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Science News Archive April 2012 - Page 3


Page 3 of 29

Mom's stress during pregnancy can affect baby's iron status

Research suggests that maternal stress during the first trimester of pregnancy can lead to lower iron levels in newborns, which may result in physical and mental delays. The study found a significant correlation between mothers' stress levels and their babies' cord-blood ferritin concentrations.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateApr 29, 2012

Being left out puts youths with special needs at risk for depression

A recent study by the American Academy of Pediatrics reveals that youths with special health care needs are more likely to experience symptoms of anxiety or depression if they feel left out or bullied by their peers. The study found that ostracism was the strongest predictor of increased symptoms, highlighting the need for clear polici...

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateApr 29, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Driven to distraction

Researchers found a link between compulsive cell phone use and increased risk of motor vehicle crashes. A study showed that anticipating calls or messages can be an additional source of distraction contributing to crashes.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateApr 29, 2012

Children neglected in clinical drug trials

A study found a large discrepancy between global disease burden in children and the amount of clinical trial research devoted to this population. Only 12% of clinical drug trials are pediatric trials, despite children bearing nearly 60% of the disease burden for high-priority conditions.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateApr 28, 2012

Racial differences found in care of children in ED

A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found racial differences in the care of children in emergency departments. Black children are less likely to receive pain medication for severe abdominal pain compared to white patients. This disparity has significant implications for equal access to high-quality healthcare.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateApr 28, 2012
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.

Radiologists play key role in successful bariatric procedures

Radiologists must understand normal anatomy and possible complications of bariatric surgeries like gastric banding and Roux-en-Y bypass to ensure patient success. By being familiar with these procedures, radiologists can better communicate with surgical colleagues and provide optimal care for obese patients.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·DateApr 28, 2012

Study supports allowing family members in ED during critical care

A study published at the Pediatric Academic Societies annual meeting found that family presence did not hinder trauma teams' ability to treat injured children. The research evaluated the effect of family presence on the trauma teams' ability to identify and treat injuries during the initial phase of care.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateApr 28, 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.

Fear of not having enough food may lead to obesity

A study of low-income mothers with infants found a connection between food insecurity and restrictive feeding practices, which can disrupt hunger regulation and lead to obesity. Mothers experiencing food insecurity were more concerned about their child becoming overweight than those who weren't struggling with food access.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateApr 28, 2012
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.

Computers aid in collecting sensitive information from teens

A computerized system helped identify adolescents in need of Chlamydia and N. gonorrhea testing in a pediatric emergency department, nearly doubling testing rates. Patients found the electronic survey quick and easy to use, with high satisfaction rates.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateApr 28, 2012

Record-breaking radio waves discovered from ultra-cool star

Scientists at Penn State's Arecibo Observatory have discovered flaring radio emission from an ultra-cool star, shattering the previous record for lowest stellar temperature at which radio waves were detected. The star, named J1047+21, is a brown dwarf with a surface temperature not much higher than that of a giant planet.

SourcePenn State·DateApr 28, 2012

Parents' poor math skills may lead to medication errors

A study presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies annual meeting found that nearly one-third of parents have low reading skills and 83% have poor numeracy skills. Parents who scored below the third grade level on a math test were five times more likely to make dosing errors.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateApr 28, 2012
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.

Scientists provide first large-scale estimate of reef shark losses in the Pacific Ocean

A new study estimates that reef shark numbers have dropped substantially around populated islands, with numbers declining by more than 90% compared to untouched reefs. The research uses towed-diver surveys to compare shark populations at reefs spanning from heavily impacted ones to pristine areas.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalConservation Biology·DateApr 27, 2012

Golden potential for gold thin films

Researchers at Berkeley Lab directed the self-assembly of gold nanoparticles into device-ready materials using a simple and inexpensive technique. The method has potential applications in computer memory storage, energy harvesting, remote-sensing, catalysis, light management, and plasmonics.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNano Letters·DateApr 27, 2012

Deadly decision: Obese drivers are far less likely to buckle up

Researchers at University at Buffalo found that obese drivers are less likely to wear seatbelts than normal weight drivers, resulting in higher mortality rates. The study suggests that cars should be designed to accommodate obese individuals, increasing the likelihood of seatbelt use.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·DateApr 27, 2012
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.

Moffitt Cancer Center researchers working at frontiers of melanoma research

Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have found a new way to overcome resistance to drugs that target the BRAF gene mutation in melanoma. The study, led by Jeffrey S. Weber and Keiran S. Smalley, showed that an inhibitor called XL888 can restore effectiveness in patients who have developed resistance to existing treatments.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 27, 2012

When to have kids: A complex question for hazel dormice

Researchers found that hazel dormice exhibit a complex reproductive strategy, with early and late birth peaks, due to hibernation. Early-born juveniles outpace late-born counterparts, while females with higher body mass can invest in early reproduction.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalOecologia·DateApr 27, 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.

Fruit flies provide new knowledge about uninhibited cell growth

Researchers found glycolipids play a crucial role in controlling cell growth, with defects linked to neurofibromatosis and certain cancers. The study sheds light on the disease's mechanisms and potential drug development.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 27, 2012

NASA's Landsat satellites see Texas crop circles

Center-pivot irrigation, invented in 1949, improves water distribution and reduces evaporation, resulting in more efficient farming. The technique is used worldwide, covering 20% of cultivated fields, which produce 40% of global food supply.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 27, 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 avocado rootstocks are high-performing and disease-tolerant

Three new rootstocks, Zentmyer, Steddom, and Uzi, have demonstrated superior tolerance to Phytophthora root rot (PRR), a devastating disease affecting avocado production globally. The rootstocks offer improved yields and salt tolerance, enabling growers to manage PRR effectively.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalHortScience·DateApr 27, 2012

Folding light: Wrinkles and twists boost power from solar panels

Researchers at Princeton University have developed a method to increase the power output of flexible, low-cost solar cells by creating microscopic folds on the surface of photovoltaic material. This technique increases the absorption of light and generation of energy, particularly in the red spectrum, where conventional solar panels st...

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature Photonics·DateApr 27, 2012

Atomic clock comparison via data highways

A team of researchers has demonstrated an optical frequency transfer with high stability through a standard telecommunication optical fiber network. This achievement enables the ability to compare optical clocks located far apart and transmit their stability to distant laboratories, benefiting fundamental research in physics and industry.

SourcePhysikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB)·JournalScience·DateApr 27, 2012

Big girls don't cry

A study published in Journal of Adolescent Health found that happy body image is linked to lower rates of depression, anxiety, and unhealthy eating habits among overweight teenagers. Researchers suggest improving body satisfaction could be a key component of interventions for overweight youth.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateApr 27, 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.

UAB researcher receives HudsonAlpha Prize

Tim Townes receives $20,000 HudsonAlpha Prize for his groundbreaking work on reprogramming cells to treat sickle cell anemia. His research successfully corrects the DNA mutation associated with the disease, producing healthy red blood cells.

SourceHudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology·DateApr 27, 2012

Moffitt researcher awarded GE grant to develop tool to detect breast cancer metastasis genetic risks

A Moffitt researcher has received a $100,000 grant from General Electric to develop a genetic tool that can identify an individual's predisposition to developing or resisting breast cancer metastasis. The study aims to evaluate inherited changes in DNA predictive of and identify risk for developing or resisting breast cancer metastasis.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·DateApr 27, 2012

New form of intellectual disability discovered

Researchers at CAMH discovered a new form of intellectual disability linked to the NSUN2 gene mutation, affecting cognitive development and neuron functioning. The study found that this recessive disorder requires inheriting two defective genes from parents to develop intellectual disability.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateApr 27, 2012

lobSTR algorithm rolls DNA fingerprinting into 21st century

The lobSTR algorithm accelerates DNA profiling by accurately analyzing over 100,000 short tandem repeats in a single day. This innovation opens up new research opportunities in medical genetics, population genetics, and forensics.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalGenome Research·DateApr 27, 2012

New drug to tackle fat problems

Researchers at the University of Sheffield have defined the structure of the human obesity receptor, a key factor in regulating body fat. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for complications of obesity and anorexia.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalStructure·DateApr 27, 2012
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.

Doubling the information from the double helix

A new group of regulatory molecules called mirror-microRNAs has been discovered to control multiple aspects of brain function. These microRNA genes are produced from the same piece of DNA but have different functions in regulating protein production and movement, doubling the capacity of regulation.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateApr 27, 2012

Maintain your brain: The secrets to aging success

Researchers argue that a youthful brain can be maintained through engagement and lifestyle choices, rather than just compensating for age-related decline. Engagement, including social, mental, and physical stimulation, has been shown to promote better cognitive performance in older adults.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·DateApr 27, 2012

Can nature's beauty lift citizens from poverty?

A long-term study on nature tourism in China's Wolong Nature Reserve found that those with resources, education, and government connections were more likely to succeed in the tourism industry. The research highlights the need for balanced policies between economic development and habitat management.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 27, 2012
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Bejeweled: Nanotech gets boost from nanowire decorations

Engineers at Stanford University have developed a novel method to decorate nanowires with nanoparticles, increasing surface area and altering surface chemistry. This technique may lead to improved lithium-ion batteries, more efficient thin-film solar cells and enhanced catalysts.

SourceStanford University School of Engineering·JournalNano Letters·DateApr 27, 2012

NYUCN's Dr. Laura Wagner: Study finds accreditation improves safety culture at nursing homes

A new study by Dr. Laura Wagner and colleagues found that accredited nursing homes report better staffing, teamwork, and training practices, leading to improved resident safety. The research suggests that Joint Commission accreditation stimulates positive changes in safety-related organizational structures and processes.

SourceNew York University·JournalThe Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety·DateApr 27, 2012

Research shows rats have best bite of rodent world

Research reveals rats' ability to chew and gnaw makes their bite more effective than specialized rodents like squirrels and guinea pigs. The study suggests that the rat's muscle adaptation is key to its success, allowing it to efficiently eat through a wide variety of materials.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 27, 2012

Blood samples show deadly frog fungus at work in the wild

A new study published in PLoS ONE found that the fungal infection leads to deadly dehydration in wild frogs, causing cardiac arrest and death. The research confirms what researchers have seen in lab experiments, providing a better understanding of how the disease progresses and suggesting potential treatments for infected frogs.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 27, 2012

New graphene-based material could revolutionize electronics industry

GraphExeter, a graphene-based material, enhances solar panel efficiency by up to 30% due to its wide light spectrum transparency. It has the potential to replace indium tin oxide in wearable devices and smart windows, offering a flexible alternative for electronics industry

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 27, 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.

Polluting China for the sake of economic growth

A study analyzing data from 30 Chinese provinces found that energy consumption has a greater impact on output than labor, while pollution has little effect. China must implement effective environmental regulations to reduce pollution and energy consumption and bind economic growth with environmental protection.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Global Energy Issues·DateApr 27, 2012

How Twitter broke its biggest story, #WeGotBinLaden

A study analyzing over 600,000 tweets found that opinion leaders and celebrities fueled the spread of news about Osama bin Laden's death on Twitter. Nearly 80% of tweets were certain that bin Laden was dead within 21 minutes of TV confirmation.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateApr 26, 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.

Progress against HIV thwarted by patients' unmet needs

A new study published in PLOS ONE found that addressing subsistence needs is crucial for improving the health of HIV-infected individuals living in poverty. The research, conducted by UCSF scientists, revealed that unmet basic needs like housing and food significantly undermine the benefits of HIV medication delivery.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 26, 2012

Bacteria subverts immune response to aid infection

Researchers found that Listeria uses nitric oxide to evade the immune system and facilitate cell-to-cell spread, allowing it to multiply in its host. This strategy allows pathogens like Rickettsia and HIV to spread throughout the host in a similar manner.

SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalImmunity·DateApr 26, 2012