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Science News for January 4, 2012


Mid-lane driving helps older adults stay safe

A study by the University of Leeds found that older adults tend to stay in the middle lane while driving, an adaptive strategy that helps them stay safe. This tendency is linked to their reduced motor skills due to aging.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·DateJan 4, 2012

QUT research to help safer emergency aircraft landings

A QUT research team is developing a GPS-based system to aid Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in making safer emergency landings. The system will incorporate a camera to pinpoint safe landing options, such as fields or roads, and help pilots navigate away from populated areas.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·DateJan 4, 2012

Star Trek Tricorder revisited: Toward a genre of medical scanners

A new genre of medical imaging technology uses optical techniques to peer below the skin and through muscle and bone, revealing body structures. Devices such as blood vessel mappers and cancer detectors are already in use or in development, providing non-invasive views for diagnosis and study.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJan 4, 2012

Fish oil during pregnancy does not protect against excessive adipose tissue development

A recent study published by the Technical University of Munich found no evidence to support the theory that fish oil consumption during pregnancy prevents excessive infant adipose tissue growth. The INFAT study, which monitored 208 expectant mothers and their children for over a year, showed no difference in infant adipose tissue growt...

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJan 4, 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.

IBD emerges as a global disease

A global study on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) reveals increasing incidence and prevalence worldwide, particularly in developing countries. The study found that IBD affects individuals in their most productive years of life, resulting in significant healthcare costs.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateJan 4, 2012

Research shows progress toward a genital herpes vaccine

Researchers found that a new vaccine was partially effective at preventing genital herpes disease caused by HSV-1, with significant protection offered to some women. However, the vaccine did not protect women from genital disease caused by HSV-2.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 4, 2012

Experts urge BMI method for calculating weight in kids with eating disorders

A new study recommends using the body mass index (BMI) method to calculate expected body weights in children with eating disorders. The research found that this method is more accurate than others and can account for varying heights and weights, making it a valuable tool for clinicians and researchers.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJan 4, 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.

In ancient Pompeii, trash and tombs went hand in hand

Research at Pompeii counters previous theories that tombs were abandoned due to garbage, suggesting people continued to maintain burial spaces alongside public areas. The ancient city's casual treatment of waste is also revealed, with trash found in homes, streets, and alleys.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateJan 4, 2012

No more free rides for 'piggy-backing' viruses

Researchers have determined the three-dimensional structure of endomannosidase, an enzyme used by devastating human viruses like HIV and Hepatitis C to replicate. This breakthrough opens the door to developing inhibitors that block both pathways used by these viruses.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 4, 2012

New guideline: Caution needed when choosing seizure drugs for people with HIV/AIDS

A new guideline issued by the American Academy of Neurology recommends caution when selecting seizure medications for individuals with HIV/AIDS due to the risk of adverse interactions. The guideline aims to minimize the impact of these drug combinations, particularly in developing countries where treatment options are limited.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJan 4, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Magnetically-levitated flies offer clues to future of life in space

Scientists at the University of Nottingham used a powerful magnet to levitate fruit flies, simulating weightlessness on Earth. The results show that the flies walk more quickly than expected, suggesting potential effects on living organisms in space. The study provides valuable insights for future space exploration and long-term survival.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalInterface·DateJan 4, 2012

Hypothermia underutilized in cardiac arrest cases treated in US hospitals

A study of over 26,000 patients found that therapeutic hypothermia was used in only 0.35% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest cases in the US. Despite its proven benefits in reducing mortality and improving neurologic outcomes after a heart attack, hypothermic therapy is not being widely adopted in clinical practice.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalTherapeutic Hypothermia and Temperature Management·DateJan 4, 2012

Antiestrogen therapy may decrease risk for melanoma

Women with breast cancer who take anti-estrogen supplements may be decreasing their risk for melanoma. Risk for melanoma was 60 percent higher among patients who did not receive anti-estrogen therapy compared to those who received it.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Prevention Research·DateJan 4, 2012
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.

Downloadable tool helps cancer survivors plan and monitor exercise

A new downloadable tool from the University of Colorado Cancer Center guides cancer survivors through a personalized exercise plan, helping them set goals and track progress. The program aims to overcome common challenges faced by cancer patients, including fatigue and self-doubt.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalClinical Journal of Oncology Nursing·DateJan 4, 2012

Guidelines stress caution when combining anti-epileptic, HIV drugs

New guidelines from the American Academy of Neurology provide treatment recommendations for people with HIV/AIDS taking seizure drugs. The guidelines aim to prevent drug interactions that could make HIV drugs less effective or lead to a more virulent strain of the disease.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNeurology·DateJan 4, 2012

If you plan, then you'll do… but it helps to have a friend

Research by the University of Leeds found that partnering up or planning with someone can really boost the likelihood of sticking to dieting plans, health programmes. Joint planning and 'if...then...' cues made a sustained effect on employees' exercise regimes.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateJan 4, 2012
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.

Blogging may help teens dealing with social distress

Teens who blogged about their social problems and engaged with an online community showed significant improvement in self-esteem, emotional distress, and positive social behaviors. The study found that blogging had a stronger positive effect than private diary writing alone.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalPsychological Services·DateJan 4, 2012

2011 Digging Into Data Challenge winners announced

Fourteen international teams win $4.8 million in grants to investigate 'big data' techniques for humanities and social sciences research. The projects cover topics such as music, Egyptian mummies, and human rights abuses.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateJan 4, 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.

Promising results of novel combination HIV vaccine

A recent study published in Nature shows that a novel combination of HIV vaccine candidates provides partial protection against Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV) infection in rhesus monkeys. The optimal vaccine combinations also substantially reduced the amount of virus in the blood.

SourceUS Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases·JournalNature·DateJan 4, 2012

Townsend named winner of Jean-Jacques Laffont Prize in economics

Robert M. Townsend, a prominent development economist, has been awarded the 2011 Jean-Jacques Laffont Prize for his groundbreaking research on financial systems and their impact on developing economies. The prize recognizes his contributions to understanding the role of financial systems in driving economic growth and development.

SourceConsortium on Financial Systems & Poverty·DateJan 4, 2012

Early land plants: Early adopters!

A new species of liverwort, Frullania knightbridgei, is discovered in New Zealand and described using revolutionary electronic publishing rules. The publication accelerates scientific discovery and description of new plant species, crucial for understanding early land plant evolution and conserving biodiversity.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalPhytoKeys·DateJan 4, 2012

Experimental vaccine partially protects monkeys from HIV-like infection

Researchers have developed a vaccine that partially protects monkeys against a virulent HIV-like virus, with the best predictor of protection being antibodies targeting the virus surface protein. The study suggests that an immune system mechanism for prevention differs from control of viral replication.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNature·DateJan 4, 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.

New computer model explains lakes and storms on Titan

Researchers at California Institute of Technology developed a computer model that explains the distribution of clouds, lakes, and rainstorms on Titan. The model attributes these phenomena to the interaction between sunlight, atmospheric circulation, and methane reservoirs on the surface.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateJan 4, 2012

Through hardship to the stars

Delegates explored ways to overcome propulsion limitations, including suspended animation and negative mass concepts. Theoretical models offer tantalizing options, but significant hurdles remain before interstellar travel becomes a reality.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalPhysics World·DateJan 4, 2012

Harp seals on thin ice after 32 years of warming

A new study reveals that harp seal populations are experiencing sharply higher death rates among pup mortality, with entire year-classes disappearing from the population in low ice years. The study suggests that seasonal sea ice cover has declined by as much as 6% per decade since 1979, leaving the population on thin ice.

SourceDuke University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 4, 2012

Leaping lizards and dinosaurs inspire robot design

Scientists found that a lizard's tail is crucial in preventing forward pitch during leaping. By adding a tail to a robotic car called Tailbot, researchers discovered that it can stabilize its body and remain upright even after stumbling.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature·DateJan 4, 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.

A quarter of a century of sweet corn observations

A quarter century of sweet corn observations revealed shifts in endosperm types and reactions to post-emergence herbicides. Disease-resistant hybrids have increased in availability, allowing breeders to focus on improving resistance without sacrificing seed sales.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalPlant Disease·DateJan 4, 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.

Benefits of statin therapy may extend beyond lowering lipids

Researchers discovered that statin therapy can reduce blood clotting by targeting the expression of inducible tissue factor, a molecule that triggers abnormal clotting. Elevated levels of oxidized LDL induce tissue factor, which contributes to the formation of an occlusive thrombus after plaque rupture.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 4, 2012

Prehistoric predators with supersized teeth had beefier arm bones

The study found that long, thin teeth and delicate dentition were associated with thicker forelimbs, suggesting an evolutionary trade-off between the two traits. This convergence of traits suggests that these prehistoric predators may have relied on their forelimbs to catch and kill prey without fracturing their fangs.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalPaleobiology·DateJan 4, 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.

Men and women have major personality differences

A new study published in PLoS ONE found significant personality differences between men and women, contrary to previous underestimation. The researchers analyzed data from over 10,000 participants using a comprehensive personality test, revealing large discrepancies in traits such as warmth, sensitivity, and perfectionism.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 4, 2012

Scientists reassess weight loss surgery for type 2 diabetes

A new study found that weight loss surgery, particularly gastric bypass, has a significant beneficial effect on glucose control for patients with type 2 diabetes. Only 41% of patients achieved complete remission using stringent criteria, while other types of surgery had lower success rates.

SourceImperial College London·JournalBJS·DateJan 4, 2012

UC San Diego's William C. Mobley recognized for contributions to Down syndrome

William C. Mobley, chair of UC San Diego's Department of Neurosciences, received the International Sisley-Jérôme Lejeune Prize for his innovative research on treatments for neurological disabilities, including Down syndrome. The prize acknowledges his contributions to advancing care and management of intellectual disabilities.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateJan 4, 2012
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Salt water alone unlikely to halt Burmese python invasion

Research suggests that Burmese pythons from the Florida Everglades can survive in marine and estuarine environments for several months, raising concerns about their potential spread to nearby islands. The study found that hatchling pythons could live up to five months with only salt water to drink.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalJournal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology·DateJan 4, 2012

Cancer-killing compound spares healthy cells

A Concordia-led research team found that Lithocholic acid (LCA) selectively kills cancer cells while sparing healthy ones. LCA targets cancer cell sensors, triggering mitochondrial self-destruction and bringing the cell down.

SourceConcordia University·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateJan 4, 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.

How can Lyme disease be prevented and controlled?

A new study assesses the potential reasons for the continued lack of success in preventing and controlling Lyme disease in the US Northeast. The study identifies critical areas where additional knowledge is needed to improve prevention and control strategies, including host infestation rates, habitat diversity, and human behavior.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Medical Entomology·DateJan 4, 2012

Older, cheaper vacuum cleaners release more bacteria and dust

A study by Lidia Morawska and colleagues found that older vacuum cleaners, even those with HEPA filters, release higher levels of fine dust and bacteria into the air. Newer models were generally less polluting, suggesting age and cost can impact emission rates.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJan 4, 2012

The Encyclopedia of Life expanding at a record pace

The Encyclopedia of Life has grown from 30,000 pages to over 900,000 with a 2,900% increase in content, thanks to new partnerships and language additions. The platform now serves information on 15,000 species in Spanish and provides conservation data from the IUCN and NatureServe.

SourceEncyclopedia of Life·DateJan 4, 2012

Prehistoric predators with supersized teeth had beefier arm bones

A new study found that prehistoric predators with large canines had beefier arm bones, a combination seen in sabertooth cats and other extinct mammals. The researchers discovered this pattern through the analysis of fossilized arm bones and teeth, finding convergence across multiple species.

SourceNational Evolutionary Synthesis Center (NESCent)·JournalPaleobiology·DateJan 4, 2012
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.

New materials remove CO2 from smokestacks, tailpipes and even the air

Scientists have discovered an improved method to remove carbon dioxide from smokestacks, tailpipes, and the atmosphere. The new materials achieve high carbon dioxide removal capacity, especially in humid air, making them a potential solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 4, 2012

Fish mimics octopus that mimics fish

Scientists have recorded the first association between a black-marble jawfish and a mimic octopus. The jawfish sticks close to the octopus for protection, allowing it to venture away from its burrow to look for food. This unique case highlights the complex interactions within coral reef ecosystems.

SourceCalifornia Academy of Sciences·JournalCoral Reefs·DateJan 4, 2012