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Science News Archive April 2012


Page 5 of 29

Post cancer-related fatigue 'overestimated'

A new study found that only 6% of breast cancer survivors experience persistent and debilitating fatigue a year after treatment, contradicting previous reports. The researchers suggest that factors unrelated to the cancer or its treatment may have contributed to the high rates of reported fatigue.

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.

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.

Fetal membrane transplantation prevents blindness

A new study by Loyola University Medical Center found that fetal membrane transplantation significantly reduces the risk of blindness in patients with Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS)/toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). The treatment, which involves placing amniotic membrane on the eye, can aid healing and minimize scarring.

Genes shed light on spread of agriculture in Stone Age Europe

The study found that genetic variation of today's Europeans was strongly affected by immigrant Stone Age farmers, but hunter-gatherer genes still remain. The agricultural revolution is believed to have been driven by people migrating from Southern Europe, who lived alongside hunter-gatherers for thousands of years before interbreeding.

Study explores link between smoking during pregnancy, autism

A study found a possible link between smoking during pregnancy and the development of high-functioning autism, including Asperger's Disorder. The research suggests that certain types of autism may be influenced by environmental factors like maternal smoking.

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.

Scholars debate American exceptionalism in new journal

The inaugural issue of American Political Thought explores the concept of American exceptionalism, with scholars arguing over its origins, applications, and implications for U.S. foreign policy. The articles challenge common assumptions about the term's meaning and its role in shaping American identity.

Penn geneticists identify genes linked to Western African Pygmies' small stature

A new study identifies genes responsible for the Pygmies' relatively small size, suggesting hormonal pathways and immune system regulation as possible drivers. The research provides evidence of natural selection's role in shaping human traits, highlighting the importance of studying global diversity and evolutionary contexts.

Women have bigger pupils than men

A recent study has found that healthy emmetropic women have wider pupil diameters than men. The research analyzed anatomical indexes in a large sample of 379 emmetropic subjects, revealing differences between gender.

New study chronicles the rise of agriculture in Europe

A recent study analyzing 5,000-year-old DNA from Stone Age remains in Sweden found that farming moved north across the continent with migrating populations. The analysis suggests that European farmers mixed their genes with resident hunter-gatherers, shaping modern European genomes.

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.

3D X-ray reveals fibers that control heart rhythm

Scientists at the University of Liverpool developed a new X-ray technique to identify tissue fibers in the heart that ensure regular heartbeat. The 3D images could help medics develop ways to reduce the risk of fibrillation, a condition where heart muscle contracts chaotically.

Advanced pancreatic tumors depend on continued oncogene activity

Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute discovered that advanced pancreatic cancers in mice cannot survive without the mutant Kras oncogene, which rewires key metabolic pathways. The study suggests that targeting these altered metabolic pathways might be a potential approach to treat the deadly cancer.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NIH study links genes to common forms of glaucoma

The largest genetic study of glaucoma identified two genetic variations associated with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), a leading cause of blindness. The findings may lead to more effective therapies for POAG, including normal pressure glaucoma (NPG), where no curative treatments exist.

Action videogames change brains

Researchers at the University of Toronto found that playing action videogames for 10 hours improves visual attention and changes brain activity. The study used EEG recordings to detect differences in brain waves before and after gameplay.

New form of Mars lava flow dicovered

High-resolution photos of Martian lava flows reveal coiling spiral patterns that resemble snail or nautilus shells, a new form of lava flow discovered by Arizona State University graduate student Andrew Ryan. The discovery suggests possible interactions between lava flows and water floods in the Elysium volcanic province.

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.

Does technique that removes additional toxins benefit dialysis patients?

A study by the American Society of Nephrology found that hemodiafiltration, a technique to remove additional toxins during dialysis, does not improve patient survival or heart health. However, intense treatments may provide some benefits, particularly for patients who receive higher doses of treatment.

Selenium impacts honey bee behavior and survival

Researchers found that high selenium concentrations in nectar and pollen had no effect on honey bees' foraging behavior, but affected their sucrose response and led to early mortality. The study suggests that selenium may not be the primary cause of Colony Collapse Disorder.

Study finds mammography beneficial for younger women

A study published in American Journal of Roentgenology found that routine screening mammography benefits women between 40-49 years by detecting smaller tumors and high-risk lesions at earlier stages. This practice can lead to improved survival rates and reduced need for chemotherapy or extensive surgery.

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.

Study finds twist to the story of the number line

A study published in PLoS ONE suggests that the number-line concept is not an innate human intuition but a culturally acquired tool. The research, conducted with indigenous Yupno adults in Papua New Guinea, found that precise number concepts can exist independently of linear spatial representations.

6.8 million birds die each year at communication towers

A new study published in PLOS ONE reveals that over 6 million birds die every year at communication towers during migration, primarily due to getting caught in cables. Replacing steady-burning lights with blinking ones on approximately 4,500 towers could potentially reduce mortality by 45%.

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 new 'Achilles' heel' in fungus that causes dandruff

Research identifies enzyme essential for M. globosa's growth, making it a prime target for developing better anti-dandruff medicines. Sulfonamides show greater effectiveness than ketoconazole in preventing the fungus's growth.

1 in 3 households misreports smoke alarm coverage

A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that one in three households in Baltimore misreports its smoke alarm coverage, with the majority of errors due to over-reporting. The researchers suggest that relying on self-reports is not an accurate way to measure home protection against residential fires.

Stroke risk high when anti-clotting drugs stopped

Researchers found that stopping anti-clotting medication in patients with irregular heartbeats increases the risk of stroke within a month. The study analyzed data from over 14,000 patients and found that both warfarin and rivaroxaban carried similar stroke risks after temporary or permanent discontinuation.

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.

Genetic variants, tobacco exposure and lung cancer risk

A study published in JNCI found a strong association between genetic variants rs1051730-rs16969968 and objective measures of tobacco exposure, indicating that lung cancer risk is largely mediated by level of tobacco exposure. The research used data from six independent studies to analyze self-reported cigarette consumption and plasma o...

Antibiotic resistance flourishes in freshwater systems

A recent study by McMaster University researchers has found that floc, microscopic communities hosting large populations of bacteria, contain high levels of antibiotic resistance. The discovery highlights the widespread presence of antibiotic resistance in aquatic environments, with varying intensities based on human influence.

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.

Scientists predict paradoxical laser effect

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology and other institutions discovered that coupling two micro-lasers can lead to a total shutdown of light emission, defying the expectation that more energy would increase brightness

Small 'neural focus groups' predict anti-smoking ad success

A study by researchers from the University of Michigan and others found that brain scans of a small group of people can predict the actions of entire populations. The neural reactions of a few individuals can forecast the responses of many other people to ad campaigns promoting specific behaviors.

Neighborhoods -- not immigrants -- determining factor for homicides

A new study published in The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science found that neighborhood characteristics, such as disadvantage and residential stability, have a significant impact on violent crime rates. Immigrant populations were not linked to higher levels of lethal violence.

Penn researchers create first custom designed protein crystal

University of Pennsylvania chemists developed a theoretical method and computer algorithm to search for proteins that can crystallize into a target structure. They successfully created the first custom-designed protein crystal, paving the way for better understanding of proteins' makeup and designing new materials.

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.

Ophthalmologists urged to be alert for signs of child abuse

A case study highlights the need for ophthalmologists to be vigilant for signs of child abuse in patients with chronic or recurrent keratoconjunctivitis. The patient's symptoms improved but persisted despite treatment, leading to a diagnosis of child abuse.

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.

Thinking in a foreign language helps economic decision-making

Researchers found that thinking in a foreign language reduces loss aversion and asymmetry in decision-making. People are more likely to take attractive bets when considering options in a non-native tongue, as it provides a distancing mechanism that moves them from intuitive to deliberate thinking.

Researchers give long look at who benefits from nature tourism

A long-term study reveals that nature tourism in China's Wolong Nature Reserve increases conservation efforts, but disproportionately benefits individuals with existing resources. The research suggests that poverty alleviation policies may need to be revised to address the unequal distribution of benefits.

Shedding light on southpaws

Researchers developed a mathematical model that shows the low percentage of lefties is due to balance between cooperation and competition. The model accurately predicts the number of elite left-handed athletes in various sports, such as baseball, boxing, and hockey.

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.

Salmonella infection, but not as we know it

Researchers used video microscopy and mathematical modelling to challenge common assumptions about Salmonella infection. They found that macrophage infection rates are lower than previously thought, but infected cells can still be reinfected by other bacteria.

With new design, bulk semiconductor proves it can take the heat

Researchers at Boston College and MIT have developed a novel nanotech design that enhances the thermoelectric performance of Silicon Germanium alloy semiconductors. The breakthrough boosts electrical conductivity while reducing thermal conductivity, resulting in improved figure of merit values up to 1.3 at 900°C.

In developing world, economic benefits trump expense of C-sections

A new study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that C-sections are a cost-effective means of improving health in the developing world. The study's median economic benefit of death and disability prevented outweighs the cost of procedures 6 to 1, with an average return on investment of $6 for every $1 invested.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

'Rogue DNA' plays key role in heart failure, study shows

A study by British and Japanese researchers shows that rogue DNA from the heart's own cells mistakenly activates the body's immune system, leading to inflammation and reducing the heart's ability to pump blood. This process can kick-start in heart failure, a debilitating condition affecting millions worldwide.