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Science News Archive May 2012 - Page 6


Page 6 of 31

Graphene-control cutting using an atomic force microscope-based nanorobot

Researchers have developed a closed-loop fabrication method to tailor graphene into desired edge structures and shapes. The technique uses interaction forces as real-time feedback, allowing for precise cutting control. This innovation has the potential to fabricate large-scale graphene-based nanodevices at low cost with high efficiency.

SourceScience China Press·DateMay 27, 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.

Proteomic analysis of immunocamouflaged surfaces

The study used proteomic techniques to analyze the effects of grafted methoxypoly(ethylene glycol) on plasma protein adsorption. Results showed that the polymer-mediated surface camouflage prevented immune recognition signals, enhancing biocompatibility and reducing alloimmunization.

SourceScience China Press·DateMay 26, 2012

Hazelnuts improve infant formula

Researchers at the University of Georgia have developed a new infant formula using hazelnut oil that better mimics the structure of human milk. This design improves the digestion and absorption of essential fatty acids, including DHA and ARA, which are crucial for infant development.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateMay 25, 2012

UC San Diego researchers receive new CIRM funding

Researchers at UC San Diego have received over $12 million in new grants from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine to develop stem cell-based treatments for various diseases. The awards will support projects that aim to repair gene mutations, find new drugs and regeneratin spinal cord injuries.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateMay 25, 2012

Early physical therapist treatment associated with reduced risk of healthcare utilization and reduced overall healthcare costs

A study found that early physical therapist treatment for low back pain was associated with reduced risk of subsequent healthcare utilization and lower overall healthcare costs. Patients who received early care from a physical therapist had lower rates of surgery, injections, and opioid use, as well as reduced medical costs.

SourceAmerican Physical Therapy Association·JournalSpine·DateMay 25, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Phone contact with nurses linked with better outcomes for women with gestational diabetes

Women referred to the telephone-based nurse management program had a lower risk of high baby birth weight and were more likely to have postpartum glucose testing, leading to earlier identification and management of postpartum glucose intolerance or diabetes. The study suggests that this program can improve outcomes for women with gesta...

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateMay 25, 2012

Autopsy of an eruption: Linking crystal growth to volcano seismicity

Scientists analyzed magma chamber crystals and correlated them with seismic signals from Mount St. Helens' 1980 eruption, revealing a clear connection between crystal growth and volcanic activity. This study could improve eruption forecasting by providing insights into the timing of magma input and pulses of seismicity.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalScience·DateMay 25, 2012

Inherited DNA change explains overactive leukemia gene

Researchers at Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center discovered a small inherited change in DNA responsible for overactivating the BAALC gene, which is associated with poor treatment response in acute leukemia. The study found that high levels of RUNX1 protein are linked to high BAALC gene expression.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 25, 2012

Most occupational injury and illness costs are paid by the government and private payers

Workers' compensation insurance is not used enough to cover workplace illnesses and injuries. Nearly 80% of these costs are paid by employer-provided health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and other disability funds. The resulting low premiums provide little incentive for companies to promote workplace safety.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateMay 25, 2012
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.

Tongue analysis software uses ancient Chinese medicine to warn of disease

Researchers developed a computer software that combines ancient practices with modern medicine by analyzing images of the tongue, indicating potential health issues. The software distinguishes between tongues showing signs of hot or cold zheng, which is associated with various symptoms such as fever, chills and loose stool.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalEvidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine·DateMay 25, 2012

Wells Fargo fosters environmental conservation through University of Miami's RJD program

The University of Miami's R.J. Dunlap Marine Conservation Program will receive a $40,000 grant from Wells Fargo to enhance marine conservation science education and research. The program aims to inspire youth to learn STEM skills and adopt conservation attitudes, as well as raise awareness about marine ecology and shark species.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·DateMay 25, 2012

70 percent of women use contraceptives during their first sexual encounter

The study reveals a prevalence of 70.4% for contraceptive use during the first sexual encounter among Spanish women, with notable differences observed between regions and socio-economic groups. Factors such as education level and geographical location significantly impact contraceptive use in this context.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalHealth & Place·DateMay 25, 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.

High-speed method to aid search for solar energy storage catalysts

A new high-throughput method identifies promising electrocatalysts for water oxidation, enabling the efficient storage of solar energy. The technique uses ultraviolet light and a fluorescent paint to test metal-oxide electrocatalysts, accelerating the discovery process.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMay 25, 2012

Cancer may require simpler genetic mutations than previously thought

Researchers have found that cancer cells may require simpler genetic mutations than previously thought to grow and proliferate. The most common hemizygous deletions in cancer involve tumor suppressing genes called STOP genes, which are haploinsufficient, meaning they depend on two copies to function normally.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalScience·DateMay 25, 2012

A new invading sea crab reaches the Ebro Delta

A new invasive species of sea crab, Dyspanopeus sayi, has established itself in the Western Mediterranean Coast, particularly in the Ebro Delta. The crabs are well-established and reproducing in the area without problems, with both sexes captured along with ovigerous females carrying eggs.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalScientia Marina·DateMay 25, 2012
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

A mating dance with Popeye arms

A research team at Bielefeld University is studying how female locusts prefer males with the most powerful swellings on their front legs. The study aims to understand the evolution of sexual ornaments and their role in mate selection, which may be linked to an animal's health.

SourceBielefeld University·DateMay 25, 2012

Picture release: More than meets the eye

Researchers at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory have discovered a 'transformer' protein that allows cells to create vesicles of different shapes and sizes by changing the shape of individual building blocks. This breakthrough provides new insights into the structure and function of COPI protein-coated vesicles.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalScience·DateMay 25, 2012

Skp2 activates cancer-promoting, glucose-processing Akt

Researchers found that Skp2 E3 ligase promotes Herceptin resistance in breast cancer by activating the Akt kinase, which also regulates glucose metabolism. The study suggests that blocking Skp2 could inhibit glycolysis and provide a new approach to cancer treatment.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCell·DateMay 25, 2012
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.

UMass Amherst wildlife researcher photographs rare Sumatran rabbit

Wildlife researchers at UMass Amherst have captured photographs of the rare Sumatran striped rabbit, which may now be found only in two remote national parks on the Indonesian island. The discovery highlights the importance of protecting these areas from encroachment and development, which threaten the survival of the species.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalOryx·DateMay 25, 2012

Math predicts size of clot-forming cells

Researchers developed a mathematical model predicting the final size and shape of platelets, which form blood clots. The study provides insights into the forces inside cells that turn into platelets, shedding light on a longstanding puzzle in platelet formation.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 25, 2012

Like curry? New biological role identified for compound used in ancient medicine

Scientists at Oregon State University have discovered that curcumin can increase levels of a protein that helps prevent infection, highlighting its potential as an alternative to vitamin D. The study found curcumin causes a modest but measurable increase in cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide (CAMP) levels.

SourceOregon State University·JournalThe Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry·DateMay 25, 2012

NASA sees Hurricane Bud threaten western Mexico's coast

Hurricane Bud is expected to make a quick landfall in western Mexico before turning back to sea, bringing heavy rainfall and severe flooding to the region. The storm's slow movement may result in life-threatening flash floods and mudslides as it moves over Mexico's rugged coastal terrain.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 25, 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.

Copy of the genetic makeup travels in a protein suitcase

Researchers at the University of Bonn have visualized the transport of messenger RNA from the cell nucleus to the cytoplasm using a highly sensitive light microscope. The study reveals that the process involves brief collisions with the nuclear membrane and quality control checks, resulting in only about every fourth successful export.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 25, 2012

Boundary stops molecule right where it needs to be

A team of researchers at Baylor College of Medicine has identified a distal axonal cytoskeleton as the boundary that ensures AnkyrinG clusters properly. The findings suggest that AnkyrinG cannot move beyond this boundary, resulting in proper formation of the axon initial segment and subsequent neural function.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCell·DateMay 24, 2012

Nuisance seaweed found to produce compounds with biomedical potential

A Scripps-led study reveals that the nuisance seaweed Leptolyngbya crossbyana produces honaucins with potent anti-inflammation and bacteria-controlling properties. These compounds could one day treat chronic inflammatory conditions, bacterial infections, acne, and other skin conditions.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalChemistry & Biology·DateMay 24, 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.

Researchers identify protein necessary for behavioral flexibility

Researchers identified PERK as a crucial protein for maintaining behavioral flexibility, allowing us to adjust behaviors in response to changing circumstances. The study's findings have implications for addressing neurological disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.

SourceNew York University·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 24, 2012

London researcher calls for new approach to regulating probiotics

A Category Tree system would categorize products based on tested human studies and health benefits, forcing companies to conduct research or change product labels. This system aims to improve transparency and facilitate further research in North America and Europe.

SourceLawson Research Institute·JournalNature·DateMay 24, 2012

Relationship between social status and wound-healing in wild baboons

A study by University of Notre Dame biologist Beth Archie and colleagues found that high-ranking male baboons recover more quickly from injuries and are less likely to become ill than other males. Social status is a better predictor of wound-healing than age, highlighting the complex interplay between social context, physiology, and im...

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 24, 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.

Asteroid nudged by sunlight: Most precise measurement of Yarkovsky effect

Scientists have directly measured the Yarkovsky effect on asteroid 1999 RQ36, a subtle force causing it to drift from its gravity-ruled orbit. The measurements show the asteroid has deviated by roughly 100 miles over 12 years, revealing its low density and making it an ideal target for the OSIRIS-REx mission.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 24, 2012

No new neurons in the human olfactory bulb

Researchers found that the human olfactory bulb, a brain structure processing sensory input from the nose, lacks new neuron generation like other mammals. This discovery may explain why humans have a poorer sense of smell compared to other animals.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNeuron·DateMay 24, 2012

Routine care for Crohn's disease in children should include measurement of bone age

Researchers emphasize the need for standard bone age measurement to interpret growth status and improve treatment outcomes for children with Crohn's disease. Up to 80% of patients exhibit compromised growth, and bone age is crucial for predicting remaining growth potential and guiding therapeutic decisions.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalInflammatory Bowel Diseases·DateMay 24, 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.

Obese patients face increased risk of kidney damage after heart surgery

Obese patients have an increased risk of developing kidney damage, or acute kidney injury, after heart surgery. Oxidative stress associated with obesity plays a role in this increased risk. Acute kidney injury affects 5% to 30% of heart surgery patients.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMay 24, 2012

Dramatic increase in fragility fractures expected in Latin America

The International Osteoporosis Foundation reports a significant increase in osteoporosis-related fractures and diagnoses in Latin America, driven by the region's aging population. The projected rise in fragility fractures poses a substantial socio-economic burden on healthcare systems.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·DateMay 24, 2012

Autopsy of a eruption: Linking crystal growth to volcano seismicity

Researchers at the University of Bristol used forensic-style chemical analysis to directly link seismic observations to crystal growth in a magma chamber. The study found correlations between peak crystal growth and increased seismicity prior to the 1980 Mount St. Helens eruption.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalScience·DateMay 24, 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.

Nanoparticles seen as artificial atoms

Researchers at Berkeley Lab observed nanoparticles forming winding polycrystalline chains that align and attach end-to-end to form nanorods with controlled length-to-thickness ratios. This process suggests a new understanding of how nano-sized particles assemble into hierarchical structures.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateMay 24, 2012

Childhood cancer scars survivors later in life

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that childhood cancer survivors experience increased anxiety, depression, and depressive symptoms due to persistent hair loss and disfigurement. The study's findings highlight the long-term impact of childhood cancer treatment on quality of life.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateMay 24, 2012

Tiny planet-finding mirrors borrow from Webb Telescope playbook

Scientists at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center are developing an infinitely smaller segmented mirror, called the Multiple Mirror Array (MMA), that will revolutionize space-based telescopes. The MMA promises to detect, image, and characterize planets beyond our solar system from a high-altitude balloon.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 24, 2012

First direct observation of oriented attachment in nanocrystal growth

Researchers at Berkeley Lab directly observed the critical step of oriented attachment in nanocrystal growth, enabling a better understanding of forces driving this phenomenon. This breakthrough has potential applications in synthesizing new biomimetic materials and improving environmental restoration efforts.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateMay 24, 2012
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.

Male fertility genes discovered

A recent study has identified more than 40 genetic regions influencing fertility in Hutterite men, which may shed light on unexplained cases of male infertility. The research also found nine genetic regions impacting sperm quality in non-Hutterites.

SourceCell Press·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMay 24, 2012

Gene therapy can correct forms of severe combined immunodeficiency

A recent clinical trial found that gene therapy can insert the correct ADA gene into patient bone marrow cells, leading to a good response. Defects in B cell tolerance are also corrected after gene therapy, supporting its use as an effective treatment option for ADA-deficient severe combined immunodeficiency patients.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 24, 2012

A new strategy for developing meningitis vaccines

Researchers identified glycerophosphate oxidase as a critical protein for bacterial progression to the brain. A vaccine against this protein protected mice from invasive pneumococcal disease, offering a new approach to immunizing against S. pneumoniae.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 24, 2012

The cells' petrol pump is finally identified

Scientists have identified the Mitochondrial Pyruvate Carrier (MPC), a universal carrier that transports pyruvate into mitochondria. This discovery could lead to a better understanding of how cancer cells produce energy and potentially develop new treatments.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScience·DateMay 24, 2012
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.

Cyber exercise partners help you go the distance

A new study from Michigan State University reveals that exercising with a moderately capable virtual partner can significantly boost motivation, with women cycling twice as long when working with a partner. The results suggest the gains observed over six hour-long sessions could be sustained on a longer-term program of exercise.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateMay 24, 2012

Positive words: The glue to social interaction

A study published in EPJ Data Science found that words with positive emotional content are more frequently used in online communication, enhancing social relations and facilitating interaction. This positive bias is linked to the use of less informative words for emotional expression.

SourceSpringer·JournalEPJ Data Science·DateMay 24, 2012

Gourmet butterflies speed north

A new study found that warmer summers have allowed the Brown Argus butterfly to shift its diet to wild Geranium plants, enabling it to expand its range in Britain at a rapid rate. Over 20 years, the butterfly has spread northwards by 79km, becoming common in southern England.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalScience·DateMay 24, 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.