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Science News Archive February 2012


Page 28 of 30

A silver bullet to beat cancer?

Lab tests have found that silver compounds are as toxic to cancer cells as platinum-based drug Cisplatin, but may be less toxic to healthy human cells. Researchers hope to develop next-generation chemotherapy drugs using these findings.

New super-Earth detected within the habitable zone of a nearby cool star

A team of scientists has detected a potentially habitable super-Earth orbiting a nearby M-class dwarf star called GJ 667C. The planet receives 90% of the light that Earth receives and is expected to absorb similar amounts of energy, which could lead to surface temperatures similar to those on Earth.

Hurricane gave researchers a rare opportunity to study evolution

A 2004 hurricane provided a rare opportunity for scientists to study the founder effect, a concept that describes the loss of genetic variation in new populations. The study found that both natural selection and the founder effect played roles in shaping the lizard population's characteristics.

Snapshot of dialysis: Who's getting treated at home?

Home-based dialysis treatments for kidney failure are gaining popularity worldwide, particularly in developing countries. The study found a significant increase in peritoneal dialysis patients in these regions, driven by lower costs and easier access to care.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Understanding how bacteria come back from the dead

Bacteria can multiply rapidly, but a lag phase precedes exponential growth. Researchers have developed a system to study this period, revealing genes and nutrient uptake mechanisms that help bacteria thrive in new environments.

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.

Predicting system crashes in nature and society

Researchers develop a mathematical methodology to predict critical transitions in complex systems like fisheries and economies. The approach utilizes traditional intuition and understanding, reducing the need for large amounts of data, to enhance chances of 'seeing it coming'.

Gene regulator in brain's executive hub tracked across lifespan -- NIH study

A new NIH study reveals that certain genes implicated in schizophrenia and autism show increased regulatory activity during a critical period of development, influenced by environmental factors. This discovery highlights the importance of epigenetic mechanisms like DNA methylation in shaping brain function and behavior.

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.

Sex-specific behaviors traced to hormone-controlled genes in the brain

A recent study on male and female mice has identified hormone-controlled genes in the brain as the key drivers of sex-specific behaviors, including mating and parental care. The research found that these genes can be individually manipulated to alter behavior, suggesting a modular control of sex-specific traits.

Football findings suggest concussions caused by series of hits

A study by Purdue University researchers found that football players who received more hits to the head over time showed brain changes, even if they didn't have concussion symptoms. The findings suggest that a concussion is likely caused by many hits over time, not just one blow.

Heart failure linked to thinner bones and fractures

A recent study published in The Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that heart failure is associated with a 30% increase in major fractures. Researchers identified a high-risk population benefiting from increased screening and treatment for osteoporosis.

Penn State team's QR code wins REACH Challenge

A Penn State team has developed a QR code system that allows patients to provide real-time feedback on their care experiences, helping hospitals improve patient satisfaction and reputation. The winning project aims to ensure patients receive the best care while also boosting hospital reimbursement under the Value-Based Purchasing Program.

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.

'Goldilocks' gene could determine best treatment for TB patients

Researchers found that a single 'Goldilocks' gene, LTA4H, regulates the immune response to TB. Variations in this gene lead to excessive or insufficient inflammation, which can affect treatment response. The study suggests personalized medicine could improve TB treatment outcomes.

Untangling the mysteries of Alzheimer's

New research reveals that tau oligomers, smaller structures formed before neurofibrillary tangles, are the most toxic entities in Alzheimer's. High levels of tau oligomers have been found in some Alzheimer's brains, and their presence has been linked to various biochemical behaviors and structures.

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.

Planets circling around twin suns

Two new planets, Kepler-34 and Kepler-35, have been discovered orbiting binary suns in the Cygnus constellation. The discovery indicates that planets can revolve around double stars, challenging our understanding of solar systems.

Experimental drug reduces 'second stroke' after aneurysm rupture

The experimental drug clazosentan reduced the risk of blood vessel spasm in patients with a brain aneurysm. Patients on higher doses of the drug experienced a significant reduction in vasospasm-related complications, including neurological deficits and respiratory issues.

JCI online early table of contents: Feb. 1, 2012

A team of researchers has identified a potential new therapeutic target for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a highly aggressive form of brain cancer. They found that protein SULF2 is expressed in primary human GBM tumors and cell lines, and its expression is associated with abnormal activation of signaling pathways down...

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Handheld device for doing blood tests moves closer to medical use

Scientists have developed a handheld device that can accurately count white blood cells, revolutionizing the complete blood cell count test. The device uses a 'blood lab-on-a-chip' technology to break down red blood cells and produce comparable results to full-scale hematology labs.

Chaos in the cell's command center

Research reveals LSD1's key function in silencing embryonic stem cell genes during differentiation, allowing cells to adopt new operating systems. The findings hold broader implications for understanding defective operating systems in diseases like cancer.

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.

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.

Are nuisance jellyfish really taking over the world's oceans?

A new assessment by Robert H. Condon and colleagues challenges the idea that jellyfish are dominating the seas, citing a lack of scientific evidence supporting this claim. The researchers suggest that recent blooms and increased media attention have fueled the perception of an increase in jellyfish populations.

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.

Same genes linked to early- and late-onset Alzheimer's

The study found rare variants in key Alzheimer's-related genes in 13% of analyzed samples, with 5% likely contributing to the disease. The findings suggest a common disease mechanism for both early- and late-onset Alzheimer's, leading to potential changes in classification.

Better NHS services reduce suicide rates

Research shows that better mental health services and safer hospital environments lead to a significant reduction in suicides among specific patient groups. The study's findings are based on data from 12,881 suicides in 91 mental health services between 1997 and 2006.

Societal control of sugar essential to ease public health burden

A team of UCSF researchers argues that sugar is a primary culprit of the global obesity pandemic, contributing to 35 million deaths annually. Limiting sugar consumption requires environmental and community-wide solutions, similar to those for alcohol and tobacco.

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.

For stroke prevention, large medical centers may have the edge

Outcomes for unruptured brain aneurysms treatment have remained stagnant over the last 10 years, attributed to minimally invasive endoscopic coiling procedures at lower-volume community hospitals. These procedures lead to inferior outcomes and increased technical shortcomings or errors in judgment.

New U of M video game teaches consequences of distracted driving

The new Distraction Dodger video game, developed by the University of Minnesota ITS Institute, aims to teach young adults about the risks of distracted driving. The game simulates real-life scenarios, offering players a reality check on their driving habits and encouraging them to stay focused on the road.

Nano-oils keep their cool

Researchers developed nano-infused transformer oil that increases efficiency by up to 80 percent, reducing heat loss while maintaining electric insulation. The oil's viscosity is minimally affected by nanoparticle fillers.

Forensic research extends detection of cyanide poisoning

Researchers at Sam Houston State University have discovered a new biomarker, ACTA, in liver samples following cyanide poisoning, which may extend its detection window up to two months. Elevated cyanide concentrations can only be detected for up to two days under current toxicological testing.

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.

Eating behavior influenced by dining partners

A study published in PLOS ONE found that people tend to mimic each other's eating behavior when dining with others, taking bites at the same time. The researchers observed 70 pairs of young women and recorded their bites, totaling almost 4,000, revealing a dynamic interplay between eating companions.

Canadian police agencies suppressing data on race, says criminology study

A recent study by University of Toronto and Nipissing criminologists reveals that Canadian police departments largely do not report race in practice, despite only 20% having an explicit policy against it. This suppression of data hinders the development of effective initiatives to improve relations with racialized communities.

Study reveals new wrinkle in growing US health gap

A new study found that health disparities have grown dramatically among people in the same socioeconomic groups, often more than between groups. Researchers identified factors such as income instability and changes in population composition contributing to these growing disparities.

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.

Lungs clothed in fresh cells offer new hope for transplant patients

A new approach to lung tissue development could provide a virtually limitless supply of donor lungs while avoiding rejection. The method involves decellularizing an organ and recellularizing it with stem cells from the recipient, potentially overcoming the need for donor organs.

IPM decreased pesticide use in University of Florida housing

A new study published in the Journal of Integrated Pest Management found that an integrated pest management (IPM) program significantly reduced the use of insecticides in University of Florida housing. The program led to a near-total elimination of hydramethylnon and other chemicals.

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.

Transgene insects: Scientists call for more open data

A study by Max Planck scientists found that available scientific information on genetically modified insect releases is highly restricted. They call for clear and accurate descriptions to be widely circulated before releases, particularly if mosquito species are involved.