Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive December 2011 - Page 22


Page 22 of 23

Virginia Tech's Rylander wins national biomedical engineering award

Marissa Rylander, a Virginia Tech associate professor, has received the Y.C. Fung Young Investigator Award for her novel research combining nanotechnology, laser therapy, and dynamic imaging to study tumor progression and develop cancer treatments. Her patented 'holey scaffold' device allows for minimally invasive sensing of biological...

SourceVirginia Tech·DateDec 1, 2011

Drop in carbon dioxide levels led to polar ice sheet, study finds

A recent study found that a drop in carbon dioxide led to the Antarctic ice sheet's formation, with levels below 600 parts per million triggering cooling and ice sheet initiation. The team pinpointed this threshold in ancient algae samples from deep-sea cores, suggesting carbon dioxide's importance in past and future climate.

SourcePurdue University·JournalScience·DateDec 1, 2011

HIV uncertainty pushes Malawians to want children earlier

In Malawi, people with uncertain HIV status are more eager to start families than those who know their status. Researchers found that uncertainty about HIV accelerates childbearing in the country due to cultural factors and the desire for a longer life. The study used an innovative method to measure personal uncertainty, where particip...

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateDec 1, 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.

Swiss scientists prove durability of quantum network

Researchers demonstrate longest-ever deployment of a quantum key distribution network, showing its robustness and reliability when coupled with real-time telecommunications. The SwissQuantum network ran for over 21 months, outperforming traditional encryption methods.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateDec 1, 2011

NASA satellite confirms sharp decline in pollution from US coal power plants

Satellite observations confirm a nearly 40% decline in sulfur dioxide emissions from coal power plants since 2005, with a significant reduction in acid rain and health problems. The Clean Air Interstate Rule implemented in 2005 is credited for the decline, with desulfurization devices and pollution credits contributing to the reduction.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateDec 1, 2011

Seismology tip sheet for Dec. 2011: BSSA

Scientists have developed procedures to determine earthquake source information for smaller earthquakes in central and eastern North America. This improved catalog provides detailed information on faulting styles and geometry for these regions, contributing to assessing seismic hazards and constraining ground motion.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateDec 1, 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.

New 'Achilles' heel' in breast cancer: Tumor cell mitochondria

Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University identified breast cancer cell mitochondria as a key target for therapy, showing that off-patent generic drug Metformin can prevent tumor growth and chemotherapy resistance. The study's findings suggest that targeting mitochondrial metabolism could be exploited in personalized cancer medicine.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalCell Cycle·DateDec 1, 2011

New insights come from tracing cells that scar lungs

A team of researchers from Duke University Medical Center used genetic lineage tracing to study the origin of fibrotic cells in lung tissue. They found that pericytes, a previously unknown population of cells, are present in fibrotic areas and may play a role in the scarring process.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 1, 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.

Serendipitous news reading online is gaining prominence, MU study shows

Internet users often discover news while searching for unrelated information or engaging in social networking activities. Researchers found three contexts where respondents experience incidental exposure to online news: visiting news sites, checking email and social media, or conducting normal internet searches.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·DateDec 1, 2011

New insights into responses of Yellowstone wolves to environmental changes

A study of Yellowstone wolves has improved predictions of how these animals will respond to environmental changes. The research used a new model to compare data on wolf characteristics to environmental conditions, revealing that changes in mean environment conditions impact wolf population size more than variability.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalScience·DateDec 1, 2011

Language may be dominant social marker for young children

Researchers found that for younger white children, language plays a dominant role in defining a person's identity, often surpassing race. In contrast, older white and African American children prioritize racial identity. This study sheds light on the development of social categorization in young children.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalDevelopmental Science·DateDec 1, 2011

Where does my beer come from?

Researchers at the University of Seville have developed a technique to identify beer origins using chemical patterns, distinguishing between German, Spanish and Portuguese beers with high accuracy. The model is based on variables such as aluminium, iron, and polyphenol content, providing valuable insights for the food industry.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalFood Control·DateDec 1, 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.

Cell surface mutation protects against common type of malaria

A mutation on the surface of human red blood cells provides protection against malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax. Research found that the parasite binds less easily to cells expressing a specific variant of the Duffy blood group antigen, reducing the risk of infection.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 1, 2011

Plunge in CO2 put the freeze on Antarctica

A recent study found that atmospheric carbon dioxide levels plummeted by 40% before and during the formation of Antarctica's ice sheet 34 million years ago. This confirms the power of CO2 to dramatically alter global climate, with significant falls in the greenhouse gas resulting in global cooling.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalScience·DateDec 1, 2011

Violent video games alter brain function in young men

A study by Indiana University researchers found that playing violent video games for a week can lead to changes in the brain's frontal regions associated with emotion and aggressive behavior. The study, which followed 28 healthy adult males, showed reduced activation in these areas after one week of gameplay.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·DateDec 1, 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.

Studies of patients with cirrhosis uncover limitations in liver cancer screening

Recent studies have uncovered significant limitations in liver cancer screening for patients with cirrhosis, emphasizing the need for enhanced diagnostic procedures. Most patients with cirrhosis prefer surveillance over non-screening, and ultrasonographic screening at different intervals did not improve detection of small liver cancers.

SourceWiley·JournalHepatology·DateDec 1, 2011

Parental controls on embryonic development?

A recent study published in Developmental Cell suggests that the reach of parental control in embryonic development may be longer than thought. The research found evidence that genetic marks from sperm can be passed on to embryos, influencing gene expression later in development.

SourceCell Press·JournalDevelopmental Biology·DateDec 1, 2011

Tumor-targeting compound points the way to new personalized cancer treatments

Researchers have developed a new tumor-targeting compound called PU-H71 that can reveal the complete set of aberrant signaling pathways driving cancers in individual patients. This breakthrough method uses the compound to identify abnormal proteins bound to heat shock protein 90, which are crucial for cancer cell growth and survival.

SourceNewYork-Presbyterian·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateDec 1, 2011

Bitter sensitive children eat more vegetables with help of dip

A new study found that adding a small amount of dip to vegetables helps bitter-sensitive children eat more. Researchers found that offering low-fat dips increased broccoli consumption by 80% among bitter-sensitive children.

SourceTemple University·JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association·DateDec 1, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Health gap has grown among young US adults, study finds

A new study by the American Sociological Association found that health disparities among young US adults have grown substantially since 1980. The study suggests that as younger generations grow older and replace previous cohorts, the gap between healthy and unhealthy individuals will continue to widen.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateDec 1, 2011

Study debunks 6 myths about electricity in the South

A new study by Duke University and Georgia Tech researchers found that energy efficiency and renewable energy can work together to meet projected growth in the South. The study debunks six common myths about clean energy, including those that claim it cannot meet demand or will increase electricity rates.

SourceDuke University·JournalEnergy Policy·DateDec 1, 2011

Outsiders on the front lines

A new study highlights the perspectives of 20 Israeli women soldiers who've served in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, introducing new themes into women's discourse of protest. The research shows that military service can be a source of symbolic capital for women to legitimize criticism of the military and its actions.

SourceSociologists for Women in Society·JournalGender & Society·DateDec 1, 2011

Health gap has grown among young US adults, study finds

Research reveals a growing health disparity among US young adults born since 1980, peaking at middle age before declining in old age. The study attributes the widening gap to factors like income inequality, obesity crisis, and digital divide, which are expected to worsen as younger generations replace older cohorts.

SourceOhio State University·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateDec 1, 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.

New study finds timely acute care could cut the cost of stroke cost

A new study published in Age and Ageing found that timely acute care immediately after a stroke can significantly reduce the level of disability in survivors, as well as the need for long-term care. The study estimated the total cost of stroke and TIA in Ireland to be €500-€816 million in 2007.

SourceOxford University Press UK·JournalAge and Ageing·DateDec 1, 2011

Wastewater system generates energy, produces drinking water

A portable, self-sustaining wastewater treatment system is being developed to reduce the cost of water and fuel for military bases on or near the front lines. The integrated system uses solar power, biological conversion processes, and nano-filtration to break down wastewater and produce methane fuel and drinking water.

SourceMichigan State University·DateDec 1, 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.

Vaccine targeting latent TB enters clinical testing

A new TB vaccine candidate has entered Phase I clinical trials in South Africa to assess its safety and immunogenicity in latently infected adults. The vaccine, SSI H56-IC31, has shown efficacy in pre-clinical studies and holds promise for preventing active TB disease in a vast population.

SourceAeras·DateDec 1, 2011

Salads you can trust -- safe farm practices get major test

A major national initiative aims to create scientific guidelines for safe farming, packing, and storing of fresh produce. The UMD-led project will analyze data from over 200,000 tests to measure pathogen presence in produce, irrigation waters, fertilizers, and transport facilities.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·DateDec 1, 2011

Study: Working moms multitask more and have worse time doing so than dads

A new study reveals that working mothers spend more time multitasking (48.3 hours/week) compared to working fathers (38.9 hours/week). However, the quality of their multitasking experience is significantly different, with working mothers reporting negative emotions and stress when multitasking at home or in public.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateDec 1, 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.

Aggression prevents the better part of valor ... in fig wasps

A study of over 60,000 individual fig flowers found that male pollinator fig wasps work together to chew escape tunnels for their females, increasing escape rates. In contrast, non-pollinating parasitic fig wasps, which are driven by aggression, fail to cooperate and have lower success rates.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalBiology Letters·DateDec 1, 2011

2 out of 3 medical students do not know when to wash their hands

A study found that only 21% of surveyed medical students could identify correct hand hygiene indications, highlighting a significant gap in knowledge. Medical students believed their own compliance would be higher than nurses', despite data showing the opposite.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateDec 1, 2011

Vegetables, fruits, grains reduce stroke risk in women

A Swedish study found that antioxidant-rich diets, particularly those high in fruits and vegetables, lower stroke risk in women with and without a history of cardiovascular disease. The study's findings suggest that increasing consumption of such foods may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, key factors in stroke development.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateDec 1, 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.

Study identifies most effective ways to assess progression in Huntington's disease, which could speed up development of disease-modifying drugs

A new study has identified the most effective ways to assess progression in Huntington's disease, which could speed up the development of disease-modifying drugs. The findings suggest that measures derived from brain imaging techniques are the most effective at detecting disease progression over time.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateDec 1, 2011
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.

Rise of atmospheric oxygen more complicated than previously thought

The appearance of oxygen in the atmosphere likely occurred through a series of starts and stops over hundreds of millions of years, according to a new study. Oxygen levels gradually rose from 2,500 million years ago, eventually reaching about 1 percent of today's atmospheric level.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience·DateDec 1, 2011

Moral dilemma: Would you kill 1 person to save 5?

A study by Michigan State University researchers found that 90% of participants would reroute a runaway boxcar onto tracks with only one person, overriding the moral rule not to kill. The experiment explored how people come to their moral judgments and whether behavior follows suit.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEmotion·DateDec 1, 2011

Vaccination with a 1-2 punch effective against TB

Researchers developed a new TB vaccine H56 that reduces clinical disease and prevents reactivation of latent infection when combined with BCG, a current but ineffective vaccine. This breakthrough could lead to improved protection against TB.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 1, 2011

La Jolla Institute researchers provide world's first view of Type 1 diabetes as it unfolds

Researchers at La Jolla Institute create cellular movies showing the destruction underlying type 1 diabetes in real-time, providing new insights into disease process and potential therapeutic directions. The studies use two-photon microscope to illuminate cell processes previously extrapolated from photos or lab experiments.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 1, 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.

Autism Speaks launches 'Visual Supports' tool kit

The new tool kit provides valuable guidance on utilizing pictures and visual supports to facilitate daily communication, social interactions, and adaptation to new situations. It has been found to decrease challenging behaviors and increase compliance and independence in families who use it.

SourceAutism Speaks·DateDec 1, 2011

A vaccination against social prejudice

A new study published in Psychological Science found that vaccination and hand washing can reduce bias against stigmatized groups, including immigrants and the obese. The researchers conducted three experiments, which showed that people who felt secure through these measures exhibited less prejudice towards out-groups.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 1, 2011

Cancer cells' DNA repair disrupted to increase radiation sensitivity

Researchers found that shortening telomeres in cancer cells makes them more sensitive to radiation treatment, leading to faster cell death. The study's results may lead to safer and more effective combination therapies for pediatric brain cancers.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalCancer Prevention Research·DateDec 1, 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.