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Science News Archive December 2011 - Page 18


Page 18 of 23

New study puts eco-labels to the test

A new report by the University of Victoria finds that most eco-labels for farmed marine fish offer less than a 10% improvement in environmental performance compared to conventional practices. The study evaluates 20 eco-labels, ranking them based on numerical scores derived from a well-established quantitative methodology.

SourcePew Charitable Trusts, Ocean Science·DateDec 7, 2011

New approach to management of overeating in children

Researchers have created two new methods to treat overeating in children and adults, focusing on internal hunger and satiety cues. The 'appetite awareness' group trained participants to regulate eating by monitoring their hunger and satiety cues, while the 'cue exposure' group taught them to tolerate cravings to reduce overeating.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·DateDec 7, 2011

Soy is on top as a high-quality plant protein

A recent study published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry has evaluated a new method for determining protein quality. Soy protein was found to be a high-quality protein with a PDCAAS score of 1.00, comparable to animal-based proteins like eggs, dairy, and meat.

SourceSolae, LLC·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateDec 6, 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.

Research advances breast reconstruction

Researchers at Queensland University of Technology developed a novel CAD system to create accurate moulds for breast reconstruction surgery. Three patients reported higher satisfaction rates after successful surgeries using the technology.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalBiofabrication·DateDec 6, 2011

New predictive tool identifies gastrointestinal cancer patients most likely to benefit from additional treatment and could reduce overtreatment

A new predictive tool has been developed to assess the risk of recurrence in gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST) following surgery. The tool provides more accurate prognosis for individual GIST patients compared to conventional models, helping to identify those most likely to benefit from additional treatment.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateDec 6, 2011

Dental X-rays can predict fractures

A new study from the University of Gothenburg found that dental X-rays can predict who is at risk of fractures. The research used data from a long-running Prospective Population Study of Women in Gothenburg and showed that people with sparse bone structure in their jaw are more likely to experience fractures, particularly as they age.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalBone·DateDec 6, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Fatty livers are in overdrive

Researchers found that patients with fatty livers burn more fat and produce glucose faster than those with healthy livers, potentially leading to organ damage. The study's findings challenge previous assumptions about the role of metabolism in fatty liver disease.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateDec 6, 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.

Penn geneticists help show bitter taste perception is not just about flavors

A team of Penn researchers has discovered that the evolution of the TAS2R38 gene, responsible for bitter taste perception, was driven by factors other than taste. The study found that African populations have a broader range of PTC taste sensitivity and unique genetic variants not seen in non-Africans.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateDec 6, 2011

Winning early-career researchers excel in entrepreneurship

A team of four early-career researchers from the University of Oxford emerged as winners of this year's Biotechnology Young Entrepreneurs Scheme (YES) competition. They impressed investors with their idea for using yeast to produce high-value fragrance components. The competition aims to raise awareness of commercialization amongst bio...

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·DateDec 6, 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.

Sleeping giants discovered

Astronomers have found two massive black holes, each with a mass of 10 billion suns, in nearby galaxies. These 'sleeping giants' are thought to be remnants of quasars that powered matter into black holes in the early universe.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature·DateDec 6, 2011

Changes in the path of brain development make human brains unique

A new study found that human brain development differs from chimpanzees and macaques, with hundreds of genes showing unique developmental patterns in the prefrontal cortex. MicroRNA activity patterns also showed significant differences, potentially linked to human-specific changes in cognitive abilities.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateDec 6, 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.

USAID, CU-Boulder partner to study water resources in Asia mountains

A four-year study assesses freshwater resources in the High Asia region, encompassing five mountain ranges and watersheds totaling 1 million square miles. The research aims to provide accurate data on snow and glacier contributions to river discharge, helping forecast water resource availability and vulnerability.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·DateDec 6, 2011

Survival difference are not black and white

Researchers found that high levels of inflammation significantly shorten white dialysis patients' lives, but African Americans with similar inflammation levels survive similarly. A new study aims to understand and possibly mitigate this survival difference.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 6, 2011

Researchers reveal SBP8a configurations

A new study reveals four distinct configurations of the SBP8a bacteriophage, showing its ability to penetrate anthrax cells and control DNA flow. The discovery provides an initial blueprint for modifying the phage into a detection tool for anthrax and other bioterror agents.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalVirology·DateDec 6, 2011

Tropical sea temperatures influence melting in Antarctica

Research suggests that tropical sea-surface temperatures may contribute to accelerated melting of Antarctic glaciers, such as Pine Island and Thwaites, due to westerly winds. This phenomenon is linked to changes in atmospheric circulation influenced by warmer-than-usual sea-surface temperatures in the central tropics.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateDec 6, 2011
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Is obesity a ciliopathy, triggered by malfunctioning primary cilia?

Researchers at the University of Alabama, Birmingham have found that mutations in primary cilia can disrupt the functioning of the melanin concentrating hormone receptor, leading to increased appetite and weight gain. This discovery sheds light on the potential link between ciliopathies, such as Bardet-Biedl syndrome, and obesity.

SourceAmerican Society for Cell Biology·DateDec 6, 2011

Bile acids may hold clue to treat heart disease

INT-777 prevents atherosclerosis by exerting an anti-inflammatory effect, stimulating insulin secretion and reducing plaque formation in arteries. The compound activates TGR5 receptor in gut cells, enhancing Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion, providing a promising treatment for metabolic syndrome and its associated conditions.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalCell Metabolism·DateDec 6, 2011

Controlling whiteflies the natural way

USDA scientists found that using insecticides specifically targeting whiteflies can reduce the need for broad-spectrum pesticides. The study showed that applying a single dose of whitefly-specific insecticide can control whitefly populations for the rest of the growing season.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalBiological Control·DateDec 6, 2011

New '3-D' transistors promising future chips, lighter laptops

Researchers at Purdue University have created a new type of transistor with a 3-D structure, potentially leading to faster, lighter laptops. The transistors contain nanowires made from indium-gallium-arsenide and have the potential to conduct electrons five times faster than silicon.

SourcePurdue University·DateDec 6, 2011

Steroids increase viability of preemies as young as 22 weeks

Research by Wally Carlo found that antenatal corticosteroids significantly reduce mortality and neurodevelopmental impairments in extremely preterm infants from 22 to 25 weeks gestation. The study showed a 33% decrease in mortality and a 20% decrease in neurodevelopmental impairments.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalJAMA·DateDec 6, 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.

New horned dinosaur announced nearly 100 years after discovery

A new species of horned dinosaur named Spinops sternbergorum was discovered nearly 100 years after its initial discovery in southern Alberta, Canada. The animal lived approximately 76 million years ago and weighed around two tons, featuring a unique bony neck frill with long spikes.

SourceRaymond M. Alf Museum of Paleontology·JournalActa Palaeontologica Polonica·DateDec 6, 2011

The power to help, hurt and confuse: Direct-to-consumer whole genome testing

Whole genome sequencing technology has arrived, uncovering both useful and unwelcome medical results, including information on high-risk diseases like dementia. Regulation is crucial to ensure safe use, with a nuanced approach that balances paternalism with protection from potential harm.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJAMA·DateDec 6, 2011

Diabetes and obesity increase risk for breast cancer development

Research found that diabetes increases breast cancer risk by 37% in women diagnosed within four years of cancer development. Obesity after age 60 also significantly increases the risk, with a 55% increase in breast cancer cases compared to the general population. High and low blood lipids were also associated with different risks.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateDec 6, 2011

Global sea surface temperature data provides new measure of climate sensitivity

Researchers reconstructed climate sensitivity over five ice-age cycles using a global suite of records, comparing it with changes in greenhouse gas concentrations and Earth-Sun orbital configuration. The study estimates a 3.1-3.9°C temperature increase for a modern doubling of atmospheric carbon-dioxide concentrations.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalJournal of Climate·DateDec 6, 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.

Impact of injuries in the UK more than 2 and a half times higher than estimated

A UK study reveals injuries have a much greater impact on people's lives than previously estimated, with a total of 1,771,486 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) related to injury in 2005. The researchers found that injuries account for up to one-quarter of global DALYs if the underestimation seen in the UK is mirrored worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateDec 6, 2011

Is climate change altering humans' vacation plans?

A new study found that climate change is causing humans to visit national parks earlier, with peak attendance shifting four days earlier than 30 years ago. This shift may serve as a bellwether for more severe human adjustments required to cope with climate change.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalInternational Journal of Biometeorology·DateDec 6, 2011

Path to oxygen in Earth's atmosphere: long series of starts and stops

Researchers analyzed rock cores from the FAR DEEP project in Northwest Russia, finding that oxygen levels gradually increased over hundreds of millions of years. The appearance of free oxygen in the atmosphere likely occurred as a series of starts and stops, rather than a single event.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateDec 6, 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.

New test predicts risk for recurrence for patients with DCIS

Researchers developed a multigene test to identify high-risk patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and differentiate between lower-risk and more aggressive forms. The DCIS Score algorithm predicts individual risk for recurrence, allowing physicians to provide tailored treatment programs.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateDec 6, 2011

LSUHSC research finds many women not receiving recommended breast cancer adjuvant treatment

A significant number of women with breast cancer are not receiving guideline-recommended adjuvant treatment. The research found that socioeconomic factors such as poverty, insurance status, and education level significantly contribute to this disparity. Women from high-poverty areas were less likely to receive guideline therapy, highli...

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateDec 6, 2011
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

What's in a name?

The US Department of Homeland Security's DNSSEC project authenticates data existence, ownership, and integrity, protecting against hackers' threats. By deploying DNSSEC in key zones, DHS builds a safer cyberspace with complete end-to-end chain protection.

SourceUS Department of Homeland Security - Science and Technology·DateDec 6, 2011

New tick-borne disease discovered in Gothenburg

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have discovered a brand new tick-borne infection, Neoehrlichia mikurensis, which causes Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) in people with impaired immune systems. The infection has been reported in eight cases worldwide, three in the Gothenburg area.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJournal of Clinical Microbiology·DateDec 6, 2011

Good or bad: Surprises drive learning in same neural circuits

Research suggests that surprising good or bad outcomes drive learning, with neurons in the lateral prefrontal cortex and caudate nucleus processing unexpected rewards and disappointments similarly. This finding may inform future therapies to accelerate re-learning in patients with brain damage.

SourceBrown University·DateDec 6, 2011

New study reassures on heart risks of prostate cancer treatment

A new meta-analysis of randomized studies involving 4,141 prostate cancer patients found no difference in cardiovascular deaths between those receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and those who didn't. The study suggests that ADT may not increase the risk of fatal heart attacks for men without a history of heart disease.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalJAMA·DateDec 6, 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.

Help is at hand for teachers struggling with technology

The Learning Designer is an interactive program that assists teachers in designing and developing lesson plans using digital technologies. It offers ideas and advice on introducing technology gradually within resource constraints, reusing existing materials, and maximizing its benefits for learners.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateDec 6, 2011

Scientist-novelist back with second book at cell biology meeting

Steve Caplan, a scientist-novelist, presented new data on cellular endocytic trafficking at the American Society for Cell Biology's 51st Annual Meeting. His second novel, 'Welcome Home, Sir,' explores divisions between science and national identity, as well as personal struggles of an Israeli-American researcher in the US.

SourceAmerican Society for Cell Biology·DateDec 6, 2011

Females choose sexier friends to avoid harassment

In a study on Trinidadian guppies, females spend time with more attractive companions to reduce harassment from males. This strategy is successful in minimizing interactions with males and increasing mating opportunities.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·DateDec 6, 2011

Concussion testing makes everyone tired

Researchers found that long neuropsychological tests can induce mental fatigue in healthy, athletically active subjects. The study aims to establish a baseline measurement for concussion diagnosis and prevent re-injuries by testing athletes at the beginning of their season.

SourcePenn State·JournalClinical Neurophysiology·DateDec 6, 2011
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.

Study finds side effects, complications, mastectomy more likely after partial breast irradiation

A retrospective study found that women treated with accelerated partial breast irradiation therapy have a two-fold increased risk for subsequent mastectomy, most likely due to tumor recurrence or local complications. APBI brachytherapy was also associated with higher incidence of acute and late toxicities compared to traditional whole ...

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·DateDec 6, 2011

Aging human bodies and aging human oocytes run on different clocks

Researchers found that aging human oocytes have a distinctive DNA signature that is reversed in insulin and TGF-beta mutants. In contrast, somatic cells require maintaining protein and cell quality to combat aging. The study's findings could lead to ways to delay oocyte aging and reduce birth defects.

SourceAmerican Society for Cell Biology·DateDec 6, 2011

Genetic markers help feds enforce seafood regulations

Researchers at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science have developed genetic markers to test blue marlin for their ocean of origin. The new test can accurately determine if a blue marlin was taken from the Atlantic or Pacific Ocean, helping federal seafood agents enforce regulations and prevent overfishing.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·JournalConservation Genetics Resources·DateDec 6, 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.