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Science News Archive July 2012


Page 1 of 26

Camouflage of moths: Secrets to invisibility revealed

Researchers found that moths search for a spot to rest and adjust their body orientation to become nearly invisible to birds. The insects' behavior suggests they have an active choice of a resting spot that makes them visually camouflaged.

Older patients have lower risk of hip fracture after cataract surgery

A study published in JAMA found that older Medicare patients who underwent cataract surgery had a 16% lower odds of hip fracture compared to those with untreated cataracts. The researchers suggested that cataract surgery may be associated with lower odds of subsequent fracture in the elderly population.

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.

Protein-based coating could help rehabilitate long-term brain function

Researchers have developed a protein-based coating that can help rehabilitate long-term brain function and prevent the brain's immune response from rejecting brain-computer interface electrodes. The coating, using an interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, has shown promising results in pre-clinical studies with animal models.

Mayo Clinic: Drug duo turns on cancer-fighting gene in kidney, breast cancers

A new approach to treating triple negative breast cancer and clear cell renal cell carcinoma has been discovered by researchers at Mayo Clinic. The approach involves activating a potent tumor suppressor gene called sFRP1, which is silenced in these cancers. Once activated, the laboratory tumor cells stopped growing and died.

Low-cost carbon capture gets X-rayed

Scientists at University of Leeds used Diamond Light Source to study calcium oxide-based materials as CO2 sorbents. They found a mechanism for interaction between CaO and water, which led to disintegration and generation of nano-sized crystallites. This new knowledge aims to improve the efficiency of this economically viable method.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Gene network restores CF protein function

Researchers have discovered a genetic process that can restore function to a defective protein responsible for cystic fibrosis. By manipulating a specific microRNA network, they were able to partially restore the protein's function and increase its production.

Study allays concerns about endoscopic vein harvesting during heart surgery

A recent study published in JAMA found that endoscopic vein harvesting during coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) has similar mortality rates and lower infection and wound complication rates compared to traditional open incision methods. The study, conducted on a large population of Medicare patients, refutes previous concerns about ...

Ecosystems reveal radiation secrets

A new study challenges conventional models assessing radiation's impact on human health, revealing a non-linear transfer of radioactive compounds in ecosystems. The research found that levels of these compounds are three times higher in fish-eating species than in non-fish-eating species.

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.

From microns to centimetres

University of Toronto researchers have developed a device that can create three-dimensional, functional tissues through a precise and controlled process. The technology uses biomaterials to form a 'mosaic hydrogel' sheet, onto which cells are seeded in specific placements, mimicking natural cell placement in living tissues.

Hey, I’m over here: Men and women see things differently

Researchers at USC's iLab discovered that men focus on a person's mouth when listening to an interview, while women shift their gaze between the speaker's eyes and body. Women are also more easily distracted by people entering the video frame than men.

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.

Poor mental health linked to reduced life expectancy

A large-scale study found that people with mental health problems have a lower life expectancy due to increased risks of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Even minor symptoms of anxiety or depression are associated with higher mortality rates.

Coral reef thriving in sediment-laden waters

A new study has discovered that Middle Reef, part of Australia's Great Barrier Reef, has grown more rapidly than other reefs in areas with lower levels of sediment stress. The reef thrives in water with high levels of sediment, which had previously been believed to be detrimental to growth.

To know a tiger is at least to start tolerating them, study shows

A Michigan State University study reveals that people's attitudes towards tigers are influenced by benefits and pragmatic costs of having tigers nearby, suggesting a combination of psychological responses drives tolerance. The research provides critical information on how to protect species by understanding human-neighbour relationships.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Wayne State research team finds possible clue to progression of MS

A study published in Journal of Neuroimmunology suggests that B cells, a type of immune cell, produce toxic substances that damage myelin and contribute to the progression of multiple sclerosis. Researchers hope to identify these substances to develop targeted therapies for MS treatment.

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.

Rejected Alzheimer's drug shows new potential

A study published by researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine suggests that latrepirdine, a previously failed Alzheimer's drug, may be successful if tested on patients with earlier stages of the disease. The compound effectively stopped progression of memory deterioration and brain pathology in mouse models.

Study of zebra fish mouth formation may speak to Fraser syndrome hearing loss

Researchers studying zebra fish mouth formation have identified a potential developmental pathway related to Fraser syndrome deafness in humans. The study found that a fras1-dependent 'endodermal outpocket' may underlie some ear defects in Fraser patients, suggesting a connection between skeletal development and hearing loss.

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.

Can herbal products provide sun protection?

Researchers found that herbal agents can prevent sunburn and limit UV damage, with golden serpent fern and Asian ginseng showing promising photoprotective properties when taken orally. Green tea applied topically also offers photoprotection in sufficient doses.

Concussions and head impacts may accelerate brain aging

Researchers found that concussions and even lesser head impacts can speed up the brain's natural aging process, causing changes in gait, balance, attention, and impulse control. The study suggests a cumulative effect of repeated head impacts on the risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease.

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.

Canadians super-sizing Canada's Food Guide servings: York University study

A York University study reveals that Canadians often incorrectly estimate their daily food intake based on Canada's Food Guide servings. Researchers found that people tend to think they need to consume more calories than recommended to meet the guide's guidelines, leading to potential overeating and unhealthy habits.

Personality and social psychology at the 2012 APA Convention

Recent studies examine the costs of forgiveness in marriage, attachment processes affecting health, racial bias in perceiving pain, and how individuals choose to remain ignorant about potentially upsetting information. Researchers also investigate the role of race in shaping attitudes toward Barack Obama's election.

2-virus link to prostate cancer

A new study found that over half of malignant prostate cancers have both high-risk HPV 18 and EBV, with HPV alone present in 70% of the cancers. The research suggests a potential collaboration between the two viruses to promote cancer cell survival.

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.

Adding a '3D print' button to animation software

A group of computer graphics experts led by Harvard researcher Moritz Bächer create a software tool that translates video game characters into fully articulated action figures using 3D printing. The tool optimizes joint placement, size, and location for physical constraints, producing robust and realistic printed figures.

Economic recession leads to increased entrepreneurship, MU study finds

A recent economic recession has led to a significant increase in entrepreneurship, particularly among necessity-driven ventures. Research suggests that the number of Americans engaging in self-employment rose significantly during this period, with notable increases in rural entrepreneurship levels and African American participation.

Study: Methodology of determining financial viability of social security

Researchers Samir Soneji and Gary King found that outdated forecasting methods have led to a $730 billion error in the Social Security Trust Fund's prediction for 2030. The study suggests using age- and sex-specific forecasts, as well as risk factors like smoking and obesity, to improve the financial viability of Social Security.

Mathematicians find solution to biological building block puzzle

A mathematical model reveals that multiple mechanisms of microRNA regulation are manifestations of a single biochemical reaction, proposing a simple yet efficient way to control protein production. The findings aim to resolve the decade-long debate and pave the way for future experiments to verify the hypothesis.

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.

Opioid receptors as a drug target for stopping obesity

Researchers discovered that blocking delta opioid receptors in mice reduced body weight despite high-fat and sugar diets. The study found increased non-shivering thermogenesis due to gene expression changes in brown adipose tissue.

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.

Exercise boosts mental and physical health of heart failure patients

A large international study found that moderate exercise helps ease depression in patients with chronic heart failure, while also reducing deaths and hospitalizations. The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, suggests that exercise has a significant impact on both mental and physical health.

Autoantibodies damage blood vessels in the brain

Research suggests autoantibodies contribute to blood vessel damage in the brain, exacerbating Alzheimer's and vascular dementia. Immunoadsorption therapy has shown promise in improving symptoms in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

Sick from stress? Blame your mom… and epigenetics

A new study suggests that choline supplementation during pregnancy can alter epigenetic expression of genes involved in cortisol production, leading to lower cortisol levels in babies. This can potentially reduce the risk of stress-related diseases throughout a child's life.

$5 million grant awarded to UC Riverside to study immortality

The UC Riverside research project will examine global reports of near-death experiences, out-of-body experiences, and the cultural variations in these phenomena. The team aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how belief in immortality influences human behavior, promoting interdisciplinary inquiry into this critical area of k...

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.

Computational analysis identifies drugs to treat drug-resistant breast cancer

A team of researchers used computational analysis to identify a new therapeutic strategy for treating drug-resistant breast cancer. The study found that disrupting glucose metabolism is an effective approach, targeting existing drugs like Lapatinib. This discovery may offer improved treatments for breast cancer patients.

Asthma is the most common chronic disease among Olympic athletes

A study by the University of Western Australia has identified 8% of Olympic athletes with asthma and airway hyper-responsiveness, with summer sports showing a higher prevalence. Intense training may be a contributing factor, while genetic aspects also play a role in airway damage.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Anxiety and depression increase risk of sick leave

Researchers found anxiety is a stronger risk factor for prolonged and frequent sick leave than depression alone. The study, which followed 13,436 participants over six years, also showed that pain can impact the association between common mental disorders and sick leave.

Stress during pregnancy leads to abdominal obesity in mice offspring

Research published in the FASEB Journal reveals a link between maternal stress and abdominal obesity in mice offspring. The study found that manipulating the neuropeptide Y system in visceral fat may prevent stress-induced obesity, offering potential insight into how to counteract the negative effects of stress.

Pollution can make citizens – both rich and poor – go green

A Michigan State University study reveals that exposure to environmental harm increases the likelihood of environmentally-friendly behaviors among urban Chinese residents, regardless of economic status. People are more likely to act when they feel a sense of personal responsibility and can take control of their actions.

Dying of cold: Hypothermia in trauma victims

A new study found that 14% of trauma victims developed hypothermia upon arrival, with head injuries and intubation being independent risk factors. The study recommends controlling infusion fluid temperature and using heated ambulances to reduce the incidence of hypothermia.

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.