as well as brain development

Researchers identified MECP2 duplication syndrome as a cause of recurrent infections and neurological problems in infant boys. The study found that excess MeCP2 protein suppressed gamma interferon production, leading to partial immunodeficiency. This deficiency made it difficult for the immune system to fight off certain infections, su...

NASA satellites analyze Typhoon Bopha inside and out

Typhoon Bopha intensified with a 'hot tower' thunderstorm reaching 12 kilometers high, indicating storm intensification within 6 hours. The storm also produced areas of bitterly cold cloud-top temperatures of -63C/-81F, where the strongest thunderstorms and heaviest rainfall were found.

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.

An inadequate diet during pregnancy predisposes the baby to diabetes

A study found that pregnant women who follow a Western diet, high in saturated fats but low in carbohydrates, increase the risk of their child being born with a diabetogenic profile. The researchers emphasize the importance of a balanced Mediterranean diet during pregnancy to avoid this risk.

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.

Scientists discover mechanism that could reduce obesity

Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center have identified a potential mechanism for reducing obesity by targeting the production of enzyme Tyk2. The study found that Tyk2 helps regulate brown adipose tissue (BAT), which is responsible for energy expenditure and maintenance of body temperature. By manipulating Tyk2 levels, scientists were...

A new genetic fingerprint lives in your belly

Researchers analyzed microbial DNA in 252 stool samples to catalog genetic variation, finding over 10 million single-letter changes in collective DNA. The data could aid understanding of how human genes interact with microbes to maintain health or cause disease.

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.

When the first stars blinked on

A team of researchers at MIT analyzed light from a quasar, which is the most distant object known, to study the era of the first stars and galaxies. They found no evidence of heavy elements in the surrounding gaseous cloud, suggesting that the quasar dates back to an era nearing the universe's first stars.

Astronomers discover and 'weigh' infant solar system

The discovery of L1527 IRS marks the oldest known solar system in formation, with a rotating dust disk and a protostar expected to grow to match the Sun's mass. The system is thought to be around 300,000 years old, compared to the 4.6 billion-year age of our own Solar System.

Adult antiviral drug effective in suppressing hepatitis B in teens

The adult antiviral drug tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (tenofovir DF) has been found to be safe and effective in treating adolescents with hepatitis B virus (HBV), with a virologic response rate of 89% in pediatric participants. This study contributes to the growing body of evidence on the management of chronic HBV in children and teens.

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.

New technology decodes chemical messages sent by bed bugs

Researchers combined video imaging and gas analyzers to track bed bug chemical signals, revealing new insights into behavior and mating habits. The study found distinct increases in chemicals during defense against unwanted mating attempts and individual variations in emissions.

Hearing positive verbs can induce unconscious physical response

Research by Pia Aravena and colleagues found that hearing action-related verbs can induce unconscious physical responses, such as increased grip force. The study used sentence structures with positive or negative verbs to explore language-induced motor activity in the human brain.

Breath test could possibly diagnose colorectal cancer

Researchers have developed a simple breath analysis technique that can screen for colorectal cancer with an accuracy of over 75%. The method analyzes volatile organic compounds in exhaled breath, which are different in patients with cancer.

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.

Research identifies a way to block memories associated with PTSD or drug addiction

Researchers at Western University identified a common mechanism in the pre-limbic cortex to control recall of memories linked to aversive experiences in PTSD and rewarding memories in drug addiction. Stimulating a specific dopamine receptor subtype can prevent spontaneous recall of both types of memories without altering their integrity.

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.

The birth of new cardiac cells

A team of researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital used innovative technology to identify the origins of new cardiac cells. They found that these cells primarily arose from existing heart muscle cells, rather than stem cells, in a process that may be limited by age.

Exercise affects reproductive ability in horses

A recent study found that exercise in horses reduced embryo recovery rates and quality, potentially impacting early embryonic development. The research also suggests a possible link between intense exercise and detrimental effects on female reproductive blood flow, highlighting the need for further studies.

Galaxy-wide echoes from the past

Astronomers have identified a new class of galaxies, known as green beans, which are rare and display the largest and brightest glowing regions ever found. These giant glows are thought to be echoes from when the central black hole was more active in the past, providing valuable insights into galaxy evolution.

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.

X-ray laser helps slay parasite that causes sleeping sickness

A team of scientists using the world's most powerful X-ray laser has revealed the three-dimensional structure of a key enzyme that enables the single-celled parasite causing African trypanosomiasis, also known as sleeping sickness. This discovery paves the way for designing new drugs to inhibit the parasite without harming humans.

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.

The many maps of the brain

Researchers discover at least four different modules in the brain dedicated to self-location, each with its own internal GPS-like mapping system. The discovery challenges previous understanding of how the brain organizes abstract functions and opens up new possibilities for memory formation.

Africa's Homo sapiens were the first techies

Researchers have discovered that African Homo sapiens developed significant technologies, including abstract art, jewellery, and bone tools, around 75,000 years ago. This breakthrough supports the idea that Africa was the birthplace of modern human behaviour and cognition.

Could high insulin make you fat? Mouse study says yes

A new mouse study challenges the widely held view that obesity is caused by high insulin levels. Instead, it suggests that chronically low insulin levels can help prevent weight gain on a high-fat diet. The research provides direct evidence in mammals that circulating insulin drives obesity.

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.

Carnegie debuts revolutionary biosphere mapping capability at AGU

The Carnegie Airborne Observatory's AToMS system is uncovering a previously invisible ecological world by combining laser and spectral imaging instrumentation to derive simultaneous measurements of an ecosystem's chemistry, structure, biomass, and biodiversity. This technology has applications ranging from mitigating climate change to ...

UNM Cancer Center researchers study new target for breast cancer

Researchers at the UNM Cancer Center are studying GPER, a novel estrogen receptor, to develop potential therapies for breast cancer. By understanding how GPER influences tumor growth and metastasis, they aim to create more effective treatments that can reduce resistance to existing drugs.