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Science News Archive January 2013


Page 3 of 27

Research study: Whistle away the need for diapers

Researchers at Sahlgrenska Academy found that potty training from birth can improve bladder control and reduce the risk of urinary tract infections in Vietnamese babies. This technique involves a special whistling sound to remind the baby when it's time to urinate, allowing for early elimination of diapers.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Sorting out stroking sensations

Researchers at California Institute of Technology have identified a specific class of skin sensory neurons that react to massage-like stroking, paving the way for further study of pleasurable sensations. The discovery uses genetically modified mice and novel recording techniques to pinpoint individual neurons activated by touch.

Disease not a factor in Tassie Tiger extinction

A new population modelling approach contradicts the widespread belief that disease must have been a factor in the thylacine's extinction. The study found that European settlement, including hunting and habitat loss, was powerful enough to drive the species to extinction without invoking a mystery disease.

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.

Brain activity study lends insight into schizophrenia

Researchers used MEG to identify two distinct spectral features in schizophrenia patients, which were significantly different from healthy control subjects. The study also found four features that changed with age, suggesting the disease affects brain activity over time.

Setting the stage for a new paradigm in treatment of heart failure

Researchers at UNC School of Medicine found striking similarities between heart cells and brain cells in patients with Alzheimer's disease, suggesting a new treatment paradigm for heart failure. Misfolded proteins in heart cells are a key factor in the process of heart failure.

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.

Outdoor fast food ads could promote obesity, study finds

A new study from UCLA has identified a possible link between outdoor food ads and a tendency to pack on pounds. The researchers found that the more outdoor advertisements promoting fast food and soft drinks there are in an area, the higher the likelihood that residents are overweight.

Mindfulness meditation heightens a listener's musical engagement

Researchers found that mindfulness meditation increased focused engagement and aesthetic responses among music students, even with familiar passages. The technique helped renew attention and drive participants into a state of 'flow,' leading to improved listening experiences.

Study reveals significance of second trimester markers for Down's syndrome

Researchers analyzed 48 studies on second trimester markers and found that most single markers have only a small effect on modifying the odds for Down's syndrome. However, some markers such as dilated brain ventricles, increased neck thickness, and absent nose bone significantly increase the risk by three- to four-fold.

Binge drinking increases risk of Type 2 diabetes by causing insulin resistance

A new study published in Science Translational Medicine has found a strong link between binge drinking and the development of insulin resistance, which can lead to Type 2 diabetes. The research suggests that alcohol disrupts insulin-receptor signaling, causing inflammation in the brain and increasing the risk of metabolic disorders.

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.

Antibiotics cut death rate for malnourished children

Researchers found a 44% drop in mortality with cefdinir and a 36% drop with amoxicillin when antibiotics were added to therapeutic food treatment. This study has changed how children are treated worldwide, providing a lifesaving impact on hundreds of thousands of children annually.

NSF selects OSU to lead project rejuvenating US research fleet

Oregon State University will lead a $290 million project to design and build three new coastal research vessels, bolstering the US marine science research capabilities. The vessels will be designed for flexibility and environmental sustainability, addressing critical ocean issues such as climate change and marine ecosystems.

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.

Stanford experiment shows that virtual superpowers encourage real-world empathy

Researchers at Stanford University found that playing Superman-like flight in a virtual reality simulation increased altruistic behavior in individuals. In contrast, helicopter-riding participants took longer to offer help. The study suggests designing games that promote empathy and altruism could have real-world benefits.

'Petri dish lens' gives hope for new eye treatments

Researchers at Monash University successfully derived and purified lens epithelium, paving the way for testing new drugs on human tissue. The breakthrough could lead to cures for congenital sight impairment caused by lens damage, particularly in developing countries.

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.

New research shows complexity of global warming

A new study reveals that global warming from greenhouse gases has a weaker impact on global precipitation compared to solar heating. The researchers found that the global rainfall rate increased by about 40% less during the present-day warming period than during past warming phases, despite higher temperatures.

How does fibrosis occur in Crohn's disease?

Research reveals that a protein called IL-13 plays a crucial role in the development of fibrosis in Crohn's disease. The study found that increased levels of IL-13 lead to excessive collagen synthesis and tissue hardening, causing bowel narrowing and loss of mobility.

Researchers develop model for identifying habitable zones around star

A Penn State research team has developed a new model to determine whether discovered planets can support liquid water and life. The updated model suggests that habitable zones are farther away from stars than previously thought, potentially reclassifying some previously believed habitable planets as non-habitable.

Understanding the historical probability of drought

Researchers from Oklahoma State University created a reliable 'calendar' of seasonal drought patterns that can help farmers avoid costly losses to drought conditions. By considering soil properties and water deficits, the study found that traditional atmospheric measurements underestimated drought probabilities.

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.

Chronic kidney disease increases risk of death for both women and men

A new study from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found chronic kidney disease is associated with a higher risk of death and end-stage renal disease for both women and men. The study analyzed data from over 2 million participants worldwide, including a diverse population of women making up 54% of the cohort.

Arunachal contributes in detecting stem cells where dormant TB bacteria hide

Researchers from Arunachal Pradesh and the Research Institute of World's Ancient Traditions Cultures and Heritage successfully isolated dormant TB bacteria from CD271+ stem cells in bone marrow. The study provides evidence that TB bacteria hide in these stem cells to escape drug treatment, making it difficult to eradicate the disease.

Confirmed: How plant communities endure stress

A global meta-analysis supports the Stress Gradient Hypothesis, showing that plant interactions become more influential in positive ways when ecosystems face threats like drought. The study found that as stress increases, negative interactions weaken, while mutual support strengthens across various plant types and conditions.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Female deer take control during the mating season

A new study reveals that female fallow deer actively select their mates, choosing up to 12% to mate with multiple males each year. The research suggests that polyandry may ensure successful pregnancy by favoring older or more experienced males.

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.

Obesity may increase risk of MS in children and teens

A new study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that obesity may increase the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) in children and teenage girls. The research, which analyzed data from over 913,000 children, found a significant association between obesity and MS in girls, but not in boys.

Hit by 2 hammers

Researchers identify new gene associated with Hirschprung Disease and demonstrate how deficiencies in two candidate genes synergize to halt gut nervous system formation. Understanding this genetic basis may lead to better diagnostics and treatment for the condition.

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.

A new genre of 'intelligent' micro- and nanomotors

Researchers have successfully created single-molecule 'intelligent' motors powered by common enzymes, catalase and urease. These motors can generate force and move in specific directions, even at the nanoscale, with implications for applications in medicine, engineering, and more.

Scientists may have received millions in duplicate funding

Researchers analyzed over 858,717 grant and contract summaries to identify potential instances of duplicate funding. They found strong evidence that tens of millions of dollars may have been spent on grants where at least a portion was already being funded.

The pros and cons of 'ecolabels' in cleaning products

The use of ecolabels in cleaning products is a topic of debate, with supporters arguing they inform consumers about product sustainability, while opponents claim they can be confusing. The American Chemical Society explores the pros and cons of these environmental certification seals in its latest cover story.

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.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Rejuvenation of the Southern Appalachians

New research reveals that topographic relief in the southern Appalachians increased by over 150% since the Miocene era, suggesting a link to post-orogenic regional uplift. The findings contradict previous theories attributing landscape rejuvenation to climate change or erosion, instead supporting an epeirogenic uplift-driven explanation.

Aging cells lose their grip on DNA rogues

Brown University researchers discovered that as cells age, their ability to defend against parasitic strands of genetic material called transposable elements deteriorates. This breakdown allows the newly freed transposons to take full advantage, potentially leading to a decline in cell function and health.

3D microchip created

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a new type of microchip that allows information to travel in three dimensions. The innovation uses spintronic technology and enables additional storage capacity on chips by spreading data across multiple layers.

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.

How to be a social climber

Researchers discovered that all individuals are social climbers, as they seek to enhance their social importance through connections with central nodes. In hierarchical societies, this inclination leads to a clear identification of central nodes, resulting in an increasing number of social climbers.