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Science News Archive January 2012 - Page 9


Page 9 of 24

Taking moments to enjoy life helps patients make better health decisions

Researchers found that daily positive affect and self-affirmation strategies helped patients make better decisions about their health. The interventions increased physical activity for coronary artery disease patients and improved medication adherence for those with high blood pressure.

SourceNewYork-Presbyterian·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJan 23, 2012

Pediatric emergency research team hit the mark

The Pediatric Emergency Research of Canada team has made significant advances in treating childhood conditions like croup, bronchiolitis, and mild head injuries. Their research has led to substantial improvements in treatment outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJan 23, 2012

Ancient dinosaur nursery oldest nesting site yet found

A 190-million-year-old dinosaur nesting site has been found in South Africa, providing significant insights into the evolution of reproductive behavior in early dinosaurs. The discovery includes clutches of eggs, embryos, and tiny footprints, shedding light on the complex behaviors of these ancient creatures.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 23, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Many people continue to smoke after being diagnosed with cancer

A new study found that many cancer patients continue to smoke after diagnosis, with 39% of lung cancer and 14% of colorectal cancer patients smoking at diagnosis. Factors such as insurance, emotional support, and education level can predict continued smoking in these patients.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateJan 23, 2012

Spotting dyslexia before a child starts school

A study by Boston Children's Hospital researchers found that brain activity on MRI scans can indicate early signs of dyslexia in preschool-age children. This could lead to earlier intervention and improved outcomes for these children.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 23, 2012

Emergency room visits risky for elderly residents from long-term care facilities

Elderly patients who visit emergency departments are three times more likely to develop respiratory or gastrointestinal infections after returning to a long-term care facility. Isolating residents for 7 days following an ED visit can help prevent outbreaks and reduce the financial burden on healthcare facilities.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJan 23, 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.

Study suggests association between cognitive activity and brain protein related to Alzheimer's disease

Researchers found a direct association between cognitive engagement and lower levels of β-amyloid protein, which is associated with Alzheimer's disease. Participants who engaged in cognitively stimulating activities had reduced β-amyloid uptake, while those with the lowest activity had higher uptake comparable to patients with AD.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJan 23, 2012

High-tech models help guide restoration efforts to save threatened plants

Researchers developed topographic models using LiDAR data to predict habitat suitability for endangered plants in dry environments. The team plans to use satellite observations to create digital elevation models, guiding effective restoration efforts and identifying suitable areas for plant growth.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Pacific Southwest Research Station·DateJan 23, 2012

Sweeten up your profits with the right hybrid

A study by U of I associate professor Marty Williams found that increasing plant populations can affect crop growth and development, with varying effects among different hybrids. The average optimal plant population for maximizing yield differed by over 9,000 plants per acre among the six tested hybrids.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalField Crops Research·DateJan 23, 2012

UCSF shares $25-million grant to find epilepsy genes

Researchers at UCSF are sequencing the DNA of 4,000 people with various forms of epilepsy in a bid to identify the genetic causes of the disease. The study, funded by a $25-million grant, will also explore ways to treat people with epilepsy and uncover new patterns of genetics.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·DateJan 23, 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.

How protein networks stabilize muscle fibers: Same mechanism as for DNA

A research team led by Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Linke has discovered that protein networks play a crucial role in stabilizing muscle fibers using the same mechanism as DNA methylation. The study found that disrupting this network leads to significant changes in muscle structure and function.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalGenes & Development·DateJan 23, 2012

Bonobos' unusual success story

Researchers at Max Planck Institute found that high-ranking male bonobos were more aggressive and had higher mating success, but also invested in friendly relationships with females. These relationships correlated with lower male testosterone levels, challenging the common notion of masculine behavior.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateJan 23, 2012

Study examines quality of colonoscopy reporting and performance

The study found significant variability in colonoscopy reporting, but high overall quality. Significant variance between endoscopy departments was also observed. Continuous monitoring and implementation of quality indicators can improve the quality of both reporting and performance.

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateJan 23, 2012

Expansion of the Panama Canal has knock-on effect for the environment

The Panama Canal expansion allows for larger container ships, reducing fuel costs and emissions by up to 16% per tonne-mile. The study suggests that the industry can reduce its environmental impact through simple changes in hull design and optimization.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalInternational Journal of Maritime Engineering·DateJan 23, 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.

The race against chronic myeloid leukemia not yet won

Despite significant progress in treating chronic myeloid leukemia, a cure remains elusive for all patients. Research and adherence to treatments are crucial to advancing the field.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJan 23, 2012

Biochip measures glucose in saliva, not blood

Researchers at Brown University have developed a biochip that can measure glucose levels in saliva, providing a potential solution for non-invasive diabetes monitoring. The biochip uses surface plasmonics to detect glucose molecules in water, with results showing concentrations similar to those found in human saliva.

SourceBrown University·JournalNano Letters·DateJan 23, 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.

Genes and timing of menopause

Researchers discovered 13 new gene regions associated with menopause onset, providing insights into reproductive lifespan and conditions like breast cancer and heart disease. Early menopause is linked to increased risk of these diseases, while later menopause may provide protection.

SourceThe Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 23, 2012

March of Dimes launches Prematurity Prevention Network

The March of Dimes has launched a virtual network to prevent preterm birth, with the goal of reducing the rate to 9.6%. The network aims to share information on successful programs and policies to prevent preterm births, resulting in better health outcomes for babies.

SourceMarch of Dimes Foundation·DateJan 23, 2012

How cells dispose of their waste

Researchers have elucidated the structure of the 26S proteasome, a key protein degradation machinery, using a combination of structural biology methods. The discovery sheds light on how cells dispose of their waste and could have important implications for understanding neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 23, 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.

Acidification provides the thrust

Acidification provides the thrust for kimberlites to ascend through the Earth's crust, with assimilated xenoliths playing a crucial role in facilitating the process. This discovery enhances understanding of kimberlite genesis and will aid in searching for new diamond-bearing ores.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature·DateJan 23, 2012

DGK-alpha helps cancer cells gain traction and mobilize

A study published in The Journal of Cell Biology reveals how DGK-alpha, a lipid-converting enzyme, enables invasive cancer cells to recycle integrins, providing better traction on fibronectin fibers. This process is essential for tumor progression and metastasis.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateJan 23, 2012

Moral imagination as a key to overcoming work-related stigmas

A study suggests that moral imagination can help workers in stigmatized professions make better decisions and reduce social stigma. Organizations can foster moral imagination by promoting narratives, autonomy, and critical capacity among employees.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalJournal of Business Ethics·DateJan 23, 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.

BU study finds new genetic loci associated with menopause onset

A new study from Boston University has discovered 13 genetic loci associated with the age of menopause onset, providing insight into hormonal regulation and DNA repair. The research team found that genes related to immune function and auto-immune disease are also linked to menopause timing.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 23, 2012

Mighty mesh

Biofilms expand by swelling and then spreading due to the force generated by the extracellular matrix (ECM). The ECM increases osmotic pressure within the biofilm, causing it to absorb water from its surroundings and swell. This process allows the biofilm to grow and spread horizontally.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 23, 2012

Waiting for Death Valley's Big Bang

Geologists have determined that Death Valley's Ubehebe Crater was created just 800 years ago and still has enough groundwater and magma to potentially produce another eruption. The crater, which formed from a phreatomagmatic explosion, may be due for another blast in the near future.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJan 23, 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.

Dog skull dates back 33,000 years

Researchers have discovered an ancient dog skull in Siberia dating back 33,000 years, indicating multiple lines of dog domestication and suggesting modern dogs may have descended from multiple ancestors. The discovery uses radiocarbon dating to determine the age of the skull, which predates a period known as the Last Glacial Maximum.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 23, 2012

Rate of physician referrals nearly doubled

A new study finds that physician referral rates in the United States increased by 92% over a decade, leading to an estimated 159% increase in visits resulting in referrals. This surge in referrals is attributed to increased specialization and the increasing responsibilities of primary care physicians.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJan 23, 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.

Working moms: Looking for more than a paycheck

A recent study of employed mothers reveals that most would work even if they didn't have to, citing benefits for themselves and their children. The research highlights the importance of finding a balance between work and parenting, with women emphasizing the need for fulfillment over guilt.

SourceSociologists for Women in Society·JournalGender & Society·DateJan 23, 2012

Lifelong brain-stimulating habits linked to lower Alzheimer's protein levels

A new study reveals that people with no symptoms of Alzheimer's who engaged in cognitively stimulating activities throughout their lives had fewer deposits of beta-amyloid, a destructive protein that is the hallmark of the disease. Lifelong cognitive engagement may affect a primary pathological process in the disease, suggesting potent...

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateJan 23, 2012

Identified a cause of resistance to colon cancer treatment

Researchers at IMIM have discovered a new mechanism of resistance to colon cancer treatment, where a mutation in the EGFR oncogene causes resistance to drug cetuximab. The finding has significant clinical implications and opens up possibilities for using alternative treatments like panitumumab.

SourceIMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute)·JournalNature Medicine·DateJan 22, 2012

The influence of estrogen on female mood changes

Research suggests that estrogen can improve mood in women, particularly during the premenstrual phase. Studies have shown a significant increase in activity in brain areas related to emotional processing premenstrually, and estrogen has been linked to reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety in postmenopausal women.

SourceScience China Press·DateJan 22, 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.

Geoengineering and global food supply

New research suggests that sunshade geoengineering may actually increase crop yields in most regions, alleviating temperature stress and improving productivity. However, the approach carries risks, including unintended consequences on precipitation and deployment-related conflicts.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJan 22, 2012

Gladstone scientists identify genetic mechanism linked to congenital heart disease

Researchers at the Gladstone Institutes have identified a key genetic mechanism linked to congenital heart disease, revealing the importance of epigenetics in fetal heart development. The study highlights the role of Ezh2 and Six1 genes in regulating healthy heart development, which can have profound health consequences later in life.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 22, 2012

Rare kidney disease shows how salt, potassium levels are moderated

A rare kidney disease study reveals how sodium and potassium levels are moderated in the body, shedding light on hypertension and familial high blood pressure disease. Researchers identified novel mutations linked to increased sodium activity and decreased potassium activity, providing a better understanding of this inherited condition.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalNature·DateJan 22, 2012

A new class of electron interactions in quantum systems

Researchers have observed a new class of electron interactions that play a major role in the orbital nature of electrons in nanostructures. By tuning a specific effect, they eliminated spin-spin interactions while preserving orbital-orbital interactions. This discovery opens doors to new quantum electronic schemes.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 22, 2012

Cooling semiconductor by laser light

Scientists at the University of Copenhagen have developed a new method for cooling semiconductor membranes using lasers. By heating the material, they were able to cool its fluctuations to minus 269 degrees C.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalNature Physics·DateJan 22, 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.

Unprecedented, man-made trends in ocean's acidity

An international team of scientists found that human-induced CO2 emissions have increased ocean acidity far beyond natural variations, potentially reducing calcification rates of corals and other aragonite shell-forming organisms. The study projects severe reductions in coral reef diversity, structural complexity, and resilience by the...

SourceUniversity of Hawaii ‑ SOEST·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJan 22, 2012

Scripps Research scientists provide new understanding of chronic pain

Scientists from Scripps Research Institute have discovered dimethylsphingosine (DMS), a molecule produced at abnormally high levels in the spinal cords of rats with neuropathic pain, which appears to cause pain when injected. Inhibiting DMS production may be a fruitful target for drug development.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateJan 22, 2012

Vaccines to boost immunity where it counts, not just near shot site

Scientists at Duke University Medical Center created nanoparticles that target lymph nodes to greatly enhance vaccine responses. The particles mimic natural mast cell granules and provide a timed release of inflammatory mediators, stimulating effective immune reactions in mice vaccinated with the influenza A virus.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 22, 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.

Saving the snow leopard with stem cells

Researchers generated induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells from ear tissue of adult snow leopards, paving the way for cryopreservation and cloning techniques to save endangered species. This breakthrough raises hopes for the conservation of the snow leopard and other cat family members.

SourceMonash University·JournalTheriogenology·DateJan 22, 2012

The price of your soul: How the brain decides whether to 'sell out'

A recent Emory University neuro-imaging study found that personal values, especially those considered 'sacred', are processed differently in the brain. This distinct cognitive process is linked to activation of neural systems associated with rules-based thought processes.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London·DateJan 22, 2012

Lessons in coral reef survival from deep time

Scientists uncover complex fish-coral relationships that have evolved over millions of years, revealing the importance of preserving specific reef types to save coral reefs. The study suggests that protecting the right sorts of reefs is crucial for their survival, and that past mass extinctions can inform conservation efforts.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalJournal of Evolutionary Biology·DateJan 22, 2012

DNA motor programmed to navigate a network of tracks

Researchers at Kyoto University and the University of Oxford have successfully constructed a DNA motor capable of navigating a programmable network of tracks with multiple switches. The breakthrough uses DNA origami technology, allowing for autonomous nanoscale devices to produce predictable outputs based on different starting conditions.

SourceInstitute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences, Kyoto University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJan 22, 2012
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

A big leap toward lowering the power consumption of microprocessors

Computer scientists at the University of Texas at Austin have created a detailed analysis of application power, performance, and energy on various hardware. The results show that different software types have varying levels of power usage, making optimization for energy efficiency crucial. This study has significant implications for co...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·DateJan 20, 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.