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Science News Archive 2012


Page 79 of 333

Nano-hillocks: Of mountains and craters

A team of researchers from Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf and TU Vienna discovered that highly charged ions can create nano-hillocks or craters on surfaces. The formation depends on the ion beam's charge state and kinetic energy, with nano-hillocks forming at higher energies.

Putting a 'HEX' on muscle regeneration

Researchers found that HEXIM1 blocks gene expression necessary for muscle regeneration after injury, leading to increased muscle mass and function in mice with reduced HEXIM1 levels. This suggests that HEXIM1 may be a key regulator of skeletal muscle regeneration and a potential therapeutic target for degenerative muscle diseases.

Study reveals how memory load leaves us 'blind' to new visual information

A new study by Professor Nilli Lavie and colleagues found that focusing on remembering an image can lead to 'blindness' in detecting visual information. The research, published in the Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, reveals a pathway of competition in the brain between new visual information and short-term memory.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

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Duke Medicine news -- Children underrepresented in drug studies

A study published in Pediatrics found that children are underrepresented in clinical trials, with fewer than 5% of trials enrolling kids under 18. This lack of representation can lead to a shortage of data on pediatric therapies and dosages, affecting treatment decisions.

Tree rings go with the flow of the Amazon

Researchers have used tree rings from cedar trees in Bolivia to record a 100-year history of rainfall across the Amazon basin. The study found that lowland tropical cedar trees provide a natural archive of data closely related to historic rainfall, allowing for a detailed understanding of past climate variability.

Preoperative needle breast biopsies can lead to improved treatment outcomes

A new study published in the Journal of American College of Surgeons found that needle biopsies can lead to improved treatment outcomes for women diagnosed with breast cancer. Patients who underwent needle biopsies were more likely to have adequate tumor excision and lymph node assessment compared to those who received open biopsies.

AGU journal highlights -- 1 October 2012

Scientific studies reveal pros and cons of free market approach to water trading in Australia's Murray Darling Basin. Researchers also uncover connections between typhoon tracks, rainfall patterns, and flood timing, with potential applications for improved real-time flood warning systems.

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.

Sea-level study shows signs of things to come

A new study predicts that sea levels will continue to rise for thousands of years due to irreversible warming caused by greenhouse gas emissions. The research suggests that the Earth's ice sheets and oceans will contribute significantly to this rise, with a possible increase of up to 6.8 meters in the next thousand years.

Tolerance for ambiguity explains adolescents' penchant for risky behaviors

A study reveals that adolescents are more likely to engage in risky behaviors due to their comfort with uncertainty, rather than an innate taste for risk. By providing precise information about the risks involved, adolescents become even more risk-averse, whereas ambiguity makes them more willing to take risks.

'Cafeteria diet' hastens stroke risk

A high-calorie, high-sugar, high-sodium diet has been shown to induce symptoms of metabolic syndrome in rats after just two months, increasing the risk of stroke and related health issues. The study highlights the importance of a balanced diet and regular exercise in preventing these conditions.

Camels give President Obama's Alzheimer's plan a lift

Researchers found a new class of antibody in camelids that can cross the blood-brain barrier, diffusing into brain tissue to reach specific targets. This breakthrough may lead to enhanced imaging and improved drug delivery for people with brain diseases like Alzheimer's.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

First images of Landau levels revealed

Scientists at the University of Warwick and Tohoku University have directly imaged Landau Levels, showing concentric rings that increase according to energy level. The discovery uses scanning tunnelling spectroscopy to overcome material disorder, shedding light on the quantum Hall effect.

Researchers halt autoimmune disease myasthenia gravis in mice

Johns Hopkins researchers have developed a gene-based therapy that specifically targets the immune response of myasthenia gravis, erasing the need for systemic immunosuppression. The technique uses genetically engineered dendritic cells to destroy faulty T-cells, reducing autoantibodies and halting the autoimmune attack.

Restricting nuclear power has little effect on the cost of climate policies

A recent study by Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research found that restricting nuclear power has minimal effect on the cost of climate policies. The researchers discovered that early retirement of nuclear power plants would lead to cumulative global GDP losses amounting to around 10-20 percent of climate policy costs.

Marine animals could hold the key to looking young

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London discovered genes in sea urchins and sea cucumbers that can change collagen elasticity, potentially leading to new ways to keep skin looking young and healthy. The study found peptides that cause rapid stiffening or softening of collagen, which could be used to combat aging-related wrinkles.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

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The obese brain may thwart weight loss

Research indicates diets high in saturated fat and refined sugar may impair brain function in obese individuals, leading to increased overconsumption of high-calorie foods. Obesity-related changes may also lead to permanent cognitive decline, making it a lifelong battle to maintain weight loss.

Study examines safety of quadrivalent HPV vaccine given to females

A large study found that the quadrivalent HPV vaccine was associated with fainting and skin infections in the days following vaccination. The study of over 189,000 females suggests that these side effects are relatively common but not serious, supporting the safety of routine vaccination.

Evidence-based guidelines enable optimal treatment of common low-back pain

A set of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines has been established to guide the diagnosis and treatment of low-back pain in the US. The guidelines recommend careful observation, over-the-counter pain medication, and targeted physical activity for most patients, while reserving imaging and surgery for specific cases with red flags.

Yearlong MAGIC climate study launches

A yearlong marine deployment of the ARM Mobile Facility AMF2 on the Horizon Spirit aims to collect extensive data on clouds and their transitions, improving climate modeling. The project will provide valuable insights into Earth's energy and water balance, enhancing our understanding of climate change.

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.

Hidden stroke impairment leaves thousands suffering in silence

A survey in southern Ontario found that only 2% of respondents could correctly identify aphasia as a communication disorder affecting speaking, reading, writing and understanding. This highlights the need for increased awareness and access to speech-language therapy and supportive programs for people living with chronic aphasia.

Zinc deficiency mechanism linked to aging, multiple diseases

A new study finds that zinc transporters are dysregulated in old animals, leading to increased inflammation and oxidative stress. Experts recommend adequate dietary intake of zinc for the elderly, particularly through supplements or seafood/meat-rich foods.

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.

Tobacco contains highly toxic compounds not regulated by law

A study analyzing ten brands of cigarettes found significant variations in the concentrations of harmful and carcinogenic substances, which are not regulated by law. The researchers developed catalysts to reduce the toxicity levels of tobacco, including a material that reduces carbon monoxide emissions by 23%.

Study reveals 'unacceptably high' hip resurfacing failure rates

A recent study published in The Lancet found that hip resurfacing implants failed at a higher rate in women compared to men, particularly those with smaller head sizes. In contrast, men with larger femoral heads experienced comparable implant success rates to those who underwent total hip replacement.

Homolog of mammalian neocortex found in bird brain

Researchers found cells similar to mammalian neocortex in bird brains, contradicting long-held assumptions about their anatomy. The study opens up new animal models for studying the neocortex and its evolution.

Poor sleep in adolescents may increase risk of heart disease

Research found a significant association between sleep disturbance and cardiovascular risk factors in adolescents, including high cholesterol levels, BMI, and hypertension. Poor sleep habits were also linked to unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as consuming more fried foods and exercising less.

Genetically engineered immune system fights melanoma

A new clinical trial at Loyola Medicine uses a genetically engineered immune system to fight melanoma. The treatment involves removing killer T cells from a patient and modifying them to recognize tumor cells as abnormal.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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Auto experts recognize cars like most people recognize faces

Researchers mapped auto enthusiasts' brain activity and found that their fusiform face area responds to both faces and cars. The study suggests that expertise in one domain can improve performance in another, potentially aiding treatments for individuals with difficulty recognizing faces.

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.

The chemical memory of seawater

Researchers have identified thousands of individual components in dissolved organic matter (DOM) in seawater using ultra-high resolution mass spectrometry. This allows them to infer information about the water's past, including its age, exposure to sunlight, and even which marine life once inhabited it.

Calgary and Toronto centres achieve 'Distinction' in stroke care

The Calgary Stroke Program and Toronto Rehabilitation Institute have achieved Distinction status for their exceptional stroke care, demonstrating a commitment to best practices, leadership, and innovation. The awards recognize the organizations' rigorous accreditation process and dedication to improving patient outcomes.

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.

Should aspirin be used to prevent cancer?

Evidence suggests aspirin may lower colorectal cancer risk by 24% and mortality rates by 35%, but concerns remain about side effects. The ESMO Congress debates whether aspirin should be used for chemoprevention of colorectal adenoma/cancer.

$2.7 million U-M, WSU grant aims to improve African American health

The Michigan Center for Urban African American Aging Research will continue its work to improve the health of older minorities through education, scholarship, and research. The center's fourth five-year renewal will allow it to investigate why older urban minorities suffer from poorer health than their Caucasian counterparts.

Novel gene associated with Usher syndrome identified

A novel gene CIB2 has been associated with Usher syndrome, a devastating genetic disorder that affects both hearing and vision. The discovery provides new insights into the disease's progression and may lead to future therapeutic targets.

CWRU wins grant to wean sustainable energy off oil

Scientists at CWRU will lead an international effort to reduce oil dependency by creating lighter, stronger materials for wind turbine blades and solar panels from biomaterials like plants, bacteria, and fungi. The project aims to educate the next generation of scientists working in sustainability.

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.

Omega-3 supplements may slow a biological effect of aging

Researchers found that omega-3 supplementation improved the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids, leading to increased telomere length and reduced oxidative stress. The study suggests that omega-3 supplements may have potential in lowering the risk of age-related diseases such as coronary heart disease and Alzheimer's disease.

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.

Are too few women being offered breast-conserving treatment?

A new study suggests that not enough women with breast cancer are being offered the chance to undergo treatments that may conserve their breasts. Despite high response rates to neoadjuvant therapy, only around 40% of patients receive breast-conserving surgery. The studies call for a clear consensus on the role of breast conserving surg...

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.

Fish getting smaller as the oceans warm: UBC research

A new study projects a 14-20% decline in maximum fish body weight by 2050, with the tropics being most impacted. The research highlights the need to curb greenhouse gas emissions and monitor changes to ocean ecosystems.

Myths and misunderstandings hamper efforts to prevent cancer

Studies presented at ESMO 2012 Congress reveal that a large proportion of people overestimate the cancer risk attributable to genetics and underestimate the risks associated with obesity, alcohol, and sunlight exposure. Increasing awareness of primary cancer prevention is crucial to reduce incidence rates.

Breast cancer recurrence defined by hormone receptor status

New research reveals that women with HER2 positive breast cancer that is also hormone (estrogen and progesterone) receptor negative have an increased risk of early death and less likely to recur in bone compared to those with hormone-sensitive cancer. The study suggests HR status defines two different subsets of HER2 positive cancers.

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.

The genetics of white finger disease

A study published in Clinical Epigenetics found that individuals with a specific genetic variation in SIRT1 are more likely to develop vibration-induced white finger disease. The research suggests that testing for this variant before starting work with vibrating machinery could prevent years of pain and disability.

New weapons in the fight against cancer

Several new first-in-human studies for drugs targeting a range of cancers have shown promising results, including the development of MEK-, MET- and HSP90 inhibitors as well as immunotherapeutic strategies. Studies have demonstrated significant activity in ALK-positive lung cancer resistant to crizotinib and other targeted therapies.

Common RNA pathway found in ALS and dementia

A recent study reveals a common RNA pathway that contributes to the degeneration of motor neurons in both ALS and dementia. The discovery provides a potential target for developing new treatments and offers insights into the normal function of key proteins involved in these diseases.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

New pathogen epidemic identified in sub-Saharan Africa

A new study reveals the emergence and spread of invasive non-Typhoidal Salmonella disease in sub-Saharan Africa, which has a significant mortality rate of up to 45% in infected people. The disease is caused by a rapidly evolving form of Salmonella Typhimurium that acquired resistance to multiple front-line drugs.