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Science News Archive February 2012


Page 25 of 30

What drives public opinion on climate change?

A new study published in Climatic Change identifies political mobilization by elites and advocacy groups as the driving factor behind public opinion on climate change. The research found that information-based science advocacy has a minimal effect on public concern, while elite cues and economic factors play a crucial role.

Revised criteria could reclassify many with mild Alzheimer dementia

According to a study published in Archives of Neurology, revised criteria for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) may reclassify patients with very mild or mild Alzheimer's disease dementia. The new guidelines allow for more flexibility in defining functional independence, potentially affecting diagnostic approaches and treatment options.

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.

Redder ladybirds more deadly, say scientists

Research by the Universities of Exeter and Liverpool reveals that redder ladybirds are more poisonous than their paler peers, with better-fed individuals producing stronger warning signals and toxic chemicals. This variation in coloration is linked to diet in early life, making redder ladybirds less likely to be eaten by predators.

Smallest tools could give biggest results in bone repair

Researchers have developed modular growth factors that can stimulate bone and blood vessel growth in sheep, showing promise for treating orthopedic injuries and defects. The approach uses flexible proteins to activate specific signaling pathways, reducing the risk of unwanted side effects like cancer.

Sharp images from the living mouse brain

Researchers at Max Planck Institute have recorded detailed live images inside the brain of a living mouse using STED microscopy, making minute structures visible for the first time. This breakthrough could help decipher fundamental processes in the brain and shed light on illnesses caused by synapse malfunction.

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.

Group schema therapy for borderline personality disorder

Recent studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of group schema therapy in treating borderline personality disorder, with a 94% recovery rate over an 8-month period. The approach combines theoretical, conceptual, and practical information, including therapist tips and patient workbook materials.

Do patients pay when they leave against medical advice?

A study found that patients leaving hospitals against medical advice do not have to pay the full cost of their stay, as insurance companies typically cover the expenses. However, many physicians and some consent forms incorrectly inform patients that they may be held financially responsible if they leave AMA.

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.

Tasting fructose with the pancreas

Researchers at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute discovered that beta cells in the pancreas use taste receptors to sense fructose, a type of sugar. This finding suggests that fructose plays a role in insulin release, amplifying the effect of glucose and potentially impacting metabolic diseases like obesity and diabetes.

Smoking associated with more rapid cognitive decline in men

A recent study published by Archives of General Psychiatry found a strong association between smoking and more rapid cognitive decline in men. The study analyzed data from over 5,000 men and women in the Whitehall II cohort study, revealing that continued smoking was linked to greater cognitive decline.

Cleveland Clinic, Case Western Reserve University form research consortium

The Cleveland Traumatic Neuromechanics Consortium (TNC) will investigate and develop better protection and treatment strategies for head, neck and spinal injuries. The center will combine engineering and clinical expertise from both institutions to make a significant positive difference in people's lives.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Positive parenting during early childhood may prevent obesity

A new study found that children who received family intervention during early childhood had significantly lower rates of obesity compared to those in the control group. The intervention, ParentCorps, helped parents develop more effective discipline strategies and increase positive interactions with their children.

Scientists make strides toward fixing infant hearts

Researchers at Rice University and Texas Children's Hospital have successfully derived vessel-forming stem cells from amniotic fluid, offering hope for repairing infant hearts. The breakthrough could lead to growing tissue patches using the infant's own cells, potentially replacing defective tissue with beating heart tissue.

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.

Combined asthma medication therapy shown to reduce attacks

Researchers found that using LABAs in combination with ICS reduces asthma attacks as well as or better than corticosteroids alone. The study showed the greatest benefits to African-American patients, males, and those with moderate to severe asthma.

Navy to begin tests on electromagnetic railgun prototype launcher

The Navy is testing an electromagnetic railgun prototype launcher, a long-range weapon that can fire projectiles at speeds of up to 5,600 mph. The technology has the potential to provide Sailors with multi-mission capability for tasks such as naval surface fire support and cruise missile defense.

CIHR invests in Queen's-led study on end-of-life decision making

A multi-center study, DECIDE, aims to improve end-of-life decision making amongst hospital-based physicians and nurses. The study will assess processes for improving communication and explore staff views on fulfilling care goals with seriously ill patients and their families.

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.

School closures slow spread of pH1N1

A McMaster University study finds that closing schools can significantly reduce the spread of pH1N1, with a 50% reduction in transmission observed. The research used high-quality data from Alberta to demonstrate the effectiveness of school closures as a control measure during pandemic outbreaks.

NASA watches a Gulf Weather system for unusual subtropical development

A low-pressure area in the Gulf called System 90L is being watched for possible development into a subtropical depression, although chances are now considered slim. The system is expected to bring widespread heavy rainfall and gusty winds to northern Cuba, the Florida Keys, and south Florida.

The heart can make 'bad' fat burn calories

Researchers discovered that cardiac natriuretic peptides can convert white fat cells into brown fat cells in mice and humans, increasing energy usage and potentially aiding in weight loss. The study suggests a new approach to combating the obesity epidemic.

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.

Embargoed news for Annals of Internal Medicine

The American College of Physicians recommends metformin as the initial drug treatment for most patients with type 2 diabetes who have failed lifestyle modifications. Additionally, a study found that women are more likely to experience complications after implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) placement compared to men. Meanwhile,...

Global extinction: Gradual doom as bad as abrupt

A new study reveals that the deadliest mass extinction, 'The Great Dying', was not a sudden event but occurred gradually. The researchers found evidence of gradual decline in marine life, with some species dying up to 100,000 years before the main extinction event.

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.

Antidepressant-suicide link in youths absent in new analysis

A new analysis of clinical trial data found that treatment with fluoxetine did not increase or decrease suicidality in children compared to placebo. The study also showed that two different antidepressant drugs were effective at reducing suicidal behavior and depressive symptoms in adult and geriatric patients.

LSUHSC research identifies new prostate cancer drug target

Researchers at LSU Health Sciences Center have identified a new protein called ARD1 that plays a critical role in the development and growth of prostate cancer. Inactivating this protein completely suppresses cancer growth, making it a potential target for new treatments.

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.

Optimism and humour can help to combat dental fear

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg found that adopting an optimistic mindset and using humour can significantly improve a patient's experience during dental treatment. These strategies can reduce stress, increase well-being, and create a pleasant atmosphere.

Donation opens new opportunities for more effective diabetes treatment

The Stichting af Jochnick Foundation is funding research into the fundamental causes of diabetes at Karolinska Institutet, aiming to develop more effective treatments for the disease. The project will use unique methods to study insulin regulation in living organisms and identify new targets for drugs.

Gender wage gap shrunk faster than previously thought

A new University of Georgia study reveals the gender wage gap has decreased sharply over 30 years, with a decline of nearly 50%, after accounting for common biases in survey data. The research found that men and women tend to underestimate income when reporting on someone else's behalf.

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.

Playing RFID tag with sheets of paper

Researchers in France have developed a way to deposit thin aluminum RFID tags on paper using thermal evaporation, reducing the cost of RFID tagging. This approach could enable single printed sheets or flyers to be tagged and open up RFID tagging to more systems.

Why bad immunity genes survive

A recent study from University of Utah biologists found that the diversity of immune-system MHC genes is maintained through an 'arms race' between genes and germs, where pathogens evolve to evade the immune response, but also create new opportunities for other variants to emerge. This phenomenon helps explain why some disease-susceptib...

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.

Combined oral contraceptive pill helps painful periods

A large Scandinavian study has found that combined oral contraceptive pills reduce painful menstrual periods by 0.3 units on the VMS scale, with a reduction of nine millimeters on the VAS scale. Increasing age also alleviated symptoms, but not as much as COC use, which had a greater effect.

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.

Copper + love chemical = big sulfur stink

Scientists at Duke University Medical Center discovered that copper is essential for detecting sulfur-containing substances, which are responsible for strong odors. The research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggests a possible link between copper and drug receptor responses.

UNH ocean scientists shed new light on Mariana Trench

Researchers from UNH's Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping used multibeam echo sounders to map the entire Mariana Trench, discovering four bridges spanning its depth of 10,994 meters. The bridges are thought to be formed by the collision of tectonic plates, providing new insights into Earth's complex geology.

The best medicine for productivity

A new study from the University of Haifa found that emotional and instrumental support from a supervisor can significantly reduce employee absenteeism and increase productivity. The study also highlights the importance of co-worker support in mitigating the effects of stress at work, leading to improved overall well-being.

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.