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Science News Archive February 2012 - Page 25


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.

SourceSpringer·JournalClimatic Change·DateFeb 6, 2012

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateFeb 6, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalFunctional Ecology·DateFeb 6, 2012

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.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·DateFeb 6, 2012

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.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateFeb 6, 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.

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.

SourceInternational Society of Schema Therapy·DateFeb 6, 2012

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.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateFeb 6, 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.

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.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 6, 2012

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateFeb 6, 2012

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.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateFeb 6, 2012

PET techniques provide more accurate diagnosis, prognosis in challenging breast cancer cases

Researchers use molecular imaging to improve diagnosis and treatment decisions for estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer patients, detecting bone metastases and predicting therapy response. PET imaging with 18F-FES and 18F-FDG improves diagnostic information and prompts changes in treatment for 88% and 48% of subjects respectively.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateFeb 6, 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.

Survey of elementary school student access to food in vending machines, snack bars, other venues

A survey of US elementary school students found that about half have access to competitive food venues like vending machines and snack bars, where sugary foods are commonly sold. However, healthier options like salads and fruits were less accessible, with many schools prioritizing lower-fat products over whole grains and low-fat dairy.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateFeb 6, 2012

The right recipe: Engineering research improves laser detectors, batteries

A Kansas State University researcher has developed a new method to create ceramic carbon nanotube material, which improves laser detector performance. The material also addresses four key areas for improving rechargeable batteries: capacity, life, recharging speed, and power output.

SourceKansas State University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateFeb 6, 2012

Whole-genome sequencing of 2011 E. coli outbreaks in Europe provides new insight

Researchers used whole-genome sequencing to analyze E. coli bacteria from outbreaks in Germany and France, discovering small differences among strains. The study found that the German isolates were nearly identical, while French strains showed greater diversity, suggesting a bottleneck or uneven seed distribution.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 6, 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.

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.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateFeb 6, 2012

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.

SourceRice University·JournalTissue Engineering Part A·DateFeb 6, 2012

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.

SourceHenry Ford Health·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateFeb 6, 2012

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.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateFeb 6, 2012

Spinning sessions trigger the same biochemical indications as heart attacks

A short spinning session can increase cardiac biomarkers, similar to a heart attack, but levels return to normal within 24 hours. Researchers hope to raise awareness among emergency treatment teams about the need for accurate assessment in patients with chest pains after exercise.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalScandinavian Cardiovascular Journal·DateFeb 6, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceQueen's University·DateFeb 6, 2012

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.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 6, 2012
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.

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 6, 2012

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.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 6, 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.

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,...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 6, 2012

Study: Rapid bone loss as possible side effect of anti-obesity drug now in clinical trials

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) causes significant and rapid bone loss in mice, promoting fat cell growth but inhibiting bone cells. The study suggests a potential tradeoff between the anti-obesity benefits of FGF21 and its risk of osteoporosis.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 6, 2012

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.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalGeological Society of America Bulletin·DateFeb 6, 2012

Hormel Institute study makes key finding in stem cell self-renewal

A University of Minnesota-led research team has proposed a mechanism for controlling embryonic stem cell proliferation and differentiation. The study reveals that two enzymes, ERK1 and ERK2, inactivate the protein Klf4, allowing cells to differentiate into adult cells.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateFeb 6, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateFeb 6, 2012

It's not solitaire: Brain activity differs when one plays against others

Researchers used fMRI to track brain activity in competitive game players, finding differing patterns of activity during social interactions. The study sheds light on how the brain processes information in competitive settings and may aid understanding of neuropsychiatric illnesses.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 6, 2012

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.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 6, 2012

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.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalEuropean Journal Of Oral Sciences·DateFeb 6, 2012
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

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.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·DateFeb 6, 2012

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.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalSocial Science Research·DateFeb 6, 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.

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.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Radio Frequency Identification Technology and Applications·DateFeb 6, 2012

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...

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 6, 2012
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.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateFeb 6, 2012

A bug's (sex) life: Diving beetles offer unexpected clues about sexual selection

Studies of diving beetles reveal that sperm form follows female reproductive organ function, challenging the paradigm of post-mating sexual selection. Researchers found diverse sperm shapes and structures adapted to navigate complex female reproductive tracts, suggesting females can drive evolutionary changes in male traits.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 6, 2012

Time = money = less happiness, study from Rotman School of Management finds

A new study by Rotman School of Management researchers reveals that treating time as money can undermine well-being. The study shows individuals who perceive their time as monetizable tend to experience greater impatience and lower satisfaction during leisure activities compared to those who do not.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateFeb 6, 2012

'Test and Treat' model offers new strategy for eliminating malaria

Researchers found a proactive test-and-treat strategy significantly reduced malaria prevalence, with a sixfold decrease in 2008-2009. The strategy also provided indirect protection to household members and could be targeted to hot spots for further reductions.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 6, 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.

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.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 6, 2012

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.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·DateFeb 6, 2012

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.

SourceUniversity of Haifa·JournalEuropean Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology·DateFeb 6, 2012