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Science News Archive 2012


Page 220 of 333

Venus to appear in once-in-a-lifetime event

Astronomers will witness a rare transit of Venus, appearing as a small black dot on the Sun's surface, which won't happen again until 2117. The event will help scientists study Venus's atmosphere and potentially aid in finding extrasolar planets.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Radiologists rank themselves as less than competent on health policy issues

A new study by American Roentgen Ray Society shows radiologists ranking themselves as less competent in patient imaging costs and patient safety compared to non-radiology physicians. The researchers aim to use this data for self-reflection to improve their knowledge and be ambassadors of change in healthcare reform.

Scientists uncover exciting lead into premature aging and heart disease

Researchers at A*STAR's Institute of Medical Biology found that reducing SUN1 levels in mouse models doubled the life spans of those with progeria and tripled it for those with Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy. This discovery opens up a possibility for therapeutic use of reduced SUN1 levels for other forms of heart disease.

Vitamin D supplements may protect against viral infections during the winter

Research published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology suggests that vitamin D supplementation can strengthen innate immunity against viral infections. The study found that vitamin D insufficiency is associated with impaired immune function and lower levels of toll-like receptor 7, which regulates immune responses to viruses.

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.

Keep your fruit close and your vegetables closer

A recent study published in Environment and Behavior found that placing fruit and vegetable bowls near participants increases the likelihood of eating them. However, this effect is more pronounced for fruits due to their natural sweetness, which stimulates brain reward regions.

Bilingualism fine-tunes hearing, enhances attention

Research at Northwestern University reveals that bilingualism sharpens the brain's ability to encode basic sound patterns and improve attention. Bilingual speakers outperform monolingual peers in processing complex sounds under noisy conditions.

JCI early table of contents for April 30, 2012

Researchers found that PAX5 stabilizes MYC protein levels in B cells, correlating with poor patient survival. Additionally, STIM1 regulates calcium signaling to control fat preference, while IL-12 production is decreased in diabetic patients with increased infection risk.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Graduation year drives Facebook connections for college grads

Researchers found social networks on Facebook tend to form around graduation year or university housing rather than shared interests. The study's findings suggest universities can create strong community among students by manipulating student housing efforts.

Tablet-based case conferences improve resident learning

A new study shows that tablet-based conference mirroring enhances radiology residents' learning experience by allowing them to manipulate images, zoom in on subtle abnormalities, and participate remotely. More than 75% of residents who participated in this format strongly agreed that it improved their learning.

Superconducting strip could become an ultra-low-voltage sensor

Researchers observed an intermittent motion of magnetic flux in a superconducting strip, resulting in alternating static and dynamic phases with zero and non-zero voltage peaks. The study's findings have potential applications for gate devices controlling on/off states in electrical systems.

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.

How human cells 'hold hands'

A team of University of Iowa researchers found that a lack of gamma-protocadherin cell adhesion molecules in the cerebral cortex disrupts neural circuitry formation. This discovery may help understand causes of human developmental disorders like autism, mental retardation, and schizophrenia.

Attosecond lighthouses may help illuminate the tempestuous sea of electrons

Physicists create isolated attosecond pulses using a new method dubbed the "attosecond lighthouse" effect, which can help confirm theories of electron motion and yield insights into chemical reactions. The technique has several advantages over previous methods, including ease of implementation and minimal rotation required.

New research: Why bigger animals aren't always faster

A study of monitor lizards found that midsize lizards are the fastest, suggesting that larger size can create biomechanical constraints. The researchers discovered that above a certain size, lizards change their running style, making them slower.

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.

Conquering LED efficiency droop

Researchers from California and Japan have devised a new LED design that avoids efficiency droop, a major problem limiting solid-state lighting growth. The breakthrough could lead to more energy-efficient and affordable LED lighting, with potential applications in household bulbs.

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.

Culturally tailored program helps Mexican-American women lose weight

A study funded by the National Institutes of Health found that Mexican-American women who participated in a culturally tailored weight management program lost an average of nearly 16 pounds. The program, called De Por Vida, helped participants return to traditional Mexican diets and learn basic measuring skills.

WHO growth curves offer no distinct advantage over CDC measures

A study published in CMAJ found that WHO growth curves are not more effective than CDC curves in detecting cardiometabolic abnormalities in children aged 9 years. The WHO curves use older data, but did not offer a significant advantage in identifying overweight and obesity.

Old star, new trick

For the first time, astronomers have detected arsenic and selenium in an ancient star, revealing insights into the origin of these elements. The discovery sheds light on how stars produce heavier elements, including those found on Earth.

Researchers develop new method to measure IT quality

A new method to measure IT quality has been proposed by researchers at the University at Buffalo School of Management. The Quality Distinction (QD) Capability Model offers a more reliable understanding of IT capabilities by acknowledging the importance of regularly evaluating and adapting development and delivery processes.

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.

Archaeology expands beyond traditional scope into other sciences

Archaeologists are utilizing information from multiple disciplines to inform and enhance their data, providing new insights into social systems, economic processes, and political dynamics. The field has expanded beyond anthropology to include perspectives from sociology and other social sciences.

From tiny grains of sand to the growth of a mountain range

Researchers uncover ancient deformation ages of the Dead Sea fault zone, linking them to climate change in Northern Hemisphere. In southern Patagonia, warming caused glaciers to retreat early, while microbes played a key role in ooid formation.

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.

Annals of Internal Medicine Tip Sheet for May 1, 2012 issue

Two new studies published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that younger women at increased risk for breast cancer may benefit from biennial mammography screening beginning at age 40. The data suggest that this approach has more benefits than harms for women with a two-fold increased risk. Meanwhile, hospital management strategies h...

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.

A new drug to manage resistant chronic pain

A new drug, BL-7050, is being developed to manage resistant chronic pain caused by nerve or tissue damage. The medication targets potassium channels to prevent hyper-excitability and induce calm in neurons, offering relief to millions of sufferers.

Jarid2 may break the Polycomb silence

Researchers found that Jarid2, a component of the Polycomb repressive complex 2, occasionally activates gene expression in fruit fly embryos. This challenges the traditional view of Polycomb proteins as transcriptional repressors, suggesting a more complex role for PRC2 and its components in development and cancer.

Lymphoma therapy could deliver a double punch

Researchers have discovered a CD19-dependent pathway that contributes to the growth of B cell lymphomas. High levels of CD19 correlate with increased MYC activity, suggesting a new target for therapies currently in clinical trials.

Courtship in the cricket world

A new study by the University of Bristol reveals that male tree crickets can change the frequency of their songs with temperature, allowing them to adjust their size. This allows males to increase sound power, which may be linked to attracting mates and disguising their true size.

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.

Comparing apples and oranges

A new sensor developed at MIT can accurately measure the ripeness of fruits by detecting tiny amounts of ethylene gas. The sensor has the potential to help grocers and food distributors reduce waste and spoilage, with estimates suggesting a 30% reduction in losses.

Cleveland Clinic-led study finds Lucentis and Avastin equivalent in treating AMD

A landmark study found that bevacizumab (Avastin) is equivalent to ranibizumab (Lucentis) in treating wet age-related macular degeneration through two years, with monthly dosing producing slightly more vision gain. The study showed similar visual results regardless of dosing frequency, with 60% of patients achieving driving vision.

Synthetic stool a prospective treatment for C. difficile

Researchers at Queen's University are developing a synthetic stool mixture that could replace stool transplants as a treatment for C. difficile. This new approach aims to eliminate the risk of transmitting infectious diseases through fecal bacteria, improve patient acceptance, and provide a single-dose remedy.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Not all altruism is alike, says new study

A new mathematical model predicts that creatures will help each other differently depending on resource scarcity, with defense and food-focused behaviors favored during times of scarcity and care for young during abundance. The study's results suggest that the benefits of altruism vary across different behaviors.

Antimicrobial resistance for common UTI drug increases five fold since 2000

A study of over 12 million bacteria found that E. coli antimicrobial resistance to ciprofloxacin increased five-fold from 2000 to 2010, making treatment more expensive and complex for patients. The lack of new antimicrobial drug development is a major concern, as it may lead to the use of less effective and potentially toxic treatments.

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.

Portable gas sensors improve atmospheric pollution measurements

Researchers have developed portable gas sensors that can monitor ozone, greenhouse gases, and air pollutants with high-resolution mapping capabilities. The sensors use various technologies, including laser sensors and deep ultraviolet LEDs, to detect small amounts of atmospheric gases.

Arabic records allow past climate to be reconstructed

A study published in Weather journal has reconstructed past climate events in Iraq and Syria using ancient Arabic records. The research team found a high number of cold waves, droughts, and floods between 816-1009, with temperatures dropping as low as 18°C in July 920.

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.

Obesity affects job prospects for women, study finds

A new study by The University of Manchester found that obese women face discrimination in the job market, receiving lower starting salaries than their non-overweight colleagues. Body image and conservative personalities were also linked to obesity discrimination.

Global warming refuge discovered near at-risk Pacific island nation of Kiribati

A new study reveals that ocean currents may mitigate warming near a handful of equatorial islands, including some in the nation of Kiribati. This finding has important implications for the survival of coral reef systems and provides hope for these at-risk Pacific islands to avoid the devastating effects of global warming.

Only 1 in 5 bike share cyclists wears a helmet

A study found that more than 80% of bike share riders in Boston and Washington D.C. do not wear helmets, putting them at risk for head injuries. The study suggests helmet use can reduce head injury by up to 88%.

Darwinian selection continues to influence human evolution

A study analyzing church records of Finnish people from 1760-1849 found significant natural and sexual selection is still taking place in modern humans. The research suggests that men and women are not equally affected by Darwinian selection, with characteristics increasing mating success in men evolving faster.

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.