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Science News Archive June 2012


Page 8 of 29

The Affordable Care Act could have negative consequences for elderly recipients

A recent study by George Washington University School of Nursing found that three ACA provisions have inadequate addressed the needs of elderly Americans receiving long-term services and supports. The research highlights the potential for unintended consequences, including poor outcomes, if these provisions are not retooled.

Animal reservoir mystery solved

A team of scientists from Washington University in St. Louis has identified the eastern gray squirrel as a major animal reservoir for tick-borne diseases, including ehrlichioses and STARI. The study uses a new assay to detect species-level tick blood meals, confirming the presence of gray squirrel DNA in infected ticks.

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.

NASA satellite sees several western US fires blazing

Multiple large fires are burning across western US states, with NASA's Aqua satellite capturing images of smoke and hot spots. The High Park Fire in Colorado has burned over 68,200 acres, while the Poco Fire in Arizona has burned over 11,950 acres.

Trial seeks to sniff out cancer

Researchers are enrolling patients to detect lung cancer through volatile organic compounds in exhaled breath. Early detection can significantly improve treatment options and survival rates.

For minority college students, STEM degrees pay big

A new study found that STEM degrees are associated with significantly higher earnings for minority college students. Latinos reported the highest average earnings after college, with an average annual salary of $42,180. STEM majors also led to higher job salaries, with a 50% premium compared to non-STEM fields.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

South African daffodils may be a future cure for depression

Researchers have identified several South African daffodil plant compounds that can potentially bypass the blood-brain barrier, a key challenge in developing new antidepressant drugs. The study's findings, published in the Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, offer hope for the development of novel treatments for depression.

Parents' work-life stress hinders healthy eating

A study by Temple University found that parents' work-life stress hinders healthy eating in families, particularly among urban fathers who face higher rates of unemployment. Fathers and mothers experience different challenges in preparing meals, with mothers spending more time on food preparation but reporting fewer family meals.

Bandgap engineering for high-efficiency solar cell design

Theoretical calculations predict a significant difference in the bandgap between ordered and fully disordered ZnSnP2 materials. Experimental measurements support these predictions, suggesting a graded solar cell system that absorbs light across a wide spectrum.

New technique allows simulation of noncrystalline materials

A multidisciplinary team at MIT developed a new mathematical approach to simulate noncrystalline materials, which could lead to more efficient solar cells and organic LED lights. The method uses free probability applied to random matrices, achieving accurate predictions with great precision.

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.

Is your leaf left-handed?

Recent research reveals that the spiral pattern of leaf formation affects the symmetry of tomato and Arabidopsis leaves. The study found measurable anatomical differences between the left and right sides of both young and mature leaves, identifying a previously overlooked axis of asymmetry.

Research finds Stonehenge was monument marking unification of Britain

The study reveals that Stonehenge was built as a monument to unify the peoples of Britain after a long period of conflict between eastern and western regions. The monument's alignment suggests it was more significant during winter solstice than summer solstice, with evidence pointing to a unified cultural shift around 3,000 BC.

Sea waves as renewable resource in new energy converter design

Researchers have designed a new device that converts sea wave motion into electrical energy with high power density and robustness. The proposed electric linear planar switched reluctance generator addresses the challenges of low speed and irregular movements in ocean waves.

NASA sees first Atlantic hurricane fizzling in cool waters

NASA's Aqua satellite data revealed that sea surface temperatures of 290 Kelvin (62°F) in the area where Chris is located were not sufficient to maintain its strength. As a result, Chris weakened and became a post-tropical storm with maximum sustained winds near 45 mph.

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.

Infection biology: The elusive third factor

Researchers from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München have identified the enzyme YfcM as a key player in bacterial pathogenicity modification. The discovery of YfcM, which displays hydroxylase activity and lacks sequence similarity to known proteins, has significant implications for the development of new antibiotics.

First paternity study of southern right whales finds local fathers most successful

A new study published in Molecular Ecology found that most southern right whales born near New Zealand's sub-Antarctic islands were fathered by local males, indicating strong local fidelity to breeding habitat. This finding suggests that the New Zealand population is relatively isolated from other populations, which could have implicat...

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Genomics and African queens

Researchers found striking similarities between Ethiopian and non-African genomes, suggesting a 3,000-year-old genetic exchange. This discovery supports the legend of the Queen of Sheba and her companions, providing insights into human evolution and cultural diversity.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Mexican rock heroes trial novel 'green trading' system

Grammy-winning Maná leads a project proposing direct payment schemes for landowners in Mexico's La Primavera Forest, promoting conservation and biodiversity. The model aims to compensate citizens who benefit from the reserve's ecological services while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

UCLA study uncovers new tools for targeting genes linked to autism

Researchers at UCLA have combined gene expression and peripheral blood analysis to identify potential precursors of autism. The study found strong links between genetic variations in specific regions of the genome and altered expression patterns in genes related to nervous-system function.

Parents seen as critical stakeholders in expanding newborn screening

A new study emphasizes the importance of including parents in newborn screening programs for lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs), a group of rare metabolic disorders. The researchers argue that without parental consent, the 'all-or-nothing' constraint leads to inadequate informed decision-making.

Graphene Research: Trapping light in a carbon net

Researchers have successfully trapped and controlled light within a graphene lattice, allowing for the development of computers with optical switches. This breakthrough demonstrates the high potential of graphene in nanoelectronics.

Warning to parents over magnet danger to children

Magnetic toys with small, detachable parts pose a significant risk to young children's health. When multiple magnets are ingested, they can trap internal soft tissues and cause fistulas, leading to serious illness if left untreated. Parents are advised to be vigilant when giving their children such toys.

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 anti-inflammatory drugs pinch off reactive oxygen species at the source

Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine have identified a new class of anti-inflammatory compounds that inhibit the Nox2 enzyme, which produces reactive oxygen species. This approach may be more effective than traditional antioxidants in treating conditions like stroke, heart failure, and neurodegenerative diseases.

Task force recommends new lung cancer screening guidelines

The American Association for Thoracic Surgery task force recommends expanded lung cancer screening guidelines using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) for high-risk individuals. The new guidelines increase the recommended age range to 79 and expand eligibility to smokers and former smokers with specific risk factors.

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.

Dad's brains mean more to his son's success than his money: Study

A recent study published in the Journal of Political Economy found that human capital endowments passed from father to son play a crucial role in determining a son's success. The researchers used detailed government data on Swedish fathers and sons to isolate differences in income due to factors other than human capital.

New evidence in fructose debate: Could it be healthy for us?

A new study by St. Michael's Hospital researchers found that fructose significantly improved blood sugar control in participants with Type 1 and 2 diabetes, comparable to oral antidiabetic drugs. The study also showed no negative effects on body weight, blood pressure, or cholesterol levels.

Aging Brain Care model receives $7.8 million in CMS innovation funding

The Aging Brain Care model, developed by Indiana University researchers, aims to deliver better health care to older adults through interdisciplinary care teams and personalized treatment plans. The expanded program is expected to reduce emergency department visits and hospitalizations among Medicare beneficiaries.

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.

Planetrise

The newly discovered two-planet system of Kepler-36 features a rocky planet Kepler-36b and a gas giant Kepler-36c that experience close encounters every 97 days. Researchers are struggling to understand how these worlds ended up in such tight orbits, but the discovery has significant implications for the search for exoplanets.

Researchers advance biometric security

Researchers at University of Calgary developed a biometric security system that combines different measurements like eye colour and fingerprints to create a learning system simulating the brain. The algorithm can learn new patterns and adapt to changing conditions, improving accuracy and recognition process.

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.

Enzyme offers new therapeutic target for cancer drugs

Researchers at UC San Diego have identified a new signal transduction pathway in alternative RNA splicing, which could lead to novel cancer drugs. The SRPK kinase plays a central role in regulating VEGF and controlling tumor growth.

Johns Hopkins African bioethics program receives 5-year continuation grant from NIH

The Fogarty African Bioethics Training Program has been awarded a five-year continuation grant from the National Institutes of Health to continue training researchers and enhancing research ethics capacity in sub-Saharan Africa. The program has already trained numerous alumni who have become recognized international experts in bioethics.

A better way to help high-risk pregnant smokers

A contingency management program significantly improves smoking reduction and abstinence in drug-dependent pregnant women. The study found that nearly half of the participants met a 75% reduction target and a third achieved total abstinence.

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.

Study explains functional links between autism and genes

A pioneering study finds genetic changes that explain why one person has an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and another does not. The research identifies potential new regions where copy-number variants are associated with ASDs and shows a significant impact of these variants on gene expression.

NASA sees Chris become first hurricane of Atlantic season

Hurricane Chris became the first storm of the Atlantic season to reach hurricane strength on June 21, 2012, with cloud top temperatures indicating strong thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. Forecasters expect it to weaken as it moves into stable air and cooler waters, eventually becoming a post-tropical cyclone.

A virtual crystal ball

The EUREAPA tool analyzes environmental impacts of different policies and scenarios, allowing policymakers to investigate how different policy changes affect future environmental pressures. It also helps track effects of decisions and ensure meeting of environmental goals.

Research could help track stem cells in the body

Scientists at the University of Liverpool have developed methods to track stem cells in the body, improving understanding of their behavior after transplantation. They use superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles and advanced imaging systems to monitor stem cell movement and behavior.

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.

Study suggests poor mothers favor daughters

A Michigan State University study found that poor mothers produce fattier milk for their daughters than sons, supporting a 1973 hypothesis. In contrast, wealthy mothers prefer to invest resources in sons who are more likely to increase their status through marriage.

Extensive water in Mars' interior

Recent research analyzed two Martian meteorites from within the Red Planet's interior, revealing a vast amount of water similar to Earth's. This discovery raises the possibility that Mars could have sustained life and suggests volcanoes as the primary vehicle for getting water to the surface.

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.

For our guts, not just any microbiome will do

A recent study found that mice carrying a set of friendly microbes fail to develop a proper immune system, highlighting the importance of host-specific microbiota. The researchers suggest that a coevolved relationship between humans and their gut microbiome may be compromised by modern lifestyle factors.