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Science News Archive December 2011


Page 1 of 23

New report highlights need for action on health in the aftermath of war

Countries recovering from war are at risk of being left without effective policies to tackle noncommunicable diseases, which can lead to increased mental health problems and premature deaths. Experts argue that a strong policy response is necessary to address the growing burden of NCDs in post-conflict countries.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalBulletin of the World Health Organization·DateDec 31, 2011

Graphene offers protection from intense laser pulses

Researchers developed a method to prevent graphene re-stacking and created materials that can process in solvents and film matrices, exhibiting giant broadband nonlinear optical absorption response. The discovery sets a new record in energy limiting onset of 10 mJ/cm^2 for linear transmittance of 70%.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Photonics·DateDec 30, 2011

AGU journal highlights -- Dec. 30 2011

Research papers published in AGU journals explore the impact of a Saturn moon on its magnetosphere, as well as a new way to measure Earth's magnetosphere. Scientists also discover that Loch Ness in Scotland is affected by ocean tidal loading, which controls the loch's tide.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateDec 30, 2011

Cary Institute and WAMC debut new environment radio show

The Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies and WAMC Northeast Public Radio have debuted Earth Wise, a two-minute daily radio show focusing on climate change, energy, sustainable living, agriculture, and wildlife. Each segment highlights how individuals can make a positive impact.

SourceCary Institute of Ecosystem Studies·DateDec 30, 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.

Great apes make sophisticated decisions

Research reveals that great apes like chimpanzees and orangutans use complex decision-making strategies to weigh risks and rewards. The study found that the apes chose the smaller piece more often when uncertain, suggesting a sophisticated understanding of probability and risk assessment.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 29, 2011

Don't put all your eggs in 1 basket -- or all your horses on 1 pasture

A severe climate event in Mongolia devastated the country's livestock and Przewalski's horse population, with losses averaging 60% for horses and minimal impact on wild asses. The study emphasizes the need for managing migratory species across large landscapes to ensure their survival.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 29, 2011

Key to school improvement: Reading, writing, arithmetic ... and character?

A study of 20 elementary schools in Hawaii found that a focused character-building program improved overall education quality, as evaluated by teachers, parents and students. The program resulted in lower suspensions, absenteeism and better reading and math scores on standardized tests.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of School Health·DateDec 29, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The art of molecular carpet-weaving

Researchers at TUM develop process to build high-quality polymer networks with strong covalent bonds, resulting in stable and durable molecule carpets. The method eliminates weaving mistakes by correcting bad bonds during self-organization.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalACS Nano·DateDec 29, 2011

I know something you don't know -- and I will tell you!

Researchers found that wild chimpanzees were more likely to alarm call to a snake when group members were unaware, indicating they recognize knowledge states. This study suggests that sharing new information with others is a fundamental aspect of language evolution, present in our common ancestor with chimps.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 29, 2011

People don't just think with their guts; logic plays a role too

Research suggests that people's gut feelings are not entirely disregarded logic, but rather an intuitive sense of conflict. Wim De Neys' study found that brain activity indicates a 'sense of something fishy' when people make decisions, highlighting the importance of logical intuitions in decision-making.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateDec 29, 2011

Van Andel Research Institute findings provide more complete picture of kidney cancer

Researchers distinguish cancer subtypes and provide a more complete understanding of Type 2 papillary renal cell carcinoma (PRCC2), an aggressive type of kidney cancer. They also identify genes involved in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC) development and progression, highlighting PLK1 as a promising potential therapeutic target.

SourceVan Andel Research Institute·JournalCancer Cell·DateDec 29, 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.

Gene identified in increasing pancreatic cancer risk

Researchers have identified mutations in the ATM gene as a potential risk factor for increased pancreatic cancer risk. Studies found that ATM gene mutations were present in four of 166 patients with pancreatic cancer, but absent in healthy spousal controls.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Discovery·DateDec 29, 2011

Before sounding an alarm, chimps consider their audience

Wild chimpanzees make selective decisions about warning calls based on the information available to other group members. They voluntarily produce calls to inform unaware individuals of potential dangers, but not those who already know.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 29, 2011

Brain's connective cells are much more than glue

New Tel Aviv University research reveals glia cells' pivotal role in brain plasticity, adapting to new stimuli and regulating neural activity. Glia cells sort information for learning purposes, controlling the transfer of signals between neurons.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateDec 29, 2011

The perils of 'bite-size' science

Researchers argue that short papers based on one study or small sample are prone to false positives and may not accurately represent scientific value. The trend towards 'bite-size' science poses risks to the integrity of psychological research.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateDec 28, 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.

Turn down the iPod to save your hearing

A recent study by Tel Aviv University researchers found that one in four teenagers is at risk of early hearing loss due to excessive music listening on personal listening devices. The study recommends adopting European standards limiting output to 100 decibels and promoting awareness among schools and parents.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalInternational Journal of Audiology·DateDec 28, 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.

An inside look at face transplantation

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital share details of novel processes involved in a successful face transplant program, including rigorous screening and consent processes. The team also discusses early functional outcomes, immunosuppression protocols, and cost-effectiveness of the procedure.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 28, 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.

Diet patterns may keep brain from shrinking

A study found that people with diets high in omega-3 fatty acids and certain vitamins had lower brain shrinkage and better mental thinking test scores compared to those with low nutrient intake. The study also showed that trans fats, commonly found in processed foods, were linked to increased brain shrinkage.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateDec 28, 2011

Children don't give words special power to categorize their world

Researchers found that 4- to 5-year-old children do not use words to categorize objects in the world around them. Instead, they rely on more salient features like movement and shape. This challenges conventional thinking on how language affects cognition.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 27, 2011

More information on trial site investigators needed

The study emphasizes the importance of disclosing site investigators' recruitment performance to ensure transparency in multicentre clinical trials. By publishing this information, sponsors can provide insights into potential issues affecting recruitment, enabling a better understanding of treatment outcomes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateDec 27, 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.

To children (but not adults) a rose by any other name is still a rose

Researchers found that young children do not use category labels in the same way adults do, relying instead on the most distinctive feature of an object. This challenges long-held theories about how children mentally organize their world and has implications for teaching and communication with young children.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 27, 2011

Elderly can be as fast as young in some brain tasks, study shows

Research suggests that older adults can be trained to respond faster without compromising accuracy, indicating their cognitive skills are not as impaired as previously thought. In contrast, younger children exhibit slower response times and poorer accuracy compared to adults, improving with age. The study's findings challenge the preva...

SourceOhio State University·JournalChild Development·DateDec 27, 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.

Another potential obstacle to developing an HIV vaccine

Researchers found that individuals with high numbers of Ad5-reactive T cells generated a weaker immune response to HIV vaccines. This finding may impact the efficacy of future vaccines using adenoviruses other than Ad5.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 27, 2011

A new theory emerges for where some fish became 4-limbed creatures

University of Oregon scientist Gregory J. Retallack finds evidence that transitional fossils between fish and amphibians lived in wooded floodplains, not deserts. The new theory suggests limbs and necks evolved to adapt to this habitat, allowing for feeding and navigating obstacles.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalThe Journal of Geology·DateDec 27, 2011
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

How obesity alters the brain area involved in body weight control

Research has found that obesity is associated with neuronal injury in the hypothalamus, a crucial brain region for regulating body weight. Additionally, turnover of nerve cells in this area is inhibited by obesity, indicating a significant impact on energy balance control.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 27, 2011

Weather deserves medal for clean air during 2008 Olympics

Scientists found that rain and wind contributed significantly to reducing pollution levels in Beijing during the 2008 Summer Olympics. Emission controls implemented by Chinese officials were complemented by natural factors, highlighting the importance of regional-scale controls to achieve long-term reductions.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateDec 27, 2011

Having epilepsy is not linked to committing violent crime

A large Swedish study found that having epilepsy is not directly linked to committing violent crime, contradicting common public opinion. However, individuals with a history of traumatic brain injury were more likely to commit violent crimes after diagnosis.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateDec 27, 2011

Perception of inappropriate care frequent among ICU workers

A study of nurses and physicians in ICUs found that perceived inappropriateness of care was common, associated with inadequate decision sharing, communication, and job autonomy. The main reported reason for perceived inappropriateness of care was a mismatch between the level of care and the expected patient outcome.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateDec 27, 2011
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.

Badwater Basin: Death Valley microbe thrives there

Researchers have identified a new type of magnetic bacteria, BW-1, in Badwater Basin that can produce both greigite and magnetite. The discovery may lead to novel applications in drug delivery and medical imaging due to its unique properties.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalScience·DateDec 27, 2011

Time for a change?

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a new calendar system that eliminates year-to-year changes, making timekeeping and financial calculations more predictable. The Hanke-Henry Permanent Calendar features a 91-day quarterly pattern, which simplifies interest calculations and reduces economic uncertainty.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalVerge Studies in Global Asias·DateDec 27, 2011

Childhood hypersensitivity linked to OCD

Researchers found a strong connection between compulsive tendencies and hypersensitivity in childhood, with ritualistic behaviors developing as a defence mechanism. A longitudinal study aims to better understand the connection between childhood sensitivities and adult OCD.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry·DateDec 27, 2011

JCI online early table of contents: Dec. 27, 2011

Researchers have identified a potential obstacle to developing an effective HIV vaccine: individuals with large numbers of immune cells responsive to the adenovirus used in the vaccine. Additionally, studies have found that obesity is associated with neuronal injury in the brain area crucial for body weight control and may inhibit nerv...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 27, 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.

Targeted blocking of cell death prevents fatal condition septic shock

A new study has discovered a way to prevent septic shock by blocking a specific form of cell death called necroptosis. The approach fully protects mice against the fatal inflammation, offering a potential new target for therapy. Researchers found that eliminating RIPK molecules led to full protection against sepsis.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalImmunity·DateDec 27, 2011

Members of small monkey groups more likely to fight

In a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers found that individual monkeys who avoid conflicts prevent large groups from achieving their competitive potential. By defecting, members of larger groups can gain an advantage when defending their territory but not when invading others.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 27, 2011

Oxidative DNA damage repair

The study reveals a DNA repair mechanism that can mitigate oxidative damage, which is linked to various diseases including cancer and Alzheimer's. This discovery holds promise for developing less invasive cancer therapies and early detection tests.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 27, 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.

Unhealthy eating: a new form of occupational hazard?

A new form of occupational hazard is emerging among shift workers, as unhealthy eating patterns exacerbate the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes. The authors suggest that workplaces must lead the way in eliminating this hazard by promoting healthier habits and making it easier to eat well.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateDec 27, 2011

Over 65 million years North American mammal evolution has tracked with climate change

Researchers identified six consecutive waves of mammal species diversity in North America, linked to climate change and temperature fluctuations. The study found correlations between species diversity and global paleotemperatures, shedding light on the impact of climate change on mammal evolution over millions of years.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 26, 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.