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Science News Archive August 2012 - Page 6


Page 6 of 29

Study questions validity of quality measure for stroke care

A new study in Neurology questions the validity of a quality measure for stroke care, suggesting that patient decisions may account for up to 40% of hospital deaths within 30 days. The study found that 41% of patients could have been kept alive with continuous medical interventions, effectively reducing mortality rates by 3.2%.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalNeurology·DateAug 27, 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.

Psoriasis patients at high risk of diabetes

Patients with psoriasis are at higher risk of new-onset diabetes mellitus due to chronic inflammation. The study found that the risk increases with severity of psoriasis, with patients having severe psoriasis being more than twice as likely to develop diabetes.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 27, 2012

Renal denervation improves blood pressure and arterial stiffness

Research at ESC Congress 2012 found that renal denervation regenerates blood vessels, reducing cardiovascular events. The procedure improves central hemodynamics and arterial stiffness in patients with resistant hypertension, suggesting a potential 'fountain of youth' for blood vessels.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 27, 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.

Vitamin B3 may offer new tool in fight against 'superbugs'

A new study suggests that nicotinamide, a form of vitamin B3, can increase the ability of immune cells to kill staph bacteria by 1,000 times. This could offer a new tool in the fight against 'superbugs' and potentially reduce dependence on antibiotics.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 27, 2012

The PROTECT study

The PROTECT study found that zotarolimus-eluting and sirolimus-eluting stents have comparable rates of stent thrombosis at three years. The study also showed that dual antiplatelet therapy use can affect the long-term clinical relevance of stent type.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 27, 2012

Cancer vaccine Special Focus series published in Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics

A recent Special Focus in Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics discusses the mistakes of past cancer vaccine programs and provides critical insights into the future of cancer vaccines. The study emphasizes the importance of antigen discovery and personalized approaches to overcome the challenges of tumor heterogeneity.

SourceCanale Communications·JournalHuman Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics·DateAug 27, 2012

How a virus might make you diabetic later in life

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes in the elderly, according to new research. CMV infection can cause inflammation and damage pancreatic cells, leading to insulin resistance and increased glucose levels.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalImmunity & Ageing·DateAug 27, 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.

How methane becomes fish food

Researchers have discovered that methane from lakebeds is present in fish tissue through the food chain. The study uses two biomarkers to confirm the finding, increasing the certainty of its results. Methane oxidizing bacteria are consumed by zooplankton and other aquatic organisms, which eventually end up in fish stomachs.

SourceLinköping University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 27, 2012

University of Tennessee Team receives NSF support to study toxic water in China

The University of Tennessee team will combine molecular biology, ecological analysis and environmental remediation to create mathematical models of ecosystem function and provide a strategy for Chinese government officials to balance Lake Taihu's ecosystem. They will examine all contributing organisms to toxic algal blooms and develop ...

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·DateAug 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.

Controlling superconductors with light

Scientists have discovered a way to manipulate superconducting materials using light. This breakthrough allows for the creation of ideal superconductors with continuous electrical current without losing any power. The research has potential applications in developing non-dissipated memories and improving energy efficiency.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateAug 27, 2012

Drug trial offers hope to patients with advanced colorectal cancer

A drug trial found that TAS-102 improved survival time, reduced risk of death, and controlled disease progression in patients with advanced, inoperable colorectal cancer. Patients treated with TAS-102 had a median overall survival of 9 months, compared to 6.6 months for the placebo group.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateAug 27, 2012

Scientists find oldest occurrence of arthropods preserved in amber

A team of scientists has discovered the oldest record of arthropods, including insects and mites, preserved in 100 million-year-old amber. The findings, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, provide new insights into the evolution of life on Earth.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 27, 2012
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.

ASGE initiative examines real-time imaging of Barrett's esophagus

The ASGE initiative focuses on developing guidelines for real-time imaging of Barrett's esophagus, addressing the need for more accurate surveillance protocols. High-risk individuals require regular endoscopy screenings, but current methods have shortcomings due to dysplasia and cancer sampling errors.

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateAug 27, 2012

A new look at proteins in living cells

A new method, SPR microscopy, allows for quantitative analysis of protein interactions on cell surfaces, streamlining drug development and diagnostic biomarker identification. The technique provides high-resolution spatial and temporal information, revealing dynamic processes evolving over time.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateAug 27, 2012

The IABP-SHOCK II study

The IABP-SHOCK II trial randomized 600 patients to receive either an intraaortic balloon pump or conventional optimal medical treatment, but found no reduction in 30-day mortality rates. The study also showed that the IABP did not improve blood pressure, organ perfusion, or reduce treatment time in the intensive care unit.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 27, 2012

Unexpected findings at multi-detector CT scans: Less reason to worry

A recent study from Rhode Island Hospital found that nearly seven percent of urologic multi-detector CT scans for hematuria resulted in clinically important incidental findings. The most common findings were lung nodules, aneurysms, and ovarian cysts, with only a small percentage requiring immediate medical attention.

SourceLifespan·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateAug 27, 2012
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Panda preferences influence trees used for scent marking

A recent study by San Diego Zoo Global researchers found that giant pandas make specific choices when selecting trees for scent marking. The choice of tree is influenced by factors such as bark roughness, presence of moss on the trunk, tree diameter, and distance to trails.

SourceSan Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateAug 27, 2012

The laser beam as a '3-D painter'

Scientists at Vienna University of Technology developed a method called 3D-photografting, which allows them to attach molecules at exact positions. This technique can be used to grow artificial biological tissue with specific inner structures and create tiny three-dimensional 'labs on a chip' for sensor technology.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateAug 27, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The ASTRID study

The ASTRID study found that patients with high and very high risk benefited from transfemoral TAVI, with mortality rates of 4.7% and 7.7%, respectively. The registry also showed differences in vascular complications and residual aortic regurgitation between valve types.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 27, 2012

Parents and readers beware of stereotypes in young adult literature

A new genre of young adult literature, 'teen sick-lit,' portrays chronically ill protagonists as vessels for others' emotional development rather than self-actualized women. The study found little empowerment in these books, instead reinforcing negative stereotypes and societal norms.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Literary & Cultural Disability Studies·DateAug 27, 2012

Precise and persistent cell sabotage

The researchers successfully packaged siRNA in a hydrogel complex that can be injected into target tissues, allowing for prolonged control over cell behavior. The technology has the potential to guide stem cells to grow into desired cell types, starve tumors by blocking blood vessel growth, and induce cancer cell death.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalActa Biomaterialia·DateAug 27, 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.

The Quarterly Review of Biology: Why some fats are worse than others

Researchers propose that certain dietary fats encourage the growth of harmful bacteria, leading to low-level inflammation and chronic disease. Unsaturated fats, like omega-3 fatty acids, have strong antimicrobial properties, weakening bacterial cell membranes.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalThe Quarterly Review of Biology·DateAug 27, 2012

New imaging technique homes in on electrocatalysis of nanoparticles

A new imaging technique has been developed to measure catalytical reactions of single nanoparticles and multiple particles printed in arrays. This allows researchers to determine the relationship between efficiency and nanoparticle size, shape, and composition, enabling fast screening of different nanoparticles.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateAug 27, 2012

Adolescent pot use leaves lasting mental deficits

A longitudinal study of over 1,000 New Zealanders found that persistent cannabis use before age 18 led to significant declines in IQ, attention, and memory. The study suggests that adolescence is a critical period for brain development and vulnerability to substance-induced harm.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 27, 2012
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.

Breast milk promotes a different gut flora growth than infant formulas

Scientists at Duke University Medical Center found that breast milk fosters colonies of microbiotic flora in a newborn's intestinal tract, while infant formulas do not. This unique property of breast milk aids nutrient absorption and immune system development, suggesting potential approaches for developing substitutes.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalCurrent Nutrition & Food Science·DateAug 27, 2012

The role of genes in political behavior

Recent studies suggest genes play a significant role in shaping political preferences and traits. Twin studies have implicated several genes in influencing political issues such as the death penalty, unemployment, and abortion, with future research holding promise for deeper insights into genetic influences on politics.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Genetics·DateAug 27, 2012

Leg compressions may enhance stroke recovery

Researchers found that successive leg compressions trigger natural protective mechanisms reducing damage after a stroke. The technique, called remote ischemic perconditioning, reduced stroke size by 25.7% in animal models, doubling its efficacy when combined with tPA, the current FDA-approved stroke therapy.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateAug 27, 2012

Review of new evidence to treat colonic diverticulitis may help doctors

Recent studies suggest that mesalamine and probiotics may help prevent recurrence of diverticulitis. Inflammation after an acute episode is a risk factor for recurrence, highlighting the need for new therapeutic approaches to managing the disease.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateAug 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.

Selective imprinting: How the wallaby controls growth of its young

Researchers found that wallabies regulate growth of their young by selectively imprinted insulin gene, similar to human placenta. Insulin expression in mammary gland increases after birth, indicating critical role for genomic imprinting in post-natal growth.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalEpigenetics & Chromatin·DateAug 27, 2012

Athletic field paint steals spotlight from the grass it covers

A new study found that grasses coated with latex paints show a notable reduction in photosynthesis. The researchers discovered that red paint is more damaging to total canopy photosynthesis (TCP) than white paint, while diluting each color with water reduces their negative effects.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateAug 27, 2012

New maps may reduce tourism impacts on Hawaiian dolphins

Scientists developed a tool to identify bays with suitable habitats for resting spinner dolphins, allowing conservation efforts to focus on specific areas. The maps aim to minimize human disturbances and protect the dolphins' ability to rest, forage, and communicate effectively.

SourceDuke University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 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.

The effects of discrimination could last a lifetime

A new study finds that everyday discrimination against pregnant women of color may contribute to low birth weight babies. Women who experienced more discrimination reported higher levels of depressive symptoms, leading to babies with lower birth weights. The study suggests reducing discrimination could eliminate health disparities in b...

SourceSpringer Science+Business Media·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateAug 27, 2012

ASH awards Timothy J. Ley, M.D., with 2012 E. Donnall Thomas Lecture and Prize

Dr. Ley's work on whole genome sequencing in AML has provided unprecedented insights into the disease, highlighting the importance of unbiased methods for discovering cancer-initiated mutations. His research also revealed that most AML mutations are benign background events, with only a handful contributing to pathogenesis.

SourceAmerican Society of Hematology·DateAug 27, 2012

Normal weight individuals with belly fat at highest CVD risk

Research from the European Society of Cardiology reveals that normal-weight individuals with belly fat have a higher death risk than obese individuals. The study found that those with central obesity, even at a normal weight, had the highest cardiovascular death risk and death risk from all causes.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 27, 2012

Study explores injury risk in military Humvee crashes

Researchers analyzed data from US Army vehicle crashes to identify risk factors for injuries involving Humvees. Combat involvement and operating as a gunner posed the greatest risk for injury.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalMilitary Medicine·DateAug 27, 2012

Plants unpack winter coats when days get shorter

Research demonstrates that plants trigger their defense mechanisms against freezing temperatures with shortening daylight, unlike trees which do it with waning sunlight. This understanding gives potential tools to fine-tune regulation and increase crop productivity.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 27, 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.

Team of researchers finds a link between cold European winters and solar activity

Researchers found a correlation between low solar activity and cold Central European winters, with the Rhine River serving as a proxy. The study suggests that periods of low sunspot numbers lead to regional cooling, with implications for climate research and the debate on anthropogenic climate change.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 27, 2012

The ORIGIN-GRACE study

The ORIGIN-GRACE study found that insulin glargine significantly reduced secondary outcomes of atherosclerosis progression, but had no effect on primary outcomes. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements also showed no significant effect on either outcome.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 27, 2012

Nutrition tied to improved sperm DNA quality in older men

A study by Berkeley Lab scientists found that older men who consume more vitamin C, E, folate, and zinc have less sperm DNA damage. This suggests that adequate micronutrient intake can help counteract the detrimental effects of aging on sperm genome health.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalFertility and Sterility·DateAug 27, 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.

Special international commission on media violence confirms aggression link

A research-based report by an international Media Violence Commission confirms that media violence exposure increases the relative risk of aggression. The commission recommends that parents know what media their children and adolescents are using and set limits on screen time to promote critical thinking and healthy consumption.

SourceIowa State University·JournalAggressive Behavior·DateAug 27, 2012