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Science News Archive July 2012 - Page 8


Page 8 of 26

High dietary antioxidant intake might cut pancreatic cancer risk

Research published in the journal Gut suggests that increasing dietary intake of antioxidant vitamins C, E, and selenium could cut the risk of developing pancreatic cancer. The study found a significant association between high antioxidant intake and reduced pancreatic cancer risk, with potential prevention of over one in 12 cases.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalGut·DateJul 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.

Study examines use of diagnostic tests in adolescents with hypertension

A study examining diagnostic tests in adolescents with hypertension found that echocardiograms and renal ultrasonography were underused, while electrocardiograms were overused. The findings highlight the need for better adherence to pediatric guidelines and further research on treatment effectiveness.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateJul 23, 2012

Herding sheep really are selfish

Researchers use GPS-enabled backpacks to study flocking sheep and a herding dog, confirming the selfish herd theory by tracking individual animal movements. The findings show that under threat, sheep move towards the center of the flock while the rest moves away from the danger.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 23, 2012

ICAP study finds concerningly high HIV infection rates for young black gay and bisexual men in US

A new study reveals disturbingly high HIV infection rates among young black gay and bisexual men in the US, with a 2.8% annual rate of new infections nearly 50% higher than among white MSM. The study also found that poverty and untreated sexually transmitted infections were associated with HIV infection in this population.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·DateJul 23, 2012

Researchers unfold the mechanisms underlying blood disorders

A Finnish research team has uncovered the protein structure that regulates cell signalling and blood cell formation, shedding light on haematological disorders. The study provides new opportunities for disease-specific treatment and may lead to targeted therapeutics for common myeloproliferative diseases.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJul 23, 2012

Mice have distinct subsystem to handle smell associated with fear

A new study finds that mice have a unique neural circuitry for processing instinctually important smells like those associated with predators. The TAAR-expressing neurons form an independent olfactory subsystem, distinct from the more common olfactory receptor neurons, which detect a broader range of smells.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 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.

Bloodstream scavenger inhibits clotting without increased bleeding

Researchers have discovered a promising compound that inhibits clotting in the bloodstream without triggering excessive bleeding. PAMAM G-3, an experimental compound, prevents activation of the process leading to blood clot formation while maintaining normal blood clotting factors.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 23, 2012

America Invents Act is a game changer

The USPTO has implemented the America Invents Act, a significant reform of US patent law, allowing for public input and feedback throughout the rulemaking process. The act introduces a new framework for patents, with a focus on balance and collaboration between the agency and various stakeholders.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalJournal of Technology and Innovation·DateJul 23, 2012

New recruits in the fight against disease

Scientists at Monash University have deciphered the atomic structure of PlyC, a powerful anti-bacterial lysin that kills bacteria causing infections from sore throats to pneumonia. PlyC's unique 'saucer' shape and eight docking sites make it 100 times more efficient than other lysins at killing certain bacteria.

SourceMonash University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 23, 2012

Neural precursor cells induce cell death in certain brain tumors

Researchers found that neural precursor cells protect the young brain against high-grade gliomas, especially glioblastoma, by inducing stress-induced cell-death in tumor cells. The cells release substances that activate TRPV1 ion channels in the tumor cells, leading to their death.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature Medicine·DateJul 23, 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.

Neuroeconomics to study decision-making in anxious individuals

A neuroeconomic review investigates how anxiety disorders impact everyday decision-making processes. The study highlights the overlap between neural systems underlying anxiety and decision-making, suggesting that fear and anxiety can alter choice patterns. Anxious individuals exhibit specific biases in decision making, which may be med...

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJul 23, 2012

Trial signals major milestone in hunt for new TB drugs

A novel approach to discover the first new tuberculosis (TB) combination drug regimen has cleared a major hurdle with a Phase II clinical trial finding it could kill more than 99 percent of patients' TB bacteria within two weeks. The results add to a growing body of evidence that this regimen could reduce treatment by more than a year ...

SourceBurness·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 23, 2012

Traveling through the volcanic conduit

Recent eruptions demonstrate the vulnerability to ash dispersal, which can disrupt aviation and cause billions of dollars in economic loss. Scientists now understand that particle size is determined by post-eruption collisions, not just initial fragmentation.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 23, 2012

JCI early table of contents for July 23, 2012

Researchers found that miR-122 modulates fat and cholesterol metabolism and has a tumor suppressive function in hepatocytes. A mouse model with MiR-122 loss of function also promoted breast tumor growth by differentially regulating ERα and ERβ.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 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.

Breakthrough technology focuses in on disease traits of single cells

Researchers at Arizona State University's Biodesign Institute developed the Cellarium, a live cell array technology that enables unprecedented insights into individual cell behavior. The system allows for dynamic measurements of live single cells, providing valuable clues to health and disease.

SourceArizona State University·DateJul 23, 2012

Functional neurologic abnormalities due to prenatal alcohol exposure are common

A study of over 9,600 children in Chile found that 80% had one or more abnormalities associated with prenatal alcohol exposure, with functional neurologic impairment being the most frequent. This highlights the importance of considering prenatal alcohol exposure as a potential risk factor for functional deficits in offspring.

SourceAlcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research·DateJul 23, 2012

Researchers develop ginseng-fortified milk to improve cognitive function

A team of scientists has developed low-lactose functional milk enriched with American ginseng, which maintained beneficial levels after processing. The product was well accepted by a niche group of consumers, particularly those interested in the health benefits of ginseng.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·DateJul 23, 2012

Climate change and deforestation: When the past influences the present

A recent study by an international research group challenges the conventional wisdom that deforestation is solely caused by human activity. The research suggests that pre-human climatic changes may have led to the current open habitats of Daraina region in northern Madagascar, affecting the population of golden-crowned sifaka.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 23, 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.

Children with trisomy 13 and 18 and their families are happy

Despite medical predictions of a gloomy prognosis, parents of children with trisomy 13 and 18 report a high quality of life. In fact, over 97% of parents considered their child happy and present in their family's life, regardless of longevity.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJul 23, 2012

Boosting new memories with wakeful resting

Researchers found that taking a brief wakeful rest after learning new information boosts memory retention. Participants who rested after learning a story remembered more details than those who played a game or were distracted, even a week later.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 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.

Polar bear evolution tracked climate change, new DNA study suggests

A new DNA study provides clues about the species' evolution, suggesting that climate change and genetic exchange with brown bears helped create the polar bear as we know it today. The research found evidence of fluctuating population sizes over the past million years, growing during cooling periods and shrinking in warmer times.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 23, 2012

Scientists confirm existence of vitamin 'deserts' in the ocean

A team led by USC scientists has identified long-hypothesized vitamin B deficient zones in the ocean using a new analytical technique. These 'vitamin deserts' may inhibit phytoplankton growth and affect the ocean's food chain. The discovery could lead to complex interactions among microbial populations.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 23, 2012

Joslin researchers gain new understanding of diabetes and kidney disease

Scientists at Joslin Diabetes Center have identified the biological mechanisms by which glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) protects against kidney disease, including its ability to inhibit the signaling pathway of angiotensin II. The study suggests that effective therapeutic agents could be developed to enhance GLP-1R on the endothelium, ...

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalDiabetes·DateJul 23, 2012
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.

American Chemical Society's highest honor to Peter Stang

Peter J. Stang, a renowned University of Utah organic chemist, has been awarded the 2013 Priestley Medal from the American Chemical Society for his pioneering work in supramolecular chemistry. The gold medal recognizes his research on complex molecules with potential applications in drug delivery and oil refining.

SourceUniversity of Utah·DateJul 23, 2012

Alcoholism and HIV infection have different effects on visuomotor procedural memory processes

This study found that chronic alcoholism and HIV infection distinctively impact the brain systems involved in procedural learning and visual information processing. Individuals with HIV require repeated practice to achieve maximum benefit, while those with alcoholism demonstrate a consolidation effect that enhances learning over time.

SourceAlcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research·DateJul 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 shows why some types of multitasking are more dangerous than others

Researchers found that people perform worse when trying to do two visual tasks at once, yet rate their performance higher. Eye-tracking technology showed that people's gaze moved around more and spent less time fixated on any one task. The study suggests teaching media literacy to young people before they start driving.

SourceOhio State University·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateJul 23, 2012

A portal for Earth science data exploration

DataONE enables researchers worldwide to discover, integrate, and analyze massive amounts of diverse environmental and Earth science data. The platform facilitates universal access to data, addressing critical questions about the environment and human role within it.

SourceNational Evolutionary Synthesis Center (NESCent)·DateJul 23, 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.

Aging heart cells rejuvenated by modified stem cells

Modified human stem cells helped enhance the activity of an enzyme called telomerase, which elongates telomere length. This technique increased telomere length and activity, as well as increasing cardiac stem cell proliferation, vital steps in combating heart failure.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJul 23, 2012

Judging DNA by its cover

A new Weizmann Institute-led study identifies a potential molecular mechanism behind the link between cancer and faulty stem cell differentiation. The researchers discovered that the tagging of DNA pieces with ubiquitin is crucial for proper stem cell differentiation, and disruptions in this process can lead to cancer.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJul 23, 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.

MiR-122 micromanages liver function

A recent study found that miR-122 is involved in modulating fat and cholesterol metabolism in the liver. Additionally, it may have a tumor suppressive function in hepatocytes, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma. The molecule's role in liver homeostasis has also been highlighted.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 23, 2012

Social deprivation has a measurable effect on brain growth

Researchers found measurable changes in children's brains due to institutional care, including decreased gray and white matter. However, positive interventions like foster care can partially reverse these changes, especially for white matter volume.

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

Snacking and BMI linked to double effect of brain activity and self-control

A study by the University of Exeter found that brain activity in response to food images predicted snack consumption, with greater effects on eating than conscious feelings of hunger or desire. Individuals with low self-control were more likely to overeat and gain weight due to a stronger brain response to food cues.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNeuroImage·DateJul 23, 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.

NASA Goddard scientist receives Presidential Early Career Award

Lola Fatoyinbo-Agueh, an environmental scientist at NASA Goddard, has been recognized for her exceptional achievement in merging scientific priorities with advanced technology to develop innovative remote-sensing instrumentation. Her research focused on mangrove forests, using data from multiple satellites and a remote sensing software...

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 23, 2012

Cognitive changes may be only sign of fetal alcohol exposure

A NIH study found that fetal alcohol exposure is associated with abnormal intellectual and behavioral development in children, rather than distinct facial features. The researchers documented cognitive delays, language delays, hyperactivity, attention deficits, and intellectual delays in about 44% of exposed children.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·DateJul 23, 2012

New line of approach for combination therapy against melanoma

Agnieszka Gembarska and Chris Marine discovered a new way to combat melanoma by inhibiting the interaction between MDM4 and p53, restoring tumor suppressive effect in melanoma cells. This approach shows promise for improving clinical response to treatment, particularly when combined with BRAF inhibitors.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalNature Medicine·DateJul 23, 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.

2 out of 3 very obese kids already have heart disease risk factors

Research published in Archives of Disease in Childhood found that two out of three severely obese children under the age of 12 have at least one cardiovascular risk factor. High blood pressure, high levels of low-density 'bad' cholesterol, and impaired fasting glucose were prevalent among this group.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateJul 23, 2012

Study finds non-disclosure of HIV serostatus common among India female sex workers

A study conducted in India found that non-disclosure of HIV serostatus to sex partners is a significant issue among female sex workers and their clients, with rates ranging from 17-86%. The study suggests that improving basic HIV knowledge, reducing alcohol consumption, and increasing awareness about partner status can help increase di...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAIDS and Behavior·DateJul 23, 2012

New findings by GW researcher break tanning misconceptions: 'There is no such thing as a safe tan'

A GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences study published in Nature Communications reveals that traditional sun protection may not be effective against skin cancer. The research found that UVA radiation induces melanin formation, which is directly involved in melanoma formation, contradicting the notion of a 'safe tan'.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 23, 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.

New method for associating genetic variation with crop traits

A new technique links agronomic traits in crops with active genomic regions, identifying expressed genes. This allows plant breeders to develop markers based on these genes, accelerating breeding through marker-assisted selection.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJul 22, 2012
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

HIV-infected women do not appear to be at increased risk of cervical cancer

A recent study published in JAMA found that HIV-infected women with normal cervical cytology and negative oncogenic HPV DNA had a similar risk of cervical precancer and cancer to uninfected women over a 5-year period. The study's findings suggest that current screening guidelines may need to be revised for HIV-infected women.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJul 22, 2012

For gay couples, condom decision-making and condom use varies by race

Black gay couples tend to practice safe sex and discuss their safety habits, while white gay couples are more likely to discuss risks but less likely to use condoms. The study suggests that being in a relationship isn't a risk factor for black men, but rather other factors need to be explored.

SourceSan Francisco State University·DateJul 22, 2012

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

The FDA Antiviral Advisory Committee discusses the pros and cons of Truvada approval for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Dr. Judith Feinberg votes in favor of approval, citing good outcomes and tolerability, while Dr. Lauren V. Wood expresses concerns about inconsistent evidence, adherence issues, and safety concerns. Primary care phy...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 22, 2012