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Science News Archive January 2012 - Page 3


Page 3 of 24

Alcohol and your heart: Friend or foe?

A recent meta-analysis by CAMH found a complex relationship between alcohol consumption and ischaemic heart disease, with varying risks depending on gender, drinking patterns, and overall health outcomes. The study concludes that lower drinking limits for women are needed to inform safe drinking levels.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalAddiction·DateJan 30, 2012

Jak of all trades? Not of leukaemia therapy!

Recent study finds that inhibiting JAK2 kinase does not benefit leukaemia patients, but blocking STAT5 signaling can prevent cell proliferation. This discovery challenges the approach to targeting JAK2 in CML treatment.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateJan 30, 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 rewrite textbook on location of brain's speech processing center

Researchers have rewritten the textbook on the location of the brain's speech processing center, discovering it is located in the left temporal lobe and superior temporal gyrus. The new findings suggest that language originated between monkeys and humans closer than previously thought.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 30, 2012

Cutting off the oxygen supply to serious diseases

Researchers have identified a new family of hypoxic regulator proteins that malfunction when dysregulated, contributing to the progression of serious diseases like cancer. This discovery may lead to the development of novel drug therapeutics to combat cancer and other oxygen-related disorders.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJan 30, 2012

NASA scientists awarded distinctions as 2012 AGU elected Fellows

Dr. F. Michael Flasar, Dr. Anthony D. Del Genio and Dr. James Slavin recognized for their outstanding contributions to Earth and space sciences. Flasar's work on planetary atmospheres, including Titan's unique atmosphere, was highlighted as fundamental to understanding climate physics.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 30, 2012
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

MS drug prevented fatal heart condition in lab study

A lab study found that Gilenya, an MS treatment, reverses ventricular hypertrophy's symptoms and prevents fatal arrhythmias. Researchers discovered Pak1's role in heart disease and developed a potential new therapy.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalCirculation·DateJan 30, 2012

Divorce hurts health more at earlier ages

A new study by Michigan State University sociologist Hui Liu found that divorce hurts people's health more at earlier ages. The research journal Social Science & Medicine revealed that older people have more coping skills to deal with the stress of divorce.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateJan 30, 2012

Defects in the packaging of DNA in malignant brain tumors

Researchers identified genetic alterations affecting proteins known as histones in 48 pediatric glioblastomas, with 36% of cases featuring histone mutations. These mutations, which occur rarely in adult glioblastoma, may hold key to developing new treatments for the most malignant type of brain tumor.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature·DateJan 30, 2012
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

ESC cardiologists 'intrigued'by novel approach to heart failure

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology has shown significant improvements in peak post-ischemic blood flow in the arm and leg, suggesting a potential novel approach to heart failure treatment. However, further exploration is needed due to conflicting data on exercise capacity and inflammatory markers.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJan 30, 2012

Biological time-keeper linked to diabetes

Researchers found 40 rare melatonin receptor mutations that increase diabetes risk nearly sevenfold. The study highlights the importance of genome sequencing in personalizing treatment for diabetic patients.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 30, 2012

Running robots

A team of engineers led by Ioannis Poulakakis aims to create robots that can run like animals, enabling them to access areas inaccessible to conventional vehicles. Using biomechanics research, they seek to develop a family of systematic control strategies that work with the robot's natural dynamics.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateJan 30, 2012

Inquests more likely for younger people and deaths from medical care complications

A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that coroners are more likely to hold inquests for childhood deaths and deaths from medical complications. The research analyzed data on over 20,000 deaths in five Australian states and found a significant disparity between publicized and unpublicized inquests.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJan 30, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Bright lights of purity

Researchers found that impurities in quantum dots and nanorods lead to poor light emission, but heating them removes impurities, boosting luminescence. This technique enables the synthesis of high-quality nanocrystals for applications like bio-imaging and solar energy.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateJan 30, 2012

New CU-Boulder-led study may answer questions about enigmatic Little Ice Age

A new University of Colorado Boulder-led study suggests that the Little Ice Age was triggered by a 50-year-long episode of four massive tropical volcanic eruptions. The onset of the cold period is believed to have been caused by an unusual sea ice-ocean feedback system originating in the North Atlantic Ocean.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJan 30, 2012

Cancer patients' pain can be helped by psychosocial interventions, say researchers

Researchers analyzed past studies on cancer-related pain reduction and found that psychosocial interventions can significantly improve cancer patients' pain severity. Skill-based interventions and educational approaches were most successful in reducing pain and its impact on daily life.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJan 30, 2012

Surprise finding redraws 'map' of blood cell production

A study by researchers from Walter and Eliza Hall Institute reveals that progenitor cells can develop into both megakaryocytes and red blood cells, rewriting the 'map' of blood cell production. The discovery has wide-ranging implications for understanding blood diseases and developing new treatments.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 30, 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.

Majority of self-harming adolescents don't receive a mental health assessment in ERs

A nationwide study reveals that most young people who present to emergency departments with deliberate self-harm are discharged without receiving a mental health assessment. The study found that only 39% of patients discharged to the community received a mental health assessment while in the emergency department.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateJan 30, 2012

Mammals shrink at faster rates than they grow

Research reveals mammals reached maximum size after dinosaurs extinction, with sea mammals doubling time compared to land mammals, while extreme dwarfism occurred in just 100,000 generations.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 30, 2012

Biodiversity enhances ecosystems global drylands -- Ben-Gurion U researchers

A study published in Science suggests that plant biodiversity is crucial for maintaining ecosystem multi-functionality in drylands, which are vulnerable to desertification and climate change. The research found that increasing perennial plant species enhances ecosystem ability to store carbon and build nutrient pools.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalScience·DateJan 30, 2012

New probiotic bacteria shows promise for use in shellfish aquaculture

Researchers at NOAA's Milford Laboratory have isolated a new probiotic bacterium, OY15, that significantly improves larval survival in oyster hatcheries. The study confirms the protective effect of naturally-occurring probiotic bacteria against bacterial disease and promotes healthy growth.

SourceNOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center·JournalJournal of Shellfish Research·DateJan 30, 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.

Livestock, not Mongolian gazelles, drive foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks

A recent study published by Wildlife Conservation Society reveals that livestock, not Mongolian gazelles, are the primary drivers of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks in Mongolia. The research found that FMDV antibody prevalence in gazelle populations mirrored the dynamics of FMD in livestock across the Eastern Steppe.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalJournal of Wildlife Diseases·DateJan 30, 2012

Mouse to elephant? Just wait 24 million generations

Research reveals that rates of size decrease are much faster than growth rates, with dwarfism occurring in just 100,000 generations. It takes at least 24 million generations for large-scale changes in body size to occur.

SourceMonash University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 30, 2012

Oxford, Harvard scientists lead data-sharing effort

Researchers at University of Oxford and Harvard Stem Cell Institute have developed a common standard to describe and integrate large datasets from various fields, enabling better coordination of findings. The ISA Commons platform allows small research groups to store laboratory data without dedicated bioinformatics support.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 29, 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.

Lifelong payoff for attentive kindergarten kids

A study published by Dr. Linda Pagani found that kindergarten attentiveness skills accurately predict later work-oriented behavior, with children who are well-engaged in the classroom exhibiting better self-control, confidence, and ability to follow directions.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJournal of Abnormal Child Psychology·DateJan 29, 2012

What do killer whales eat in the Arctic?

Researchers combined scientific observations with Canadian Inuit traditional knowledge to determine Arctic killer whale behaviour and diet. Arctic killer whales primarily eat marine mammals, such as seals and bowhead whales, but little is known about their prey preference.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalAquatic Biosystems·DateJan 29, 2012

The good news about carbon storage in tropical vegetation

A new study published in Nature Climate Change provides a high-resolution map of aboveground biomass density for the world's tropical forests, leading to better tracking of changes in biomass density and improved estimates of carbon emissions. With this map, countries can accurately report their greenhouse gas emissions under the UNFCCC.

SourceWoodwell Climate Research Center·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJan 29, 2012

Sexual healing? Not likely

Research by Monash University reveals that producing high-quality sperm comes with significant health costs for males. The study found a negative correlation between sperm quality and immune function, suggesting males invest energy strategically to produce better sperm.

SourceMonash University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 29, 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.

UCLA astronomers solve mystery of vanishing electrons

Researchers used data from orbiting spacecraft to discover that energetic electrons are swept away by solar wind particles during periods of heightened solar activity. The findings aim to improve predictions of geomagnetic storms and protect satellites and astronauts.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature Physics·DateJan 29, 2012

Differences in systolic blood pressure between the left and right arm could indicate vascular disease and increased likelihood of death

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that a difference of 15mm Hg or more between arms is associated with increased risk of peripheral vascular disease, pre-existing cerebrovascular disease, cardiovascular mortality, and all-cause mortality. Measuring blood pressure in both arms should be part of routine care to identify patient...

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 29, 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.

Genetic regulation of metabolomic biomarkers – paths to cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes

Researchers identified 31 genetic regions associated with circulating metabolites, including biomarkers for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. The study provides new insights into the biological processes leading to common diseases, suggesting that detailed data on multiple metabolites can help elucidate these processes.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 29, 2012

Ultrasound male contraceptive, overlooked for decades, confirmed to work

Researchers have confirmed that therapeutic ultrasound can be used as a male contraceptive, providing up to 2.5 months of protection in rats with two 15-minute sessions. The method was initially overlooked for decades due to concerns over its effectiveness, but new evidence suggests it may offer an alternative to existing options.

SourceMale Contraception Information Project·JournalReproductive Biology and Endocrinology·DateJan 29, 2012

2-arm blood pressure check indicator for risk from heart disease or death

Researchers at Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry found that differences in systolic blood pressure between arms are associated with increased risk of vascular disease and mortality. A difference of 10mm Hg or more is linked to an increased risk of peripheral vascular disease, pre-existing cerebrovascular disease, and mortality.

SourceThe Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 29, 2012

Body clock receptor linked to diabetes in new genetic study

A new genetic study has found a strong link between the body clock hormone melatonin and type 2 diabetes. Carrying rare genetic mutations in the MT2 gene increases a person's risk of developing type 2 diabetes six times, suggesting a direct link between melatonin regulation and insulin release.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 29, 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.

That which does not kill yeast makes it stronger

Researchers found that stressful conditions increase chromosomal instability in yeast, allowing cells to rapidly adapt and acquire diverse aneuploid chromosome numbers. This stress-induced genetic variation enables yeast cells to thrive in environments with harsh conditions.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalNature·DateJan 29, 2012

Sonicating sperm -- the future of male contraception

New research uses commercially available therapeutic ultrasound equipment to reduce sperm counts in male rats, resulting in infertility. The non-invasive treatment reduced sperm reserves far below levels seen in fertile men.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalReproductive Biology and Endocrinology·DateJan 29, 2012

Warming in the Tasman Sea a global warming hot spot

The Tasman Sea has become a global warming hotspot, with ocean temperatures rising two degrees warmer than 60 years ago due to intensified east-west winds and greenhouse gas emissions. A long-term monitoring network is needed to track these changes.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJan 29, 2012

The many unexpected sides of romantic love

A study found that people primed with feelings of love for their partner behaved more aggressively towards attractive rivals. Meanwhile, researchers discovered that men who confess love first tend to feel happier than women in the long run.

SourceSAGE·DateJan 28, 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.

Very good experiences don't just happen for patients

Rhode Island Hospital's new simulation-based training program, Project CLEAR!, aims to standardize communication skills among emergency department staff and enhance patient satisfaction. The program has been successfully implemented with nearly 400 staff members, resulting in improved quality of care, safety, and service.

SourceLifespan·DateJan 28, 2012

What really happened prior to 'Snowball Earth'?

Scientists analyze carbon isotopic composition in ancient rocks to understand conditions prior to the Marinoan glaciation, finding no link between changes and global glacial events. The research suggests alteration by freshwater as sea level fell is responsible for observed geochemical patterns.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalGeology·DateJan 27, 2012

The pupils are the windows to the mind

A new study published in Perspectives on Psychological Science explores the use of pupilometry, a technique measuring pupil diameter, to gain insights into human behavior. By analyzing changes in pupil size, researchers can identify what people are paying attention to, shedding light on brain function and cognitive processes.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateJan 27, 2012

SwRI-led RAD measures radiation from solar storm

The Radiation Assessment Detector (RAD) has measured the radiation a human astronaut could be exposed to during a recent solar storm. The data collected will provide valuable information for future human space exploration, including insights into the physics of giant clouds and shielding provided by spacecraft.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·DateJan 27, 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.

Body location plays part in scratching pleasure

A study published in the British Journal of Dermatology found that itching sensations vary by body site, with the ankles and backs exhibiting greater intensity and longer-lasting relief through scratching. Researchers suggest specific nerve fibers may be involved in pleasure-related sensations.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalBritish Journal of Dermatology·DateJan 27, 2012

Research on vitamins could lead to the design of novel drugs to combat malaria

Scientists at the University of Southampton have discovered the atomic structures of malarial enzymes responsible for vitamin B6 biosynthesis, paving the way for the development of new antimalarial chemotherapeutics. This research could lead to a breakthrough in combating malaria, which affects nearly 250 million people worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalStructure·DateJan 27, 2012

Head & neck cancer in transplant patients: For better or worse?

A new study found that transplant patients with head and neck cancer are more likely to be non-smokers and non-drinkers, and less likely to survive past one year of diagnosis. The risk for developing head and neck cancer is small, but the study highlights the need for regular screenings and aggressive treatment.

SourceHenry Ford Health·DateJan 27, 2012

Assessment of COPD exacerbation severity with the COPD Assessment Test

A new study found that the CAT questionnaire is a reliable tool for assessing COPD exacerbation severity, reflecting both exacerbation length and reduction in lung function. The CAT scores were also weakly related to systemic inflammatory markers and elevated in stable patients with a history of frequent exacerbations.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJan 27, 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.

SUMO-snipping protein plays crucial role in T and B cell development

Research team led by Edward T. H. Yeh discovers that SENP1 regulates SUMOylation of STAT5, essential for lymphoid development of T and B cells. Without SENP1, STAT5 cannot be activated or recycled, leading to severe defects in immune cell development.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJan 27, 2012