Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive July 2012 - Page 22


Page 22 of 26

Daily deal industry shows no evidence of slowing down

A new study by Utpal Dholakia at Rice University found that daily deals are becoming increasingly successful for businesses, with three-quarters reporting profits after seven or more deals. The study also reveals that newer and smaller businesses tend to perform better in the long term, with sustainability rates of up to 40%.

SourceRice University·DateJul 5, 2012

Researchers find a brain center for social choices

A new study at Duke University found that the temporal-parietal junction (TPJ) is responsible for processing information related to social interactions. The TPJ was active when subjects made decisions against human opponents, but not against computer opponents.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience·DateJul 5, 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.

Research shows endowment effect in chimpanzees can be turned on and off

A groundbreaking study in evolutionary analysis in law reveals that chimpanzees, like humans, show the endowment effect, with behavior influenced by an object's immediate situational usefulness. The research provides evidence that this psychological trait likely evolved prior to the human split from other species.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalEvolution and Human Behavior·DateJul 5, 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.

The key (proteins) to self-renewing skin

Scientists have identified proteins as the key to maintaining self-renewal in human epidermal progenitor cells and stem cells. The discovery highlights the importance of exosomes in regulating transcription factors, enabling cells to produce new skin cells throughout life.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJul 5, 2012

Most accurate robotic legs mimic human walking gait

Researchers have developed a robotic set of legs that models human walking in a biologically accurate manner, allowing for insights into the processes underlying walking in humans. The robot's neural architecture and sensory feedback pathways mimic those found in humans, enabling it to walk without balance.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·DateJul 5, 2012

Like it or not, Facebook and friends can be used to influence health behavior

Public health researcher Thomas W. Valente examines how social networks impact health behavior, highlighting the importance of understanding group dynamics and clique structures. His research aims to develop more effective interventions by designing programs tailored to specific groups within a community.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalScience·DateJul 5, 2012
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Sharing data links in networks of cars

Researchers from MIT and NUS have developed an algorithm that enables Wi-Fi-connected cars to aggregate data from hundreds of vehicles, uploading it to the Internet. The system can reduce bandwidth requirements by identifying key nodes in the network, which can then share their connections with others.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJul 5, 2012

Astronomers discover Houdini-like vanishing act in space

Astronomers have discovered an extraordinary amount of dust around a nearby star that has mysteriously disappeared. The dusty disc was bigger and more massive than Saturn's rings and would have extended from the sun halfway out to Earth if it were in our solar system.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature·DateJul 5, 2012

The challenges and rewards of Paralympic medicine

The Lancet article highlights the complex mix of medical issues among Paralympic athletes, including injuries from prosthetic technologies and performance enhancement practices. The authors emphasize the need for increased awareness, training, and research to address these challenges and ensure proper healthcare provision.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 5, 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.

NASA satellites examine powerful summer derecho

A powerful summer derecho moved from Illinois to the Mid-Atlantic states, bringing destruction and wind gusts of up to 90 mph. NASA satellites captured the event's progression and aftermath, including extensive power outages and massive blackouts.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 5, 2012

Eddies, not sunlight, spur annual bloom of tiny plants in North Atlantic

Scientists discover that ocean eddies, not sunlight, trigger the annual bloom of tiny plants in the North Atlantic, causing it to occur three weeks earlier than expected. This finding has significant implications for marine life, as many small sea animals rely on the phytoplankton for food and their timing is critical.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience·DateJul 5, 2012

Special issue of Botany showcases CANPOLIN research

A special issue of Botany highlights CANPOLIN researchers' multipronged approach to pollination biology, examining topics such as climate change impacts and pollen limitation. The issue presents key findings on pollinator diversity and network analyses for conservation strategies.

SourceCanadian Science Publishing·JournalBotany·DateJul 5, 2012

Child diabetes levels higher in China than in US, study finds

A new study by UNC Chapel Hill researchers reveals Chinese teenagers have a significantly higher rate of diabetes (1.9%) compared to their US counterparts (0.5%). The study also found high levels of inflammation and cardiometabolic risk factors in Chinese children, with over one-third having at least one risk factor.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalObesity Reviews·DateJul 5, 2012

When to rein in the stock market

A new MSU study suggests that the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) should intervene in the stock market only when external financial disruptions make it difficult for large shareholders to fend off speculators. The study finds that such interventions are rare and should be temporary.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Financial Economics·DateJul 5, 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.

Antibodies reverse type 1 diabetes in new immunotherapy study

Researchers at UNC School of Medicine used injections of non-depleting antibodies to rapidly reverse the onset of Type I diabetes in mice. The treatment maintained disease remission indefinitely without harming the immune system, with some animals remaining free of diabetes after over 400 days.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalDiabetes·DateJul 5, 2012

Employees' interests predict how they will perform on the job

A new study published in Perspectives on Psychological Science suggests that employees' interests are a stronger predictor of job performance than overall interest scores. The research found that those whose interest profiles matched their job profiles were more likely to perform well, help others, and stay with the company longer.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateJul 5, 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.

First direct evidence that elemental fluorine occurs in nature

Researchers have successfully identified natural elemental fluorine in a special fluorite called 'fetid fluorite' or 'antozonite', which emits an intense odor when crushed. The discovery resolves a long-standing debate and provides insight into the properties of fluorine, a highly reactive element.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateJul 5, 2012

AGU: Life's molecules could lie within reach of Mars Curiosity rover

A new study suggests that Mars Curiosity rover may be able to find evidence of ancient life on Mars by probing optimal depths and locations for organic molecules. The research indicates that the rover's drilling range could detect simple carbon-containing molecules within 10 cm beneath the surface.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 5, 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.

Climate change suspended reef growth for 2 millennia

Researchers found that climate change led to a collapse of coral reefs in the eastern Pacific for 40% of their total history, spanning 4,000 years. The study suggests that similar collapse could occur again due to current climate patterns.

SourceFlorida Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateJul 5, 2012

Doctors should consider exercise a fifth 'vital sign'

Regular exercise has clear benefits for physical and mental health, making it a key factor in reducing mortality rates. Health professionals should consider exercise levels as a vital sign to provide more help for patients to adopt exercise regimes.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 5, 2012

Vanderbilt study finds obesity linked to kidney injury after heart surgery

A recent Vanderbilt University Medical Center study has found that obesity is associated with a higher risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) following cardiac surgery. The study, which followed 455 cardiac surgery patients, found that a higher body mass index (BMI) was linked to a greater risk of AKI, with patients weighing more than avera...

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJul 5, 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.

The parenthood paradox

A recent study found that women who believe in intensive parenting are more likely to experience stress, depression, and lower life satisfaction. Mothers who endorsed these attitudes had moderate levels of stress and depression, with approximately 23% showing symptoms of depression.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Child and Family Studies·DateJul 5, 2012

Loss of protein SPDEF allows prostate cancer cells to gain foothold at possible sites of metastasis

A study published in Journal of Biological Chemistry found that prostate cancer cells lacking the protein SPDEF are unable to establish colonies at possible sites of metastasis, highlighting a potential biomarker for untreated cancers. Researchers hope to regulate SPDEF expression to prevent cancer cell metastasis.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJul 5, 2012

miR loss may power maligant transformation in chronic leukemia

Researchers at Ohio State University found that the loss of microRNA-125b (miR-125b) shuts down normal cell metabolism and enables cancer cells to proliferate. The study reveals a new mechanism by which chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) develops, providing potential targets for new drugs.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalBlood·DateJul 5, 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.

Gladstone scientists identify critical process in stem cell development

Researchers identified a protein called LIF as crucial for the growth of female iPS cells, which contain two copies of the X-chromosome. This discovery offers new insights into how iPS cells form and could lead to improved human models for studying disease and testing new drugs.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJul 5, 2012

Satellite research reveals smaller volcanoes could cool climate

A team of researchers led by the University of Saskatchewan discovered that small volcanic eruptions can inject aerosols into the stratosphere, cooling the Earth's surface. The study used data from the Canadian Space Agency's OSIRIS instrument to analyze the effects of a 2011 eruption in Eritrea.

SourceUniversity of Saskatchewan·JournalScience·DateJul 5, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New instrument sifts through starlight to reveal new worlds

Project 1640 has achieved unprecedented high-contrast imaging, revealing celestial objects 1 million to 10 million times fainter than the star at its center. The instrument can darken speckles far beyond any previous capability, effectively carving a dark square in the speckle background centered on the star.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·DateJul 5, 2012

Calling all truckers ... not!

Researchers in India have developed a system to detect and block cellphone use by drivers while driving. The technology, based on RFIDs, aims to reduce road traffic deaths by minimizing distractions caused by cell phone conversations.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Enterprise Network Management·DateJul 5, 2012

East meets West: Research transcending borders

Researchers from the UK and Hong Kong are working together on eight new projects exploring themes such as parenting styles, education, and global issues. The collaboration aims to drive research excellence through intensive interaction and promote scientific exchanges between the two countries.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateJul 5, 2012

Freezing all embryos in IVF with transfer in a later non-stimulated cycle may improve outcome

A meta-analysis suggests that freezing all embryos for later transfer in a non-stimulated cycle may improve implantation and pregnancy rates, reducing the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) associated with fresh embryo transfers. The study found a relative risk of 1.31 for clinical pregnancies, with higher ongoing pregnan...

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateJul 4, 2012

Visualizing the complex flows inside chemical reactors

Dr. Markus Schubert from Helmholtz Association aims to investigate fluid dynamics in bubble column reactors using X-ray visualization. The goal is to optimize processes and systems for efficient conversion of desired products, saving resources and energy.

SourceHelmholtz Association·DateJul 4, 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.

Patient-derived stem cells could improve drug research for Parkinson's

Researchers derived iPS cells from patients with genetic forms of Parkinson's and found common signs of distress in neurons, including abnormalities in mitochondria. The cells' responses to treatments depended on the type of Parkinson's each patient had.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 4, 2012

From 'law' to 'religion'

A joint study by Stefan Reichmuth and Reinhold Glei reveals the Koran's term 'dīn' changed meaning from 'law' to 'religion' in Latin translations, with implications for European understanding of Islam. This shift reflects a gradual development in Western philosophy, paralleling Judaism and Christianity.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalReligion·DateJul 4, 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.

Individuals cooperate according to their emotional state and their prior experiences

Researchers found that individuals prioritize reciprocity over network structure when deciding to cooperate. This challenges traditional theories on cooperation among individuals. The study, published in PNAS, used a social conflict prototype called the Prisoner's Dilemma and involved 1,200 Aragon secondary students.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 4, 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.

Nature: Molecule changes magnetism and conductance

Researchers have developed a novel magnetic memory that can store information in the form of resistance variations. By applying an electric pulse, the metal-organic molecule can be switched between a conductive, magnetic state and a low-conductive, non-magnetic state.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 4, 2012

Groundbreaking discovery of mechanism that controls obesity, atherosclerosis

Researchers from A*STAR have identified a novel signalling pathway controlling both obesity and atherosclerosis in mice. The study found that Wip1-deficient mice were resistant to weight gain and atherosclerosis through increased autophagy, highlighting a potential new approach for treating these conditions. Further investigation into ...

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJul 4, 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.