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Science News Archive December 2012 - Page 14


Page 14 of 24

Bedroom TV viewing increases risk of obesity in children

A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that bedroom TV viewing is associated with increased waist circumference and obesity risk in children. The research suggests that having a TV in the bedroom may disrupt healthy habits, such as sleep and regular family meals, contributing to weight gain and obesity.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateDec 11, 2012

Moffitt researchers say effective immunotherapy for melanoma hinges on blocking suppressive factors

Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have found that blocking myeloid-derived suppressor cells and regulatory T-cell reconstitution improves adoptive T-cell therapy for melanoma. This blockade is achieved after total body irradiation eliminates these cells, leading to delayed tumor growth and enhanced survival in mice.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateDec 11, 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.

How our sense of touch is a lot like the way we hear

A study by Sliman Bensmaia and colleagues found that the timing and frequency of vibrations in the skin transmit specific messages about texture to the brain, similar to how sound is perceived. This new understanding has implications for simulating tactile sensations, such as haptic rendering and prosthetic technology.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·DateDec 11, 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.

Scary news for corals -- from the Ice Age

A team of international marine researchers found evidence of a sharp decline in coral diversity near the equator, with only 50-60% of species present further away. The study suggests that warming temperatures may lead to corals retreating towards the poles during warm periods and retracting towards the equator in cooler times.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 11, 2012

An elusive effect measured during the last Venus transit

Scientists observed and measured the tiny distortion in a star's light caused by Venus passing in front of it. The effect, known as the Rossiter-McLaughlin effect, is difficult to detect but holds promise for studying exoplanets. Measuring this effect will aid in understanding the history of exoplanet formation.

SourceIstituto Nazionale di Astrofisica·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateDec 11, 2012

What causes hot flushes during menopause?

A team of researchers has identified KNDy neurons as a likely control switch of hot flushes, suggesting that hormonal changes in menopause trigger vasodilation and increased body temperature. The discovery provides a crucial step towards developing more effective treatments for hot flushes.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 11, 2012

Primary care physicians play vital role in caring for diabetes patients

Researchers found that primary care physicians provide higher quality care to diabetes patients by altering medications and offering lifestyle counseling more frequently. This study highlights the importance of a consistent primary care physician in managing chronic conditions like diabetes.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalDiabetes Care·DateDec 11, 2012
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

No need to prepare

Researchers sequenced DNA molecules directly without library preparation, using less than one nanogram of DNA. The technique has potential for fast and efficient identification of organisms in hospitals and healthcare settings.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalBioTechniques·DateDec 11, 2012

Grains gang up to bear brunt of missile and meteorite impacts

Researchers have discovered a jerky, non-smooth energy transfer from a meteorite or missile to sand and dirt grains during impact. The study shows that the sound wave and grains behave differently than previously assumed, with pulses moving along networks of grains, or force chains.

SourceDuke University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 11, 2012

Alternative to fullerenes in organic solar cells -- just as exciting

Researchers at the University of Warwick have identified a new class of molecular acceptors that can be used to replace fullerenes in organic solar cells, improving their efficiency and reducing costs. This breakthrough could unlock the door to more efficient and cheaper solar cells.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 11, 2012

New research helps predict susceptibility to Burkitt lymphoma

The study found a significant increase in the risk of developing eBL in young children with a distinct pattern of antibody responses to several different recombinant Pf malaria antigens. Antibodies to SE36, a vaccine candidate protein, were associated with a decreased risk of eBL.

SourceGeorge Washington University·DateDec 11, 2012

Device helps children with disabilities access tablets

Researchers at Georgia Tech have created Access4Kids, a wireless input device that translates physical movements into fine-motor gestures to control tablets. The device allows children with fine motor impairments to access off-the-shelf apps and custom-made apps for therapy and science education.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateDec 11, 2012
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.

Rice cultivates green batteries from plant

Researchers at Rice University have discovered that the madder plant's purpurin can be used as a natural cathode for lithium-ion batteries, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional batteries. The team has built a half-battery cell with a capacity of 90 milliamp hours per gram after 50 charge/discharge cycles.

SourceRice University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 11, 2012

New tuberculosis drug trial begins in South Africa

A Phase 2a trial is being conducted to assess the effectiveness of AZD5847, a new test drug for patients with tuberculosis, including those with HIV co-infection. The study aims to improve treatment options for TB, a leading infectious cause of death among people with HIV/AIDS.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateDec 11, 2012

Combining diagnostic tests more accurate at predicting Alzheimer's

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that combining diagnostic tests more accurately predicts Alzheimer's in patients with mild cognitive impairment. The combination of MRI, FDG-PET, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis reduced misdiagnoses by 28.4% compared to individual tests.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalRadiology·DateDec 11, 2012
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.

Mussel goo inspires blood vessel glue

Researchers have created a gel that can be painted onto blood vessel walls to form a protective barrier, potentially preventing rupture and inflammation. The gel's 'sheer strength' could shore up weakened vessel walls and prevent the formation of blood clots.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 11, 2012

UT study: Students who are more physically fit perform better academically

A recent UT study examined how academic achievement relates to physical fitness in middle school students. The study found that students with the highest fitness levels performed better on standardized exams and earned higher grades. By being active, kids may be able to raise their grades without sacrificing academic instruction.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalThe Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness·DateDec 11, 2012

Need to move soon? Don't trust your emotions

A new study published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that consumers make emotional assessments when making decisions closer to their future. The study suggests that companies should tailor their messages to appeal to feelings or objective assessments based on the proximity of the decision outcome.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateDec 11, 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.

Discovery of tiny fossil new to science

An international team of researchers has discovered a new species of ostracod, a type of crustacean, in 425 million-year-old rocks. The fossils are exceptionally well-preserved, including the shell and soft tissues such as body, limbs, eyes, gills, and alimentary system.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·DateDec 11, 2012

Children born prematurely are at higher risk of esophageal inflammation, cancer

Children born prematurely are at increased risk of developing esophageal adenocarcinoma due to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and chronic exposure to acid reflux. The study found that being small for gestational age or having a short duration of gestation also increases the risk of esophagitis.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateDec 11, 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.

Psychological therapies improve life for children with post-traumatic stress disorder

A systematic review found that children and teenagers diagnosed with PTSD showed signs of improvement up to three months following treatment. Psychological therapies, particularly cognitive behavioural therapy, have been shown to be effective in treating post-traumatic stress disorder in children, reducing anxiety and depression symptoms.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateDec 11, 2012

Helmsley Charitable Trust Fund donates $6 million to Ben-Gurion University of Negev Robotics Center

The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust is providing a $6.2 million grant to Ben-Gurion University of the Negev to establish an ABC Robotics Center, focusing on medical, service, industrial, and agricultural robotics. The center aims to develop fully autonomous robots with human-like cognitive capabilities.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·DateDec 11, 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.

Why do so many women leave biology?

Women leave academia at higher rates than men in biology due to intense competition for tenure-track positions, particularly when they have children. In contrast, medicine's earlier competition period may contribute to lower attrition rates among women scientists.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateDec 11, 2012

How do stay-at-home dads seek greater social acceptance?

Stay-at-home fathers are mobilizing to build greater legitimacy for their marginalized gender identity by aggressively pursuing recognition from mainstream institutions. They attempt to avoid feminizing associations by masculinizing domesticity, instead enacting a rebel dad persona and portraying themselves as a gender vanguard.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateDec 11, 2012

TACC develops visualization software for humanities researchers

The Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC) has released MostPixelsEver: Cluster Edition, an open source software tool that enables interactive multimedia visualizations on high resolution, tiled displays. This software aims to make visualization tools more accessible for humanities researchers.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·DateDec 11, 2012

The current state of lung cancer treatment

Recent advancements in lung cancer treatment focus on targeting specific genetic mutations, resulting in improved patient response rates (70-80%) compared to traditional chemotherapies. However, challenges remain in securing funding for clinical trials and staying ahead of the disease's rapid mutation rate.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalArchives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine·DateDec 11, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study finds epigenetics, not genetics, underlies homosexuality

Researchers found that sex-specific epi-marks can lead to homosexuality when they escape erasure and are transmitted from father to daughter or mother to son. This study solves the evolutionary riddle of homosexuality, suggesting that epigenetics is a critical factor contributing to the phenomenon.

SourceNational Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS)·JournalThe Quarterly Review of Biology·DateDec 11, 2012

NIH-funded trial launched to assess experimental TB drug

A clinical trial led by researchers at Case Western Reserve University will enroll 75 men and women with drug-sensitive pulmonary tuberculosis to test the investigational TB drug AZD5847. The study aims to determine whether the drug reduces TB bacteria counts in participants, with a focus on patients co-infected with HIV.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateDec 11, 2012

Eating or spending too much? Blame it on Facebook

A study by Keith Wilcox and Andrew T. Stephen found that Facebook usage can lead to reduced self-control, resulting in unhealthy snacking, increased body mass index, and higher credit card debt among users with many close friends. The research highlights the potential negative impact of social media on consumer well-being.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateDec 11, 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.

New system for aircraft forecasts potential storm hazards over oceans

A new system developed by NCAR combines satellite data and computer weather models to predict potentially dangerous atmospheric conditions. The system provides pilots with critical information about storms, turbulence, and lightning, helping to improve flight safety over remote ocean regions.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·DateDec 11, 2012

Salmonella spreads by targeting cells in our gut, study shows

Researchers have found that Salmonella bacteria change key cells in the intestine to cross the gut wall and infect vital organs. This allows Salmonella to thrive and cause severe symptoms like diarrhoea, fever, and even death in young children.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateDec 11, 2012

New method quantifies uncertainty in estimates of child mortality rates

A new statistical method called bootstrapping has been used to calculate uncertainty intervals for child mortality rate estimates in 174 countries. This approach provides more insights into countries' progress in reducing child mortality, enabling a categorization of countries based on the evidence for progress.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateDec 11, 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.

DNDi is awarded USD 17.3 million from UNITAID to spur development and delivery of child-adapted ARVs

DNDi will receive a $17.3 million grant from UNITAID to accelerate the development and delivery of child-adapted antiretroviral therapy (ARV) formulations for babies and toddlers with HIV/AIDS, including those co-infected with tuberculosis. This support aims to improve treatment accessibility and outcomes for young children affected by...

SourceDrugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative·DateDec 11, 2012

Concussions affect children's brains even after symptoms subside

A study found that brain changes in children who suffered a concussion persisted for over three months, despite the disappearance of symptoms. The researchers used advanced imaging techniques to monitor recovery and suggested that using these methods could help diagnose and treat concussions in children.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateDec 11, 2012

Ancient red dye powers new 'green' battery

Researchers from City College of New York have developed a non-toxic and sustainable lithium-ion battery powered by purpurin, a natural plant dye extracted from the madder plant. The battery's production process is simpler and less expensive than traditional Li-ion batteries, with fewer environmental risks.

SourceCity College of New York·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 11, 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.

My, what big teeth you have! Threatening objects appear closer

Studies show that when faced with a threat, our bodies respond with fight-or-flight responses and engage perceptual biases to misperceive objects as being closer. However, this effect is absent in cases of disgust. These findings support the threat-signal hypothesis, suggesting that perception can be biased to promote functional action.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 11, 2012

Value or attention: Why do consumers prefer familiar products?

A study found that consumers are more likely to buy a product they previously focused on, while ignoring a product decreases its purchasing chances. Companies can exploit this by drawing attention through advertising or packaging to gain long-term advantages.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateDec 11, 2012
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.

Combination of imaging exams improves Alzheimer's diagnosis

A combination of diagnostic tests, including MRI, PET and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers, can improve the prediction of conversion from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer's disease. The study found that combining these tests reduced false classifications and increased accuracy compared to clinical testing alone.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateDec 11, 2012

Young Investigator Award winners announced by Anatomy Society

The American Association for Anatomy's Young Investigator Awards recognize investigators in early stages of their careers for contributions to biomedical science. This year's winners include Tamara Franz-Odendaal, Thomas Jhou, Joanna Wysocka, and Thomas Maresca, who will present lectures at the AAA Annual Meeting/EB 2013.

SourceAmerican Association for Anatomy·DateDec 11, 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.

Fear of falling may cause social isolation in older adults with vision problems

A new study found that up to 40-50% of older adults with eye disease limit their activities due to a fear of falling. This fear leads to social isolation and disability in seniors, emphasizing the need for interventions to help them feel more confident about their abilities.

SourceAssociation for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateDec 11, 2012