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Science News Archive August 2012


Page 25 of 29

ER overcrowding hurts minorities in California

A recent study examines ambulance diversion in California hospitals, finding that minority populations are more likely to be impacted by ER crowding. The researchers discovered that hospitals serving high numbers of minorities were on diversion for 306 hours, compared to 75 hours at hospitals with fewer minority patients.

Study finds correlation between injection wells and small earthquakes

A study by Cliff Frohlich found that most earthquakes in the Barnett Shale region occur near injection wells used for hydraulic fracturing fluids disposal. The study suggests that injection wells enhance the probability of earthquakes, with nearly all quakes being small and posing no danger to the public.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New Hampshire leads nation in percent tree cover

The US Forest Service study found that New Hampshire has the highest percent tree cover (89%) and Connecticut has the highest urban tree cover (67%). Urban forestry is essential for sustaining urban forests, which provide environmental benefits such as air pollution reduction and heat island mitigation.

Generic language helps fuel stereotypes, NYU, Princeton researchers find

A study by NYU and Princeton researchers found that hearing generic language about a social category leads children to develop essentialist beliefs, which can lead to stereotyping and prejudice. The researchers suggest that changing the way we speak about groups could help reduce societal prejudice.

Rutgers-Camden genetics researcher receives NSF CAREER Award

Nir Yakoby, a Rutgers-Camden assistant professor of biology, has received a $686,544 NSF CAREER Award to investigate the dynamics and diversity of bone morphogenetic protein signaling in epithelial cells. He aims to understand how changes in this signal create different morphologies in humans and model organisms like Drosophila.

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.

Research links extreme summer heat events to global warming

A new NASA study has found that the likelihood of experiencing an extreme summer heat wave has increased significantly since the middle of the 20th century. The researchers analyzed mean summer temperatures and found that 'extremely hot' summers, previously rare, have become routine in recent decades.

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.

Brain signal IDs responders to fast-acting antidepressant

Researchers identified a brain signal that can predict which depressed patients will respond to ketamine, a rapid-acting antidepressant. The signal also holds clues to the agent's mechanism of action, which may lead to more personalized treatment.

Researchers gain information advantage from surprising quantum source

A new study by an international team has identified that quantum discord, a more robust and accessible phenomenon than entanglement, can provide a quantum advantage. Researchers have discovered a direct link between quantum power and quantum discord, which can be tapped with the right quantum tools.

Creatine aids women in outmuscling major depression

A study found that adding creatine to antidepressant treatment significantly improved response rates, with twice as fast response times and higher remission rates compared to placebo. The supplement may provide a relatively inexpensive treatment option for women who haven't responded well to traditional antidepressants.

Mothers, children underestimate obesity in China

Research found that 69% of overweight Chinese children underestimated their own weight, while 72% of mothers rated their children as normal or underweight. This highlights the importance of accurate perceptions of weight in preventing childhood obesity.

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.

Virtual nanoscopy: Like 'Google Earth' for cell biologists

Researchers can now navigate biological tissues from whole embryo to subcellular structures thanks to virtual nanoscopy and enhanced JCB DataViewer. The technique allows for exceptional opportunities for future discoveries by integrating information across cells and tissues.

Researchers unlock secret of the rare 'twinned rainbow'

Scientists from Disney Research have used simulations to study the elusive twinned rainbow, a rare optical phenomenon. The team found that the key to its occurrence lies in the combination of different-sized water drops falling from the sky, which produce slightly deformed rainbows.

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.

NASA sees a strengthening Tropical Storm Ernesto

Tropical Storm Ernesto is strengthening with NASA tracking its progress, revealing strong thunderstorms and deep convection on August 5. The storm's maximum sustained winds were near 50 mph on August 5, and it continued to strengthen after passing over the Aqua satellite.

Fainting: All in the family?

Research found that fainting triggers were common among twin sets, with identical twins more likely to experience fainting associated with typical triggers. The study suggests multiple genes and environmental factors influence the phenomenon of fainting.

Researchers peek at the early evolution of sex chromosomes

Researchers studying papaya's sex chromosomes have found that the X chromosome has undergone significant changes since its emergence, including rapid expansion and gene loss. These findings challenge previous assumptions about the early stages of sex chromosome evolution and provide insights into the human X chromosome.

Behavioral intervention can reduce tics in adults with Tourette syndrome

A comprehensive behavioral therapy program has been shown to be effective in reducing tic severity in adults with Tourette syndrome. The study found that 38% of participants who received the treatment showed significant symptom improvement, compared to 6% of those receiving a control treatment.

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.

Weight training associated with reduced risk of type 2 diabetes

A new study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that men who engage in weight training regularly may reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes by up to 34%, compared to those who do not. The study also showed that combining weight training with aerobic exercise can further lower the risk, even as high as 59%.

JCI early table of contents for Aug. 6, 2012

Researchers found that CCR9 is abundant in early stage colon cancer but lacks in invasive and metastatic cancer, suggesting its role in reducing cancer spread. Activation of NOTCH promotes degradation of CCR9, inhibiting the chemokine-induced signaling pathway.

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.

Airborne technology helps manage elephants

Scientists used airborne 3-D mapping to quantify tree losses across Kruger National Park, finding that elephants are primary agents of tree loss. The study highlights the challenges faced by conservation managers and provides valuable insights for improving savanna management practices.

The scientific side of steroid use and abuse

Research highlights the dangers of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) on adolescent brain function and behavior. Studies show that exposure to AAS at critical periods during adolescence can impose permanent changes in brain organization and function, leading to physiological and psychiatric effects that may persist into middle age.

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.

Extreme plasma theories put to the test

Researchers have created extremely hot and dense plasmas hundreds of times hotter than the sun's surface, challenging a widely accepted model. The study demonstrates the capabilities of LCLS X-ray laser, providing detailed information about plasma properties.

Paddlefish's doubled genome may question theories on limb evolution

A recent study published in Genome Biology and Evolution found that paddlefish have a duplicated genome, adding complexity to comparative studies. This discovery may require re-interpreting previous research on the fin-to-limb transition using paddlefish as a proxy for human ancestors.

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.

Those who are covered, recover

A recent study by Johns Hopkins researchers reveals that being underinsured is a strong predictor of death among patients admitted to hospital with serious cardiac events. The study found that underinsured patients had a higher risk of early death compared to those with private insurance, regardless of their racial background.

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for Aug. 7, 2012 issue

Physicians can improve antibiotic prescribing habits by paying attention to contextual clues, reducing flu season prescribing rates. The authors recommend equal evaluation of HbA1c levels for diabetes diagnosis in all racial groups, as black patients have higher levels at the same blood glucose levels.

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.

Taking a hit or 2

A new 'Multi-Hit' mouse model has been developed to study interactions between gene mutations that cause cancer, revealing key findings about the role of Ras and other genes in tumour development. The research suggests that combinations of mutations can lead to cancer, making it a crucial step towards understanding treatment options.

Research represents major breakthrough in macular degeneration

University of Kentucky researchers have identified a major breakthrough in treating geographic atrophy, an untreatable form of age-related macular degeneration. They found that blocking specific pathways can prevent retinal degeneration and vision loss, paving the way for a new potential therapy.

Intelligent cars warn each other

A new communication system will connect 120 cars in real-life testing to optimize traffic routes, detect obstacles, and reduce energy consumption. The simTD consortium's system will also provide drivers with real-time recommendations on the best route and alert them to imminent hazards.

Study examines decision-making brain activity in patients with hoarding disorder

Patients with hoarding disorder showed abnormal brain activity when deciding about possessions, with reduced activity for items not belonging to them and increased activity for items that did. The study found that these patients had difficulty discarding possessions, with fewer items discarded compared to healthy individuals.

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.

Brain's stem cells 'eavesdrop' to find out when to act

Researchers discovered that brain stem cells monitor chemical communication between nearby neurons to determine when to remain dormant or create new cells. The findings may reveal how the brain reacts to its environment and how antidepressants work, increasing brain cell numbers in animals.

MSU to lead new global food security effort

Michigan State University will lead a new global food security effort using a $7.3 million federal grant. The program aims to strengthen agricultural research institutions and train researchers in Africa and Asia, focusing on plant breeding, food science, and food security.

Poorest Americans at risk if states opt out of Medicaid expansion

A new legal analysis warns that some states may delay or refuse to participate in the Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act, leaving millions of impoverished children and adults at risk for lack of coverage. The expansion could create new jobs and provide a much-needed boost to thousands of communities affected by poverty.

Lab in the Wild asks: What's your Internet like?

The Lab in the Wild project aims to gather data on how people think, perceive information, and use technology from around the world. Researchers will analyze thousands of users' responses to tests designed to elicit information about their online culture, including preferences for website design and functionality.

Forensic tools for catching poachers

Researchers developed a method to determine the origin of seized ivory using mitochondrial DNA sequences from elephant samples. The technique identified unique sequences linked to specific locations and countries, providing valuable information for conservationists to prevent poaching.

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.

Identifying a new target for ALS treatment

A recent study found that an inflammatory monocyte population plays a key role in ALS progression, suggesting it as a potential therapeutic target. Monocyte depletion reduced cellular recruitment to the spinal cord, decreased CNS cell death, and extended survival time in mice with ALS.

New study examines injuries to US workers with disabilities

A new study finds that US workers with disabilities experience both nonoccupational and occupational injuries at a significantly higher rate than those without disabilities. The study highlights the need for improved workplace safety programs and accommodations to prevent injuries among workers with disabilities.

Infants of overweight mothers grow more slowly

A recent study published in the Journal of Pediatrics found that babies born to overweight or obese mothers gained less weight and grew less in length than those born to normal-weight mothers. This delayed growth may be attributed to inflammation and an underdeveloped pituitary gland, which plays a crucial role in fetal development.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Empa X-ray expert 'decodes' diesel soot

The study found that diesel soot triggers a genetic detoxification mechanism in human lung cells but also contains toxic substances like carboxyl groups. The World Health Organization has reclassified diesel soot as a cause of lung cancer based on sufficient evidence.

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.

Microbes, sponges, and worms add to coral reef woes

A recent study by Wildlife Conservation Society and University of the Azores identifies additional risks to coral reefs from pollution and overfishing. The proliferation of microbes, sponges, and worms further degrades corals, highlighting the complexity of reefs and possible solutions.

UNC team describes novel inflammatory protein function

A UNC-led team describes a previously uncharacterized protein NLRC3 that inhibits NF-Kappa B activation and forms a novel TRAFasome complex. This discovery provides insight into mechanisms controlling inflammation and identifies potential therapeutic targets.