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Science News Archive June 2012 - Page 10


Page 10 of 29

Controversial vaccine trial should never have been run in India, researchers say

A new study has questioned the safety and feasibility of a controversial HPV vaccine trial in India, citing lack of data on cervical cancer incidence. Researchers found that figures for cervical cancer rates in India are low and do not justify the introduction of an HPV vaccination programme.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·DateJun 20, 2012

Future reproductive outcomes for women who have had an ectopic pregnancy

A study by Scottish researchers found that women who experience an initial ectopic pregnancy are less likely to conceive in the future and at increased risk of having another ectopic pregnancy. However, their obstetric outcomes following the ectopic pregnancy were no worse than those in first-time mothers.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 20, 2012

Online weight loss programs that feature successful dieters may help

Researchers created a website called AchieveTogether to study the effectiveness of positive deviance in weight loss. Users lost about 4.5 pounds more weight than those without access to the site. The study suggests that online weight loss programs featuring successful dieters may be an effective strategy for weight loss.

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJun 20, 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.

Innovative, automated strategies to engage patients at home are key to improving health outcomes

Researchers propose 'automated hovering' approaches combining technology, behavioral economics, and new payment strategies to motivate patients to improve their health. These approaches aim to reduce costly hospital admissions by targeting specific patient populations and promoting adherence to medication regimens.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 20, 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.

Adolescents who have more than 4 meals a day are thinner

A study of 1,978 Spanish adolescents found that those who ate more frequently had lower accumulated fat rates, regardless of physical activity. Eating breakfast daily was particularly beneficial for young men who did not exercise.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateJun 20, 2012

Adding nevirapine to HIV regimen halves newborn transmission rate

Adding nevirapine to the regimen of newborns born to HIV-positive mothers halves their risk of contracting the virus, according to a recent study. The research found that the two-drug combination is effective in preventing mother-to-child HIV transmission and is relatively easy to administer.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 20, 2012

Preserved frogs hold clues to deadly pathogen

A Yale graduate student has developed a method for detecting an infectious pathogen driving amphibian extinctions worldwide. By analyzing preserved specimens, she found evidence of the pathogen in six older samples from Connecticut, revealing its early presence in the region.

SourceYale University·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·DateJun 20, 2012

How humans predict other's decisions

Researchers at RIKEN Brain Science Institute found two brain signals involved in predicting others' decisions, enabling humans to balance expected and observed rewards and choices. The signals, located in distinct prefrontal circuits, strike a balance between the other's values and their own, allowing for accurate predictions.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNeuron·DateJun 20, 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.

Extra treatment during prolapse repair reduces incontinence rate

A study funded by the NIH found that surgery to support the urethra with a sling reduces incontinence rate, but carries risk of complications such as difficulty emptying bladder and urinary tract infection. The study suggests considering potential benefits and risks when deciding whether to have second procedure at same time as first.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 20, 2012

Children exposed to HIV in the womb at increased risk for hearing loss

A recent NIH study reveals that children born with HIV are more likely to experience hearing loss by age 16. The researchers estimated that 9-15% of HIV-infected children and 5-8% of uninfected peers may be affected.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalThe Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal·DateJun 20, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Variable camber airfoil: New concept, new challenge

The variable camber airfoil has obvious advantages in controlling separation and flight maneuverability. Research shows that the stall type determines the distinction between different camber deformation paths, with trailing-edge stalls being softer and having higher lift.

SourceScience China Press·DateJun 20, 2012

Graphene is a tunable plasmonic medium

Scientists have demonstrated that they can control the length and height of plasmons on graphene using an electrical circuit, opening up possibilities for information processing in tight spaces. This breakthrough uses infrared light to excite surface plasmons with wavelengths as short as 100 nanometers.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·DateJun 20, 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.

Turning down the dial: Ocean energy development with less sound

Scientists developed the first laboratory system to evaluate pile driving's effect on fish, finding individual blows above a certain sound level can irreparably harm them. The recommended sound threshold aims to minimize harm to marine animals while permitting ocean development.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 20, 2012

NHM entomologist wins grant to investigate mega-diverse insect order

A three-year $900,000 grant was awarded to Drs. Brian Brown and Art Borkent to inventory all species of flies living in a 100x200 meter area in Costa Rica, estimated to discover at least 3,000 new species. This project aims to better understand the importance of insects in ecosystems and gauge the impact of habitat change.

SourceNatural History Museum of Los Angeles County·DateJun 20, 2012

Regional anesthesia reduces complications and death for hip fracture patients

Researchers found that regional anesthesia was associated with a significant reduction in major pulmonary complications and death among hip fracture patients. The use of regional anesthesia versus general anesthesia resulted in a 29% lower adjusted odds of mortality and a 24% decrease in the adjusted odds of any inpatient pulmonary com...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAnesthesiology·DateJun 20, 2012

Colorado's High Park fire: June 20, 2012

The High Park Fire in Colorado has expanded to 65,738 acres with over 1,900 people battling the blaze. The fire has generated significant smoke visible on NASA satellite imagery, affecting nearby areas like Wyoming and Nebraska.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 20, 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.

'Master molecule' may improve stem cell treatment of heart attacks

A Johns Hopkins University team found a protein molecule, p190RhoGAP, that regulates cardiac stem cells to form healthy heart tissue or blood vessels. By altering its levels, the researchers were able to improve the effectiveness of stem cell therapy in treating heart attack patients.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalScience Signaling·DateJun 20, 2012

Discovery increases understanding how bacteria spread: U of A study

Researchers discovered how bacteria release proteins to spread infections, providing a new target for antibiotic development. The discovery sheds light on the mechanism by which normal, non-pathogenic bacteria can release proteins through their membrane pores.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalStructure·DateJun 20, 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.

NASA saw Tropical Storm Guchol's rainfall drench Japan

Tropical Storm Guchol made landfall in Japan, bringing heavy rainfall to the islands of Kyushu and Shikoku. The TRMM satellite detected a large area of rainfall over 500 km from the typhoon's center, highlighting the storm's impact on the region.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 20, 2012

Maths experts question key ecological theory

Researchers at University of York and University of Canterbury disprove the accepted theory of nestedness, finding instead that a species' number of mutualistic partners is a better predictor of individual survival and community persistence. This challenges the idea that ecological communities exhibit nested structures.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalNature·DateJun 20, 2012

BUSM study shows role of cellular protein in regulation of binge eating

A BUSM study found that blocking the Sigma-1 receptor reduced binge eating and caused eaters to eat more slowly, suggesting a potential therapeutic treatment target for binge eating disorder. The researchers also observed improved decision-making in experimental subjects.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateJun 20, 2012

High-fat/calorie diet accelerates development of pancreatic cancer

A high-fat/calorie diet has been shown to accelerate the development of pancreatic cancer in both human epidemiological studies and mouse models. In the latter, mice fed a diet rich in fat and calories developed obesity, insulin resistance, and inflammation, all conditions that can stimulate the growth of precancerous cells.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateJun 20, 2012
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.

Researchers estimate ice content of crater at moon's south pole

Researchers estimate that ice may make up 22 percent of Shackleton crater's surface material using laser light from NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. The team discovered the crater's floor is brighter than nearby craters, indicating possible ice presence.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature·DateJun 20, 2012

Illuminating the dark: Ahead with the Euclid mission

The Euclid mission, a collaboration of nearly a thousand scientists, aims to study the distribution and evolution of dark matter and dark energy using state-of-the-art instruments. The UK Space Agency has funded £8.5M for the development of scientific instruments and the Science Ground Segment.

SourceUK Space Agency·DateJun 20, 2012

Simple new way to clean traces of impurities from drug ingredients

Scientists have created a simple procedure to remove nearly all acrolein impurities from pharmaceuticals, potentially increasing patient safety. The new method uses engineered particles and shows promise in removing 98% of impurities without affecting the active ingredient.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalOrganic Process Research & Development·DateJun 20, 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.

Researchers find gold nanoparticles capable of 'unzipping' DNA

Gold nanoparticles with a slight positive charge have been found to unravel DNA's double helix, enabling potential breakthroughs in gene therapy. The research also highlights the importance of characterizing nanoparticle characteristics for DNA-based electronics.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 20, 2012

'Brain pacemaker' effective for years against Parkinson's disease

A study found that deep brain stimulation (DBS) treatment effectively improved motor function in Parkinson's disease patients for at least three years. However, improvements in health-related quality of life and cognitive abilities were gradually lost over time., The treatment was most effective for reducing tremors and muscle rigidity.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalNeurology·DateJun 20, 2012

Simple mathematcal pattern describes shape of neuron 'jungle'

Researchers found that neurons follow a simple pattern described by a power law, which explains their tree-like shape and efficient wiring. This pattern is supported by the growth of newborn olfactory neurons in the adult brain.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 20, 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.

Apple peel compound boosts calorie burning, reduces obesity in mice

A new study by University of Iowa researchers shows that a natural substance found in apple peel can partially protect mice from obesity and some of its harmful effects. Ursolic acid increases muscle and brown fat in mice on a high-fat diet, leading to increased calorie burning and reduced obesity, pre-diabetes, and fatty liver disease.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 20, 2012

Research shows the response of the carbon cycle to climate change

A recent study analyzed respiration rates across aquatic and land ecosystems, revealing that warmer climates may lead to more CO2 release from marine and freshwater environments. This finding suggests a stronger response of aquatic ecosystems to temperature changes, potentially increasing their carbon dioxide emissions.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNature·DateJun 20, 2012
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.

New delivery method improves efficacy of 2 common Parkinson's disease medications

A new intestinal gel formulation of levodopa/carbidopa has improved the duration of treatment benefits in people with advanced Parkinson's disease, reducing 'off' time and dyskinesia. The study found that the continuous delivery reduced 'off' time by nearly four hours, two hours more than standard oral formulations.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·DateJun 20, 2012

NASA catches birth of Tropical Storm Chris by the tail

Tropical Storm Chris formed on June 19, with NASA's Aqua satellite capturing an image just before it reached tropical storm strength. The storm exhibited a 'tail' shape due to a band of thunderstorms wrapping around its center, giving it a comma-like appearance.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 20, 2012

Emperor penguins threatened by Antarctic sea ice loss

Climate change is expected to reduce the extent of Antarctic sea ice, threatening the Emperor penguin population, which may decline by up to 80% by 2100. The study used computer simulations and statistical models to project the impact of sea ice loss on penguin demographics.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJun 20, 2012

Omega-3 lowers inflammation in overweight older adults

A new study published by Ohio State University found that omega-3 fatty acid supplements can lower inflammation in healthy but overweight middle-aged and older adults. After four months of supplementation, participants experienced a significant decrease in inflammatory markers, with the low-dose group showing a 10% reduction in interle...

SourceOhio State University·DateJun 20, 2012

Nano-pesticides: Solution or threat for a cleaner and greener agriculture?

Research on nano-pesticides is crucial for understanding their fate and toxicity, as well as assessing potential benefits and drawbacks. The development of new pesticides products based on nanotechnology holds promise for reducing environmental contamination, but concerns about human health risks persist.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalCritical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology·DateJun 20, 2012
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.

Asymmetry may provide clue to superconductivity

Electronic asymmetry was discovered in iron-based high-temperature superconductors, providing new insights into their behavior. The study found that this asymmetry is a result of collective electronic behavior and may be essential for the material's superconductivity.

SourceRice University·JournalNature·DateJun 20, 2012

Proposed drug may reverse Huntington's disease symptoms

A proposed drug treatment has shown promise in reversing Huntington's disease symptoms in animal models, with sustained motor and neurological benefits reported. The therapy silences the mutated gene responsible for the disease by using antisense oligonucleotides to destroy toxic proteins.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNeuron·DateJun 20, 2012

Misidentified and contaminated cell lines lead to faulty cancer science

A recent study published in Gynecologic Oncology reveals that widely available cell lines are often misidentified or contaminated, leading to faulty cancer science. Researchers suggest verifying cell lines as a prerequisite for publishing, and the team is working to build a database to help identify mismatched cell lines.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalGynecologic Oncology·DateJun 20, 2012

Argonne researchers receive 4 R&D 100 awards

Four Argonne National Laboratory-developed technologies have been awarded R dashD 100 honors, including Globus Online for big data research and three battery materials for plug-in hybrids and all-electric vehicles.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·DateJun 20, 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.

TrackTown USA identity is focus of new research paper

Researchers examined the resurrection of TrackTown USA identity through personal interviews, track meets, and media accounts. They found that community engagement, sustained pattern of events, and authentic outcomes forged the distinctiveness of TrackTown, with a key role played by UO coach Bill Bowerman.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateJun 20, 2012