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Science News Archive February 2012 - Page 13


Page 13 of 30

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
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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
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.

Study evaluates faster treatment for seizures

A new study has found that an autoinjector pen is a faster and more effective way to treat serious seizures, with 73% of patients becoming seizure-free upon arrival at the hospital. The treatment involves delivering medication directly into the thigh muscle via intramuscular injection, reducing precious time for paramedics.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 16, 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.

As diabetes emerges, researchers track disease's first steps

Scientists studied children with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes to understand its initial stages. They found variability in T-regulatory cell activity and increased immune-boosting cells, which may help develop new treatments.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalDiabetes·DateFeb 16, 2012

UGA animal vaccine may slow deadly spread of Chagas disease

Researchers at UGA have developed an animal vaccine that could slow the deadly spread of Chagas disease, which affects millions in Central and South America. The vaccine uses a genetically modified parasite that induces a strong immune response without replicating inside the host.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·DateFeb 16, 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.

Secret of sperm quality control revealed by Yale scientists

Researchers at Yale University have identified a new regulator that controls p53's activity in sperm production, which could lead to breakthroughs in fertility treatments and cancer therapy. The study found that a molecule called Pumilo 1 plays a crucial role in this process.

SourceYale University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 16, 2012

Microbial oasis discovered beneath the Atacama Desert

Researchers have found a habitat rich in halite and other hygroscopic compounds that attract limited moisture, allowing microorganisms to grow with food and water. The discovery has implications for the search for life on Mars, as similar environments have been found on the red planet.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalAstrobiology·DateFeb 16, 2012

Nano-technology uses virus' coats to fool cancer cells

Researchers used Sendai virus to transport Quantum Dots into brain cancer cells, specifically binding them to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a marker often over-expressed in tumors. This technology could aid diagnosis and potentially lead to individualized treatment plans.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalJournal of Nanobiotechnology·DateFeb 16, 2012

Synthetic protein amplifies genes needed for stem cells

Researchers have developed a synthetic version of the essential protein Oct4, which enhances the effect of genes needed for stem cells. This breakthrough enables more efficient generation and maintenance of stem cells, with potential applications in regenerative medicine and disease treatment.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 16, 2012

York researchers create 'tornados' inside electron microscopes

The University of York team has developed electron beams with orbital angular momentum, enabling the efficient examination of magnetic materials. This breakthrough promises novel applications in nanoparticle manipulation and edge contrast detection.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 16, 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.

Organic foods may be an unsuspected source of dietary arsenic

Research found alarmingly high concentrations of arsenic in commercial infant formulas and cereal bars containing organic brown rice syrup. The study highlights the need for regulatory limits on arsenic in food products, particularly those with rice-based ingredients.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateFeb 16, 2012

Women with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus give birth to fewer children

Research published in Arthritis Care & Research found that women with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus tend to have fewer children than desired due to increased infertility rates. The study also revealed that concerns about caring for children and genetic transmission of the disease may contribute to this trend.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateFeb 16, 2012

Study: Weight training improves Parkinson's symptoms

A two-year clinical trial showed that weight training significantly improved motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease compared to stretching and balance exercises. Weight training led to a 7.3 point improvement in UPRDS scores after two years, while fitness counts group returned to baseline scores.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateFeb 16, 2012

To understand chromosome reshuffling, look to the genome's 3D structure

Researchers discover that the genome's three-dimensional organization and proximity of broken chromosome ends affect where they reconnect. The study highlights two guiding principles: cellular spatial heterogeneity and proximity, which govern chromosome rearrangements in cancer and normal cells.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalCell·DateFeb 16, 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.

Genes may travel from plant to plant to fuel evolution

Researchers discover genes passed from plant to plant between species with distant kinship, contributing to the evolution of C4 photosynthesis. This 'lateral gene transfer' allows plants to adapt to new environments by taking genes from others.

SourceBrown University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 16, 2012

Study details on-off switch that promotes or suppresses breast cancer

Researchers found that breast cancers can hijack an embryonic program to promote tumor growth and survival. A new study details how this 'on-off' switch is flipped by a protein called SIX1, which allows doctors to delete the pathway when it promotes tumors.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalOncogene·DateFeb 16, 2012

AAAS workshop: Research collaborations with India and Brazil

Canada is positioning itself as a world leader in research and innovation through enhanced partnerships with emerging nations like India and Brazil. The country aims to attract the best minds from around the world to its universities while learning from the experiences of these countries.

SourceAssociation of Universities and Colleges of Canada·DateFeb 16, 2012

Gates Foundation awards grant to tackle malaria

A research team led by Brandeis Professor Donald Shepard is investigating the cost-effectiveness of a new malaria prevention strategy involving a wallpaper-like liner technology. The technology has shown promising results in reducing malaria infections by 38 percent in Kenya.

SourceBrandeis University·DateFeb 16, 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 make living model of brain tumor

Researchers developed a three-dimensional living tissue model to study brain tumors and therapeutics, confirming iron-oxide nanoparticles can deliver tumstatin to blood vessels surrounding gliomas. The model allows for testing of agent characteristics in a realistic environment.

SourceBrown University·JournalTheranostics·DateFeb 16, 2012

Common flame retardant linked to social, behavioral and learning deficits

A study by UC Davis researchers found that exposure to a common flame retardant chemical BDE-47 in mice led to social, behavioral and learning deficits in their offspring. The research highlights the interaction between epigenetics and genetics and exposure to the chemical.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateFeb 16, 2012

Modern health mapping shows how poverty and ill health persist over 100 years

Researchers mapped east London to identify 'hotspots' of disease risk associated with poverty, showing striking similarities to Victorian-era maps. The study found that up to 17% of residents were at high risk of developing diabetes in these areas, highlighting the need for targeted public health interventions.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalBMJ Open·DateFeb 16, 2012
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.

The quest for sugars involved in origin of life

A team from the University of the Basque Country has successfully isolated ribose, a fundamental sugar, in the gas phase. This achievement provides crucial information about the structure and stability of sugars, which are essential for understanding the origins of life on Earth and potentially elsewhere in the universe.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 16, 2012

Birds in uncertain climates are more likely to stray from their mates

Researchers found that birds in changeable climates are more prone to infidelity and divorce. This may be because unpredictable weather conditions make it harder for birds to predict the environment during breeding season, leading them to seek new partners for increased genetic diversity.

SourceNational Evolutionary Synthesis Center (NESCent)·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 16, 2012

Military service changes personality, makes vets less agreeable

A study led by Washington University in St. Louis suggests that military service changes a man's personality, making him less agreeable with friends and family, but more competitive and successful in his career. Despite the challenges, this influence can be seen as a positive trait.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 16, 2012

Preventing the devil's downfall

Researchers sequenced the Tasmanian devil cancer genome to understand its origin and spread. The study found that the cancer arose from a single female Tasmanian devil and has genetically diverged during its spread, indicating some sub-types may be more virulent.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalCell·DateFeb 16, 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.

4 new drugs will change prostate cancer care

Four new drugs offer innovative methods of action against prostate cancer, including bone protective agents, hormone treatments and immunotherapy. These advancements could extend survival prognosis and potentially turn prostate cancer into a chronic disease.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalOncology·DateFeb 16, 2012

Spatial proximity plays important role in chromosome translocation

Researchers used Hi-C technology to generate a 3D model of a mouse genome and mapped chromosomal breaks to explore the impact of spatial proximity on reassembly. The study found that breaks near each other were more likely to be incorrectly attached to neighboring chromosomes.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalCell·DateFeb 16, 2012

When body clock runs down, immune system takes time off

Yale University researchers found that the circadian clock regulates a key immune system gene response to bacteria and viruses, suggesting that sleep patterns disruptions contribute to illnesses. The study also suggests that timing of vaccinations may be improved based on jet lag influence on immune system.

SourceYale University·JournalImmunity·DateFeb 16, 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.

Circadian clock governs highs and lows of immune response

Research reveals that a circadian clock controls the expression and function of TLR9, an immune system protein, leading to enhanced or impaired immune responses depending on the time of day. The study's findings have significant implications for sepsis treatment and prevention.

SourceCell Press·JournalImmunity·DateFeb 16, 2012
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.

To create 2.4 million jobs invest excess corporate cash: UMD study

A new UMD study projects that investing excess corporate cash reserves in capital projects could generate up to 2.4 million jobs over three years, reducing unemployment rates and increasing GDP. This investment is estimated to boost economic activity by spending a fraction of the $508 billion excess cash holdings among US corporations.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·DateFeb 16, 2012

Students at Western University develop a novel way to teach interdisciplinary care

A unique board game called 'Circles of Care' helps educate students about their roles in healthcare teams by simulating real-world interactions among allied health professionals. The game is being translated into French and digital applications are also being explored for its potential to improve patient care.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalJournal of Interprofessional Care·DateFeb 16, 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.

Berkeley Lab researchers at AAAS

Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory presented advancements in artificial photosynthesis, CAT scans for biological cells, and diagnostic microscopy with a cell phone. These discoveries aim to improve our understanding of quantum mechanics, analyze cellular structures, and develop new diagnostic tools for cancer patients.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateFeb 16, 2012

Successful human tests for first wirelessly controlled drug-delivery chip

The MIT researchers and scientists from MicroCHIPS Inc. have successfully used a wirelessly controlled microchip to administer daily doses of an osteoporosis drug normally given by injection. The study found that the device delivered dosages comparable to injections, and there were no adverse side effects.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 16, 2012

Determination of the immunoproteasome crystal structure

Biochemists at TUM have determined the first crystal structure of an immunoproteasome, a specialized protein complex involved in immune defense. The study reveals atomic differences between immunoproteasomes and constitutive proteasomes, enabling the development of new drugs that selectively target the immunoproteasome.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalCell·DateFeb 16, 2012