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Science News Archive June 2012


Page 17 of 29

Ancient effect harnessed to produce electricity from waste heat

Researchers have developed a 'pyroelectric nanogenerator' that converts waste heat into electricity using the ancient pyroelectric effect. The device has the potential to power applications such as wireless sensors, temperature imaging, and medical diagnostics, offering a new source of energy from environmental waste.

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.

Bonobo genome completed

The completed bonobo genome reveals evolutionary relationships with chimpanzees and humans, differing by approximately 1.3% from both species. Analysis suggests a clean split between bonobos and chimpanzees, supporting the hypothesis that the formation of the Congo River separated their ancestors.

Where we split from sharks: Common ancestor comes into focus

The study of Acanthodes bronni, a 290-million-year-old fossil fish, sheds light on the evolution of early jawed vertebrates. The researchers found that the common ancestor of all jawed vertebrates resembled a shark, with features such as cartilaginous jaws and primitive sensory organs.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Book a flight on 'Air Algae?'

The airline industry is poised to adopt biobased jet fuel, derived from waste cooking oil and algae, due to rising costs for conventional fuels. Biobased fuels are blended with traditional Jet A-1 fuel and have shown promising results in test flights.

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.

New energy source for future medical implants: Sugar

MIT engineers have developed a fuel cell that runs on glucose, potentially powering brain implants to help paralyzed patients. The glucose fuel cell strips electrons from glucose molecules to create a small electric current, and its biocompatibility has been proven through platinum catalysts.

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.

Divide the Antarctic to protect native species, propose experts

A continent-wide assessment of Antarctica's biogeography proposes dividing the landmass into 15 distinct conservation regions to safeguard native species. The 15 identified areas will serve as a basis for biosecurity measures to prevent invasive species transfer.

Low energy levels could predict risk of hospitalisation for people with COPD

A new study found that people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who report high levels of fatigue are at increased risk of hospitalization. The researchers assessed 83 patients attending a pulmonary rehabilitation clinic, reporting a strong association between reported fatigue and severity of COPD.

How alert hospital employees improved hospital's MRSA infection rate

A NJIT researcher developed a management program to reduce MRSA infections by identifying and leveraging 'positive deviants' - employees who excel at their jobs without being recognized. The study found that top-down support, collaboration, and recognition were key to successful change.

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.

Stanford marine biologist Barbara Block wins Rolex Award for Enterprise

Barbara Block's research on large predators in the California Current has led to groundbreaking discoveries about marine hotspots and migratory highways. Her award-winning project aims to protect these areas by building 'predator cafés' and increasing public awareness through real-time tracking data.

Bacterium signals plant to open up and let friends in

Researchers identified how Pseudomonas syringae uses coronatine to hijack a plant's defense system, keeping stomata open for bacterial invasion. The study provides insight into the full process of bacterial pathogenesis in plants.

NIST effort could improve high-tech medical scanners

A team at NIST has developed a method to calibrate and optimize color-based imaging techniques for medical applications. This enhancement enables surgeons to detect specific cell types with improved accuracy. The NIST effort is part of a larger initiative to evaluate and validate optical medical imaging devices.

Virtual sailing gives competitors the edge

New research reveals that simulating weather and water conditions before a race can predict a yacht's behavior with accuracy, giving sailors a competitive advantage. The study uses virtual simulation to model resistance on the hull, comparing results with physical tests.

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.

'No-sleep energy bugs' drain smartphone batteries

Researchers at Purdue University have proposed a method to detect 'no-sleep energy bugs' that can completely drain smartphone batteries. The bugs occur when apps continue to run background operations despite the phone being idle, consuming battery life.

Anxious mice make lousy dads: study

Research suggests that high anxiety can make male California mice poor fathers, while stress hormone vasopressin may influence paternal behavior. The study found that anxious males were less likely to approach a pup and had higher levels of vasopressin in their brains.

Consortium of scientists maps the human body's bacterial ecosystem

A team of scientists from the Gladstone Institutes has contributed to a groundbreaking study that mapped the human microbiome, revealing over 10,000 microorganisms that live on and inside humans. The researchers used advanced DNA-sequencing techniques to identify individual microbes and their roles in human health.

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.

'Extremely little' telescope discovers pair of odd planets

The KELT telescope has discovered two unusual planets, including a massive, puffed-up planet dubbed KELT-1b that may challenge our understanding of solar system evolution. The other planet, KELT-2Ab, is a Jupiter-like world with a bright star that will allow astronomers to study its atmosphere.

NASA's TRMM views forming tropical cyclone

System 94E has a greater chance of development, with a 60% chance of becoming a tropical depression in the next two days. NASA's TRMM satellite observed heavy rainfall and intense convective storms within its area, indicating potential for cyclone formation.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Tracking MRSA in real time

Researchers used whole-genome sequencing to distinguish between related MRSA strains, potentially shortening outbreak duration. The study identified genetic differences between strains that current methods couldn't detect.

Caregiver's health is strong predictor of orphan's health

A new Duke University study found that a caregiver's health is the strongest predictor of an orphan's health, with one in five children in fair or poor health. Caregiver-child dyad assessments and interventions are key to promoting orphan well-being, according to researchers.

Announcing the Human Microbiome Project Collection

The Human Microbiome Project Collection provides a comprehensive baseline of the microbial diversity at 18 human body sites, including reference genomes and metagenomic sequences. The studies examine relationships between the microbiome and host health, shedding light on conditions such as Crohn's disease and psoriasis.

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.

Researchers find new cause of cardiac damage after heart attack in type 1 diabetes

Scientists at Joslin Diabetes Center have identified a new cause of cardiac damage after heart attacks in people with type 1 diabetes. A runaway autoimmune response triggered by alpha-myosin leads to chronic inflammation, cardiomyopathy, and heart failure. The study offers promising targets for future interventions to protect the heart.

New trial drug a 'Trojan Horse' attacking pancreatic cancer

A Phase 2 clinical trial is underway to test the effectiveness and safety of INNO-206 in treating advanced pancreatic ductual adenocarcinomas. The drug works like a Trojan Horse by being prepared in albumin, which pancreatic cancer cells prefer, allowing it to deliver cancer-killing agents directly to the tumor.

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.

Berkeley Lab scientists help define the healthy human microbiome

Researchers mapped the normal microbial make-up of healthy humans, shedding light on vital tasks such as immune system support and food digestion. The study reveals a unique personal microbiome for each individual, with over 10,000 species occupying the human ecosystem.

Putting parasites on the world map

Researchers developed a new method to extract parasite DNA from patient blood samples, allowing for rapid analysis of malaria genomes. The study found unique differences in malaria development between Africa, Asia, and Oceania, with potential hotspots of drug resistance identified.

Fruit flies reveal mechanism behind ALS-like disease

Researchers discovered a mutation in the p150glued protein linked to hereditary motor neuropathy 7B (HMN7B) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), disrupting cargo transport in neurons. The study found that when this protein is compromised, control of cargo transport is lost, leading to disease.

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.

Pitcher plant uses rain drops to capture prey

Researchers discovered a novel trapping mechanism in Nepenthes gracilis pitcher plants, where heavy rain acts as a springboard to catch insects. The unique mechanism involves a thin film of water on the wettable rim, causing insects to slip and fall into the digestive fluid.

Key enzyme plays roles as both friend and foe to cancer

A new study at University of Illinois Chicago found that the enzyme AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) helps cancer cells survive during initial tumor formation and when they spread to other organs. AMPK promotes cell survival by regulating NADPH, a molecule that reduces harmful reactive-oxygen species.

Bat bridges don't work

Researchers at the University of Leeds found that wire bridges built to help bats cross busy roads do not work. Bats prefer their original routes over the bridges, crossing at low heights and showing no change in behavior despite prolonged exposure.

Alien earths could form earlier than expected

Researchers have found that terrestrial planets like Earth could have formed earlier than expected in the universe's history. The study suggests that rocky worlds don't need to orbit metal-rich stars to form and that their sizes are not directly linked to the star's metallicities.

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.

Tale of 3 segregations

Researchers analyzed data from the 2000 census, finding that poor other-race neighbors disproportionately contribute to neighborhood poverty, especially among blacks and Hispanics. Concentrated poverty is attributed to three segregations: racial, poverty-status within race, and segregation from high-income members of other groups.

Scientists see new hope for restoring vision with stem cell help

Researchers have successfully formed human-derived stem cell tissue resembling the retina, a breakthrough that could lead to new treatments for visual impairments. This achievement uses optimized cell culture methods and demonstrates the potential of human embryonic stem cells for regenerative medicine.

Planets can form around different types of stars

New research reveals small planets can form around stars with low heavy element content, challenging previous assumptions. This discovery suggests Earth-like planets may be widespread in the universe, contradicting earlier theories on planetary formation requirements.

GAVI boosts global response to measles outbreaks

The GAVI Alliance has pledged an additional $162 million to control and prevent measles outbreaks in six high-risk countries. The funding will strengthen routine immunisation systems and follows a decision last November to provide over $600 million to tackle rubella through a combined measles-rubella vaccine.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Big uncertainties in the global water budget

Researchers found significant differences between global models and measurement data sets, with uncertainties increasing due to a shrinking global network of measurement stations. This study emphasizes the need for better understanding of evaporation, clouds, and precipitation interactions on regional levels.

Videogamers no better at talking while driving

A Duke University study found that videogamers are not better at multitasking while driving than non-gamers, contrary to popular belief. The researchers measured the performance of 60 undergraduate students on visual tasks and had them answer Trivial Pursuit questions over a speakerphone while driving.

Most older pedestrians are unable to cross the road in time

A study found that most older adults (65+) in England cannot safely use pedestrian crossings, leading to social isolation and reduced access to healthcare services. The research highlights the importance of prioritizing safe crossing times for vulnerable populations.

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.

Clarity begins at exome

Researchers sequenced exomes of 118 patients with specific neurodevelopmental diseases, identifying numerous disease-causing genes. In approximately 10% of cases, exome sequencing led to the identification of a known disease-causing gene, prompting changes in diagnosis and care for some patients.

Census of microbes in healthy humans reported

A comprehensive census of the microbial make-up of healthy humans identified over 10,000 species of microbes occupying various body sites. The research found unique communities of microbes in every site, with skin hosting the most diverse collection, while teeth and gums had distinct microbiota profiles.