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Science News Archive March 2013


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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.

Congestion in the Earth's mantle

In some Earth's mantle regions, the movement of subducted plates stagnates due to slow diffusion and transformation of mineral components. High-pressure experiments revealed that exchange of elements between minerals slows down significantly at depths of 440-650 kilometers, leading to congestion.

New models predict drastically greener Arctic in coming decades

Researchers predict a massive 'greening' of the Arctic due to rising temperatures, which could lead to an acceleration of climate warming. The models suggest that tree cover could increase by up to 50% over the next few decades, resulting in significant impacts on the global ecosystem.

Teachers' gestures boost math learning

A study published in Child Development found that instructors who use hand gestures while teaching math problems outperform those without gestures. Students who learned from gesture videos performed better on tests compared to those who learned from speech-only videos, with improved retention over time.

DNA: How to unravel the tangle

Researchers have created a numeric model of the chromosome that supports experimental data and provides a hypothesis on the bundle's function. The model identifies regions with specific genes, contradicting the chaotic view of the chromosome as a randomly entangled thread.

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.

Texas physician breaks ground in robotic cervical surgery

A Texas physician has successfully performed a groundbreaking robotic laparoscopic procedure to tighten a pregnant patient's incompetent cervix. The innovative technique, which utilizes the da Vinci Si robotic surgical system, allowed for precise stitching with minimal scars.

Monounsaturated fats reduce metabolic syndrome risk

A randomized, controlled trial found that consuming monounsaturated fats in vegetable oils like canola oil lowered abdominal fat by 1.6 percent compared to other oil blends. This reduction in belly fat may decrease metabolic syndrome risk factors and heart disease risk.

SIAM announces class of 2013 fellows

The Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) has announced its 2013 Class of Fellows, comprising 33 renowned mathematicians. These individuals were recognized for their outstanding research and service to the mathematical community.

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.

Sensory helmet could mean firefighters are not left in the dark

Researchers at the University of Sheffield have developed a tactile helmet that uses ultrasound sensors to detect distances and provide fire-fighters with additional information. The technology could also be useful for people with visual impairments, acting as an additional sense to guide users.

NASA's Swift sizes up comet ISON

Astronomers use NASA's Swift satellite to estimate the size of comet ISON's icy nucleus based on water and dust production rates. The team finds that the comet is shedding large amounts of dust but relatively little water, indicating that other volatile materials are fueling its activity.

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.

Multi-toxin biotech crops not silver bullets, scientists warn

A new study by University of Arizona entomologists reveals that the pyramid strategy for genetically modified crops may not be as durable as previously assumed. The research found that critical assumptions underlying the strategy do not always apply, and that some degree of cross-resistance between toxins can reduce its effectiveness.

LITHOSPHERE covers Canada, California, the Alps, and the Scandinavian Caledonides

Researchers studied detrital zircon Hf isotopic compositions to connect the Alexander terrane in Canada with northern Caledonian granitoids. In California, a kinematic analysis of mélange fabrics near San Simeon reveals sinistral slip on the Nacimiento fault zone. The Western Alps also experienced short-lived fast erosional exhumation ...

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.

A new mathematical model for how society becomes polarized

A new mathematical model, based on biased assimilation, shows that polarization stems from people's tendency to accept evidence supporting their opinions and discredit opposing views. The model, developed by Stanford researchers, aims to create Internet-based social systems that counteract polarization.

New research on the effects of traumatic brain injury

Studies found that individuals with dementia and TBI may have distinct clinical characteristics, such as higher fluency and verbal memory scores. Additionally, elderly patients with TBI are at higher risk of premature death due to underlying health conditions or complications after injury.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Low vitamin D linked with lower kidney function after transplantation

A study found that low vitamin D levels at three months post-transplantation were associated with lower kidney function and increased scarring at one year. Vitamin D deficiency is common in patients with kidney failure. Maintaining normal vitamin D levels may prevent renal function deterioration after transplantation.

A social network for young Londoners on the buses

A recent study by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found that free bus travel has improved the independent mobility and social lives of young Londoners. The research discovered a 'code of honour' among young people, where traveling together is seen as a sign of loyalty, and traveling alone is perceived as a betrayal.

UCLA study finds heart failure medications highly cost-effective

A UCLA study found that heart failure medications recommended by national guidelines are highly cost-effective in saving lives and may also provide savings to the healthcare system. The combination of these medical therapies demonstrated the greatest gains in quality-adjusted life years for heart failure patients.

Should I trust my intuition?

A study published in Neuron found that rats achieved optimal performance in less than 300 milliseconds, indicating that taking more time doesn't necessarily lead to better decisions. The researchers suggest that, for certain types of decisions, relying on intuition may be the most effective approach.

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.

New study aims to prevent sports-related brain injury in youngsters

A new study out of St. Michael's Hospital found that nearly half of all traumatic brain injuries among Canadian children and youth participating in organized sports occurred in ice hockey, with most caused by body contact or being hit into the boards. The researchers also identified specific prevention tactics for various sports, inclu...

Picking apart photosynthesis

Caltech chemists have explained one of the remaining mysteries of photosynthesis, the chemical process by which plants convert sunlight into usable energy and generate oxygen. The discovery provides a new way of approaching the design of catalysts that drive water-splitting reactions in artificial photosynthesis.

Innate immune system can kill HIV when a viral gene is deactivated

A study published in PLoS Pathogens suggests that removing the viral infectivity factor gene from HIV allows the innate human immune system to destroy the virus. The researchers used a humanized mouse model and found that APOBEC3 proteins effectively restrict HIV growth when vif is removed.

NOvA neutrino detector records first 3-D particle tracks

The NOvA neutrino detector has recorded its first three-dimensional images of particles from cosmic rays, a crucial step towards discovering properties of mysterious fundamental particles called neutrinos. The detector will use this data to identify and measure the energy of neutrinos.

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.

Look out squirrels: Leopards are new backyard wildlife

A new study by WCS-India reveals leopards inhabit landscapes with high human populations and no wilderness, defying conventional conservation strategies. Camera traps captured five adult large carnivores per 100 square kilometers, showcasing adaptability of humans and wildlife to each other's presence.

Sustainable fishing practices produce local rewards

Research in Papua New Guinea reveals that local community-led efforts to regulate fish catches benefit both the fishermen and their neighbors. The study found that many larvae produced by managed adults return to the same fish population, highlighting the effectiveness of cooperative management.

Brain scans might predict future criminal behavior

A new study found that neuroimaging data can predict the likelihood of reoffending following prison release. Inmates with lower anterior cingulate cortex activity were twice as likely to reoffend compared to those with higher activity.

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.

Teens' struggles with peers forecast long-term adult problems

A new longitudinal study found that teens who struggled to connect with their peers in early adolescence were more likely to have difficulty establishing close friendships in young adulthood. Conversely, those who established autonomy and independence from peer influences had lower risks of problems with alcohol and substance use.

Scientists identify brain's 'molecular memory switch'

Researchers have identified a key molecule responsible for triggering chemical processes in the brain linked to memory formation. The study found that the gene CASK regulates the 'molecular memory switch', enabling it to remain active even after calcium has gone, paving the way for new therapies to reverse memory loss.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Creating inclusive child-care spaces

A new study found that 91% of Alberta child-care centres have provided inclusive care in the previous two years. However, many still face challenges, with 36% turning away children with special needs due to capacity issues or inadequate staff training.

15 minutes of fame? Study finds true fame isn't fleeting

A new study by McGill University and Stony Brook University researchers found that true fame is not fleeting. The study analyzed names mentioned in English-language newspapers over several decades and found that most famous individuals remain celebrated for decades, regardless of their field.

Even graphene has weak spots

Researchers found that the seven-atom ring defects at junctions in polycrystalline graphene result in reduced strength due to amplification of tension. This finding is significant for materials scientists using graphene, particularly in composite materials and stretchable electronics.

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.

Cell reprogramming during liver regeneration

Scientists have found that hepatocytes can transform into biliary cells in response to injury, a process dependent on the activation of endogenous Notch signaling. This discovery provides direct evidence for cellular reprogramming in mammals and may lead to new treatments for diseases involving bile duct deficiency.

What attracts people to violent movies?

Researchers found that audiences are drawn to violent content due to a desire to confront and understand real-life problems, rather than solely for entertainment. The study used a large binational sample to examine the motivations behind exposure to violent portrayals, suggesting a more complex and nuanced understanding of human behavior.

HIV antibodies that are worth the wait

Researchers have discovered that broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) can handle HIV's high mutation rate, offering a promising strategy for vaccine development. The study found that mutations in framework regions strengthened the antibodies' antiviral activity while conserving key structural features.

Black bears: Here, gone, and back again

A new study reveals that Nevada's black bear population is increasing and expanding its former range due to conservation efforts. The study analyzed historic records and found that the bears were once widespread but vanished by 1931, only to rebound in recent years.

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.

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.