Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive July 2012


Page 2 of 26

Humpback whales staying in Antarctic bays later into autumn

A new study found large numbers of humpback whales remaining in Antarctic bays until late autumn, with densities estimated at up to 1.75 whales per square kilometer. This challenges previous thought that the annual migrations would begin earlier.

Nurse staffing, burnout linked to hospital infections

A study found that nurse burnout is associated with higher healthcare-associated infection rates and increased costs for hospitals. Analyzing data from over 7,000 registered nurses, researchers discovered that each additional patient assigned to a nurse corresponds to roughly one additional infection per 1,000 patients.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Higher retail wages correlate with lower levels of employee theft

A study by Clara Xiaoling Chen and Tatiana Sandino found that higher wages are associated with lower levels of employee theft, even after controlling for other factors. The researchers suggest that paying relatively higher wages discourages employee theft as employees wish to retain their job or exhibit positive reciprocity.

'... But names could really hurt me'

Child psychological abuse is linked to disorders of attachment, developmental and educational problems, socialization problems and disruptive behaviour. The effects of psychological maltreatment during the first three years of life can be particularly profound.

Berkeley-Haas study identifies success factors of extraordinary CIOs

A recent Berkeley-Haas study reveals the most critical success factors of extraordinary CIOs, including invisible yet influential drivers that set them apart from their peers. The research, conducted by the Fisher CIO Leadership Program, sheds light on industry trends and best practices.

Liver cancer cells stop making glucose as they become cancerous

Researchers at Ohio State University found that liver cancer cells lose the ability to produce glucose due to microRNA-23a overexpression. Suppressing miR-23a might reverse this process and offer a new treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common form of liver cancer.

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.

Research team discovers eating habits of Jurassic age dinosaur

A team of researchers has discovered the eating habits of Diplodocus, a giant herbivorous sauropod dinosaur from the Jurassic period, using a three-dimensional model of its skull. The study found that branch stripping was the most stress-free eating behavior for the dinosaur.

New coating evicts biofilms for good

Researchers at Harvard University have developed a new coating called SLIPS that can prevent the formation of biofilms on surfaces. The technology, which is smooth and slippery due to an immobilized liquid layer, has been shown to reduce the formation of disease-causing bacteria by up to 96%.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

New genetic target found for diuretic therapy

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have identified a new genetic target, pendrin, for diuretic therapy. The study suggests that targeting pendrin could lead to a targeted treatment option for patients with severe fluid overload who may not respond well to current diuretics.

Tiny airborne pollutants lead double life: UBC, Harvard research

Researchers have visual evidence that tiny airborne pollutants separate into distinct chemical compositions, with implications for modeling global climate change and predicting air quality conditions. This separation affects the rates of chemical reactions, light reflection and absorption, and cloud formation.

1 in 5 streams damaged by mine pollution in southern West Virginia

A new study by Duke University scientists reveals that surface coal mining is severely impacting water quality in southern West Virginia. The research found that just five percent of upstream land conversion can lead to the degradation of up to 22% of streams, with salinity levels and insect biodiversity declining substantially.

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.

Diagnostic imaging increases among stage IV cancer patients on Medicare

A study found that stage IV cancer patients on Medicare are more likely to undergo high-cost diagnostic imaging procedures, which may be driven by the increasing number of treatment options available. The use of imaging has steadily increased between 1995 and 2006, with costs rising faster than overall cancer care costs.

RATS research may teach rodents to detect explosives

The US Army Research Laboratory is developing a system to train rats to detect improvised explosive devices and mines. Trained rats can search smaller spaces than dogs and are easier to transport, making them ideal for mine removal and homeland security tasks.

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 link between kidney removal and erectile dysfunction

A multi-center study found that patients who undergo complete kidney removal are 3.5 times more likely to develop erectile dysfunction compared to those with kidney reconstruction. Researchers suggest that total kidney removal may also increase the risk of metabolic diseases and decrease quality of life.

In Massachusetts, 'individual mandate' led to decreased hospital productivity

A recent study published in Health Care Management Review found that mandatory individual insurance coverage in Massachusetts led to a significant near-term drop in hospital productivity. The results raise concerns about the potential impact of universal health insurance coverage on US hospital productivity and overall healthcare costs.

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.

Would sliding back to pre-PSA era cancel progress in prostate cancer?

The study suggests that eliminating the PSA test would result in more men being diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer, leading to higher mortality rates. Prostate cancer death rates have been reduced by nearly 40% over the past 20 years, largely due to early detection through PSA testing.

Later Stone Age got earlier start in South Africa than thought

A recent study has pushed back the estimated emergence of the Later Stone Age in South Africa to approximately 44,000 to 42,000 years ago. This finding suggests that early humans inhabited the region during this time period, coinciding with the migration of modern humans from Africa to Europe around 45,000 years ago.

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.

Health care savings, naturally

A Harvard researcher has found that using traditional, natural medicines can provide significant economic benefits, with households in Madagascar receiving between $30 and $45 per year. The study suggests that if Americans relied on these remedies, they could save up to 63% of their annual healthcare bill.

Archeologists unearth extraordinary human sculpture in Turkey

A colossal human figure, 1.5m tall, with intricate details and Hieroglyphic Luwian inscription, was discovered at the Tayinat gate complex in southeastern Turkey. The sculpture is part of a monumental gate complex that dated back to the Neo-Hittite Kingdom of Patina.

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.

Health coaches could be key to successful weight loss, study suggests

A pilot study suggests that health coaches, either professional or peer-based, can lead to clinically significant weight losses of at least 5% in obese individuals. This approach may be a cost-effective strategy to combat the obesity epidemic, which affects one-third of American adults.

Grin and bear it -- smiling facilitates stress recovery

Researchers studied how different types of smiling affect stress recovery, finding that Duchenne smiles had the greatest impact on reducing heart rates and improving mood. Smiling may be a simple yet effective way to cope with stressful situations.

Parents can increase children's activity by increasing their own

A recent study published in Journal of Physical Activity and Health found that parents can positively impact their children's physical activity by increasing their own activity levels. When mothers reached or exceeded a daily step goal, their children took significantly more steps on average.

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for July 31, 2012 online issue

The American College of Physicians recommends against routine electrocardiogram (ECG) screening for asymptomatic adults at low risk for coronary heart disease, as it may lead to unnecessary procedures and overtreatment. The Task Force also found inadequate evidence that ECG screening in this population reduces the risk for CHD events.

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.

Offshore use of vertical-axis wind turbines gets closer look

Researchers aim to reduce turbine center of gravity, machine complexity, and maintenance costs. Curved VAWT blades pose manufacturing challenges, while unsteady loading and lack of aerodynamic braking systems remain hurdles for large-scale offshore power generation.

Emotion detectives uncover new ways to fight-off youth anxiety and depression

A novel intervention called Emotion Detectives Treatment Protocol (EDTP) has shown significant reductions in anxiety and depression severity after treatment. The program adapts age-appropriate techniques from adult and adolescent protocols to educate children about emotions, problem-solving skills, and behavior activation.

MIT News Release: 10-year-old problem in theoretical computer science falls

Researchers have developed multiprover interactive proofs that are resilient against entanglement, a breakthrough that has implications for cryptography and quantum physics. The findings provide insight into the complexity of computational problems and demonstrate the limitations of quantum information in cheating mechanisms.

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.

Scientists probe link between magnetic polarity reversal and mantle processes

Researchers at the University of Liverpool have discovered a connection between changes in heat flow from the Earth's core into the base of the overlying mantle and variations in the long-term reversal rate of the magnetic field. The study suggests that this process may lead to an increase in large igneous provinces, potentially affect...

Telling the tale of the wealth tail

Researchers propose a mechanism of individual interaction to understand collective macroscopic behavior, finding power-law tails in some models. The diversity of saving propensity among individuals plays a role in shaping the distribution of wealth.

Modern culture 44,000 years ago

A team of international researchers has dated and directly analyzed organic artifacts from Border Cave in South Africa, revealing evidence of San material culture dating back 44,000 years. This finding pushes the timeline for the emergence of modern human culture earlier than previously thought.

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.

What would happen without PSA testing?

The study found that without PSA testing, approximately 25,000 cases of advanced prostate cancer would occur in 2008, three times the actual number observed. This would result in more men experiencing aggressive disease with limited treatment options.

New discovery of how carbon is stored in the Southern Ocean

Researchers found that localized pathways created by winds, currents, and eddies draw waters down into the deep ocean, locking away carbon from the atmosphere. This improved understanding helps predict effects of climate change on ocean carbon absorption.

When the world burned less

A new University of Utah-led study suggests that global cooling, rather than population collapse, was the primary driver of reduced wildfires globally. The research analyzed charcoal samples spanning 2,000 years and found a significant decline in fires post-1500 AD, which coincided with the onset of the Little Ice Age.

Smell the potassium

Researchers found two new potassium channels, SK3 and GIRK, that activate the vomeronasal organ's pheromone detection, overriding previous theories on sensory neuron function. The discovery provides clues to innate behaviors in humans and challenges existing knowledge on the VNO's role.

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.

Gene discovery set to help with mysterious paralysis of childhood

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center discovered a gene mutation causing Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood (AHC), a rare disorder characterized by unpredictable paralysis and seizures. The study's findings suggest a potential treatment, with genetic testing to accurately diagnose patients and prevent misdiagnoses.

Magnetic field, mantle convection and tectonics

A study published in Nature Geoscience suggests that rapid mantle convection may influence the Earth's magnetic field, which is produced by convection currents in the liquid core. The research team found that changes in heat flow and density distribution in the mantle could lead to more frequent or less frequent geomagnetic reversals.

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.

Cutting the graphene cake

Researchers at the University of Manchester have developed a side-view imaging technique to visualize individual graphene layers in devices, finding that structures are remarkably stable even with multiple layers. This achievement has significant implications for the engineering of graphene-based computer chips.

How to avoid traps in plastic electronics

A study reveals that charge traps in plastic semiconductors are caused by a similar energy level, allowing for the estimation of expected electron current and design of trap-free materials. This breakthrough has important implications for both plastic LEDs and solar cells.

New cause of child blindness identified

A team of international scientists has identified the new gene responsible for Leber Congenital Amaurosis (LCA), a devastating genetic form of blindness in newborns. NMNAT1 is crucial for life and produces a vital coenzyme called NAD, involved in hundreds of reactions in the cell.

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.