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Science News Archive March 2012 - Page 13


Page 13 of 32

Scientists discover new method of proton transfer

Researchers found protons can move efficiently in stacked systems of molecules, common in plant biomass, membranes, DNA, and elsewhere. This discovery could lead to better catalysts, fuels, and drugs.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMar 21, 2012

Diet may be affecting rhino reproduction

Researchers at San Diego Zoo find phytoestrogens in rhino diet linked to reproductive failure. The study compares captive populations with varying diets, revealing a key difference between successful and struggling reproduction.

SourceSan Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance·JournalEndocrinology·DateMar 21, 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.

Military analytics expert says billions in supply chain efficiency reduce Pentagon cuts

A former Army colonel argues that improving supply chain alignment can help the Defense Department reduce costs by tens of billions of dollars. The Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS) conference highlights the use of advanced analytics and operations research to address pressing military challenges.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·DateMar 21, 2012
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.

Effectiveness of bilingual education being studied

Dr. Raul Rojas receives $10,000 grant to study bilingual language growth in structured English immersion and transitional bilingual programs for over 1,700 ELLs. The research aims to positively influence educational efforts targeting ELLs across ages and instructional contexts.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·DateMar 21, 2012

Memory problems may increase after being hospitalized

A new study found that older people's memory and thinking skills decline faster after a first hospital stay compared to before or after discharge. Hospital stays were linked to significant declines in memory scores on specific tests, lasting even after adjusting for severe illness and age.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateMar 21, 2012

Rewarding educational research: the scholarship of teaching and learning

The symposium discusses best practices for using educational research in the promotion and tenure process, facilitated by AADR's Education Research Group and the American Dental Education Association. Key findings highlight the importance of recognizing and applying educational research to advance teaching practice.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·DateMar 21, 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.

Why spring is blooming marvelous (and climate change makes it earlier)

Research by Norwich BioScience Institutes and John Innes Centre identifies PIF4 as a control gene that activates flowering pathway in response to temperature. This discovery sheds light on why plants are flowering earlier due to climate change, with potential implications for developing temperature-resilient crops.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalNature·DateMar 21, 2012

Structure of 'Salvia' receptor solved

The discovery of the kappa opioid receptor (KOR) structure could lead to the development of new medications targeting addiction, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and other conditions. Salvinorin A, a hallucinogenic compound from the Salvia plant, interacts with only one receptor type in the human brain.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature·DateMar 21, 2012

Pesticide additives cause drifting droplets, but can be controlled

Purdue University researchers discovered that chemical additives in pesticides can form smaller 'satellite' droplets that drift into unwanted areas. By carefully modulating the strength or ratio of surfactants to polymeric additives, these unwanted satellite droplets can be mitigated or eliminated.

SourcePurdue University·JournalChemical Engineering Science·DateMar 20, 2012

Novel mouse model for autism yields clues to a 50-year-old mystery

Researchers at Vanderbilt University have created a mouse model that expresses a common genetic variation linked to autism, revealing exaggerated serotonin signaling and social behavior changes. The study suggests that developmental disruptions in serotonin levels may lead to long-lasting brain wiring changes.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 20, 2012

In certain jobs supervisor support can reduce absenteeism

Research finds that a supportive supervisor can significantly reduce employee absenteeism, even in hazardous work environments. Employees who feel supported by their supervisors are less likely to miss work due to perceived job hazards or peer pressure.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateMar 20, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study finds state wealth affects women's heart disease risk

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that state-level resources contribute to early risk factors for heart disease in women. Wealthy states have lower levels of cardiovascular inflammation, while those with higher financial inequality have higher levels of inflammation.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalBMC Public Health·DateMar 20, 2012

NSA Science of Security 'Lablet' established at NC State

The NC State Science of Security Lablet aims to develop a unified body of knowledge and analytics methods to create a trust engineering discipline. The lablet will leverage NC State's expertise in analytics to advance the state of the art in security science.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·DateMar 20, 2012

Teachers, parents trump peers in keeping teens engaged in school

A recent study found that teachers and parents significantly influence adolescent engagement in school, contrary to the widely-held belief that peers do. The researchers analyzed data from over 1,500 teens and found that social support from adults can counteract the negative effects of peers.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalChild Development·DateMar 20, 2012
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 Swift narrows down origin of important supernova class

Studies using X-ray and ultraviolet observations from NASA's Swift satellite provide new insights into the elusive origins of Type Ia supernovae. The research suggests that the companion to a white dwarf is either a smaller, younger star similar to our sun or another white dwarf.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 20, 2012

Checks and balances for medical practitioners?

A USC Marshall School of Business study found that video capture and automated systems can significantly reduce medical errors by minimizing the tendency to operate outside normal procedures. The research suggests that technology can overcome human tendencies to cover up mistakes, but training is essential to improve interpretive errors.

SourceUSC Marshall School of Business·JournalInformation Systems Research·DateMar 20, 2012

Wayne State creating Detroit's innovative wireless networking and apps through NSF grants

Wayne State University researchers are building an experimental wireless networking infrastructure with a $300,000 NSF grant to explore applications such as smart grids, transportation, and healthcare. The network will utilize WiMAX technology and be connected to the NSF's Global Environment for Network Innovations backbone.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·DateMar 20, 2012
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.

Canadian Journal of Cardiology publishes new atrial fibrillation guidelines

The Canadian Journal of Cardiology has published new guidelines for atrial fibrillation, which provide updated guidance on stroke prevention and heart rhythm control. The guidelines are based on recent changes in drugs available to treat the condition and will have a significant impact on how doctors worldwide treat atrial fibrillation.

SourceElsevier·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·DateMar 20, 2012

BPA could affect reproductive capabilities, cause infection of the uterus

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati found evidence that BPA can alter the structure of the uterus, leading to increased susceptibility to pyometra, a potentially deadly infection. In animal models, exposure to BPA induced immune cell numbers in the uteri, which were five-fold higher than control animals.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateMar 20, 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.

NIH researchers highlight progress, path forward for developing TB vaccines

Scientists have made significant progress in building knowledge and infrastructure to develop novel tuberculosis vaccine candidates. The next decade of research will focus on investigating remaining fundamental questions and leveraging recent innovations in systems biology, genomics, and bioinformatics.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalTuberculosis·DateMar 20, 2012

New vaccine strategy to advance solutions for tuberculosis

Researchers and experts call for intensified global collaboration to develop effective new vaccines against tuberculosis. The blueprint outlines a path forward to create more effective, safe vaccines that can protect people from childhood TB, pulmonary TB, and latent TB.

SourceBurness·JournalTuberculosis·DateMar 20, 2012

Nuclear fusion simulation shows high-gain energy output

Computer simulations performed at Sandia National Laboratories demonstrate a high-gain nuclear fusion method, releasing energy 100 times greater than input current. The technique uses a magnetic field to suppress heat loss during implosion, potentially leading to reliable electricity production from seawater.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 20, 2012

NOAA science supports New York's offshore energy planning

A new NOAA study helps New York state officials identify favorable wind energy development sites while protecting critical bird and fish habitats. The report provides a valuable tool for coastal managers to better understand the interactions between renewable energy development and natural resources.

SourceNOAA Headquarters·DateMar 20, 2012

Why getting healthy can seem worse than getting sick

A new study offers a fresh perspective on the immune system's acute-phase response, which creates systemic stress that can harm both healthy cells and pathogens. By viewing this response as 'immune brinksmanship,' researchers argue that it may be beneficial for natural selection.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalThe Quarterly Review of Biology·DateMar 20, 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.

New discovery of proteins involved in positioning muscular nuclei

Researchers have discovered two proteins, Kif5B and MAP7, that play a vital role in positioning muscular nuclei on the edge of muscle fibers. The study, published in Nature, sheds light on the mechanism behind this process, which is essential for skeletal muscle function.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalNature·DateMar 20, 2012

Better organic electronics

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have provided the first experimental determination of the pathways by which electrical charge is transported in organic thin films. By chemically modifying these films, they show improved conductance and pave the way for future organic electronic devices with better performance.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 20, 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.

Stopping marketers from treating customers like monkeys

A team of UC Riverside marketing professors will study the effects of gamification on marketing strategies, aiming to understand how far marketers are taking this trend. They believe game mechanics should be used thoughtfully to achieve specific marketing objectives.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateMar 20, 2012

How the smell of food affects how much you eat

Research published in BioMed Central's Flavour journal found that strong smells associated with food lead to smaller bites, suggesting aroma could regulate portion size. The study suggests a possible link between bite size and flavor sensation, potentially aiding weight loss by reducing intake per bite.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalFlavour·DateMar 20, 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.

Pregnancy is safe for women with estrogen receptor positive breast cancer

New research shows that becoming pregnant after a diagnosis of estrogen receptor positive breast cancer does not increase the risk of recurrence. In fact, patients who become pregnant appear to survive longer than those who do not. The study also found no difference in disease-free survival between women with ER+ or ER- disease.

SourceECCO-the European CanCer Organisation·DateMar 20, 2012

2 servings of salmon a week is healthy for pregnant women and their babies

Researchers found that consuming two servings of salmon per week improves omega-3 fatty acid levels in both pregnant women and their babies. This increase in omega-3s enhances the body's antioxidant defenses, potentially helping to reduce oxidative stress associated with pregnancy.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMar 20, 2012
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.

Produce safety future focus of supermarkets, farmers and consumers

Penn State researchers found that consumers are highly concerned about produce safety, and supermarkets will increasingly require growers to demonstrate good agricultural practices. To comply, growers will need GAP training and educational materials, as supermarkets implement policies requiring third-party certification.

SourcePenn State·JournalFood Control·DateMar 20, 2012

How cost effective are US cancer prevention services?

A new study published in The Milbank Quarterly found that US cancer screening services are less cost-effective than those in the Netherlands, despite conducting three to four times more screenings. Despite similar mortality rates, practical cost savings depend on how preventive services are implemented.

SourceWiley·JournalMilbank Quarterly·DateMar 20, 2012
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.

Double whammy: RNAi enhances lung cancer therapy

Researchers found that adding RNAi to standard TKI or antibody therapy can enhance the effect of therapy on NSCLC cell death and slow cell growth. The treatment may benefit patients with EGFR mutations who do not respond to TKI, or those whose cancer is driven by overactive EGFR production.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medicine·DateMar 20, 2012

Not just for the birds: Man-made noise has ripple effects on plants, too

A study reveals that manmade noise has indirect effects on plants, with some species benefiting and others being harmed. Noise levels can influence the number of pollinator visits, pollen transfer, and seed production in certain plant species, highlighting the ripple effects of human activity on the natural world.

SourceNational Evolutionary Synthesis Center (NESCent)·DateMar 20, 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.

New evidence links Alzheimer's disease and diabetes

Research suggests a connection between insulin resistance and Alzheimer's disease, with defective insulin signaling potentially impacting cognitive function. Studies show that treating Alzheimer's disease with anti-diabetic drugs can normalize insulin signaling and improve cognitive function.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 20, 2012

Ethical considerations of military-funded neuroscience

Neuroscience research with military funding sparks debate over scientific validity and consequential ethical considerations. Dual-use applications include brain-computer interfaces and neuromodulation technologies that may enhance or suppress neurological capacities in soldiers.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 20, 2012

Low-calorie diet may be harmful for bowel disease patients

Research suggests that calorie-restricted diets can impair immune systems and increase mortality in mouse models with colon cancer. The findings contradict previous research on obesity's impact on inflammatory bowel diseases. Further studies are needed to understand the association between body fat percentage and immune responses.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateMar 20, 2012