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Science News Archive April 2012 - Page 12


Page 12 of 29

$3.5 million grant helps teachers help students

A new study will test a professional development program called CARE for Teachers, which aims to enhance teachers' social and emotional competence. The program provides emotion skills instruction, mindfulness practices, and caring techniques to promote empathy and compassion in the classroom.

SourcePenn State·DateApr 19, 2012

New clinical practice guidelines on alcoholic liver disease published

The EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines on Alcoholic Liver Disease provide recommendations for managing alcohol abuse and dependence, diagnosing liver diseases, and treating patients with ALD. The guidelines also identify areas for future research, including clinical trials.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of the Liver·DateApr 19, 2012
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.

$9 million grant awarded to UH to study, treat learning disabilities

The University of Houston has been awarded a $9 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to study and treat learning disabilities in children and adolescents. The grant will support five years of research on reading comprehension difficulties, brain function, and diagnosis, intervention, and treatment.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateApr 19, 2012

Study: Insomnia takes toll on tinnitus patients

A new study from Henry Ford Hospital found a significant association between insomnia and the severity of perceived tinnitus symptoms. Patients with insomnia reported greater emotional distress from tinnitus, highlighting the need for evaluation and treatment of insomnia patients to reduce tinnitus symptom severity.

SourceHenry Ford Health·DateApr 19, 2012

Payment innovation cuts depression time in half

A quality-of-care incentive program at community health clinics reduced depression treatment time by more than half, from over 60 weeks to less than 25 weeks. The initiative improved patient care and clinical outcomes for low-income adults with temporary disabilities.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateApr 19, 2012

New ways to treat debilitating brittle bone disease

Researchers at the University of Sheffield have identified three new ways to tackle bone diseases like osteoporosis. By understanding how individual cells respond to mechanical loading and stress, they've discovered that controlling ATP release during exercise could help build stronger bones.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalEuropean Journal of Human Genetics·DateApr 19, 2012
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.

Exploring Earth: From surface to sea

Researchers used gravity and seismic geophysical methods to study the San Juan volcanic field in Colorado, revealing new constraints on its development. In Alaska, subducting plate geology was studied during three great earthquake ruptures, providing insights into tsunamis and future earthquake hazards.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeosphere·DateApr 19, 2012

NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter brings 'earthrise' to everyone

The NASA visualization brings back the iconic 'Earthrise' photograph, taken by Apollo 8 astronauts in 1968. The image captures the moon's surface and the Earth's vibrant colors, showcasing the planet's beauty and fragility. The recreation uses detailed maps gathered by LRO and was funded by NASA's Science Mission Directorate.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 19, 2012

Study finds cancer-fighting goodness in cholesterol

Researchers at Simon Fraser University found that cholesterol-binding proteins called ORPs can control cell growth, potentially slowing down cancer cells. Genetic changes blocked the ability of these proteins to bind cholesterol, but altered ORPs actually stimulated cell growth by activating regulator proteins.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateApr 19, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Most detailed maps yet of Africa's groundwater

The study estimates the total volume of groundwater in Africa to be around 0.66 million km3, sufficient for hand pumps to supply drinking water in many populated areas. However, high-yielding boreholes are limited to specific regions, and a careful approach is needed to ensure successful development.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateApr 19, 2012

New technique efficiently creates single photons for quantum information processing

Researchers developed a new way to rapidly create single photons by exciting ultra-cold rubidium gas with lasers. This allows for the reliable production of single photons with well-known properties, important for various research areas including quantum information systems and studying dynamics and disorder in physical systems.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateApr 19, 2012

New study links air pollution and early death in the UK

A new study published in Environmental Science and Technology found that air pollution from cars, trucks, planes, and powerplants cause 13,000 premature deaths in the UK each year. Car exhaust was the single greatest contributor to premature death, affecting over 3,300 people annually.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateApr 19, 2012

AZM alternatives for apple growers against codling moth

A new study found that alternative insecticides can provide equivalent fruit protection to AZM, but with different application timings and strategies. The researchers developed successful strategies incorporating insecticides targeting eggs and larvae for effective codling moth management.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Integrated Pest Management·DateApr 19, 2012

Concerns about MRSA for expectant mothers may be unfounded

A recent Vanderbilt University Medical Center study found little vertical transmission of MRSA from mother to child, but babies closely matched their mother's carrier status within six weeks after birth. The study suggests that close contact may lead to horizontal transmission of the bacteria.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateApr 19, 2012
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Black women leaders approved for assertiveness in the workplace

A new study found that black women leaders are expected to be assertive, unlike white men and women who are penalized for similar behavior. Black women occupy a unique space in leadership, separate from other groups, with their agency valued over traditional communal roles.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 19, 2012

Georgia Tech researchers address bus bunching

Researchers at Georgia Tech have devised a way to compute delays and self-equalize gaps between buses, improving service for riders and reducing work for management. The system uses GPS and cell phones to optimize bus arrival times, ensuring more consistent headways.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalTransportation Research·DateApr 19, 2012
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.

Obesity and extreme slimness cause risks in pregnancy

A new study of over 3,000 pregnant women finds that obesity and extreme slimness are associated with increased risks of complications during pregnancy, labour, and birth. Underweight women also face specific health challenges, including oligohydramnios and low birth weight.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalThe Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine·DateApr 19, 2012

Female prisoners more obese than general female population except in UK, whereas male prisoners are on average slimmer than the general male population

A systematic analysis of prison populations worldwide shows that female prisoners are more obese than the general female population apart from in the UK, while male prisoners are slimmer. The study highlights the importance of addressing public health risk factors in vulnerable populations.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 19, 2012

Anti-tobacco TV ads help adults stop smoking, study finds

A study found that anti-tobacco television advertising helps reduce adult smoking rates, with state-sponsored campaigns being the most effective. The researchers analyzed exposure to ads from various sponsors and found a significant association between higher ad exposure and lower smoking rates.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateApr 19, 2012
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.

Save big on heating, cooling costs with efficiency controls

A recent report from PNNL estimates that US commercial building owners could save an average of 38% on their heating and cooling bills by installing a handful of energy efficiency controls. The estimated savings range from 28% to 67% depending on local climate and energy prices.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateApr 19, 2012

Research links childhood trauma to schizophrenia

Researchers at University of Liverpool found children who experienced severe trauma are 3 times more likely to develop schizophrenia. The study analyzed data from over 27,000 research papers and suggests environment plays a major role in psychosis development.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalSchizophrenia Bulletin·DateApr 19, 2012

Lizard moms may prepare their babies for a stressful world

A study found that stressed lizard mothers gave birth to smaller, but healthier, offspring with larger fat reserves, which may enhance their survival in a post-natal stressful world. Stressed mothers themselves were also more physically fit after giving birth, prioritizing self-preservation.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalPhysiological and Biochemical Zoology·DateApr 19, 2012
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

New brain-machine interface moves a paralyzed hand

Researchers at Northwestern University developed a new brain-machine interface that directly delivers electrical signals from the brain to muscles, enabling complex movement of a paralyzed hand. The device was tested on monkeys and showed promising results, with potential applications for paralyzed patients.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature·DateApr 19, 2012
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.

Kidney care reports don't line up with care billed by physicians

A study found that information on a mandatory Medicare form regarding kidney disease patients' care doesn't accurately reflect the actual care billed by physicians. The report's accuracy varies by patient characteristics and declines over time, emphasizing the need for improved reporting to ensure public health surveillance and planning.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 19, 2012

Cellular pathway linked to diabetes, heart disease

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have found a cellular pathway linked to obesity-related disorders such as diabetes, heart disease, and fatty liver disease. Deleting the enzyme histone deacetylase 9 (HDAC9) completely protected mice against high-fat feeding's negative health consequences.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateApr 19, 2012
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.

New stem cell found in the brain

Researchers at Lund University have identified a new stem cell in the adult brain that can proliferate and form several different cell types, including new brain cells. The discovery has great potential for developing methods to heal and repair brain injury and disease.

SourceVan Andel Research Institute·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 19, 2012

Inequality and investment bubbles

Research by physics professor Victor Yakovenko links income inequality with bursting financial bubbles. He models income distribution using statistical physics, finding a long tail in the upper 3% of incomes that correlates with investment downturns.

SourceJoint Quantum Institute·JournalReviews of Modern Physics·DateApr 19, 2012
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.

One-quarter of working-age adults had a gap in health-care coverage in 2011

A Commonwealth Fund report reveals that nearly two-thirds of individuals who tried to buy individual health insurance policies found it difficult or impossible to find affordable coverage. The report also shows that longer insurance gaps are linked to lower rates of screening and preventive care, with significant disparities among thos...

SourceCommonwealth Fund·DateApr 19, 2012
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.

State of Himalayan glaciers less alarming than feared

Research finds Himalayan glacier shrinkage scenarios exaggerated, with average length decreases of 15-20 meters and area losses of 0.1-0.6 percent per year. Glaciers are more variable than predicted, posing a threat to local populations and glacial lakes.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalScience·DateApr 19, 2012

New CU-NOAA monitoring system clarifies murky atmospheric questions

A University of Colorado Boulder-led team developed a new monitoring system to analyze atmospheric gas emissions, separating CO2 from fossil fuels from biological sources. The method uses carbon-14 to estimate emission rates of gases impacting climate change, air quality, and ozone recovery.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·DateApr 19, 2012

ORNL microscopy yields first proof of ferroelectricity in simplest amino acid

Researchers at ORNL have detected ferroelectricity in glycine, a key discovery that could lead to novel bioelectronic logic and memory devices. The study uses advanced microscopy techniques to observe polarization switching in the amino acid, shedding light on its potential applications in nanotechnology.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateApr 19, 2012

Being beside the seaside is good for you

Research by Katherine Ashbullby and Dr Mathew White found that coastal visits had the greatest benefit on mental health and well-being. Outdoors locations like parks and countryside also showed positive effects, but not as strongly as the coast.

SourceThe Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry·DateApr 19, 2012

Life expectancy and healthy life years in the European Union, 2008-2010

The European Union experienced some convergence in health expectancies between 2008-2010, with Lithuania showing the largest gain and Sweden having the longest life expectancy. Men generally live shorter lives than women, but experience a slightly higher proportion of healthy life years.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·DateApr 19, 2012
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Allowing patient access to chosen GP would reduce costs for the NHS

A University of Leicester study found that continuity in general practice is associated with reduced hospital admissions. Practices with higher proportions of patients aged 65 and white ethnicity had higher rates of elective hospital admissions, while those with more male patients and patient satisfaction had fewer admissions.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalJournal of Public Health·DateApr 19, 2012

Researchers boost efficiency of multi-hop wireless networks

A new data transmission approach developed by researchers at North Carolina State University can increase the amount of data transmitted in multi-hop wireless networks by 20-80%. The centrality-based power control algorithm optimizes system efficiency by determining when to use powerful transmissions and when to use less powerful ones.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalComputer Communications·DateApr 19, 2012

NIST mini-sensor measures magnetic activity in human brain

The NIST mini-sensor successfully measured alpha waves in the brain and signals resulting from hand stimulation, verifying its potential for biomedical applications. It may be useful in magnetoencephalography (MEG), a noninvasive procedure measuring magnetic fields produced by electrical activity in the brain.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateApr 19, 2012
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Possible new cancer treatment identified

New research from Lund University identifies a potential cancer treatment by targeting a protein involved in cell division. The study found that blocking this protein could kill cancer cells while sparing healthy ones.

SourceLund University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateApr 19, 2012

DNA origami puts a smart lid on solid-state nanopore sensors

Researchers at TUM developed DNA origami 'gatekeepers' that can filter biomolecules by size, allowing selective detection of specific target molecules. The device combines solid-state nanopores with custom-designed DNA structures for enhanced single-molecule sensing capabilities.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateApr 19, 2012

Clinical trial launches to see whether vitamin D helps treat multiple sclerosis

A new US-based clinical trial is testing whether high-dose vitamin D supplements can reduce multiple sclerosis (MS) disease activity when added to standard therapy. The study aims to determine the effectiveness of vitamin D in reducing relapse rates and improving quality of life among participants with relapsing-remitting MS.

SourceNational Multiple Sclerosis Society·DateApr 19, 2012
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.