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Science News Archive October 2011 - Page 25


Page 25 of 28

Monkeys 'move and feel' virtual objects using only their brains

In a groundbreaking study, monkeys trained at Duke University Center for Neuroengineering learned to control a virtual avatar hand and identify textures of virtual objects solely with their brain activity. This technology has the potential to restore tactile sensation and mobility to quadriplegic patients.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalNature·DateOct 5, 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.

Collectivism and bribery

Researchers found that people in collectivist cultures are more likely to offer bribes, as they feel less individually responsible for their actions. In a laboratory experiment, students primed with collectivist words were more likely to offer bribes than those primed with individualist words.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Scarborough·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 5, 2011

Bacteria forge nitrogen from nitric oxide

Researchers have solved the molecular mechanism of anammox, a crucial pathway in the nitrogen cycle that converts ammonia to nitrogen without oxygen. The study reveals the role of hydrazine and nitric oxide as intermediates, shedding light on how this process occurs.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateOct 5, 2011

Nursing home flu shots fall short, especially for blacks

A study by Brown University found that nursing home flu shot vaccination rates are lower for black patients compared to white patients. Despite efforts to improve vaccination rates over time, the disparity persists within individual facilities, with black patients refusing shots at a higher rate than whites.

SourceBrown University·JournalHealth Affairs·DateOct 5, 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.

Women exposed to diethylstilbestrol in the womb face increased cancer risk

A large study found that daughters of women given diethylstilbestrol during pregnancy face an increased risk of reproductive problems and certain cancers. The study also found a twofold higher risk of infertility and a fivefold increased risk of preterm delivery among DES-exposed women.

SourceNIH/National Cancer Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 5, 2011

New mouse model recreates common form of autism

A genetically engineered mouse model with tripled Ube3a gene dosage exhibits robust examples of all three traits considered hallmarks of autism: reduced social interaction, impaired communication, and excessive repetitive behaviors. The study provides further clues in understanding brain defects that lead to autism development.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 5, 2011

Last universal common ancestor more complex than previously thought

Researchers found that the polyphosphate storage site represents the first known universal organelle, present in bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes. This discovery challenges traditional definitions of bacterial organisms, suggesting LUCA was more complex than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalBiology Direct·DateOct 5, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Organic medical imaging system to detect disease and track medication

Scientists at the University of Nottingham are developing a new organic medical imaging system using nano-transducers made from biological membranes to detect diseases earlier and track medication. The system has the potential to monitor electrical activity in the brain and track individual cells in the human body.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·DateOct 5, 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.

Longer trips to the ER, especially for minorities and poor

A new study found that nearly one in four Americans must travel farther to a nearest trauma center due to hospital closures, especially affecting African Americans, poor and uninsured residents. The study highlights the need for policy makers to subsidize trauma centers serving vulnerable communities.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalHealth Affairs·DateOct 5, 2011

You can wash away your troubles, with soap

A literature review found that people's judgments of others' moral wrongdoing are influenced by their physical state, with exposure to cleanliness improving moral perceptions. Additionally, using soap can alleviate post-decision doubt and reduce feelings of guilt associated with negative experiences.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateOct 5, 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.

New study shows how trees clean the air in London

A new study shows that trees in London's urban areas remove between 850 to 2000 tonnes of particulate pollution from the air every year. This research uses a prediction model to estimate future air quality and suggests that targeted tree planting and a mix of evergreen species can maximize benefits.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalLandscape and Urban Planning·DateOct 5, 2011

Survival increased in early stage breast cancer after treatment with herceptin and chemo

A study by UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center found that a combination of chemotherapy and Herceptin significantly increases survival in patients with HER-2 positive breast cancer. The regimen without Adriamycin was comparable to the standard therapy, reducing heart toxicity and acute side effects.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 5, 2011

Research sheds light on origins of greatness

A new paper by Michigan State University scientist Zach Hambrick finds that working memory capacity can outperform practice in complex tasks such as piano sight reading. The study shows people with higher levels of working memory capacity perform better even with extensive experience and knowledge.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateOct 5, 2011

First comet found with ocean-like water

Astronomers at the University of Michigan discovered ocean-like water in Comet Hartley 2, a finding that suggests comets may have delivered a significant portion of Earth's oceans. The discovery was made using data from the Herschel Space Observatory and suggests that the source of Earth's oceans is more complex than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature·DateOct 5, 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.

A third of elderly Medicare beneficiaries undergo surgery during their last year of life but many procedures are likely to be unnecessary or unwanted

The study found that nearly one in five patients underwent a surgical procedure in the last month of life, and nearly 1 in 10 had a procedure in their last week. The likelihood of surgery varied by age, location, and hospital bed availability, suggesting that some operations may be discretionary or avoidable.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 5, 2011

Earlier tracheostomies result in better patient outcomes

A study found that performing tracheostomies within seven days of a severe head injury improves overall patient outcome. This is especially true for patients with a reasonable chance of survival, where early tracheostomy reduces the risk of complications and increases the likelihood of discharge in an independent state.

SourcePenn State·JournalNeurocritical Care·DateOct 5, 2011

Simulations unlock carbon nanotube potential for industry

Carbon nanotubes have exceptional thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties, but agglomerate formation hinders their full potential. Simulations using the Ohio Supercomputer Center unveil the effectiveness of tie molecules in improving CNTs' stability and performance.

SourceOhio Supercomputer Center·DateOct 5, 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.

Health Affairs article focuses on health care disparities facing people with disabilities

People with disabilities continue to face difficulties meeting major social needs, including accessing health care facilities and services. Iezzoni's analysis highlights barriers that restrict their access to health services, including lower rates of mammography and Pap tests. She argues that healthcare professionals need to understand...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalHealth Affairs·DateOct 5, 2011

In the brain, winning is everywhere

A study published in Neuron found that brain regions beyond the reward centers engage when playing games, suggesting a more widespread role for reward processing in the brain. The research used multi-voxel pattern analysis to identify patterns of brain activity associated with wins and losses.

SourceYale University·JournalNeuron·DateOct 5, 2011

US not taking basic step to prevent toxoplasmosis in newborns, Stanford researcher contends

A new study from Stanford University reveals that North American babies infected with toxoplasmosis in the womb are more likely to suffer severe complications, including brain calcifications, hydrocephalus, and eye disease. The study suggests that a lack of prenatal screening and treatment may be contributing to these outcomes.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalThe Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal·DateOct 5, 2011

New oral drug found to reduce relapses in multiple sclerosis patients

A new oral drug, teriflunomide, has been shown to significantly reduce the relapse rate of people with multiple sclerosis and slow the progression of the disease. The drug was found to be effective in increasing the time between relapses and reducing disease progression by almost 30%.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 5, 2011

Physicists to develop new way of electronic computing

Researchers aim to speed up data processing applications such as internet searching, data compression, and image recognition. They plan to utilize the spin degree of freedom to store and process information in a single chip.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateOct 5, 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.

Athletes' streaks not all in our (or their) heads

Researchers analyzed 300,000 NBA free-throws, finding strong support for the hot hand phenomenon, which suggests a streak of positive outcomes is likely to continue. This study sheds new light on an old question, supporting fans' view that the phenomenon exists and opens doors for further physiological and psychological investigations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 5, 2011

The establishment of genetically engineered canola populations in the US

Researchers have discovered genetically engineered canola populations growing outside of established cultivation regions along roadsides across North Dakota. These 'escaped' plants accounted for 45% of total roadside plants sampled and persisted from year to year, raising questions about oversight and monitoring protocols.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 5, 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.

Unlocking jams in fluid materials

Researchers developed a theoretical model to understand how to best avoid jamming of soft matter, which can be applied in food and cosmetics production. The model takes into account common properties between three classes of materials: soft matter, metallic liquids, and granular materials.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateOct 5, 2011

How chronic stress short-circuits parenting

A study from the University of Rochester found that chronic stress disrupts a mother's natural stress response, leading to problematic parenting behaviors. Mothers with higher depressive symptoms exhibited hyperactive stress responses, resulting in harsh and reactive parenting.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalDevelopment and Psychopathology·DateOct 5, 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.

MIT research: Career path closed, must take detour

A new MIT study reveals that non-compete agreements lead many engineers to abandon their chosen industry after switching jobs, often at significant financial cost. The study found that about one-third of tech workers who sign non-compete agreements leave their industry altogether.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateOct 5, 2011

New potential therapeutic target for breast cancer

A study published in Journal of Interferon & Cytokine Research found that Tyk2 protein helps suppress breast tumor growth and metastasis. Mice with normal Tyk2 expression were less susceptible to breast cancer, suggesting boosting Tyk2 activity may be beneficial for treating the disease.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Interferon & Cytokine Research·DateOct 5, 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.

Zinc's role in the brain

Researchers discovered zinc's critical role in regulating neuronal communication, affecting memories formation and learning. The study found that removing zinc interferes with long-term potentiation, a process important for memory and learning.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Scarborough·JournalNeuron·DateOct 5, 2011

Young children show improved verbal IQ

Pre-schoolers improved their verbal intelligence and brain function after participating in a four-week learning program that combined interactive, music-based cognitive training cartoons. The study, led by Dr. Sylvain Moreno, found rapid transfer of cognitive benefits in 90% of children.

SourceBaycrest Centre for Geriatric Care·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 4, 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.

Advance offers new opportunities in chemistry education, research

Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new method to describe electronegativity, a basic chemical concept that can be difficult for college students to grasp. The system, called an atomic solid state energy scale, offers simplicity of understanding and opens important new avenues in materials and chemical research.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 4, 2011

Regular exercise improves health of people with long-term kidney disease

A systematic review published in The Cochrane Library found that regular exercise can improve physical fitness, walking capacity, and heart rate among people with CKD. Exercise programs can also increase muscular strength, reduce blood pressure, and enhance overall quality of life.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateOct 4, 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.

Estimating severity of a flu epidemic

Estimating the severity of a flu epidemic can be done in real-time using serological data coupled with clinical surveillance data. This approach provides valuable insights for pandemic preparedness and response, making it useful not only for influenza pandemics but also for other emerging infectious diseases.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateOct 4, 2011