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Science News Archive September 2012


Page 6 of 27

Rice University lab encodes collagen

Rice scientists created a computer program that predicts the most stable structures of nanometer-sized collagen, a crucial step toward synthesizing custom collagen. This breakthrough has significant implications for treating diseases and designing drugs, as collagen plays a vital role in holding cells together.

Going viral to kill zits

Researchers find harmless virus living on skin that naturally targets and kills Propionibacterium acnes bacteria, a major trigger of acne. The discovery offers promising new hope for developing targeted anti-acne therapies.

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.

Oscillating microscopic beads could be key to biolab on a chip

A team of MIT researchers has found a way to use oscillating microscopic beads to carry out biomedical tests, potentially enabling multiple medical tests on a tiny device. The technique allows for precise measurements of tiny quantities of materials and could lead to fast, compact, and versatile medical-testing devices.

October LITHOSPHERE delivered online

Recent studies in Lithosphere magazine reveal that vertical-axis rotations can significantly impact shortening estimates with potential errors of up to 14%. Additionally, researchers investigate non-Pratt component of oceanic isostasy, finding a dynamic response within the Earth's mantle necessary for equilibrium. Meanwhile, pulsed def...

Into the mind of the common fruit fly

A Tel Aviv University researcher is using fruit flies to study the functioning of neurons and potential treatments for Alzheimer's disease. By genetically modifying flies to express a protein linked to human Alzheimer's, she hopes to unlock its function and develop new therapies.

Exercise does a body -- and a mind -- good

Research found that physical inactivity and negative body image increase the risk of mental health problems in adolescents, while sports participation lowers this risk. The study suggests that psychosocial factors, such as body image and social interaction, play a crucial role in explaining the link between exercise and mental health.

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.

Hotter might be better at energy-intensive data centers

Researchers found that warmer temperatures than usual can save energy in data centers, with potential benefits for system reliability. The study suggests that most organizations could run their data centers hotter than currently recommended, saving up to 5% of energy consumption.

Hypertension not so simple

Leading hypertension specialists recommend the inclusion of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in national health surveys to accurately detect hypertension. This advanced diagnostic method can identify mitigating factors affecting diagnosis, such as white coat hypertension and nocturnal hypertension.

MSU-led projects to help war veterans

A pair of MSU-led projects aim to support Michigan National Guard members and their families by studying resiliency in military families and training mental health counselors to work with them. The projects are expected to help the military improve reintegration efforts and prevention and treatment programs.

Pre-op steroids to prevent nausea do not significantly increase post-op bleeding

A recent study published in JAMA found that administering dexamethasone to children before tonsillectomy did not significantly increase post-operative bleeding. The researchers tested the hypothesis that dexamethasone would result in a 5% higher rate of bleeding events compared to placebo, but the results showed no significant difference.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

JoVE article shows steps to isolate stem cells from brain tumors

Scientists have developed a new video protocol to isolate brain tumor initiating stem cells from primary brain tumors, allowing for quick and efficient analysis of target cells. This approach has been effectively used to identify similar stem cells in leukemia patients.

Improved communication could reduce STD epidemic among black teenagers

Research at Oregon State University found that diverse sources of information can aid in smart choices for young black teens. The studies identified approaches to prevention programs and emphasized the importance of collaboration between family, schools, medical clinics, churches, and other entities.

UTMB awarded $750,000 National Institute of Justice grant

The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston has received a three-year grant to study healthy and unhealthy teen dating relationships. The research aims to improve the quality of teenagers' dating relationships and prevent subsequent domestic violence in adult intimate relationships.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Hubble goes to the eXtreme to assemble farthest-ever view of the universe

The eXtreme Deep Field (XDF) image is a small fraction of the angular diameter of the full moon, containing about 5,500 galaxies. The XDF reveals galaxies that span back 13.2 billion years in time, providing a 'time tunnel into the distant past' and shedding light on the early universe's dramatic birth and evolution.

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.

A clock that will last forever

Scientists have proposed an experimental design for building a space-time crystal, a four-dimensional crystal that can study complex physical properties and behaviors. The device would be used to study phenomena like entanglement, where particles are connected even at vast distances.

Heritability of avoidant and dependent personality disorder traits

A recent study found that two-thirds of the variation in avoidant and dependent personality disorder traits can be explained by genes, highlighting the importance of genetic influences in their development. The study's use of both questionnaire and interview measures provided a more comprehensive understanding of heritability.

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.

Cellular eavesdropping made easy

A new approach devised by EMBL scientists enables the distinction of proteins secreted by cells from those in their food, allowing measurement of secretion changes over time. This method has opened new avenues for drug and biomarker screening, as well as studying cell responses to drugs and 3D growth conditions.

JCI early table of contents for September 24, 2012

Researchers at University of California, Berkeley report that epithelial cells in cornea express small antimicrobial peptides to defend against bacterial infections. High levels of prolactin block expression of kisspeptin, a protein hormone that induces secretion of GnRH, leading to infertility in women.

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers found that brief, multicontact behavioral counseling interventions delivered by primary care physicians reduced hospital stays for adults with risky drinking. The campaign 'Tips from Former Smokers' successfully encouraged smokers to quit, with calls to the toll-free quit line more than doubling during the 12-week campaign.

AIDS patients face risk for esophageal, stomach cancers

People with AIDS are at increased risk for developing esophageal and stomach carcinoma, as well as non-Hodgkin lymphomas. The study found that those with AIDS had a 69% increased risk of esophageal cancer and a 53% increased risk of lower stomach cancer.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Life in the extreme

Two single-celled Archaea species, nearly identical genetically, respond differently to uranium toxicity, one by metabolizing it as energy, and the other by inducing a dormant state. These findings could teach us about mechanisms of adaptation to extreme environments and have implications for understanding antibiotic resistance.

Yale researchers call for specialty metals recycling

The study highlights the challenges of recycling specialty metals, which are essential for precise technological applications. Improving design for recycling, depositing targets, and financial incentives can enhance metal recovery.

Managing soil copper in crops irrigated with cattle footbath wastewater

Researchers found that alfalfa growth stops when soil copper sulfate levels exceed 500 ppm and beneficial bacterial activity declines above 50 ppm. Crops irrigated with cattle footbath wastewater can accumulate plant-available copper levels up to 63 ppm, posing potential harm to grazing livestock.

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.

Most biofuels are not 'green'

Despite reducing greenhouse gas emissions, many biofuels lead to environmental pollution, such as acid in soil and polluted lakes and rivers. Only a few biofuels have a better ecobalance than petrol, with biogas from residues and waste materials showing promise.

LIFR protein suppresses breast cancer metastasis

A team of researchers from MD Anderson Cancer Center has identified the LIFR protein as a novel suppressor of breast cancer metastasis. The study found that restoring LIFR expression or function could be used to block the spread of breast cancer. Loss of LIFR is associated with poor clinical outcomes in breast cancer patients.

Obesity promotes prostate cancer by altering gene regulation

Research finds that obesity promotes prostate cancer growth by changing gene expression in fat surrounding the prostate, increasing risk of aggressive disease. The study suggests a personalized approach to lifestyle and therapeutic strategies for overweight men with prostate cancer.

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.

Glacial youth therapy for the Scandinavian landscape

A new study in Nature Geoscience reveals that the high-elevation flat surfaces of Norway's landscape are geologically young due to extensive glacial erosion. The research contradicts previous views and suggests a complete re-interpretation of Scandinavia's tectonic history.

Scientists shed light on riddle of sun's explosive events

A team of space scientists has shed light on the mysterious physical mechanisms underlying coronal mass ejections (CMEs) that can impact Earth-based power grids and satellites. The study, published in Nature Physics, uses state-of-the-art computer simulations to connect motions in the sun's interior with CMEs.

Florida State University chemist may hold key to building a better toxin mousetrap

Sourav Saha's research in the Journal of the American Chemical Society has led to the development of a compound that can strip electrons from toxic fluoride, producing tangible benefits for toxin detection and removal. This innovation has far-reaching potential applications in various fields, including the creation of new plastics and ...

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.

New IVF breakthrough

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have discovered a chemical that can mature small eggs to healthy, mature eggs, offering new hope for women struggling with infertility. The breakthrough could provide an alternative method to preserving fertility in girls who have not yet reached puberty.

Eunuchs outlive other men

A study of noble Korean males found castrated eunuchs lived 14-19 years longer than other men. The incidence of centenarians among Korean eunuchs is 130 times greater than in developed countries, offering clues to life extension.

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.

Hundreds of biochemical analyses on a single chip

Researchers at EPFL and University of Geneva create k-MITOMI, a microfluidic device that measures up to 768 biomolecular interactions simultaneously. The device accelerates the acquisition of protein-protein and protein-DNA interaction information, crucial for understanding living organisms.

OU receives award from Council of Graduate Schools

The University of Oklahoma has received an award to develop a research ethics program for international students collaborating with US universities. The program aims to enhance students' awareness of cultural expectations and research policies in global research contexts.

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.

Automatic building mapping could help emergency responders

A prototype sensor array worn on the chest automatically creates a digital map of the wearer's environment, recognizing movement between floors. The system is envisioned as a tool to help emergency responders coordinate disaster response by providing accurate location estimates and visual features of the surroundings.

Climate is changing the Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is experiencing significant changes in sea surface temperatures and seasonal patterns over the past 25 years. Water temperatures have increased by an average of 0.2 degrees, with more pronounced warming in certain areas. This shift affects marine life and poses challenges for managing protected areas.