Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive 2012


Page 137 of 333

UK medical school teaching on physical activity virtually 'non-existent'

A survey of UK medical schools found that physical activity education is sparse or non-existent in their curricula. The authors highlight the importance of promoting physical activity to manage modern non-communicable chronic diseases, citing clinical guidelines that emphasize exercise as a method of treatment.

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.

Georgia forests, 2011

A study by the USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station found that Georgia's forest land area remained stable over the past 50 years, while timber inventory more than doubled. The majority of commercial timberland is privately owned, with individual or family forests making up a significant portion.

The Olympics and bare feet: What have we learned?

Barefoot running, popularized by Abebe Bikila, is not inherently good or bad; proper training and conditioning are key. However, research suggests that it can increase stress fractures and soreness in the calves, while also risking knee and hip injuries similar to those caused by athletic shoes.

BUSM researchers find link between childhood abuse and age at menarche

Researchers from BUSM found a 49% increase in risk for early onset menarche among women who reported childhood sexual abuse, and a 50% increase in risk for late onset menarche among those with severe physical abuse. This study highlights the complex relationship between child abuse and health outcomes.

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.

Even Usain Bolt can't beat greyhounds, cheetahs...or pronghorn antelope

A study published in Veterinary Record compares the athletic abilities of humans and animals, finding that greyhounds, cheetahs, pronghorn antelope, and other species outrun and outmuscle top athletes. Human adaptations for endurance are impressive, but animals excel in speed, strength, and power.

BELLA laser achieves world record power at 1 pulse per second

The BELLA laser system has delivered a petawatt of power in a pulse just 40 femtoseconds long at a pulse rate of one hertz, a world record for laser performance. This achievement enables the creation of compact particle accelerators and tabletop free electron lasers for investigating materials and biological systems.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Nano-FTIR - A new era in modern analytical chemistry

Researchers developed nano-FTIR, combining s-SNOM and FTIR spectroscopy for nanoscale chemical identification and mapping. The technique offers high sensitivity and resolution, making it a unique tool for polymer chemistry, biomedicine, and pharmaceutical industry.

Swaziland HIV incidence results announced at AIDS 2012

A study in Swaziland found the national rate of new HIV infections to be 2.38%, comparable to the 2009 estimate of 2.66%. The country's high HIV prevalence may have begun to level off, with prevention and treatment programs taking effect.

The longer you're awake, the slower you get

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that longer wakefulness rates hinder task performance in visual search tasks. Participants performed slower during nighttime and after prolonged wakefulness.

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.

UTMB scientists awarded NIH grant for lab-grown lung tissue project

University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston researchers have been awarded a $1.25 million NIH grant to develop lab-grown lung tissue models for biomedical studies. These models could provide significant advantages over animal models, including reduced costs and the ability to study human responses more accurately.

ASTRO awards 5 research grants

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has awarded five physicians with research grants to promote the advancement of radiation therapy. The Junior Faculty Career Research Training Award and Residents/Fellows in Radiation Oncology Research Seed Grant Award support young researchers in radiation oncology, biology, physics, ...

Higgs excitations

Higgs excitations have been observed in a two-dimensional quantum gas near absolute zero temperature. The phenomenon, associated with spontaneous symmetry breaking, can lead to coordinated collective motion and is crucial in the Standard Model of Particle Physics.

Turbulences at a standstill

Theoretical physicist Dima Shepelyansky found that energy flows from large to small scales can be prevented under specific conditions, similar to the way electron currents are stopped in disordered solids. This discovery links chaos theory and turbulence, highlighting a phenomenon where energy threshold plays a crucial role.

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.

Turbulent relationship among massive stars

Researchers from University of Bonn discover most massive stars form double systems, with over three-quarters orbiting a companion. The study reveals material transfer and merging between stars, challenging previous assumptions about single stars.

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.

Unique scientific collaboration reveals hard facts on European drug use

A collaborative research project analyzed raw sewage samples from 19 European cities, providing unique insights into illicit drug use patterns. The study found distinct temporal and spatial patterns in drug use across Europe, with cocaine use higher in Western and Central Europe and ecstasy loads highest in Dutch cities.

Bone marrow transplant eliminates signs of HIV infection

Two men with longstanding HIV infections have no detectable traces of HIV after bone marrow transplants, suggesting protection under anti-retroviral therapy. Researchers plan to study additional HIV-positive patients and explore tracing HIV in tissues.

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.

Climate concerns

A team of Harvard researchers has found a connection between climate change, ozone depletion, and an increase in skin cancer incidence. The study suggests that climate change may lead to more damaging ultraviolet (UV) radiation reaching the Earth's surface, resulting in higher rates of skin cancer. The research also raises concerns abo...

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.

The fin whale, under more threat in the Mediterranean than thought

A new study suggests that the fin whale population in the Mediterranean Sea is smaller and more limited in distribution than previously estimated. The research highlights the impact of human activity on the species' survival, including collisions with merchant vessels and noise pollution.

First photo evidence of snub-nosed monkey species in China

Researchers have confirmed the presence of the critically endangered snub-nosed monkey species in China's Yunnan province. The population is estimated to be less than 100 individuals and faces numerous threats due to habitat loss and hunting.

Photovoltaics from any semiconductor

The new SFPV technology allows for the creation of high-quality p-n junctions in semiconductors that are difficult to dope by conventional chemical methods. Researchers demonstrate the effect in configurations using copper oxide and silicon, achieving stable electrically contacted p-n junctions.

Big horns trump smooth pickup lines every time

Elk and rhinoceros beetles use insulin to grow big horns and attract mates. A study by Michigan State University found that these traits are not handicaps, but rather honest indicators of quality. The research suggests that the males' insulin dependence provides a way for them to show off their strength and suitability as partners.

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.

Writing in cursive with your eyes only

Researchers develop a technology that tricks the neuromuscular machinery into producing smooth eye movements, allowing individuals with nearly complete limb paralysis to write in cursive. This breakthrough has significant implications for people with ALS and other conditions affecting eye movement control.

Toddlers object when people break the rules

Researchers Marco Schmidt and Michael Tomasello found that children as young as 2 years old object to rule-breaking, demonstrating an early understanding of social norms. They also enforce norms only within their own cultural in-group, suggesting a sophisticated calibration of behavior to group identity.

MRSA cases in academic hospitals double in 5 years: study

A study published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology found that MRSA cases in academic medical centers in the US more than doubled between 2003 and 2008. The researchers estimated hospitalizations increased from 21 out of every 1,000 patients to 42 out of every 1,000, or nearly 1 in 20 inpatients.

NIH team describes protective role of skin microbiota

Researchers at the National Institutes of Health discovered that beneficial bacteria in the skin play a crucial role in protecting the body from infection. The study found that commensal bacteria work with immune cells to fight off harmful microbes, providing new insights into the importance of skin health and microbiota.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Climate change could open trade opportunities for some vulnerable nations

A study by Stanford University and the World Bank found that Tanzania has the potential to increase its maize exports due to predicted dry and hot weather affecting major consumer countries. The country's diverse trading partners could help hedge against severe dry weather, allowing it to profit from exports in good years.

Controlling monkey brains and behavior with light

Scientists have successfully controlled monkey behavior using optogenetics by activating specific brain cells with blue light. This breakthrough could lead to the development of therapeutic treatments for neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease and depression.

BUSM study identifies receptor's role in regulating obesity, type 2 diabetes

Researchers found that activation of A2b-type adenosine receptor reduces insulin and glucose levels and improves symptoms of high-fat diet-induced type 2 diabetes. The study identified a novel link between A2bAR and insulin signaling, providing new insights into the regulation of glucose and insulin homeostasis.

ASTRO announces 2012 fellows class

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has named its 2012 class of Fellows, recognizing their significant contributions to the field of radiation oncology. The new Fellows include renowned experts in research, patient care, education, and leadership.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Deadly E. coli strain decoded

A team of researchers at Michigan State University has identified the secret to the deadly 2011 E. coli outbreak in Germany, attributing its lethality to biofilm formation. By targeting this mechanism, the researchers aim to potentially tame the killer bacteria.

Speed and power of X-ray laser helps unlock molecular mysteries

An international research team has developed a new nanocrystallography technique that captures 3D images of biomolecules in action using the Linac Coherence Light Source X-ray laser. This method allows scientists to study molecules at room temperature without radiation damage, enabling the creation of atomic-scale resolution models.

New drug could help maintain long-term weight loss

A new compound, JD5037, targets cannabinoid receptors and increases sensitivity to leptin, reducing obesity and improving metabolic health. The findings have implications for the development of new treatments for obesity in humans.

PETA files complaint with European ombudsman over animal testing for REACH

The European Chemical Agency is accused of maladministration by failing to investigate cases where animal testing could be avoided under REACH. PETA claims that ECHA is not taking adequate action to ensure compliance with the regulation's last-resort requirement, resulting in unnecessary animal testing.

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.

DNA damage in roofers due to PAH exposure – possible cancer link

A University of Colorado study found that roofers who work with hot asphalt have higher levels of DNA damage and potentially higher cancer risk due to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) exposure. The study suggests that PAH absorption through skin plays a role in this increased risk.

A new genre of diagnostic tests for the era of personalized medicine

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved several precedent-setting cancer drugs that offer a glimpse into the future of personalized medicine. Companion diagnostics are being used to identify patients most likely to benefit from medication, enabling targeted treatments.

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.

Space research institute awards funding to promising medical products

The National Space Biomedical Research Institute has awarded $100,000 to ACell, Inc. and Enterade USA LLC to develop innovative medical solutions addressing unmet health needs in space and on Earth. The funding will support the commercialization of wound-healing dressings and a radiation-rehydration drink.