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Science News Archive October 2012


Page 5 of 33

Nanotechnology helps scientists keep silver shiny

Researchers use atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique to create thin, transparent oxide films that protect silver surfaces from hydrogen sulfide, reducing the need for frequent polishing and coating applications. The new method has potential to preserve historically important artifacts without damaging them.

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.

Hermit crabs socialize to evict their neighbors

Land-based hermit crabs remodel their shells to accommodate growth, but rare empty snails on land require them to kick others out of their homes. This unusual behavior is a result of the crabs' evolution to take advantage of a niche, leading to socialization in a typically solitary animal.

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.

Scientists demonstrate high-efficiency quantum dot solar cells

Researchers from NREL demonstrated a solar cell with external quantum efficiency exceeding 100 percent, producing up to 30% more current than conventional technology. This breakthrough harnesses the power of multiple exciton generation (MEG) to reduce heat loss and increase electrical energy.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Efforts to mitigate climate change must target energy efficiency

A new study finds that efficient end-use technologies have the potential to contribute large emission reductions and provide higher social returns on investment. However, current innovation efforts are skewed towards energy supply technologies, which may be less effective in mitigating climate change.

ESDM early intervention improves brain activity associated with social cues

The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) has been found to improve social skills and brain responses to social cues in young children with autism. The study, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, showed that ESDM increased brain activity associated with recognizing and perceiving social information.

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.

Solving stem cell mysteries

A team of scientists has discovered a critical protein, Utf1, that balances activation and deactivation of genes for cell differentiation. This finding sheds light on the complex process of embryonic stem cell self-renewal and differentiation.

Trial of HIV test for babies in Africa could make a big difference

A new HIV test developed at Northwestern University is being tested in Mozambique to deliver a diagnosis in under an hour. The test has a 95% accuracy rate and could significantly improve the rates of infected infants being diagnosed and treated, potentially saving thousands of lives.

Minimizing mining damage with manure

Agricultural Research Service study found that adding beef manure compost to soil at post-mining sites increased pH, plant-available nutrients, and microbial activity. The compost also lowered lead and zinc availability by 90%, promoting vegetative cover and reducing runoff.

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.

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.

Smart cities: Bridging physical and digital

Researchers are developing high-technology ways to see and think about modern cities, using tools like online mapping and modelling to transform the urban experience. This technology enables real-time engagement with citizens through social media, providing valuable insights into city movements and activity patterns.

Princess by proxy: When child beauty pageants aren't about the kids

A new study suggests that high-glitz child pageants are more about satisfying parents than the children's needs. Participation can lead to harm in children's health and self-esteem due to pressure for physical perfection and objectification. The author warns of 'princess by proxy' distortion where parents prioritize their own achieveme...

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.

Stimulating brain cells with light

Scientists at Lund University are using optogenetics to investigate the behavior of transplanted brain cells in a model of Parkinson's disease. The study aims to determine whether light can be used to reinforce dopamine production and improve the effectiveness of nerve cell transplantation.

Results of the STEMI-RADIAL trial presented at TCT 2012

The radial approach has been shown to significantly reduce the incidence of major bleeding and access site complications compared to the femoral approach. In STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI within 12 hours, radial access was associated with a lower rate of major adverse cardiovascular events.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

C'est difficile

A combination of six naturally occurring bacteria eradicates a highly contagious form of Clostridium difficile, a cause of bloating, diarrhea, and over 2,000 UK deaths in 2011. Faecal transplantation resolves symptoms and contagiousness, but the new approach aims to reduce antibiotic use.

Restricting high-risk individuals from owning guns saves lives

The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health report highlights policies and initiatives to reduce gun violence by reforming current gun laws. The key findings include easy access to large-capacity magazines facilitating higher casualties in mass shootings and prohibiting high-risk groups from owning guns.

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.

Genes, depression and life satisfaction

A twin study found that genes involved in satisfaction and positivity give protection against major depression, with a heritability of 34% for depression and 72% for overall life satisfaction. Environmental factors play a smaller role in protecting against depression than genetic factors.

Elevated formaldehyde levels found in day care centers

A study by University of California, Berkeley researchers found elevated levels of formaldehyde and several other contaminants in day care centers, exceeding state health guidelines. Cleaning- and sanitizing-related chemicals were also present, with some at higher levels than in comparable studies on homes.

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.

Omega-3 intake heightens working memory in healthy young adults

A study by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh found that increasing Omega-3 fatty acid intake improves working memory performance in healthy young adults aged 18-25. The participants showed enhanced cognitive abilities despite already being at their peak cognitive function. The study suggests a potential mechanism for brain en...

Scientists to study the role genes play in treating TB

Researchers are exploring genetic differences to improve TB treatment outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa. The study aims to identify genes that affect the effectiveness and reaction to anti-TB drugs, with potential benefits for patients with HIV/AIDS.

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.

Results of the RESPECT trial presented at TCT 2012

The RESPECT trial found that PFO closure significantly reduces the risk of recurrent ischemic strokes, with a clinical benefit of 46.6-72.7% compared to medical management alone. The study also showed low device-related risks and no device-related thrombus or embolization.

DNA's double stranded stretch

Researchers used a coupled discrete wormlike chain-Ising model to simulate DNA stretching and confirm two structural transitions at forces of around 65 pN and 135 pN. Beyond 135 pN, DNA strands peel apart into single-stranded DNAs similar to those obtained through thermal denaturation.

Scientists create first mouse model of typhoid fever

Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have developed a groundbreaking mouse model of typhoid fever, enabling the study and creation of more effective vaccines. The mouse model uses toll-like receptors to combat the infection, with promising results in immunizing mice against Salmonella typhi.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Results of the AIDA STEMI MRI sub-study presented at TCT 2012

A new study presented at TCT 2012 confirms that intracoronary and intravenous use of abciximab during angioplasty yield similar results for heart damage and reperfusion injury in STEMI patients. The AIDA STEMI MRI sub-study examined various measures of heart damage using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.

Small organisms could dramatically impact world's climate

Research shows that warmer oceans will cause phytoplankton populations to thrive near the poles and shrink in equatorial waters, leading to significant changes in the food chain and global carbon cycles. This shift could have measurable consequences for the world's climate.

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.

Study reveals genetic causes of a male infertility disorder

A recent study has uncovered two genetic deletions that are responsible for severely low sperm count, accounting for 8% of cases. The most common deletion increased the risk by a factor of 2, while the rare b2/b4 deletion doubled the risk and accounted for 6% of cases.

Sleep-deprived bees have difficulty relearning

A study by Menzel and colleagues found that sleep-deprived bees struggled to form new memories, particularly in navigating alternative routes. In contrast, well-rested bees easily learned new routes after being displaced from familiar paths.

Tracking environmental causes of good and bad health

Researchers are investigating how constantly evolving chemical modifications in our DNA and proteins cause our genome to stay healthy or develop diseases. Epigenome changes over time can affect which genes are turned on, leading to Leukemia and cancers of the colon and ovaries.