Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive January 2012


Page 9 of 24

Pediatric emergency research team hit the mark

The Pediatric Emergency Research of Canada team has made significant advances in treating childhood conditions like croup, bronchiolitis, and mild head injuries. Their research has led to substantial improvements in treatment outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.

Ancient dinosaur nursery oldest nesting site yet found

A 190-million-year-old dinosaur nesting site has been found in South Africa, providing significant insights into the evolution of reproductive behavior in early dinosaurs. The discovery includes clutches of eggs, embryos, and tiny footprints, shedding light on the complex behaviors of these ancient creatures.

Many people continue to smoke after being diagnosed with cancer

A new study found that many cancer patients continue to smoke after diagnosis, with 39% of lung cancer and 14% of colorectal cancer patients smoking at diagnosis. Factors such as insurance, emotional support, and education level can predict continued smoking in these patients.

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.

Spotting dyslexia before a child starts school

A study by Boston Children's Hospital researchers found that brain activity on MRI scans can indicate early signs of dyslexia in preschool-age children. This could lead to earlier intervention and improved outcomes for these children.

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.

High-tech models help guide restoration efforts to save threatened plants

Researchers developed topographic models using LiDAR data to predict habitat suitability for endangered plants in dry environments. The team plans to use satellite observations to create digital elevation models, guiding effective restoration efforts and identifying suitable areas for plant growth.

Sweeten up your profits with the right hybrid

A study by U of I associate professor Marty Williams found that increasing plant populations can affect crop growth and development, with varying effects among different hybrids. The average optimal plant population for maximizing yield differed by over 9,000 plants per acre among the six tested hybrids.

UCSF shares $25-million grant to find epilepsy genes

Researchers at UCSF are sequencing the DNA of 4,000 people with various forms of epilepsy in a bid to identify the genetic causes of the disease. The study, funded by a $25-million grant, will also explore ways to treat people with epilepsy and uncover new patterns of genetics.

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.

Bonobos' unusual success story

Researchers at Max Planck Institute found that high-ranking male bonobos were more aggressive and had higher mating success, but also invested in friendly relationships with females. These relationships correlated with lower male testosterone levels, challenging the common notion of masculine behavior.

Study examines quality of colonoscopy reporting and performance

The study found significant variability in colonoscopy reporting, but high overall quality. Significant variance between endoscopy departments was also observed. Continuous monitoring and implementation of quality indicators can improve the quality of both reporting and performance.

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.

Biochip measures glucose in saliva, not blood

Researchers at Brown University have developed a biochip that can measure glucose levels in saliva, providing a potential solution for non-invasive diabetes monitoring. The biochip uses surface plasmonics to detect glucose molecules in water, with results showing concentrations similar to those found in human saliva.

Genes and timing of menopause

Researchers discovered 13 new gene regions associated with menopause onset, providing insights into reproductive lifespan and conditions like breast cancer and heart disease. Early menopause is linked to increased risk of these diseases, while later menopause may provide protection.

March of Dimes launches Prematurity Prevention Network

The March of Dimes has launched a virtual network to prevent preterm birth, with the goal of reducing the rate to 9.6%. The network aims to share information on successful programs and policies to prevent preterm births, resulting in better health outcomes for babies.

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.

How cells dispose of their waste

Researchers have elucidated the structure of the 26S proteasome, a key protein degradation machinery, using a combination of structural biology methods. The discovery sheds light on how cells dispose of their waste and could have important implications for understanding neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

Acidification provides the thrust

Acidification provides the thrust for kimberlites to ascend through the Earth's crust, with assimilated xenoliths playing a crucial role in facilitating the process. This discovery enhances understanding of kimberlite genesis and will aid in searching for new diamond-bearing ores.

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.

DGK-alpha helps cancer cells gain traction and mobilize

A study published in The Journal of Cell Biology reveals how DGK-alpha, a lipid-converting enzyme, enables invasive cancer cells to recycle integrins, providing better traction on fibronectin fibers. This process is essential for tumor progression and metastasis.

BU study finds new genetic loci associated with menopause onset

A new study from Boston University has discovered 13 genetic loci associated with the age of menopause onset, providing insight into hormonal regulation and DNA repair. The research team found that genes related to immune function and auto-immune disease are also linked to menopause timing.

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.

Mighty mesh

Biofilms expand by swelling and then spreading due to the force generated by the extracellular matrix (ECM). The ECM increases osmotic pressure within the biofilm, causing it to absorb water from its surroundings and swell. This process allows the biofilm to grow and spread horizontally.

Waiting for Death Valley's Big Bang

Geologists have determined that Death Valley's Ubehebe Crater was created just 800 years ago and still has enough groundwater and magma to potentially produce another eruption. The crater, which formed from a phreatomagmatic explosion, may be due for another blast in the near future.

Dog skull dates back 33,000 years

Researchers have discovered an ancient dog skull in Siberia dating back 33,000 years, indicating multiple lines of dog domestication and suggesting modern dogs may have descended from multiple ancestors. The discovery uses radiocarbon dating to determine the age of the skull, which predates a period known as the Last Glacial Maximum.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Rate of physician referrals nearly doubled

A new study finds that physician referral rates in the United States increased by 92% over a decade, leading to an estimated 159% increase in visits resulting in referrals. This surge in referrals is attributed to increased specialization and the increasing responsibilities of primary care physicians.

Working moms: Looking for more than a paycheck

A recent study of employed mothers reveals that most would work even if they didn't have to, citing benefits for themselves and their children. The research highlights the importance of finding a balance between work and parenting, with women emphasizing the need for fulfillment over guilt.

Lifelong brain-stimulating habits linked to lower Alzheimer's protein levels

A new study reveals that people with no symptoms of Alzheimer's who engaged in cognitively stimulating activities throughout their lives had fewer deposits of beta-amyloid, a destructive protein that is the hallmark of the disease. Lifelong cognitive engagement may affect a primary pathological process in the disease, suggesting potent...

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Identified a cause of resistance to colon cancer treatment

Researchers at IMIM have discovered a new mechanism of resistance to colon cancer treatment, where a mutation in the EGFR oncogene causes resistance to drug cetuximab. The finding has significant clinical implications and opens up possibilities for using alternative treatments like panitumumab.

The influence of estrogen on female mood changes

Research suggests that estrogen can improve mood in women, particularly during the premenstrual phase. Studies have shown a significant increase in activity in brain areas related to emotional processing premenstrually, and estrogen has been linked to reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety in postmenopausal women.

Geoengineering and global food supply

New research suggests that sunshade geoengineering may actually increase crop yields in most regions, alleviating temperature stress and improving productivity. However, the approach carries risks, including unintended consequences on precipitation and deployment-related conflicts.

Gladstone scientists identify genetic mechanism linked to congenital heart disease

Researchers at the Gladstone Institutes have identified a key genetic mechanism linked to congenital heart disease, revealing the importance of epigenetics in fetal heart development. The study highlights the role of Ezh2 and Six1 genes in regulating healthy heart development, which can have profound health consequences later in life.

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.

Rare kidney disease shows how salt, potassium levels are moderated

A rare kidney disease study reveals how sodium and potassium levels are moderated in the body, shedding light on hypertension and familial high blood pressure disease. Researchers identified novel mutations linked to increased sodium activity and decreased potassium activity, providing a better understanding of this inherited condition.

A new class of electron interactions in quantum systems

Researchers have observed a new class of electron interactions that play a major role in the orbital nature of electrons in nanostructures. By tuning a specific effect, they eliminated spin-spin interactions while preserving orbital-orbital interactions. This discovery opens doors to new quantum electronic schemes.

Cooling semiconductor by laser light

Scientists at the University of Copenhagen have developed a new method for cooling semiconductor membranes using lasers. By heating the material, they were able to cool its fluctuations to minus 269 degrees C.

Unprecedented, man-made trends in ocean's acidity

An international team of scientists found that human-induced CO2 emissions have increased ocean acidity far beyond natural variations, potentially reducing calcification rates of corals and other aragonite shell-forming organisms. The study projects severe reductions in coral reef diversity, structural complexity, and resilience by the...

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Scripps Research scientists provide new understanding of chronic pain

Scientists from Scripps Research Institute have discovered dimethylsphingosine (DMS), a molecule produced at abnormally high levels in the spinal cords of rats with neuropathic pain, which appears to cause pain when injected. Inhibiting DMS production may be a fruitful target for drug development.

Vaccines to boost immunity where it counts, not just near shot site

Scientists at Duke University Medical Center created nanoparticles that target lymph nodes to greatly enhance vaccine responses. The particles mimic natural mast cell granules and provide a timed release of inflammatory mediators, stimulating effective immune reactions in mice vaccinated with the influenza A virus.

Saving the snow leopard with stem cells

Researchers generated induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells from ear tissue of adult snow leopards, paving the way for cryopreservation and cloning techniques to save endangered species. This breakthrough raises hopes for the conservation of the snow leopard and other cat family members.

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.

Lessons in coral reef survival from deep time

Scientists uncover complex fish-coral relationships that have evolved over millions of years, revealing the importance of preserving specific reef types to save coral reefs. The study suggests that protecting the right sorts of reefs is crucial for their survival, and that past mass extinctions can inform conservation efforts.

DNA motor programmed to navigate a network of tracks

Researchers at Kyoto University and the University of Oxford have successfully constructed a DNA motor capable of navigating a programmable network of tracks with multiple switches. The breakthrough uses DNA origami technology, allowing for autonomous nanoscale devices to produce predictable outputs based on different starting conditions.

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.

A big leap toward lowering the power consumption of microprocessors

Computer scientists at the University of Texas at Austin have created a detailed analysis of application power, performance, and energy on various hardware. The results show that different software types have varying levels of power usage, making optimization for energy efficiency crucial. This study has significant implications for co...