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Science News Archive 2011


Page 37 of 311

The kindness of strangers: Caring and trust linked to genetic variation

A recent study found that a gene influencing empathy and sociability can be detected in strangers, who rated individuals with a particular genetic variation as more caring and trustworthy. The oxytocin receptor gene was linked to prosocial behavior, with those carrying the GG genotype exhibiting higher levels of kindness and trust.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Injection lowers cholesterol in preliminary human trial

In a preliminary human trial, an injection targeting PCSK9, a cholesterol regulator, lowered low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or 'bad' cholesterol by 64% in healthy volunteers. The study found that increasing doses of the monoclonal antibody AMG145 improved cholesterol levels and reduced side effects.

Neurological and executive function impairment associated with breast cancer

A study published in Archives of Neurology found that breast cancer survivors who received chemotherapy demonstrated reduced activation in key brain areas and poorer executive function. The researchers also discovered that negative effects of chemotherapy may be exacerbated by factors such as age and educational level.

Routine head hits in school sports may cause brain injury

A University of Rochester Medical Center study found that high school football and hockey players showed subtle brain injuries after routine head hits, even without concussions. The research used diffusion tensor imaging to detect changes in white matter, which are similar to axonal injury at the cellular level.

Do you really know what you want in a partner?

New research from Northwestern University and Texas A&M University suggests that ideal partner preferences can be flexible once meeting in person. People tend to focus on the whole person rather than individual traits, making preconceived notions less important.

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.

Suggested link between radon and skin cancer

A new study suggests a possible link between radon exposure and non-melanoma skin cancer in the southwest region of England. The research found a correlation between areas with high radon concentrations and squamous cell carcinoma cases.

Study finds tropical areas aren't the only source of seasonal flu

Researchers found that influenza viruses can circulate globally, with multiple urban centers acting as sources of seasonal epidemics. The study used RNA sequences from 2003-2006 and showed high rates of viral migration among cities, challenging the long-held theory that tropical areas are the only source of seasonal flu.

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.

Better batteries

Researchers at Northwestern University have created an electrode that allows lithium-ion batteries to hold a charge up to 10 times greater than current technology. The new technology can also charge 10 times faster, paving the way for more efficient and smaller batteries for electric cars.

New FASTSAT discoveries paint detailed view of region near Earth

Scientists have compared MINI-ME's observations with those from two other instruments to reveal a host of interrelated phenomena occurring together in the dynamic region. The findings show that oxygen ions course outward along Earth's magnetic field lines, driving ion outflow events.

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.

Research provides clues to neurodevelopemental disorders

Studies show how brain structure, genes, and chemicals interact to affect behavior in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. New findings suggest potential therapeutic targets for conditions like fragile X syndrome and bipolar disorder.

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.

November/December 2011 Annals of Family Medicine Tip Sheet

Researchers found that uninsured patients had significantly shorter hospital stays for preventable and non-preventable conditions compared to insured patients. The study highlights the need for equal treatment of all patients regardless of insurance status.

Text4baby mobile service shows positive results for new moms

A recent study conducted by researchers at UC San Diego Health System found that the text4baby mobile service is increasing users' health knowledge, facilitating interaction with healthcare providers, and improving adherence to appointments and immunizations. The service has already enrolled over 2,200 individuals in San Diego County.

Insects offer clues to climate variability 10,000 years ago

A new analysis of ancient midge larvae reveals that the region was significantly cooler than expected during the early Holocene epoch. The findings offer a detailed record of temperature variation over the last 10,000 years in Alaska and have important ecological and societal implications.

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.

Researchers confirm new cancer-causing virus

Researchers confirm cytomegalovirus as a cause of common salivary gland cancers, with implications for human health. The study suggests CMV's role in cancer development and potential new prevention and treatment methods.

Girls with family history of breast disease should avoid alcohol

A new study from Washington University School of Medicine finds that adolescent girls with a family history of breast disease have a higher risk of developing benign breast disease as young women, and this risk rises with increasing alcohol consumption. The researchers suggest limiting alcohol intake to lower risk or avoid increasing it.

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.

Mayo Clinic study confirms smoke-free workplaces reduce heart attacks

A recent Mayo Clinic study found that smoke-free workplaces significantly reduced the incidence of heart attacks and sudden cardiac deaths in Olmsted County, Minn. residents. The study showed a 50% reduction in sudden cardiac death rates after a comprehensive smoke-free ordinance took effect.

Poor sleep habits linked to increased risk of fibromyalgia in women

A longitudinal study published in Arthritis & Rheumatism found a strong association between poor sleep habits and the risk of developing fibromyalgia in women. The study, which followed over 12,000 women for ten years, found that women with severe sleep problems were at increased risk of developing fibromyalgia.

Childhood aggression linked to poorer health in adults

A new study found that childhood aggression is strongly linked to poorer health in adulthood, with increases in medical visits, injuries, and lifestyle-related illnesses. People with lower education levels were more likely to use health services.

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.

Eliminating co-payments for heart attack medications increases adherence

A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that eliminating copayments for heart attack medications increased patient adherence, reducing major vascular events and healthcare spending. Rates of combined endpoint were not significantly improved, but individual outcomes such as readmission and angina showed significant reductions.

Punishment of egoistic behavior is not rewarded

A recent study found that people select future social partners based on cooperative behavior, not punishment of egoism. This contradicts the expectation that punishing others for self-interest would be beneficial for one's reputation and relationships.

New sources found for accumulated dust on Chinese Loess Plateau

Researchers found zircon crystals with ages matching those from western source sites, indicating a dramatic shift in atmospheric winds. The study improves climate modeling by suggesting alternating northwesterly and westerly sources for loess during glacial periods.

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.

Glioblastoma multiforme in the Dock

A study by Bo Hu and Shi-Yuan Cheng found that PDGFR-alpha overexpression in glioblastomas triggers a signaling cascade promoting tumor growth and invasion. Manipulating Dock180 to block this pathway inhibits PDGFR-alpha's role in glioma tumorigenesis.

Researchers get $7.5M grant to combat nerve agents

A $7.5 million NIH grant will fund a Center of Excellence at Ohio State University to develop novel enzyme-based antidotes for nerve agents and pesticides. The team aims to create efficient enzymes that can neutralize multiple toxic agents, paving the way for new treatments and preventive measures.

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.

New discoveries about human risk aversion and decision-making

Research identifies regions and functions of the brain involved in risk-taking decisions, shedding light on mechanisms driving economic behavior. The findings have potential applications for treating brain disorders characterized by poor decision-making.

Protecting Houston from the next big hurricane

A Rice University-led team recommends building a floodgate across the Houston Ship Channel and adding new levees to protect densely populated areas. The report also suggests creating a 130-mile-long coastal recreation area to utilize wetlands as a natural storm-surge barrier.

Evidence emerges of ancient lake in California's Eel River

Researchers have discovered evidence of a late Pleistocene landslide-dammed lake along California's Eel River, which formed around 22,500 years ago. The lake's existence explains the genetic similarity between two types of ocean-going steelhead trout found in the river today.

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.

Invasive false brome grass is spreading, but Oregon's insects are biting

Invasive false brome grass has spread rapidly in Oregon, thanks to its ability to evade fungal and mollusk enemies, with generalist insects being the primary attackers. The grass now threatens ecosystems and forests across the state, highlighting the need for public awareness and cleanup efforts to control its spread.

'Stomach flu' may be linked to food allergies

A study by researchers at the Medical College of Wisconsin suggests a possible link between norovirus and food allergies. The team found an immunoglobulin E response to egg protein in mice infected with norovirus, indicating a potential connection between gastrointestinal viruses and allergic diseases like asthma.

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.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Genetic evaluation should be part of retinoblastoma care

A study by Baylor College of Medicine reveals the benefits of genetic evaluation in managing retinoblastoma, a childhood eye cancer. The research showed that genetic analysis helped identify hereditary cases and determined at-risk relatives, reducing unnecessary screening.

Evidence of ancient lake in California's Eel River emerges

Scientists at University of Oregon and Caltech discovered a 22,500-year-old landslide dammed the upper reaches of the Eel River, forming a 30-mile-long lake that disappeared over time. The lake's presence may explain genetic similarity among steelhead trout found in the river today.

University of Miami study rethinks the ocean's role in Pacific climate

A University of Miami study reveals that the Southern Oscillation plays a bigger role in the climate system than previously thought. The research finds that atmospheric pressure, surface temperature, and precipitation are similar across two climate scenarios with static and dynamic oceans.

AMD-like lesions delayed in mice fed lower glycemic index diet

A lower glycemic index diet has been shown to delay the development of age-related retinal lesions in mice, which are similar to those seen in Age-Related Macular Degeneration. The study found that mice on a lower GI diet had fewer and less-severe lesions than those on a higher GI diet.

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.