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Science News Archive 2012


Page 42 of 333

How threat, reward and stress come together to predict problem drinking

Researchers found that stress-related problem drinking is linked to a specific combination of neural circuit functioning, including highly reactive reward circuits and hypo-reactive threat circuits. This imbalance can lead to excessive drinking in response to stress, as the brain struggles with opposing drives for pleasure and fear.

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.

Better ways to monitor quality of care for newborns

Experts in PLOS Medicine recommend new signal functions to track the quality of routine and emergency newborn care. The new methods aim to improve maternal and newborn care in low- and middle-income countries, helping to meet Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5.

It pays to cooperate

In a study, MIT physicists found that cooperative yeast members outperform cheaters when competing with bacteria in an experimental setup. This is because cooperators have easier access to sugars and can spread less due to population density constraints.

Metals versus microbes: The biocidal effect of metalloacid-coated surfaces

A new study reveals that metalloacid-coated surfaces exhibit strong antimicrobial activity against various microorganisms, including those resistant to multiple antibiotics. The coating's ability to produce acidic pH through oxonium ions significantly limits the survival of microbes on coated surfaces.

Advocacy for planned home birth not in patients' best interest

A recent study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology challenges the benefits of planned home birth, citing higher rates of unexpected complications, emergency transports, and perinatal mortality. The authors argue that a hospital-based approach can provide a safer and more satisfying experience for patients.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

For brain tumors, origins matter

Sanford-Burnham researchers found that different brain tumor cell types respond to distinct treatments due to varying growth factor regulation. This discovery offers potential for more effective and less harmful treatments tailored to individual tumors.

Study designed to help ER doctors manage patient information

A study at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston aims to enhance ER care by reducing information overload and improving communication among healthcare teams. The researchers will test new electronic health record systems and communication prototypes to help doctors make informed decisions.

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.

Powering lasers through heat

Researchers at the University of Innsbruck propose a novel method for powering lasers through heat, which could provide internal cooling and revolutionize microchip technology. The concept involves using temperature gradients to separate cold and warm areas in the laser, allowing for efficient energy transfer.

Cancer: Exercise reduces tiredness

Aerobic exercise can help relieve fatigue associated with cancer and treatment, balancing rest with physical activity may reduce fatigue. The new review adds 28 studies, including those in breast cancer patients, showing that aerobic exercise benefits those with solid tumours during and after treatment.

Pacific fishing zones -- lifeline for overfished tuna?

A network of marine zones in the Pacific Ocean could significantly improve numbers of heavily overfished bigeye tuna and local economies. The study found that restricting longline fishing in tuna-spawning areas and managing fish-aggregating devices are key measures to effectively conserve Pacific bigeye tuna.

G proteins regulate remodelling of blood vessels

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute have discovered how external signals regulate vascular remodelling through G protein-mediated signalling pathways. These pathways work together in other contexts but act as antagonists in blood vessel remodelling, balancing cell growth and regression.

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.

The road to language learning is iconic

A study on young children's use of British Sign Language found that iconic signs were comprehended and produced more by younger children, with the benefit increasing for older children. This suggests that iconicity may play an important role in language acquisition, providing a mechanism for early sign learning.

Vitamin D may prevent clogged arteries in diabetics

Research found that people with diabetes who have adequate vitamin D are less likely to develop clogged arteries. In contrast, insufficient vitamin D leads to immune cells binding to blood vessels and trapping cholesterol.

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.

UTSW 1 of 2 academic medical centers to win 2 major patient satisfaction awards

UT Southwestern Medical Center is one of only two academic medical centers in the US to receive a Patient Voice Award and a Summit Award for outstanding patient satisfaction scores. The hospital achieved high levels of excellence in patient care, with recognition for its communication, responsiveness, and pain management.

Less of a shock

Researchers have developed a low-energy defibrillation scheme that significantly reduces the energy needed to re-establish a normal rhythm in the heart's main chambers. This novel electrotherapy could be less painful than existing implantable defibrillators and may even fall beneath the threshold at which patients begin to perceive pain.

New study examines how health affects happiness

A new study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies found that disease disrupts daily functioning is associated with reduced happiness. The study used a direct measure of disability and found a three-percent reduction in unhappiness for every one-point increase in freedom-from-debility score.

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.

Fast food menu options double; calorie counts remain high

A study by Temple University found that fast food menus have doubled in size, but calorie counts have changed little between 1997 and 2010. The average calorie content of foods offered by major U.S. fast food restaurants remained stable, while entree salads and sweetened teas became increasingly popular additions to the menus.

Roots of deadly 2010 India flood identified; Findings could improve warnings

A study led by University of Washington researchers identifies unusual weather patterns that contributed to the 2010 India flood, which killed 193 people. The findings suggest that organized clouds in high mountains can tap into additional moisture from nearby bodies of water, leading to severe flash flooding.

Researchers unlock ancient Maya secrets with modern soil science

A team of researchers used advanced soil analysis to uncover evidence of ancient Maya maize production in lowland areas, but also found signs of erosion in steeper soils. This study demonstrates the power of modern soil science in understanding past civilizations' treatment of the land and its impact on food security.

Physicians fail to disclose conflicts of interest on social media

A Johns Hopkins doctor argues that comprehensive guidelines for physicians on disclosing conflicts of interest on social media are lacking. Electronic tags and online profiles could help address this issue, DeCamp says, as physicians' posts can be re-tweeted and potentially biased by financial conflicts.

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.

A better route to xylan

Joint BioEnergy Institute researchers identify a gene in rice plants that improves extraction of xylan and release of sugars needed for biofuels by over 60%. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient production of advanced biofuels.

Study shows veterans are becoming more segregated in the US

A study by Jay Teachman found that veteran populations are becoming more concentrated in rural areas surrounding military bases. This has led to a decrease in contact between veteran and non-veteran populations, with the proportion of veterans in America declining by an average of 15.54% since 2000.

UT Arlington physics team demonstrates new power generation technique

The UT Arlington physics team has developed a novel thermoelectric generator using copper sulfide nanoparticles and single-walled carbon nanotubes. The technology, which can convert both light and thermal energy into electrical current, shows increases of up to 80% in light absorption compared to earlier methods.

HIV-1 vaccine development: Pinning down a moving target

Researchers have found that targeting human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) can effectively eliminate HIV-infected cells using immune responses. This discovery could lead to the development of novel HIV vaccines by leveraging HERV-targeted T-cells.

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.

Genetic link between pancreatitis and alcohol consumption, says Pitt team

Researchers identified a genetic variant on chromosome X that predicts high-risk men who drink heavily are at risk for developing chronic pancreatitis. The discovery enables doctors to identify patients with early signs of pancreatitis or acute attacks, allowing them to take preventative action and give the pancreas a chance to heal.

Soothing sounds during cataract surgery reduces patient anxiety

A novel approach to cataract surgery using binaural beats audio therapy significantly reduces patients' anxiety, with consistent results in heart rate and blood pressure. The study highlights the potential for this simple, inexpensive method to improve patient outcomes and satisfaction.

Robots enable scar-free hysterectomies for some women

A new approach to hysterectomy allows for essentially scar-free surgery using robotic arms in a thin incision. The technique provides improved access for surgeons, enabling clearer views of anatomy and reducing the risk of injury to vital structures.

Bringing measuring accuracy to radical treatment

Researchers at Ghent University have developed a simplified model to measure the absolute density of OH radicals in plasma, improving the accuracy of radical treatment for medical applications. This breakthrough could stimulate tissue regeneration and induce targeted antiseptic effects without harming neighboring tissues.

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.

Surveying Earth's interior with atomic clocks

Scientists propose using ultraprecise atomic clocks to directly measure the Earth's true physical form, the geoid, which is currently determined indirectly through satellite tracking. This method has the potential to map the interior of the Earth to great depths, enabling more accurate exploration and discovery of subsurface structures.

November/December 2012 Annals of Family Medicine tip sheet

The US will need 52,000 additional primary care physicians by 2025 due to population growth and aging, with a projected 25% increase in the workforce. Researchers also examine the benefits of starting prostate cancer screening at age 40 versus 50 and argue that guidelines should be evidence-based to prioritize proven services.

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.

Cilia guide neuronal migration in developing brain

A new study reveals that cilia play a dynamic role in guiding neuronal migration during brain development. In mice with deleted Arl13b gene, interneurons fail to migrate properly due to abnormal cilia function.

Snap judgments during speed dating

A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience identified two brain regions involved in making rapid judgments about potential partners. The paracingulate cortex and rostromedial prefrontal cortex are active when people consider physical attractiveness and individual compatibility, respectively.

Southampton to help develop new crops for water-stressed environments

The University of Southampton is leading a €11.6 million EU-funded research project to develop new crops that can withstand drought, addressing the impact of climate change on crop productivity. The project aims to characterise DNA variation in under-utilised crops and harness this knowledge to produce better crops.

Scientists unravel the mystery of marine methane oxidation

A team of researchers has made a groundbreaking discovery that challenges long-standing theories on marine methane oxidation. They found that a single microorganism, an archaeon, can perform both methane oxidation and sulfate respiration without the need for bacterial collaboration.

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.

Black patients with kidney cancer have poorer survival than whites

A new study found that black patients with kidney cancer have a survival disadvantage compared to white patients, even when diagnosed at early stages or receiving less aggressive treatment. The study analyzed nearly 40,000 renal cell carcinoma patients and confirmed poorer survival rates for blacks.

$50 million to speed discoveries for patients

The ICTS will focus on translating genetic and genomic research into patient care, developing new therapeutics, and disseminating research findings. The grant supports Washington University's strengths in genetic and genomic research and its efforts to advance clinical and translational research.

Awareness could eliminate inequalities in cancer diagnoses

A new study by the University of Cambridge reveals substantial inequalities in cancer stage at diagnosis, which can impact survival. The research highlights the importance of awareness campaigns to improve early diagnosis for specific patient groups, including those living in poorer neighborhoods or with different tumour sub-types.

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.

Good quality of life for couples who adopt

A study from the University of Gothenburg found that quality of life is highest among couples who adopted, followed by those with children through IVF. The study suggests considering adoption as a fertility option for couples seeking medical help.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

On the hunt for rare cancer cells

Researchers at MIT developed a microfluidic device that captures circulating tumor cells using DNA 'tentacles' inspired by jellyfish. The device increases flow rates 10 times higher than existing ones, enabling rapid processing of blood samples and potential monitoring of cancer patients.