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Science News Archive February 2012 - Page 4


Page 4 of 30
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.

Modified bone drug kills malaria parasite in mice

Researchers have discovered a modified bone drug that can effectively kill the malaria parasite in infected mice, working at very low concentrations with no toxicity observed. The new compound, BPH-703, targets a key enzyme essential for the parasite's survival and immune evasion.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 27, 2012

Coral reef study traces indirect effects of overfishing

A study on Kenyan reefs found that the loss of predatory fish leads to an explosion in sea urchin populations, damaging the reef structure and reducing crustose coralline algae growth. This reduces coral recruitment by lowering juvenile coral densities on fished reefs.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalCoral Reefs·DateFeb 27, 2012
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.

HFSA updates recommendations for use of cardiac resynchronization therapy

The Heart Failure Society of America (HFSA) has updated recommendations for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), expanding its use to a larger group of patients with mild heart failure symptoms. CRT devices synchronize the left ventricle's contraction, improving efficiency and survival in moderate or severe heart failure patients.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Cardiac Failure·DateFeb 27, 2012

Research offers insight to how fructose causes obesity and other illness

Researchers found two forms of an enzyme in fructose metabolism, one causing fatty liver and obesity, the other protecting against these conditions. The study provides new insights into the cause of metabolic syndrome, a condition affecting over 25% of adults in the US.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 27, 2012

Which type of obesity surgery is best?

A new UK-based study will compare gastric bypass and stomach band surgeries to determine which is most effective in improving patients' quality of life and reducing healthcare costs. The BY-BAND study, led by the University of Bristol, aims to enroll over 700 participants and follow their outcomes for up to three years.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·DateFeb 27, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Reduction in US carbon emissions attributed to cheaper natural gas

In 2009, US greenhouse gas emissions from power generation decreased by 8.76 percent, primarily driven by the lower price of natural gas compared to coal. A new econometric model developed at Harvard University suggests that a carbon tax could further reduce emissions with negligible impact on electricity prices.

SourceHarvard University·DateFeb 27, 2012

Amoeba may offer key clue to photosynthetic evolution

Researchers from Carnegie Institution have identified a type of amoeba with two photosynthetic compartments that originated from an endosymbiotic cyanobacterium. The study sheds light on the early stages of chloroplast evolution and provides insight into how eukaryotic cells 'enslave' bacteria to form organelles.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 27, 2012

Hearing loss linked to 3-fold risk of falling

A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers links hearing loss to a three-fold increased risk of falling among the elderly. The findings suggest that people with hearing loss may have reduced awareness of their environment and an increased cognitive load, making them more prone to falls.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 27, 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.

First study on long-term cognitive effects of breast cancer chemotherapy finds subtle impairment among women who received CMF regimen

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that women who underwent chemotherapy with the CMF regimen between 1976 and 1995 scored slightly lower on cognitive tests compared to those without a history of cancer. The differences were subtle but statistically significant, affecting word learning, memory, and information ...

SourceAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateFeb 27, 2012

Prostate cancer treatment overused in some older patients

Research at Yale University reveals that prostate cancer treatment is often not necessary for older men with short life expectancy. The study found that cancer treatment became more common among men with moderate-risk tumors and shorter life expectancies, despite being unlikely to benefit from it.

SourceYale University·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 27, 2012

Upper class more likely to be scofflaws

A recent study from UC Berkeley found that individuals from the upper class are more likely to exhibit unethical behavior, including cutting off others on the road and deceiving job candidates. The researchers attribute this tendency to a positive attitude towards greed, which primes participants to engage in self-serving behaviors.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 27, 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.

Salty soil can suck water out of atmosphere: Could it happen on Mars?

Scientists at Oregon State University have discovered a process where salty soils in the McMurdo Dry Valleys in Antarctica can absorb moisture from the air. This phenomenon has implications for the potential for life on Mars, as similar conditions are present on the Red Planet.

SourceOregon State University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 27, 2012

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for Feb. 28 early releases

Two new studies published in Annals of Internal Medicine highlight the importance of rapid diagnosis and treatment of flu. Rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs) are found to be accurate at diagnosing the flu but not ruling it out, requiring follow-up testing.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 27, 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.

The poor, in fact, are less likely to sue their doctor

A study published in Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research finds that socioeconomically disadvantaged patients actually sue physicians less frequently than other patient groups. This disparity is attributed to unconscious biases and limitations in accessing legal resources, which can affect the quality of medical care and the doct...

SourceSpringer·JournalClinical Orthopaedics and Related Research·DateFeb 27, 2012

Frontal attack or stealth?

Research reveals that bacteria can cause disease through frontal attack or stealthy manipulation of the host's immune system. Bacteria that destroy phagocytes have low infectivity, while those with high growth rates and quorum-sensing capabilities are more infectious.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateFeb 27, 2012

New research shows childhood adversity causes changes in genetics

Research reveals that childhood maltreatment and parental loss can lead to epigenetic changes in the glucocorticoid receptor gene, increasing stress sensitivity and blunted cortisol responses. This association has significant public health implications, suggesting potential treatments to reverse epigenetic effects of childhood adversity.

SourceBrown University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 27, 2012

Low levels of omega-3 fatty acids may cause memory problems

A study published in Neurology found that people with lower blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids had lower brain volumes equivalent to about two years of structural brain aging. Omega-3 deficiency was also linked to poorer performance on tests of visual memory and executive function.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateFeb 27, 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.

National Academy of Inventors holds inaugural annual conference

The National Academy of Inventors held its inaugural annual conference, featuring USPTO Director David Kappos' address on patent process improvements. Kappos discussed the agency's efforts to reduce the patent backlog and emphasized the importance of innovation in fostering economic growth.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalJournal of Technology and Innovation·DateFeb 27, 2012

Protocol reduces sternal wound infections in children by 61 percent

A new infection-control protocol for children healing from cardiac surgery reduced sternum infections by 61 percent, according to a two-year study. The protocol included preoperative baths with skin disinfectant and administration of antibiotics before surgery.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·DateFeb 27, 2012

Establishing a new scalar curvature flow method

Researchers from National University of Singapore and Nanjing University establish a new scalar curvature flow method to solve the prescribing scalar curvature problem. The method adapts Hamilton's Ricci flow approach and infinitely dimensional Morse theory to tackle the problem, providing a stronger conclusion than previous methods.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalInventiones mathematicae·DateFeb 27, 2012

Scripps study finds higher death risk with sleeping pills

A Scripps Clinic study found that sleeping pill users are at a 4.6 times higher risk of death, with rates of new cancers being 35% higher among regular users. The research suggests alternatives to hypnotic medications and emphasizes the importance of treating underlying psychological disorders.

SourceScripps Health·JournalBMJ Open·DateFeb 27, 2012
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.

Work-focused psychotherapy can help employees return to work sooner

A new study published by the American Psychological Association found that work-focused psychotherapy can help employees return to work faster and improve their mental health over time. Employees who received this therapy were able to fully return to work on average 65 days earlier than those in standard therapy, with significant impro...

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Occupational Health Psychology·DateFeb 27, 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.

Diabetes drug gets patients with Type 2 diabetes on target

A new study published in The Lancet shows that TAK-875, a novel oral medication, significantly improves glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes without increasing the risk of hypoglycemia. The results suggest that targeting free fatty acid receptor 1 (FFAR1) may be a viable therapeutic target for treating type 2 diabetes.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 27, 2012

A giant little step in cancer treatment opening up new therapeutic horizons

A study by Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology reveals a potential new strategy to boost efficacy and break down resistance in patients with HER2 positive breast cancer. The combination of two drugs shows promise as a third treatment option, offering hope for patients with advanced tumours.

SourceVall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateFeb 27, 2012

Eye-tracking reveals variability in successful social strategies for children with autism

Researchers used eye-tracking to measure relationship between cognitive and social disability in children with autism spectrum disorders. The study found that children with ASD were less likely to look at others' eyes and faces, but varying observation patterns were associated with different levels of social disability.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateFeb 27, 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.

Researchers get first full look at prehistoric New Zealand penguin

Researchers have reconstructed the giant prehistoric New Zealand penguin, Kairuku, from two separate fossils, providing new insights into its body shape and uniqueness. The reconstruction reveals a slender body, long flippers, and short legs, standing around 4-feet-2 inches tall.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·DateFeb 27, 2012

A study analyzes the causes of the trafficking of women in China

A recent study analyzing the causes of women's trafficking in China reveals a staggering 30 million males unable to find female partners. The authors attribute this issue to a decades-long imbalance between births, which has created a lucrative market for human trafficking.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalAsian Women·DateFeb 27, 2012

Drug-free housing for substance abusers leaving detox linked to fewer relapses

New Johns Hopkins research shows that providing recovery housing coupled with day treatment significantly increases the chances of remaining drug-free six months later. Participants who received housing and day treatment had a nearly 10 times higher chance of staying abstinent than those released from detox with minimal assistance.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAddiction·DateFeb 27, 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.

Irregular heartbeat strong predictor of decline in people at risk of heart disease

A study published in Canadian Medical Association Journal found a strong link between irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation) and cognitive decline, dementia, and loss of independence in daily activities. Researchers analyzed data from two large trials and found that patients with atrial fibrillation were 34% more likely to experienc...

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 27, 2012

Research sheds light on how immune system's 'first responders' target infection

Researchers discovered that IL-8 monomers and dimers interact differently with cell-surface molecules in different body tissues, influencing neutrophil recruitment. This fundamental mechanism regulates neutrophil function and could help control runaway inflammation and related tissue damage in diseases such as sepsis.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateFeb 27, 2012

Solving a spintronic mystery

Researchers at Berkeley Lab and Notre Dame have determined the origin of charge-carriers in gallium manganese arsenide, a material promising for spintronic devices. The study reveals that holes controlling Curie temperature are located in an impurity band, opening possibilities to expand its width and boost performance.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 27, 2012
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Self-inflicted blinding not linked to Oedipus complex, but untreated psychosis

Researchers in British Journal of Ophthalmology reveal that self-inflicted blinding is a rare complication of severe psychosis, such as schizophrenia. The phenomenon has been mistakenly attributed to sexual guilt and the Oedipus complex, but cultural beliefs are not a plausible explanation for this behavior.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Ophthalmology·DateFeb 27, 2012

How to rescue the immune system

Researchers developed a novel technique to turn immune system killer T cells into more effective weapons by delivering DNA into instructor cells. The method proved effective in jumpstarting defective immune systems in immuno-compromised mice and human killer T cells, paving the way for potential cancer therapy.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateFeb 26, 2012

Math can save Tylenol overdose patients

Researchers created a new method using calculus equations to estimate acetaminophen overdose patient prognosis, predicting those who can survive with antidote treatment versus those needing a liver transplant. The study analyzed 53 patients and showed the method's accuracy in determining survival outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalHepatology·DateFeb 26, 2012

Dental pulp stem cells transformed by 'bad breath' chemical

Researchers have successfully differentiated human dental pulp stem cells into liver cells using hydrogen sulphide, producing high numbers of pure cells. This breakthrough offers promising results for future liver-cell therapy and transplantation without the risk of teratomas or cancers.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalJournal of Breath Research·DateFeb 26, 2012

Elusive platelet count and limb development gene discovered

Researchers have identified a gene responsible for Thrombocytopenia with Absent Radii (TAR), a rare inherited blood and skeletal disorder. The discovery enables the development of a medical test for prenatal diagnosis and genetic counseling in affected families.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 26, 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.

Call for tough new targets on European Union energy reduction

Energy efficiency experts propose a new EU target of a 40% reduction in primary energy demand by 2050, arguing that radically improving building efficiency is crucial for reducing global greenhouse gas emissions. The proposed target aligns with the ambitions of the new Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Davey.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·DateFeb 26, 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.

Some bacteria attack using spring-loaded poison daggers

Researchers discovered the structure of type VI secretion system apparatus and proposed how it works by firing spring-loaded molecular daggers. The nano-weapon can pierce cell membranes and inject proteins, evading detection for decades with traditional electron microscopy.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateFeb 26, 2012

Volcanoes deliver 2 flavors of water

Researchers found unique changes in hydrogen and boron isotopes in submarine volcanic glass near subduction zones, indicating ancient oceanic slabs can return to the upper mantle and interact with modern seawater. This discovery suggests hydrogen diffusion rates in the deep Earth may be slower than expected.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature Geoscience·DateFeb 26, 2012