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Science News Archive September 2012


Page 18 of 27

Little Ice Age led to migration of island hopping arctic foxes

A new research study by Durham University found that the Little Ice Age enabled arctic foxes to colonize Iceland from different Arctic regions. The genetic diversity of the Icelandic population increased due to this migration, which is attributed to the formation of sea ice during the Little Ice Age.

Scrub jays react to their dead

Researchers found that Western scrub jays gather around a dead bird's body and call loudly, attracting other birds to join in. The purpose of this behavior is unclear, but it may serve as a warning system or teach young jays about dangers.

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.

New discovery related to gum disease

Researchers at UofL School of Dentistry have discovered a way to prevent inflammation and bone loss surrounding teeth by blocking the natural signaling pathway of enzyme GSK3b. This finding has implications for preventing periodontal disease, a chronic inflammatory condition causing tooth loss.

Quality of life and treatment of late-stage chronic kidney disease

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that renal transplantation offers the best treatment option for improving quality of life in people with late-stage chronic kidney disease. In contrast, home-based automated peritoneal dialysis provides a better quality of life than continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

Fasting makes brain tumors more vulnerable to radiation therapy

A new study by USC researchers shows that controlled fasting enhances the effectiveness of radiation therapy in treating gliomas, a type of brain tumor with a median survival of less than two years. Fasting improved survival rates in mice treated with radiation therapy alone or in combination with chemotherapy.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Trouble in paradise: Does nature worship harm the environment?

A study finds that nature worship can harm the environment due to consumers' tendency to prioritize romantic escapes from culture. Eco-friendly products offer an opportunity for outdoor equipment manufacturers and tourism service providers to help reduce environmental damage.

Sliding metals show fluidlike behavior, new clues to wear

Scientists observe bumps, folds, vortex-like features, and cracks on the metal surface as it slides, revealing a surprising fluidlike behavior at room temperature. The findings could lead to improved durability of metal parts and better understanding of material behavior.

Partnership enhances biology teaching at California community colleges

A partnership between San Francisco State University and Bay Area community college biology instructors aims to refine their teaching through scientific research, collecting evidence from students to improve instruction. The goal is to increase student engagement in science and successful transitions to four-year colleges.

Who (and what) can you trust?

Researchers used a robot named Nexi to test how people assess trustworthiness in others. They found that sets of non-verbal cues, not just one cue, determine a person's trustworthiness. Participants exposed to untrustworthy cues with Nexi adjusted their financial decisions accordingly.

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.

How genetics shape our addictions

A study at McGill University reveals that people with genetically fast nicotine metabolism have a greater brain response to smoking cues than those with slow metabolism. This finding may lead to tailoring smoking cessation programs based on individual genetics.

Risk-glorifying video games may lead teens to drive recklessly, new research shows

New research published by the American Psychological Association suggests that playing mature-rated, risk-glorifying video games can lead to increased rebelliousness and sensation seeking among adolescents. These traits are strongly associated with risky driving habits, automobile accidents, police stops, and a willingness to drink and...

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.

Study examines cost-savings of physician group practice program

Researchers found modest estimates of overall savings associated with the PGPD, but larger savings among dually eligible patients through reductions in hospitalizations. The study also revealed lower medical 30-day readmissions and significant variation in savings across participating organizations.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

New grant awards aim to prevent autoimmune diseases

Researchers at Benaroya Research Institute will receive $4.7 million in grants to study immune function and develop new therapies for autoimmunity prevention. The goals include understanding how the immune system becomes unbalanced in individuals with autoimmune diseases.

More traffic deaths in wake of 9/11

The article explores how terrorist attacks can lead to an increase in fatal traffic accidents, particularly in regions with well-developed infrastructure that encourages driving. The study found that the New York area saw a significant increase in car traffic after the 9/11 attacks, while other states did not experience the same surge.

Religions play positive role in African AIDS crisis

Despite negative stereotypes, religious groups in Africa promote medical solutions and provide care for those affected by HIV/AIDS. Many congregations actively engage both faith and biomedical approaches to address the epidemic.

Genetic test predicts risk for Autism

A new genetic test developed by University of Melbourne researchers can predict the risk of developing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) with over 70% accuracy in people of central European descent. The test identifies genetic markers that either contribute to or protect an individual from developing ASD, allowing for early interventions ...

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.

Genetic make-up of children explains how they fight malaria infection

Researchers at University of Montreal identified novel genes that make some children more efficient in fighting malaria infection. They used an innovative approach analyzing blood samples from West African children, revealing how the environment engages in an 'arms race' with genetic variation to define disease progression.

Birth-defect mechanism found by BYU biochemists

Researchers found a cellular cause of birth defects like cleft palates and missing teeth by blocking an ion channel that disrupts protein signaling pathways. This discovery may lead to the prevention of birth defects and has potential implications for cancer treatment.

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.

'Mad Cow' blood test now on the horizon

Scientists have discovered a way to screen people for Mad Cow disease using a simple blood test, which could help boost critical blood stocks. The breakthrough involves recognizing specific 'signature genes' in the blood stream.

Asthma study could bring big change to daily regimen

A new study suggests a personalized approach to treating mild persistent asthma, where patients take inhaled corticosteroids only when needed. This approach, called 'temporal personalization,' has been shown to reduce medication usage and severity of symptoms without impacting quality of life.

Comic relief for stressed emergency teams

Researchers at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine create comic to highlight life-saving benefits of tranexamic acid (TXA) for trauma patients. The comic aims to appeal to doctors, nurses, and paramedics on the front-line of medicine, promoting awareness about the latest research findings.

Teachers, school climate key to Latino immigrants' academic success

A study of over 200 third and fourth graders found that positive attitudes towards their ethnicity were associated with improved school experiences, grades, and belonging. Teachers who valued diversity also created a more inclusive classroom environment, discouraging peer teasing based on ethnicity.

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Disaster is just a click away

A team of researchers at Kansas State University is working on a project to develop improved security warning messages that prompt users to make gut decisions about online safety. They aim to minimize traditional text warnings and icons, instead using visual images to convey the importance and danger level of certain choices.

New software helps reveal patterns in space and time

The new version of OpenGeoDa provides enhanced capabilities for exploratory spatial data analysis and spatial modeling, including space-time analysis and real-time links between maps and graphs. Researchers can track changes in spatial patterns over time and assess the effect of policy interventions.

Protein linked to therapy resistance in breast cancer

Researchers at Berkeley Lab identify protein FAM83A as a key player in breast cancer's resistance to widely used cancer therapy EGFR-TKIs. The discovery may provide new insights into the mechanisms behind this resistance and pave the way for novel therapeutic targets.

Parents' education before migrating tied to children's achievement

A new study found that immigrant parents' education levels before migration are more strongly tied to their children's academic achievement in the US than any other social or economic factor. The study also highlights the importance of cognitive stimulation and socioeconomic status in determining child outcomes.

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.

Results from world's first registry of pregnancy and heart disease

The study found that women with heart disease can safely go through pregnancy if adequately evaluated, counseled, and receive high-quality care. However, developing countries have poorer outcomes due to limited access to better care, while cardiomyopathy patients face higher mortality rates.

Children of immigrants have advantage in academics, school engagement

A recent study found that children of immigrants have an advantage in academic achievement and school engagement compared to their native-born peers. The research, conducted at Johns Hopkins University, analyzed data from over 10,000 children aged 13-17 and followed them into adulthood.

Diet could combat adverse side-effects of quinine

Researchers at the University of Nottingham found that individuals with high tryptophan levels experience fewer quinine side effects. The study suggests that dietary changes could potentially alleviate toxic effects of quinine treatment, improving its effectiveness and reducing risk of adverse reactions.

Human remains discovered in search for King Richard III

The University of Leicester has made a major discovery in the search for King Richard III, uncovering human remains at the Grey Friars church site. The team has also found various medieval artifacts and structures, shedding light on the city's rich history.

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.

Molecular beacons light up stem cell transformation

Researchers designed molecular beacons that bind to mRNA of three genes expressed only when stem cells transform into bone cells, allowing for real-time monitoring of gene expression. The technology provides a tool for discovering optimal conditions for stem cell differentiation and identifying desired tissue cells.

Powerful tool to fight wildlife crime unveiled

A free high-tech tool called SMART has been launched to combat wildlife poaching. The Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool uses GPS data to identify poaching hotspots and enable rapid responses, ultimately maximizing the impact of anti-poaching efforts.

Eat dessert first? It might help you control your diet

Consumers with poor self-control can establish greater control when monitoring unhealthy food quantities, leading to quicker satisfaction and reduced unhealthy eating. The study suggests dieters focus on quantity of unhealthy foods rather than healthy ones.

Next Mars mission enters final phase before launch

The MAVEN mission is transitioning to its final phase ahead of launch on November 18, 2013. The spacecraft and instruments are nearing completion, with a focus on getting everything ready for launch and making science measurements on the Martian upper atmosphere.

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.

Mixed findings emerge on immigrant families' home environments

A study of over 5,000 mothers from immigrant Latino, Asian, and White backgrounds reveals varying levels of mental health, household conflicts, and reading with young children. Immigrant families often display important strengths in parenting that may buffer the negative effects of poverty.

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.

Body heat, fermentation drive new drug-delivery 'micropump'

Researchers have created a new type of miniature pump activated by body heat that could be used in drug-delivery patches powered by fermentation. The micropump utilizes temperature-dependent gas generation through yeast fermentation to push against a membrane, pumping for several hours.

Researchers devise more accurate method for predicting hurricane activity

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new method for forecasting seasonal hurricane activity that outperforms traditional techniques by 15%. The approach identifies key combinations of factors most predictive of hurricane activity and provides a probability scale for the forthcoming season. With an 80% accurac...

American Physiological Society to receive $2.3 million in federal grants

The American Physiological Society has received funding to support programs aimed at increasing diversity in STEM fields. The new grants will provide opportunities for undergraduate students from traditionally underrepresented groups to participate in online courses, research studies, and career development.

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.

Chain reaction in the human immune system trapped in crystals

Researchers at Aarhus University have determined the atomic structures of MASP-2 and its substrate C4, shedding light on the complement system's activation process. The findings may lead to more intelligent ways of developing drugs that attenuate undesired activation of the complement system.

Hearing impaired ears hear differently in noisy environments

Researchers at Purdue University found that hearing impairment causes the inner ear's neurons to work harder in noisy environments. The study used chinchillas to measure physiological markers and confirmed a decrease in temporal coding of sounds with background noise.