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Science News Archive June 2012


Page 19 of 29

Planting the right messages may make farms safer

Researchers at Penn State found that social marketing campaigns could motivate farmers to install rollover protective structures on older-model tractors, reducing deaths in tractor-rollover accidents. Offering rebates and highlighting child safety concerns were key motivators for farmers.

Ancient story of Dartmoor tors has an ice-cold twist

A new study reveals that an ice cap and valley glaciers were present in the centre of Dartmoor during the last Ice Age, sculpting its rocky landscape. The research found distinctive outer tors survived while inner tors were destroyed or prevented from forming due to the glacier's presence.

Quantum computers could help search engines keep up with the Internet's growth

Researchers at USC have demonstrated that quantum computing can potentially speed up web page ranking calculations, making it easier for search engines to keep up with the ever-expanding Internet. The study showed that a quantum computer could return the ranking of the most important pages in the web faster than traditional computers.

A study shows that 'mosaicism' is gaining ground in cancer research

A recent study published in Nature Genetics provides evidence that genetic variations in the embryo may predispose individuals to cancer later in life. The study found that mutations in key genes were present in cells of patients with congenital skin lesions, suggesting an early origin for some tumors.

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.

New weekly fertility injections work as well as daily

Weekly fertility hormone injections are as safe and effective as standard daily injections in increasing pregnancies and minimizing serious side effects. Women undergoing fertility treatment may prefer weekly injections for their patient-friendly nature.

Children with asthma marginalized in movies, says Rutgers-Camden researcher

Research by Rutgers-Camden professor Cindy Dell Clark analyzes Hollywood's portrayal of children with asthma, revealing common stereotypes that can lead to stigma and unfair treatment. Her study suggests that depicting asthma as a form of weakness or stress-induced condition is not supported by medical evidence.

Unhealthy lifestyles have little impact on sperm quality

A recent study published in Human Reproduction found that many common lifestyle choices, including smoking and alcohol consumption, have little effect on male fertility. Instead, factors such as ethnicity, occupation, and previous conception history may play a greater role in determining sperm quality.

Voicemail discovered in nature

A new study reveals that insects store voicemails via their effects on soil fungi, passing signals to future plants and their enemies.

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.

UCSF pair win Gruber Foundation Neuroscience prize

Lily Jan and Yuh Nung Jan receive the award for their fundamental contributions to understanding potassium channel function, neuronal morphologies, and developmental neuroscience. They have mentored numerous students and postdoctoral fellows, inspiring new generations of researchers.

Tiny 'speed bump' device could sort cancer cells

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a lab-on-chip platform that can sort microscopic particles and bits of biological matter using gravity or simple forces. The device, similar to speed bumps on a road, separates particles based on weight, size or other factors, holding promise for early cancer detection.

Robotic assistants may adapt to humans in the factory

Researchers at MIT have developed an algorithm allowing robots to quickly learn an individual's preference for a task and adapt accordingly. This enables robots and humans to work side by side, improving productivity and efficiency in manufacturing plants.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Nature or nurture? It may depend on where you live

Researchers found that genetic and environmental factors influence childhood characteristics differently across the UK, with some traits more strongly linked to genes in certain regions. The study's nature-nurture maps provide a global overview of how environment interacts with genetics.

Potential Iceland eruption could pump acid into European airspace

A modern recurrence of a 'flood lava' eruption in Iceland could inject large quantities of hazardous gases into North Atlantic and European flight corridors. The emissions could exceed WHO chronic exposure guidelines and pose significant health risks to air travelers, particularly if the event were to occur during late spring or summer.

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.

Improving quality of care for sick children in Kenya is cost effective

A cost-effectiveness analysis found that improving quality of care for sick children in district hospitals in Kenya is affordable and effective, with a significant increase in care quality and low additional costs. The intervention was estimated to be approximately $3.6 million annually, or 0.6% of the annual child health budget.

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.

Substance abuse librarians raise the alarm as libraries continue to close

The Substance Abuse Librarians and Information Specialists are warning of the impending loss of specialist libraries and databases due to continued closures. Over 25 libraries worldwide have been downsized or closed since SALIS' campaign began eight years ago, with valuable grey literature and documents at risk of being lost forever.

Potential carbon capture role for new CO2-absorbing material

Researchers have developed a novel porous material with unique carbon dioxide retention properties, which could be used in new carbon capture products to reduce emissions from fossil fuel processes. The material's structure allows selective adsorption of CO2, even at low temperatures.

Spotting ultrafine loops in the sun's corona

Researchers used NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory and New Solar Telescope to observe ultrafine loops in the sun's corona. These narrow loops are connected to higher lying, wider loops and may help explain how temperatures rise throughout the corona.

Teaching autistic teens to cope

A UCLA program has proven effective in teaching social skills to high-functioning autistic teens, leading to improved relationships and social functioning. The PEERS clinic's 14-week program helps teens develop critical skills needed to make and keep friends, resulting in fewer problem behaviors and greater understanding of social skills.

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.

Unusual microbes could hitch a ride with travellers

Researchers discovered a rare yeast species, Saccharomycopsis fodiens, in geographically distant locations, suggesting its spread may be linked to human migrations. The novel strain is parasitic and unusual in using alternative growth methods, providing clues about global micro-organism dispersal.

A 'dirt cheap' magnetic field sensor from 'plastic paint'

University of Utah physicists created a spintronic device that uses MEH-PPV plastic paint to detect magnetic fields, showing exceptional impact in real-world applications. The new magnetometer can accurately measure fields ranging from weak to strong, with potential consumer products on the market in three years or less.

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.

Retention forestry now sparing trees and benefitting biodiversity worldwide

Retention forestry is a management practice that deliberately leaves selected trees standing during harvesting, reducing ecological simplification and preserving natural forest complexity. It brings benefits such as maintaining ecosystem services, increasing public acceptance, and ensuring habitat continuity.

With altered brain chemistry, fear is more easily overcome

A new study from Duke University found that a drug blocking fatty acid amide hydrolase activity reduces fear in mice by increasing endocannabinoids. Human genetic differences related to the same enzyme also influence how well people cope with fear and stress.

Sleep apnea persisting into teens can impact life skills, study finds

Children with persistent sleep apnea (OSA) into their teens experience behavioral and emotional difficulties, including attention problems and aggression, impacting daily life skills. OSA remission or absence is a protective factor against these issues, highlighting the need for early identification and treatment.

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.

NJIT designer creates an ergonomic chair for musicians

NJIT designer creates a chair to reduce back pain and promote good playing posture among professional musicians. The chair features adjustable seat height, backrests, and a lightweight carbon fiber frame to support individual preferences and body characteristics.

New research published today is already saving lives

A new study has led to the introduction of rapid syphilis tests in six countries, including China, Peru, Brazil, Zambia, Uganda, and Tanzania. The tests have been shown to be effective in remote areas and could save up to one million children's lives every year.

BYU engineers conceive disc replacement to treat chronic low back pain

A new biomedical device aims to alleviate chronic back pain by duplicating the natural motion of the spine. Developed by BYU engineers and licensed to Crocker Spinal Technologies, the artificial disc has shown promise in studies and is set to begin international sales distribution as early as next year.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Protein residues kiss, don't tell

Researchers create DCA-fold tool to spot subtle interactions between amino acids in proteins, refining methods for predicting protein form and function. The new method uses genomic sequence information to eliminate possibilities from the range of forms a protein might take.

A father's love is one of the greatest influences on personality development

Research reveals that fatherly love is critical to a person's development, with rejection having a significant impact on anxiety, insecurity, and relationships. The study suggests that the influence of one parent's rejection can be greater than the other's, highlighting the importance of fathers in child care.

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.

Climate change to alter global fire risk

A new study projects increased fire activity across large parts of the planet due to climate change, particularly in the western United States. Meanwhile, fire activity is expected to decrease in tropical rainforests as a result of increased rainfall.

Echocardiogram screenings are effective in preventing rheumatic heart disease

A new study from Children's National Medical Center found that routine echocardiogram screenings can identify three times as many cases of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) as clinical examinations. The screenings can detect clinically silent RHD in children, allowing for early intervention and prevention of serious complications.

Making music with real stars

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology's Sonification Lab converted numerical data from Kepler telescope star data into sounds to create a musically appealing melody. The team used this sound in a song by Echo Movement, showcasing the potential of sonification as a tool for analyzing large data sets.

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.

Naturally occurring protein has a role in chronic pain

Researchers have identified a naturally occurring protein involved in generating chronic pain in rats, which could lead to new therapeutic treatments. The discovery highlights the impact of molecular signalling events on nerve transmission and offers promising avenues for pain relief.

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.

Cocaine vaccine gets a boost with molecular imaging

A new vaccine against cocaine addiction uses the body's own immune system to prevent the high, as demonstrated by a molecular imaging technique. The vaccine, called dAd5GNE, combines a cocaine-like molecule with part of the common cold virus, inducing antibodies that bind cocaine in blood and prevent it from entering the brain.

Long-ignored enzyme turns out to be key to killing infectious bacteria

Researchers at Ohio State University discovered that caspase-11 enables immune cells to fuse and degrade bacteria causing Legionnaires' disease. The enzyme's activation helps kill the bacteria by triggering a fusion event between phagosomes and lysosomes, preventing bacterial replication.

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.

Immune cells in the gut may improve control of HIV growth

Researchers found that a subtype of CD4-positive immune cells called Th17 cells in the gut could influence disease outcome and help control HIV growth. Increasing these cells may promote an environment with more anti-viral capabilities, potentially improving treatment outcomes.