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Science News Archive February 2012


Page 29 of 30

Vigorous exercise linked to gene activity in prostate

A study by UCSF researchers found that vigorous exercise is linked to increased expression of genes thought to prevent cancer progression. The study identified nearly 200 genes in healthy prostate tissue that are more active among men who exercised vigorously for at least three hours a week.

Assessing the value of BMI screening and surveillance in schools

Experts weigh the benefits and drawbacks of routine BMI screening in schools, considering data sharing with parents. The discussion aims to empower individuals, families, and educators to address childhood obesity through compassionate and constructive strategies.

Insulin resistance linked to brain health in elderly

Researchers found that elderly individuals with high insulin sensitivity had larger brains and better verbal fluency skills compared to those with low insulin sensitivity. Higher insulin sensitivity was also associated with more grey matter in regions important for language skills.

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.

Circular RNAs more common than previously thought

A study published in PLOS ONE found that circular RNA molecules are more abundant than previously thought, comprising a substantial fraction of all transcripts identified for many genes. This discovery opens up new avenues for research into the potential functions and relevance of circular RNAs in human biology and health.

Getting pious with a little help from our friends

A Baylor University study found that friendships forged at church play a significant role in people's religious activities and beliefs. The larger the proportion of friends, the more likely an individual will be active in their religious behaviors.

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.

Surgical breast biopsy not overused, study suggests

A recent study suggests that surgical breast biopsies are not overused, with the actual rate falling between 2% and 18%. The study analyzed Medicare data from 2004 to 2009 and found a true surgical breast biopsy figure of around 11%. This finding challenges earlier reports that suggested surgery was used for 30% of breast biopsies.

Extended synaptic development may explain our cognitive edge over other primates

Researchers have identified extended synaptic development in human brains relative to other primates, shedding light on the biology and evolution of human cognition. This finding suggests that the human brain remains highly plastic during early childhood, allowing it to absorb environmental information and develop intellectual skills.

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.

A step closer to understanding, averting drug resistance

Researchers at Brandeis University have made a significant discovery on how EmrE, a protein responsible for exporting antibiotics from cells, works. By studying its structure and function using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, the team hopes to develop inhibitors that can target this protein and prevent drug resistance.

Seasonal changes may influence the efficacy of vaccination against diabetes

A recent study suggests that seasonal variations in the immune system may impact the effectiveness of a vaccine targeting type 1 diabetes. The vaccine, which uses the GAD65 antigen, showed promise in earlier trials but failed to demonstrate significant effects in its latest phase 3 trial. The study's authors propose that factors such a...

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Road runoff spurring spotted salamander evolution

A study by Yale University researchers found that spotted salamanders breeding in contaminated roadside ponds are adapting to their toxic environments through rapid evolution. The salamanders' survival and growth rates improve in these conditions, suggesting they have developed a genetic advantage.

Survivors of violence benefit from mentoring

Concordia University research reveals mentoring has a healing impact on female students who survive childhood abuse or domestic violence. The study identifies four themes of mentorship: fantasy mentors, mirrors, nurturers and supporters, and profession embodiments.

Massage is promising for muscle recovery

Researchers at McMaster University found a 10-minute massage significantly reduces inflammation in muscle, triggering biochemical signals that can aid healing. The study suggests massage may be an effective alternative to pain medications for recovery from injury.

Why the brain is more reluctant to function as we age

Researchers at the University of Bristol identified a novel cellular mechanism underlying age-related cognitive decline, revealing that changes to sodium channels contribute to decreased neuronal excitability. The study found that aged brain cells struggle to generate action potentials due to altered sodium channel activation properties.

Here is what real commitment to your marriage means

A recent study by UCLA psychologists analyzed 172 married couples over 11 years, finding that a deeper level of commitment is a better predictor of lower divorce rates and fewer problems in marriage. Couples who were willing to make sacrifices within their relationships were more effective in solving their problems.

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's GCPEx mission: What we don't know about snow

NASA's GCPEx mission aims to improve snow detection from space to better understand snow dynamics and its impact on climate cycles. The team faces challenges in distinguishing between rain and snow due to the variety of snowflake shapes and sizes.

Study compares the accuracy of valuation methods of insurance companies

A study by Columbia Business School Professor Doron Nissim reveals that book value multiples are a more accurate measure for valuing insurance companies than earnings multiples. The research finds that excluding certain financial components, such as Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI), can worsen valuation accuracy.

NIAID scientists consider 200 years of infectious diseases

Scientists from NIAID outline key advances in understanding and combatting infectious diseases, including the development of vaccines to prevent many infections. They also note the ongoing challenge of emerging pathogens, such as HIV, which can have devastating effects on societies.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

A spider web's strength lies in more than its silk

Researchers show that spider web durability relies on compensating for damage and stress responses of individual strands. Spider webs sacrifice local areas to prevent failure, a strategy unlike other biological materials.

UNH scientists: Sun delivered curveball of powerful radiation at Earth

A recent potent follow-up solar flare delivered a powerful radiation punch to Earth's magnetic field due to existing energetic particles and a magnetic connection. This highlights the potential for space weather events to disrupt daily life and pose risks to astronauts, despite not being in direct path.

Building a better light bulb

Researchers created an organic LED light with a warm white color near point A and high color stability by adjusting layer heights. The final OLED has improved performance compared to traditional incandescent bulbs.

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.

KIT: Fast and easy programming

The ALMA project aims to simplify software development for embedded multi-core processors, reducing development time and costs. The new tool chain uses open-source Scilab software and focuses on close co-design of software and hardware.

A thought-provoking new therapeutic target for brain cancer?

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly aggressive brain tumor resistant to current therapies. Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, have identified PDGFR-alpha and SULF2 as potential therapeutic targets for GBM treatment. Knocking down SULF2 expression decreased cell growth in human GBM cell lines.

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.

Brain capacity limits exponential online data growth

A study found that the human brain's ability to process information is the dominant limiting factor for exponentially growing internet data. The distribution of internet files shows a Weber-Fechner law, where the total amount of information grows slower than our ability to handle it.

Precision time: A matter of atoms, clocks, and statistics

To achieve accurate measurements, an ensemble of 400 atomic clocks is required. The researcher uses statistical calculations to counter challenges in distributing data without degrading clock performance. These algorithms rely on understanding past accuracy to establish reliable reference times.

MIT study: Driving the green

A new MIT study suggests that electric vehicles can cost 9 to 12 percent less to operate than diesel engines for urban deliveries, leading to potential savings of $900 to $1,400 per truck per year. The study also explores the viability of vehicle-to-grid systems, which could provide additional revenue streams through power services.

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.

New zeolite material may solve diesel shortage

Researchers have discovered a new porous zeolite material that can convert gasoline directly into diesel, offering a potential solution to the growing demand for diesel. The ITQ-39 material has complex atomic structure and channels of varying size and shape, enabling efficient conversion.

Clot-busting drugs appear safe for treating 'wake-up' stroke patients

Researchers compared clot busting treatments in patients with wake-up stroke and those treated within 4.5 hours of symptom onset, finding similar death rates, risk of bleeding, and recovery rates. The study suggests administering clot-busting drugs to wake-up stroke patients is feasible and safe.

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.

Powering pacemakers with heartbeat vibrations

A team of aerospace engineers developed a prototype device that harnesses chest cavity vibrations to generate electricity for pacemakers, delivering eight times the required energy. The technology has potential as a biocompatible alternative to competing methods.

First plants caused ice ages

The arrival of the first land plants 470 million years ago led to a series of 'ice ages' as they extracted minerals from rocks, causing chemical weathering and removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This cooling effect would have been around five degrees Celsius.

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.

Yellow-cedar are dying in Alaska: Scientists now know why

Yellow-cedar trees are dying off across large areas in Alaska and British Columbia due to root freezing caused by reduced snow and cold temperatures. The tree's shallow roots make it vulnerable to freezing injury, leading to its decline. Conservation strategies are needed to protect the species.

Polarization imaging: Seeing through the fog of war

A new circular polarization filter developed by a collaborative team of scientists has the potential to enhance vision through dust and clouds, improve early cancer detection, and even enhance 3D movie experiences. The filter allows users to measure the polarization state of light quickly and efficiently.

Creating the perfect partial salt replacement

A team of University of Alberta researchers created a new, cleaner and more efficient technology to replace salt with kokumi, a flavor enhancer that amplifies taste without sacrificing it. The product shows great potential in reducing sodium consumption in North American diets.

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.

Hold the extra burgers and fries when people pleasers arrive

A new study from Case Western Reserve University found that people-pleasers often eat more in social situations to avoid upsetting others. This behavior can lead to regret and emotional distress, as individuals feel intense pressure to match the eating habits of those around them.

Genome Research publishes special issue: Cancer Genomics

Researchers have uncovered new genetic evidence supporting the hypothesis that acral melanoma is a distinct subtype with UV-damage signatures. Whole-exome sequencing of pancreatic cancer cell lines revealed a significant correlation between loss of MLH1 gene and indel mutation rates, disrupting several well-known cancer genes.

Protein structures give disease clues

Scientists have made new discoveries about the shape and structure of biological molecules, potentially leading to new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. The research found that two protein channels are similar in structure and function, with one 'unlocking' calcium flows inside cells.

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.

Marker for Alzheimer's disease may affect mental function even in healthy adults

A study published in Neurology found that high levels of beta-amyloid in the brain are associated with subtle changes in memory and mental function in healthy adults. The study, which involved 137 participants aged 30-89, also linked higher amounts of beta-amyloid to lower test scores in working memory, reasoning, and processing speed.

When the isolated lung runs out of air

Researchers have successfully identified the underlying mechanism of ischemia-reperfusion injury in isolated lungs, a major complication in lung transplantation. The study highlights two key proteins responsible for increased vascular permeability and inflammation, paving the way for potential therapeutic interventions.