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Science News Archive February 2012 - Page 9


Page 9 of 30

Does depression contribute to the aging process?

A recent study published in Biological Psychiatry found that depression is associated with shorter telomeres and a low cortisol state, suggesting that stress plays an important role in depression. The study's findings have implications for understanding the aging process and developing treatment strategies.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateFeb 21, 2012

Study posits a theory of moral behavior

Researchers have developed a theory of moral self that may help explain ethical lapses in the banking and mortgage-lending industries. Individuals with high moral identity scores were more likely to behave morally, while those with low scores were less likely to do so.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateFeb 21, 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.

Caught in the act: Team discovers microbes speciating

Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered two distinct groups of Sulfolobus islandicus, a heat-loving organism, that are already separate species despite sharing the same habitat. The microbes exhibited slight genetic differences and decreasing gene exchange between the two groups, indicating sympatric speciation.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 21, 2012

Is fructose being blamed unfairly for obesity epidemic?

A recent study by researchers at St. Michael's Hospital reviewed over 40 published studies on fructose and its link to obesity. The findings suggest that it may not be the fructose molecule itself causing weight gain, but rather consuming too many calories from any food source.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 21, 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.

Irish mammals under serious threat from 'invasional meltdown'

Researchers warn that Ireland's indigenous small mammals, such as the wood mouse and pygmy shrew, will die out in up to 80% of their available habitat due to the introduction of foreign species. The study found that invasive species have already led to a significant decline in native species populations.

SourceQueen's University Belfast·JournalBiological Invasions·DateFeb 21, 2012

TGen-led study suggests origins of MRSA strain in food animals

A recent study led by TGen found that a strain of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) originated in humans before spreading to food animals and becoming resistant to antibiotics. The study used whole genome sequencing to trace the history of MRSA CC398, a strain often referred to as 'pig-MRSA'.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·JournalmBio·DateFeb 21, 2012

'Stealth' properties of cancer-causing genetic mutations identified

Researchers at the University of Warwick discovered that cancer-causing genetic mutations exhibit distinct electronic properties, making them harder to detect. These mutations can be compared to stealth technology used in radar systems, which allows them to go undetected by the body's defense mechanisms.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 21, 2012

UNH scientists launch NASA rocket into Aurora

Researchers from UNH's Space Science Center launched a NASA rocket into the Aurora to measure electric and magnetic fields in Earth's upper atmosphere. The mission aims to shed light on the physical processes that create the northern lights and understand how energy from the sun accelerates aurora production.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·DateFeb 21, 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.

Rare Earth element found far, far away

A team of researchers from MIT has detected tellurium, a rare Earth element, for the first time in three ancient stars. The finding supports the theory that tellurium and other heavy elements likely originated from a rare type of supernova during nuclear fusion.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateFeb 21, 2012

Childhood obesity -- can faith-based organizations make a difference?

A national evidence-based paradigm for faith-based advocacy to prevent childhood obesity has been developed. The link between advocacy and policy is crucial in promoting healthy lifestyles and routine physical activity among children. The article highlights the importance of faith-based organizations in this campaign.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalChildhood Obesity·DateFeb 21, 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 some insulin production in long-term Type 1 diabetes

A study from Massachusetts General Hospital found that C-peptide production persists for decades after Type 1 diabetes onset, and beta cell functioning remains intact at low levels. The novel ultrasensitive assay detected C-peptide in 34 of 54 blood samples, suggesting a longer window for therapeutic intervention.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalDiabetes Care·DateFeb 21, 2012

Gases drawn into smog particles stay there, UCI-led study reveals

Researchers found that airborne gases get sucked into stubborn smog particles and cannot escape, leading to underestimation of organic aerosols in computer models. This finding has significant implications for understanding the effects of air pollution on public health and climate change.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 21, 2012

Many young people don't know what constitutes sensible alcohol consumption

A recent study found that young people in England do not possess the necessary knowledge to adhere to government guidelines for responsible alcohol consumption. The researchers examined students' knowledge and beliefs about safe drinking habits and found that most respondents had incorrect or inaccurate estimates of unit content.

SourceWiley·JournalDrug and Alcohol Review·DateFeb 21, 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.

Are there biosocial origins for antisocial behavior?

A recent study published in Aggressive Behavior suggests that genetic risk factors condition the effects of corporal punishment on antisocial behavior, especially in male children. Additionally, research finds a link between life course persistent offenders and rape, implying a possible genetic origin for the latter.

SourceSam Houston State University·JournalAggressive Behavior·DateFeb 21, 2012

The molecular basis of touch sensation

MDC researchers have identified a crucial function of the c-Maf gene in the development of neurons responsible for mechanosensory function. In mice with deleted c-Maf, high-frequency vibrations are not detected, leading to impaired touch sensation and early-onset cataracts.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalScience·DateFeb 21, 2012

Ant colonies remember rivals' odor and compete like sports fans

Weaver ants share a collective memory of rival ant odors, which helps them identify and compete with rivals. This collective memory gives the colony an edge in competition by priming all nest mates with information about rivals before they encounter them.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalZeitschrift für Didaktik der Naturwissenschaften·DateFeb 21, 2012

Energy network within cells may be new target for cancer therapy

Researchers discovered that manipulating two biochemical signals regulating mitochondria in cells can shrink human lung cancers in mice. By boosting fusion signal or blocking fission, they reduced cell division and increased cell death.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateFeb 21, 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.

Wringing more energy out of everyday motions

The Duke team has created a nonlinear approach to energy harvesting that can capture more frequencies from ambient vibrations, making it ideal for practical uses in the real world. This could lead to the development of devices that power implants, sensors, and even larger electrical systems.

SourceDuke University·DateFeb 21, 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.

Saving data in vortex structures

Researchers have discovered a new magnetic structure, skyrmions, which can be moved with significantly less current than traditional magnetic fields. This phenomenon has the potential to revolutionize data storage and processing by reducing energy consumption and increasing efficiency.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Physics·DateFeb 21, 2012

Caught in the act: Team discovers microbes speciating

Researchers have discovered two distinct groups of Sulfolobus islandicus bacteria speciating in a hot spring habitat, despite shared genetic material and gene exchange. The study reveals that these groups are already separate species, with differences spanning only 0.35% across the entire chromosome.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 21, 2012

Maize hybrid looks promising for biofuel

Scientists have identified a promising maize hybrid that can produce ethanol from biomass, potentially reducing the need for fertilizers and creating a more sustainable feedstock. The hybrid combines beneficial traits of tropical and temperate maize, resulting in increased biomass production and ethanol output.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalGCB Bioenergy·DateFeb 21, 2012

Coral-eating sea star invaders turn out to be locals

Researchers found that crown-of-thorns sea stars originate from local populations, rather than spreading across large distances via larval dispersal. Genetic analysis revealed significant genetic differences among reefs and habitats within the same island.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii ‑ SOEST·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 21, 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.

A step forward in effort to regenerate damaged nerves

Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center have discovered that dorsal root ganglion neurons can create thick, healthy nerves without provoking an immune response. This breakthrough could lead to better treatment options for the over 350,000 patients with serious nerve injuries in the US each year.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 21, 2012

Superbugs from space offer new source of power

Researchers at Newcastle University have engineered a microbial biofilm that significantly increases the electrical output of Microbial Fuel Cells. By selecting specific bacteria species, including Bacillus stratosphericus and Bacillus altitudinis, they doubled the electricity generation to 200 Watts per cubic meter.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalJournal of Environmental Science and Technology·DateFeb 21, 2012

Study: Brain makes call on which ear is used for cell phone

A new study from Henry Ford Hospital found a strong correlation between brain dominance and the ear used for cell phone calls. Most left-brain thinkers tend to use their right hand to hold the phone up to their right ear, while most right-brain thinkers use their left hand to hold it in their left ear.

SourceHenry Ford Health·DateFeb 21, 2012

Autism Speaks provides sleep strategies and dental treatment tool kits

The Autism Treatment Network has released two new tool kits: Sleep Strategies for Children with Autism and Treating Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The guides provide families and dental professionals with effective strategies to improve sleep quality and oral health, respectively. By implementing these tools, families can cre...

SourceAutism Speaks·DateFeb 21, 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.

Can consuming caffeine while breastfeeding harm your baby?

Breastfeeding mothers may accumulate caffeine in their bodies and pass it to their babies, causing symptoms like wakefulness and irritability. A safe level of caffeine intake while breastfeeding is unclear, but experts recommend moderation.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Caffeine Research·DateFeb 21, 2012

Variation in brain development seen in infants with autism

Researchers identify differences in brain structure in infants who later develop autism spectrum disorders, including stronger white matter connections at 6 months. The study suggests a period of dramatic brain changes between 6-24 months may be critical for ASD diagnosis.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateFeb 21, 2012

NASA spacecraft reveals recent geological activity on the moon

Scientists propose that the geologic activity occurred less than 50 million years ago, indicating a general state of global contraction. The graben systems found across the lunar surface suggest forces acting to pull it apart overrode contractional forces.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature Geoscience·DateFeb 21, 2012
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.

What is the value of a green card?

A University of Nevada, Reno economist found that employer-sponsored workers on temporary visas who acquire green cards increase their annual incomes by about $11,860. This is due to the six-year wait period for green card approval and employers' willingness to hold workers over 'a barrel,' limiting job opportunities and wage growth.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Reno·JournalDemography·DateFeb 21, 2012

UK road users are jamming GPS signals, experts confirm

Experts have confirmed that UK road users are jamming GPS signals, with over 60 individual incidents recorded in one location. The phenomenon poses a significant threat to maritime navigation, with ships relying heavily on GPS for safe passage.

SourceNational Physical Laboratory·DateFeb 21, 2012

From Bass Strait to the Indian Ocean -- tracking a current

Scientists have tracked water from Bass Strait to the Indian Ocean using ocean gliders, revealing a 200-metre tall wall of water and discovering undiluted Bass Strait water hundreds of kilometres away. The study showcases the benefits of Australia's Integrated Marine Observing System.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 21, 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.

Rapid response: ONR technologies are building the future force

The Office of Naval Research (ONR) has launched its TechSolutions program, a rapid-response science and technology initiative that addresses pressing warfighter needs. The program develops prototype technologies to support the day-to-day lives of sailors and Marines, providing innovative solutions to complex problems.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateFeb 21, 2012

Cell energy sensor mechanism discovered

Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered an energy sensor mechanism that helps regulate cell energy storage. The study found that a protein called AMPK, which acts like an energy thermostat, is affected by acetyl groups added to it.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature·DateFeb 21, 2012

NSF CAREER grants support ocean energy, microforming, computer planning

Three University of New Hampshire faculty members have received prestigious Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Awards from the National Science Foundation. Yannis Korkolis will investigate microforming processes, while Wheeler Ruml will advance renewable energy from the ocean using waves and tides.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·DateFeb 21, 2012
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.

American Heart Association launches free-access online journal

The American Heart Association has launched an online-only open-access journal, packed with free peer-reviewed research on heart disease and stroke. The new journal aims to accelerate the translation of science into practice through rapid and widespread accessibility.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateFeb 21, 2012

How good cholesterol turns bad

Researchers at Berkeley Lab found structural images of CETP interacting with HDLs and LDLs, revealing a tunnel mechanism that facilitates cholesterol transfer. This discovery supports the design of next generation CETP inhibitors to prevent heart disease.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateFeb 21, 2012

Scripps research scientists unlock evolutionary secret of blood vessels

Researchers shed light on how vertebrates developed closed circulation systems, essential for carrying blood to organs and tissues. A specific domain in tRNA synthetase plays a crucial role in proper embryonic development, influencing key regulator of new blood vessel growth.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 21, 2012
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.

Tohoku grim reminder of potential for Pacific Northwest megaquake

A recent study by a University of Nevada, Reno geophysicist presents evidence that the Cascadia fault line could experience stronger ground-motions than observed in Japan's Tohoku earthquake. The risk is a grim reminder for those living in the Pacific Northwest to be prepared for an earthquake and tsunami.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Reno·DateFeb 21, 2012