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Science News Archive February 2013


Page 8 of 28

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.

Scientists make older adults less forgetful in memory tests

Researchers found that distracting older adults during memory tests increased their performance to match that of younger adults. The study's findings have significant implications for designing learning strategies and equipping senior-housing with visual distraction cues to aid memory recall.

Wanted: A life outside the workplace

A new study at Michigan State University finds that single workers face challenges maintaining friendships, taking care of their health, and finding leisure time beyond work demands. This negative impact on work-life balance is similar for both single and family-based workers.

City layout key to predicting riots

Researchers at University College London have developed a computer model that highlights the importance of city layout in predicting and suppressing riots. The study uses data from the 2011 London riots to simulate patterns and identify susceptible areas, enabling police to deploy resources more effectively.

Titanium dioxide nanoreactor

Researchers at Helmholtz Centre Berlin have developed a method for producing titanium dioxide nanoparticles at room temperature in a polymer network. The analysis showed that the nanoparticles are homogeneously distributed over the polymeric nanoreactors and have a crystalline structure, enabling their use as catalysts.

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.

Caves point to thawing of Siberia

Evidence from Siberian caves suggests a 1.5°C temperature rise could cause substantial permafrost thawing, releasing massive amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and damaging ecosystems and human infrastructure.

Rutgers neuroscientist sheds light on cause for 'chemo brain'

A study by Rutgers University behavioral neuroscientist Tracey Shors found that prolonged chemotherapy decreases the development of new brain cells, disrupting ongoing brain rhythms necessary for learning. This can lead to cognitive problems such as short-term memory loss and disordered thinking in cancer patients.

The age from when children can hop on one leg

Researchers at University of Zurich have developed normative data for gross and fine motor exercises in pre-school children. Children typically develop hopping and standing on one leg skills between three to five years old, with most able to perform these tasks by age five.

New flu drug stops virus in its tracks

A new class of influenza drug has been shown to prevent the flu virus from spreading and successfully treat mice with lethal strains. The drug works by attaching itself to the virus's molecular machinery, rendering it useless.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Research discovers gene mutation causing rare eye disease

Researchers at LSU Health Sciences Center have identified a new gene mutation causing Schnyder corneal dystrophy, a rare hereditary eye disease. The mutation is linked to vitamin K metabolism and may lead to the development of a new treatment using vitamin K supplements.

How human language could have evolved from birdsong

According to MIT researchers, human language may have originated in birdsong, combining an expression layer with a lexical layer. This combination triggered the emergence of complex communication patterns, including finite vocabularies and melodic capacity.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Geoengineering by coalition

A geoengineering coalition aims to reduce climate change by deflecting sun radiation, but new research suggests excluding non-participating countries may be counterproductive. Maintaining openness and inclusiveness in decision-making processes could be crucial for successful geoengineering efforts.

Why sourdough bread resists mold

Researchers discovered that sourdough bread resists mold due to the production of compounds with potent antifungal activity. Lactic acid bacteria convert linoleic acid into hydroxylated monounsaturated fatty acids, strongly inhibiting mold formation.

Researchers propose new way to probe Earth's deep interior

Scientists have developed a new approach to study the composition of Earth's deep interior by detecting long-range spin-spin interactions. The technique, which relies on a hypothetical fifth force, could provide new insights into the geophysics and geochemistry of the planet's interior.

Modeling Alzheimer's disease using iPSCs

Using both familial and sporadic AD iPSCs, the researchers discovered that pathogenesis differed between individual AD patients. They found stress phenotypes associated with intracellular amyloid beta oligomers and attenuated these phenotypes with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) treatment.

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.

Student loans help women more than men in reaching graduation

A nationwide study reveals that taking out loans actually makes graduation more likely for all students, but debt has diminishing returns and becomes less effective at boosting chances of graduation after $2,000. Women tend to carry more debt to finance college due to better job prospects for men without a degree.

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.

Schizophrenia genes increase chance of IQ loss

A recent study published in Biological Psychiatry reveals that individuals with a higher genetic risk of schizophrenia are more likely to experience a decline in IQ as they age. The research, conducted by the University of Edinburgh, used advanced genetic analysis techniques to investigate how thinking skills change over time.

Astronomer at UC Riverside awarded Sloan Research Fellowship

Naveen Reddy, an assistant professor at UC Riverside, has been awarded a Sloan Research Fellowship to study the physics of early universe and extragalactic astronomy. The fellowship will support his research on faint galaxies in the distant universe.

When water speaks

Computer simulations reveal that water stabilizes specific charge states on the catalyst surface, increasing efficiency and outperforming a gas phase. Researchers also found that thermodynamic conditions can control catalytic efficiency by varying pressure and temperature.

Circadian clock linked to obesity, diabetes and heart attacks

Research at Vanderbilt University reveals a direct link between the body's circadian rhythm and insulin activity, which controls metabolism. The study found that disruption in the circadian clock can lead to increased risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

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.

ASU Mars education program wins science-teaching award from Science magazine

The Arizona State University Mars Education Program won the Science Prize for Inquiry-Based Instruction for its Mars Student Imaging Project, which lets middle-school students use a NASA spacecraft to take images of Mars and conduct real science research. Over 35,000 students have participated in the project since its launch in 2002.

Conserving corals by understanding their genes

A study published in BioMed Central's open access journal BMC Genetics found that coral DNA variations correlate with water temperature and clarity, which can inform reef conservation efforts. The research team identified specific genes involved in immune response and stress-induced cell-death, suggesting that corals with certain genet...

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.

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.

Stem cell 'homing' signal may help treat heart failure patients

Researchers used a 'homing' signal to activate stem cells in heart failure patients, improving symptoms and heart function. The study found that 50% of patients showed positive effects one year after treatment, indicating potential for this therapy to widely treat heart failure patients.

Cell therapy a little more concrete thanks to VIB research

Researchers at VIB developed a mouse model to study the molecular mechanisms determining cellular identity, enabling targeted manipulation of iPS cells for safer and more effective therapies. This breakthrough advances cell therapy using iPS cells for regenerative medicine applications.

Antibacterial protein's molecular workings revealed

Vanderbilt investigators have identified the structural features of calprotectin's two metal binding sites and demonstrated that manganese binding is key to its antibacterial action. The study could guide efforts to develop novel antibacterials that limit a microbe's access to metals.

The ethics of access: Comparing 2 federal health care reform efforts

A team of University of Michigan doctors analyze the shortcomings of the Affordable Care Act and Reagan-era emergency access law, emphasizing the need for preventive care and coordinated care. The authors conclude that modern healthcare reform must address these gaps to bring the nation closer to a goal of comprehensive care for all.

New imaging device that is flexible, flat, and transparent

The new device uses a polymer sheet with fluorescent particles to capture incoming light and channel it to an array of sensors. This allows for the creation of high-resolution images without any internal components or electronics. The technology has potential applications in user interface devices that can respond to gestures alone.

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Antioxidants in your diet may not reduce risk of stroke or dementia

A new study published in Neurology found no correlation between antioxidant intake and risk of developing stroke or dementia. The study suggests that individual antioxidants and food sources may be more important than total antioxidant levels in reducing the risk of these conditions.

Does bariatric surgery impact medical costs associated with obesity?

A recent study found that bariatric surgery does not lower overall healthcare costs in the long term. Instead, it results in higher inpatient costs and lower prescription and office-visit costs. The research analyzed data from over 29,000 patients who underwent bariatric surgery between 2002 and 2008.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Cost of medication and stigma leading asthma sufferers to risk health

Research shows that asthma sufferers in the UK are putting their lives at risk by relying on short-acting bronchodilators instead of preventive medication. The main reasons for this behaviour include cost and stigma, with many young adults feeling embarrassed to use inhalers in public.

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.

Low-pitched song indicates fairy-wren size

A new international study shows that a male fairy-wren's low-pitched song is linked to its body size, providing insight into reliable communication between animals. The study, led by University of Melbourne researcher Dr Michelle Hall, found that larger males sing at lower pitches.

First signals from brain nerve cells with ultrathin nanowires

Researchers at Lund University have successfully implanted an ultrathin nanowire-based electrode into a laboratory animal's brain, capturing signals from the nerve cells. This breakthrough allows for potential long-term monitoring and treatment of conditions like Parkinson's disease.

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.

Trustworthy mating advice deepens bond between straight women and gay men

A new psychology study from the University of Texas at Austin suggests that friendships between straight women and gay men are rooted in the absence of deceptive mating motivations. Gay men may provide more trustworthy love advice to straight women because they don't have conflicts with them, unlike other women or straight men.

Being stoic for the spouse's sake comes at a high cost

Researchers studied how couples cope with child loss and found that suppressing emotions can worsen grief. The study suggests that clinicians should guide clients away from 'staying strong' for partners to ease their suffering.

MIT researchers build Quad HD TV chip

The new chip performs real-time HEVC encoding and decoding, enabling four times the resolution of current TVs. It achieves this through pipelining and matrix multiplication to reduce computational complexity.

Cooling may prevent trauma-induced epilepsy

A new study in rats indicates that gentle brain cooling after injury may prevent seizures in humans, a finding that could lead to a safe and relatively simple way to treat patients with head injuries.

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.

Creeping epidemic of obesity hits Asia Pacific region

The Asia Pacific region is experiencing a creeping epidemic of obesity, with quadrupled rates in China and increased prevalence among countries such as Japan and Australia. Experts attribute the rise to sedentary lifestyles, Westernized diets, and cultural attitudes that prioritize food as a way of showing hospitality.