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Science News Archive January 2012 - Page 12


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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 18, 2012

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.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalInternational Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics·DateJan 18, 2012

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.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPsychology and Aging·DateJan 18, 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.

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...

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateJan 18, 2012

UCSB researchers uncover transparency limits on transparent conducting oxides

Researchers at UCSB have discovered the optical transparency limits of transparent conducting oxides, essential for efficient optoelectronic devices. They found that tin dioxide weakly absorbs visible light, making it useful as a transparent contact, but absorption increases with ultraviolet and infrared light.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJan 18, 2012

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.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateJan 18, 2012

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.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 18, 2012

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 18, 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.

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.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalThe Oncologist·DateJan 18, 2012

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.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Development Economics·DateJan 18, 2012
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.

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.

SourceWoodwell Climate Research Center·JournalNature·DateJan 18, 2012

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.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 18, 2012

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.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateJan 18, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceSAGE·JournalPalliative Medicine·DateJan 18, 2012

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.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalMolecular Cancer Research·DateJan 18, 2012

UCLA researchers uncover mechanism by which melanoma drug accelerates secondary skin cancers

Researchers found that blocking the mutated BRAF protein in melanoma cells sets off a cellular cascade in other skin cells with pre-disposing mutations, leading to accelerated development of skin squamous cell carcinomas. The study provides molecular insight into this side effect and suggests strategies to prevent secondary tumors.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 18, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalLeukemia·DateJan 18, 2012

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...

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateJan 18, 2012

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.

SourceMcGill University·JournalCancer Prevention Research·DateJan 18, 2012
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

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.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 18, 2012

The rail and road network in Spain does not follow economic criteria, but central

A Spanish researcher reveals that the country's transportation infrastructure is built radially around Madrid, contrary to economic and productive activity. The network was primarily funded by the state budget, and investments are made in routes with commercial activity through tolls or private levies.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalBusiness History·DateJan 18, 2012

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.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalPhysical Review E·DateJan 18, 2012
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

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.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Business and Psychology·DateJan 18, 2012
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.

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.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJan 18, 2012

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature·DateJan 18, 2012
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.

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJan 18, 2012

Bacterial toxin may play important role in acute, chronic urinary tract infections

A study by University of Utah researchers found that the bacterial toxin alpha-hemolysin triggers bladder cell shedding and disables immune responses, contributing to persistent urinary tract infections. The toxin causes degradation of proteins involved in cellular responses to infection, leading to more severe clinical symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateJan 18, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateJan 18, 2012

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.

SourceUppsala University·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJan 18, 2012

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.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·DateJan 18, 2012

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.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateJan 18, 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.

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.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateJan 18, 2012

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalArchives of Dermatology·DateJan 17, 2012
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

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.

SourceMontana State University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJan 17, 2012

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.

SourceLifespan·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateJan 17, 2012

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.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalCancer Cell·DateJan 17, 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.

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...

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJan 17, 2012

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...

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJan 17, 2012

'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.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJan 17, 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.

Pro athletes bolster star status through team selection, teammates and career evolution: Study

A study published in the International Journal of Research in Marketing found that a combination of personal performance, team records, market demand, and teammate quality contribute to an athlete's star status. The research also highlights the importance of playing for a winning team and leveraging popular teammates.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalInternational Journal of Research in Marketing·DateJan 17, 2012