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Science News Archive August 2012


Page 22 of 29

Natural birth -- but not C-section -- triggers brain-boosting proteins

A new study by Yale School of Medicine researchers found that natural birth triggers the expression of a protein called UCP2 in the brains of newborns, improving brain development and function in adulthood. In contrast, C-sections impaired UCP2 expression, leading to reduced hippocampal neuron development and related behaviors.

Clinical trial results support strategy for reversing type 1 diabetes

A phase I clinical trial confirms that a generic vaccine can kill autoimmune cells targeting insulin-secreting cells, temporarily restoring insulin production in patients with type 1 diabetes. The treatment pathway has been validated in humans and shows early evidence of effectiveness.

Brain activity may predict teens' heavy drinking

Researchers found that kids with less brain activation initially were at greater risk for becoming heavy drinkers. Heavy drinking was linked to increased brain activity during memory tests, particularly among those who consumed four or more drinks per occasion.

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.

Stress makes men appreciate heavier women

A study published in PLOS ONE found that increased stress in men is associated with a preference for female body sizes ranging from normal to overweight. The researchers discovered that stressed men rated normal weight and overweight figures more highly than non-stressed men.

Humanities mini-courses for doctors sharpen thinking and creativity

Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine found that mini-courses on humanities topics can sharpen critical thinking skills and improve job satisfaction among physicians. The courses provided an opportunity for intellectual and social 'play,' fostering workplace satisfaction and creative, innovative thinking.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Leveraging bacteria in drinking water to benefit consumers

Researchers discovered that certain types of bacteria form biofilms on filters, breaking off into drinking water due to pH levels. Simple changes to filter cleaning and water pH can shift the balance towards beneficial bacteria, potentially improving water quality.

Scientists show 2-drug combination has potential to fight cocaine addiction

A combination of naltrexone and buprenorphine has shown promise in reducing cocaine craving and blunting withdrawal symptoms in laboratory rats. This potential therapy, if proven safe and effective, would be a significant advance in treating cocaine addiction, which currently lacks FDA-approved medications.

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.

Protein that boosts longevity may protect against diabetes

A new MIT study suggests that the protein SIRT1 plays a crucial role in protecting against metabolic disorders linked to high-fat diets, including diabetes. When given a high-fat diet, mice lacking SIRT1 developed metabolic disorders much sooner than normal mice, highlighting its potential as a safeguard against obesity-linked diseases.

Depression linked with increased risk of peripheral artery disease

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found an association between depression and peripheral artery disease. The researchers discovered that patients who were depressed at the beginning of the study had a higher likelihood of developing PAD during follow-up. Lifestyle modifications such as being more...

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.

Hyenas that think outside the box solve problems faster

Researchers at Michigan State University found that hyenas that tried multiple solutions and took risks were more successful in solving a steel puzzle box. The study suggests that large brains may enable hyenas to think flexibly and come up with novel solutions.

How heat helps to treat cancer

Researchers at Bangor University discovered a switch in cells that helps kill tumors with heat, which combines with an anti-cancer drug to treat localized cancers. The novel protein produced by heat modulates survival systems, and its discovery may improve heat-treatment of cancer for patients.

'Exergames' not perfect, but can lead to more exercise

A recent study published in Health Education and Behavior found that most exergames provide only light-to-moderate intensity physical activity, which is insufficient to meet daily exercise recommendations. However, the games can be useful for certain populations, such as seniors or those with more suitable fitness levels.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New Kenyan fossils shed light on early human evolution

The discovery sheds light on early human evolution, providing a clearer picture of what our direct ancestral species looked like. The new fossils reveal that two species of Homo coexisted with Homo erectus between 1.78 and 1.95 million years ago.

Back-to-the-future process yields 'miracle wood'

Acetylated wood, a new form of sustainable wood, has been developed using a back-to-the-future technology that permanently expands cell walls to resist water absorption. The material has similar properties to modern construction materials but a smaller carbon footprint.

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.

Yoga proves to reduce depression in pregnant women, boost maternal bonding

Pregnant women experiencing depression may benefit from mindfulness yoga, which can significantly reduce depressive symptoms and improve attachment to their babies. This study provides promising evidence that yoga could be an effective alternative to pharmaceutical treatment for pregnant women showing signs of depression.

Let's talk: The nature of the health care surrogate-clinician relationship

A new study highlights the importance of frequent and coordinated communication between healthcare providers and family members who make decisions for hospitalized older adults with impaired cognition. Surrogate decision-makers crave detailed information, emotional support, and regular updates from clinicians to alleviate stress and an...

New study finds clients want real love from sex workers

A recent study published in Men and Masculinities journal found that men who regularly visit sex workers often develop feelings of romance and love. Clients share private feelings and desires with providers, blurring the lines between physical and emotional intimacy.

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.

Student performance improves when teachers given incentives upfront

A new study at the University of Chicago found that teacher incentives can improve student academic performance. When teachers received a bonus upfront with conditions attached, students showed a significant gain of up to 10 percentiles in their scores compared to those without such incentives.

Tai Chi shown to improve COPD exercise capacity

A new study found that Tai Chi can improve exercise capacity and quality of life in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study, published in the European Respiratory Journal, suggests that Sun-style Tai chi may be as beneficial as pulmonary rehabilitation.

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.

Scientists report successful vaccine developed against deadly Nipah virus

Researchers successfully developed a highly effective vaccine against the deadly Nipah virus, which has shown complete protection in African green monkeys with no evidence of disease. The vaccine, known as Hendra-sG, is a recombinant piece of the virus produced in the laboratory and can be used safely for human treatment.

Diversity keeps grasslands resilient to drought, climate change

A recent study found that diverse grasslands can tolerate increased periods of drought and climate change due to the presence of drought-resistant species. This diversity allows grasslands to maintain their ecological functions, including carbon sequestration, food sources for grazing animals, and temperature regulation.

Cichlid fish: How does the swim bladder affect hearing?

Researchers found that specialized cichlid swim bladder extensions improve hearing by detecting higher sound frequencies, while the size of the swim bladder also plays a crucial role. The study investigated 1,300 cichlid species with varying swim bladder morphologies.

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.

New phenomenon in nanodisk magnetic vortices

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have discovered that magnetic vortex formations in ferromagnetic nanodisks exhibit asymmetric behavior, breaking the symmetry required for vortex-based data storage devices. This finding challenges the potential application of these vortices in non-volatile Random Access Memory (RAM) systems.

How JFK helped Barack Obama on his way to the White House

New research suggests that Barack Obama's image is shaped by the ideals of John F. Kennedy, reflecting a presidential legacy of elegance, sophistication, and success. The study explores how Obama's self-presentation is influenced by Kennedy's iconic imagery, including the cover of Rolling Stone magazine.

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.

Snail believed extinct found in Cahaba River by student

A University of Alabama graduate student rediscovered the Oblong Rocksnail, a freshwater snail declared extinct in 2000, in the Cahaba River. The species' range has been dramatically shortened due to pollution and habitat degradation, making it vulnerable to extinction.

The difference between a mole and shrew is in their SOX

Researchers found that moles' SOX9 expression occurs sooner in hands than feet, allowing for stronger forelegs and enlarged digging front paws. This adaptation enabled moles to thrive underground, with specialized features such as Os falciforme.

UK hotel industry alive with innovation

The UK hotel industry is alive with innovation, introducing new technologies and designs to improve customer service. Hotels are adopting sustainable practices, incorporating recycled materials and energy-efficient systems, to reduce their environmental impact.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

New scientific method unmasks chronic infections

Scientists have developed a new method to study how the immune system interacts with bacteria during chronic infections. The method uses 5 mm silicone tubes and combines light microscopy and electron microscopy to visualize the interaction between white blood cells and bacteria.

Oh, my stars and hexagons! DNA code shapes gold nanoparticles

Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered a DNA 'genetic code' that can shape gold nanoparticles into various forms, such as hexagons, stars, and discs. The code is based on the sequence of four DNA bases - A, T, G, and C - which bind to different facets of gold nanoseeds and direct their growth pathways.

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.

Do beavers benefit Scottish wild salmon?

A study by the University of Southampton found that beaver dams can have both negative and positive effects on fish populations. While beaver activities can temporarily impede fish movement and reduce spawning habitat, they also increase habitat diversity and abundance of invertebrates, benefiting fish.

Iron, vitamins could affect physical fitness in adolescents

A new study found correlations between micronutrient levels and performance on physical fitness tests in adolescents. Hemoglobin, retinol, and vitamin C were positively associated with cardiorespiratory fitness, while hemoglobin and beta-carotene were linked to muscular fitness.

University of Leicester announces record £7 million donation

The University of Leicester is set to receive a significant boost in cardiovascular research thanks to a record-breaking £7 million donation. This major gift will support the creation of a unique UK facility for cardiovascular science and enable researchers to develop novel tools for clinical use, ultimately benefiting patients.

Gum disease 4 times as common in rheumatoid arthritis patients

A study found that rheumatoid arthritis patients are four times more likely to develop gum disease, with severe cases associated with increased inflammatory markers and antibodies. Gum disease in these patients may contribute to the development and maintenance of systemic inflammation.

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.

Neolithic tools provide clues for managing climate change

Archaeological tools from an ancient site outside Jerusalem provide insights into land use patterns and sustainable resource management during extreme climate change. The study, published in PLOS ONE, suggests that Neolithic humans adapted to changing environments by clearing forests for fields and grazing lands.

Unusual weather events identified during the Black Saturday bushfires

The study reveals that horizontal convective rolls affected fire behaviour, introducing variability in wind, temperature, and humidity conditions. This new understanding has the potential to improve fire management and warning systems, providing a better guide for public warning systems and firefighting resources.