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Science News Archive November 2012


Page 3 of 23

First-ever hyperspectral images of Earth's auroras

A new hyperspectral camera has captured the first-ever images of auroras, revealing a previously unknown atmospheric phenomenon. The camera's unprecedented capabilities have enabled scientists to study auroras in unprecedented clarity, revealing subtle changes in atmospheric behavior.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

X-ray laser helps fight sleeping sickness

Scientists have mapped a weak spot in the parasite that causes African sleeping sickness, providing a promising target for treating the disease. The study uses X-ray lasers to determine the structure of biological molecules, which could lead to the development of a new drug.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

X-rays expose blueprint for possible sleeping sickness drug

Researchers exposed a possible Achilles' heel of the sleeping sickness parasite by solving its molecular structure with an X-ray laser. The discovery reveals a unique plug that can selectively block a vital enzyme, potentially killing the parasite without harming humans.

Researchers create a fly to study how a normal cell turns cancerous

Scientists at IRB Barcelona created a Drosophila melanogaster fly model that reproduces the steps of healthy cell transformation into cancer. The model can help identify genes and molecules involved in cancer progression, potentially leading to specific treatments for cells with genomic instability.

A human-caused climate change signal emerges from the noise

Climate scientists analyzed satellite observations and computer model simulations to find a human-caused climate change signal. The study found that tropospheric and stratospheric temperature changes are related to human activities, with the lower stratosphere cooling due to ozone depletion.

Clearest evidence yet of polar ice losses

An international team of satellite experts has produced the most accurate assessment of ice losses from Antarctica and Greenland to date, confirming both regions are losing ice. The study reveals that melting of the Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets has contributed significantly to global sea level rise over the past two decades.

More evidence for an ancient Grand Canyon

A new Caltech study suggests the Grand Canyon was formed over 70 million years ago, contradicting conventional models of its creation. The research uses a novel method to analyze ancient rocks and provides crucial insights into the canyon's incision.

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.

Prenatal exposure to testosterone leads to verbal aggressive behavior

A new study finds that men and women with smaller finger ratios self-reported higher levels of verbal aggression. The research suggests that prenatal testosterone may play a role in the development of verbal aggression, providing new insights for therapists and communication scientists.

Black hole upsets galaxy models

Astronomers have discovered a black hole with 17 billion solar masses in the heart of a small galaxy, NGC 1277. This massive object challenges current models of galaxy evolution and could be the largest known black hole of its kind.

4 PNNL scientists elected AAAS fellows

Four Pacific Northwest National Laboratory scientists, Nigel Browning, Allison Campbell, Anthony Peurrung, and Douglas Ray, have been elected as AAAS fellows. They were recognized for their contributions to electron microscopy, thin film synthesis, radiation detection, and national security programs.

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.

Insects beware: The sea anemone is coming

Scientists have discovered several toxins in sea anemones that could be used as new generation of insecticides. These toxins disable ion channels, potentially leading to the development of pain and cardiac disorder treatments.

Traffic cops of the immune system

Research reveals IkBNS promotes formation of Foxp3, key feature of regulatory T cells, and influences NFkB family of transcription factors. Manipulating IkBNS could lead to therapeutic breakthroughs for autoimmune diseases and inflammation.

St. Joseph's researchers identify gene involved in lung tumor growth

Lung cancer researchers at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center identified a gene involved in non-small cell lung cancer tumor growth, leading to potential new treatments that inhibit tumor growth. The study found that the Fn14 gene is elevated in NSCLC tumors and promotes migration and invasion.

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.

4 from University of Cincinnati named AAAS Fellows

Four University of Cincinnati faculty members, including President Santa Ono and professors Bruce Ault, Prabir Bhattacharya, and Alvaro Puga, have been named AAAS Fellows for their contributions to science and research. The university now has 24 faculty members who are AAAS Fellows.

Homicide spreads like infectious disease

Researchers applied infectious disease control principles to track 2,366 homicides in Newark, NJ, finding patterns that evolved over time. The study identified areas with no homicide clusters, suggesting community resistance factors that can be targeted to reduce violence.

Can life emerge on planets around cooling stars?

New research suggests that planets orbiting white or brown dwarfs are unlikely to support life due to the cooling and shrinking of their habitable zones. The study's findings indicate that such planets would have had to undergo a 'sterilization phase' in the past, making them dead for hosting life.

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.

Sources of E. coli are not always what they seem

USDA scientists identify urban runoff as a significant source of E. coli bacteria in California's middle Santa Ana River Watershed. The study found that pathogens are more often carried into waterways via urban runoff than animal production facilities, highlighting the need for improved water quality management.

Greener storage for green energy

A team of Harvard engineers and chemists are working on a one-year, $600,000 grant from ARPA-E to develop a new type of storage battery that uses eco-friendly small organic molecules. The technology aims to make stationary energy storage cost-effective, enabling wind and solar power to displace fossil fuels more widely.

University of Minnesota honored with 7 2012 AAAS Fellows

Seven University of Minnesota faculty members have been named AAAS Fellows for their groundbreaking research and innovative efforts in science. They were recognized in four different sections, including geology, physics, pharmaceutical sciences, and biological sciences.

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.

Molecular root of 'exhausted' T cells in chronic viral infection

A study by researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine reveals how T-cell exhaustion occurs in chronic viral infections, with implications for novel therapies. The team found that two distinct classes of virus-specific CD8+ T cells work together to keep the infection in check, but their long-term pressure depletes progenitor pools.

Study shows increase in negative messages about Muslims in the media

A new study by a University of North Carolina sociologist found that organizations spreading negative messages about Muslims have gained traction in the media, stoking public fears and anti-Muslim sentiment. The research tracked over 50,000 TV transcripts and newspaper articles from 2001 to 2008, revealing a significant rise in negativ...

Brief interventions can help college students return to a healthy lifestyle

A new study from the University of Missouri found that brief interventions, as short as 30 minutes, can significantly improve exercise habits in college students. Participants who received personalized feedback and set health goals reported increased physical activity compared to those who did not receive the intervention.

Young surgeons face special concerns with operating room distractions

A study by Oregon State University researchers found that young surgical residents made major mistakes nearly half the time during simulated gall bladder removals due to distractions in the operating room. The analysis showed that young surgeons, particularly those in the afternoon, struggled with interruptions and conversations.

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.

7 University of Tennessee faculty named AAAS Fellows

Seven University of Tennessee professors have been named AAAS fellows, recognized for their contributions to discovery and education. The new fellows include experts in physics, nuclear security, polymer chemistry, microbiology, anthropology, and information sciences.

2 Berkeley Lab scientists named AAAS Fellows

Susan Celniker, a leading expert in genomic analysis of Drosophila, and Wim Leemans, a world leader in laser plasma acceleration, have been named AAAS Fellows for their outstanding contributions to science. They were recognized by their peers for their pioneering work in genomics, genetics, and laser-plasma particle beam research.

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.

Men with belly fat at risk for osteoporosis

Researchers found that men with higher visceral and total abdominal fat had lower failure load and stiffness, two measures of bone strength. Muscle mass was also positively associated with bone strength. The study suggests that excess belly fat is a risk factor for bone loss in obese men.

Experts recommend closer scrutiny of radiation exposure from CT scans

A panel of experts recommends more research on the health effects of medical imaging and ways to reduce unnecessary CT tests, as well as industry standardization of CT machines. The experts stress that despite widespread public concern about radiation risks, the biologic effects from medical imaging tests are not entirely understood.

COUP-TFII sparks prostate cancer progression

Researchers found that high levels of COUP-TFII can overcome a natural barrier to prostate cancer progression, allowing tumor cells to grow and spread throughout the body. The study suggests that COUP-TFII is an important 'second hit' for the progression of prostate cancer and metastasis.

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.

Record-setting X-ray jet discovered

A record-setting X-ray jet has been detected 12.4 billion light years from Earth, providing a glimpse into the explosive activity associated with supermassive black holes in the early universe. The jet is thought to be boosted by cosmic background radiation and points almost directly toward us.

Johns Hopkins scientists pair blood test and gene sequencing to detect cancer

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center have created a test that combines blood DNA analysis with genome sequencing to detect cancers. The new approach was successful in identifying cancer-specific chromosome changes in the blood of patients, but may require larger clinical trials to determine its effectiveness.

Geosphere builds momentum with 17 newly published studies and a new series

The Geosphere journal has published 17 new studies on various topics including the Hosgri strike-slip fault zone, Mount Katmai's eruptive history, and the Barreirinhas Basin in Brazil. These studies provide insights into shallow structure, geomorphology, volcanic eruptions, and climate-tectonic interactions.

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.

Printing soil science

Researchers successfully produce intricate pieces using 3-D printing, which offers benefits over traditional manufacturing methods. The technology also enables easy sharing of designs, allowing for better replication of experiments and collaboration among soil scientists.

Changes in nerve cells may contribute to the development of mental illness

A study published in Nature Neuroscience reveals that social isolation can reduce myelin production in mice, affecting the formation of new oligodendrocytes and leading to behavioral changes. Reintroduction into a social group reverses these effects, suggesting environmental factors play a crucial role in maintaining healthy nerve cells.

Rules devised for building ideal protein molecules from scratch

Researchers develop principles to generate ideal protein structures by consistently favoring specific folding patterns. This allows for the creation of robust and stable building blocks for engineered functional proteins, which could be useful in drug development, vaccine creation, and industrial applications.

Many home couches contain potentially toxic flame retardants

A study found that 93% of new couches purchased in the last seven years contained flame retardants. The most concerning were 'Tris' chemicals, which are considered probable human carcinogens and have raised health concerns. Researchers detected untested or high-risk flame retardants in over half of the analyzed foam samples.

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.

Family's economic situation influences brain function in children

A new study published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience found that children from low socioeconomic status work harder to filter out irrelevant environmental information than those from a high-income background. This is due to learned differences in what they pay attention to, which requires more mental effort.

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.

Tight times may influence how we perceive others

Research suggests that times of economic hardship can limit the inclusiveness of people's racial in-groups, making them more likely to categorize biracial faces as Black. The study found that participants exposed to scarce resources were more likely to do so compared to those exposed to abundant resources.

Tiny algae shed light on photosynthesis as a dynamic property

Two tiny algae, Bigelowellia natans and Guillardia theta, have complex genomes with unique genes and alternative splicing, challenging the paradigm that complex splicing is limited to multicellular organisms. The study sheds light on photosynthesis as a dynamic property and provides insights into eukaryotic evolution.