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Science News Archive May 2012 - Page 9


Page 9 of 31

Mystifying materials

Researchers at Northwestern University have designed new metamaterials that exhibit negative compressibility transitions, where they contract when tensioned and expand when compressed. This discovery may enable new applications in protective mechanical devices and actuators.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 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.

Common acne medication doubles risk of eye infection

Researchers found that patients taking oral acne medications like Accutane or Roaccutane doubled their risk of developing conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye. Using artificial tears or eye drops can help minimize this risk and prevent long-term damage.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalArchives of Dermatology·DateMay 23, 2012

Forensics ferret out fire beetle secret

Researchers use a historic fire to model the sensitivity of a natural sensor found in fire beetles. The study reveals that these sensors can detect extremely low levels of heat, rivaling those of radio telescopes.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 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.

Beetle-infested pine trees contribute more to air pollution and haze in forests

A new study found that beetle-infested pine trees release up to 20 times more VOCs than healthy trees, contributing to haze and air pollution. The research suggests that the bark beetle epidemic could lead to higher monoterpene concentrations in the air, harming human health and impacting climate.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMay 23, 2012

Nomads of the galaxy

A recent study proposes that up to 100,000 nomad planets might exist in the Milky Way Galaxy for every star, with an estimated quadrillion number of total nomads. If confirmed, this could mean nomad planets play a significant role in the universe.

SourceThe Kavli Foundation·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMay 23, 2012
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Researchers identify genetic markers to predict male fertility

A new study has identified a gene expression fingerprint associated with low sperm fertilizing capacity, predicting male infertility. The research used RNA profiling to analyze semen samples from 68 donors and found significant differences in gene expression between fertile and infertile individuals.

SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateMay 23, 2012

Make no mistake - male bosses' errors matter

A new study reveals that male leaders who make mistakes are viewed as less competent and effective than female leaders in the same situation, with a greater impact on followers in masculine work domains. The researchers found that male leaders' errors are perceived more negatively, leading to decreased follower desire to work for them.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Business and Psychology·DateMay 23, 2012

Center for North Sea oil expertise set to boost jobs and growth

The Centre for North Sea Enhanced Oil Recovery with CO2 (CENSEOR-CO2) will develop understanding of enhanced oil recovery technology, creating a commercial use for CO2 captured from power plants and industry. The technology could store 75 million tonnes of CO2 and increase oil removal by five to 25 percent.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·DateMay 23, 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.

Taking solar technology up a notch

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new, all-solid-state solar cell that exceeds the performance of traditional Grätzel cells. The device achieves an impressive conversion efficiency of approximately 10.2 percent and is stable over time, addressing key limitations of current solar technology.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature·DateMay 23, 2012

Hormone plays surprise role in fighting skin infections

A hormone previously associated with calcium homeostasis boosts immune response when dietary vitamin D levels are inadequate. The discovery may provide an alternative to current antibiotic therapies for treating skin infections.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 23, 2012

Older-looking presidential candidates preferred during wartime

Researchers suggest that older-looking candidates may have an advantage in wartime elections due to implicit biases towards leaders who appear older and more dominant. The study found that altered images of Barack Obama and John McCain showed a preference for the older-looking version of each candidate.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 23, 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.

Octopuses focus on key features for successful camouflage

Researchers used image analysis software to determine that octopuses reproduce specific features of objects in their surroundings for effective camouflage. This strategy may make the approach more flexible and increase success in different environments.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 23, 2012

New studies show alteplase can benefit stroke patients aged over 80 years and confirm the benefits of rapid treatment with alteplase across age groups

Recent studies have shown that alteplase can benefit stroke patients aged over 80 years, confirming the benefits of rapid treatment across age groups. The trials found that earlier treatment with alteplase resulted in more patients being alive and independent at 6 months, with a significant reduction in disability.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 23, 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.

Fellowship puts reporters on solid footing as America ages

The fellowship program, funded by MetLife Foundation, brings 17 aging-focused reporters to the GSA's Annual Scientific Meeting. The program aims to improve media coverage of health care for older adults and inform public discourse on the issues facing the aging population.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateMay 23, 2012

Reverse engineering epilepsy's 'miracle' diet

A protein called BAD modifies cellular metabolism in the brain, resisting epileptic seizures and providing a potential treatment option. Researchers discovered that altering BAD's function can reduce seizures without dietary therapy.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNeuron·DateMay 23, 2012

How one strain of MRSA becomes resistant to last-line antibiotic

Researchers found that MRSA strain CC5 is adept at acquiring resistance genes, including the one making it resistant to vancomycin, by co-existing with other bacteria. The strain's unique traits, such as lacking bacteriocin production and producing enterotoxins, enable it to thrive in mixed infections.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateMay 22, 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.

New research examines impact of liver disease

A new study explores the progression of diseases leading to liver damage, affecting diverse populations, including young people. The research shows that obesity is putting teens at risk for developing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, which may lead to lifelong problems and serious consequences.

SourceDigestive Disease Week·DateMay 22, 2012

Civil engineers find savings where the rubber meets the road

A new study by MIT civil engineers finds that stiffer pavements can reduce vehicle fuel consumption by as much as 3 percent and decrease CO2 emissions by 46.5 million metric tons per year, resulting in significant savings and environmental benefits. The study uses mathematical modeling to analyze pavement deflection under vehicle tires...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalTransportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board·DateMay 22, 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.

The older we get, the less we know (cosmologically)

Avi Loeb's new calculations suggest the ideal time to observe cosmic perturbations was 500 million years after the Big Bang, when the first stars and galaxies began to form. This era offers a window into the early universe before information is lost to the formation of gravitationally bound objects.

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·JournalJournal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics·DateMay 22, 2012

Correct treatment of common diabetic foot infections can reduce amputations

Proper treatment of diabetic foot infections can prevent lower extremity amputations, and about half of these amputations can be prevented. A multidisciplinary team, including infectious diseases specialists, podiatrists, surgeons, and orthopedists, is recommended for best care.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateMay 22, 2012

Gastroenterology Societies issue sedation curriculum for gastrointestinal endoscopy

The Multisociety Sedation Curriculum for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy provides a comprehensive framework for training gastroenterologists in procedure sedation. The curriculum emphasizes the importance of practice and research based on ethical principles, aiming to balance patient comfort with safety.

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateMay 22, 2012

Genomes show how Staph bacteria gain resistance to last-line drug

Scientists traced the origin and development of vancomycin-resistant S. aureus by analyzing genome sequences of 12 strains. The study found that each strain acquired resistance independently and identified shared features among the strains that may have helped them evade human immune defenses.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalmBio·DateMay 22, 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.

New TB test promises to be cheap and fast

A microfluidic chip test has been developed to detect latent tuberculosis, promising to be cheaper and faster than current methods. The test uses a novel approach to detect interferon-gamma in blood samples, triggering an electrical signal for diagnosis.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateMay 22, 2012

Systems treating severe heart attacks expanding nationwide

A national survey found that systems treating severe heart attacks are expanding nationwide, with over 580 community-based STEMI systems registered in Mission: Lifeline. The survey also identified common barriers to implementing these systems, including competition among hospitals and finances.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMay 22, 2012

5 percent of workers gave up smoking when the anti-tobacco law took effect

A study found that 5% of workers quit smoking after the anti-tobacco law took effect, with a decrease in consumption and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke. The law's strictness is credited with the reduction, with catering workers also benefiting from the ban.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalRevista Española de Salud Pública·DateMay 22, 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.

GPS for the brain: UGA researchers develop new brain map

Researchers created a new brain map using diffusion tensor imaging, identifying 358 landmarks related to memory, vision, language, and other bodily operations. The map provides a clearer picture of brain connections and their relation to basic brain function.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateMay 22, 2012

Track Atlantic bluefin tuna to learn migration, habitat secrets

Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst used miniaturized satellite tags to track young Atlantic bluefin tuna, revealing their dispersal patterns and habitat use. The study provides the first fishery-independent data on bluefin tuna migration and behavior, shedding light on the ecology and management of wild stocks.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 22, 2012
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.

New means of safeguarding world fish stocks proven

The new system identifies fish populations to a forensic level of validation, helping tackle overfishing and illegal fishing. DNA-based tools can be used across the food supply chain and provide an independent method for authenticity testing.

SourceBangor University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 22, 2012

Intensivists at night improve patient outcomes in some ICUs, says Pitt/UPMC team

Research from a Pitt/UPMC team found that having intensivists on duty at night improves ICU patient outcomes in some ICUs, particularly those without daytime specialist coverage. In contrast, ICUs with robust daytime staffing saw no benefit from nighttime intensivist coverage.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 22, 2012

Human-like spine morphology found in aquatic eel fossil

A 345-million-year-old eel fossil, Tarrasius problematicus, has been found with a human-like spine, contradicting the long-held assumption that such complex anatomy is exclusive to land-dwelling animals. This discovery sheds light on the evolution of spinal organization in fish species.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·DateMay 22, 2012

Doing the tooth implant 2-step

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology concludes that a two-step tooth implantation method is more effective than a one-step process. The research found that implants placed using the two-step procedure show less wear and tear over time, with greater bone stability.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal Of Clinical Periodontology·DateMay 22, 2012
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Scientists unravel role of fusion gene in prostate cancer

Weill Cornell Medical College researchers discovered that a chromosomal rearrangement in prostate cancer cells creates a new 'fusion' gene, warping DNA structure and triggering abnormal growth. The study suggests a model for how other chromosomal translocations contribute to cancer formation.

SourceNewYork-Presbyterian·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 22, 2012

Hartford program issues geriatric social work awards

The Hartford Scholars Program has recognized 125 individuals for their work on gerontological issues, including civic engagement, trauma among African American seniors, and female sexual dysfunction. The program provides individualized mentorship and resources to support aging research and education.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateMay 22, 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.

Bias found in mental health drug research presented at major psychiatric meeting

A study analyzing industry-funded studies at psychiatric conferences found that 97.4% reported positive results for medicines being marketed, while non-industry funded studies showed a more balanced outcome. This 'presentation bias' echoes publication bias seen in major journals and may impact clinical care.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychopharmacology·DateMay 22, 2012

Making microscopic machines using metallic glass

Scientists have developed a new technology to mass-produce high-precision molds for making tiny plastic components using bulk metallic glasses. The components can be used in computer memory devices, microscale testing kits, and chemical reactors with microscopic surface patterns.

SourceElsevier·JournalMaterials Today·DateMay 22, 2012

NASA satellite sees Tropical Storm Sanvu pass Guam, strengthen

Tropical Storm Sanvu has strengthened after passing west of Guam, with maximum sustained winds near 45 knots (52 mph) and higher gusts. Forecasters expect it to continue intensifying due to warm sea surface temperatures and light wind shear before curving northeast.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 22, 2012

Barrow researchers use magic for discoveries

Researchers at Barrow Neurological Institute found that curved motion triggers smooth pursuit eye movements, while straight motion leads to saccadic eye movements. This discovery could have wide-reaching implications in various fields.

SourceSt. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateMay 22, 2012