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Science News Archive December 2012


Page 4 of 24

The paths of photons are random -- but coordinated

Researchers have shown that even in disordered structures, photons can sense and coordinate their travel through a medium. This is due to the wave properties of photons, which allow them to interact with each other. By analyzing these interactions, valuable insight into complex microscopic structures can be gained.

Poison for cancer cells

Researchers developed a new testing reaction to identify active agents in mixtures of hundreds of substances. They found two compounds, cepafungin I and glidobactin A, which inhibit the proteasome, causing cancer cells to suffocate on their own waste.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Clays on Mars: More plentiful than expected

A new study reveals that clay minerals cover a larger portion of Mars than previously thought, including areas around Eagle crater and Endeavour Crater. Researchers believe clays could have formed early on when the planet's waters were more alkaline.

Genomic 'hotspots' offer clues to causes of autism, other disorders

A recent study published in Cell reveals that genetic mutations in 'hotspots' are more frequent in genes linked to autism and other disorders, providing new insights into their causes. Researchers found that these regions exhibit higher mutation rates, potentially leading to disruptions in gene function.

Meteorite triggered scientific gold rush

Researchers at UC Davis study a rare meteorite, the fastest and rarest known to hit Earth, providing insights into the formation of planets. The team uses advanced techniques to analyze the meteorite's composition and internal structures.

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.

Cellphone data helps pinpoint source of traffic tie-ups

A new study using anonymous cellphone data reveals that canceling the trips of select drivers from carefully selected neighborhoods can reduce congestion significantly, with a potential 18% reduction in travel time for all other drivers.

NASA sees Cyclone Evan blown apart by wind shear

Cyclone Evan has been blown apart by strong wind shear, a rare and devastating occurrence for the region. The storm's remnants were captured by NOAA's GOES-15 satellite on December 20, revealing the extreme impact of wind shear on its structure.

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.

Cellphone, GPS data suggest new strategy for alleviating traffic tie-ups

Researchers analyzed cellphone and GPS data to identify areas contributing most to traffic bottlenecks. Canceling trips from these neighborhoods can reduce travel time for other drivers by up to 18%. This strategy shows promise for alleviating traffic tie-ups in urban areas, particularly in cities with complex commute patterns.

Barbara Gilchrest named 2012 Charter Fellow by National Academy of Inventors

Barbara Gilchrest, a renowned dermatologist at Boston University School of Medicine, has been elected as a 2012 Charter Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors. She is being honored for her prolific spirit of innovation in creating outstanding inventions that have improved quality of life and economic development.

Italian wolves prefer pork to venison

Researchers found that Italian wolves primarily consume wild boar, accounting for two-thirds of their diet, with roe deer making up around a third. The study suggests that wolves prefer wild boar even when roe deer densities are high, indicating a strong preference for this prey.

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.

Mutation hotspots in autism genes

A study found that autism genes are more prone to mutation hotspots, contributing to disease risk. The researchers used whole-genome sequencing on monozygotic twins with autism and their parents, identifying clusters of nucleotide substitutions in specific parts of the genome.

Wallace's century-old map of natural world updated

The University of Copenhagen's researchers have produced a next-generation map depicting the organization of life on Earth, combining evolutionary and geographical information for over 20,000 species. The new map shows 11 large biogeographic realms and has major conservation significance in light of the ongoing biodiversity crisis.

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.

Engineers seek ways to convert methane into useful chemicals

Researchers at Northwestern University and UVA develop novel process to produce ethylene from methane using sulfur as a 'soft' oxidant. The conversion process uses sulfide catalysts to limit over-reaction of methane, producing hydrocarbon fragments that react to form ethylene.

Spanish consumers prefer national fish

A study of 900 Spanish consumers found that country of origin is the most important factor when buying fish, with Spain being the preferred choice. The majority of respondents prefer wild fish and fresh products, highlighting a trend towards domestic consumption.

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.

GEOLOGY returns to Naica Cave, Mexico, and extends its reach to Mercury

GEOLOGY articles reveal high-resolution images of Mercury's surface, further study of giant gypsum crystals in Naica Cave, and the provenance of North Atlantic ice-rafted debris. The publication also covers various geophysical studies, including the impact of the Galápagos hotspot on the East Pacific Rise.

Cellular patterns of development

A new paper in Cell Reports found that paused RNA polymerase plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression during embryonic development. The study revealed that the paused state is regulated over time rather than by tissue type, and that proteins called Polycomb group help keep it in check.

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.

Dragonflies have human-like 'selective attention'

Researchers at the University of Adelaide discovered that dragonflies can lock onto one visual target while ignoring others, a phenomenon similar to selective attention in humans. This finding has significant implications for neuroscience and engineering applications.

Doing the math for how songbirds learn to sing

Scientists have created a statistical explanation for why some things are harder for the brain to learn than others by studying songbirds. They found that adult birds correct small errors in their songs more rapidly and robustly than large errors, which may help develop human behavioral therapies for vocal rehabilitation.

Neuroscience: The extraordinary ease of ordinal series

A recent fMRI study published by David Eagleman in Frontiers found that ordinal sequences, such as numbers, have a strong spatial quality and stimulate less brain activity than non-ordinal sequences. This suggests that the brain can predict and process familiar sequences more efficiently, leading to reduced neural activity.

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.

Young offenders who work, don't attend school may be more antisocial

A new study found that placing juvenile offenders in jobs without ensuring they attend school may make them more antisocial. Researchers studied 1,350 serious juvenile offenders and found that those who worked long hours and didn't attend school had the greatest risk of antisocial behavior.

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.

Eighth Landsat satellite arrives at launch site

The Landsat 8 satellite, part of a 40-year record of change measurement from space, will continue to observe the planet in critical sectors like energy and water management. The satellite carries advanced instruments for land observation, including thermal imaging and coastal monitoring.

Rebuilding blood vessels through gene therapy

A 10-year follow-up study shows promising outcomes for patients who received gene therapy to rebuild their blood vessels. The five- and 10-year survival rates were comparable to those of patients treated with traditional medical therapy, with some cases showing improved outcomes.

Supportive role models, coping lead to better health in poor teens

A new study published in Child Development found that low-income teenagers with supportive role models and adaptive coping strategies have lower levels of an inflammatory marker for cardiovascular risk. Researchers from Northwestern University and the University of British Columbia discovered that these adolescents showed improved phys...

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.

Evolution of flying bat clue to cancer and viruses

Researchers sequenced bat genomes to find similarities with human genes, potentially leading to disease prevention strategies. The study found novel genes in bats that help deal with toxins produced by flight, which may also influence ageing and cancer.

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.

2 problems in chemical catalysis solved

Researchers at the University of Jyvaskyla have solved two acute problems in chemical catalysis using a novel intramolecularly assisted catalyst for beta amino acid synthesis. They also identified a new mechanism for the amine-catalysed Michael addition reaction between aldehydes and nitroalkenes.

Chromosome 'anchors' organize DNA during cell division

Researchers used advanced microscopy to track telomere movement in real-time throughout the cell cycle, finding they move to the outer edge of the nucleus after duplication. This reorganization may help maintain correct gene expression profiles and influence aging and cancer development.

Cancer diagnosis later in life poses significant risk to offspring

A nationwide prospective cohort study found that offspring of cancer patients diagnosed at older ages are still at higher risk of developing the same cancer. The study suggests a significant genetic component to familial risks, with increased risks observed for various cancers including non-Hodgkin lymphoma, breast, and prostate cancer.

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.

Unlocking new talents in nature

Researchers have created new biocatalysts using the power of protein engineering and evolution, allowing nature's premier oxidation catalyst to drive synthetically useful reactions. This breakthrough enables the production of pharmaceutical drugs and natural products in a more efficient and environmentally friendly manner.

MIT researchers discover a new kind of magnetism

Researchers at MIT have discovered a new type of magnetism called quantum spin liquid, which exhibits constant magnetic orientation fluctuations resembling those of molecules in a true liquid. The discovery has significant implications for data storage and communications technologies.

Peel-and-Stick solar panels from Stanford engineering

Researchers have successfully developed the world's first peel-and-stick thin-film solar cells, vastly expanding the potential applications of solar technology. The breakthrough allows for flexible and decal-like solar panels that can be attached to various surfaces without losing efficiency.

Newborn baby screening for fragile X syndrome

A large-scale study on newborn screening for fragile X syndrome reveals the high prevalence of the premutation allele among carriers. The research identifies one in 209 females and one in 430 males with the premutation, highlighting the need for better understanding of its impact on families and systems.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

A urine test for a rare and elusive disease

A new urine test using protein biomarkers may enable early diagnosis and treatment of Kawasaki disease, a rare but increasingly prevalent condition that can cause inflammation of blood vessels and lead to heart attacks. The test has shown promising results in distinguishing children with Kawasaki disease from those with other conditions.

Research pinpoints key gene for regenerating cells after heart attack

UT Southwestern researchers identified microRNA miR-15 as a regulator of the heart's ability to regenerate, with potential therapeutic applications. By understanding this molecular mechanism, scientists may be able to control the heart's regenerative process and develop new treatments for cardiovascular 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.