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Science News Archive January 2012 - Page 19


Page 19 of 24

Persons with dementia have higher rate of hospitalizations

A study found that individuals with dementia have a significantly higher rate of hospital admissions compared to those without dementia. The majority of these admissions were for ambulatory care-sensitive conditions, which can be prevented with proactive outpatient care.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJan 10, 2012

Brain activity linked to delusion-like experience in CAMH study

Researchers found that people with schizophrenia showed greater brain activity during tests inducing delusional thinking, including the cortical midline structures and dopamine regions. This effect was not seen in a comparison group without schizophrenia.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJan 10, 2012

JoVE partners with Stanford University for Medicine X Conference

The conference, led by Stanford University's Medicine X, aims to bridge the gap between academia, technology, and healthcare. JoVE will publish selected submissions in a unique multimedia format, making findings transparently accessible to the scientific community.

SourceThe Journal of Visualized Experiments·JournalJournal of Visualized Experiments·DateJan 10, 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.

Hubble pinpoints furthest protocluster of galaxies ever seen

Astronomers have discovered the most distant galaxy cluster ever observed, comprising five bright galaxies that are 600 million years after the Big Bang. The cluster is believed to be a protocluster, with galaxies expected to merge and form a massive central galaxy.

SourceESA/Hubble Information Centre·DateJan 10, 2012

New findings by St. Michael's researchers about the way cells work

Researchers discovered a biological pathway that increases the level of chemokine SDF-1, which stimulates cells to move and migrate. The study found that higher levels of this protein can predict who is most likely to develop HUS, allowing for closer monitoring.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 10, 2012

Hubble pinpoints farthest protocluster of galaxies ever seen

Astronomers have pinpointed the most distant galaxy cluster in the early universe, comprising five tiny galaxies 600 million years after the Big Bang. The discovery confirms theoretical understanding of galaxy cluster formation and provides evidence for the hierarchical model of galaxy assembly.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·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.

Satellite imagery detects thermal 'uplift' signal of underground nuclear tests

Researchers at Oregon State University have detected a thermal 'uplift' signal in satellite imagery from the Lop Nor nuclear testing site in China. The change occurred four years after the tests and corresponds to known surface locations above past tests, providing a potential new tool for analyzing the strength of detonation.

SourceOregon State University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJan 10, 2012

Nobel history illustrates gap in grants to young scientists

A new study by Rice University illustrates a disconnect between government funding of biomedical research by young investigators and the Nobel Prize standard. The average age of biomedical researchers getting their first grant from the NIH in 2008 was 42, compared to the average age of Nobel winners at 41.

SourceRice University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 10, 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.

Diseases and sex

Research on three-spined sticklebacks reveals that reoccurring infectious diseases influence the frequency of immune genes. This variability helps individuals resist diseases but poses a challenge for organ transplants. In contrast, the variation in human HLA alleles enhances mating choices by providing optimal gene combinations.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 10, 2012

Long-term consequences of venous thrombosis

A long-term study found elevated mortality rates among individuals who experienced venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism compared to controls. The research, published in PLoS Medicine, underscores the major consequences of venous thrombosis on both morbidity and mortality.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·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.

Revealing causality

The IUPUI-launched Institute for Mathematical Modeling and Computational Science aims to train a new generation of researchers to identify and solve scientific issues. The institute focuses on areas such as drug delivery, pollution, and brain mapping, using mathematical modeling and computational science approaches.

SourceIndiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis School of Science·DateJan 10, 2012

Marijuana smoke not as damaging to lungs as cigarette smoke

A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that occasional marijuana use is not associated with long-term loss of lung function. Marijuana smoke was shown to increase lung air flow rates and capacity, but only up to moderately high levels of use.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalJAMA·DateJan 10, 2012

Unexpected discovery opens up new opportunities for targeting cancer

Researchers at the University of Leicester have discovered a link between inositol phosphate signalling and histone deacetylase enzymes, which play a key role in regulating gene expression. This finding has significant implications for the therapeutic intervention of certain types of cancer.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalNature·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.

Is there a dark side to moving in sync?

Two studies by USC Marshall School of Business professor Scott Wiltermuth found that synchronized physical activities can foster aggression and obedience, potentially leading to destructive outcomes. Participants who moved in sync with their groups or authority figures performed better in tasks that involved harming others.

SourceUSC Marshall School of Business·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateJan 10, 2012

Researchers discover novel anti-viral immune pathway in the mosquito

Scientists at Virginia Tech have discovered a novel antiviral immune pathway in culicine mosquitoes, which produces virus-derived small RNAs similar to piwi-interacting RNAs. This finding suggests a robust immune system, but understanding how viruses overcome it remains an open challenge.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJan 10, 2012

When galaxy clusters collide

Researchers studied a galaxy cluster 5 billion light years away, finding that it has passed through each other without collision. The study revealed that most of the dark matter had also passed through, but gas clouds collided, creating a huge cloud of superheated gas.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateJan 10, 2012

An apple a day isn't enough

A Concordia University study found that adults in Canada, especially those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, do not consume enough fruits and vegetables. Quebecers, on the other hand, tend to eat more of nature's produce, making them a model for healthy eating habits.

SourceConcordia University·JournalNutrition Journal·DateJan 10, 2012

World's most extreme deep-sea vents revealed

Scientists have revealed the world's deepest known 'black smoker' vents, which may be hotter than 450 °C and are home to thousands of a new shrimp species. The discovery suggests that deep-sea vents may be more widespread around the world than previously thought.

SourceNational Oceanography Centre, UK·JournalNature Communications·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.

Light now in sight

Researchers have successfully converted an intrinsically 'blind' receptor molecule into a photoreceptor using molecular genetic techniques. This synthetic construct enables light-controlled activation and may potentially be used to restore sight in patients suffering from certain forms of blindness.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJan 10, 2012

New educational program helps the siblings of children with cancer

A new teaching program improved siblings' knowledge and coping skills, enhancing their adjustment and psychological well-being after a sibling's cancer diagnosis. The pilot study showed promising results, with the intervention group showing better improvement in psychological well-being.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalChild and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health·DateJan 10, 2012

Swallow a pill and let your doc tour your insides

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital successfully test a controllable endoscopic capsule that can 'swim' through the body. The capsule is equipped with a camera and can be steered using an MRI machine to photograph specific areas of interest wirelessly.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalBiomedical Microdevices·DateJan 10, 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.

Genetic and mechanistic basis for rotor syndrome uncovered

Researchers identified genetic mutations in OATP1B1 and OATP1B3 proteins as the underlying cause of Rotor syndrome, a condition characterized by conjugated bilirubin buildup. Complete deficiency of these proteins can cause hypersensitivity to certain drugs and interrupt conjugated bilirubin reuptake into the liver.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 9, 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.

Heart attack risk rises after loss of loved one

A recent study published in Circulation found that the risk of heart attack increases significantly after losing a loved one. The research, led by BIDMC, revealed an elevated risk of heart attack in the first 24 hours (21 times normal) and remained high for at least a month.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalCirculation·DateJan 9, 2012

Why personalized medicine holds promise for preventing and treating diabetes

Researchers propose using personalized medicine to identify individuals at highest risk for developing type 2 diabetes, allowing for targeted prevention efforts. Current methods are inefficient, but new biomarkers and approaches hold promise for preventing and controlling the disease.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJan 9, 2012

Fit females make more daughters, mighty males get grandsons

Research shows that high-quality females, which produce more offspring, are more likely to have daughters. Conversely, weaker females, with their grandfather's qualities, produce more sons. This study found that females can manipulate the sex of their offspring to compensate for genetic limitations.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEcology Letters·DateJan 9, 2012

New 'real-world' reassuring data from the SCAAR registry

The study found that new generation drug-eluting stents were associated with a 28% lower risk of mortality, compared to old generation DES, and a 23% lower mortality rate at two years. The new generation DES also had a 38% lower risk of restenosis and a 43% lower risk of stent thrombosis within two years.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateJan 9, 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.

How many lives could a soda tax save?

A nationwide tax on sugary drinks could prevent nearly 100,000 cases of heart disease and 26,000 deaths annually. The tax would also generate $13 billion in direct revenue and save the public an additional $17 billion per year in healthcare costs.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJan 9, 2012

Penn researchers find treatment for diabetes and depression improves both

Researchers found that a brief adherence program improves blood sugar test results and depression symptoms in patients with Type 2 diabetes and depression. The study showed that 60.9% of patients with integrated care had improved blood sugar test results, compared to 35.7% with usual primary care.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJan 9, 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.

GW researcher and colleagues identify environmental exposure to organochlorines may impact male reproduction

A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that men with higher levels of DDE and PCBs had significantly higher rates of sperm abnormalities. Researchers used a new sperm imaging methodology to detect chromosomal abnormalities, highlighting the potential impact of environmental exposure on male fertility.

SourceGeorge Washington University Medical Center·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateJan 9, 2012

Illinois scientists link dietary DHA to male fertility

Researchers at the University of Illinois discovered that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is crucial for constructing the acrosome, a critical structure in fertilization. Without DHA, sperm cells fail to form properly and fertility is compromised.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalBiology of Reproduction·DateJan 9, 2012

How does team care improve depression and diabetes?

The TEAMcare program, based on the Chronic Care Model, activates patients to monitor their own health and empowers them to control their diseases. This approach results in improved depression outcomes, better-controlled blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and enhanced quality of life for patients with depression and diabetes.

SourceGroup Health Research Institute·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJan 9, 2012

Almost perfect: A breakthrough in superlens development

Researchers at Michigan Technological University have made a major step toward creating superlenses that can see objects as small as 100 nanometers across using metamaterials and plasmons. This could enable ultra-high-resolution microscopes and cell phone cameras, making high-powered microscopy accessible to the public.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalPhysical Review B·DateJan 9, 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.

Study finds federal amendments increased gun sales diverted to criminals

A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that the number of guns sold by Badger Guns & Ammo and diverted to criminals tripled after the adoption of Tiahrt amendments. The study also found that reductions in gun sales linked to crime declined by 66% before the amendments took effect.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Urban Health·DateJan 9, 2012

Pill some day may prevent serious foodborne illness, scientist says

Researchers have found that adding a specific protein from Listeria to a probiotic can decrease the risk of infection by 46%. The breakthrough could lead to the development of a pill or drink to prevent Listeria infections, primarily affecting pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems.

SourcePurdue University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 9, 2012

Gulf of Mexico topography played key role in bacterial consumption of Deepwater Horizon spill

Scientists used innovative computer model to demonstrate the roles of underwater topography, currents and bacteria in Gulf of Mexico. The resulting model revealed that physical structure of the gulf was a key factor in disappearance of hydrocarbon plumes, which were consumed by bacteria that swirled around the leaking well.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 9, 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.

Nicotine replacement therapies may not be effective in helping people quit smoking

A recent study by Harvard School of Public Health found that nicotine replacement therapies are no more effective in helping smokers quit than quitting on their own. The study suggests that the FDA should only approve medications proven to be effective in long-term smoking cessation, and lower nicotine levels to reduce addiction.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalTobacco Control·DateJan 9, 2012

Investment risk tolerance affected by age, economic climate, MU study shows

Researchers found willingness to take financial risks decreases with age and economic downturns. Investors should not adjust their risk tolerance according to the economic climate. Financial planners must consider clients' attitudes toward risk for appropriate investment portfolio recommendations.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalThe Journal of Socio-Economics·DateJan 9, 2012

Payment review of emergency department eye care in Florida

A study published in Archives of Ophthalmology found that commercial insurance was the most frequent payer of emergency department outpatient services in Florida, followed by self-pay and Medicaid. The data suggest a shift towards Medicaid as patients move into eligible categories, which may impact eye care delivery models in the state.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Ophthalmology·DateJan 9, 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.

New way to learn about -- and potentially block -- traits in harmful pathogens

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center developed a new way to identify genes of harmful microbes using chemicals and genomic sequencing. This approach can rapidly pinpoint genes responsible for specific traits in Chlamydia, a common sexually transmitted infection.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 9, 2012