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Science News Archive February 2012


Page 26 of 30

Exercise triggers stem cells in muscle

Researchers at the University of Illinois discovered that exercise can trigger adult stem cells in muscle, releasing growth factors that promote muscle regeneration. The findings may provide a link between exercise and muscle health, with potential applications for rehabilitation and preventing age-related muscle loss.

The butterfly effect in nanotech medical diagnostics

Researchers developed a nanoparticle microfluidic color device for rapid detection of acute sepsis and other biomarkers, offering improved accuracy and speed in medical diagnostics. The device boasts high sensitivity and can detect minute quantities of biomolecules, making it a promising solution for point-of-care diagnostics.

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

HIV-infected youth, psychiatric symptoms and functional outcomes

Researchers analyzed data from an observational study to examine the relationship between HIV illness severity and psychiatric disorders. The study found limited evidence of associations between specific antiretroviral therapy and psychiatric symptoms, but noted associations with quality of life and cognitive functioning.

Children hospitalized at alarming rate due to abuse

According to a Yale University study published in Pediatrics, over 4,500 US children were hospitalized due to child abuse in 2006, resulting in 300 deaths. Children under one year old were at highest risk of hospitalization, and those on Medicaid had rates six times higher than non-Medicaid patients.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Satellite tracking reveals sea turtle feeding hotspots

A study published in Biological Conservation found two previously unknown feeding hotspots for loggerhead sea turtles in the Gulf of Mexico. The hotspots, located off the coast of Southwest Florida and the Yucatan Peninsula, provide valuable habitat for at least three separate populations of the turtles.

New methodology assesses risk of scarce metals

Yale researchers developed a methodology to evaluate the importance of scarce metals using supply risk, environmental implications, and vulnerability analysis. The new approach provides a standardized framework for corporations and national governments to inform strategic decision-making around resource use.

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.

Heart hormone helps shape fat metabolism

A new study at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute suggests that the heart hormone natriuretic peptides play a role in breaking down fat. The peptides turn on a molecular mechanism similar to what's activated when the body is exposed to cold and burns fat to generate heat.

Zinc control could be path to breast cancer treatment

Researchers have identified a key switch that releases zinc into cells, which could be used to block cancer development and halt tumor growth. Zinc levels are controlled by protein molecules called zinc transporters, and understanding how these transporters release zinc has important implications for disease treatment.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Does online dating really work?

A new study by Northwestern University researchers found that ineffective algorithms and profiles hinder online dating. In contrast, mobile dating enables potential partners to meet face-to-face quickly, which is crucial for finding compatibility.

Skiers and snowboarders need better helmets

Skiers and snowboarders in Canada face inadequate protection from current helmet standards, which are less stringent than US and European ones. Health experts call for stricter regulations to ensure helmets can withstand multiple impacts and provide superior protection for various head sizes and weights.

Spectator rage: The dark side of professional sports

A deadly Egyptian soccer riot has highlighted the need for sports teams to assess and prevent spectator rage, which can be triggered by emotional and environmental factors. Researchers suggest that screenings and monitoring of fans during events are critical in preventing incidents.

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.

Genetic variant increases risk of common type stroke

A genetic variant has been linked to an increased risk of large artery ischemic stroke, the second leading cause of death worldwide. The discovery opens up new avenues for treatment and prevention, potentially leading to personalized medicine approaches.

Stanford engineers weld nanowires with light

Researchers at Stanford have created a novel nanowire welding technique using plasmonics that enables precise heating without damaging the wires. This breakthrough allows for the production of stronger, more efficient meshes for various electronic devices and solar applications.

Steroids control gas exchange in plants

Plant steroid hormones brassinosteroids play a crucial role in regulating the number and distribution of stomata on leaves. Research found that brassinosteroids inhibit the protein BIN2, allowing stomata formation when present and inhibiting it when absent.

Chemists develop faster, more efficient protein labeling

Researchers create specially engineered mammalian cells with a chemical handle to label proteins of interest efficiently without disrupting their function. The new approach enables fast, high-yield protein labeling and has advantages over existing methods.

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.

Land-cover changes do not impact glacier loss

A recent study by University of Innsbruck climate researchers found that land-cover changes have a limited effect on glacier loss in the Kilimanjaro area. The team's novel methodology showed that LCC mainly alter precipitation over glaciers, resulting in local increases or decreases in glacier mass.

Tree rings may underestimate climate response to volcanic eruptions

Climate researchers found that tree-ring reconstructions of temperature change may underestimate the climate response to past volcanic eruptions. The study compared tree-ring temperature reconstructions with model simulations and found a significant discrepancy in the response to three large tropical eruptions.

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.

AIBS names emerging public policy leaders

The American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) has selected two Ph.D. candidates, Lida Beninson and Andrew Reinmann, for the 2012 Emerging Public Policy Leadership Award. They will receive training on communicating with policymakers and participate in events with their Congressional delegations.

Warfarin and aspirin are similar in heart failure treatment

In a large head-to-head study, warfarin and aspirin showed similar efficacy in reducing mortality and stroke risk in patients with heart failure and normal heart rhythms. Warfarin was found to be more effective in preventing strokes after four years of treatment.

Combined approach to global health has benefits

A combined public health campaign in Kenya successfully tackled HIV/AIDS, malaria, and diarrhea by distributing bed nets, water filters, condoms, and educational materials. This approach saved over $16,000 per 1,000 people reached, resulting in 16 lives saved and hundreds of years of healthy life.

Media portrayal of race in sports reveals biases in corporate world

A study by Penn State researchers found that media coverage of college football quarterbacks perpetuates stereotypes about African American leadership, associating losses with failed leadership and victories with natural ability. This bias may contribute to barriers for black leaders in organizations.

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.

Fellowships to assist 9 UC Riverside students secure doctoral degrees

The University of California, Riverside has awarded nine first-year graduate students $30,000 annual stipends for two years to support their pursuit of Ph.D.s in STEM fields. The fellowships aim to increase the number of ethnically underrepresented students completing doctoral degrees.

Rare mutations may help explain aneurysm in high-risk families

Researchers identified 27 genetic variants in 19 genes associated with brain aneurysms, including collagen 5-A2 linked to Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Whole exome sequencing allowed for targeted screening of affected families, offering potential for personalized risk assessment and prevention strategies.

Dignity counts when caring for older people

A longitudinal qualitative study found that older adults work hard to maintain their health and independence, but struggle when they become dependent on others. Support and care must be responsive to the individual's needs and perspectives to enhance dignity.

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.

University of Miami student Bignami among 5 Guy Harvey Scholarship recipients

University of Miami graduate student Sean Bignami has been awarded a $5,000 scholarship from the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation to study the effects of ocean acidification on large marine fish. He plans to share his research with decision-makers and engage in outreach programs to promote public awareness of marine science.

Dieting with the denomination, determination

A recent study found that African American women starting a new group weight loss program are more successful if they meet in a church setting, especially those with less experience managing their weight. The study also shows that social support plays a crucial role in weight loss success.

Lower levels of sunlight link to allergy and eczema

A new study found that children living in areas with lower levels of sunlight are at greater risk of developing food allergies and eczema. The research team analyzed data from Australian children and found a link between latitude and allergies to peanut and egg, as well as a higher prevalence of eczema in the south compared to the north.

Global extinction: Gradual doom is just as bad as abrupt

A recent study published in the Geological Society of America Bulletin suggests that Earth's largest mass extinction, known as 'The Great Dying,' occurred over hundreds of thousands of years, not suddenly. The research, led by Thomas Algeo from the University of Cincinnati, found evidence of a prolonged die-off of marine life due to ma...

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.

Batchelor Foundation challenge grant to support helicopter purchase

The University of Miami will use a $700,000 challenge grant from the Batchelor Foundation to purchase a helicopter equipped with scientific equipment for environmental observations. The helicopter will enable researchers to collect critical data near the Earth's surface and atmosphere, improving knowledge of climate processes.

Collective action

Researchers found that enhancers, which are meant to be active only in certain muscle types, were occupied by transcription factors from other tissues. This discovery reveals a new model for how enhancers function and provides insights into the developmental history of cells.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

New technology to tackle treatment-resistant cancers

Researchers have developed a new approach to detect cancer cells in the bloodstream, allowing for real-time assessment and control of disease spread. The method could help predict response and resistance to therapies, enabling more effective treatment decisions.

Gene related to fat preferences in humans found

Researchers discovered a genetic basis for people's preferences for fatty foods, finding that those with certain forms of the CD36 gene may prefer higher-fat foods and be at greater risk for obesity. The study suggests that genes related to fat perception may play a role in diet adherence and food preference.

New device performs better than old for removing blood clots

The Solitaire With the Intention for Thrombectomy (SWIFT) trial showed that the new device opened blocked vessels without causing symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage in 61% of patients, compared to 24% with the MERCI retriever. The device also led to better survival three months after stroke, with a 17.2% mortality rate versus 38.2% wi...

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.

SFU scientists seek teaching excitement at AAAS

Simon Fraser University faculty members are attending the American Association for the Advancement of Science conference to share their teaching experiences and learn about innovative methods for engaging students in science education. They aim to bring new approaches back to their programs to benefit students, with a focus on active l...

Whole exome sequencing identifies cause of metabolic disease

Researchers used whole-exome sequencing to diagnose a type of severe metabolic disease, identifying the genetic mutation responsible. The study showcases the potential for this technique to aid in diagnosing congenital disorders of glycosylation, offering new hope for families affected by these conditions.

Parasites or not? Transposable elements in fruit flies

Researchers have cataloged all transposable elements in a population of fruit flies using Pool-Seq technology. The findings reveal that most elements are purged before becoming established, but some sites show positive selection for insertion, suggesting beneficial effects on the host.

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

New drug doesn't improve disability among stroke patients

A new drug, AX200, manufactured form of G-CSF, failed to show efficacy in improving disability among stroke patients. Despite initial promising results in animal studies and a limited clinical trial, the study found no significant improvement in disability scores.

Castaway lizards offer new look at evolutionary processes

A study by Jason Kolbe and colleagues reveals that the 'founder effect' persists even as lizard populations adapt to new environments. The research found that differences caused by the founder effect are retained in lizards with varying limb lengths, suggesting a complex interaction between natural selection and genetic variation.