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Science News Archive January 2012


Page 2 of 24

Stimulation of brain hormone action may improve pneumonia survival

Scientists have discovered that stimulating brain hormones may help prevent a deadly second wave of death in patients with pneumonia. The research found that an agonist mimics the action of growth hormone-releasing hormone, which protects the air sacs and capillaries from fluid and cell damage.

Risk-based passenger screening could make air travel safer

Researchers from the University of Illinois developed three algorithms to assess risk uncertainty in the passenger population, finding that risk-based screening increases overall expected security. This approach allows more resources to be devoted to passengers with high risk relative to the passenger population.

New GSA resources lay foundation for relieving seniors' pain

The Gerontological Society of America has launched new resources to improve pain management services for older adults. The resources aim to provide information on how advances in pain prevention, treatment, and management can improve quality of life. GSA's publications address shortfalls in assessment and treatment for older adults wit...

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Rate of follow-up surgeries after partial mastectomy varies greatly

A new study reveals substantial differences in follow-up surgeries for women with breast cancer, affecting cancer recurrence and overall survival rates. The research highlights the need for quality measures to compare breast cancer surgical outcomes among surgeons and hospitals.

Ultra-fast photodetector and terahertz generator

Scientists have created a graphene-based ultra-fast photodetector that can detect pulses as short as a few picoseconds. The device also generates terahertz radiation, which has properties of both particle and electromagnetic waves. This breakthrough could lead to advancements in material testing and medical treatments.

National Foundation for Cancer Research funds critical TGen-UA cancer research

Researchers at the Translational Genomics Research Institute and University of Arizona have received a grant to study targeted cancer therapies for pancreatic cancer, which shows promise in reducing side effects. The center aims to develop novel antitumor agents that can extend the productive lives of patients with cancer.

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.

IBEX: Glimpses of the interstellar material beyond our solar system

The study provides a glimpse into the mysterious neighborhood beyond our home, revealing an environment that doesn't match up with what we see in the solar system. IBEX's observations shed light on the formation of our solar system, the forces that shape it, and even the history of other stars in the Milky Way.

Police integrity lost: A study of law enforcement officers arrested

A 24-month research project aims to develop a national profile of police integrity by analyzing police crime committed by sworn law enforcement officers. The study will determine the nature and extent of police crime in the US and how law enforcement agencies discipline officers who are arrested.

Scientists decode brain waves to eavesdrop on what we hear

Researchers have successfully decoded electrical activity in a human auditory system region, reconstructing words from normal conversation. This breakthrough could help patients with speech damage due to strokes or diseases like Lou Gehrig's, enabling them to communicate again.

Authors of new book reveal the artist behind architect Le Corbusier

The book uncovers previously unpublished documents and color photographs that shed new light on Le Corbusier's architectural oeuvre. It explores his aesthetic principles, including the use of exposed concrete (béton brut), and examines how he defined artistic quality in construction sites.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

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.

Harper government invests in personalized medicine

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research will lead a landmark research competition to develop personalized treatments for various diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disorders. The investment aims to transform the delivery of healthcare through predictive, preventive, and precision care.

Online news portals get credibility boost from trusted sources

A study by Penn State researchers found that online news portals benefit from credible sources, increasing user trust and potentially generating ad revenue. The study used a group of 231 students to test the impact of credibility on portal trustworthiness.

IBEX spacecraft measures 'alien' particles from outside solar system

Researchers using IBEX data measure neutral 'alien' particles entering our solar system, revealing their speed, direction, and interaction with the heliosphere. The findings provide insights into the local interstellar medium, galaxy distribution of elements like oxygen and neon, and the future trajectory of the Sun's planetary system.

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.

Short-term memory is based on synchronized brain oscillations

A study published in Nature Neuroscience found that synchronized brain oscillations between the frontal and visual areas of the brain are crucial for remembering visual information over a short period. The more synchronized the activity was, the better animals could remember images.

Protein study gives fresh impetus in fight against superbugs

Researchers have mapped the molecular structure of restriction enzymes found in many bacteria, shedding light on how they control bacterial resistance to antibiotics. This knowledge could aid in developing new treatments for superbugs like MRSA, which become resistant to most drugs through genetic exchange.

Early intervention may curb dangerous college drinking

Researchers found that parent-based and peer-based interventions reduced heavy drinking among non-drinkers and heavy drinkers. The study identified four sub-groups of drinkers, including weekend non-bingers and heavy drinkers, with promising intervention effects.

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.

Music training has biological impact on aging process

A new study from Northwestern University found that older musicians have a distinct neural timing advantage, encoding sound stimuli as quickly and accurately as younger non-musicians. This suggests that music training can help overcome age-related hearing loss and improve communication in complex environments.

Lumbar disc degeneration more likely in overweight and obese adults

A large study found that overweight and obese adults are more likely to have disc degeneration than those with a normal body mass index. Disc degeneration was associated with an increased number of levels of degenerated disks and greater severity of disc degeneration, including narrowing of the disc space.

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.

Inherited risk factors for childhood leukemia are more common in Hispanic patients

A study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that Hispanic children are more likely to develop acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and die from the disease due to inherited risk factors, particularly ARID5B gene variants. These variants were found to be up to two times more common in Hispanic children than in white children.

Genetic breakthrough for brain cancer in children

A Canadian-led research team has identified two genetic mutations responsible for up to 40% of glioblastomas in children, a fatal cancer of the brain. The mutations were found to be involved in DNA regulation, which could explain resistance to traditional treatments and have significant implications on other cancers.

Overweight mothers who smoke while pregnant can damage baby's heart

A study published in Heart analyzed almost 800 babies and found that combined maternal smoking and high BMI increased the risk of congenital heart abnormalities by more than 2.5 times. The exact mechanism is unclear, but disturbances in cholesterol levels are thought to play a role.

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.

Construction starts on new marine research vessel

The 93.6-meter vessel will enable advanced atmospheric research and map the seafloor up to six kilometers below the surface. CSIRO will operate the vessel, replacing the 40-year-old Southern Surveyor, and make it available to all Australian marine scientists.

Development of the chimpanzee determined by the X factor

Genetic analysis reveals that about a third of changes on the X chromosome have been beneficial for chimpanzees since divergence from humans, while most remain unchanged. This suggests that natural selection works stronger on the X chromosome than other genes.

Mom's love good for child's brain

Research by child psychiatrists and neuroscientists reveals that children with more nurturing mothers have larger hippocampi, a key structure important for learning and memory. The study provides concrete evidence of the powerful effect of early childhood parenting and nurturing on brain development.

Many bodies make 1 coherent burst of light

Rice University researchers have successfully observed superfluorescence in a solid-state material, creating a coherent burst of light. The team used high-intensity laser pulses and strong magnetic fields to create the conditions for this phenomenon, which occurs when electron-hole pairs cooperate.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Children with burn injuries covering 60 percent or more of their total body surface area are at substantially higher risk of complications and death and need specialist burns unit care

A new study published in The Lancet found that children with burn injuries covering 60% or more of their total body surface area (TBSA) are at substantially higher risk of severe complications and death. The authors recommend immediate transfer to specialist burns units for treatment with increased vigilance and improved therapies.

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.

Meet the beetles: Social networks provide clues to natural selection

A study of forked fungus beetles reveals that their social positions are related to reproductive success, suggesting that natural selection drives the evolution of social behavior. The researchers found that individual behaviors can influence their position in society, leading to varying levels of mating and reproduction.

Scientists see 'sloshing' galaxy cluster

The 'sloshing' motion in the hot gas cloud of Abell 2052 helps redistribute heavy elements and limits star formation, while also affecting the growth of the galaxy's supermassive black hole. The Chandra observations provide insights into the complex interactions within the galaxy cluster.

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.

Rice professor's nanotube theory confirmed

Air Force Research Laboratory experiment confirms Boris Yakobson's theory that chirality of nanotubes determines their growth speed and armchair nanotubes grow fastest. The study provides a basis for further research into growing specific types of nanotubes with desired properties.

Preserved habitat near national parks helps species conservation

A recent study published in PLoS One suggests that preserving habitat near national parks is crucial for the conservation of large mammals in the Cerrado region. By leaving a significant portion of land adjacent to the park as natural habitat, animals can roam and find suitable habitats outside the protected area.

Addicts' cravings have different roots in men and women

A new brain imaging study found that stress robustly activates areas of the brain associated with craving in cocaine-dependent women, while drug cues activate similar regions in men. This suggests that men and women with cocaine dependence may benefit from different treatment approaches.

Oxygen molecule survives to enormously high pressures

Researchers found oxygen molecules remain stable up to 1.9 terapascals, then polymerize, showing unique electrical conductivity patterns. The molecule's behavior is influenced by its double covalent bond and lone pairs, which repel other molecules and hinder polymerization.

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.

Learning-based tourism an opportunity for industry expansion

Research suggests that learning-based tourism is gaining popularity, with travelers seeking intellectually engaging experiences and lifelong learning opportunities. The study highlights the potential for tourism to become more centered on personal fulfillment and knowledge acquisition.

Harnessing the predictive power of virtual communities

Scientists have created a propagation-based algorithm to extract both link-density and link-pattern communities from real-life networks. This approach outperforms existing state-of-the-art algorithms in detecting real-life communities, particularly those characterized by internal patterns of similar connectedness.

Detailed picture of how myoV 'walks' along actin tracks

Researchers used single-molecule fluorescence microscopy to visualize myoV molecules walking along actin filaments in real-time. The study found that myoV can take multiple hand-over-hand steps without falling off its track, making it well-suited for intracellular cargo transport.

Poisonous morning hygiene

Scientists discover that microalgae produce biogenic cyanogen bromide to control competing organisms in the ocean ground. This toxic chemical helps diatoms grow and thrive by eliminating direct competitors for light and space. Researchers are now investigating why the poison doesn't harm the producing algae themselves.

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.

Study may answer longstanding questions about Little Ice Age

A new international study provides evidence that an unusual episode of four massive tropical volcanic eruptions may have triggered the onset and persistence of Earth's Little Ice Age. The research suggests a subsequent expansion of sea ice and weakening of Atlantic currents best explain the cold summers following the eruptions.