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Science News for January 20, 2012


A big leap toward lowering the power consumption of microprocessors

Computer scientists at the University of Texas at Austin have created a detailed analysis of application power, performance, and energy on various hardware. The results show that different software types have varying levels of power usage, making optimization for energy efficiency crucial. This study has significant implications for co...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·DateJan 20, 2012

A new way to stimulate the immune system and fight infection

Scientists have discovered a gene that regulates the function of Natural Killer cells, which play a crucial role in the immune system's first line of defense. By blocking this receptor, they found that NK cells become more effective at combating microorganisms and tumor cells, opening up new therapeutic possibilities.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalScience·DateJan 20, 2012

Carbon dioxide is 'driving fish crazy'

High CO2 levels in ocean water disrupt fish's central nervous system, impairing hearing, smell, turning, and predator evasion. Fish with high oxygen consumption are likely to be most affected.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJan 20, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Mysterious monkey re-discovered in Borneo

Researchers have re-discovered a rare and endangered primate species in Borneo's Wehea Forest, highlighting the need for further scientific research and conservation strategies to protect the remaining rainforest. The rediscovery of Miller's grizzled langur was made possible through camera trap images taken by PhD student Brent Loken.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalAmerican Journal of Primatology·DateJan 20, 2012

What type of helmet is best for winter play?

Research from CHEO Institute finds ice hockey and bicycle helmets provide better protection against head injuries during winter activities like tobogganing; alpine ski helmets have limited effectiveness. All helmets are protective, but parents should educate their children on safety measures.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·DateJan 20, 2012

Rock stability research could make mining and construction safer

A $1.25 million research grant is funding a five-year project to develop new methods of assessing rock strength, reducing hazardous working conditions in mining and construction. The goal is to improve ground stability analysis and reduce the thousands of annual deaths caused by accidents.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·DateJan 20, 2012

Younger breast cancer patients have more adverse quality-of-life issues

A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that younger women with breast cancer experience decreased health-related quality of life, including increased psychological distress, weight gain, and early onset menopause. Personalized treatment approaches are crucial to mitigate these side effects.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 20, 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.

Many strategies to increase physical activity for kids lack injury prevention measures

A new study reveals that many strategies to increase physical activity in kids lack injury prevention measures, highlighting the need for integrated approaches. Behavioral, environmental, and policy approaches can make exercise activities safer for kids, as demonstrated by successful interventions such as traffic-calming measures and e...

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalHealth & Place·DateJan 20, 2012

Duration of RBC storage does not affect short-term pulmonary, immunologic, or coagulation status

A study of 100 intubated patients found no significant differences in pulmonary gas exchange, immunologic status, or coagulation status between fresh and standard-issue red blood cells. The findings challenge previous observational studies linking RBC storage duration to respiratory complications.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJan 20, 2012

High levels of MRSA bacteria in retail meat products

Researchers discovered MRSA contamination in 26 out of 395 raw pork samples collected from US stores, highlighting the need for safer handling practices. The study also found no significant difference between antibiotic-free and conventionally produced pork products.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 20, 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.

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.

Notre Dame researchers report fundamental malaria discovery

Researchers identified a novel cellular function that targets proteins to red blood cells, enabling them to stick to and block blood vessels. Strategies that prevent this host-targeting process could lead to new treatments for malaria. The discovery, published in the journal Cell, provides urgent need for innovative therapies.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalCell·DateJan 20, 2012

Tiny amounts of alcohol dramatically extend a worm's life, but why?

Researchers found that minuscule amounts of ethanol double the life span of a tiny worm, while higher concentrations are harmful. The discovery raises intriguing possibilities for human health benefits, but more research is needed to understand the mechanism behind this effect.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 20, 2012

Anti-infective drug shortages pose threat to public health and patient care

Frequent anti-infective shortages can alter clinical care, leading to worse outcomes for patients, particularly hospitalized individuals. Multidisciplinary stewardship programs and enhanced regulatory oversight are proposed solutions to mitigate the impact of these shortages.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateJan 20, 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.

T-rays technology could help develop Star Trek-style hand-held medical scanners

Researchers have developed a way to create stronger and more efficient continuous wave T-rays, which can detect biological phenomena such as increased blood flow around tumorous growths. The new technology could lead to innovations similar to the 'tricorder' scanner used in Star Trek, enabling faster and more convenient medical scanning.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Photonics·DateJan 20, 2012

Exposure to chemical found in personal care products may contribute to childhood obesity

Researchers at The Mount Sinai Hospital found an association between phthalate exposure and increased body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference in young children. Greater than 97% of study participants had been exposed to phthalates, which are man-made chemicals that mimic the body's natural hormones.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateJan 20, 2012

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a bridge to lung transplantation

A new study suggests that extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support in awake, non-intubated patients may be an effective strategy for bridging patients to lung transplantation. The study found a higher six-month survival rate among awake ECMO patients compared to conventional mechanical ventilation.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJan 20, 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.

Notre Dame physicists use ion beams to detect art forgery

Researchers at Notre Dame are using proton-induced x-ray emission and Accelerator Mass Spectroscopy to analyze artifacts, shedding light on trading patterns, economic conditions, and history. The techniques allow for the detection of counterfeit art work without destroying samples.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalPhysics Today·DateJan 20, 2012

Multiple partners not the only way for corals to stay cool

Recent experiments show that corals with a single type of zooxanthellae can have varying thermal tolerance, with some coping well to higher temperatures while others suffer severe bleaching. This finding challenges the previous assumption that corals associating with the same type of zooxanthellae are physiologically similar.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJan 20, 2012
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.

Study showed oxaliplatin improved colon cancer patient survival

A recent study found that adding oxaliplatin to adjuvant chemotherapy for stage III colon cancer patients in the general population improved overall survival rates. The research also showed that this combination therapy was effective across various practice settings, including older and minority patients with comorbid conditions.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 20, 2012