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Science News Archive December 2008 - Page 13


Page 13 of 21

Work/life balance blurred for some employees

Employees with high levels of job autonomy are more likely to blur the lines between work and family life, according to new research. The study found that having greater control over schedules is associated with more frequent work-family role blurring, particularly among men.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalSocial Problems·DateDec 10, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Novel technique for fluorescence tomography of tumors in living animals

Researchers developed a novel technique called Early Photon Tomography (EPT) to image lung tumors in living mice. EPT combines early arriving photons with tomographic principles, resulting in sharper and more accurate images compared to conventional methods.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 10, 2008

Government survey shows 38 percent of adults and 12 percent of children use complementary and alternative medicine

A recent government survey reveals that 38 percent of U.S. adults and 12 percent of children use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for various health issues. CAM therapies commonly used by adults include herbal supplements, meditation, chiropractic, and acupuncture, while children often rely on nonvitamin, nonmineral product...

SourceNIH/National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health·DateDec 10, 2008

Hot drinks help fight cold and flu

New research by Cardiff University's Common Cold Centre found that hot fruit cordial provides immediate relief from cold symptoms. The study of 30 volunteers with common cold symptoms showed a 'hot' version of the drink to be effective in reducing symptoms such as runny nose and cough.

SourceCardiff University·JournalJournal of Rhinology·DateDec 10, 2008

If MRI shows signs of MS, will the disease develop?

A new study found that a third of people with brain abnormalities similar to MS developed the disease within five years. Researchers monitored participants to determine whether they developed symptoms, and 30% had developed MS by average age 5.4 years.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateDec 10, 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.

Our DNA may set AIDS time bomb ticking

A study of 1833 HIV patients found that specific mitochondrial DNA genotypes accelerate AIDS development, while others delay it. This suggests that genetic tests could provide accurate prognoses and guide early treatment initiation.

SourceNew Scientist·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateDec 10, 2008
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.

Oral cancer patients could be diagnosed earlier

The majority of oral cancers are found late, causing high mortality rates, but early diagnosis improves survivability to 95% and reduces morbidity. Prosthodontists must change their practice paradigm by performing regular oral cancer screening examinations on all patients.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Prosthodontics·DateDec 10, 2008
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Promising new drug blocks mutation in bone marrow cancers

Researchers have discovered an experimental drug that successfully blocks an enzyme causing certain bone marrow cancers. The oral drug, CYT387, was tested in mice and human cells, blocking the growth of myeloproliferative disorders and normalizing blood counts.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·DateDec 9, 2008

U of I study: Fructose metabolism more complicated than was thought

A new study by the University of Illinois found that fructose metabolism is more complex than previously thought, inducing a broader range of genes in the liver. This can lead to increased glycogen and triglycerides in the liver, as well as insulin resistance.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalBiochimica et Biophysica Acta·DateDec 9, 2008

Statin warning for pregnant women

New research from the University of Manchester has shown that even water-soluble statins can affect placental development, leading to worse pregnancy outcomes. Current guidelines recommend avoiding statins during pregnancy due to their potential risks, and this study supports these recommendations.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalJournal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine·DateDec 9, 2008

New polymer coatings prevent corrosion, even when scratched

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed self-healing coatings that can automatically repair themselves and prevent corrosion. The coatings use a dual capsule system to deliver a catalyst and healing agent, which react to fix damaged areas within minutes or hours.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 9, 2008
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.

New therapy prevents dangerous side effect for lymphoma patients

Researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have developed a new three-drug combination therapy that spares patients from prolonged myelosuppression, a potentially lethal side effect of traditional treatments. The treatment achieved a remission rate of 96% in patients with indolent B cell lymphoma.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·DateDec 9, 2008

Asthma: Commonly used medication shows no clear benefits in children

A new study concludes that long-acting beta2-agonists (LABAs) offer no additional benefit to conventional preventative medications in children. LABAs, such as salmeterol and formoterol, can improve lung function but do not reduce asthma symptoms or hospital admissions.

SourceWiley·JournalEvidence-Based Child Health A Cochrane Review Journal·DateDec 9, 2008
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.

Developing countries lack means to acquire more efficient technologies

A new study by NCAR and University of Colorado warns that developing countries will struggle to afford and implement efficient technologies, exacerbating global warming. The research suggests that even advanced nations are worsening the outlook for global warming due to increasing emissions.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalClimate Research·DateDec 9, 2008

Boy-girl bullying in middle grades more common than previously thought

Research by Philip Rodkin reveals that unpopular boys are more likely to bully popular girls, challenging the classic 'whipping boy' syndrome. The study found that both bullies and victims are highly disliked by their peers, highlighting the need for educators to take reports of harassment from popular girls seriously.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Development·DateDec 9, 2008

Hadim awarded grant from the Electric Power Research Institute

Professor Hamid Hadim has received a grant to develop an introductory level training course on pressurized water reactor nuclear power plants. The course will provide EPRI staff with better understanding of fundamental principles and design methodologies, enabling more valuable research and development.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·DateDec 9, 2008
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.

SMU chemist wins NSF early career award

SMU chemist Brent Sumerlin has received a $475,000 NSF Faculty Early Career Development Award for two related nanotechnology research projects. His work focuses on developing novel materials with composite properties, including automatic insulin release technology for diabetics and self-repairing coatings for airplane wings.

SourceSouthern Methodist University·DateDec 9, 2008

Siblings of mentally disabled face own lifelong challenges, according to researchers

Researchers found that siblings with mental illnesses are 63% more likely to experience depressive episodes, while those with low IQs are 18% more likely to live near their sibling but have lower emotional attachment. Environmental and social factors also play a role in poor mental health among these siblings.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·DateDec 9, 2008
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.

New classification of spinal deformity defines range of normalcy

A new spinal deformity classification system has been developed to define the range of normalcy for spine alignment. The system, published in Neurosurgery, uses a systematic approach to define neutral upright spinal alignment across different age groups.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalNeurosurgery·DateDec 9, 2008

Thinking like a president: How power affects complex decision making

A recent study found that powerful individuals make better decisions when they engage in unconscious thinking, similar to the way most people process information. The research suggests that having power changes how people think and approach complex decision-making.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 9, 2008

Researchers focus on building telescope at South Pole

The University of Delaware is part of an international team building the IceCube neutrino telescope, which will study high-energy cosmic events. The $150 million project will detect neutrinos passing through the Antarctic ice, opening new insights into astrophysics.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateDec 9, 2008
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.

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.

The clear future of electronics

Researchers have developed a transparent resistive random access memory (TRRAM) chip, enabling see-through electronic systems. The technology may drive new directions in electronics, allowing for more compact devices and cheaper manufacturing.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateDec 9, 2008

Princeton-led team finds secret ingredient for the health of tropical rainforests

A team of Princeton researchers found that molybdenum is crucial for controlling the biological conversion of nitrogen in tropical rainforests, supporting plant growth. The discovery has implications for global climate change policy, as it may limit the amount of carbon dioxide that tropical rainforests can absorb.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateDec 9, 2008

When 2 + 2 = major anxiety: Math performance in stressful situations

Research by University of Chicago psychologist Sian L. Beilock reveals that math anxiety can be debilitating due to the consumption of working memory resources by worries and stereotypes. Individuals with higher working memory capacity are more prone to 'choke under pressure' when stressed.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateDec 9, 2008

Penn research probes genetic underpinnings of nicotine addiction

Smokers carrying a specific gene variant are more susceptible to concentration problems and cognitive deficits during abstinence, increasing the risk of relapse. The study paves the way for novel medications to treat nicotine addiction.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateDec 9, 2008
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.

When it's more than the 'terrible twos'

Researchers estimate RASD affects 25-30% of children with an autistic disorder. Children with RASD typically develop normally until 18-24 months, then regress and lose previously acquired skills. Identifying early signs is crucial to address potential neurological development issues.

SourceTemple University·JournalNeuropsychology Review·DateDec 9, 2008
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Launch of the Lancet report on right to health

The Lancet report identifies key right-to-health features and indicators, highlighting gaps in data and progress towards universal access to healthcare. The study emphasizes the importance of non-discrimination, mental health allocation, and health information availability.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateDec 9, 2008

Leeds research points to new therapy for hepatitis C treatment

Researchers at University of Leeds have identified a promising new target for hepatitis C treatment: the p7 protein. The study found that genetic variations among HCV strains affect sensitivity to certain drugs, highlighting the need for tailored combination treatments.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalHepatology·DateDec 9, 2008

Conscious vs. unconscious thought in making complicated decisions

Researchers found that unconscious thought was not always effective in making the best choices. Instead, thinking about a decision at one's own pace and focusing on the problem led to larger payoffs. The study suggests that relying on self-paced conscious thought can be a more reliable approach for complex decisions.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 9, 2008
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.

UNH researchers track lobster migrations to improve population estimates

Researchers are fitting lobsters with transmitters to track their migrations year-round, providing more accurate information about juvenile lobster sources and interactions between populations. The study aims to improve management of the economically valuable fishery, allowing lobsters to remain a staple in New England cuisine.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·DateDec 9, 2008

Flora not flourishing in world's hotspots

Researchers at the University of Calgary found that tropical regions have higher risks of plant extinction than previously thought. The study analyzed worldwide databases and discovered that factors like latitude are more important in determining the number of threatened species than human activities.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 9, 2008