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Science News for February 17, 2012


Improving logistics of biofuel raw materials

A new logistics model for biofuel raw materials is proposed by MSU researchers, utilizing regional biomass processing depots to process feedstocks before shipping to refineries. This approach aims to reduce transportation costs and distances, while providing economic benefits to farmers who own part of the depots.

SourceMichigan State University·DateFeb 17, 2012

Babies know what's fair

Infants exhibit longer looking times when one giraffe gets both toys or the slacker gets a reward in both experiments, indicating an expectation of fairness. The study suggests that children are born with innate expectations about fairness, shaped by culture and environment.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 17, 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.

Who goes there?

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have devised a new type of network that allows users to authenticate without relying on unique identities. The novel network structure eliminates identity theft, loss of anonymity and misplaced trust by using an addressing system with user-selected pseudonyms.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Security and Networks·DateFeb 17, 2012

As ice melts in Far North, opportunities abound to advance Canada's oceanic laws

As ice melts in the Far North, Canada faces growing challenges but also opportunities to lead international governance in ocean law. David VanderZwaag, a leading expert, emphasizes the country's strengths in ocean governance and suggests advancing laws on shipping regulation, ocean governance and marine biodiversity protection.

SourceSocial Science and Humanities Research Centre·DateFeb 17, 2012

Revealed in accurate detail, the underground world of plants

Researchers at the University of Nottingham have developed a revolutionary technique using X-ray Micro Computed Tomography (Micro-CT) to analyze plant roots with unprecedented accuracy. This breakthrough enables the identification of root architecture in three dimensions, paving the way for improved crop breeding and food security.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateFeb 17, 2012

Switching antiepileptic drugs could increase risk of seizures

A comprehensive review found that switching brand-name antiepileptic drugs for generic equivalents can lead to increased hospitalizations and longer stays. The studies suggest that the switching aspect, rather than the drug itself, may be causing the problem, but more research is needed to confirm.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·DateFeb 17, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Building blocks of early Earth survived collision that created moon

A University of Maryland team discovered that early-formed mantle portions survived Earth's formation, including a collision that created the Moon. Volcanic rocks from Russia show distinct tungsten isotope signatures, indicating that some parts of the early Earth may have remained intact until 2.8 billion years ago.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalScience·DateFeb 17, 2012

No kids in public school? You still benefit

A Michigan State University study found a strong relationship between community satisfaction and quality public schools. The researchers argue that those without school-aged children should be equally responsible for maintaining the schools as those with kids.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Urban Affairs·DateFeb 17, 2012

Brain-imaging differences evident at 6 months in infants who develop autism

Researchers discovered significant brain development differences in 6-month-old high-risk infants who later developed autism compared to those who did not. Infants with autism showed elevated white matter fiber tract development at 6 months, followed by slower changes over time.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateFeb 17, 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.

Researchers develop better control for DNA-based computations

A new method for controlling DNA-based logic gates has been developed, enabling spatial and temporal control. This breakthrough could lead to interfacing DNA-based computing with traditional silicon-based computing, potentially creating new interfaces between biological systems and electronic devices.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 17, 2012

'Talking dictionaries' document vanishing languages

Linguists are racing to document and revitalize struggling languages with the help of new digital tools. The National Geographic Society has created a comprehensive platform featuring eight talking dictionaries containing over 32,000 word entries in endangered languages, alongside audio recordings and photographs.

SourceNational Geographic Society·DateFeb 17, 2012
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.

AAAS-SFU research: Linking human evolution and climate change

A new study by Mark Collard at the AAAS conference links climate change to human evolution by analyzing the impact of environmental variation on food-gathering tools. The research suggests that harsh environments led to more complex tool use, which can be used as a proxy for tracking climate change's impact on human evolution.

SourceSimon Fraser University·DateFeb 17, 2012

Scientists learn how to 'out run damage' with imaging technique

Researchers at Arizona State University have created an imaging technique that allows for atomic-level resolution without damaging biological samples. This breakthrough enables the use of high-intensity X-rays, previously limited by damage caused by the radiation.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature·DateFeb 17, 2012

3 NYU faculty win Sloan Foundation research fellowships

Three NYU faculty, Robert Froemke, Pierre Germain, and Virgiliu Midrigan, have been awarded Sloan Foundation fellowships to support their groundbreaking research in neuroplasticity, nonlinear dispersive equations, and economics. The two-year $50,000 awards aim to foster the next generation of scientific leaders and advance their work.

SourceNew York University·DateFeb 17, 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.

Countdown to the introduction of a norovirus vaccine

Researchers are developing a norovirus vaccine using Virus-Like Particles, which mimic actual noroviruses to stimulate a robust immune response. The vaccine aims to combat the highly contagious and often severe gastrointestinal illness caused by noroviruses.

SourceArizona State University·DateFeb 17, 2012

Georgia Tech develops braille-like texting app

Researchers have created a touchscreen mobile device app called BrailleTouch that eliminates the need to look at screens during texting. The app uses a gesture-based solution, allowing users to type up to 32 words per minute with 92% accuracy.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateFeb 17, 2012

Cranky today? Even mild dehydration can alter our moods

Researchers found that mild dehydration caused headaches, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating in women, while men experienced fatigue, tension, and anxiety. The studies highlight the importance of staying hydrated throughout the day, not just during exercise or physical activity.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateFeb 17, 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.

Researchers see differences in Autism brain development as early as 6 months

A study found differences in brain communication pathways as early as 6 months in infants who later received a diagnosis of autism. The researchers used magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate the brains of 92 infants, including those with older siblings on the autism spectrum. This study offers promise for identifying infants at risk f...

SourceAutism Speaks·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateFeb 17, 2012

AAAS-SFU research: Fracking risks, fact or fiction?

A Simon Fraser University researcher discusses documented observations of spatial and temporal coincidences between fracturing and earthquakes east of the Rocky Mountains. The study highlights the need for more research, especially in earthquake-prone areas where injected fluids may trigger seismic activity.

SourceSimon Fraser University·DateFeb 17, 2012

The mathematics of a heart beat could save lives

Scientists at the University of Nottingham developed a mathematical model of calcium activity in atrial heart cells, improving our understanding of heart disease and stroke. The model provides clinically relevant insights into sub-cellular calcium signals, allowing for new treatments for conditions like atrial fibrillation.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 17, 2012

THEMIS celebrates 5 years of watching aurora and space weather

The THEMIS mission has significantly advanced our understanding of the magnetosphere, mapping the topology and structure of the Earth's magnetic field. The satellites have also detected critical mechanisms driving substorms, including dipolarization fronts and chorus waves, which influence aurora formation.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 17, 2012
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.

Dash to help -- new app to improve stroke treatment

A new iPad app, DASH II, is being trialled in Newcastle and North Tyneside hospitals to help doctors and patients make informed decisions about stroke treatment. The app provides visual interpretations of risks and benefits, enabling medical teams to explain predicted outcomes clearly.

SourceNewcastle University·DateFeb 17, 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.

Gaming to improve eyesight and 'hearing' colors

A study by McMaster University psychologist Daphne Maurer found that playing video games for just 40 hours can reverse visual processing deficiencies in adults. The researchers also discovered that babies and toddlers initially exhibit a form of synaesthesia, which gradually disappears as they develop.

SourceNatural Sciences and Engineering Research Council·DateFeb 17, 2012

AAAS-SFU research: Controlling forest fires

Researchers analyze lake sediment cores to infer past forest fire frequency and explore the success of First Nations' historical fire management strategies. They suggest a mixed approach combining controlled burning, silviculture, and aggressive fire suppression to mitigate increasing forest fires in Canada.

SourceSimon Fraser University·DateFeb 17, 2012

Reducing salt in crisps without affecting the taste

Researchers at the University of Nottingham have discovered a way to accelerate salt delivery to the tongue, allowing for significant salt reduction in snack foods while maintaining flavor. This breakthrough has the potential to tackle high salt intake, linked to health issues like high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalFood & Function·DateFeb 17, 2012

Star cluster surrounds wayward black hole in cannibal galaxy

Astronomers have discovered a young cluster of blue stars surrounding an intermediate-mass black hole in a cannibal galaxy. The star cluster is thought to be less than 200 million years old and may be the remnant of a dwarf galaxy that was swallowed by the larger galaxy.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 17, 2012
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

University Hospitals receives $5 million gift for Eye Institute

The Elisabeth Severance Prentiss Foundation has donated $5 million to the University Hospitals Eye Institute to support various programs, including the Center for Retina and Macular Disease. The gift will help launch a new phase of expansion and enhancement of facilities and equipment across the UH system.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·DateFeb 17, 2012

Rain-soaked Madagascar again threatened by Cyclone Giovanna

Cyclone Giovanna re-strengthening and turning back toward southeastern Madagascar, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds. The storm's passage in February 2012 caused significant flooding and reported deaths, with the eastern coast receiving over a foot of rainfall.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 17, 2012

Is clot-busting drug safe for kids with strokes?

A study examining clot-busting drugs in children with ischemic stroke found that these medications can be safely administered, with a higher risk of bleeding but similar mortality rates compared to adults. Researchers believe further studies are needed to optimize treatment effectiveness in pediatric patients.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateFeb 17, 2012
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.

Pregnancy-related complications predict CVD in middle age

Researchers found that women with pregnancy-related hypertensive disorders or diabetes may be at increased risk of cardiovascular disease later in life. Complications such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes were linked to higher CVD risk factors, including fasting glucose and insulin levels.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateFeb 17, 2012

Collaboration: Expanding the very model of a modern major scientist

The traditional model of scientific practice is changing with the rise of collaborations across disciplines. Expert scientists like James Collins examine how interdisciplinary approaches can help achieve science goals and explore strategies for increasing the rewards of shared knowledge production.

SourceArizona State University·DateFeb 17, 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.

Phytoplankton key to a healthy planet

Phytoplankton, tiny single-celled algae, act as a natural sponge for carbon dioxide and are critical to the global carbon cycle. Research by Canada Research Chair Maria Maldonado has shown that phytoplankton adapt to iron limitation by increasing copper uptake, leading to more efficient carbon absorption.

SourceSocial Science and Humanities Research Centre·DateFeb 17, 2012

Nano-enabled nasal spray for osteoporosis

A nano-enabled intranasal formulation of teriparatide is being developed to treat osteoporosis, with the potential to provide easier administration and enhance efficacy. The project combines Critical Pharmaceuticals' nanotechnology expertise with the University of Nottingham's world-leading research capabilities.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·DateFeb 17, 2012

How mitochondrial DNA defects cause inherited deafness

Researchers discovered that mitochondrial DNA mutations cause programmed cell death in the inner ear, leading to inherited deafness. The study found that reactive oxygen molecules produced by diseased mitochondria trigger a cell death-inducing gene expression program.

SourceYale University·JournalCell·DateFeb 17, 2012
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.

The balancing act between protection and inflammation in MS

Scientists at the University of Nottingham discovered a new mechanism that explains how infections can trigger multiple sclerosis relapses. Regulatory T cells, which regulate immune responses, become less inhibitory when stimulated by bacterial or viral molecules, leading to increased inflammation.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateFeb 17, 2012

Taking biofuel from forest to highway

The biofuels industry is expected to become a commercially viable and environmentally sustainable solution for the world's growing energy demands. Researchers at the University of British Columbia are working to speed up the process of converting biomass into biofuels, making it cheaper and more efficient.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·DateFeb 17, 2012

AAAS-SFU research: Chilling climate-change related news

A Simon Fraser University professor will present on how climate change is expected to impact historical sea level changes in the Pacific Northwest. The talk highlights the vulnerability of low-lying coastlines in the region, particularly those with large human populations and infrastructure.

SourceSimon Fraser University·DateFeb 17, 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.

Vitamin B and omega-3 supplementation and cancer: New data

A new study suggests that vitamin B and omega-3 supplementation may not prevent cancer recurrence after heart attack or stroke. Women receiving omega-3 supplements were found to have a higher risk of cancer compared to placebo groups.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 17, 2012

Expert panel deliberates hydraulic fracturing in shale gas development

A panel of experts discussed the use of hydraulic fracturing in shale gas development, addressing concerns over its impact on drinking water and air quality. The study found no direct link between hydraulic fracturing and groundwater contamination, but acknowledged surface issues that can be managed.

SourceThe Energy Institute at UT Austin·DateFeb 17, 2012

Live from the thymus: T-cells on the move

Researchers at Max Planck Institute observe maturation of immune cells in live zebrafish embryos, finding they migrate into and out of thymus multiple times. This process is driven by chemokines alone and is independent of blood circulation.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalImmunity·DateFeb 17, 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.

Sandia National Laboratories researchers find energy storage 'solutions' in MetILs

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have developed a new family of liquid salt electrolytes called MetILs, which could lead to batteries storing three times more energy than today's batteries. The breakthrough may help integrate large-scale intermittent renewable energy sources into the nation's electric grid.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalDalton Transactions·DateFeb 17, 2012

Nasty 'superbug' is being studied by UB researchers

Researchers at UB are studying the microbiology of a new variant of Klebsiella pneumoniae to identify genes that make it hypervirulent. The bacterium causes serious, life-threatening infections in otherwise healthy individuals and has the potential to become highly resistant to antibiotics.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·DateFeb 17, 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.

Study finds Caribbean-American women at higher risk for elevated mercury levels

A new study has found that foreign-born immigrant women from the Caribbean are at a higher risk of elevated mercury levels in their blood. Mercury exposure is particularly concerning for infants and children due to potential damage to cognitive and central nervous system development. The study suggests that community education efforts ...

SourceSUNY Downstate Health Science University·JournalJournal of Environmental Monitoring·DateFeb 17, 2012

Deepwater Horizon disaster could have billion dollar impact

A new study published in Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences estimates the economic impact of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on commercial and recreational fisheries and mariculture in the Gulf of Mexico. The study predicts losses of $US8.7 billion over 7 years, affecting around 22,000 jobs.

SourceCanadian Science Publishing·JournalCanadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences·DateFeb 17, 2012

A single protein helps the body keep watch over the Epstein-Barr virus

Researchers at Children's Hospital Boston have identified a single viral protein called LMP1 that the immune system watches over to keep the Epstein-Barr virus in check. The study suggests two possible options for treating EBV-fueled lymphomas in immunosuppressed patients, including using CD4+ T cells and NKG2D-Fc fusion proteins.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalCell·DateFeb 17, 2012

When your left hand mimics what your right hand does: It's in the genes

Researchers discovered a gene responsible for congenital mirror movements disease, which affects motor skills and hand movement coordination. The RAD51 gene is involved in the transmission of brain signals between the left and right sides of the body.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateFeb 17, 2012
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.