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Science News Archive February 2012


Page 17 of 30

UK is a nation of supportive partners

A recent study found that in the UK, most people (9/10) turn to their partner for positive emotional support. The study also revealed gender differences in perceptions of social support from partners, family members, and friends. Women tend to look more widely to other family members and friends for support.

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.

High population density is greatest risk factor for water-linked diseases

A new global analysis reveals that water-associated infectious disease outbreaks are more likely to occur in areas with growing population density. The research used a massive database of 1,428 water-associated disease outbreaks and found that population density was the greatest risk factor for these outbreaks.

Let's stretch...

Scientists at EMBL Hamburg have discovered the myomesin protein can stretch up to two-and-a-half times its length, unfolding in a previously unknown way. The study reveals the protein's superhelical architecture and unusual elastic properties, shedding new light on muscle contraction mechanisms.

DNA barcoding of parasitic worms: Is it kosher?

Researchers use DNA barcoding to identify parasitic worms in canned food, ruling out contamination and ensuring kosher certification. The study's findings confirm that the food remains kosher despite the presence of roundworms.

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.

Diagnostics for viruses a step closer to reality

Scientists at the University of Leeds create a biosensor technology that can detect Adenovirus viruses, identify individual strains, and count virus particles. This breakthrough could lead to faster, simpler, and less costly testing for viruses, ultimately benefiting patients.

New nano-material combinations produce leap in infrared technology

Arizona State University researchers have made a significant advance in infrared photodetector technology by discovering how to effectively use certain materials arranged in specific patterns in atomic-scale structures. The development of superlattices with tailored detection wavelengths has improved the sensitivity and efficiency of i...

Critical stage of embryonic development now observable

Researchers have developed a method to overcome the barrier of implantation into the womb and study embryonic development for the first 8 days. This allows them to understand how clusters of extra-embryonic cells signal where to make the head of the embryo.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

AFER announces 2011 Vistakon Fellowship recipients

The ARVO Foundation for Eye Research awards $40,000 fellowships to Andrea Petznick and Juan Ding for their dry eye research projects. The recipients will focus on improving the treatment of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) and its impact on patients.

New web tool to improve accuracy of global land cover maps

The new 'Geo-Wiki' web tool utilizes Google Earth and crowdsourced data to enhance the accuracy of global land use and forest cover information. By leveraging a network of volunteers, Geo-Wiki aims to produce more accurate hybrid land cover maps than existing individual products.

The consumer mindset: When is a year different than 365 days?

A study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that consumers react differently to units of measurement depending on their mental state. Consumers tend to focus on numbers when in a concrete mindset, but shift to unitary comparisons when in an abstract mindset.

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.

NASA Landsat's thermal infrared sensor arrives at Orbital

The Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS) on the next Landsat satellite will detect Earth's temperature using quantum physics-based detector arrays. This technology enables accurate measurements of land and water usage, vital for managing Western US water consumption.

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.

Trouble sleeping? It may affect your memory later on

Research suggests that disrupted sleep patterns may be associated with the build-up of amyloid plaques in the brains of people without memory problems. The study found that participants who woke up more than five times per hour and slept inefficiently were more likely to have these markers.

SIV infection may lead to increase in immune-suppressive Treg cells

The discovery highlights a mechanism for regulatory T-cell accumulation in lymphoid tissue, which could lead to a treatment strategy that slows the production of this type of T cell. Regulatory T cells normally tamp down immune-system attacks, but high numbers might prevent an immune response against HIV.

Protein may play role in obesity, diabetes, aging

Researchers at WashU Medicine discovered a potent regulator of insulin sensitivity, protein TBC1D3, which helps improve blood sugar control. Higher levels of TBC1D3 impede feedback loops that normally deactivates insulin signals, keeping the pathway open longer.

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.

New molecule can tangle up DNA for more than 2 weeks

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a molecule that can bind to DNA for up to 16 days, making it a promising step towards creating drugs that can target rogue DNA. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for genetic diseases, cancer, and retroviruses like HIV.

Online role-playing games hurt marital satisfaction, says BYU study

A new BYU study found that online role-playing games can hurt real-life marital satisfaction, with 75% of spouses wishing their partner would spend less time gaming and more on their marriage. However, for couples who game together, interacting with each other's avatars leads to higher marital satisfaction.

Weight loss can be contagious, study suggests

Researchers found that teammates and social influence play a significant role in weight loss, particularly in team-based weight loss competitions. Participants who said their teammates played a large role in their weight loss actually lost the most weight. Individual characteristics such as obesity status also affected weight outcomes.

What shields gay youth from suicide

Adolescents who feel supported by their families and have caring friends are less likely to consider ending their lives. Conversely, those who experience victimization due to being gay are at a higher risk of suicidal thoughts and self-harm behaviors.

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.

Treating acute sinusitis with antibiotic does not appear helpful

A study published in JAMA found that treatment with amoxicillin for acute uncomplicated rhinosinusitis did not result in a significant difference in symptoms compared to placebo. Patients who received antibiotics reported similar improvements in quality of life and symptom relief, contradicting the common practice of prescribing antibi...

Trojan horse bacteria use nanobodies to conquer sleeping sickness

Researchers have developed a new technology using bacteria naturally found in tsetse flies to release nanobodies against trypanosomes, the parasites that cause sleeping sickness. The nanobodies can bind to the parasite's surface and potentially block or destroy its development.

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.

The developing genome?

A new paradigm by Dr. Ehud Lamm redefines the genome as a dynamic system that can impact genes themselves, highlighting its physiological aspect. This perspective could provide deeper insight into how organisms develop and evolve.

U of A researcher receives NSERC money to study drinking water

A University of Alberta researcher is investigating the potential link between long-term exposure to disinfected water and an increased risk of bladder cancer. She will develop new tools to detect toxic DBPs in drinking water, with the goal of eliminating their formation.

USC team tracks down cause of birth defect

Researchers at USC have discovered an abnormal amount of Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGF-β) outside cells, which may indicate Loeys-Dietz syndrome. This finding could enable rapid diagnosis and treatment of the life-threatening birth defect.

Startling results in synthetic chemistry presented in Nature Chemistry

Researchers at ETH Zurich successfully created two-dimensional polymers for the first time using a novel synthesis method. The resulting 'molecular carpets' have potential applications in filtering tiny molecules and could lead to the development of new materials with unique properties.

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.

New cases of rare genetic disorder identified

Scientists have identified over 100 new cases of AKU, a rare genetic disease causing osteoarthritis, in communities worldwide. The condition is more prevalent than previously thought and affects one in 250,000 people.

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.

New GSA Bulletin science online ahead of print Feb. 6, 2012

Researchers examine evidence for a non-synchronous global event during the end-Permian mass extinction, and study how weak faults form through chemical reactions. They also propose a revised model of geomorphic response to climate change based on observations in Israel.

Lens produces hours of scientific work in seconds

Researchers at University of Strathclyde develop Mesolens, a revolutionary new microscope lens that captures three-dimensional images within cells and tissues simultaneously. This innovation promises to dramatically speed up the process of drug development.

JCI online early table of contents: Feb. 13, 2012

Researchers have discovered a new way to enhance trastuzumab treatment in HER2-positive breast cancer patients by stimulating natural killer cells. Additionally, the activation of FoxO1 has been linked to the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy, offering a promising therapeutic target. Leptin's direct action on POMC neurons may also...

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.

Sensing self and non-self: New research into immune tolerance

Scientists discovered that T cells can temporarily lose their ability to fight cancer when exposed to self-antigens, but return to normal function under certain conditions. Researchers hope to develop new cancer therapies by understanding and overcoming this tolerance mechanism.

2 studies recognized for improving health policymaking

Research studies evaluated the impact of Massachusetts health reform on insurance coverage, access to care, and affordability, providing insights into system-wide changes. Another study identified the benefits and risks of relationships between physicians/scientists and industry, influencing policies and practices nationwide.

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.

Practice makes perfect, but not when it comes to decisions about risk

Researchers found that even with explicit knowledge of probabilities, people tend to make suboptimal choices when relying on experience-based estimates. Despite extensive practice, participants in the study made similar mistakes as those without any training, suggesting a distorted appreciation of probability remains.

Enhancing the effectiveness of a breast cancer treatment

Researchers at Stanford University have identified a sequential treatment regimen that enhances the effectiveness of trastuzumab in xenotransplant models of breast cancer. Trastuzumab activates natural killer cells to kill HER2-overexpressing tumor cells.

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.

WSU chemist applies Google software to webs of the molecular world

Aurora Clark adapts Google's PageRank algorithm to create moleculaRnetworks, enabling researchers to determine molecular shapes and chemical reactions without the need for lab experiments. This technology focuses on hydrogen bonds in water and has applications in drug design, disease research, and environmental analysis.

Aligning the eyes: A simpler surgery for a complex condition

A new surgical procedure called superior rectus transposition with adjustable medial rectus recession has shown promising results in aligning the eyes of patients with complex strabismus. The procedure, adopted at Boston Children's Hospital, allows for precise eye movement fine-tuning in the recovery room or up to a week after surgery,...