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Science News Archive October 2012


Page 22 of 33

When galaxies eat galaxies

Astronomers discover that massive galaxies with 100 billion stars are growing denser due to repeated collisions and mergers. The study used gravitational lenses to analyze the mass distribution in these galaxies, finding that major collisions between large galaxies lead to increased mass density at their centers.

Research gives new insight into celiac disease

Scientists have visualised the interaction between gluten and T-cells of the immune system, providing insight into how coeliac disease is triggered. The discovery could lead to a blood test and therapeutic vaccine for patients with coeliac disease.

Bouncing on Titan

The probe dug a 12 cm deep hole before bouncing out onto a flat surface, sliding 30 cm across the surface due to friction. The probe wobbled back and forth five times before coming to rest, suggesting the surface was soft enough to make a hole but hard enough to support wobbling

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 tool determines leukemia cells' 'readiness to die,' may guide clinical care

Researchers developed a novel method to determine how ready acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells are to die, helping cancer specialists choose treatments more effectively. The tool measures the 'primed to die' status of AML cells by apoptosis, allowing for better prediction of patient outcomes and personalized treatment decisions.

UMass Amherst research scores advance in manipulating T-cells

Researchers at UMass Amherst have found a way to deliver bio-active cargo such as proteins and synthetic molecules into naïve T cells using a new synthetic protein transduction domain. This breakthrough enables the study of crucial immune functions and holds great potential for therapeutic applications in the clinic.

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.

DNA confirms genetically distinct lion population for Ethiopia

A study published in European Journal of Wildlife Research has confirmed the genetic uniqueness of captive lions at Addis Ababa Zoo in Ethiopia. The research team recommends establishing a captive breeding program to preserve this vulnerable lion population and conserve its genetic heritage.

Tying our fate to molecular markings

A Simon Fraser University physicist has discovered a link between variable methylation in DNA and various attributes such as age, gender, stress, and socioeconomic status. The study found that childhood poverty left a detectable molecular mark on an individual's DNA, which correlated with gene expression.

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.

Using cell phone data to curb the spread of malaria

Researchers mapped 14.8 million Kenyan mobile calls to track malaria spread and found a surprising link between travelers and infected residents in Nairobi. The study reveals the potential for using big data from mobile phones to inform malaria control efforts.

Researchers create 'nanoflowers' for energy storage, solar cells

The new nanoflower structures have a huge surface area in a small space, increasing the capacity of lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors. GeS is an attractive material for solar cells due to its ability to absorb solar energy and convert it into usable power.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

From gender identity disorder to gender identity creativity

A Concordia University researcher is investigating cross-gender behavior in children to better understand the challenges faced by families and educators. The study aims to provide resources and support for parents, educators, and social workers to create safe and inclusive spaces for gender nonconforming youth.

Plasma screens enhanced as disorder strikes

A new study has improved understanding of plasma sources, a state of matter used in plasma display panels. Researchers found that reducing voltage can cause disordered systems to form.

Exercise could fortify immune system against future cancers

A small pilot study suggests that exercising cancer survivors for several weeks after chemotherapy can strengthen their immune systems, making them more effective at fighting future cancers. The study found that a significant portion of T cells converted from a senescent form to a naïve form, ready to fight cancer and infections.

New gene test flags risk of serious complications in sarcoidosis

Researchers identified a genetic signature that distinguishes patients with complicated sarcoidosis from those with a more benign form. The 20-gene pattern can be used to identify patients at risk of serious complications and potentially life-threatening disease.

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.

The Marshmallow Study revisited

A new study demonstrates that children's ability to delay gratification is influenced as much by their environment as by innate ability. Children who experienced reliable interactions waited on average four times longer than those in similar but unreliable situations.

INFORMS presents 12 new fellows awards, inducts analytics leaders

The Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS) has presented 12 new Fellows Awards to analytics leaders for their outstanding contributions to education, management, research, service, and practice. The recipients include experts from academia and industry who have made significant impacts in various fields.

Scientists use new method to help reduce piglet mortality

USDA scientists develop immunocrit technique to measure newborn piglets' serum immunoglobulin levels, indicating mortality and nursing ability. The test can identify at-risk piglets and provide opportunities for intervention strategies.

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.

UK and USA should learn from each other on health care

The UK and US healthcare systems have much to learn from each other, particularly in areas like financing, organisation, and information technology. The authors highlight key differences between the two countries' reforms and suggest that country-specific expertise could be valuable.

Nearby super-Earth likely a diamond planet

Astronomers have identified a super-Earth called 55 Cancri e as a likely diamond planet, composed primarily of carbon in the form of graphite and diamond. The planet's mass is eight times greater than Earth's, and it orbits its star at hyper speed, with a surface temperature of about 3,900 degrees Fahrenheit.

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.

Organic solar cells with high electric potential for portable electronics

Scientists at the University of Warwick have developed an organic solar cell with a high open circuit voltage, making it suitable for low-power electronic devices. The breakthrough technology has the potential to enable cheap, lightweight, and portable solar chargers that can be integrated into consumer electronics.

Target for obesity drugs comes into focus

Scientists at the University of Michigan have made a groundbreaking discovery in understanding how the hormone leptin regulates metabolism and body weight. By visualizing the interaction between leptin and its receptor, researchers may develop new drugs to overcome leptin resistance, a key factor in obesity.

Fisheries benefit from 400-year-old tradition

A new study reveals that Indonesia's coral reefs in Aceh are benefiting from the 'Panglima Laot' customary system, which has resulted in higher fish biomass and hard-coral cover due to mutually agreed gear restrictions. The system's success lies in its design principles promoting social harmony and sustainable resource management.

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.

In the bacterial world of your mouth, nurture wins out over nature

Researchers sequenced microbial DNA in twins and found salivary microbiomes were not significantly more similar to identical twins as fraternal twins, suggesting genetic relatedness is less important than environment. The study also revealed that the salivary microbiome changes most during early adolescence.

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.

India's public school students on par with private students

A study by Michigan State University researchers finds that private school students in India do not outperform their counterparts in public schools. The study analyzed the reading, writing and math performance of 10,000 Indian students aged 8 to 11 and found no consistent benefit of attending a private school.

Prospective Alzheimer's drug builds new brain cell connections

Researchers at Washington State University have developed a new drug candidate that improves cognitive function in rats with Alzheimer's-like mental impairment by building new brain cell connections. The compound, called Dihexa, is stable and can cross the blood-brain barrier, allowing for pill-form administration.

Nurture trumps nature in study of oral bacteria in human twins, says CU study

A new study of human twins suggests that environmental factors play a larger role in shaping the types of microbes in the mouth than genetic background. The research found that saliva samples from identical and fraternal twins showed similar microbial communities, indicating that environment contributes more to oral bacteria.

Weizmann Institute Scientists observe quantum effects in cold chemistry

Researchers confirm experimentally that quantum effects allow chemical reactions to proceed rapidly, even at low energies. By merging beams of particles, they achieved a collision temperature of just 0.01 K and observed dramatic changes in reaction rates, revealing the power of quantum phenomena in cold chemistry.

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.

Engineered flies spill secret of seizures

Scientists developed a genetically engineered fruit fly model to study temperature-dependent seizures. The model reveals that disease-causing mutations lead to breakdowns in brain regulation, causing excessive electrical activity. Researchers hope this discovery will lead to the development of new treatments for febrile seizures.

Nerve and muscle activity vary across menstrual cycle

Researchers found that motor unit firing patterns varied significantly across the menstrual cycle, with a significant increase in the late luteal phase, potentially affecting joint stability and injury risk. The study suggests that hormone fluctuations may play a role in knee injuries among female athletes.

Discovery reveals important clues to cancer metastasis

Breast tumor cells interact with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the tumor microenvironment, triggering production of lysyl oxidase (LOX), a gene that enables cell migration and metastasis. This process, called epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), allows cancer cells to spread to bones and other parts of the body.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Earth sunblock only needed if planet warms easily

Researchers explore sunlight reduction methods in a computer model that considers emissions' effect on climate. The analysis shows a fundamental connection between the need for emissions reductions and the potential need for solar dimming. Climate sensitivity is a crucial factor in determining how much sun blocking might be needed.

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.

White construction workers in Illinois get higher workers' comp settlements: Study

A study by researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago found that white non-Hispanic construction workers in Illinois receive higher workers' compensation settlements compared to Hispanic or black workers with similar injuries and disabilities. The disparity amounted to approximately $6,000 more for white non-Hispanic claimants.

Large international study finds 21 genes tied to cholesterol levels

A large international study has identified 21 new gene variants associated with risks of heart disease and metabolic disorders. The findings expand the list of potential targets for drugs and other treatments for lipid-related cardiovascular disease, a leading global cause of death and disability.

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.

Parental bonding makes for happy, stable child

A study by the University of Iowa found that infants who form a secure relationship with either parent during the first two years of life are less likely to experience emotional and behavioral problems later on. The researchers discovered that being attached to one parent is just as beneficial as being close to mom, and that this bond ...

Fly genomes show natural selection and return to Africa

Researchers studying fruit fly genomes reveal strong evidence of pervasive natural selection, contrasting with human genome adaptation over the last 100,000 years. The study provides new insights into the forces shaping genetic variation and has implications for understanding human genetic variation.

Melanoma - The wolf in sheep's clothing

Melanoma cells can temporarily alter their external characteristics to become invisible to defense cells, allowing them to evade destruction. This knowledge forms an important foundation for improving combination therapies and may also be relevant to treatment with inhibitors of signal transmission in tumor cells.

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.