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Science News Archive August 2012


Page 19 of 29

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for Aug. 14, 2012 online issue

The American College of Physicians recommends against routine screening for age-related hearing loss due to insufficient evidence on benefits and harms. For schizophrenia, there is little research to support the use of second-generation antipsychotics over first-generation drugs.

Fresh water breathes fresh life into hurricanes

Researchers found that when hurricanes blow over ocean regions swamped by fresh water, the conditions can intensify the storm. This results in a 50 percent increase in intensity, which can lead to much larger destruction and death.

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.

Research shows how computation can predict group conflict

A study from the University of Wisconsin-Madison uses computational approach to determine individual predictability in group conflict. The research proposes a novel estimate of 'cognitive burden,' or minimal amount of information needed to make predictions, using sparse coding principles.

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.

Fruity science halves fat in chocolate

University of Warwick scientists have discovered a way to replace up to 50% of chocolate's fat content with fruit juice without compromising its texture or taste. The new method, known as Pickering emulsion, uses tiny droplets of juice measuring under 30 microns in diameter to create a lower-fat chocolate product.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Graphene's behavior depends on where it sits

New experiments show graphene reacts chemically and electrically differently depending on the substrate material, allowing for patterned surfaces with varying chemical behavior. This discovery enables the creation of microarrays of sensors and potential protective coatings for materials.

The scent of love: Decomposition and male sex pheromones

A new study found that female hide beetles (Dermestes maculatus) are attracted to cadavers by a combination of cadaver odour and male sex pheromones. The females only respond when both the odor and pheromones are present, optimizing their chances of reproductive success.

Why are people overconfident so often?

Researchers found that people's overconfidence is driven by their desire for social status, which leads to better performance in groups and more admiration from peers. In organizational settings, this can result in incompetent individuals being promoted due to displays of confidence.

Pioneering research into rare neonatal diseases

Research led by the University of Sheffield aims to improve treatment for babies lacking cortisol, a critical stress hormone. A new hydrocortisone preparation is being developed specifically for neonates and infants, addressing current challenges in administering medication.

Clemson researchers make optical fibers from common materials

Researchers at Clemson University have developed optical fibers using highly purified silica and sapphire, pushing the limits of current fiber technology. The goal is to create stronger and more durable fiber material for telecommunications and high-energy applications.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Bringing style home

Researchers studied Apartment Therapy website for insights into consumer behavior, finding that reading and imitating decor can shape personal style and boundaries. Through a tripartite process of problematization, instrumentalization, and ritualization, consumers develop standards for cool design choices.

'Harmless' condition shown to alter brain function in elderly

Researchers at Mayo Clinic discover leukoaraiosis is a disease that alters brain function, affecting language processing and network activity. Moderate levels of the condition lead to decreased activation in key areas, while high blood pressure may also play a role.

Stepping stones to the north

A new study reveals that protected areas are crucial habitats for animal species to colonize and thrive as they migrate towards the poles. The research analyzed millions of records from citizen scientists and found that nature reserves are 4 times more likely to be colonized than expected, providing vital refuges against climate change.

NASA STEREO observes 1 of the fastest CMEs on record

Scientists at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center recorded a coronal mass ejection traveling at unprecedented speeds using data from the STEREO spacecraft. The event produced a strong magnetic field and intense solar radiation, offering insights into the causes of space weather events.

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.

New bacteria-resistant materials discovered

Scientists at the University of Nottingham have developed new polymers resistant to bacterial attachment, reducing biofilm formation and infection rates. The breakthrough could lead to a significant reduction in hospital infections and medical device failures, with initial results showing up to 96.7% reduction in bacteria.

The ins and outs of building the sperm tail

Researchers from Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência describe the steps involved in making a motile flagellum in fruit fly sperm cells. The process involves the formation of a critical protein structure called the central microtubule pair, essential for coordinated movement.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

UD partner in NIH research project to produce artificial salivary glands

The University of Delaware is part of a $2.5 million NIH-funded project to create artificial salivary glands. Researchers hope to develop new solutions for Xerostomia, a side effect of radiation treatment for head and neck cancers. The project involves developing hydrogels that can guide salivary cells to form functional glands.

Australia creates world's first continental-scale mineral maps

The Australian government has created the world's first continent-wide mineral maps using Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection (ASTER) data. These maps provide highly accurate information on rock and soil mineral components, revolutionizing the search for mineral deposits.

Study links persistent and loud snoring in young children with problem behaviors

A study published in Pediatrics found a strong association between persistent and loud snoring in young children and problem behaviors such as hyperactivity, depression, and inattention. The study suggests that doctors should routinely screen for and track snoring in children from poorer families to prevent preschool behavior problems.

Modification of tumor suppressor affects sensitivity to potential GBM treatment

A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that a modification of the tumor suppressor gene PTEN is associated with resistance to glioblastoma treatments. The research suggests that targeting PTEN modification could lead to improved treatment outcomes for patients with glioblastoma.

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.

NIST's speedy ions could add zip to quantum computers

Researchers at NIST have accelerated beryllium ions to 100 miles per hour and controlled their deceleration, demonstrating precision control of fast acceleration and sudden stops. This breakthrough enables faster transport of ions, a crucial step in quantum computing, reducing processing overhead and improving overall performance.

A pre-crack might propagate or stick under mechanical and electrical loading

A pre-cracked parallel-plate capacitor model is developed to analyze the role of electrostatic tractions in fracture and electric sticking behaviors. The study reveals a new fracture criterion based on energy release rate and crack opening, showing bifurcation behavior between mechanical and electric displacements.

Wolters Kluwer Health and the American Academy of Neurology renew partnership

Wolters Kluwer Health has renewed its partnership with the American Academy of Neurology to publish Neurology, Continuum: Lifelong Learning in Neurology, Neurology Today, Neurology Now, and Neurology Clinical Practice. The AAN journals have won multiple publishing awards and are widely recognized for their value in the field.

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.

New system could predict solar flares, give advance warning

Researchers have discovered a new method to predict solar flares by measuring gamma radiation emitted when atoms decay. The system could provide up to 2-day advance warning, allowing operators to minimize impact and astronauts to shield themselves from lethal radiation.

NIMBioS study finds bullies squelched when bystanders intervene

Researchers found that intervening on behalf of a victim can reduce bullying rates in humans' evolutionary past, leading to greater cooperation, empathy, and egalitarian moral values. This finding supports prior studies showing lower bullying rates in Scandinavian countries.

Consuming flavanol-rich cocoa may enhance brain function

Consuming cocoa flavanol-rich products daily may improve memory and cognition in elderly individuals with mild cognitive impairment. Researchers found significant improvements in cognitive scores, insulin resistance, blood pressure, and oxidative stress for those drinking high and intermediate levels of flavanols.

Strategy appears to help rule-in, rule-out heart attack within 1 hour

A new algorithm using high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T values can quickly classify patients as either likely to have a heart attack or not, reducing the need for prolonged monitoring. The strategy has been shown to be safe and accurate, ruling-out or ruling-in heart attacks within one hour in 77% of patients with acute chest pain.

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.

New oncogene identified for breast cancer

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have identified a new oncogene, FAM83B, which contributes to the development of breast cancer. Elevated expression of this gene is associated with the more aggressive triple-negative subgroup, highlighting the need for new therapeutic options.

New technology delivers sustained release of drugs for up to 6 months

Researchers from the University of Cambridge have developed injectable hydrogels that can deliver therapeutics for up to six months, doubling current maximum release time. These hydrogels contain proteins or other therapeutics and are capable of controlled release rate according to material ratio.

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.

Mount Sinai researchers identify new drug target for schizophrenia

Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine discovered that an enzyme called HDAC2 is involved in reducing the efficacy of antipsychotic drugs in schizophrenic patients. The team found that inhibiting HDAC2 can improve therapeutic effects of antipsychotics and prevent drug resistance.

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.

Blood test could guide treatment for kidney cancer

A blood test detecting high levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) may guide treatment for advanced kidney cancer, extending survival and improving outcomes for patients. Researchers found that LDH levels can predict the effectiveness of mTOR inhibitor temsirolimus in treating late-stage kidney cancer.

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.

Supercomputers solve riddle of congenital heart defects

An international research team used supercomputers to analyze millions of data points and identified a complex pattern of genetic and environmental risk factors influencing congenital heart development. The findings could lead to more efficient diagnosis and treatment of the condition.

Poor oral health can mean missed school, lower grades

A USC study found that poor oral health is connected to lower academic performance and more absences from school for disadvantaged kids. Children with tooth pain were four times more likely to have a low GPA, and dental problems caused an average of 2.1 days of missed school per year.

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.