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Science News Archive December 2012 - Page 12


Page 12 of 24

Bubble study could improve industrial splash control

Researchers at DOE/Argonne National Laboratory studied ultrafast bubble formation, finding surface wetness affects the bubble's fate. The study could improve spray coating, metal casting, and ink-jet printing, as well as fuel efficiency and engine life.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 13, 2012
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.

Head-mounted cameras could help robots understand social interactions

A method for detecting where people's gazes converge has been developed by Carnegie Mellon researchers, allowing robots to better understand social interactions. The system uses crowdsourcing to provide subjective information about social groups that would otherwise be difficult or impossible for a robot to ascertain.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateDec 13, 2012

Disaster map predicts bleak future for mammals

A study published by the Zoological Society of London predicts that mammals will face a bleak future due to climate change, with 1/3 species at risk from cyclones and droughts. The research identifies primates as particularly vulnerable, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events.

SourceZoological Society of London·JournalConservation Letters·DateDec 13, 2012

Agricultural, health education goes global via cellphone animations

Scientific Animations Without Borders (SAWBO) delivers narrated, animated videos to a global audience, addressing pressing issues like food waste, insect damage, and infectious diseases. The initiative has received feedback from its audience, allowing it to improve its message and expand its content.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateDec 13, 2012

Traumatic brain injury study finds standard of care not a significant improvement

Researchers found no significant improvement in traumatic brain injury treatment with intracranial pressure monitoring, suggesting a need for more focused and less unnecessary treatment. The study's findings bring new energy to the management of traumatic brain injury, an 'orphan disease' that affects millions worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 12, 2012

10 researchers receive EMBO Installation Grants

EMBO has awarded 10 life science researchers with Installation Grants to relocate and establish research groups in the Czech Republic, Estonia, Poland, Portugal, and Turkey. The grants aim to support talented young scientists and help reverse talent loss from these countries.

SourceEMBO·DateDec 12, 2012
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.

No strong evidence to back use of cannabis extract in Multiple Sclerosis

A recent review of cannabis extract, Sativex, found limited trial data and a lack of comparison to other treatments, casting doubt on its effectiveness for managing multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms. The review also highlighted the high cost of Sativex compared to other MS medications.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalDrug and Therapeutics Bulletin·DateDec 12, 2012

Cloud forest trees drink water through their leaves

Tropical montane cloud forest trees have been found to absorb water directly through their leaves from clouds, providing a crucial survival mechanism in foggy areas. However, the disappearance of these clouds due to climate change may render this adaptation useless for the ecosystem's survival.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalEcology Letters·DateDec 12, 2012
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Scientists train honey bees to stick out their tongues

Researchers train honey bees to associate textured surfaces with sugar water, allowing them to analyze how antennal movement corresponds to tactile pattern recognition. The study provides insight into the complex behavior of honey bees and their use of active motion for sensory information.

SourceThe Journal of Visualized Experiments·JournalJournal of Visualized Experiments·DateDec 12, 2012

Social synchronicity

Researchers found that body-movement synchronization increases after short cooperative training, indicating a measurable indicator of social interaction. This study may provide a powerful tool for identifying neural underpinnings of social interactions and impaired interactions like autism.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 12, 2012

'Smart stethoscope' advance in monitoring treatment of kidney stones

The 'Smart stethoscope' assesses the effectiveness of shock wave lithotripsy treatment for kidney stones by analyzing echoes after each shock wave hits the stone. This device has been shown to achieve high accuracy (94.7%) in clinical trials, reducing the need for repeat therapy and x-ray monitoring.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·DateDec 12, 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.

Astronomers catch jet from binge-eating black hole

Astronomers have detected radio-emitting jets from a stellar-mass black hole outside our galaxy, providing insight into extreme accretion rates. The discovery sheds light on the nature of ultraluminous X-ray sources and their connection to black hole binaries.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature·DateDec 12, 2012

Emerging virus in raccoons may provide cancer clues

Researchers identified a previously unidentified virus in raccoons that may be contributing to the development of brain tumors. The study found that this virus, dubbed raccoon polyomavirus, is present in all affected animals and may play a role in tumor formation.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateDec 12, 2012

Pre-transplant umbilical cord blood expansion speeds establishment of new blood supply in patients

Researchers have developed a method to expand umbilical cord blood cells on mesenchymal precursor cells, speeding up the establishment of a new blood supply in patients. This approach has shown faster engraftment of white blood cells and platelets, resulting in improved patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 12, 2012

X-ray laser takes aim at cosmic mystery

A team of scientists has identified a new solution to an astrophysical phenomenon using laser experiments, shedding light on the discrepancy between observations and theoretical predictions. The research paves the way for future X-ray astrophysics research using free-electron lasers.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateDec 12, 2012
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.

Tumble over the 'patent cliff' fosters innovation in developing new medicines

Major pharmaceutical companies are losing patents on best-selling drugs, leading to a focus on pairing low costs with high quality and exploring new research partnerships. This shift is raising hopes for new drugs and profits in the industry as it seeks innovative solutions to revitalize sales.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateDec 12, 2012

ASU researchers propose new way to look at the dawn of life

Researchers at Arizona State University propose a novel approach to the origins of life, focusing on the 'software' - information content. The study suggests that life is characterized by its unique use of information, providing a roadmap for identifying criteria for emergence. This approach moves away from chemical-based approaches, w...

SourceArizona State University·JournalInterface·DateDec 12, 2012

Fragile X protein linked to nearly 100 genes involved in autism

A collaborative research effort has pinpointed the genetic footprint that links fragile X syndrome and autism. The findings identify at least 93 genes controlled by the fragile X mental retardation protein, which are also linked to other neurologic syndromes.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalNature·DateDec 12, 2012

Delaying childbirth may reduce risk of an aggressive form of breast cancer

A study published in Breast Cancer Research and Treatment found that delaying childbirth for at least 15 years after the first menstrual period can reduce the risk of triple-negative breast cancer by up to 60%. Breastfeeding is also associated with a protective effect against this aggressive form of breast cancer.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalBreast Cancer Research and Treatment·DateDec 12, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Singapore scientists identify new biomarker for cancer in bone marrow

Researchers discovered that FAIM can affect cancer cell proliferation and silencing its expression destroys myeloma cells. Higher levels of FAIM correlate with poorer survival outcomes, making it a useful biomarker for multiple myeloma patients.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalLeukemia·DateDec 12, 2012

Caltech-led astronomers discover galaxies near cosmic dawn

A team of Caltech astronomers used NASA's Hubble Space Telescope to discover seven primitive and distant galaxies, existing 13 billion years ago. The galaxies formed during the 'cosmic dawn' period, with their numbers steadily increasing over time, supporting the idea that first galaxies didn't form in a sudden burst.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateDec 12, 2012

Older and younger chronic leukemia patients may need different therapy

A new study suggests that age affects treatment outcomes for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients. Researchers found that optimal therapy differs between younger and older patients, with CD20 antibody therapies showing promise as front-line treatment for all CLL patients regardless of age.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateDec 12, 2012

Tsunami caused long-term ecosystem change in the Caribbean

A detailed analysis of Bonaire sediments suggests a 3,300-year-old tsunami changed the coastal ecosystem and sedimentation patterns. The study reveals overwash deposits consistent with a tsunami event, highlighting the long-term ecological significance of this single catastrophic event.

SourceSpringer·DateDec 12, 2012

Grant furthers Mercyhurst research for human pathogens in Great Lakes

A $21,000 grant will enable Mercyhurst researcher Steven Mauro to study the role of temperature and phosphorus on bacterial survival on algae in the Great Lakes. The research aims to better understand how global warming and phosphorus loading contribute to bacterial pathogens in recreational waters.

SourceMercyhurst College·DateDec 12, 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.

60th anniversary of NSF Grad Research Fellowship Program; UM fellow Staaterman's video recognized

The University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science graduate student won a video contest recognizing her pioneering work on bio-acoustics and larval fish navigation. The award highlights the importance of science communication, with Erica co-directing a marine science film festival.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·DateDec 12, 2012

Notre Dame research may have important implications for combating diabetes

University of Notre Dame biochemist Anthony S. Serianni's research provides new perspectives on sugar breakdown in the human body, particularly for diabetic patients. The study discovered an unexpected reaction pathway involving a novel rearrangement of the carbon backbone, undermining prevailing assumptions about sugar degradation.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 12, 2012

A promising clinical trial to reduce the severity of autistic disorders

A clinical trial has shown that a diuretic can reduce the severity of autistic disorders in three-quarters of children. The treatment, which involves administering bumetanide to children with autism or Asperger's syndrome, has been found to improve symptoms such as social interaction and communication.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateDec 12, 2012

Dead guts spill history of extinct microbes

Research published in PLOS ONE reveals that extinct human microbes from archeological sites closely resemble those found in present-day rural African communities. The study suggests that the modern cosmopolitan lifestyle resulted in a dramatic change to the human gut microbiome.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 12, 2012
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.

Too big or just right? Optimal circle of friends depends on socioeconomic conditions

Research finds that people with a small social network and deep ties are more well-off when economic conditions are unstable, while those with a broad social network and weak ties do better in economically favorable contexts. Participants who had a narrow, deep friendship strategy reported greater well-being than those who had a broad,...

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 12, 2012

Violence in Mali threatening survival of endangered elephants

A two-year study tracked elephant migration patterns to identify essential habitats for conservation. The study finds that male and female elephants share only a quarter of their ranges due to varying tolerances towards people.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalBiological Conservation·DateDec 12, 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.

Nature nurtures creativity

A study found that spending four days in nature, disconnected from electronic devices, improves creative problem-solving skills by 50%. The researchers used the Remote Associates Test to measure creativity and found significant benefits among participants.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 12, 2012
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.

Astronomers discover 'missing link' of black holes

A team of astronomers discovered a 'missing link' of black holes in the Andromeda galaxy, shedding light on bright X-ray sources and ultraluminous X-ray sources (ULXs). The findings confirm that these ULXs are normal, everyday black holes with masses around ten times that of the Sun.

SourceInternational Centre for Radio Astronomy Research·JournalNature·DateDec 12, 2012

Previously unknown mechanism identified in oncogene-induced senescence

A team of investigators has identified a previously unknown mechanism regulating oncogene-induced senescence (OIS), a natural response to tumor development. Down-regulation of deoxyribonucleoside pools causes DNA damage, leading to cell cycle arrest and senescence. Restoration of depleted dNTP pools can suppress DNA damage and OIS.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateDec 12, 2012

Advance in chromosomal evolution in sea cradles

Researchers analyzed chromosome changes in sea cradles, revealing a karyotype of 2n=24 chromosomes with biarmed elements. The study proposes that fusion among uniarmed elements drove this change in the Acanthochitonina suborder.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalComparative Cytogenetics·DateDec 12, 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.

Researchers induce, relieve depression symptoms in mice with light

Scientists have discovered that a specific region of the brain, the ventral tegmental area, plays a key role in both inducing and relieving depression-like symptoms. By controlling this region with light stimulation, researchers were able to reverse depressed states in mice, providing new hope for future treatments.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNature·DateDec 12, 2012

Discovery in Ghent could improve screening for sudden cardiac death

Researchers in Ghent have identified a new mutation in the CTNNA3 gene associated with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), a hereditary heart condition that can lead to sudden cardiac death. The discovery could improve ARVC screening by including the CTNNA3 gene in genetic tests.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateDec 12, 2012

Protein strongest just before death

Michigan State University researchers have identified a unique protein that regulates cell growth and controls excessive cell proliferation. The study focuses on Retinoblastoma tumor suppressor proteins, which use controlled destruction to perform their jobs, highlighting new potential ways to treat cancer.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateDec 12, 2012
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.

X-ray laser takes aim at cosmic mystery

Scientists have used an X-ray laser to measure atomic processes in extreme plasmas, revealing a surprising finding: collisions with electrons are not a factor in reducing X-ray signals. This discovery challenges existing models and paves the way for future research using free-electron lasers.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature·DateDec 12, 2012

Tool could help uncover bias against female faculty in STEM fields

A new Northwestern University study reveals that female faculty in STEM fields face a significant productivity gap, with lower publication rates and fewer resources. The researchers found that disciplines requiring more resources have a wider gap, suggesting historical unequal investment in female faculty may be the root cause.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 12, 2012
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.

NASA'S Hubble provides first census of galaxies near cosmic dawn

Astronomers have discovered a previously unseen population of seven primitive galaxies that formed more than 13 billion years ago. The galaxies were observed using Hubble's Wide Field Camera 3 in near-infrared light, allowing researchers to study the early universe.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateDec 12, 2012

Home visiting program for first-time moms may be struggling to reduce serious injuries to children

Research from PolicyLab at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia shows that a home visiting program may not be effective in reducing early childhood injuries. Children served by the Nurse-Family Partnership had no fewer injuries than comparable families not enrolled in the program, with some even experiencing higher injury rates.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalMaternal and Child Health Journal·DateDec 12, 2012

Relocating elephants fails to decrease human–wildlife conflict

A new study published in PLOS ONE found that relocating elephants to national parks does not decrease human-wildlife conflict. In fact, the translocated elephants were involved in more conflicts and killed five people over a year, highlighting the need for alternative conservation strategies.

SourceSmithsonian·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 12, 2012