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Science News Archive 2011 - Page 279


Page 279 of 311

Medicare costs in last 6 months of life driven by patient variables twice as much as geography

A study found that Medicare costs in the last six months of life are driven more by patient characteristics such as ability to function and family support than regional factors. Patient impairment or decline was a strong predictor of higher Medicare costs, accounting for ten percent of variation.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 14, 2011

Boston Medical Center's CARE Unit receives additional NIH funding

The Clinical Addiction Research and Education (CARE) Unit at Boston University School of Medicine has received $1,886,087 in NIH funding. The grant aims to educate physicians-in-training on substance use screening, assessment, and treatment research, addressing a notable shortage of experts in addiction medicine.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·DateFeb 14, 2011
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.

Ground-based lasers vie with satellites to map Earth's magnetic field

Physicists propose beaming laser at atmospheric sodium to measure global magnetic field, offering cheaper alternative to satellites. Ground-based measurements can avoid problems caused by satellite movement and electronic instrument effects.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 14, 2011

Earliest humans not so different from us, research suggests

A recent study challenges the long-held assumption that early humans were significantly different from modern humans. Archaeologist John Shea found no single behavioral revolution in human evolution, but rather wide variability in toolmaking strategies over time. This research has significant implications for understanding human behavi...

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalCurrent Anthropology·DateFeb 14, 2011

Ancient Mesoamerican sculpture uncovered in southern Mexico

The newly discovered stone monument features a central figure with an elaborate headdress and ornate accessories, dating back to the Early Formative period. The sculpture's design suggests a connection between corn cultivation and religion, supporting the idea of an early association between the two.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·DateFeb 14, 2011

Pay attention! Many consumers believe 36 months is longer than 3 years

A study by Mario Pandelaere and colleagues found that consumers tend to perceive larger differences between ratings with higher numbers, not necessarily because of actual quantity. For instance, a 7-year warranty might seem more desirable than an 8-month one due to the arbitrary nature of unit representation.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateFeb 14, 2011
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Tuberculosis in Nunavut: a century of failure

A recent outbreak of tuberculosis in Nunavut, with a population infection rate 62 times the Canadian average, underscores the need for rebuilding trust in public health. The territory's historical legacy of mistreating patients and lack of consistent screening measures have hindered control efforts.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 14, 2011

X-rays show why van Gogh paintings lose their shine

Scientists have identified a complex chemical reaction responsible for the degradation of Van Gogh's paintings, which involves the reduction of chromium in chrome yellow pigment. The study suggests that shielding affected paintings from UV and sunlight can help slow down the fading process.

SourceEuropean Synchrotron Radiation Facility·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateFeb 14, 2011

Physicists isolate bound states in graphene-superconductor junctions

Researchers developed a method to isolate individual Andreev bound states in graphene-superconductor junctions, allowing for the measurement and manipulation of these unique states. This breakthrough may enable new applications in quantum computing and other fields.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Physics·DateFeb 14, 2011

Quest for designer bacteria uncovers a 'Spy'

Scientists discovered a molecular assistant called Spy that helps bacteria produce stable, functional proteins. The 'spy' helper aids in protein refolding and protects unstable proteins from degradation.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateFeb 14, 2011

Why are vines overtaking the American tropics?

Research finds vines are outcompeting trees in tropical forests across the Americas, posing a threat to biodiversity and ecosystem services. This shift has significant implications for climate models, business models relying on tree growth data, and human communities dependent on these forests.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalEcology Letters·DateFeb 14, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Acid oceans demand greater reef care

A new study finds that coral reefs are more vulnerable to weakening due to ocean acidification and global warming, especially in developing countries. Effective local management efforts can help maintain coral resilience while carbon emissions are stabilized.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateFeb 13, 2011

Scripps Research study sheds light on RNA 'on/off switches'

Scientists from Scripps Research Institute have discovered a new type of RNA molecule, called riboswitches, that can turn genes on or off in response to cellular energy needs. These findings may have implications for designing new antibiotics against harmful bacteria.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateFeb 13, 2011

Partnership of genes affects the brain's development

Scientists have discovered a genetic partnership between two proteins that enables nerve cells to connect correctly in the brain. The study suggests that similar mechanisms may play a role in human brain development and could lead to new therapies for developmental disorders.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateFeb 13, 2011
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.

Mummies' false toes helped ancient Egyptians walk

Researchers recreated ancient Egyptian artificial toes and tested them on volunteers, finding they could help with walking. The toes date from before 600BC, predating the Roman Capula Leg as the earliest known practical prosthesis.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 13, 2011

Eating berries may lower risk of Parkinson's

A study published in Neurology found that men who eat berries regularly have a lower risk of developing Parkinson's disease. Flavonoids, particularly anthocyanins from berries, were associated with a reduced risk in both men and women.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateFeb 13, 2011

Gonorrhea acquires a piece of human DNA

Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered the first evidence of a human DNA fragment in a bacterial genome, specifically Neisseria gonorrhoeae. This finding offers insight into the bacterium's ability to adapt to its human host and could lead to new strains of the disease.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalmBio·DateFeb 13, 2011
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.

Fleeting fluctuations in superconductivity disappear close to transition temperature

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University and Brookhaven National Laboratory measured superconducting fluctuations in a superconductor, finding they disappear 10-15 Kelvin above the transition temperature. This suggests electron pairs lose coherence rather than break apart at Tc, driving the transition to a non-superconducting state.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Physics·DateFeb 13, 2011

A guide star lets scientists see deep into human tissue

Scientists can now focus light to a controllable position within tissue, overcoming the challenges of scattering in biological tissues. This breakthrough technology uses an ultrasound guide star and time-reversal mirror to create high-resolution images of objects within tissue.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Photonics·DateFeb 11, 2011
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.

UCLA Neurology plays key role in assessing stroke rehabilitation

The UCLA Neurology program played a key role in assessing stroke rehabilitation, finding that patients who received physical therapy at home improved their walking ability comparable to those treated in a clinic. Early locomotor training did not seem to matter, with all groups showing similar gains in walking speed and mobility.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·DateFeb 11, 2011

Pheromone increases foraging honey bees, leads to healthier hives

A new study by Oregon State University researchers found that applying a naturally occurring pheromone to honey bee test colonies increased colony growth and led to healthier hives. The optimal dose of brood pheromone stimulates foragers to collect more pollen, supporting better nutrition within the colony.

SourceOregon State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 11, 2011

New gene test offers personalized treatment for inherited neuromuscular disorder

A new gene test has identified GFPT1 as a crucial cause of Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome (CMS), a rare genetic condition affecting signal transmission between the brain and muscles. The test allows for earlier treatment with cholinesterase inhibitors, offering an effective therapy that can be taken through life.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateFeb 11, 2011
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.

Severely obese women may need to gain less weight during pregnancy

A new study suggests that severely obese women may not need to gain as much weight during pregnancy as current guidelines recommend, without undesirable outcomes. In contrast, obese and non-obese women who gained less weight suffered adverse outcomes, including a higher likelihood of delivering a small-for-gestational-age baby.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·DateFeb 11, 2011

Arctic climate variation under ancient greenhouse conditions

Researchers reconstructed Arctic ocean conditions during Late Cretaceous greenhouse periods, finding periodicities matching modern Arctic climate influences. The findings suggest that natural modes of climate variability, such as ENSO and AO/NAO, may remain unchanged under global warming.

SourceNational Oceanography Centre, UK·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 11, 2011

Leptin resistance may prevent severe lung disease in patients with diabetes

A study found that leptin resistance, common in diabetes, helps prevent the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and acute lung injury (ALI). Leptin resistance reduces the formation of inflexible tissue that develops in ALI and ARDS.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateFeb 11, 2011

IADR/AADR Journal of Dental Research releases large studies on osteonecrosis of the jaw

Two large studies on osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) published in the IADR/AADR Journal of Dental Research investigate risk factors and prevalence. The studies found that bisphosphonate use is strongly associated with ONJ, and patients with oral bisphosphonates are 15.5 times more likely to have ONJ.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateFeb 11, 2011
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.

Preliminary new blood test to detect Alzheimer's disease uncovered

Researchers have developed a novel technology to diagnose Alzheimer's disease from blood samples before symptoms appear, identifying two potential biomarkers with 90% accuracy. This breakthrough could lead to earlier intervention and improved outcomes for patients.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalCell·DateFeb 11, 2011

Few physicians refer patients to cancer clinical trials

A small proportion of adult cancer patients participate in clinical trials due to low physician referrals. Medical and radiation oncologists were more likely to refer patients, as well as those in larger practices and academic appointments.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateFeb 11, 2011
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.

Study looks at getting stroke patients back on their feet

A new study by Duke University researchers has found that home-based physical therapy is an effective way to help stroke survivors regain mobility, with similar results to specialized locomotor training programs. The study, which compared home exercise with body-weight supported treadmill training, found that both approaches led to sig...

SourceDuke University Medical Center·DateFeb 11, 2011

In online dating, blacks more open to romancing whites than vice versa

A recent study by University of California, Berkeley researchers found that blacks are more likely to initiate contact with whites in online dating than the other way around. In contrast, white daters prefer to date within their own race, with a significant disparity in reciprocation rates between black and white participants.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·DateFeb 11, 2011
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Nanoparticles may enhance circulating tumor cell detection

Researchers at Emory and Georgia Tech developed nanoparticles to detect circulating tumor cells in blood samples from 19 head and neck cancer patients, achieving a positive signal for 17 patients. The 'one-tube' SERS technology could be faster and lower in costs than other detection methods.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalCancer Research·DateFeb 11, 2011

Stroke takes 'enormous toll' on Hollywood stars

A study by researchers at UCLA Stroke Center found that strokes and cardiovascular disease exacted an enormous toll on Hollywood stars. The team identified 30 actors who suffered strokes and 39 heart attacks among Oscar nominees between 1927 and 2009, with women accounting for 60% of stroke victims.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·DateFeb 11, 2011

AIBS names emerging public policy leader

Wesley Brooks, a Ph.D. candidate at Rutgers University, received the AIBS Emerging Public Policy Leadership Award for his commitment to fostering dialogue between policymakers and scientists. He will receive a certificate, one-year membership, and a subscription to BioScience.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·DateFeb 11, 2011

Firefly glow: Berkeley Lab scientists develop a hydrogen peroxide probe based on firefly luciferin

Researchers have developed a new bioluminescent probe that enables real-time detection of hydrogen peroxide levels in mice, allowing for the tracking of infectious diseases or cancerous tumors without harm. The PCL-1 probe has provided evidence that hydrogen peroxide is continuously produced even in healthy animals.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 11, 2011
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.

2-timing spacecraft has date with another comet

The Stardust-NExT mission will allow scientists to study the surface of comet Tempel 1 before and after its orbit around the sun, comparing findings with previous probe data. The spacecraft's Dust Flux Monitor Instrument will also collect photographs of a crater left on Tempe 1 by a Deep Impact probe.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·DateFeb 11, 2011

NASA's NPP satellite undergoing flight environmental testing

The NASA National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) Preparatory Project (NPP) climate/weather satellite is successfully completing flight environmental testing. The five-instrument suite will provide continuity of climate observations and enhance weather forecasting capabilities.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 11, 2011
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.

CeBIT 2011: Administration in the cloud

A study by Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft and Hertie School of Governance explores the benefits and risks of cloud computing for public administration in Germany. Researchers are developing application scenarios for interoperable use of cloud-computing technologies, while also creating a Cloud Computing Test Laboratory to test security concepts.

SourceFraunhofer-Gesellschaft·DateFeb 11, 2011

Kids with ADHD much more likely to develop substance abuse problems as they age

A comprehensive review of 27 long-term studies found that children with ADHD are two to three times more likely to develop serious substance abuse problems in adolescence and adulthood. The research, published in Clinical Psychology Review, analyzed data from approximately 4,100 children with ADHD and 6,800 without the disorder.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalClinical Psychology Review·DateFeb 11, 2011

Acute anemia linked to silent strokes in children

Children with acute anemia are at risk of undetected brain damage due to silent strokes, which can cause poor academic performance and severe cognitive impairments. Regular monitoring and timely transfusion may help prevent permanent brain damage in these children.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateFeb 11, 2011
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.