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Science News Archive January 2012


Page 17 of 24

Parkinson's treatment shows positive results in clinical testing

Researchers found that deep brain stimulation improved motor symptoms, including reduced tremors and dyskinesia, and increased periods of effective symptom control. Patients also reported improvements in daily activities, mobility, emotional state, social support, and physical comfort.

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.

Lab-made tissue picks up the slack of Petri dishes in cancer research

Researchers created three-dimensional lab-made tissue models to study oral cancer, revealing the importance of epigenetic mechanisms in cancer development and progression. The findings support the need for more complex tissue-like systems in cancer drug screening, replacing conventional petri dish cultures.

New model for epidemic contagion

A new model for epidemic contagion has been developed, accounting for human mobility patterns and reducing the spread of infectious diseases. The study found that older diffusion-based models overestimated the speed of epidemics, highlighting the importance of considering home locations in modeling human mobility.

Discovery could help stem smoking-related diseases

Researchers at the University of Melbourne have discovered a potential new treatment for smoking-related lung diseases like COPD. The protein SAA plays a key role in chronic inflammation and lung damage in COPD, hindering natural healing in the lungs.

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.

Kepler discovery establishes new class of planetary systems

Two new transiting circumbinary planet systems have been discovered using data from NASA's Kepler Mission. The planets, Kepler-34 b and Kepler-35 b, orbit two stars in the constellation Cygnus, with climates that could experience dramatic temperature changes due to the variable distance between the planet and its stars.

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.

Why coffee drinking reduces the risk of Type 2 diabetes

Heavy coffee drinkers have a lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, with four cups daily reducing the risk by 50%, and every additional cup by 7%. Coffee's beneficial effects may be attributed to compounds blocking human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) misfolding.

NIH scientists find cause of rare immune disease

A genetic mutation in the PLCG2 gene causes a rare immune disorder characterized by excessive and impaired immune function, leading to symptoms such as cold-induced hives, immune deficiency, and autoimmunity. The study identifies a unique genetic mechanism at the crux of allergy, immune defense, and self-tolerance.

How the brain computes 3-dimensional structure

Researchers found that specific brain areas underlie perception of different 3D structures, including convex and concave surfaces. Electrical stimulation of these areas influenced monkeys' choices and decision-making times.

'I feel your pain ...'

A new study examines the relationship between observed workplace incivility towards same-gender colleagues and negative emotions. Female employees who witness rudeness towards female colleagues experience higher levels of anger, demoralization, fear, and anxiety. In contrast, male observers are more affected by observing uncivil behavi...

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.

LSU professor discovers world's tiniest vertebrate

Chris Austin discovered two new species of frogs in New Guinea, one of which is the smallest known vertebrate, challenging previous thought that extreme body size is associated with aquatic species. The tiny frog Paedophryne amauensis occupies a unique habitat niche in tropical rainforests.

Study offers clue as to why alcohol is addicting

A study led by UCSF researchers found that drinking releases endorphins in areas of the brain associated with pleasure and reward. This discovery provides a possible approach to improving treatment for alcohol abuse through more effective medications targeting the Mu opioid receptor.

New information on the waste-disposal units of living cells

A team of researchers has provided the most detailed look ever at the proteasome regulatory particle, a critical component in cellular waste disposal. The study's findings have significant implications for understanding protein quality control and potentially treating diseases like cancer.

People mimic each other, but we aren't chameleons

Researchers found that people only feel the urge to mimic each other when they have the same goal, contradicting the idea that we are naturally inclined to copy others. In an experiment, participants synchronized their movements with an experimenter's choices in a card game when they shared a common goal

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

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How the brain puts the brakes on the negative impact of cocaine

A newly discovered brain mechanism reveals that cocaine triggers a signaling pathway that activates HDAC5 to limit its rewarding effects and reduce the development of addiction-related behaviors. This finding may lead to new strategies for treating addiction by modulating this protective process.

Rare ultra-blue stars found in neighboring galaxy's hub

Astronomers using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope found a large population of hot, bright blue stars in the center of the Andromeda galaxy. The stars, which are aging sun-like stars, have prematurely shed their outer layers to expose their extremely blue-hot cores.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New species of tiny frog is world's smallest vertebrate

Researchers have discovered a new species of tiny frog, Paedophryne amauensis, which is the world's smallest vertebrate. The frog has an adult body size ranging from 7.0 to 8.0 millimeters, making it significantly smaller than the previous record holder, Paedocypris progenetica.

Astronomers find 3 smallest planets outside solar system

The discovery of three smallest confirmed planets ever detected outside our solar system may boost the likelihood of existence of habitable planets. The planets, all rocky with a solid surface, orbit a small star called KOI-961, which is similar to red dwarfs, the most common type in the Milky Way.

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.

Planets with double suns are common

Scientists have discovered two new circumbinary planets, Kepler-34b and Kepler-35b, orbiting two stars in the constellation Cygnus. The discovery suggests that planets with two suns are common, potentially existing in millions in the Galaxy. This finding sheds light on the formation of these unique planetary systems.

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.

Groundbreaking cancer research receives massive funding boost

Dr. Sandra Van Schaeybroeck's research aims to identify ways to increase survival from bowel cancer by developing new treatment strategies and understanding drug resistance. The £688,000 Cancer Research UK Clinical Scientist Fellowship renewal will support her work for another three years.

Researchers isolate protein linking exercise to health benefits

A team of researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute has isolated a natural hormone from muscle cells that triggers key health benefits of exercise. The protein, called irisin, has been shown to improve glucose tolerance and reduce white fat, promoting the development of 'good' brown fat.

Hubble solves mystery on source of supernova in nearby galaxy

Astronomers have solved a longstanding mystery on the type of star that caused a Type Ia supernova seen in a nearby galaxy. The Hubble Space Telescope detected faint white dwarf remnants, contradicting previous theories and suggesting two tightly orbiting stars may have collided to trigger the explosion.

LSU astronomers discover origin of thermonuclear supernova

A team led by LSU Professor Bradley Schaefer and graduate student Ashley Pagnotta discovered the origin of thermonuclear supernovae as a pair of white dwarf stars. The study resolves the decades-long 'progenitor problem' in astrophysics, with no remaining possible explanations for the explosions.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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Best way to boost adult immunizations is through office-based action, study finds

A new RAND Corporation study emphasizes the importance of office-based medical practice in promoting adult vaccinations. Despite the high efficacy of vaccines, adult vaccination rates remain low, with only 70% of those at highest risk exceeding recommended inoculation rates for influenza. To address this issue, researchers propose stra...

A clue to the GI problems that plague many kids with autism?

A study published in mBio found that children with autism and gastrointestinal symptoms have high levels of the bacterium Sutterella in their intestines. The researchers detected Sutterella species at remarkably high levels, which may play a role in the development of gastrointestinal disturbances in children with autism.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Atrial arrhythmias detected by pacemakers increase risk of stroke

Researchers at McMaster University found that nearly 1 in 3 patients with pacemakers and no history of atrial fibrillation experience asymptomatic atrial arrhythmias, increasing stroke risk. These episodes were often undetected until they were picked up by the pacemaker, highlighting the importance of monitoring for silent fibrillation.

Slippery when stacked: NIST theorists quantify the friction of graphene

Researchers at NIST developed a new software to quantify the friction of graphene, finding that the material becomes more slippery when stacked. The study provides new quantitative data and sheds light on the differences in graphene's friction compared to three-dimensional graphite-like materials.

ALMA early science result reveals starving galaxies

Astronomers using ALMA have found compelling evidence for how star-forming galaxies evolve into 'red and dead' elliptical galaxies, catching a large group of galaxies right in the middle of this change. The study reveals that galaxies are being starved of star-forming gas by their central black holes' jets.

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.

Chemotherapy may influence leukemia relapse

Researchers found that chemotherapy can lead to DNA damage in cancer cells, which can cause them to evolve and become resistant to treatment. The study suggests that targeted therapies based on individual mutations may be more effective than current treatments.

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.

Gym benefits help Medicare plans recruit healthy seniors

A study by Brown University researchers found that offering fitness club memberships as a covered benefit attracts healthier patients. This strategy is effective in reducing costs and improving quality for Medicare Advantage plans. The trend of increasing plans offering fitness benefits suggests it may be an attractive business strategy.

UofL centers have economic impact in excess of $5.7 million

The University of Louisville Health Sciences Center's Area Health Education Centers (AHECs) have a significant economic impact on the western half of Kentucky, with a value of over $5.7 million. The AHECs provide donated services and training to healthcare professionals in underserved areas, improving the lives of those in need.

Can we save the whales by putting a price on them?

Researchers suggest allocating sustainable annual whale-catch quotas to members of the International Whaling Commission, making them tradable in a global market. This approach could reduce whales harvested annually from two thousand to zero, according to proponents.

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.