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Science News Archive November 2012


Page 17 of 23

Thermodynamics really from scratch -- in a new textbook

The new textbook on thermodynamics provides a clear structure and mathematical foundations, making it easier for students to understand the subject. It combines mathematical exactness with intuitive approaches, useful for chemists, biologists, and engineers.

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.

Sequencing a mini-pig: The whole story

The Wuzhishan miniature pig genome sequence has provided valuable knowledge for medical engineering and drug design. Despite high levels of polymorphism, the genome is mostly homozygous, with 84% homology between humans and pigs.

Research breakthrough could halt melanoma metastasis

Scientists at Virginia Commonwealth University have made a significant breakthrough in understanding how cancer spreads, discovering that a specific protein can be inhibited to stop melanoma metastasis. The research could lead to new targeted therapies and diagnostic tools for patients with melanoma and potentially other cancers.

You can be a star -- on science's stage

The growth of citizen science has led to a surge in public involvement in scientific research, with over 25 NSF-funded projects now underway. Chemistry projects, such as Curating ChemSpider or monitoring water quality, allow hobbyists and enthusiasts to contribute to groundbreaking research.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Driving drones can be a drag

Researchers found that a little distraction can help drone operators stay engaged and perform better. Participants who were distracted 30% of the time scored almost as high as those who focused the majority of their attention on the simulation.

Finally! The pig genome is mapped

The pig genome has been mapped, providing insights into the evolution of domesticated pigs and their relationship to wild boars. The study reveals that domestication occurred nearly 10,000 years ago in several independent locations across Europe and Asia.

Winners named in 2012 AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Award Competition

The 2012 AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Awards honored outstanding science journalists, including Carl Zimmer for his work on evolution and the human microbiome. The awards recognized the importance of science journalism in covering big stories that both excite and enlighten. Sarah Holt won three times for her NOVA documentary exploring...

Chronic fatigue syndrome -- a system under stress

Australian researchers discovered that reduced heart rate variability best predicts cognitive disturbances in people with chronic fatigue syndrome. The study found a significant loss of vagal modulation, consistent with the notion that CFS represents a system under stress. This could lead to new ways to improve cognitive difficulties i...

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.

Computer science helping the aged stay home

Researchers develop novel sensor systems using RFID and sensors to monitor human activity, enabling timely assistance for older people living independently. The system adapts to individual routines and context-aware reasoning, producing alerts when necessary.

Sperm length variation is not a good sign for fertility

A new study by Brown University researchers found that men with more consistently made sperm have better swimming abilities. The research suggests that variability in sperm length may be a sign of trouble with the production process, potentially affecting fertility.

MSU uses $7.8 million grant to improve farming in Africa

Michigan State University will use a $7.8 million grant to help eight African nations intensify sustainable farming methods and improve environmental quality. The project aims to promote effective government strategies, build capacity of national policy institutes, and support small farmers.

Department of Energy's ESnet rolls out world's fastest science network

The U.S. Department of Energy's ESnet has deployed the world's fastest science network, serving national laboratories, universities, and research institutions at 100 gigabits per second. This upgrade accelerates discovery in fields like energy, climate science, and cosmology by enabling faster data sharing and analysis.

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.

'Dirty money' affects spending habits, new study finds

A new study found that currency's physical appearance dramatically affects consumer behaviour, with people preferring to spend dirty, crumpled currency in social situations. The researchers' findings challenge long-held beliefs about the value of money and suggest that it can be a part of conspicuous consumption.

Ancient foot massage technique may ease cancer symptoms

A study led by Michigan State University researcher Gwen Wyatt found that reflexology can significantly ease cancer symptoms such as shortness of breath, improve physical functioning, and reduce fatigue. The results suggest that reflexology may be a useful complementary therapy for mainstream care.

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.

Scientists discover how stomach cancer spreads

Researchers found that a protein called TGFβig-h3 is impaired in patients with gastric cancer, allowing cancer to spread. This discovery could lead to the development of new therapies restoring the functions of this protein.

LA BioMed's Dr. Richard Casaburi investigates causes of COPD

Dr. Richard Casaburi leads research on COPD, a disease affecting millions, to identify genetic factors and develop new treatments. The study, funded by NIH, aims to understand what genetic deficiencies contribute to COPD development and progression.

Injectable sponge delivers drugs, cells, and structure

Researchers at Harvard University have developed a biocompatible gel-based sponge that can be molded to any shape, loaded with drugs or stem cells, and delivered via injection. The sponge pops back to its original shape once inside the body, gradually releasing its cargo before safely degrading.

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.

A safer porn policy for employers

A recent study by Craig Cameron highlights the need for robust policies on workplace pornography to protect employees from sexual harassment and discrimination. The study identifies five primary methods of employee participation with pornography, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe work environment.

Study finds high exposure to food-borne toxins

A study published in Environmental Health found that family members and preschool children are at high risk for exposure to toxic compounds such as arsenic, pesticides, and acrylamide. The researchers suggest dietary modifications can mitigate risk, including eating organic produce and limiting consumption of animal meat and fats.

CU-NOAA study shows summer climate change, mostly warming

A new CU-NOAA study analyzes 90 years of observational data to show that summer climates in regions across the globe are changing, mostly warming, according to lead author Irina Mahlstein. The technique reveals location-by-location temperature changes and could yield valuable insights into changes in ecosystems on a regional scale.

Games may help train analysts to overcome bias

Researchers at Penn State used scenario-based games to detect confirmation bias in intelligence analysts. The study found that teams trained in considering alternative hypotheses outperformed others in identifying perpetrators and targets. The game was designed to mimic real-life situations faced by U.S. intelligence analysts in Iraq.

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.

Stem cell finding could advance immunotherapy for lung cancer

A University of Cincinnati research team isolated and grew lung cancer stem cells in a preclinical model, offering a new avenue for investigating immunotherapy options that specifically target stem cells. This breakthrough could lead to the development of novel therapies targeting these cells and improving treatment outcomes.

Uranium exposure linked to increased lupus rate

A new study conducted by scientists at the University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found a strong correlation between uranium exposure and an increased lupus rate. People who were exposed to higher levels of uranium had lupus rates four times higher than the average population.

Increasing efficiency of wireless networks

Researchers at UC Riverside developed a new method to double wireless network efficiency, addressing the 'spectrum crunch' issue. This breakthrough has significant implications for the mobile internet and wireless industries, enabling faster data speeds and lower costs.

How online video stream quality affects viewer behavior

Researchers found that viewers abandon videos if they don't start within two seconds, with every additional one-second delay resulting in a 5.8% increase in abandonment rate. Viewers with better connectivity are less patient, while mobile users are more tolerant of slow-starting videos.

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.

Nature study reveals loss of essential blood cell gene leads to anemia

Scientists at the University of Georgia and Harvard Medical School have discovered a new gene that regulates heme synthesis in red blood cell formation. The study found that a deficiency in this gene leads to severe anemia, which promises to advance our understanding and treatment of human anemias and mitochondrial diseases.

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.

Extinct or passé? New research examines the term, 'metrosexual'

A recent study by Erynn Masi de Casanova found that men are taking more interest in their appearance and feel the term 'metrosexual' is outdated. Many interviewees preferred dressing up and looked sharp, even with workplace casual dress codes. The research also highlights a possible bridge between gay and straight men through fashion.

Doubling down against diabetes

Researchers have engineered natural gut peptides to carry small steroids, improving insulin secretion, blood glucose, and body weight in mice. The study's findings suggest a potential breakthrough in treating type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, with minimal risk of estrogen-related side effects.

Smart scaffolding aims to rebuild tissue from the inside

Researchers at Rice University aim to inject scaffolds infused with living cells to repair damage inside tissues naturally. They plan to start trials of their dental hydrogel within two years, which could also be used for spinal cord regeneration and eye conditions.

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.

Optical boomerangs, ultralight fractal materials, and more

Researchers have created self-bending light beams that can move along curved paths and heal themselves, potentially using them to manipulate particles and data. Meanwhile, scientists have also designed ultralight fractal materials that could be used to build solar sails with reduced weight, potentially improving space propulsion.

Migraine-associated brain changes not related to impaired cognition

A nine-year follow-up study found that women with migraines did not exhibit declining cognitive abilities, unlike previous research suggesting a link between migraine and impaired cognition. Brain changes associated with bright spots on MRI scans were present in both men and women with migraines.

Hinode to support ground-based eclipse observations

The Hinode mission will coordinate with ground-based observations during the November 13, 2012, total solar eclipse to produce a combined dataset. This study will focus on the sun's corona, including its temperature distribution and magnetic fields.

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.

Trying to save money? Ask for crisp new bills at the bank

A new study by Fabrizio Di Muro and Theodore J. Noseworthy found that consumers tend to spend more on worn bills due to feelings of disgust, but are more likely to hold onto crisp currency for social reasons. The researchers suggest that money's physical appearance can influence spending behavior, making it a vehicle for social utility.

Naïve fish: Easy targets for spear fishers

A recent study found that reserve-reared fish are less wary of divers and can be caught closer than those living in fished areas. This increased accessibility makes the local fish harvest more sustainable, potentially improving support for marine reserves.

MRSA outbreak mapped by DNA sequencing

Researchers used DNA sequencing to map an MRSA outbreak in a special care baby unit, tracking its spread into the community. The technique allowed for quicker identification and isolation of outbreaks, containing the infection and preventing substantial illness.

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.

Research strengthens link between obesity and dental health in homeless children

A recent study published in Journal of Pediatric Health Care found a strong correlation between childhood obesity and dental cavities among homeless children. Researchers analyzed data from 157 children aged 2-17 years old at an urban homeless shelter, revealing that as body mass index increased with age, so did cavity counts.

Bacterial DNA sequence used to map an infection outbreak

Using DNA sequencing, researchers confirmed an ongoing MRSA outbreak in a hospital, identifying the source and extent of the infection. The team linked the outbreak to an unsuspecting carrier and treated them to eradicate the bacteria, preventing further spread.

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.

Scientists question the designation of some emerging diseases

The Ebola, Marburg, and Lassa viruses have been around for thousands of years, not emerging as life-threatening diseases. Designating them as emerging diagnoses would aid in diagnosis and prevention by understanding their ecological niches and geographical distribution.

Autism treatment is more than skin deep

Researchers found that metal-binding agents applied to the skin, prescribed for autism treatment, are not absorbed and ineffective. The study contradicts claims made by some practitioners treating children with mercury-binding agents.