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Science News Archive March 2012


Page 23 of 32

Scientists study human diseases in flies

Researchers present new information on neural diseases and kidney stones using the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster model. Studies reveal links between cellular changes and behaviors in flies with human counterparts such as ataxia-telangiectasia and Rett Syndrome.

New online energy harvesting data repository launched

A new online resource, Energy Harvesting Open Access Data Repository, provides detailed data on energy availability and characteristics for researchers worldwide. The repository aims to standardize the evaluation of energy-harvesting devices and systems by offering a common dataset.

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 'print' polymers that bend into 3-D shapes

Scientists created self-actuating materials by exposing polymer sheets to UV light, allowing them to fold into specific 3D shapes when water is added. The technique has potential for directing blood vessel or tissue growth in laboratory settings.

Sustainability threatened by rising demand for livestock products

The European research project ReUseWaste aims to develop technologies and systems to make agriculture more resource-efficient by extracting bio-energy from waste, increasing nutrient recycling, and conserving soil quality. The project focuses on Denmark's significant animal manure production, aiming to increase sustainability and drive...

In recognizing faces, the whole is not greater than the sum of its parts

Researchers found that people's performance in recognizing a whole face is no better than their performance with individual features shown alone. The optimal Bayesian integrator model predicts this result, suggesting that relationships among facial features do not enhance information processing, contradicting the 'holistic' theory.

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.

NASA's TRMM satellite sees hot towers in Cyclone Koji

The TRMM satellite's Precipitation Radar instrument provided a three-dimensional profile of precipitation up to 20km height, revealing powerful storm towers around the storm's center reaching 15km. Tropical Storm Koji was predicted to strengthen into a hurricane with peak winds of 70kts, but will weaken soon after.

Osteoarthritis Summit delineates shortcomings of research and path forward

The Osteoarthritis Summit identified gaps in research and proposed a new classification system to address the disease's complexity. Experts emphasized the need for multidisciplinary approaches and biomarkers to monitor disease progression, with potential solutions including weight loss interventions and integrated treatment strategies.

Bite the hand that feeds...

A University of Miami study found that tiger sharks in Bahamas Tiger Beach exhibit long-distance migrations up to 3,500 km into the Atlantic Ocean. In contrast, shark feeding for ecotourism in Florida waters has no impact on behavior.

Infection control certification associated with lower MRSA infection rates

A new study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that hospitals led by a board-certified director in infection prevention and control have significantly lower MRSA bloodstream infections. The study also suggests that multifacility performance improvement projects are effective in reducing healthcare-associated i...

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Orientation of desert ants: Every cue counts

Desert ants utilize a combination of path integration, visual cues, olfactory signals, and even magnetic fields to return home. They can recognize their own nest by tracking the plume of carbon dioxide produced by their nestmates' breathing, yet prioritize path integration over this chemical signal.

NASA's RXTE captures thermonuclear behavior of unique neutron star

Astronomers have observed a unique neutron star system, T5X2, exhibiting marginally stable nuclear fusion at high accretion rates. The RXTE data resolves a long-standing gap between theoretical predictions and observational evidence, shedding light on the complex processes governing thermonuclear explosions.

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.

Health monitoring? There's an app for that

A Bluetooth-enabled medical monitoring device can track various physiological parameters and send data to healthcare providers via Bluetooth connectivity. The device can also be used as a gateway to relay patient health data to remote databases for remote diagnoses.

NASA sees cyclone Irina weaker in Mozambique Channel

Cyclone Irina has weakened to a minimal tropical storm due to increased wind shear and cooler sea surface temperatures. NASA's satellite imagery confirms the decline, with the strongest thunderstorms being pushed away from the center of circulation.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Strengthening the bond between policy and science

A new research agenda has been developed to strengthen the relationship between science and policy, addressing key questions on scientific advice to governments. The final set of 40 questions includes topics such as designing scientific advisory systems and ensuring early identification of policy issues requiring scientific input.

New 'pendulum' for the Ytterbium clock

Researchers at PTB have successfully excited a quantum-mechanically strongly forbidden transition in a ytterbium ion, allowing for an optical clock with unprecedented accuracy. The resulting clock is exact to 17 digits after the decimal point, and the relative uncertainty of the Yb+ frequency was determined with 7 • 10-17.

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.

Meteorites reveal another way to make life's components

Researchers found amino acids in 14 carbon-rich meteorites with high temperatures, suggesting high-temperature Fischer-Tropsch reactions created them. These reactions produce prebiotic components of life using hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen.

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.

Could a NOSH-aspirin-a-day keep cancer away?

Scientists have developed a new aspirin compound called NOSH-aspirin that curbs the growth of 11 different types of human cancer cells in culture and shrinks human colon cancer tumors by 85% in live animals without adverse effects. The hybrid is more potent and safer than classic aspirin, requiring lower doses to be effective.

Clot-busting enzyme plays 'peek-a-boo' with blood clots

Researchers at Monash University have discovered how a blood clot-busting enzyme is switched on, revealing a 'peek-a-boo' mechanism that could lead to new treatments for clotting and bleeding disorders. The findings also provide insights into the molecular details of current plasminogen-activating drugs.

Scientists map new mechanism in brain's barrier tissue

Researchers at University of Copenhagen mapped a previously unknown biological mechanism in the brain's blood-brain barrier, revealing its vital role in maintaining glutamate balance. The discovery has enormous potential for future drug development and could lead to new treatments for neurological diseases.

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.

Nintendo Wii game controllers help diagnose eye disorder

Researchers developed a low-cost digital head posture measuring device using Nintendo Wiimotes to help diagnose ocular torticollis in children. The system demonstrated high accuracy and reliability in measuring head posture, showing promise as a diagnostic tool for ophthalmic patients.

Cannabinoid 2 receptors regulate impulsive behavior

Researchers at the Neuroscience Institute of Alicante have discovered that manipulating CB2 receptors can reduce impulsive behavior in mice with high impulsivity levels. The study suggests that future clinical trials could utilize drugs selectively targeting CB2 to modulate impulsivity without psychoactive effects.

Experiment observes elusive neutrino transformation

An international team of physicists has detected and measured the transformation of one type of neutrino into another, a finding that may help explain the universe's matter-antimatter imbalance. The discovery was made using the Daya Bay Reactor Neutrino Experiment in southern China.

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.

Do you hear what I hear?

Researchers identified how and where the brain processes frequency-modulated sound signals, which are crucial for understanding language and speech. The study found that these signals begin in the midbrain region of the brain, a surprising discovery that could help with hearing-related disorders.

Mom's voice may improve the health of premature babies

Researchers discovered that auditory stimulation of maternal sounds can lower incidence of cardiorespiratory events in preterm infants, suggesting a potential non-pharmalogical treatment. The study involved exposing fourteen extremely premature infants to personalized audio recordings of their own mothers' voices and heartbeats, leadin...

Chronic kidney disease a recipe for kidney failure? Not necessarily

A study published by the American Society of Nephrology found that 10% of patients with chronic kidney disease did not experience progressive kidney dysfunction, and 3% demonstrated improved kidney function. The study suggests that some cases of CKD may be reversible, providing hope for patients with this condition.

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.

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 discovery shines light on the 3 faces of neutrinos

Researchers reveal a crucial key to understanding neutrino transformations, shedding light on the universe's matter-antimatter asymmetry. The new discovery enables future experiments to explore why our universe is filled mostly with matter.

Metamaterials may advance with new femtosecond laser technique

Researchers at Harvard University have developed a new method to create three-dimensional patterns of silver dots using a femtosecond laser. This technique advances nanoscale metal lithography and enables the creation of bulk metamaterials with unique optical properties.

Revisiting LSD as a treatment for alcoholism

A new meta-analysis of LSD trials found that 59% of patients showed improvement in alcohol misuse, with lasting effects for at least six months. LSD interacts with serotonin receptors to stimulate new connections and open the mind, offering a promising treatment approach for alcoholism.

An insight into human evolution from the gorilla genome sequence

The gorilla genome sequence provides a unique perspective on human origins, revealing that 15% of the human genome is closer to the gorilla genome than it is to the chimpanzee. The study also illuminates genetic differences between gorilla species and highlights the importance of conservation efforts for these endangered populations.

McGill researchers crack degeneration process that leads to Alzheimer's

Researchers at McGill University have discovered a critical process in understanding the degeneration of brain cells sensitive to Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that targeting this process could lead to alternative therapies for treating AD, including drugs that protect neurons from degeneration.

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.

The dance of the chaperones

Researchers have identified DnaK as a central player in the chaperone network of E. coli, which helps proteins fold into their complex three-dimensional structures. This discovery sheds light on the mechanisms behind protein folding and has implications for understanding diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

Scientists discover 'Achilles' heel' of clot-buster

Researchers have solved the atomic structure of closed plasminogen, a key player in the clot-busting process, revealing an 'Achilles' heel' that proteins bind to when it opens up. This discovery may lead to more effective clot-busting drugs for treating heart attacks and strokes.

Insects have personality too, research on honey bees indicates

A study by University of Illinois professor Gene Robinson found that honey bees differ in their desire to perform tasks, with certain individuals more likely to seek adventure. The research suggests that these differences may be due to variability in personalities.

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.

Oldest organism with skeleton discovered in Australia

Researchers have found the oldest organism with a skeleton, Coronacollina acula, which lived between 560-550 million years ago. The discovery provides insight into early life on Earth and may help scientists recognize life elsewhere in the universe.