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Science News Archive February 2012 - Page 15


Page 15 of 30

AAAS-SFU research: Vancouver, unique space for innovation

A new study by Simon Fraser University researchers highlights Vancouver's distinct advantages in knowledge-based high-tech industries. The city's globalized innovation landscape, driven by factors like intellectual property and a stable talented labour force, sets it apart from other regions.

SourceSimon Fraser University·DateFeb 15, 2012
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.

Operational research seeks benefit for stroke victims

Researchers have created a computer simulation to identify bottlenecks in the emergency stroke care process, allowing for earlier clot-busting treatment. The analysis of over 1400 episodes has led to a doubling of patients receiving treatment within three hours.

SourceThe Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry·DateFeb 15, 2012

New molecule discovered in fight against allergy

Scientists at The University of Nottingham have identified a new molecule DC-SIGN that plays a role in damping down the body's allergic response to house dust mites. This discovery could pave the way for developing new therapies or treatments for preventing allergies.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateFeb 15, 2012

Parent-training intervention curbs pediatric obesity rates, study shows

A new parent-training program has been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of low-income, preschool-age Latino children being overweight. The study found a 9% reduction in overweight and obese children after one year, compared to a 16% increase in the control group.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalChildhood Obesity·DateFeb 15, 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.

Diabetes may start in the intestines, research suggests

Scientists discovered that problems controlling blood sugar in the intestines can lead to chronic inflammation and insulin resistance. Researchers found a link between fatty acid synthase enzyme defects and diabetes, suggesting potential new targets for therapy.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateFeb 15, 2012

Novel tuberculosis research technology published in JoVE

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a novel way to culture tuberculosis bacteria, which could lead to new treatments and insights into its extraordinary resilience against environmental stresses. The bacteria's ability to form biofilms is thought to be a key factor in its resistance to treatment.

SourceThe Journal of Visualized Experiments·JournalJournal of Visualized Experiments·DateFeb 15, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Plasmas torn apart

Researchers Auna Moser and Paul Bellan observed a surprising phenomenon in lab experiments that provides clues to the origin of solar flares. The discovery reveals a connection between kink instability and Rayleigh-Taylor instability, which are two distinct phenomena occurring at different scales.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateFeb 15, 2012

New regulations fail to make TV food adverts healthier for children

Research at Newcastle University found that new TV food regulations did not reduce exposure to unhealthy foods for children and adults alike. The study showed that even after the restrictions were implemented, 14.6% of adverts seen were for food and half of those were for less healthy items.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 15, 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.

Climate change threatens tropical birds

A recent review of 200 scientific studies warns that climate change and habitat loss will drive tropical bird extinctions, with 87% of bird species spending time in the tropics. The study predicts 600-900 land bird species may go extinct by 2100, highlighting birds as 'canaries in the coal mine' for ecosystem changes.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalBiological Conservation·DateFeb 15, 2012

Autoinjectors offer way to treat prolonged seizures

A study sponsored by NIH found that intramuscular injection of anticonvulsant drugs, like midazolam, is as safe and effective as giving medicine directly into a vein. This method may be faster and more reliable, especially for patients having convulsions, reducing the risk of severe consequences if seizures are not stopped quickly.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 15, 2012

Green spaces reduce stress levels of jobless, study shows

A study shows that unemployment stress is more closely tied to local green space than age, income, or deprivation. The presence of parks and woodland in economically deprived areas can help people cope with job losses and reduce cortisol levels.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalLandscape and Urban Planning·DateFeb 15, 2012

Identifying poverty levels requires accurate measurements

A University of Illinois study found that a simplified equation to calculate income loss fails to recognize household substitution effects, leading to overestimation of poverty rates. By accounting for these effects, the study provides a more accurate measure of income loss and its implications for policy responses.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalFood Policy·DateFeb 15, 2012
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.

Low-carbon technologies 'no quick-fix', say researchers

New research published in Environmental Research Letters suggests that low-carbon technologies will initially increase emissions due to their high energy requirements. The study indicates that substantial reductions in greenhouse gases won't be achieved until the latter part of this century.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateFeb 15, 2012

Paving the way to Canada's next big industry -- the quantum information frontier

Quantum computing is transforming computing, communications and other technologies with its groundbreaking capabilities. Researchers at the Institute for Quantum Computing are harnessing the forces of quantum mechanics to build incredible new technologies that will revolutionize information processing, storage, sharing and understanding.

SourceCanada Foundation for Innovation·DateFeb 15, 2012

Only the lowest CO2 emitting technologies can avoid a hot end-of-century

Researchers found that replacing coal-fired electricity plants with lower-emitting technologies like solar, wind, or nuclear power requires a rapid transition and conservation efforts to achieve substantial benefits by the end of the century. However, it takes much longer for the climate system to respond to emissions reductions.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateFeb 15, 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.

Lava formations in western US linked to rip in giant slab of Earth

Scientists propose mass melting as new force behind volcanic activity in eastern Oregon, suggesting a dynamic rupture lasting two million years across the Farallon slab. The study aims to explain the origins of sudden, massive eruptions of lava at the planet's surface.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·DateFeb 15, 2012

Stretching helices help keep muscles together

Researchers at EMBL Hamburg used advanced techniques to study myomesin's three-dimensional structure and its role in maintaining muscle fibers. The discovery sheds light on the protein's function in living organisms, particularly in animal models.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 15, 2012

Mutations in gigantic gene responsible for common heart muscle disease

Researchers identified 72 mutations in the TTN gene that cause structural deformations in heart muscle fibers, leading to heart muscle disease. The study found that TTN gene mutation causes DCM, but rarely causes hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and that outcomes for patients with DCM are similar regardless of gender.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 15, 2012
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.

X-ray microscopy seen as next wave in structural biology research

Researchers are exploring X-ray imaging as a next-generation tool for gathering detailed structural and functional information on biomolecules. The technology has the potential to surpass traditional X-ray crystallography, enabling the study of complex biological systems in unprecedented detail.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateFeb 15, 2012

In new mass-production technique, robotic insects spring to life

Harvard researchers develop a new technique inspired by pop-up books and origami to mass-produce microrobots and electromechanical devices. The method uses layered and folding processes to create complex structures with flexible hinges.

SourceHarvard University·JournalJournal of Micromechanics and Microengineering·DateFeb 15, 2012

Astronomers watch instant replay of powerful stellar eruption

Researchers analyze light echoes from the 1837-1858 Great Eruption of Eta Carinae, revealing unexpected results and forcing them to modify physical models. The study provides a unique look at the outburst, shedding light on the behavior of massive stars near detonation.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature·DateFeb 15, 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.

Autism affects motor skills, study indicates

A study published in Autism found that 83% of children with autism spectrum disorder were below average in motor skills, while their siblings scored in the normal range. The researchers suggest that genes play a role in these impairments, potentially explaining the association between motor coordination and social responsiveness.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalAutism·DateFeb 15, 2012

JCEDM special issue on innovations in CEDM now online

A two-part special issue of the Journal of Cognitive Engineering and Decision Making is available online, highlighting recent CEDM-related research and practice in various application domains. The issue features articles on psychological principles, human-technology interactions, and cognitive engineering methodological enhancements.

SourceHuman Factors and Ergonomics Society·JournalJournal of Cognitive Engineering and Decision Making·DateFeb 15, 2012

Genetic mutation implicated in 'broken' heart

A genetic mutation in the TTN gene has been found to cause 18% of sporadic and 25% of familial dilated cardiomyopathy. This discovery can help diagnose and treat the condition, reducing the risk of heart failure and sudden death.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 15, 2012
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.

4 Boston College faculty members named Sloan Research Fellows

Four Boston College faculty members, Michelle Meyer, Ying Ran, Dunwei Wang, and Liane Young, have received the 2012 Sloan Research Fellowships for their groundbreaking research in various fields. The award recognizes their exceptional contributions to science and their potential to make significant impacts in the future.

SourceBoston College·DateFeb 15, 2012

Toyota recalls made no dent on their brand

A study from North Carolina State University found that Toyota's safety-related recalls in 2009 made no significant dent in consumer perceptions of the brand. The average price of affected vehicles declined by approximately 2% relative to comparable models, a finding within the statistical margin-of-error.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Economics & Management Strategy·DateFeb 15, 2012

Oncolytic virus extends survival in medulloblastoma model

Researchers at Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center develop an oncolytic measles virus to treat disseminated human medulloblastoma. The treatment extended survival by 122% in a model of disseminated brain cancer, with treated animals surviving up to 82 days on average.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalNeuro-Oncology·DateFeb 15, 2012

New research to help eliminate most common food poisoning bug

Researchers will map genes responsible for resistance to Campylobacter in chicken guts to develop breeding programs. The goal is to prevent the bacteria from entering the food chain, reducing the risk of infection and associated costs.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·DateFeb 15, 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.

Time of year important in projections of climate change effects on ecosystems

A recent study published in PNAS found that droughts and heat waves affect grass growth differently across the months. Researchers analyzed over 25 years of data from Kansas prairie long-term ecological research site to identify variation in timing and magnitude of droughts and heat waves. The results highlight the importance of consid...

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 15, 2012

Out of Africa? Data fail to support language origin in Africa

Linguist Michael Cysouw disputes Quentin Atkinson's claim that the cradle of language is in southwest Africa, citing inconsistent results from comparative linguistics analysis. The study's findings suggest the site of language origin may be located in eastern Africa or the Caucasus, rather than supporting an 'Out-of-Africa' model.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalScience·DateFeb 15, 2012

Boiling breakthrough: Nano-coating doubles rate of heat transfer

A new nano-coating developed by Georgia Tech researchers doubles the rate of heat transfer in pool boiling, increasing efficiency and potential applications for electronics and energy systems. The coating enhances rewetting of the solid surface, allowing bubbles to carry away more heat.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateFeb 15, 2012

Sloan Research Fellowships awarded to 126 young scholars

The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation has selected 126 outstanding researchers to receive fellowships for their work in the ocean sciences, expanding the award's reach to this field. The fellowships support early-career scientists and scholars with $50,000 grants.

SourceAlfred P. Sloan Foundation·DateFeb 15, 2012

Wayne State-licensed technology receives grant from the Foundation Fighting Blindness

A novel gene-therapy approach to restore vision in people with blindness caused by age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa has attracted additional funding. The technology, developed at Wayne State University, uses a virus to deliver a photoreceptor gene from green algae, restoring light sensitivity to retinas.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·DateFeb 15, 2012
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Goat kids can develop accents

Researchers found that goat kids modify their calls according to social surroundings, developing similar 'accents' as they grow older. The study reveals a possible early pathway in the evolution of vocal communication and highlights cognitive abilities in domestic animals.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateFeb 15, 2012

Extreme summer temperatures occur more frequently

A study led by Phil Duffy of the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory found that previously rare high summertime temperatures are already occurring more frequently in some US regions. By mid-century, these extreme summer temperatures will occur in well over 50% of summers throughout the lower 48 states.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalClimatic Change·DateFeb 15, 2012

Complexities in caregiving at the end of life

A new study reveals that palliative care is more nuanced than expected, incorporating aspects like bodily care, contact, environment, and rituals. Researchers found three key areas often overlooked in palliative care: bodily care and contact, secure and aesthetic environments, and death-related rituals.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateFeb 15, 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.

Smoking cessation aide shows promise as alcoholism treatment

A new study finds that varenicline increases the negative effects of alcohol and decreases drug liking in heavy-to-moderate social drinkers. This effect could reduce bingeing and other forms of abuse. Varenicline may be an effective treatment for individuals with both nicotine and alcohol dependence.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·DateFeb 15, 2012

Springer to publish open access journal with Korea Concrete Institute

The International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials will be published as a fully sponsored open access journal by Springer, providing state-of-the-art information on concrete-related subjects. The journal will cover various aspects of concrete research, including material science, construction, and analysis.

SourceSpringer·JournalInternational Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials·DateFeb 15, 2012

In the mouth, smoking zaps healthy bacteria, welcomes pathogens

A new study found that smoking disrupts a healthy balance of bacteria in the mouth, making smokers more susceptible to gum disease and other oral health issues. The researchers suggest that dentists should offer more aggressive treatment for smokers and encourage them to quit.

SourceOhio State University·JournalInfection and Immunity·DateFeb 15, 2012