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Science News Archive August 2011 - Page 9


Page 9 of 27

Taxpayer film subsidies promote youth smoking

A University of California, San Francisco researcher found that taxpayer subsidies for films depicting smoking promote thousands of new teen smokers every year. In California, 70% of subsidized PG-13 movies depict smoking, highlighting the need to modernize the rating system and end subsidies for films promoting smoking.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 23, 2011

Children's hospitals not equipped to handle pandemics

A new study found children's hospitals are underequipped to handle a surge of patients in the event of a pandemic. The study urges health care institutions and government agencies to review emergency preparedness plans as flu season approaches.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateAug 23, 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.

A new nuance to neurons

Scientists at UCSF have discovered two distinct pools of vesicles in neurons, each with unique proteins that determine their behavior. The finding sheds new light on neurotransmitter packaging, transport, and release from neurons, potentially leading to breakthroughs in treating neurological diseases like Parkinson's.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNeuron·DateAug 23, 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.

Nickel nanoparticles may contribute to lung cancer

New research from Brown University finds that nickel nanoparticles can activate a cellular pathway that contributes to cancer in human lung cells. The study shows that smaller nanoscale particles are more harmful and potentially cancer-causing than larger microscale particles.

SourceBrown University·JournalToxicological Sciences·DateAug 23, 2011

Should films with smoking have adult ratings?

Two articles argue that film rating recommendations can create an economic incentive for producers to avoid tobacco imagery in youth-rated films. In contrast, other experts disagree, citing concerns about censorship, confounding factors, and the effectiveness of adult classification, suggesting alternative approaches to address public ...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 23, 2011

Economic inequality is linked to biased self-perception

A study of 1,625 people across 15 countries found economic inequality is a stronger predictor of self-enhancement than individualism or collectivism. This suggests that competition and unequal resource distribution can lead to increased self-inflation.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 23, 2011

Stay in ICU means fewer patients likely to renew prescriptions after discharge

A new study published in JAMA found that patients who spend time in an intensive care unit (ICU) are less likely to renew their prescriptions for chronic medications after discharge. The research examined data from nearly 400,000 Ontario residents and found that ICU patients had a higher rate of prescription non-renewal compared to tho...

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalJAMA·DateAug 23, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Ancient whale skulls and directional hearing: A twisted tale

A new study found that ancient whale skulls were asymmetric, suggesting they may have used directional hearing to navigate in water before the development of echolocation. This finding contradicts previous theories and sheds light on the evolution of whales.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 23, 2011

Coriander oil could tackle food poisoning and drug-resistant infections

Researchers found that coriander oil damages bacterial cell membranes, inhibiting essential processes and ultimately killing bacteria. The study suggests using coriander oil as a natural alternative to common antibiotics for treating food-borne illnesses and multidrug-resistant infections.

SourceMicrobiology Society·JournalJournal of Medical Microbiology·DateAug 23, 2011

UK study shows ambulatory blood pressure measurements to be the most cost-effective way for diagnosing hypertension

A UK study published in The Lancet concludes that ambulatory blood pressure monitoring is the most cost-effective way to diagnose hypertension. This method, which involves repeated measurements throughout a 24-hour period, is more accurate and correlates better with cardiovascular outcomes than traditional clinic-based methods.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 23, 2011

UT researchers develop algorithm to improve remote electrocardiography

Researchers at UT Knoxville have developed an algorithm that improves the accuracy of electrocardiograms (ECGs) using smartphone technology. The algorithm can detect electrode misplacement and electromagnetic noise, providing more accurate A-F letter grades for ECGs and recommendations for optimal electrode placement.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·DateAug 23, 2011

Sexist men and women -- made for each other

A new study by Jeffrey Hall and Melanie Canterberry suggests that women with negative attitudes towards their own gender are more likely to prefer men who adopt similar attitudes. Women who open to casual sex also tend to respond to aggressive courtship strategies.

SourceSpringer·JournalSex Roles·DateAug 23, 2011
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.

Handsome annual reports cause investors to value company higher

A study from the University of Miami School of Business found that firms with more colorful annual reports are perceived to have higher annual revenues. This is because investors experience a sense of pride of ownership when presented with attractive reports, leading to increased valuation.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateAug 23, 2011

Trudeau Institute announces a discovery in how FluMist elicits protection

Researchers at the Trudeau Institute have discovered that FluMist elicits protection by inducing a very early non-specific immune response in the lungs, which is protective against both matching and non-matching influenza strains. This response also limits lung inflammation and reduces susceptibility to secondary bacterial infections.

SourceTrudeau Institute·JournalVaccine·DateAug 23, 2011

Maintaining exercise when the cardiac rehab is complete

Researchers found that telephone counseling supporting exercise significantly increased patient adherence to an exercise program. The study, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, showed that patients who received maintenance counseling exercises for at least 32 minutes more per week than those in the control group o...

SourceLifespan·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateAug 23, 2011

Brain tumors found to have a 2-tier system

Researchers have classified brain tumors into two distinct subgroups based on genetic analysis, revealing that one subgroup has a favorable prognosis while the other is more aggressive. The study provides valuable insights for better treatment options and could lead to targeted therapies for patients with ependymoma.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalCancer Cell·DateAug 23, 2011
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.

AIAA to present awards at September conference

The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) will honor aircraft design, program management, and lifetime achievements through its annual awards. The awards ceremony takes place as part of the 11th AIAA Aviation Technology, Integration, and Operations Conference.

SourceAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics·DateAug 23, 2011

Newly discovered Icelandic current could change climate picture

Scientists have confirmed the presence of the North Icelandic Jet (NIJ), a deep-ocean circulation system off Iceland that contributes to key components of ocean circulation. The NIJ is a major contributor to the Denmark Strait Overflow Water, critically important for regulating Earth's climate.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature Geoscience·DateAug 23, 2011

A better test for a potato pest

Xiaohong Wang's diagnostic test can identify the type of nematode infesting a field, crucial for developing resistant potato varieties. The test is 1000 times more sensitive than traditional methods, enabling reliable results from small amounts of nematode material.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalEuropean Journal of Plant Pathology·DateAug 23, 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.

Melanin's 'trick' for maintaining radioprotection studied

Researchers discovered melanin can receive electrons, counteracting gamma radiation's oxidizing effects, resulting in electric current production. This finding has potential applications in the space industry, where equipment is exposed to high levels of radiation.

SourceDOE/Savannah River National Laboratory·JournalBioelectrochemistry·DateAug 23, 2011

2-year-old children understand complex grammar

Researchers found that 2-year-olds can identify correct images with complex verb sentences, suggesting infants know more about language structure than they can articulate. This study reveals the beginnings of grammar acquisition start earlier than previously thought and demonstrate children use grammar to understand new words.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalCognitive Science·DateAug 23, 2011

A new set of building blocks for simple synthesis of complex molecules

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new set of building blocks for simple synthesis of complex molecules. They successfully synthesized synechoxanthin, an antioxidant molecule, using their iterative cross-coupling method, which enables the creation of a whole new class of building blocks.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateAug 23, 2011

Landsat image maps aid fire recovery efforts

Fire response teams use Landsat satellite data to protect houses, wildlife, and bodies of water. The US Department of Agriculture Forest Service's Remote Sensing Applications Center (RSAC) uses Landsat data to create maps depicting ecologic changes due to high temperatures after a fire.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 23, 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.

Decision making changes with age -- and age helps!

Research shows that older decision makers trounce their younger counterparts due to improved ability to evaluate options, develop strategies, and utilize pre-frontal cortices. This increased wisdom enables them to make more rational choices in complex environments.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 23, 2011

Researchers uncover source of Haitian cholera outbreak

A team of researchers from Northern Arizona University and the Translational Genomics Research Institute has pinpointed the source of a devastating cholera outbreak in Haiti that killed over 6,000 people. The study used whole genome sequencing to confirm that Nepalese peacekeepers brought the disease to Haiti.

SourceNorthern Arizona University·JournalmBio·DateAug 23, 2011

Smokers with comorbid conditions need help from their doctor to quit

A UCLA study found that smokers with alcohol, drug, and mental disorders are five times more likely to quit with help from their primary care physician. The study suggests targeting these patients for smoking cessation counseling to reduce tobacco-related healthcare costs.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateAug 22, 2011

500 years ago, yeast's epic journey gave rise to lager beer

Researchers have identified Saccharomyces eubayanus as the wild yeast that fused with domesticated yeast to create lager beer. The discovery resolves a long-standing mystery and sheds light on the origins of one of the world's most popular beers.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 22, 2011
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.

Saffron shows promise in preventing liver cancer

Researchers found that saffron significantly reduced the number and incidence of liver nodules, with complete inhibition observed at the highest dose. Saffron also inhibited the elevation of proteins indicating liver damage and blocked inflammation.

SourceWiley·JournalHepatology·DateAug 22, 2011

Researchers find increase in infection rates in patients with cardiac electrophysiological devices

Researchers found a significant increase in CIED-related infections, with a 210% rise over 16 years. Comorbidities such as renal failure and diabetes may contribute to the higher infection risk. The study highlights the need for better understanding of infection risk factors and mitigation therapies.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateAug 22, 2011
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Measurement tools for traffic crash injury severity improving says Wayne State study

Peter Savolainen's study found substantial progress in analyzing injury severity data, despite methodological issues. Researchers are developing statistical models to consider various factors impacting injury severity, including driver-, weather- and roadway-related variables.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·JournalAccident Analysis & Prevention·DateAug 22, 2011

Study reveals cultural characteristics of the Tea Party movement

A new study by the American Sociological Association finds that Tea Party supporters in North Carolina and Tennessee hold strong cultural and political beliefs. Researchers identified four primary traits: authoritarianism, libertarianism, fear of change, and negative attitudes toward immigrants.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·DateAug 22, 2011

Ancient whale skulls and directional hearing: A twisted tale

Researchers found that ancient whale skulls were asymmetrical, suggesting a link to directional hearing in water. This discovery contradicts the idea that asymmetry evolved later as an adaptation for echolocation.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 22, 2011

Restoration as science: case of the collared lizard

A 20-year study in the Ozarks found that burning entire mountains and valleys restored ecological damage, benefiting multiple species. The collared lizard's expansion was facilitated by this process, allowing it to undertake its own restoration effort.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalEcology·DateAug 22, 2011
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.

Happiness can deter crime, a new study finds

A new UC Davis study suggests that happier adolescents are less likely to get involved in crime or drug use. The researchers found a significant correlation between emotional well-being and reduced involvement in nonviolent crimes.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateAug 22, 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.

Etch-a-sketch with superconductors

Scientists at University College London and Sapienza University of Rome have developed a method to manipulate high-temperature superconductivity in materials. By illuminating with X-rays, researchers can create and control tiny superconducting structures, enabling the creation of new electronic devices.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 22, 2011

Study identifies psychological factors that keep young adults employed

A new study identifies three psychological orientations that influence employment success during the transition to adulthood. Young adults who maintained high career aspirations and clarity of career goals were more likely to be employed and have higher wages during difficult economic times. The study also found that young workers with...

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·DateAug 22, 2011

Better treatment sought for acute lung injury

Acute lung injury is a life-threatening condition that occurs when blood vessels leak into the lungs, causing fluid buildup. Researchers are exploring new therapies to improve patient odds by identifying key events and developing treatments to block them. Potential treatments include HSP90 inhibitors and adenosine agonists.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateAug 22, 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.

MIT: Simple security for wireless

MIT researchers have developed a new security scheme that can automatically create connections between wireless devices and defend against man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks. The scheme uses novel techniques to detect and prevent MITM attacks, making it stronger than previous solutions.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateAug 22, 2011

Princeton research: In the early life of an embryo, a monster lurks

Embryos avoid fatal chaos through a synchronized cell cycle mechanism triggered by the calcium wave, which sets cells to the same developmental timetable. The researchers' simulation shows that this rapid spread of oscillation is crucial for preventing disarray and ensuring the embryo's survival.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateAug 22, 2011

Good ruminations or bad ruminations in the depressed brain?

Research reveals that depression-related rumination is associated with a brain network imbalance, where the default mode network (DMN) dominates over the task-positive network (TPN). This imbalance leads to maladaptive thinking and less effective coping mechanisms, exacerbating depressive symptoms.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateAug 22, 2011

Scale models

Scientists Profs. Naama Barkai and Ben-Zion Shilo have developed a theoretical model explaining how scaling works in developing fruit fly wings, where the vein structure stays proportioned. Their findings suggest that this mechanism can be applied to various examples of development, including human embryonic development.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 22, 2011
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.

Toxicity of aromatase inhibitors may explain lack of overall survival improvement

Researchers found that longer AI use was associated with increased heart disease and bone fractures, but lower rates of blood clots and womb cancer. Use of AIs for 2-3 years after initial treatment may explain the lack of overall survival benefit despite improved breast cancer recurrence

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 22, 2011

Hyenas' ability to count helps them decide to fight or flee

Researchers found that hyenas can count individual voices and assess their numerical advantage, supporting the concept of complex social groups leading to big brain evolution. Hyenas were more cautious when outnumbered and took risks with a numerical advantage.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateAug 22, 2011