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Science News Archive January 2012 - Page 18


Page 18 of 24

Boston University School of Medicine researchers clarify link between salt and hypertension

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine debunked the concept that excess salt causes high blood pressure by stimulating the sympathetic nervous system to produce adrenalin, causing artery constriction. The study suggests that diuretics may not be enough to treat hypertension cases associated with renal failure and recommend...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Hypertension·DateJan 11, 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.

Treatment of psoriasis gets new hope

Researchers at Linköping University have identified a new target for treating psoriasis: the psoriasin protein, which stimulates cell division and angiogenesis. By inhibiting psoriasin, they believe they can reduce disease severity and minimize side effects.

SourceLinköping University·JournalBreast Cancer Research and Treatment·DateJan 10, 2012

Backing out of the nanotunnel

Researchers have developed a new method for analyzing the spatial conformations of biomolecules like proteins and DNA, minimizing interactions with pore materials. The approach enables the prediction of translocation dynamics of nucleic acids with varying sequences.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateJan 10, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

University of Houston opens Sleep and Anxiety Center for Kids

The University of Houston has opened a new sleep and anxiety center for kids, offering empirically-based evaluation and treatment services. The center provides top-of-the-line treatment at no cost to participating families, including polysomnography and actigraphy assessments.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateJan 10, 2012

Cosmetic chemical hinders brain development in tadpoles

A new study by Brown University researchers found that exposure to a common cosmetic chemical, methylisothiazolinone (MIT), can disrupt the fine wiring of the nervous system in tadpoles, even at very low concentrations. The study suggests that lower concentrations of MIT may be detrimental to brain development.

SourceBrown University·JournalNeuroscience·DateJan 10, 2012

Young women often fail to spot their weight gain

A study published in the Journal of Women's Health found that young women are more likely to recognize weight gain if they are black or using DMPA. The researchers surveyed 466 women with an average age of 25, finding nearly one-third and one-quarter did not recognize gains of 4.5 and 8.8 pounds during a six-month interval.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·DateJan 10, 2012

Clearing a potential road block to bisabolane

Researchers identified a three-dimensional crystal structure of the Abies grandis α-bisabolene synthase, an enzyme that produces bisabolene, a precursor to bisabolane. This breakthrough could lead to improved catalytic efficiency and stability, enabling microbes to produce bisabolene faster.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalStructure·DateJan 10, 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.

Changing to a simple oral antibiotic administration programme could enable elimination of neglected yaws disease

A study published in The Lancet shows that a single dose of oral azithromycin is non-inferior to injectable penicillin for treating yaws disease, avoiding equipment and medically trained personnel needs. This finding supports the potential elimination of neglected tropical disease through mass drug administration programs.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 10, 2012

Would you stop eating out to lose weight?

A 6-week program called Mindful Restaurant Eating helps develop skills to reduce caloric and fat intake when eating out. Participants lost significantly more weight and had lower daily caloric intake after completing the intervention.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateJan 10, 2012

Algae for your fuel tank

Researchers at TUM introduce a new catalytic process that effectively converts biopetroleum from microalgae into diesel fuels. The process uses a novel catalyst and achieves the conversion of raw, untreated algae oil under mild conditions, producing diesel-range saturated hydrocarbons suitable for high-grade vehicle fuels.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJan 10, 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.

Researchers identify molecular 'culprit' in rise of planetary oxygen

A team of scientists has identified a molecular 'culprit' in the emergence of oxygen on Earth, dating back to 2.9 billion years ago. Manganese catalase, an enzyme that generates oxygen as a byproduct, is believed to be responsible for the rise of planetary oxygen.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalStructure·DateJan 10, 2012

Disruption of biological clocks causes neurodegeneration, early death

Research at Oregon State University found that disrupting circadian rhythms causes accelerated neurodegeneration, loss of motor function, and premature death. Disrupted clock mechanisms predispose the brain to neurodegeneration, which may cause more damage to the clock function.

SourceOregon State University·JournalNeurobiology of Disease·DateJan 10, 2012

NASA'S RXTE helps pinpoint launch of 'bullets' in a black hole's jet

An international team of astronomers identified the moment when a black hole launched super-fast knots of gas into space using NASA's RXTE and NSF's VLBA radio telescope. The 'bullets' of ionized gas were thought to arise from a region outside the event horizon, where they were associated with changes signaling the start of the process.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 10, 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.

People with dementia have more preventable hospitalizations

Research found that individuals with dementia had a significantly higher rate of hospital admissions for all causes and ambulatory care-sensitive conditions. These findings suggest opportunities to improve outpatient care for seniors with dementia by identifying preventive strategies for common conditions like pneumonia, heart failure,...

SourceGroup Health Research Institute·JournalJAMA·DateJan 10, 2012

NASA's Fermi Space Telescope explores new energy extremes

The Fermi team has discovered hundreds of new energy sources in the high-energy sky, including active galaxies and pulsars. These discoveries will allow astronomers to compare the behavior of different sources across a wider span of gamma-ray energies for the first time.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 10, 2012

How can we improve global access to pain relief?

The authors propose transferring the public health responsibility for controlled medicines from the International Narcotic Control Board to the World Health Organization, citing restrictive drug laws as a major barrier to access. This shift would aim to create better legal frameworks that extricate pain treatment from drug prohibition.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJan 10, 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.

Inflammation may link obesity and adverse pregnancy outcomes

Maternal obesity is associated with increased inflammatory responses in both mother and child, leading to adverse pregnancy outcomes. This includes an increased risk of preeclampsia, respiratory tract infections, and later health issues such as allergic disease and metabolic dysfunction.

SourceIOS Press·JournalAdvances in Neuroimmune Biology·DateJan 10, 2012

Send in the supplies: RoboCopters in Marines' future

The Autonomous Aerial Cargo Utility System (AACUS) is a five-year, $98 million program to develop sensors and control technologies for robotic vertical take-off and landing aircraft. AACUS will enable Marines to request autonomous cargo helicopters for rapid resupply of combat essentials with little to no input from an operator.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateJan 10, 2012

War bound to bowl bound

A new study in Armed Forces & Society explores how the US military contributed to the widespread appeal of college football. The research highlights the role of World Wars in bringing about issues like payment of college athletes.

SourceSAGE·JournalArmed Forces & Society·DateJan 10, 2012

Who's wealthy? Beyond net worth, asset and debt levels change our perceptions

A new study in Psychological Science finds that asset and debt levels change perceptions of wealth beyond net worth, with people in debt perceiving themselves wealthier when assets outweigh debt. Participants were asked which person or household was financially better off, and whether they'd borrow to buy something they couldn't pay for.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJan 10, 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.

UGA study offers hope for hemlock attack

Researchers at the University of Georgia have found that releasing ladybird beetles in the upper crown of infested trees can effectively control hemlock woolly adelgid populations. The study suggests a new approach to managing the invasive pest, which has been killing Eastern hemlocks across the southeastern US.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of Economic Entomology·DateJan 10, 2012

New Geology research posted online Jan. 6, 2012

Researchers found fossilized fungal hyphae in subseafloor Eocene basalts, suggesting a non-prokaryotic biosphere. This discovery has implications for our understanding of the deep subseafloor environment.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateJan 10, 2012

Height loss increases risk for fractures and death in older women

A new study published by Kaiser Permanente found that older women who lose more than two inches in height face a higher risk of fractures and death. The research suggests that clinicians should consider bone density testing, counseling, and treatment to help prevent fractures. Women who lost more than two inches in height were 50% more...

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateJan 10, 2012

Lower risk of death linked with access to key attributes of primary care, UC Davis study shows

A new UC Davis study found that greater access to key attributes of high-quality primary care, including comprehensiveness and patient-centeredness, is associated with lower mortality. The study suggests that providing all Americans with a 'medical home' offering these attributes could yield major public health benefits.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJan 10, 2012
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Asian-Americans getting better heart attack care

A recent study published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes found that Asian-American heart attack patients received nearly the same quality of care as white counterparts, with improvements seen between 2003 and 2008. Despite this, disparities persist, including lower rates of aspirin use and smoking cessation counseling.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·DateJan 10, 2012

How can pediatric HIV be eliminated in Zimbabwe?

A study found that implementing the World Health Organization's recommendations could reduce mother-to-child transmission rates in Zimbabwe from 18% to 6-7%. This would require increased access to effective medications, support for long-term medication adherence, and safer infant feeding options.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJan 10, 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.

Healing the iPhone's wounds

A team of researchers from Pitt and UMass proposes a 'repair-and-go' approach to fix malfunctions caused by small-surface cracks on any digital device. This method uses nanoparticles and droplets of oil to repair defects on-site, potentially extending the device's lifetime.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJan 10, 2012

Before they were stars

The Cygnus X region is home to thousands of massive stars and many more stars around the size of our sun or smaller. Infrared data from NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope reveals a complex of star-forming clouds, with bubbles carved out by radiation and winds from massive stars.

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·DateJan 10, 2012

70 percent of Europeans suffer from low vitamin D levels

A report by European Menopause and Andropause society recommends vitamin D supplements for postmenopausal women to maintain blood levels above 30 ng/ml, improving bone health and reducing fracture risk. Experts also suggest a daily intake of 600-4,000 IU/day, depending on age and risk factors.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalMaturitas·DateJan 10, 2012
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.

NSF grant to Wayne State aims to develop new ways to calculate odds of structural failure

A Wayne State University researcher is working on a new method to calculate the odds of structural failure in complex engineering structures. The goal is to achieve greater consistency within a structure while maintaining feasible computational costs. This approach has wide-ranging implications for various fields, including electrical,...

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·DateJan 10, 2012

El Gordo -- a 'fat' distant galaxy cluster

A team of astronomers has discovered the largest galaxy cluster ever seen in the distant Universe, nicknamed El Gordo. The cluster consists of two separate subclusters colliding at high speeds and is so far away that its light has travelled for seven billion years to reach Earth.

SourceESO·DateJan 10, 2012

Diabetes study shines spotlight on lifestyle interventions

Researchers analyzed 28 studies on real-world lifestyle interventions for type 2 diabetes prevention and found a significant average weight loss of 4% after one year. The cost-effectiveness of these programs was shown to be comparable to the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) trial, making them a viable option for preventing diabetes.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJan 10, 2012
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.

Predators hunt for a balanced diet

Researchers discovered that predators choose diets with optimal balance of protein and fat to produce healthy eggs, outperforming those without nutritional balance. This finding challenges the assumption that predators focus solely on calorie quantity, highlighting their selective eating behavior.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·DateJan 10, 2012

New treatment for chronic depression targets personality style

A new study assesses the impact of a psychological therapy for chronic depression, targeting individuals with an emotionally over-controlled personality style. The REFRAMED study aims to provide new insights into refractory depression, a common condition that disrupts daily life.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·DateJan 10, 2012

Dramatic links found between climate change, elk, plants, and birds

A USGS study found that climate-driven changes in elk behavior are causing cascading effects on plant and bird communities in mountainous Arizona. Elk's increased ability to browse on plants during winter is leading to decreased tree populations and habitat quality for songbirds.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJan 10, 2012

Fusion plasma research helps neurologists to hear above the noise

Researchers from University of Warwick and Cambridge teamed up to apply fusion plasma expertise to study human brain networks. They developed methods to deal with data analysis problems similar to those faced by neuroscientists, making the first map of dynamically changing brain networks in response to surprise.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalJournal of Neurophysiology·DateJan 10, 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.

Increased risk of developing asthma by age of 3 after cesarean

A new study from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health found that children delivered by cesarean section have an increased risk of developing asthma by age three. This increased risk was particularly seen among children without a hereditary tendency to asthma and allergies.

SourceNorwegian Institute of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateJan 10, 2012

'Tiger mothers' should tame parenting approach

A Michigan State University scholar refutes the 'tiger mother' philosophy, arguing that a child's happiness is vitally important for their development. Qin found that high-achieving Chinese students are more depressed and anxious than their white counterparts.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Adolescence·DateJan 10, 2012

Niels Bohr Institute gets top researcher from Harvard

Niels Bohr Institute secures a world-leading researcher in quantum physics, Professor Charles Marcus, with a 38 million DKK grant. The institute aims to develop nanoelectronics and conduct research in quantum information using advanced materials.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·DateJan 10, 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.

University of Utah, Google seek answers for autism

A workshop program using 3D modeling software SketchUp has shown benefits for children with autism, improving social engagement, self-confidence, and relationships among generations within families. The program's creators noticed significant improvements in participants' behavior, attention span, and ability to interact with peers.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalFamily and Consumer Sciences Research Journal·DateJan 10, 2012