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Science News Archive July 2012 - Page 6


Page 6 of 26

NASA and university researchers find a clue to how life turned left

Researchers analyzed meteorite fragments from Tagish Lake in Canada and found large left-hand excesses of aspartic acid, an amino acid used by life, while alanine showed a much smaller excess. The team suggests that liquid water inside asteroids may favor the production of left-handed proteinogenic amino acids.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalMeteoritics and Planetary Science·DateJul 25, 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.

Research charts growing threats to biodiversity 'arks'

A recent study published in Nature highlights the challenges facing tropical protected areas, but also shows that long-term engagement with conservation can have positive results. Conservation efforts in Tanzania's Udzungwa mountains have paid dividends, with the reserve remaining relatively unchanged from a biodiversity point of view.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalNature·DateJul 25, 2012

High blood sugar, obesity increase risk for surgical site infection

Two studies published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that high blood sugar and obesity significantly increase the risk of surgical site infections after orthopaedic trauma and total joint replacement. Nearly one-third of hospital admissions without diabetes have hyperglycemia, which is associated with longer stays, ICU ...

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateJul 25, 2012

Hunter-gatherers, Westerners use same amount of energy, contrary to theory

A new study published in PLOS ONE found that hunter-gatherers, such as the Hadza tribe, expend a similar amount of energy daily as Western adults, contradicting the long-held assumption that their ancestors burned more calories. This similarity suggests that habitual metabolic rates are relatively constant among human populations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 25, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

ONR-funded research takes flight in Popular Science article

Researchers are developing small UAVs that can navigate complex environments, such as forests and urban settings, at high speeds. By studying birds' flight strategies and behavioral processes, scientists aim to create compact platforms with limited sensing that can safely move through challenging environments.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateJul 25, 2012

Locally produced proteins

Researchers discovered that importin beta1, a crucial protein for nerve repair, is produced locally in the axons of peripheral nerve cells. This finding has significant implications for treating nerve damage and may lead to better treatments and faster repair.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNeuron·DateJul 25, 2012

The debate over ecstasy continues

A new study published in Addiction journal reveals that even occasional ecstasy use can lead to memory impairments, particularly with damage to the hippocampus. The research found that participants who took ten or more pills over their first year showed decreased function of immediate and short-term memory.

SourceWiley·JournalAddiction·DateJul 25, 2012

Identifying the arrogant boss

A new measure of arrogance, the Workplace Arrogance Scale (WARS), can help organizations identify and address arrogant managers. Developed by researchers at The University of Akron and Michigan State University, WARS is correlated with lower intelligence scores and lower self-esteem in managers.

SourceUniversity of Akron·DateJul 25, 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.

How a low-protein diet predisposes offspring to adulthood hypertension

A low-protein diet during pregnancy may increase the risk of hypertension in children. Research suggests that reduced activity of an enzyme called Hsd17b2 allows more testosterone to reach the fetus, leading to increased susceptibility to adulthood hypertension.

SourceSociety for the Study of Reproduction·JournalBiology of Reproduction·DateJul 25, 2012

Tropical arks reach tipping point

A new study by William Laurance and co-authors finds that nearly half of tropical forest reserves are ineffective in protecting biodiversity. Well-protected reserves also show signs of decline, highlighting the need for improved conservation efforts to safeguard these critical ecosystems.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalNature·DateJul 25, 2012

Scientists looking for second-line defense for patients with NSCLC

Scientists investigate the use of novel AKT inhibitor MK-2206 in combination with erlotinib as a second-line defense for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have developed resistance to erlotinib. A Phase II trial has shown promising initial results.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·DateJul 25, 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.

In muscular dystrophy, what matters to patients and doctors can differ

A new study reveals that myotonic dystrophy patients prioritize fatigue, mobility, and sleep problems over symptoms like myotonia, which are often considered hallmark symptoms. Researchers have developed a patient-reported outcome measure to better evaluate the impact of experimental therapies on patients' lives.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalNeurology·DateJul 25, 2012

Children of 'The Troubles' more prone to suicide

Research at Queen's University Belfast found that children who grew up during the worst years of violence have the highest suicide rates and most rapidly increasing rates. The study attributes this to a range of factors including social isolation, poor mental health, and increased political stability.

SourceQueen's University Belfast·JournalSAGE Open·DateJul 25, 2012

CT angiography speeds emergency diagnosis of heart disease in low-risk patients

A study found that incorporating CT angiography into the initial evaluation of low-risk patients with chest pain reduced hospital stay time by half and decreased costs without increasing the risk of missed diagnosis. The use of CCTA also led to fewer adverse clinical events, but future studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 25, 2012

Contaminant transport in the fungal pipeline

Researchers found that fungal hyphae can transport contaminants, bypassing air barriers, allowing for potential environmental remediation. This ability enables fungi to overcome limitations in nutrient uptake, suggesting a broader role in facilitating contaminant movement.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJul 25, 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.

Same adaptations evolve across different insects

A study by Cornell University researchers found that same molecular changes confer resistance in multiple insect species across four orders, suggesting a high level of evolutionary repeatability

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 24, 2012

Lace plants explain programmed cell death

Researchers have documented the physiological events in lace plant leaves during programmed cell death (PCD), revealing how cells dismantle and disappear. The study used long-term live cell imaging and staining to observe the progression of PCD, which is essential for producing the characteristic holes in the leaves.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Plant Biology·DateJul 24, 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.

New national digital repository for social and economic data

The UK Data Service will provide seamless access to extensive range of economic and social data, including census data. The service is designed to support current and future research demands of academic and non-academic users, maximizing the impact of their work.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateJul 24, 2012

A new route for tackling treatment-resistant prostate cancer

Researchers found that paxillin regulates cell growth even in hormone therapy-resistant tumors, providing a new treatment target for advanced prostate cancer. The discovery could potentially lead to the development of targeted therapies that selectively attack cancer cells while leaving healthy cells intact.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 24, 2012

More gold -- and other minerals -- in them thar hills?

A new method developed by Tel Aviv University's Prof. Lev Eppelbaum successfully uncovered a previously unknown polymetallic reserve in the Caucasus mountainside, containing over 500,000 tons of copper, zinc, lead, aluminium, and gold-silver mixtures.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·DateJul 24, 2012
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.

Ecopsychology -- a major new area of study

A growing field of study, ecopsychology examines the psychological, spiritual, and therapeutic aspects of human-nature relationships. It highlights various approaches to integrate psychology and environmental content in education, promoting students' appreciation for the link between their well-being and the natural world.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalEcopsychology·DateJul 24, 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.

Physicists study the classics for hidden truths

Physicists analyzed the interactions between characters in the Iliad, Beowulf, and Tain Bó Cuailngé, finding similarities with real-life social networks. The study revealed assortative and vulnerable network structures, indicating realistic societal dynamics.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEPL (Europhysics Letters)·DateJul 24, 2012

Research discoveries to find commercial reality

The newly established Therapeutic Innovation Australia Queensland Node will provide a testing model to speed up the movement of inventions from laboratory to therapeutic products. The Node will focus on four initial projects, including migraine prevention and diabetes management, aiming to deliver tangible commercial returns within fiv...

SourceGriffith University·DateJul 24, 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.

Women who give birth after age 30 lower their risk of endometrial cancer

A large international study found that women who give birth at age 30 or older have a reduced risk of endometrial cancer. The risk decreases by approximately 13 percentage points for each five-year delay in last births, with the greatest reduction seen among women who give birth between ages 35 and 39.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateJul 24, 2012

Social networking pays off more in the US than Germany

Informal social networks play a crucial role in finding jobs, especially high-paying ones, in the US where open market systems prioritize merit over connections. In contrast, Germany sees 40% of jobs filled through informal recruitment, with no apparent link to wages.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalSocial Forces·DateJul 24, 2012

How a common fungus knows when to attack

Researchers discovered that Candida albicans can distinguish between healthy and unhealthy hosts by altering its physiology based on the levels of protein Efg1p. In immunocompromised patients, fungal cells with lower levels of this protein thrive, leading to serious infections.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalmBio·DateJul 24, 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.

Spillways can divert sand from river to rebuild wetlands

A study published in Nature Geoscience found that a significant percentage of the Mississippi River's sand load is diverted into the Bonnet Carre spillway wetlands, rather than flowing into urban areas. This discovery offers new insights into the potential for controlled diversion to mitigate land loss in coastal Louisiana.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 24, 2012

New drug could treat Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis and brain injury

A new class of drug developed at Northwestern University has shown early promise in reducing inflammation in the brain, which is a common denominator in these neurological diseases. The drug targets proinflammatory cytokines and prevents their overproduction, preventing damage to synapses and neurons.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateJul 24, 2012

New research determines how a single brain trauma may lead to Alzheimer's disease

A study by Tufts University researchers found that a single moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury can disrupt proteins regulating BACE1 enzyme associated with Alzheimer's. The team identified complex mechanisms leading to rapid elevation of BACE1 in the brain, which may lead to new drug treatment targeting this mechanism.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·DateJul 24, 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.

Bend or stretch? How stressful is hyperflexion of horses' necks?

A recent study has found that hyperflexion of horses' necks, when done without force or aggression, does not elicit a pronounced stress response. The study monitored hormone levels, heart rate, and body temperature in horses lunged with either hyperflexion or an extended head and neck position.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalJournal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition·DateJul 24, 2012

Reducing traffic at 2008 Olympics yielded large cut in CO2

China's transportation restrictions during the 2008 Olympics reduced carbon dioxide emissions by a significant amount. The study found that this reduction could potentially provide a substantial part of the necessary emissions cut to prevent global warming by 2 degrees Celsius.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 24, 2012

New probe provides vital assist in brain cancer surgery

A new probe developed at Norris Cotton Cancer Center and Dartmouth College helps surgeons differentiate between cancerous tissue and normal tissue in low-grade tumors. The probe reads how light travels through tissue, producing a straightforward answer as to whether the tissue is cancerous.

SourceDartmouth Health·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateJul 24, 2012

Some harmful effects of light at night can be reversed

A new study suggests that chronic exposure to artificial light at night can lead to depressive symptoms in rodents, which can be reversed by returning to a standard light-dark cycle. The study found that blocking the effects of tumor necrosis factor, a protein involved in depression, prevented the development of depressive-like symptoms.

SourceOhio State University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJul 24, 2012

Fine tuning cardiac ablation could lead to quicker results for patients with arrhythmias

Researchers at Michigan Medicine have developed a safer method for steadying abnormal heart rhythms, using photodynamic therapy to target specific cells causing the arrhythmia. This cell-specific approach aims to decrease unwanted cell injury and inflammation, paving the way for more effective therapies.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalInternational Journal of Heart Rhythm·DateJul 24, 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.

Yoga reduces stress; now it's known why

Researchers found that a specific type of yogic meditation, Kirtan Kriya Meditation, reduced inflammation and stress levels in dementia caregivers. This 12-minute daily practice for eight weeks led to changes in 68 genes related to inflammation, resulting in improved well-being.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalPsychoneuroendocrinology·DateJul 24, 2012

Novel pig model may be useful for human cancer studies

A naturally occurring line of immunodeficient pigs can support the growth of human tumors, making them a promising large animal model for studying human cancers. The ability of human melanoma cells and pancreatic carcinoma cells to grow in these pig models could lead to significant advancements in cancer research and drug discovery.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBioResearch Open Access·DateJul 24, 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.

Under the right conditions, peptide blocks HIV infection at multiple points along the way

Researchers have discovered a human peptide that effectively blocks HIV entry into cells by targeting specific targets on both the virus and the cells. The peptide, human neutrophil peptide 1, prevents early and late stages of HIV-cell fusion and inhibits viral uptake without compromising cell function.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJul 24, 2012

Feces fossils yield new insights into ancient diets and 'thrifty genes'

Researchers analyzed fossil feces from an Arizona cave and found a diet rich in fiber, low in fat, and high in plant-based foods with low glycemic indices. This diet may have been enough to fix thrifty genes in place, making modern populations susceptible to disease.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalCurrent Anthropology·DateJul 24, 2012

Researchers study knee stress at tissue, cellular levels

A Cleveland Clinic research team has developed virtual models of human knee joints to study how tissues and cells respond to heavy loads. The simulations reveal that cartilage cells experience amplified deformations compared to larger scales, with a significant impact on their deformation patterns.

SourceOhio Supercomputer Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 24, 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.