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Science News Archive February 2012


Page 20 of 30

New drugs schedule makes horse racing a sure thing

A new schedule pinpointing the length of time it takes for therapeutic drugs to work out of a horse's system has been developed, providing greater certainty for horse owners, trainers, and vets. This will enable them to make better-informed decisions about treatment regimes and reduce the risk of false positives.

'It's not nutritious until it's eaten'

A study found that making one lunch line a convenience line with healthy grab-and-go foods increased sales of nutritious options by 18% and decreased consumption of unhealthy foods by nearly 28%. This approach helped students take more milk, leading to a share of healthier foods increasing from 33% to 36%.

Medical center-based farmers markets improve health

A study by Penn State researchers found that medical center-based farmers markets contribute to greater wellness in surrounding communities while adding public health value. The markets provide a sustainable supply of healthy foods, enable community wellness partnerships, and empower local economies.

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.

Deadly bird parasite evolves at exceptionally fast rate

A devastating bird disease caused by Mycoplasma gallisepticum has spread rapidly across North America, with the bacteria evolving at a faster rate than previously estimated. The microbe has lost over 50 genes, including those that make up its immune system, since making the switch to its new host.

New avenue for treating colon cancer

Researchers have identified an imbalance in the HNF4A gene variant as a potential biomarker for colon cancer. The study suggests that certain genetic variations may make individuals more susceptible to the disease, and drugs targeting Src kinase activity could potentially prevent or treat it.

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.

Decoding the molecular machine behind E. coli and cholera

Researchers from Queen Mary University of London discovered the workings behind a bacterial secretion system responsible for delivering potent toxins from bacteria such as E. coli and Vibrio cholerae. Understanding this mechanism could lead to the development of new antibiotics to effectively treat bacterial infections.

Cell death unleashes full force of human antiviral system

Researchers found that cytotoxic T lymphocytes are triggered by damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) released after cell death, which signals a strong immune response. The presence of interleukin 33 (IL-33) amplifies this response, holding promise for developing new vaccines against infectious diseases and cancer.

New research shows C-section not always best for babies

New research challenges conventional wisdom on C-sections for preterm babies, finding they may contribute to breathing problems. Small for gestational age babies delivered by c-section before 34 weeks had a 30 percent higher odds of developing respiratory distress syndrome than those born vaginally.

Aid missions get cutting-edge assistance from ONR

The Office of Naval Research has developed a web-based tool suite called TRACS to help first responders rapidly coordinate resources during disasters. The tool takes data from the United Nations' ReliefWeb and displays it on a map-based diagram showing the locations of various resources, such as food, shelter, and health supplies.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

New method makes culture of complex tissue possible in any lab

Researchers at UC San Diego developed a new method for culturing complex tissue in three-dimensional arrangements. The approach allows for the production of tissue culture scaffolds with multiple structurally and chemically distinct layers, enabling broader accessibility and potential applications in tissue engineering.

Amazing skin gives sharks a push

Researchers found that shark skin's denticles boost swimming speed by creating a turbulent flow pattern around the body, reducing drag and increasing propulsion. The unique arrangement of denticles on the skin surface enhances fluid dynamics, leading to a significant improvement in swimming performance.

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.

Vanderbilt study shows high cost of defensive medicine

A national survey of 2000 orthopedic surgeons found that 96% practice defensive medicine, accounting for 24% of imaging studies, laboratory tests, consultations, and hospital admissions. The average cost per month is $8,485, totaling $2 billion annually.

University of Minnesota and start-up to develop antidote to cyanide poisoning

Researchers at the University of Minnesota developed an antidote for cyanide poisoning called Sulfanegen, which can be administered rapidly by intra-muscular injection. The treatment could save lives in mass casualty emergencies and smoke inhalation incidents, where current treatments require medical professionals' expertise.

To perform with less effort, practice beyond perfection

A University of Colorado Boulder study found that continued practice after mastering a task can decrease overall energy costs by up to 20%, making movements more efficient. The research, led by Assistant Professor Alaa Ahmed, used robotic arm exercises to measure metabolic cost and muscle activity in test subjects.

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.

From the University of Houston's Texas Obesity Research Center

The Texas Obesity Research Center (TORC) has developed a research group to examine three childhood obesity programs, including MEND and CATCH. TORC is also partnering with the community to improve health and end obesity through community-based participatory research methods.

Genetic risks for type 2 diabetes span multiple ethnicities

A recent large and comprehensive analysis of 50,000 genetic variants has identified four genes associated with type 2 diabetes and six independent disease-associated variants at previously known loci. The study provides valuable insight into the genetic risk for T2D across multiple ethnicities.

Fruit flies drawn to the sweet smell of youth

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine and the University of Michigan have discovered that fruit flies' pheromones affect their sexual attractiveness differently as they age. In a study, male flies preferred younger females with more attractive pheromones.

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.

Obesity is associated with altered brain function

Researchers found that obese individuals' brains exhibit altered glucose metabolism in reward regions, leading to increased food cravings. The study suggests the brain plays a crucial role in obesity and weight gain, highlighting potential for new treatments.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Study finds in utero surgery preferable to surgery

A study published by the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine finds that in utero surgery is more cost-effective for children with spina bifida, resulting in improved quality of life. The study also highlights the significant healthcare costs associated with caring for a child with significant deficits.

Study finds residence in US a risk factor for preterm birth

A study found that Hispanic women living in the US for less than 10 years have a 3.4% frequency of preterm birth, while those living for 10 or more years have twice the risk and 7.4% frequency. This suggests environmental factors may contribute to preterm birth and are potentially modifiable.

New technology platform for molecule-based electronics

Graphene flakes are used to protect molecules from short circuits, paving the way for new electronics in memory technology, displays, and solar cells. The development solves a decade-old problem and allows for alternative conductive and non-conductive molecules to be used.

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.

Deconstructing a mystery: What caused Snowmaggedon?

Researchers found El Niño's warm sea surface temperatures and the North Atlantic Oscillation's fluctuation contributed to extreme winter storms in the US. The study used a computer model to simulate the atmosphere and isolated the role of sea surface temperatures in driving snowstorms.

New integrated building model may improve fish farming operations

A new building-integrated aquaculture (BIAq) model aims to improve fish farming operations by combining building design, fish ecology, and aquaculture engineering techniques. The model aims to provide an affordable, holistic, and sustainable approach to indoor fish production, reducing energy costs and environmental impact.

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.

Diagnosing developmental coordination disorder

A new study from the University of Haifa identifies developmental coordination disorder (DCD) in children through a simple writing task, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and treatment. Children with DCD struggle with motor coordination, leading to difficulties in everyday tasks like dressing and typing.

Storm warning: Financial tsunami heading this way

Researchers from Tel Aviv University have developed a market 'seismograph' to measure interconnections between stock markets globally. This method can detect early signs of global crisis and provide measures to mitigate its spread.

Nanotube therapy takes aim at breast cancer stem cells

Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center have developed a nanotube therapy that kills breast cancer stem cells by generating heat using laser treatment. The approach has shown promise in eliminating both differentiated cells and cancer stem cells, offering new hope for a cure.

Ocean warming causes elephant seals to dive deeper

Researchers found that southern elephant seals from Marion Island dive deeper for food when encountering warmer waters. The new sensor will track feeding behavior to understand the distribution of productive zones in the South Polar Sea.

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.

Secrets of immune response illuminated in new study

Researchers at Arizona State University investigate the coordination of a particular type of immune response involving the release of IFN-λ, a cell-signaling protein molecule. They found that antigen-independent production of IFN-λ by memory T cells relies on splenic dendritic cells and NOD-like receptors.

NASA sees Tropical Storm 12S - a possible threat to Madagascar

Tropical Storm 12S forms in Southern Indian Ocean, posing a threat to Madagascar with strong winds and heavy rainfall. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center expects landfall in east central Madagascar on February 13, as the storm strengthens due to warm sea surface temperatures.

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.

How the zebra got its stripes

Research suggests that zebra stripes are the least attractive pattern for voracious horseflies, potentially explaining their evolution. The study found that narrower stripes were less appealing to flies, with striped patterns attracting fewer insects than white or dark models.

US workers are 'giving away the store,' costing firms billions

A study by Michigan State University found that nearly 70% of service employees engage in 'sweethearting,' giving away free goods and services to customers. By adding screening questions focused on risk-taking and ethics, employers can identify 'bad apples' and avoid hiring them.

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.