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Science News Archive March 2013


Page 26 of 30

Bats not bothered by forest fires, study finds

A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that bats are neutral or positively impacted by moderate to high-severity forest fires. The research suggests that fires may create a habitat structure beneficial for various bat species, with some even preferring burned areas for foraging.

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.

INRS overcomes a hurdle in the development of terahertz lasers

Researchers at INRS Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications have developed a non-reciprocal electromagnetic isolator critical to THz source applications. The device enables the development of terahertz lasers and amplifiers, crucial for imaging, communications, and spectroscopy technologies.

Novel storage mechanism allows command, control of memory

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have identified a novel storage mechanism that regulates memory formation by modulating actin fibers in neurons. This discovery has significant implications for the treatment of cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and may lead to the development of new therapeutic treatments.

Texas A&M research contributes to improved ultrasound imaging

Researchers at Texas A&M University developed a new metamaterial that enables the conversion of ultrasound waves into optical signals, resulting in high-resolution images. This breakthrough technology has the potential to significantly improve diagnostic capabilities in various biomedical applications.

Seniors who play video games report better sense of emotional well-being

A new study from North Carolina State University found that older adults who play video games experience better emotional well-being, with those who played reporting higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction. In contrast, non-gamers showed more negative emotions and a greater risk of depression.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New tool better estimates pandemic threats

A new method better assesses pandemic risks by estimating transmissibility of emerging zoonotic viruses, such as the H3N2v-M virus, using routine surveillance data. This approach is simple and robust, but may not be suitable for non-subcritical outbreaks.

Research leads to better understanding of peripheral neuropathy

Researchers from Plymouth University have identified the role of Merlin in regulating axon integrity, a key factor in peripheral neuropathy. This discovery could lead to effective drug therapies for patients with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) suffering from peripheral neuropathy.

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.

Researchers discover gene that causes obesity in mice

A recent study discovered a gene responsible for obesity in mice, and deleting it eliminated obesity even on high-fat diets. The researchers believe this may be replicated in humans using existing technology targeting the specific gene.

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 research calls for better guidance about HIV transmission and the law

A new report by researchers from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine highlights significant confusion among health and social care professionals about criminal prosecutions for HIV transmission. The study recommends improving best practice, training, and online resources to reduce stigma and promote public health.

UT Southwestern scientists make mouse model of human cancer, demonstrate cure

Researchers developed a genetic mouse model of an incurable human cancer and demonstrated that blocking the CXCR4 receptor molecule can inhibit tumor development. The study revealed a potential target for therapy of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors, which are rare but highly aggressive and resistant to treatment.

Kirk, Spock together: Putting emotion, logic into computational words

Researchers at Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute found that cold reasoning and hot feelings are intimately connected in the brain. The study used a fairness probe called the ultimatum game, which showed that feelings about offers tracked well-defined computations, indicating no clean separation between rational decision-making ...

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.

Why fish is so good for you

Scientists have discovered that omega-3 fatty acids found in fish can help lower blood pressure. The 'SLO1' potassium channel plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of these fatty acids. When administered to mice, DHA expanded blood vessels and decreased blood pressure, but this effect was blocked when the SLO1 channel was not present.

New effort to identify Parkinson's biomarkers

A new NIH-funded collaboration aims to accelerate the search for biomarkers in Parkinson's disease by improving collaboration among researchers and involving patients in clinical studies. The initiative, led by Dr. Clemens Scherzer at Brigham and Women's Hospital, seeks to develop biomarkers that can predict, diagnose, or monitor the d...

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.

Spinal tap -- using cactus spines to isolate DNA

Researchers have developed a novel procedure to isolate DNA from cactus tissue using cactus spines, overcoming challenges posed by polysaccharide-based mucilage content. This method simplifies genetic work and is less invasive than traditional sampling methods.

Before and after: Ad placement should reflect cultural conceptions of time

A new study in Journal of Consumer Research found that the horizontal location of advertising images influences consumer evaluations of products. Products placed on the left tend to be favored by those living in cultures reading from left to right, while those on the right are preferred by right-to-left readers.

Gravitational lens creates cartoon of space invader

Astronomers have captured a striking image of a spiral galaxy distorted by gravitational lensing, resembling an alien from the classic computer game 'Space Invaders'. The foreground cluster of galaxies acts as a natural lens to magnify and brighten light from background galaxies, creating this surreal landscape.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Mathematician Arthur Szlam named Sloan Research Fellow

Arthur Szlam, assistant professor at City College of New York, has been awarded the Sloan Research Fellowship for his innovative mathematics in machine learning and computer vision. He will receive $50,000 to further his research on computer vision, allowing computers to learn to distinguish and categorize objects in images.

Mental picture of others can be seen using fMRI, finds new study

Researchers at Cornell University found that brain activity patterns in the medial prefrontal cortex can accurately identify an individual's thought process about a person. This unique ability allows us to anticipate behavior and navigate social interactions with greater ease.

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 clinical tool assesses health risks for older adults

A new checklist-based tool helps doctors assess health risks in older adults, considering factors like age, medical conditions, and functional status. The tool, called a 'mortality index,' has been validated with over 20,000 adults and can help seniors engage with their primary care provider to discuss informed health care maintenance.

Health benefits of marriage may not extend to all

A study by Ohio State University researchers found that marriage provides less protection against mortality as health deteriorates. Married people tend to overestimate their own health, which can lead to a false sense of security. The study's findings suggest that marriage may be more beneficial for those in excellent health, but not f...

Heavy moms-to-be at greater risk of c-section

Women with a pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more are at increased risk of vacuum extraction delivery or Cesarean section. Excessive gestational weight gain also increases the risk of forceps, vacuum extraction, and C-section. Obesity is associated with lower gestational weight gain but larger baby sizes.

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.

The making of Antarctica's hidden fjords

A team of geoscientists from the University of Arizona led by Stuart N. Thomson discovered that East Antarctica's landscape changed dramatically when big glaciers appeared there, carving deep valleys quickly. The research used sediment cores to analyze minerals and determine the rate of erosion over time.

Biomass analysis tool is faster, more precise

The High-Throughput Analytical Pyrolysis (HTAP) tool from NREL can analyze hundreds of biomass samples daily, providing early insights into ideal plant genes. This accelerated method reduces the time required to analyze a sample from two weeks to just two minutes.

Ancient DNA solves 320-year-old mystery

Researchers from the University of Adelaide's Australian Centre for Ancient DNA extracted ancient DNA from two specimens and compared it to extinct relatives. They found that the Falkland Islands wolf diverged from its closest living relative around 16,000 years ago, revealing a 16,000-year-old island colonization process.

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.

Is the iPad creative? It depends on who's buying it

A new study in Journal of Consumer Research found that consumers' perception of products they don't own can influence their judgments. When made aware of not owning a product, consumers who perceive themselves as uncreative may actually see the product as more creative.

Sharing HIV research findings with participants

Researchers orally disseminated their HIV research findings to 477 participants, who enthusiastically received the information and identified new areas for investigation. The dissemination conference was funded by several organizations, including the National Institutes of Health.

Boys are right-handed, girls are left...

Research on sugar gliders and grey short-tailed opossums reveals a distinct pattern of handedness based on gender. Unlike other mammals, quadruped marsupials show reversed sex-related handedness, with males being right-handed and females left-handed, particularly for more complex tasks.

'Mean girls' be warned: Ostracism cuts both ways

A new study shows that individuals who deliberately shun another person are equally distressed by the experience. Participants felt shame and guilt when complying with instructions to exclude others, while being excluded caused them to feel less connected to others.

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.

Shadows over data sharing

The human genome sequencing project's experience highlights current challenges in accessing data, particularly in social sciences and personalized medicine. Researchers often withhold data due to competitive advantages or confidentiality agreements, hindering open access.

Stressed proteins can cause blood clots for hours

Researchers at Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine have discovered that stressed proteins can remain in a dangerous shape for up to five hours before returning to their normal state. This finding has profound clinical implications, as it helps explain the workings of the key clot-forming protein von Willebrand factor.

Amputee phantom pain linked to brain retaining picture of missing limb

Researchers at the University of Oxford have made a groundbreaking discovery linking brain activity to phantom pain in amputees. The study found that arm amputees with stronger phantom limb pain maintained a stronger representation of the missing hand in their brains, which was indistinguishable from those with intact limbs.

Better estrogen-testing methods needed to improve patient care

The Endocrine Society issues a position statement on estradiol measurement, highlighting the need for accurate testing to diagnose conditions like breast cancer, osteoporosis, and infertility. The organization calls for a universally recognized estradiol standard and new methods capable of measuring small concentrations.

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.

Statistical physics offers a new way to look at climate

Scientists use direct statistical simulation to model fluid jets, fast-moving flows in oceans and atmosphere. The new approach is a key step toward bringing basic physics models to bear on climate science, enabling more efficient climate simulations.

Colonoscopy screening reduces risk of advanced colorectal cancer

A new study confirms the effectiveness of colonoscopy in preventing advanced colorectal cancer diagnoses, particularly for tumors on the right side of the colon. The study found a 70 percent reduction in risk for average-risk adults, supporting current medical recommendations.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

New method for greenhouse gas predictions

A new dynamic mathematical model estimates variation in greenhouse gas emissions in response to changes in wastewater management systems. The study provides more accurate and detailed predictions than current steady-state models, with implications for industries seeking to reduce their carbon footprint.