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Science News for March 23, 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.

New epilepsy gene located in dogs

A new epilepsy gene has been discovered in dogs, specifically in Belgian Shepherds, which is associated with a seven-fold increased risk of epilepsy. The research also suggests that other genetic risk factors may be present in the breed, and ongoing studies aim to identify the specific gene causing epilepsy.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 23, 2012

Research sheds new light on extra help for smokers trying to quit

A study published in the British Medical Journal found that offering free nicotine patches and proactive counselling to smokers calling an NHS quitline did not increase the number of people who successfully quit smoking. The trial compared the effectiveness of this extra support against standard reactive quitline support, with no signi...

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·DateMar 23, 2012

New study quantifies the enormous cost of fragility fractures in Europe

A new study estimates the total economic burden of fragility fractures in the European Union at €39 billion EUR, with hip fractures contributing to over half of all costs. The study highlights the need for preventive action to address the growing number of seniors and estimated doubling of fractures by 2050.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·DateMar 23, 2012

Plant DNA speaks English, identifies new species

Researchers have successfully diagnosed a new species of plant using DNA barcoding, a method that relies on short DNA sequences for identification. The study marks a significant shift towards English-language diagnoses, which will enable scientists to more easily share and verify findings.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalPhytoKeys·DateMar 23, 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.

Researchers unveil robot jellyfish built on nanotechnology

The University of Texas at Dallas and Virginia Tech have created an undersea vehicle inspired by the common jellyfish, which runs on renewable energy. The robotic jellyfish, dubbed Robojelly, feeds off hydrogen and oxygen gases found in water, producing only water as waste.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalSmart Materials and Structures·DateMar 23, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Megalara garuda: the King of Wasps

A new, pitch-black wasp species has been discovered in Sulawesi, Indonesia, belonging to the digger wasp family. The species differs from all known related digger wasps due to its unusual body size and long, sickle-shaped jaws.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateMar 23, 2012

Ancient civilizations reveal ways to manage fisheries for sustainability

A study reconstructing fisheries yields over seven centuries in Hawaii and Florida Keys reveals that Native Hawaiian societies managed fisheries sustainably through local regulations and community involvement. The authors argue that incorporating ancient techniques into modern policy may be key to sustaining coral reef fisheries.

SourceStanford University·JournalFish and Fisheries·DateMar 23, 2012

Danes top international health study

A new international study on healthy heating found that Danes are most willing to accept economic interventions to promote healthy eating habits, with 70% prepared to pay more tax for healthier food. Danish consumers also show a positive attitude towards public authorities and high taxes, leading to higher support for nutritional changes.

SourceAarhus University·DateMar 23, 2012

Astronomers put forward new theory on size of black holes

Researchers suggest that highly massive black holes began growing rapidly in the early universe due to chaotic gas flows. By simulating gas discs orbiting a black hole at different angles, they found that collisions between these discs can lead to a significant increase in the black hole's mass.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMar 23, 2012
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.

IOF Medal of Achievement awarded to Professor Cyrus Cooper

Professor Cyrus Cooper was awarded the IOF Medal of Achievement for advancing knowledge of osteoporosis through original and outstanding scientific contributions. He has led research programs on epidemiology, bone mineral accrual, and preventive strategies against hip fracture.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·DateMar 23, 2012

'Bed-of-nails' breast implant deters cancer cells

Researchers have developed a breast implant with a 'bed-of-nails' surface at the nanoscale that reduces cancer cell growth and promotes healthy endothelial breast cells. The implant's unique surface features deter cancerous cells from dwelling and thriving, offering a promising alternative to traditional treatments.

SourceBrown University·JournalNanotechnology·DateMar 23, 2012

Low serum adiponectin levels predict future risk for asthma in women

A study published by the American Thoracic Society found that low serum adiponectin levels are associated with a higher risk of developing asthma in middle-aged women. The research also suggests that raising systemic adiponectin concentrations could potentially prevent asthma in women who smoke.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 23, 2012

A shiny new tool for imaging biomolecules

Researchers embed artificial membranes with billions of nanoantennas to study cell signaling patterns and molecular interactions. The technique boosts fluorescent signals, enabling tracing of individual proteins and enhancing biomolecule imaging.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 23, 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.

An extinct species of scops owl has been discovered in Madeira

A newly discovered fossil species of scops owl found in Madeira reveals that its extinction was linked to human arrival and habitat destruction. The findings suggest that human introduction led to disease transmission, invasive species, and habitat loss, contributing to the bird's demise.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalZootaxa·DateMar 23, 2012
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.

Removal of invasive tree improves health of American Samoa forests

A recent study by USDA Forest Service researchers found that removing the invasive Tamaligi tree greatly improves the health of its diverse native forests in American Samoa. Native tree species quickly recover and persist after control efforts, while biomass levels are restored to equivalent pre-invasion levels.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Pacific Southwest Research Station·JournalBiological Invasions·DateMar 23, 2012

Non-narcotic pain medication is safe and effective after sinus surgery

A new study published in International Forum of Allergy and Rhinology found that ketorolac is a safe and effective pain medication for patients after sinus surgery, without the side effects of narcotics. The study compared ketorolac to fentanyl and found no significant differences in nasal bleeding or pain relief.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalInternational Forum of Allergy & Rhinology·DateMar 23, 2012

Biomarkers for autism discovered

Researchers at Uppsala University have identified potential biomarkers for autism spectrum disorder using advanced mass spectrometry. The study found disruptions in the nervous system and a connection between protein C3 and ASD, which may lead to a reliable blood-based diagnostic tool.

SourceUppsala University·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateMar 23, 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.

Scorpio rising

Researchers have discovered a new species of scorpion in Death Valley National Park, California. The species, Wernerius inyoensis, is small and closely related to other species found in Joshua Tree National Park and along the lower Colorado River.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateMar 23, 2012

In the final years of Franco's regime television acknowledged the republican's bravery

A study by Complutense University of Madrid found that Spanish public television began to portray republicans as brave combatants in the final years of Franco's regime. The researchers analyzed TVE archives and concluded that the topic of peace replaced war, highlighting a shift in how the Civil War was portrayed on TV.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalComunicación y Sociedad·DateMar 23, 2012

Ultrasound-guided surgery is best way to remove breast tumours

A randomised controlled trial found ultrasound-guided surgery excises all cancerous tissue with minimal healthy tissue removal, reducing re-excisions and radiotherapy. The technique enables precise tumour localisation and assessment of surgical margins.

SourceECCO-the European CanCer Organisation·DateMar 23, 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.

Researchers discover why humans began walking upright

Researchers found that chimpanzees switched to two legs in high-competition situations to carry more resources. This adaptation may have led to natural selection and the origin of human bipedalism.

SourceGeorge Washington University Medical Center·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 23, 2012
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.

Expectations, exhaustion can lead mothers to post-adoption stress

A recent study by Purdue University researchers found that fatigue and unmet expectations of parenthood can contribute to post-adoption depression in women. The study, based on survey results from 300 mothers who adopted within the past two years, identified unrealistic expectations as a common theme related to depression.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAdvances in Nursing Science·DateMar 23, 2012

NIH launches online resource on behavioral and social science research methods

The NIH has launched an online resource called e-Source, which offers a range of interactive chapters, discussion forums, and references to help researchers apply behavioral and social science methods to public health activities. The resource is designed to provide a foundation for collaborations between biological and social scientists.

SourceNIH/Office of the Director·DateMar 23, 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.

Researchers validate the potential of a protein for the treatment of type 2 diabetes

A study published in PNAS reveals that a deficiency of Mitofusin 2 protein causes insulin resistance and glucose intolerance in mice, highlighting its potential as a target for treating type 2 diabetes. The researchers also note that the protein plays a crucial role in maintaining normal glucose homeostasis.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 23, 2012

Possible causes of sudden onset OCD in kids broadened

A new diagnostic criteria for Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) has been proposed, expanding on existing criteria for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcus (PANDAS). A clinical trial testing an immune-based treatment is currently underway, aiming to provide appropriate care fo...

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalPediatrics & Therapeutics·DateMar 23, 2012