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Science News Archive June 2011 - Page 12


Page 12 of 28

Bodychecking and the risk of injury in youth ice hockey

A recent study published in CMAJ found that introducing bodychecking at the Pee Wee level reduces injury risk, particularly for Bantam players, with a 33% lower risk of more than seven days' loss from playing time.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJun 20, 2011

Analysis of studies evaluates tonsillectomy techniques

A meta-analysis of studies found that new tonsillectomy techniques, including vessel sealing systems and Harmonic Scalpel, show promise in reducing pain, bleeding, and recovery time compared to traditional methods. However, the optimal technique with lowest morbidity rates remains unclear.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateJun 20, 2011

Energy drinks linked to substance use in musicians, study shows

Frequent energy drink consumption is linked to binge drinking and misuse of prescription drugs among musicians. The study found that 94% of surveyed musicians used caffeine, and those who consumed energy drinks reported significantly more substance use issues than non-users.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Caffeine Research·DateJun 20, 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.

'Smart materials' that make proteins form crystals to boost research into new drugs

Scientists at Imperial College London have developed a new method to make proteins form crystals using 'smart materials' that remember the shape and characteristics of the molecule. This technique should assist research into new medicines by helping scientists work out the structure of drug targets.

SourceImperial College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 20, 2011

Probing the secrets of the ryegrasses

Scientists from LMU Munich have developed a concise and efficient method for synthesizing the alkaloid loline and related compounds. The new approach enables the production of these compounds in sufficient quantities to investigate their various aspects, including their interactions with insects and bacteria.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJun 20, 2011

New research on community gardening reveals the roots of emotional and physical health

Research reveals community gardens have numerous benefits, including improved relationships, increased civic involvement, and enhanced neighborhood quality. Gardening daily for just 20 minutes has been shown to boost health ratings, while gardeners report higher rates of moderate exercise and better eating habits.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJun 20, 2011

Need a nap? Find yourself a hammock

Research finds that gently rocking hammocks facilitate faster sleep onset and boost stage N2 sleep duration. The study also discovers a lasting impact on brain activity, increasing slow oscillations and bursts of activity known as sleep spindles.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 20, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Husband's employment status threatens marriage, but wife's does not, study finds

A new study suggests that a woman's employment status does not affect the likelihood of her husband initiating divorce. However, for men, being unemployed significantly increases their chance of leaving the marriage, even if they are relatively happy. This asymmetric change in traditional gender roles implies that societal norms view a...

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalAmerican Journal of Sociology·DateJun 20, 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.

Inducing labor is not associated with higher rates of cesarean sections

A new study published in Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica reveals that inducing labor around term does not associate with higher rates of cesarean sections. The research analyzed data from the Danish Birth Registry and found no increased risk for cesarean section among induced women compared to those who waited longer.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica·DateJun 20, 2011

Picower: 1 skull + 2 brains = 4 objects in mind

A study by MIT neuroscientists found that humans have two independent capacities for working memory, rather than one general capacity of four objects. This discovery resolves a long-standing debate in the field and has significant implications for designing more effective cognitive therapy, brain games, and visual displays.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 20, 2011

Poorly coordinated care doubled risk of drug and medical errors in 7 countries

An international study of 11,910 patients from 7 countries found that poorly coordinated care and cost-related barriers significantly increased the risk of medication and medical errors. Poorly co-ordinated care was associated with a 110% to 200% increase in errors, while cost-related barriers increased the risk by 50% to 160%.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Clinical Practice·DateJun 20, 2011

News source may steer perceived solution to childhood obesity

A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that news sources shape perceptions of childhood obesity solutions. Television news focuses on individual behavior change, while newspapers emphasize system-level changes like food industry practices and school policies.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJun 20, 2011

Nanoparticles disguised as red blood cells will deliver cancer-fighting drugs

Researchers at UC San Diego developed a method to disguise nanoparticles as red blood cells, allowing them to evade the immune system and deliver cancer-fighting drugs directly to tumors. This breakthrough could lead to more personalized drug delivery, reducing the risk of immune response.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 20, 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.

Did climate change cause Greenland's ancient Viking community to collapse?

Research suggests that the AD 1350 collapse of the Greenland Norse was caused by harsh climate conditions, making farming and cattle production difficult. The team's study used a marine sediment record to reconstruct climate change over the last 1500 years, highlighting the regional complexity of climate patterns in the study area.

SourceWiley·JournalBoreas·DateJun 20, 2011

Discovery of parathyroid glow promises to reduce endocrine surgery risk

Researchers at Vanderbilt University discovered that parathyroid glands emit a unique fluorescent signature in the near-infrared region, which can be used to identify them during endocrine surgery. This innovation has the potential to reduce the risk of damage to these tiny organs and their life-long effects on patients' health.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateJun 20, 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.

Wayne State University researchers win grant from the NSF to target tinnitus

Researchers at Wayne State University have been awarded a $330,000 NSF grant to develop a 3-D neural probe that can suppress tinnitus by electrically and chemically stimulating neurons. The probe will enable the integration of micro-channels for neurotransmitter-based chemical stimulation and local drug delivery.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·DateJun 20, 2011

Fat substitutes linked to weight gain

A study published by the American Psychological Association found that rats on high-fat diets gained more weight after eating low-calorie potato chips made with fat substitutes. The study suggests that relying on fat substitutes for weight loss may not be effective and could even lead to weight gain.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalBehavioral Neuroscience·DateJun 20, 2011

Unexpected function of dyslexia gene

Scientists at Karolinska Institutet discovered that a gene linked to dyslexia, DCDC2, regulates cilia signaling in brain neurons. This finding presents a possible new neurobiological mechanism for dyslexia and highlights the importance of cilia in cell migration and development.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 20, 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.

Informal daycare may harm kids' cognitive development, study finds

A recent study published in the Journal of Labor Economics found that informal daycare can significantly reduce a child's test scores by up to 2.6 percent per year compared to staying with their mother. In contrast, formal preschool programs or licensed daycare centers have little to no negative effect on cognitive development.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Labor Economics·DateJun 20, 2011

Study compares 2 types of botulinum toxin for cosmetic use

A randomized, double-blind study compared the efficacy of botulinum toxin type A (onabotulinumtoxinA) and B (abobotulinumtoxinA) in reducing crow's feet wrinkles. AbobotulinumtoxinA was found to produce a greater effect when participants contracted their muscles, but no significant difference was seen at rest. The study suggests that a...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Facial Plastic Surgery·DateJun 20, 2011

Mimicking nature at the nanoscale: Selective transport across a biomimetic nanopore

A team of researchers has developed a biomimetic nanopore that selectively transports individual proteins across its surface, mirroring the behavior of natural nuclear pores. The study uses functionalized key proteins to create a synthetic pore that can be used as a testing platform for drug delivery into a cell's nucleus.

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 19, 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.

Atmospheric carbon dioxide buildup unlikely to spark abrupt climate change

A team of scientists used numerical climate models and oxygen-isotope analysis to determine what caused climate shifts during the last ice age. The study found that Heinrich events were associated with changes in monsoon rainfall intensity, rather than carbon dioxide-induced climate change.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJun 19, 2011

50-year search for calcium channel ends

Researchers at Harvard Medical School have identified the linchpin protein MICU1, which drives mitochondria's calcium uptake. The discovery could lead to a better understanding of diseases such as neurodegenerative disorders and diabetes.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature·DateJun 19, 2011

Study of biomarker development in mice provides a roadmap for a similar approach in humans

Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center demonstrate a staged, targeted pipeline approach using mass spectrometry to prioritize and validate protein biomarkers in mice. This method enables the testing of a larger number of biomarker candidates than conventional technologies, improving the efficiency of biomarker evaluation. The stu...

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJun 19, 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.

Heart disease beats breast cancer as the biggest killer

Research published in BioMed Central's Breast Cancer Research journal found that two-thirds of women with breast cancer died from other causes, with cardiovascular disease being the leading cause of death. Women over 50 with co-existing health conditions were most likely to die from non-cancer related causes.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBreast Cancer Research·DateJun 19, 2011

Climate change disasters could be predicted

Researchers at the University of Exeter have developed a system to anticipate high-risk climate tipping points, providing early warning systems for devastating consequences. By analyzing observational data, scientists can identify signs of instability in climate systems, allowing for forewarning and adaptation.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJun 19, 2011

Arctic snow harbors deadly assassin

A new study reveals that prolonged heavy snowfall in the Arctic can trigger rapid growth of killer fungi, devastating plant life and disrupting local food chains. This unexpected finding highlights unforeseen climate change effects on vegetation and ecosystems.

SourceDurham University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJun 19, 2011

New genes for risk and progression of rare brain disease identified

Researchers have identified three new genes associated with the risk of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a rare neurodegenerative disease. The study found that genetic variations in EIF2AK3, STX6, and MOBP contribute to PSP risk, while also shedding light on the underlying cause of the disease.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Genetics·DateJun 19, 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 insights on an old material will enable design of better polymer batteries, water purification

Researchers at Virginia Tech have discovered how to manipulate Nafion's internal structure to enhance its applications in energy-related industrial fields. By analyzing the material's molecular motion and alignment, they found that stretching the material influences its conduction properties, enabling new designs for batteries and wate...

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 19, 2011

Fathers find financial crisis hits family life

A study by Cardiff University found that men are anxious about money and take financial risks to ensure their children don't miss out. The economic downturn has led to a step backwards in shared parenting, with some men working longer hours or away from home.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateJun 18, 2011

A genetic factor is linked to long-term success of leg bypass surgery

A genetic biomarker has been identified that can predict the likelihood of successful restoration of blood flow after leg bypass surgery. Patients who inherit a specific DNA variation are 2.5 times more likely to maintain adequate blood flow through their surgically repaired blood vessels.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·DateJun 18, 2011

Poor 'gut sense' of numbers contributes to persistent math difficulties

A study reveals that a poor intuitive sense of numbers can lead to math learning disabilities and difficulty achieving basic math proficiency. Children with math learning disability perform significantly worse on number tasks compared to their peers, highlighting the complexity of determining the underlying causes of math difficulties.

SourceKennedy Krieger Institute·JournalChild Development·DateJun 17, 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.

Tapeworm drug inhibits colon cancer metastasis

Scientists have discovered that niclosamide, a drug previously used to treat tapeworm infections, can silence a gene that triggers colon cancer metastasis. In mouse studies, the compound inhibited the formation of metastases in colon cancer cells.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJun 17, 2011

Madagascar marine resources plundered by international seafood markets

A recent study reveals that international seafood markets are overfishing Madagascar's waters, leading to a decline in key species groups such as shrimp, shark, and sea cucumber. The impact on local food security is significant, with two-thirds of the population facing hunger.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalMarine Policy·DateJun 17, 2011

System 92E looking more like a developing east Pacific tropical storm

System 92E is a low-pressure area in the Eastern Pacific Ocean that has gained organization and is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm. Favorable environmental conditions, including warm sea surface temperatures and light vertical wind shear, are contributing to its development.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 17, 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.

Hospitalizing children with normal CT scans after blunt head trauma is not necessary

A large national multi-center study found that most children with minor blunt head trauma and normal CT scans do not require hospitalization for further observation. Children who were hospitalized after normal CT scans did not have subsequent abnormal CT scans or MRIs, and none required neurosurgical intervention.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateJun 17, 2011

World Health Organization releases latest Dengue Bulletin

The World Health Organization's latest Dengue Bulletin documents the substantial growth of dengue cases in the Americas, Africa, and Asia. The report reveals alarming increases in dengue deaths, with Brazil experiencing a 6.2% rise per year from 1999-2009.

SourceBrandeis University·JournalBulletin of the World Health Organization·DateJun 17, 2011

Shock and recall: Negative emotion may enhance memory, study finds

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis found that viewing emotion-laden images immediately after taking a test enhances people's retention of the tested material. The finding is counterintuitive, as one might expect negative emotions to hinder learning.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPsychological Science·DateJun 17, 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.

Not just another brick in the (plant cell) wall

Researchers identified three groups of genes required for extensin production, crucial for root hair growth and nutrient uptake. The study sheds light on the assembly of plant cell wall components regulating growth, with potential applications for sustainable agriculture and forestry.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalScience·DateJun 17, 2011

Etanercept shows promise for treating dermatomyositis

A multicenter pilot study found etanercept successfully weaned patients from steroid therapy, with no significant increase in adverse event rates. Larger studies are needed to investigate the safety and efficacy of etanercept for dermatomyositis treatment.

SourceWiley·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateJun 17, 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.

US Medicaid drug lists cost more, deliver less

A new study found that US Medicaid's Preferred Drug Lists vary widely from state to state, ignoring international guidelines for safe and effective medications. The WHO Essential Medicines List is not used as a basis for state lists, resulting in patients receiving more expensive and less effective treatments.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJun 17, 2011

ONR announces technology investments

The Office of Naval Research (ONR) has announced significant investments in technology and education to promote student interest in the sciences. The agency is supporting various partnerships aimed at kindling student enthusiasm for STEM disciplines, with a focus on teacher training and hands-on activities.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateJun 17, 2011

Discovery of a new mechanism of gene control that is associated with cancer

Researchers identify complex mechanism by which Smads regulate genes associated with cancer, revealing process that ensures protein destruction after function completion. The study could serve as foundation for new clinical treatments against cancer and other diseases.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalGenes & Development·DateJun 17, 2011