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Science News Archive February 2012 - Page 22


Page 22 of 30

Scientists sound alarm over threat of untreatable gonorrhea in United States

The US is facing a growing threat of multi-drug resistant gonorrhea, with treatment options rapidly dwindling due to increasing antibiotic resistance. The CDC has seen a 17-fold increase in drug susceptibility, leading scientists to call for collective action from healthcare providers and drug companies.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 8, 2012

Female fertility affects men's linguistic choices

A study published in PLoS ONE found that men are less likely to match their language to a female conversation partner if she is fertile. The researchers suggest that this could be a way for men to display their mating fitness.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 8, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UBC researchers use Google Earth to verify Mediterranean fish farming data

Researchers used satellite imagery from Google Earth to count fish farming cages in the Mediterranean, estimating a total of 225,736 tonnes of finfish production. The study suggests that both Greece and Turkey underreport their farmed fish production, but overall, Mediterranean countries are giving accurate counts.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 8, 2012

Unusual 'collapsing' iron superconductor sets record for its class

A team of researchers has discovered an iron-based superconductor that operates at the highest known temperature for its class, reaching 47 degrees Kelvin. The crystal's unusual property is that it can collapse by up to 10% when a smaller atom is substituted for calcium in some of its hubs.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review B·DateFeb 8, 2012

Genetic Rosetta Stone unveiled in Nature

A new community resource, DGRP, provides the highest-resolution view to date of genome structure and variation in a population of fruit flies with diverse traits. The study has far-reaching effects on animal breeding, pesticide development, and personalized medicine.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNature·DateFeb 8, 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.

Breastfeeding can reduce risk of childhood obesity

Research from the Colorado School of Public Health shows that breastfeeding can lower body mass index for children of diabetic pregnancies, reducing their risk of childhood obesity. Children who were breast-fed had a slower BMI growth as they grew older compared to those who nursed less than six months.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateFeb 8, 2012

Satellite telephony is unsafe

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum cracked European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) encryption algorithms used in satellite phones, revealing significant weaknesses.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·DateFeb 8, 2012

Unusual alliances enable movement

Researchers found that agrin and LRP4 form two diverse work teams to activate MuSK, enabling communication between neurons and muscles. This discovery may lead to new treatments for myasthenia gravis and other muscle diseases, as well as insights into neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalGenes & Development·DateFeb 8, 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.

Smartphone training helps people with memory impairment regain independence

A new study published by Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care found that smartphone training can significantly improve daily life skills and boost confidence levels among individuals with moderate-to-severe memory impairment. Participants showed 'robust increases' in day-to-day memory functioning after taking the training.

SourceBaycrest Centre for Geriatric Care·JournalNeuropsychological Rehabilitation·DateFeb 8, 2012

Few small employers likely to opt out of health reform rules

A RAND Corporation study concludes that few small employers will choose to self-insure or maintain grandfathered plans due to significant financial risk. The analysis found that stricter regulations will be essential to keep premiums affordable in small business insurance exchanges.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalHealth Affairs·DateFeb 8, 2012

Hatchery fish mask the decline of wild salmon populations

A study found that only 10% of Chinook salmon spawning in the Mokelumne River are naturally produced wild salmon, while hatchery-raised fish dominate the population. The research highlights the need for more accurate monitoring and management of wild populations.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 8, 2012

VCU study suggests use of managed care plan for uninsured may reduce costs, ER visits

A new study from VCU researchers found that a managed care plan can reduce the cost of caring for the uninsured population who gain coverage through the Affordable Care Act. The study showed that emergency department visits and inpatient admissions declined, while primary care visits increased during the seven-year period.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalHealth Affairs·DateFeb 8, 2012

NASA's Chandra finds Milky Way's black hole grazing on asteroids

The study suggests a massive cloud of trillions of asteroids and comets surrounds Sgr A*, where they are vaporized by friction as they pass through the hot gas flowing onto the black hole. The flares observed by Chandra could be explained by the frequent collision of asteroids with the black hole.

SourceChandra X-ray Center·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateFeb 8, 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.

Most stretchable spider silk reported

Researchers found that the egg sac silk of the cocoon stalk was more stretchable than any previously tested egg sac silk. The study, published in PLOS ONE, may provide insight into super-stretchable biological materials and bio-inspired nanomaterials.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 8, 2012

Obese children more likely to suffer growth plate fractures

A new study presented at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons meeting found that obese children are 74 percent more likely to sustain a fracture of the growth plate. The study looked at 224 children and found that those with a higher BMI were more likely to experience low-energy impact injuries.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateFeb 8, 2012

New NIST 'Cell assay on a chip': Solid results from simple means

The new device, created by Javier Atencia, features a diffusion-based gradient generator that reduces the risk of cell damage and offers simplicity. In experiments, cells were exposed to cycloheximide, resulting in increased fluorescence levels as the chemical concentration decreased.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalLab on a Chip·DateFeb 8, 2012

Obstacles no barrier to higher speeds for worms, NYU researchers find

Researchers at New York University's Applied Math Lab found that obstacles can aid worm movement, contrary to common assumptions. The study, published in the Journal of the Royal Society Interface, used experiments and computer simulations to demonstrate how C. elegans worms navigate through lattice-like environments with ease.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateFeb 8, 2012

Growing up on a farm directly affects regulation of the immune system

A new study found that growing up on a farm increases regulatory T-lymphocytes, cells that damp down the immune system and limit immune responses. This shift in cell ratio is associated with reduced antibody responses to food proteins and lower risk of allergies.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPediatric Allergy and Immunology·DateFeb 8, 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.

'Shish kebab' structure provides improved form of 'buckypaper'

Scientists have developed a new form of buckypaper, which eliminates a major drawback of these sheets of carbon nanotubes by introducing a 'shish kebab' structure that controls pore size and conductivity. This innovation has potential applications in body armor, batteries, and electronics.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 8, 2012

Rare subset of diseases involving the lymphatic system

A rare subset of diseases affecting the lymphatic system, including lymphangiomatosis and Gorham's disease, are focused on in a special issue of Lymphatic Research and Biology. The articles shed light on current knowledge, ongoing research, and key differences from other lymphatic disorders.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalLymphatic Research and Biology·DateFeb 8, 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.

Dogs succeed while chimps fail at following finger pointing

A study published in PLOS ONE found that dogs excel at interpreting pointing gestures, while chimps fail to identify objects of interest. This result suggests that dogs may possess a unique form of communication that challenges the long-held assumption that humans have a monopoly on this ability.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 8, 2012

Antenatal thyroid screening fails to improve IQ in 3-year-olds

Researchers tested over 20,000 pregnant women and their children's IQ at age three, finding no difference between treated and untreated groups. The study adds support to current UK guidelines against routine antenatal screening for hypothyroidism in pregnancy.

SourceCardiff University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 8, 2012

Researchers study parenting behaviors of stressed-out birds

Biologists Fran Bonier and Ignacio Moore investigate how stressed bird parents care for their young and respond to environmental challenges. The study aims to determine whether glucocorticoid levels affect bird parenting behaviors, with potential implications for understanding the effects of stress on organisms and evolution.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateFeb 8, 2012
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.

Boston University research suggests new pathways for cancer progression

Researchers at Boston University have created a 3D model that simulates the growth of cancer tumors, suggesting that softening of cancer cells accelerates proliferation and extends lifetime, leading to rapid tumor growth. The study provides a new quantitative approach to understanding tumor development based on mechanical properties.

SourceBoston University College of Engineering·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 8, 2012

Hatchery fish mask the decline of wild salmon populations

A study reveals that hatchery-raised fish are replacing wild salmon in the river, masking a decline in wild populations. The researchers used ear bones to detect chemical signatures from hatchery feed, finding that only 10% of spawning fish were naturally produced.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 8, 2012

'Do your best' not a good enough goal to improve diabetes diet

A specific daily serving goal of low-glycemic-index foods significantly improved dietary habits among people with Type 2 diabetes. Participants who set a higher individualized goal and felt more committed showed better results in reaching the goal.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPatient Education and Counseling·DateFeb 8, 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.

Right hand or left? How the brain solves a perceptual puzzle

Researchers found that the brain decodes left or right hand without mental gymnastics, using processes called binding to bind seen and felt hands. The study's results have implications for understanding experiences of amputees and sensory processing.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 8, 2012

Older drivers can be trained to avoid car crashes

New research suggests that older drivers' problems at intersections are largely due to acquired bad habits, which can be unlearned through training. A training program significantly improved driving skills in older drivers, who were able to match younger drivers' performance on a driving simulator.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateFeb 8, 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.

A mobile device for preventing and treating drug use

A mobile device called iHeal combines sensors to detect physiological changes and software applications to intervene in real-time. The device aims to prevent drug use by identifying trigger points for risky health behaviors.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Medical Toxicology·DateFeb 8, 2012

Gene therapy for inherited blindness succeeds in patients' other eye

Researchers successfully improved vision in three adult patients who previously received gene therapy in one eye, achieving better light sensitivity and navigating obstacles in dim light. No immune reactions occurred during the readministering treatment, and unexpected benefits were observed in brain responses.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 8, 2012

New crime-fighting tools aim to deter and nab terrorists

The American Chemical Society is developing new crime-fighting tools to deter and catch terrorists, utilizing chemical forensics to trace weaponized toxic substances. The research aims to send a message to would-be terrorists that science is prepared to stop them.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateFeb 8, 2012

What kind of chocolate is best? The last you taste, says a new study

A new study published in Psychological Science found that people rate the last chocolate as more enjoyable and favorite, regardless of flavor. The 'last-is-best' bias is a real phenomenon that affects everyday life, making judgments fairer by being aware of it.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 8, 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.

Study examines role of bilingualism in children's development

A new study examined the role of bilingualism in children's development, finding slower language acquisition but better metalinguistic development. Bilingual children performed similarly to monolinguals in executive control tasks, but had an advantage when their languages overlapped.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateFeb 8, 2012

Transformational fruit fly genome catalog completed

The study provides a comprehensive reference manual for analyzing population genomics and quantitative traits in fruit flies. The DGRP consists of 192 genetically identical lines with varying genetic variation, facilitating the measurement of traits and unlocking secrets of quantitative traits.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature·DateFeb 8, 2012

New study sheds light on genetics of rice metabolism

A new study has identified 131 rice metabolites and clarified the genetic and environmental factors that influence their production. The findings have significant implications for breeding improved rice grain varieties with increased nutritional value.

SourceRIKEN·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateFeb 8, 2012

Heart disease may be a risk factor for prostate cancer

Researchers found a significant correlation between coronary artery disease and prostate cancer in a large study, suggesting that heart disease may be a risk factor for the malignancy. Lifestyle changes such as weight loss, exercise, and a healthy diet may help combat both conditions.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·DateFeb 8, 2012
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.

Tiny primate is ultrasonic communicator, Dartmouth professor finds

Tarsiers have been largely unchanged for 45 million years and possess the most extreme ultrasonic calls in the animal kingdom, surpassing all other primates. Researchers discovered that these animals emit ultrasonic alarm calls when humans are near, potentially as a means to evade detection by predators.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalBiology Letters·DateFeb 8, 2012

Will bubble-powered microrockets zoom through the human stomach?

Researchers develop a new type of tiny motor called a microrocket that can propel itself through acidic environments without external energy, opening up medical and industrial applications. The microrocket generates hydrogen gas bubbles to propel itself at speeds up to 400 miles per hour.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 8, 2012

Antidepressant use linked with less patient satisfaction after hip replacement

A new study presented at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons meeting found that patients taking antidepressants before hip replacement surgery reported greater pain and lower satisfaction with their procedure. Assessing a patient's mental health status prior to surgery is crucial for predicting outcomes.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateFeb 8, 2012

Astronomy team that includes UCLA finance professor discovers nearby dwarf galaxy

A team led by UCLA researcher Michael Rich has discovered a previously unknown dwarf galaxy near NGC 4449, which is 12.5 million light years from Earth. The newly found galaxy, NGC 4449B, is the largest known dwarf galaxy in the local group and has been stretched into a 'S' shape due to gravitational encounter.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature·DateFeb 8, 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.

Research team delves into the roots of hunger and eating

Research reveals that AgRP neurons drive feeding behaviors and undergo anatomical changes during fasting, becoming more active and responsive to hunger-promoting stimuli. The study provides insight into the neural mechanisms controlling weight gain and obesity.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 8, 2012

5 University of Houston assistant professors receive NSF CAREER awards

The University of Houston assistant professors received NSF CAREER awards for their innovative work on graphene's optical properties, polymer-based cells, and environmental impact. Bao aims to confirm graphene's ability to act as an optical waveguide, while Moeller researches fundamental materials structure-property relationships.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateFeb 8, 2012

Scientists make iron transparent

Researchers at DESY have successfully made atomic nuclei transparent using X-ray light, a crucial step towards developing quantum computers. This achievement demonstrates the effect of electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) in atomic nuclei and has significant implications for the future of quantum computing.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature·DateFeb 8, 2012

ASTRO develops brain metastases guideline

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has developed a clinical practice guideline for the radiotherapeutic and surgical management of newly diagnosed brain metastases. The guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for choosing treatment modalities based on tumor factors and prognosis.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·JournalPractical Radiation Oncology·DateFeb 8, 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.

Here comes the sun…

Scientists from the University of Cambridge have developed a new type of solar cell that can harness more of the energy from the sun. The hybrid cell absorbs red light and uses blue light to boost electrical current, enabling it to capture 44% of incoming solar energy.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 8, 2012

Good timing: NIST/CU collaboration adds timing capability to living cell sensors

A NIST biophysicist and CU collaborator developed a microfluidic system that records biochemical reactions over milliseconds to seconds in living human cells modified as FRET sensors. The system measures sensor signals at two points in time at a rate of up to 15 cells per second, enabling the study of protein folding or neural activity.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateFeb 8, 2012