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Science News Archive July 2012 - Page 3


Page 3 of 26

Researchers analyze melting glaciers and water resources in Central Asia

The study reveals that glaciers in the Tien Shan Mountains have lost between 0.1% and 0.8% of their surface per year, with the largest retreat observed on the periphery near major cities. This affects the seasonal distribution of water, which will exacerbate droughts during summers.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJul 29, 2012

New discovery of how carbon is stored in the Southern Ocean

A team of scientists has discovered a method of how carbon is drawn down from the surface of the Southern Ocean to deep waters, utilizing winds, currents, and eddies. This understanding improves knowledge of climate change effects on ocean carbon absorption.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 29, 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.

Lotus leaf inspires fog-free finish for transparent surfaces

Researchers create superhydrophobic coatings to repel water and fog from glass and other transparent materials. The coatings offer improved anti-fogging and light transmittance properties, paving the way for clearer windshields, windows, and solar cells.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJul 28, 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.

Cloud seeds and ozone holes

A team of scientists discovered that cloud seeds can pick up molecules even when they don't collide directly with the clusters. The finding has significant implications for understanding atmospheric chemistry processes such as ozone depletion.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateJul 28, 2012

The seat of meta-consciousness in the brain

Researchers have identified a specific cortical network in the brain that becomes active when lucid dreamers become aware of their dreaming state. This network, including the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and frontopolar regions, is associated with self-reflective functions and has been linked to consciousness development.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalSLEEP·DateJul 27, 2012

Discovery of new white blood cell reveals target for better vaccine design

Researchers at Newcastle University have identified a new type of white blood cell that activates a killing immune response to external sources, providing a potential target for vaccines. The discovery could lead to the development of targeted immunotherapies against cancer and infections such as Hepatitis B.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalImmunity·DateJul 27, 2012

Computers can predict effects of HIV policies

A computer program calibrated to model accurately HIV spread in NYC predicts significant reduction in infection rate with comprehensive intervention strategies. The model simulates individual behavior and transmission networks, providing detailed examination of how interventions affect the epidemic.

SourceBrown University·DateJul 27, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Future of California high-speed rail looks green

A new analysis by Arpad Horvath and Mikhail Chester finds that California's proposed high-speed rail system will reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to cars and air travel. The study, published in Environmental Research Letters, assesses the sustainability of different transportation modes using life-cycle assessments.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJul 27, 2012

'Diving board' sensors key to DNA detection

Researchers at Drexel University have developed a sensor technology that can detect DNA in liquid samples, allowing for quick identification of harmful cells and bacteria. The 'diving board' sensors use electric current to measure the vibration frequency of a cantilever, enabling sensitive and timely tests.

SourceDrexel University·DateJul 27, 2012

Boys' impulsiveness may result in better math ability, say MU researchers

A University of Missouri study found that boys showed a preference for faster but more error-prone approaches to solving arithmetic problems. While girls excelled in accuracy earlier on, boys surpassed them by the end of sixth grade due to their willingness to take risks and recall answers from memory.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Experimental Child Psychology·DateJul 27, 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.

NASA sees organizing tropical low pressure area near the Philippines

A low-pressure system in the western North Pacific is showing signs of organization, with NASA's Terra satellite capturing an infrared image of the area on July 27. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center has given System 93W a high chance of becoming a tropical depression over the weekend of July 28-29.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 27, 2012

UCLA research makes possible rapid assessment of plant drought tolerance

A new method developed by UCLA life scientists can rapidly and reliably assess drought tolerance in plants for diverse species across ecosystems worldwide. The method is based on the turgor loss point and osmotic potential, allowing for fast estimates within 10 minutes per leaf.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·DateJul 27, 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.

Study finds gaps in services for heterosexual men with HIV

A new study found that many heterosexual men with HIV in Canada feel existing programs and services don't meet their needs, due to stigma and lack of support. The study emphasizes the need for more inclusive health care and service initiatives specifically tailored to these men's unique experiences.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalBMJ Open·DateJul 27, 2012

Cedars-Sinai awarded $17.8 million grant to develop ALS treatment

Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center are developing a new treatment for ALS using a combination of stem cells and gene therapy. The grant will fund an 18-patient clinical trial for ALS in four years, with the potential to protect damaged motor neurons and deliver the protein GDNF exactly where it's needed.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·DateJul 27, 2012

UK medical school teaching on physical activity virtually 'non-existent'

A survey of UK medical schools found that physical activity education is sparse or non-existent in their curricula. The authors highlight the importance of promoting physical activity to manage modern non-communicable chronic diseases, citing clinical guidelines that emphasize exercise as a method of treatment.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateJul 27, 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.

Georgia forests, 2011

A study by the USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station found that Georgia's forest land area remained stable over the past 50 years, while timber inventory more than doubled. The majority of commercial timberland is privately owned, with individual or family forests making up a significant portion.

SourceUSDA Forest Service ‑ Southern Research Station·DateJul 27, 2012

The Olympics and bare feet: What have we learned?

Barefoot running, popularized by Abebe Bikila, is not inherently good or bad; proper training and conditioning are key. However, research suggests that it can increase stress fractures and soreness in the calves, while also risking knee and hip injuries similar to those caused by athletic shoes.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalThe Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research·DateJul 27, 2012

BUSM researchers find link between childhood abuse and age at menarche

Researchers from BUSM found a 49% increase in risk for early onset menarche among women who reported childhood sexual abuse, and a 50% increase in risk for late onset menarche among those with severe physical abuse. This study highlights the complex relationship between child abuse and health outcomes.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateJul 27, 2012

Accelerated resolution therapy significantly reduces PTSD symptoms, researchers report

A study by the University of South Florida College of Nursing found that Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) substantially reduced PTSD symptoms, including depression and anxiety, after just one to four sessions. The therapy uses eye movements to process traumatic memories, resulting in a significant improvement in symptoms.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalBehavioral Sciences·DateJul 27, 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.

Botanical Society of America to launch OA journal: Applications in Plant Sciences

The Botanical Society of America (BSA) has launched an open-access journal, Applications in Plant Sciences (APPS), to promote the rapid dissemination of new tools and protocols. APPS will be part of BioOne's Open Access Collection, fostering communication within the botanical community to advance plant sciences.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateJul 27, 2012

Even Usain Bolt can't beat greyhounds, cheetahs...or pronghorn antelope

A study published in Veterinary Record compares the athletic abilities of humans and animals, finding that greyhounds, cheetahs, pronghorn antelope, and other species outrun and outmuscle top athletes. Human adaptations for endurance are impressive, but animals excel in speed, strength, and power.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalVeterinary Record·DateJul 27, 2012

Tumor cells' inner workings predict cancer progression

Researchers identified 38 prognostic subnetworks of interacting genes that predict cancer progression in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The study helps define how CLL evolves over time, becoming more aggressive and deadly.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalBlood·DateJul 27, 2012

BELLA laser achieves world record power at 1 pulse per second

The BELLA laser system has delivered a petawatt of power in a pulse just 40 femtoseconds long at a pulse rate of one hertz, a world record for laser performance. This achievement enables the creation of compact particle accelerators and tabletop free electron lasers for investigating materials and biological systems.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateJul 27, 2012

Landmark HIV treatment-as-prevention study shows additional health benefits, cost-effectiveness

A landmark HIV treatment-as-prevention study has found that providing antiretroviral treatment to HIV-infected individuals earlier, when their immune systems are healthier, delays AIDS-related health events such as chronic herpes simplex virus and tuberculosis. Earlier treatment is also cost-effective as it increases survival, prevents...

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateJul 27, 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.

Nano-FTIR - A new era in modern analytical chemistry

Researchers developed nano-FTIR, combining s-SNOM and FTIR spectroscopy for nanoscale chemical identification and mapping. The technique offers high sensitivity and resolution, making it a unique tool for polymer chemistry, biomedicine, and pharmaceutical industry.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalNano Letters·DateJul 27, 2012

Swaziland HIV incidence results announced at AIDS 2012

A study in Swaziland found the national rate of new HIV infections to be 2.38%, comparable to the 2009 estimate of 2.66%. The country's high HIV prevalence may have begun to level off, with prevention and treatment programs taking effect.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·DateJul 27, 2012

The longer you're awake, the slower you get

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that longer wakefulness rates hinder task performance in visual search tasks. Participants performed slower during nighttime and after prolonged wakefulness.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of Vision·DateJul 27, 2012

UTMB scientists awarded NIH grant for lab-grown lung tissue project

University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston researchers have been awarded a $1.25 million NIH grant to develop lab-grown lung tissue models for biomedical studies. These models could provide significant advantages over animal models, including reduced costs and the ability to study human responses more accurately.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·DateJul 27, 2012
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.

ASTRO awards 5 research grants

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has awarded five physicians with research grants to promote the advancement of radiation therapy. The Junior Faculty Career Research Training Award and Residents/Fellows in Radiation Oncology Research Seed Grant Award support young researchers in radiation oncology, biology, physics, ...

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·DateJul 27, 2012

Higgs excitations

Higgs excitations have been observed in a two-dimensional quantum gas near absolute zero temperature. The phenomenon, associated with spontaneous symmetry breaking, can lead to coordinated collective motion and is crucial in the Standard Model of Particle Physics.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature·DateJul 27, 2012

Turbulences at a standstill

Theoretical physicist Dima Shepelyansky found that energy flows from large to small scales can be prevented under specific conditions, similar to the way electron currents are stopped in disordered solids. This discovery links chaos theory and turbulence, highlighting a phenomenon where energy threshold plays a crucial role.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateJul 27, 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.

Turbulent relationship among massive stars

Researchers from University of Bonn discover most massive stars form double systems, with over three-quarters orbiting a companion. The study reveals material transfer and merging between stars, challenging previous assumptions about single stars.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScience·DateJul 27, 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.

UK welfare reform 'uninspiring' and adding to economic woes and inequality

A UK policy expert warns that the country's welfare reform policies are re-creating conditions that led to the 2007 economic crisis. The critic argues that the dominant political party's emphasis on reducing taxes and rolling back the state will lead to more poverty and economic instability.

SourceSAGE·JournalLocal Economy The Journal of the Local Economy Policy Unit·DateJul 27, 2012

Unique scientific collaboration reveals hard facts on European drug use

A collaborative research project analyzed raw sewage samples from 19 European cities, providing unique insights into illicit drug use patterns. The study found distinct temporal and spatial patterns in drug use across Europe, with cocaine use higher in Western and Central Europe and ecstasy loads highest in Dutch cities.

SourceElsevier·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateJul 26, 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.

Bone marrow transplant eliminates signs of HIV infection

Two men with longstanding HIV infections have no detectable traces of HIV after bone marrow transplants, suggesting protection under anti-retroviral therapy. Researchers plan to study additional HIV-positive patients and explore tracing HIV in tissues.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·DateJul 26, 2012

Should high-dose interleukin-2 continue to be the treatment of choice for metastatic melanoma?

A recent study published in Cancer Biotherapy and Radiopharmaceuticals suggests that high-dose interleukin-2 (IL-2) should continue to be the initial treatment for patients with stage IV metastatic melanoma. The researchers recommend intensive IL-2 therapy as a viable option, either alone or in combination with newer therapeutic agents.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalCancer Biotherapy and Radiopharmaceuticals·DateJul 26, 2012

Climate concerns

A team of Harvard researchers has found a connection between climate change, ozone depletion, and an increase in skin cancer incidence. The study suggests that climate change may lead to more damaging ultraviolet (UV) radiation reaching the Earth's surface, resulting in higher rates of skin cancer. The research also raises concerns abo...

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·DateJul 26, 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.

The fin whale, under more threat in the Mediterranean than thought

A new study suggests that the fin whale population in the Mediterranean Sea is smaller and more limited in distribution than previously estimated. The research highlights the impact of human activity on the species' survival, including collisions with merchant vessels and noise pollution.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalMarine Mammal Science·DateJul 26, 2012

First photo evidence of snub-nosed monkey species in China

Researchers have confirmed the presence of the critically endangered snub-nosed monkey species in China's Yunnan province. The population is estimated to be less than 100 individuals and faces numerous threats due to habitat loss and hunting.

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal of Primatology·DateJul 26, 2012

Photovoltaics from any semiconductor

The new SFPV technology allows for the creation of high-quality p-n junctions in semiconductors that are difficult to dope by conventional chemical methods. Researchers demonstrate the effect in configurations using copper oxide and silicon, achieving stable electrically contacted p-n junctions.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNano Letters·DateJul 26, 2012

Big horns trump smooth pickup lines every time

Elk and rhinoceros beetles use insulin to grow big horns and attract mates. A study by Michigan State University found that these traits are not handicaps, but rather honest indicators of quality. The research suggests that the males' insulin dependence provides a way for them to show off their strength and suitability as partners.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalScience·DateJul 26, 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.

Writing in cursive with your eyes only

Researchers develop a technology that tricks the neuromuscular machinery into producing smooth eye movements, allowing individuals with nearly complete limb paralysis to write in cursive. This breakthrough has significant implications for people with ALS and other conditions affecting eye movement control.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 26, 2012

Toddlers object when people break the rules

Researchers Marco Schmidt and Michael Tomasello found that children as young as 2 years old object to rule-breaking, demonstrating an early understanding of social norms. They also enforce norms only within their own cultural in-group, suggesting a sophisticated calibration of behavior to group identity.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateJul 26, 2012