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Science News Archive March 2012


Page 7 of 32

Protein found to regulate spread of pancreatic cancer cells

Researchers have identified a new protein, S100PBP, that suppresses cathepsin Z and reduces pancreatic cancer cells' ability to attach to other tissues. This discovery may lead to the development of novel preventive and therapeutic targets for pancreatic cancer.

More economical way to produce cleaner, hotter natural gas

Scientists have developed a new technology to purify natural gas by removing carbon dioxide, which increases the energy density and efficiency of storage and transportation. The 'super natural gas' burns hotter and occupies less space than traditional fuel.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The brains behind skaters

A new study reveals that short-track speed skaters' brains undergo significant structural adaptations in response to training, particularly in the right hemisphere of the cerebellum. This results in enhanced balance and coordination abilities, essential for high-speed cornering and passing on ice.

Pass the lycopene: Scientist can protect supplements inside food

A Purdue University scientist has developed a way to encase nutritional supplements in food-based products, protecting them from degradation due to heat, light, oxygen, and other external factors. The method involves creating crystalline-like fibers that embed the nutraceuticals, allowing for improved stability and bioavailability.

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.

A 24-karat gold key to unlock the immune system

Researchers at Tel Aviv University create gold nanoparticles that trigger an immune response when coated with specific chemical residues, revealing a key link between hydrophobicity and immune system activation. This breakthrough has the potential to improve drug delivery systems and lead to more effective medications and vaccinations.

Tiny reader makes fast, cheap DNA sequencing feasible

Researchers have developed a nanoscale sensor that can electronically read the sequence of a single DNA molecule, leading to potential breakthroughs in personalized medicine. The technique is fast and inexpensive, making it possible to reveal predispositions for afflictions like cancer, diabetes, or addiction.

Size matters: Large Marine Protected Areas work for dolphins

A study by ecologists in New Zealand found that a 1170 km2 marine sanctuary significantly improved survival of Hector's dolphins, one of the rarest dolphin species. The research revealed a 5.4% increase in survival rates since the Marine Protected Area was designated in 1988.

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.

Not your average heat shield

Researchers have developed a 'thermal' approach to invisibility cloaking that isolates or cloaks objects from sources of heat. The method uses transformation optics to control thermal diffusion, allowing for the shielding of areas from heat and the concentration of heat in small volumes.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Stand up: Your life could depend on it

A study of over 200,000 people found that adults who sat for 11 hours or more per day had a 40% increased risk of dying in the next three years. Regular physical activity can still reduce this risk, but avoiding prolonged sitting is also crucial.

Chronic stress spawns protein aggregates linked to Alzheimer's

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, found that chronic stress triggers the production and accumulation of insoluble tau protein aggregates inside brain cells, similar to neurofibrillary tangles. This may explain why people prone to stress are more likely to develop sporadic Alzheimer's disease.

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.

A study examines how Spanish companies innovate

A study analyzed Spanish companies' scientific production between 1995 and 2005, revealing that only a few genuinely Spanish companies are most productive, while multinational firms dominate the market. The study highlights the need for increased investment in R+D to close the gap with other developed countries.

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.

Carotid artery stenting found to be safe in the elderly

Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital found carotid artery stenting to be safe and effective in patients over 70, with a low risk of adverse events. The study showed that while the risk increases with age, it remains extremely low even for those aged 85 and above.

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.

Stem cell study aids quest for motor neurone disease therapies

A recent study has created motor neurons using skin cells from a patient with inherited MND, discovering abnormalities in protein TDP-43 that lead to motor neuron cell death. This breakthrough model could speed up the discovery of new treatments for the devastating disease.

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.

State of the planet

Key indicators of the planet's state include higher carbon dioxide levels, rising air and ocean temperatures, melting sea ice and permafrost, and biodiversity loss. Scientists warn that if trends are not reversed, critical thresholds will be pushed beyond, leading to catastrophic consequences.

'Bacterial shock' to recapture essential phosphate

Researchers at Queen's University Belfast have developed a biotechnological route to remove and recycle phosphate from wastewater. The team has discovered a physiological 'shock' treatment that significantly increases microbial uptake of phosphorus and its accumulation inside cells.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Human noise has ripple effects on plants

A recent study found that human noise has indirect effects on plants, benefiting some species like scarlet gilia while harming others like piñon pine. The study's findings suggest that noise can alter pollination patterns and affect seed production, with consequences that may last for decades.

Cancer trial information leaflets 'not fit for purpose'- new study

A new study from the University of Leicester found that patient information leaflets for cancer trials are often poorly written, leading to confusion among patients. The research suggests that a standardized approach to writing these leaflets could improve patient understanding and trust in the decision-making process.

Antimicrobial catheters could save NHS millions

Researchers develop a new antimicrobial coating for urinary catheters, reducing bacterial attachment and infection risk. The coating could prolong catheter life, save NHS millions, and minimize patient complications.

When ions get closer

Researchers discovered a previously unknown phenomenon in quantum plasmas, enabling positively charged particles to form atom-like structures. This discovery accelerates current conduction, potentially revolutionizing nanotechnology and applications such as micro-chips and semiconductors.

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.

More frequently eating chocolate appears related to lower BMI

A study of 1018 adults found that those who consumed chocolate more frequently had a lower body mass index (BMI) compared to those who ate it less often. The researchers also found a positive association between chocolate consumption and improved metabolic health, including lower blood pressure and insulin sensitivity.

Change in health insurance status linked to greater emergency department use

A study found that newly insured and uninsured adults had greater emergency department use than continuously insured adults. Adults with recent changes in health insurance status, particularly those with new Medicaid coverage, were disproportionately likely to use EDs, suggesting reduced access to primary care services.

Simple, cheap way to mass-produce graphene nanosheets

A new method for mass-producing high-quality graphene nanosheets has been developed by researchers, enabling the production of sheets at a lower cost than current methods. The technique uses dry ice and an industrial process to create flakes of graphite with opened-up edges, making them soluble in solvents and allowing for easy separat...

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.

Using Twitter to predict financial markets

A University of California, Riverside professor and researchers developed a model that uses Twitter data to predict traded volume and value of a stock the following day. The model outperformed other investment strategies by between 1.4 percent and nearly 11 percent.

Study by NOAA and partners shows some Gulf dolphins severely ill

Severe ill health has been found in bottlenose dolphins in Barataria Bay, Louisiana, which received heavy exposure to oil during the Deepwater Horizon spill. Preliminary results show underweight, anemic and diseased dolphins, as well as low levels of stress response hormones.

Autism Speaks awards $1.1 million to fund high priority studies

Autism Speaks has awarded $1.1 million in funding to support research projects focusing on differences between DSM-IV and proposed DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, the impact of flame retardants on immune systems, and strategies to improve quality of life for individuals with autism.

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.

Butterfly wings' 'art of blackness' could boost production of green fuels

Researchers found that butterfly wings' 'art of blackness' can boost the production of green fuels by doubling the hydrogen gas produced from water and sunlight. The team created computer models to confirm this filtering effect, which allows shorter wavelengths of light to reach a membrane below the scales.

Lowering LDL, the earlier the better

New research shows that lowering LDL cholesterol beginning early in life can lead to a significant reduction in the risk of coronary heart disease. The study found that a consistent 50-60% reduction in CHD risk was associated with each 1 mmol/L lower lifetime exposure to LDL cholesterol.

Top priorities in biodiversity science agreed

International experts agree on the need to better understand biodiversity loss and its impact on ecosystem services, which are crucial for human well-being. The new framework sets out a strategy to address biodiversity-related research efforts and inform policy decisions.

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.