Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive August 2010


Page 11 of 23

Smokers trying to give up -- don't stop thinking about cigarettes

Researchers found that smokers who try to suppress their thoughts of smoking tend to smoke more than usual when they stop, a phenomenon known as behavioral rebound. This suggests that techniques like thought suppression may not be effective in quitting smoking and could even lead to increased consumption.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Dwindling green pastures, not hunting, may have killed off the mammoth

A new study suggests that a massive reduction in green pastures and the spread of forests may have been the primary cause of the decline of mammals like the woolly mammoth. The research found that climate change and habitat changes made grazing difficult for large mammals, leading to their extinction.

Drug-eluting stents confirmed safe, effective for long-term use

A study published in Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions confirms the safety and effectiveness of drug-eluting stents (DES) for long-term use. The use of DES reduces the occurrence of myocardial infarction, target vessel revascularization, and mortality compared to bare-metal stents.

Study to examine new treatment for West Nile virus

Researchers are testing a new drug therapy, MGAWN1, to treat individuals with West Nile fever or suspected central nervous system infection. The treatment has the potential to neutralize the virus and reduce complications associated with the disease.

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.

Potential HIV drug keeps virus out of cells

A new HIV drug candidate called PIE12-trimer has been developed by a University of Utah biochemist, which prevents the virus from attacking human cells. The compound is designed with a unique resistance capacitor that makes it effective against emerging drug-resistant viruses.

Even modest weight gain can harm blood vessels, Mayo researchers find

Researchers at Mayo Clinic found that healthy young people who gained as little as 9 pounds of fat in their abdomens developed endothelial cell dysfunction, impairing blood flow regulation. In contrast, those who gained weight evenly throughout their bodies showed less affected blood flow regulation.

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.

Advanced Web-based medical technologies foster better informed consumers

The use of advanced web-based medical technologies is increasing the role of consumers in their own healthcare, providing access to reliable drug information and decision support tools. These innovative solutions, such as Healthline DrugSearch, enable users to compare treatments and understand interactions with multiple prescriptions.

Major hurdle cleared for organic solar cells

Researchers have discovered a method to improve the performance of organic solar cells by modifying an interface between an organic polymer and an inorganic oxide layer. This breakthrough could significantly enhance the industry's prospects for producing efficient and environmentally friendly electricity.

Survey shows many are still clueless on how to save energy

A new US survey reveals that many Americans underestimate the impact of switching to efficient technologies on saving energy. The study found that turning off lights is often cited as the best approach, despite its minimal effect, while more significant changes like buying efficient cars and appliances are underutilized.

Heavy drug-use among bad boys curbed by parental monitoring and peers

A new study published in the journal Addictive Behaviors found that aggressive and hyperactive boys with low parental monitoring are more likely to become heavy drug users as teens. However, if these boys are highly monitored and befriend good peers as children, they can avoid substance abuse.

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Sundews just want to be loved

Research reveals that carnivorous plants like sundews prioritize pollination over insect safety, with taller flowers attracting more visitors. A study of two sundew species found that longer stems increased flower visits by ten times compared to shorter ones.

Uniform, national measures should define HIV/AIDS care

A work group led by a Kaiser Permanente researcher developed and adopted 17 national measures to assess HIV care quality, including screening, prevention, and antiretroviral therapy. These measures have been endorsed by several organizations and are being pilot-tested to improve patient outcomes.

Pharmaceuticals: A market for producing 'lemons' and serious harm

A recent study by Donald Light reveals that the pharmaceutical industry prioritizes profits over patient safety, with many drugs offering little new benefit and significant risks. The study highlights flaws in the regulatory process, including incomplete clinical trials and biased testing, which can lead to serious harm to patients.

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.

Saving the brain's white matter with mutated mice

A team of researchers at Tel Aviv University has developed genetically mutated mice to study Vanishing White Matter disease, which destroys brain myelin. The new tool allows for the first time to follow the exact process of myelin destruction, providing valuable information about the molecular mechanisms of the disease.

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.

Which politicians do voters blame for the down economy?

A Brigham Young University study shows that voters are less objective in evaluating their governor's economic performance if the White House is controlled by the opposing political party. The analysis found that voters overestimate the policy success of the level of government their preferred party controls, leading to rosier assessmen...

Research could change course of treatment for cancer that spreads to bones

Researchers are investigating the effects of radiation on human bone strength to improve treatment for cancer patients with bone metastases. The study aims to establish the mechanical strength of bone before and after stereotactic radiosurgery, which has been shown to cause high fracture rates in post-treatment patients.

Mother of all humans lived 200,000 years ago

A new statistical method confirms that mitochondrial Eve, the mother of all humans, lived around 200,000 years ago. The study compared 10 human genetic models and found that they produced similar estimates, suggesting that refining assumptions beyond a certain point is not crucial in capturing the big picture.

Can clonal plants live forever?

Researchers found that long-lived aspen clones experience reduced sexual performance and increased risk of extinction with age. The study, published in PLOS Biology, used molecular clock estimates to determine the age of individual clones and measured male fertility.

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.

Eclipsing pulsar promises clues to crushed matter

Astronomers detected X-ray eclipses from a fast pulsar, shedding light on compressed matter and testing relativity. The system's unique properties revealed the size and mass of the companion star with unprecedented accuracy.

Trauma center care cost-effective

A new report from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health finds that trauma center care is cost-effective for patients with severe injuries and those younger than 55. The study estimates that trauma center care saves lives at a lower cost per life-year gained compared to non-trauma center care.

Passing in the night: Examining work schedules, gender and marital quality

A study by University of Cincinnati professor David Maume found that men who worked late shifts believed it negatively impacted their marriages, whereas most women saw rotating work schedules as a strain on their marriages. Women reported greater difficulty in caring for and nurturing family members due to their schedules.

B vitamins and the aging brain examined

Research conducted by the USDA found that low levels of folate are associated with symptoms of dementia and poor brain function, as well as depression in women. The study also identified a protein called holoTC as a potential key to detecting cognitive decline earlier.

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.

Bees warm up with a drink, too!

A study by Monash University researchers reveals that bees use a 'hot' drink to warm up on cold days and a 'cool' drink in warmer weather. The bees preferred feeding from artificial flowers with warmer nectar, which helped them maintain an optimal body temperature for flight.

Study shows birth dates, school enrollment dates affect ADHD diagnosis rates

A new study from North Carolina State University found large discrepancies in ADHD diagnosis rates based on small differences in children's birth dates. Children born shortly after the kindergarten eligibility cutoff date were 25% less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD, suggesting that younger children may be mistakenly diagnosed.

Special yoga classes aimed at breast cancer survivors improves recovery

A recent study by University of Alberta research fellow Amy Speed-Andrews found that Iyengar yoga improved physical and mental health in breast cancer survivors. The 10-week program showed significant reductions in stress, anxiety, and depression, with participants experiencing improvements in quality of life and overall well-being.

Black patients, women miss out on strongest medications for chronic pain

A recent study by the University of Michigan Health System found that black patients are prescribed fewer pain medications than whites, while women receive weaker doses. The research highlights racial and gender gaps in pain care and suggests changes are needed to address these disparities starting in primary care.

Preschoolers use statistics to understand others

Children as young as 3-4 years old use statistical information to infer the preferences of others. In experiments, they were more likely to give a toy to someone who had selected it from a container with a low proportion of that toy type. This ability is crucial for learning about others' desires and preferences.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Powering Australia with waves

Researchers estimate that harnessing 10% of Australia's near-shore wave energy could generate enough electricity to meet half of the country's present-day consumption. This could contribute significantly to Australia's goal of producing 45,000 gigawatt-hours/year of additional renewable energy by 2020.

Researchers identify breast cancer culprits

Scientists have discovered an accomplice in breast cancer – a master control switch with the power to set off a cascade of reactions orchestrated by a cancer-causing gene named Wnt1. The executive molecule MTA1 is reported to trigger cancer-causing signals from Wnt1 in human breast cancer cells, leading to tumors.

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.

Nearly 1 million children potentially misdiagnosed with ADHD, study finds

A Michigan State University economist found that nearly 20% of the 4.5 million children currently diagnosed with ADHD may have been misdiagnosed due to their age relative to classmates. The study suggests that teachers' perceptions of young children's behavior can lead to incorrect diagnoses and unnecessary medication.

Astronaut muscles waste in space

Research published in the Journal of Physiology found that astronaut muscles deteriorate to that of an 80-year-old after just 180 days in space. The study highlights the need for effective exercise countermeasures to protect muscle and bone on long-duration space missions.

Discovery of possible earliest animal life pushes back fossil record

The discovery of primitive sponge-like creatures living in ocean reefs around 650 million years ago pushes back the clock on when animal life appeared on Earth. The fossils, found in South Australia, represent the earliest evidence of animal body forms in the current fossil record.

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.

World record data density for ferroelectric recording

Scientists at Tohoku University have recorded data at a world-record density of 4 trillion bits per square inch using the ferroelectric data storage method. This density is eight times that of today's most advanced magnetic hard-disk drives.

Scientists uncover Achilles heel of chronic inflammatory pain

Researchers discover small RNAs regulate genes involved in chronic pain, offering a new avenue for developing drugs to treat debilitating conditions like arthritis and back pain. Small RNAs may serve as possible drug targets to restore normal pain thresholds.

Marriage and committed romance reduce stress-related hormone production

A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Chicago found that marriage and committed relationships significantly lower cortisol levels and increase testosterone production in response to psychological stress. The findings suggest that long-term monogamous relationships can have a dampening effect on stress hormones.

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.

Novel diabetes hope comes from Chinese herbs

Researchers found that emodin from Chinese herbs can lower blood glucose and serum insulin levels in mice with diet-induced obesity. The herb's active compound effectively limits the effect of glucocorticoids, which contribute to insulin resistance.

Creation of the first frozen repository for Hawaiian coral

Researchers have created the world's first frozen repository for Hawaiian coral, banking cells to preserve species diversity and potentially restore populations. The frozen material can be thawed decades or even centuries later to revive coral reefs threatened by climate change, pollution, and human impact.

Developmental problems: Some exist in the genes

A collaborative study examines a family with two rare genetic deletions, CNTNAP5 and DOCK4, which are associated with autism and reading difficulties. The research suggests that the CNTNAP5 deletion is linked to autism, while the DOCK4 deletion is co-segregated with reading difficulties.

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.