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Science News Archive January 2012


Page 12 of 24

Behavioral priming paradigm needs update

Researchers republished a 1996 behavioral priming study, but found the initial results were only seen when experimenters' expectations of participant behavior were manipulated. Environmental cues, including the experimenter's behavior, appear to affect participants' behavior.

Quality improvement initiatives can save moms, babies in Africa

A large regional hospital in Ghana saw a 34% reduction in maternal mortality and a 36% reduction in stillbirth after QI initiatives were put into place. The study highlights the importance of leadership, staff morale, training, patient flow, and basic equipment in improving healthcare standards.

Enhancing cognition in older adults also changes personality

A new study found that cognitive training can increase openness to experience in older adults, a trait previously thought to be fixed. Participants showed significant improvement in pattern recognition and problem-solving skills, as well as increased openness.

New test offers greater accuracy in early detection of colorectal cancer

A new, investigational colorectal cancer screening test developed by Mayo Clinic and Exact Sciences Inc. has shown highly accurate results in detecting precancerous tumors and early-stage cancer, improving the chances of better outcomes for patients. The test is noninvasive, patient-friendly, and requires no bowel preparation or diet c...

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.

Taking another look at the roots of social psychology

A new article published in Perspectives on Psychological Science reveals that Norman Triplett's 1889 experiment was incorrect, with children reeling a reel rather than reeling in a fishing line. The study also shows that Triplett was not the first psychologist to investigate social influence.

Ancient popcorn discovered in Peru

Researchers have found evidence of ancient popcorn in Peru, dating back 6,700 to 3,000 years. The discovery provides valuable information on the evolution of corn and its adaptation to different environments.

Black Saturday provides bushfire answers

Research found that clearing trees and shrubs within 40 meters of houses afforded the greatest protection against house loss during Black Saturday fires. However, intensive fuel reduction can be expensive and have environmental impacts, and is not a guarantee of safety.

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.

Novel gene mutations associated with bile duct cancer

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center discovered genetic signatures associated with bile duct cancer, which may account for nearly a quarter of tumors. The findings suggest that growth-enhancing mutations in two genes could be treated with targeted therapies.

Study shows connection between birth weights and armed conflict

Pregnant women exposed to armed conflict have a higher risk of giving birth to underweight babies due to psychological stress. The study, conducted in the Israeli-occupied territories during the Second Intifada, found a positive association between conflict-related fatalities and low-birth weight children.

New study evaluates impact of land use activity in the Amazon basin

A new study reveals human land use activity is altering the Amazon basin's regional water and energy cycles. The research found signs of transition to a disturbance-dominated regime in the southern and eastern portions of the basin, linked to high-frequency wildfires and climate change.

Mapping the destructive path from cigarette to emphysema

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have identified the specific immune response induced by cigarette smoke as the cause of emphysema. The study found that antigen-presenting cells and genes like interleukin-17 play a crucial role in the development of the disease.

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.

New medication, surgery may offer relief for patients with psoriatic arthritis

A new review article suggests that medications targeting T-cells can significantly benefit patients with psoriatic arthritis, reducing symptoms and improving joint function. Surgery may also be considered for patients with joint deformities, offering insights into outcomes and risks for those who progress to joint destruction.

UK death in a home setting on the rise

A recent study found that the number of deaths at home in the UK has increased significantly since 2004, with more than one-fifth of total deaths occurring at home. The trend reversal is particularly notable among those aged 85 and over, who are now dying at home more often than ever before.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scientists uncover novel mechanism of glioblastoma development

Researchers have identified a novel connection between two RNA-binding proteins, Musashi1 and HuR, which plays a significant role in glioblastoma development. The study suggests that disruptions to these regulatory processes can contribute to tumor formation.

Study pinpoints and plugs mechanism of AML cancer cell escape

A study published in Leukemia identifies a molecular braking process that acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells use to evade chemotherapy, allowing them to survive treatment. When this brake is removed, AML cells die, providing hope for improved survival rates for patients with the disease.

Coexisting medical conditions increase treatment costs

A study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that comorbidities such as high blood pressure, fluid and electrolyte disorders, and congestive heart failure significantly raise hospitalization costs and length of stay for hip fracture patients. Recent weight loss or malnutrition also had a major impact on hospitalizat...

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.

Solving the mystery of an old diabetes drug that may reduce cancer risk

Research at McGill University found that metformin reduces the cellular mutation rate and accumulation of DNA damage, a key mechanism in carcinogenesis. The study suggests that metformin's anti-cancer effects may be linked to its ability to reduce reactive oxygen species production in mitochondria.

Combination of oral drugs suppresses common type of hepatitis C

Researchers developed a new combination drug therapy that successfully suppressed hepatitis C genotype 1 infection in a significant proportion of patients. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, focused on treating patients who had not responded to previous treatment with PEG-interferon alfa and ribavirin.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Ulcer-causing bacteria baffled by mucus

A new study by engineering researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute demonstrates the impact of viscoelasticity on the collective behavior of swimming microorganisms, such as H. pylori. The findings suggest that human mucus and saliva may have evolved to disrupt the ability of harmful bacteria to coordinate.

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.

Unhappy at work? The boss or the company may be to blame

A new study found that unhappy employees are more likely to have unmet psychological needs, including autonomy, competence, and relatedness. When supervisors provide options and support, employees' basic needs are met, leading to higher happiness and well-being.

How drugs get those tongue-twisting generic names

The USAN Council assigns simplified generic names to drugs, using 'stems' that describe characteristics such as function and shape. Examples include '-prazole' for antiulcer medications like esomeprazole.

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.

Important gene-regulation proteins pinpointed by new method

A novel method has precisely pinpointed the location of proteins that read and regulate chromosomes, providing a high-resolution view into gene regulation. This breakthrough could lead to a deeper understanding of normal human development and disease mechanisms.

MIT: The faster-than-fast Fourier transform

MIT researchers have found a way to increase the speed of the Fourier transform, a fundamental concept in information sciences. The new algorithm improves on the fast Fourier transform by dividing signals into narrower slices of bandwidth, allowing for dramatic tenfold increases in speed in certain cases.

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.

Good intentions ease pain, add to pleasure: UMD study

A study published in Social Psychological and Personality Science found that people perceive good intentions as having a positive impact on their physical experience. The research demonstrated the power of benevolence in reducing pain, increasing pleasure, and making things taste better.

Lack of sleep makes your brain hungry

New research from Uppsala University found that a specific brain region is more activated in response to food images after one night of sleep loss. This increased activation may contribute to a person's appetite sensation and affect their risk of becoming overweight.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Why smart growth frustrates players in the system: UMD research

A University of Maryland study finds that smart growth tools in Maryland are too weak, frustrating developers and land-use advocates who want to build within existing urban areas. The researchers identified storm water regulations, citizen opposition, and inadequate public facility ordinances as major barriers to development.

Advance in lung cancer treatment

Scientists have documented how ALK positive advanced non-small cell lung cancer becomes resistant to crizotinib, a previously effective treatment. Researchers now aim to develop combination therapies to tackle this resistance and improve patient outcomes.

Reinforcing behavior in the brain

Researchers found that reward prediction error is the result of a complex interplay between dopamine and GABA neurons. The interaction helps calculate reward prediction error, shedding light on how behaviors can be reinforced through normal brain function or by damaging neuron interactions.

UC Davis dermatologists find telemedicine effective for patient care

A retrospective analysis of 1,500 patients showed that live interactive teledermatology consultations resulted in diagnostic changes for nearly 70% of patients. Patients also received recommendations to change their skin disease management, leading to improved clinical outcomes.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Team finds natural reasons behind nitrogen-rich forests

A team of scientists has discovered that high levels of nitrogen in tropical forests are caused by natural interactions between the forest and nutrient cycles. The study found evidence of large losses of bioavailable nitrogen from plant-soil interactions, not directly from atmospheric deposition.

Rhode Island Hospital studies uncover keys in sudden cardiac death

Studies using a genetic animal model reveal conditions triggering arrhythmia in Long QT Syndrome patients and the protective effect of progesterone on SCD incidence. Researchers also find a direct link between estrogen and pro-arrhythmic effects, with progesterone reducing triggers for polymorphic ventricular tachycardia.

Study finds that tumor cells can prevent cancer spread

A new study finds that pericytes, a group of cells in the tumor microenvironment, play a crucial role in preventing cancer progression and metastasis. Researchers discovered that inhibiting these cells can inadvertently make tumors more aggressive and likely to spread.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Prevalence of obesity in US still high, with little change in recent years

According to the study published in JAMA Network, the age-adjusted prevalence of obesity among US adults remains at 35.7%, while children and teens show a higher prevalence of obesity, with significant increases in certain demographics, particularly among non-Hispanic black men and Mexican American women.

Power generation is blowing in the wind

Researchers found that power generated at a set wind speed is higher under stable conditions and lower under strongly unsteady conditions. Wind shear plays an important role in assessing turbine efficiency. The team's study provides valuable insights for better estimating power generation, especially when including atmospheric stabilit...

If doughnuts could talk they'd tell you to take the elevator instead of the stairs

A new study by Pankaj Aggarwal and Ann L. McGill found that humanizing brands can influence consumer behavior, with participants more likely to take the stairs if they imagined a healthy brand like Kellogg's and more likely to take the elevator if they thought of an unhealthy brand like Krispy Kreme. In contrast, participants who thoug...

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.

'Exergames' may provide cognitive benefit for older adults

A new study found that virtual-reality enhanced interactive exercise, such as exergames, yields greater cognitive benefits than traditional exercise for older adults, with a 23% reduction in progression to mild cognitive impairment. Interactive features like competition and 3D scenery may contribute to these benefits.