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Science News Archive July 2012


Page 11 of 26

Efficacy of herbal remedies for managing insomnia

Studies have found that herbal remedies like valerian, hops, and kava-kava show promise in managing insomnia symptoms, improving sleep quality and duration. However, more research is needed to assess the safety and effectiveness of these natural therapies for insomnia management.

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.

New technology improves heart rhythm treatment

Researchers have developed a new technique to detect and target tiny electrical disturbances in the heart, resulting in an 86% success rate in treating atrial fibrillation. The CONFIRM trial found that this approach significantly improved outcomes compared to conventional catheter procedures.

Extending the range of electric vehicles

Researchers developed a GPS-like device to optimize electric vehicle routes, reducing energy consumption and emissions. The system takes into account factors such as traffic conditions, road type, grade, and passenger/cargo weight to increase range by at least 10%.

New biomarker in the blood may help predict Alzheimer's disease

A new study found that higher levels of ceramides in the blood are associated with a 10-fold increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The research suggests that identifying this biomarker could help prevent or delay the disease, which is expected to double globally every 20 years.

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.

Slow gait tied to higher risk of cognitive decline, Mayo Clinic finds

Researchers at the Mayo Clinic found that slow gait and short stride are associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline. The study measured over 1,300 participants and found significant declines in global cognition, memory, and executive function among those with lower cadence and velocity.

Long-term ADHD drug use appears safe

A new study published in Neuropsychopharmacology suggests that long-term use of ADHD drugs does not affect brain development or increase susceptibility to substance abuse. Researchers found no differences between animals treated with Ritalin and those in a control group, providing reassurance for parents and clinicians.

Child's behavior linked to father-infant interactions, study shows

A study of 192 families found that fathers' involvement in early interactions with their infants is linked to fewer behavioral problems later on. The researchers suggest that interventions aimed at improving parent-child interaction may be beneficial to the child's behavior, and highlight the importance of early parental engagement.

X-rays illuminate the origin of volcanic hotspots

Scientists recreated extreme conditions at Earth's core-mantle boundary using X-rays, showing that partially molten rock is buoyant and should segregate towards the surface. This evidence supports the theory that volcanic hotspots like the Hawaiian Islands originate from mantle plumes generated at the Earth's core-mantle boundary.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Primate behavior: Chimps select smart tools, monkeys intentionally beg

Two independent research reports published in PLOS ONE show that chimpanzees use weight to choose the best hammer for cracking open nuts, a sophisticated tool use. In contrast, old world monkeys modulate their begging behavior based on whether an experimenter is paying attention to them, suggesting intentional communication.

Doctors and rheumatoid arthritis patients differ on perception of disease activity

Researchers found that RA patients primarily cite joint pain as the reason for their perceived change in disease activity, while physicians emphasize swollen joints. The study's results suggest a discrepancy between patient and physician perceptions of disease activity, with potential implications for improved shared decision-making.

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.

Binge drinking increases the risk of cognitive decline in older adults

A recent study by the Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry found that binge drinking in older adults is associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline. Participants who reported binge drinking at least once a month were 62% more likely to experience significant declines in cognitive function and memory.

Oral immunotherapy shows promise as treatment for egg allergy

A new study funded by the NIH suggests that oral immunotherapy can help children with egg allergies overcome their condition. The trial found that 55% of participants who received daily egg white powder doses were able to pass an oral food challenge after 10 months, and 75% were able to do so after 22 months.

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.

Social identification, not obedience, might motivate unspeakable acts

Researchers propose a new explanation for Milgram's findings, suggesting that participants' behavior is driven by their patterns of social identification. Conditions that encouraged identification with the experimenter led to increased obedience, while conditions that encouraged identification with the learner led to decreased obedience.

Promiscuous squid fatigued after mating

Researchers found that southern dumpling squid's prolonged mating rituals result in temporary muscle fatigue, affecting their swimming ability for up to 30 minutes. This discovery provides new insight into the evolution of reproductive strategies and behaviours.

Dopamine: A substance with many messages

Scientists from the Max Planck Institute identified four different types of dopamine-releasing nerve cells involved in forming positive and negative memories in fruit flies. These nerve cells use dopamine to communicate with other neurons, and their activation can signal aversive or rewarding stimuli.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Do dolphins think nonlinearly?

Researchers have developed a system that mimics dolphins' nonlinear sonar processing to distinguish targets from clutter in bubbly water. This technology has potential applications for detecting sea mines and other underwater targets.

Special issue of Cell Transplantation features research presented at IANR

A special issue of Cell Transplantation features studies on clinical translational medicine for successful neurorestoration in human patients with various neurological conditions. The field of neurorestoratology aims to optimize regimes and develop treatment guidelines through the integration of current methods.

Mouse with human immune system may revolutionize HIV vaccine research

Researchers created a model by transplanting human immune elements into an immunodeficient mouse, allowing it to mount human-like immune responses against HIV. The study successfully replicates critical host-pathogen interactions and provides a promising tool for accelerating HIV vaccine development.

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.

Helping Alzheimer's patients stay independent

Researchers found that caregivers who believe people with Alzheimer's disease are at risk for injury and accept help more likely rely on dependency support rather than promoting independence. Caregivers can learn to gauge individual abilities through observation, breaking down tasks into manageable activities.

Police need sleep for health, performance

Researchers at the University of Iowa found that police officers working evening or night shifts were more likely to get less restful sleep, leading to chronic fatigue and health issues. The study recommends practices to ensure proper sleep, such as adjusting court appearances and partnering with nurses.

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.

What would Batman eat?

A Cornell study finds that prompting children to make healthy choices, like Batman, can lead to a significant reduction in calorie consumption. Children who chose apple fries consumed 34 calories, compared to 227 for French fries.

Fighting obesity with thermal imaging

Scientists use thermal imaging to analyze brown fat reserves, which produce heat and aid in burning calories. The technique may help predict food labels' thermogenic index, aiding the fight against obesity.

Hidden secrets in the world's most northerly rainforests

Researchers discover high genetic diversity in lichens growing on trees in Norway's boreal rainforests, challenging assumptions about species' ability to spread and survive. The findings suggest that even in small fragments of habitat, genetic material can be exchanged between neighboring populations.

Botanical compound could prove crucial to healing influenza

Researchers at Virginia Tech have discovered that abscisic acid has anti-inflammatory effects in both the lungs and gut, which could lead to a novel way to combat inflammatory disease. This compound may offer a safer alternative to existing treatments for influenza by targeting the immune response rather than the virus itself.

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.

PSU study finds 'caffeinated' coastal waters

A new PSU study found elevated levels of caffeine in Oregon coastal waters, contradicting initial expectations. The research indicates that wastewater treatment plants are effective in removing caffeine, but severe weather events can flush contaminants out to sea.

A study shows that men and women have the same sexual fantasies

A recent study conducted at the University of Granada found that both men and women experience intimate and romantic sexual fantasies involving their partner or loved one. Men tend to fantasize more frequently about exploratory activities, while women often imagine scenarios of being forced to have sex. The study suggests that having s...

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.

El Zotz masks yield insights into Maya beliefs

Researchers at Brown University have discovered a pyramid in El Zotz, Guatemala, that provides new information about the Maya civilization. The temple features ornate masks depicting different phases of the sun and stucco carvings revealing how the Maya conceived of the heavens.

Leaf litter and soil protect acorns from prescribed fire

Researchers found that acorns inside leaf litter or soil are protected from fire, while those on top of the litter are vulnerable to low-intensity surface fires. The study suggests optimal timing and conditions for prescribed burning to promote oak regeneration without harming acorns.

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.

Protein build-up leads to neurons misfiring

Researchers have found that alpha-synuclein protein build-up inside neurons leads to misfiring due to calcium fluxes, a new insight into Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.

OHSU discovery may lead to new treatment for ALS

Researchers at OHSU School of Dentistry discovered that TDP-43, linked to ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases, activates multiple molecular pathways when genetically manipulated. The study found that the loss of TDP-43 results in widespread gene activation and altered splicing, which can be reversed by restoring TDP-43 expression.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

A stronger doctor-patient relationship for the costliest patients

A new program at the University of Chicago Medical Center will test a comprehensive care physician model to reduce spending and improve care for frequently hospitalized patients. The model aims to strengthen the bond between doctors and patients, improving continuity of care after hospital stays.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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