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Science News Archive April 2012 - Page 5


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.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateApr 26, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Mutant Kras drives pancreatic cancer maintenance via metabolic pathways

Researchers discovered that mutant Kras manipulates metabolic pathways to support tumor growth and progression in pancreatic cancer. The study found that turning off the oncogene caused tumors to regress and metabolic changes correlated with gene expression changes.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCell·DateApr 26, 2012

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.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalCornea·DateApr 26, 2012

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.

SourceUppsala University·JournalScience·DateApr 26, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin - Milwaukee·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateApr 26, 2012

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.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalAmerican Political Thought·DateApr 26, 2012

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.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateApr 26, 2012
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.

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.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalSurgical and Radiologic Anatomy·DateApr 26, 2012

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.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateApr 26, 2012

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.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 26, 2012

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.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalCell·DateApr 26, 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.

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.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateApr 26, 2012

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.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Cognitive Neuroscience·DateApr 26, 2012

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.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience·DateApr 26, 2012
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.

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.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 26, 2012

How stem cell therapy can keep the immune system under control

A new study reveals that mesenchymal stem cell infusions can control autoimmune disorders by targeting and defeating overactive immune cells through the FAS/FAS-ligand pathway, showing promising results in both animal models and human patients.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateApr 26, 2012
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 25, 2012

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.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateApr 25, 2012

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.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 25, 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.

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%.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 25, 2012

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.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateApr 25, 2012

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.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalInjury Prevention·DateApr 25, 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.

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.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateApr 25, 2012

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...

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateApr 25, 2012

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.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateApr 25, 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.

Pig stomach mucins are effective as anti-viral agents for consumer products

Scientists discover that pig stomach mucins have broad-spectrum anti-viral activity, trapping disease-causing microbes like influenza virus and HIV before they cause infection. The findings suggest that pig mucus could be added to various consumer products to protect against viral infections.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalBiomacromolecules·DateApr 25, 2012

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

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 25, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 25, 2012

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.

SourceSAGE·JournalThe Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science·DateApr 25, 2012

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.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 25, 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.

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.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus·DateApr 25, 2012

Study suggests atrial fibrillation should be surgically treated when performing cardiac surgery

A recent study published in the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery found that patients with atrial fibrillation who undergo cardiac surgery without treatment have a lower long-term survival rate compared to those with sinus rhythm. Successful surgical treatment of A-fib during cardiac surgery can improve patient outcomes an...

SourceNorthwestern Memorial HealthCare·JournalJournal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery·DateApr 25, 2012

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.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 25, 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.

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.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 25, 2012

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateApr 25, 2012

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.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·JournalInterface·DateApr 25, 2012

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.

SourceBoston College·JournalNano Letters·DateApr 25, 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.

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.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 25, 2012

'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.

SourceKing's College London·JournalNature·DateApr 25, 2012