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Science News Archive June 2012 - Page 16


Page 16 of 29

Grasshoppers 'stressed' by spiders affect the productivity of our soil

Researchers found that stressed grasshoppers consume more carbohydrate-rich plants, leading to changes in their excretions and affecting the microbes in the ground. This results in slower degradation of complex organic materials, impacting plant growth and field crop productivity.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalScience·DateJun 14, 2012

Scientists sequence genome of human relative that prefers love over war

Researchers sequenced the bonobo genome to identify key differences with humans and chimpanzees, finding over 2.5 million transposon insertions unique to the bonobo genome. These findings may help understand the genetic basis for traits shared among humans, chimpanzees, and bonobos.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalNature·DateJun 14, 2012

U of M public health researchers lead effort to find genetic proof of coronary artery disease risk

University of Minnesota public health researchers found two high-signal genetic markers correlated with coronary artery disease, which may help define genetic fingerprints for increased risk. The study analyzed data from over 75,000 patients and offers biological and clinical data supporting future research into the genetic markers.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Academic Health Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJun 14, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Guchol is a tiny typhoon on NASA satellite imagery

Guchol, a compact system, intensified into a typhoon with cloud temperatures as low as -63 degrees Fahrenheit. The storm has maximum sustained winds near 70 knots and is expected to brush east central and northern Luzon, Philippines.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 14, 2012

Making the invisible visible

Clinicians must address the immediate safety issue of a gun in the home to effectively engage rural parents in preventing youth suicide. The study found that relating one's own experience with guns increases credibility with parents.

SourceTemple University·JournalChild & Family Social Work·DateJun 14, 2012
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Government investment to stimulate innovation in manufacturing

The UK government has invested £6.5 million in 16 research and development projects to stimulate innovation in the manufacturing sector. The projects aim to develop new technologies that can create high value through novel processes, advanced product manufacture, resource efficiency and production techniques.

SourceEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council·DateJun 14, 2012

Elderly prisoners need better medical care, according to report

A new UCSF report highlights the need for improved medical care for elderly inmates, who disproportionately account for escalating medical expenses. The report recommends nine policy areas to promote cost-effective quality care, including screening for dementia and palliative care.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJun 14, 2012

Training character strengths makes you happy

A study by the University of Zurich found that practicing character strengths such as curiosity, gratitude, and optimism boosts life satisfaction. Participants who trained these strengths reported increased happiness and better mood regulation.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalJournal of Happiness Studies·DateJun 14, 2012

Researchers outline plan to end preventable child deaths in a generation

According to researchers from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and National Institutes of Health, preventable childhood deaths can be nearly eliminated in 10 years. To achieve this goal, a new common vision is proposed with concrete and measurable benchmarks for curbing childhood preventable deaths.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJAMA·DateJun 14, 2012

Chance alignment between galaxies mimics a cosmic collision

The chance alignment of galaxies NGC 3314A and NGC 3314B shows a unique view of their spiral arms and dust lanes. The motion of the galaxies indicates they are not on a collision course, with NGC 3314A's warped shape likely due to an encounter with another nearby galaxy.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 14, 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.

A sea of broken promises

A review of global ocean commitments has shown little success over the past 20 years. Despite international agreements, governments have failed to meet targets for protecting vulnerable species and marine habitats, leading to increased fish stock depletion and ecosystem destruction.

SourceZoological Society of London·JournalScience·DateJun 14, 2012

New discovery closes in on genetic link between Alzheimer's and diabetes

A new study published in Genetics reveals a gene in Caenorhabditis elegans, similar to a human gene correlated with Alzheimer's disease, is involved in multiple metabolic pathways, including insulin. The discovery suggests that this gene plays a role not only in Alzheimer's but also in diabetes.

SourceGenetics Society of America·JournalGenetics·DateJun 14, 2012

Special Alan Turing issue Fundamenta Informaticae published

The journal Fundamenta Informaticae publishes a special issue commemorating Alan Turing's work on reaction-diffusion theory, which is considered a foundation of chaos theory and theoretical biology. The issue explores the applications of mathematical theories inspired by Turing's work to natural phenomena.

SourceIOS Press·JournalFundamenta Informaticae·DateJun 14, 2012

New open-access journal fills niche for addictions research

The International Journal of Alcohol and Drug Research (IJADR) aims to address the lack of addiction research in low- and middle-income countries by publishing peer-reviewed papers on cross-cultural perspectives. The journal offers a mentoring program for non-native English researchers, further enhancing its unique features.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalThe International Journal of Alcohol and Drug Research·DateJun 14, 2012

Catching some rays

Scientists have developed more efficient organic solar cells by harnessing the power of polarized excitons. This breakthrough could make solar energy a cost-effective alternative to conventional sources. Researchers are exploring new materials to improve efficiency and competitiveness.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·DateJun 14, 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.

Hidden vitamin in milk yields remarkable health benefits

Researchers found that high doses of nicotinamide riboside (NR) in mice fed a fatty diet led to significant weight loss, improved energy expenditure, and enhanced muscle performance. NR also prevented diabetes development and improved insulin sensitivity, all without toxicity.

SourceNewYork-Presbyterian·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJun 14, 2012

Ptooey!

A new study found that a plant's toxic 'mustard oil bomb' makes mice spit out its seeds when eating the fruit, aiding seed dispersal. This discovery illustrates the first known case of directed deterrence in a single species.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 14, 2012

Physicists predict success of movies at the box office

A group of Japanese scientists developed a model that predicts the success of movies at the box office by analyzing daily advertisement costs and word-of-mouth communication. The model was tested with 25 movies and showed promising results in predicting actual revenue.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateJun 14, 2012

Gone fishing: Researchers' imaging technique trolls in quiet cellular seas

A new microscopy technique called trolling AFM allows researchers to study soft biological samples in liquid with high resolution and high quality. The technique uses a thin, long nanoneedle to extend the tip of an atomic force microscope, reducing hydrodynamic drag and allowing for minimal disturbance of the sample.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNanotechnology·DateJun 14, 2012

Marital problems in childhood affect teen adjustment

A longitudinal study found that marital discord in kindergarten years can lead to emotional problems and difficulties in adolescence, including depression and anxiety. Children's early experiences of conflict between parents can have long-lasting negative effects on their emotional security and social adjustment.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateJun 14, 2012
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Green grabs: The dark side of the green economy

Research reveals 'green grabs' lead to dispossession and poverty in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Local ecosystems are being exploited for profit, undermining sustainable development and justice.

SourceInstitute of Development Studies·JournalThe Journal of Peasant Studies·DateJun 14, 2012

7 of 10 commuters using Capital Bikeshare forgo helmet use

A study by Georgetown University Medical Center researchers found that 7 out of 10 Capital Bikeshare commuters do not wear helmets, compared to 70.8% of private cyclists. The study aims to encourage helmet use among frequent riders through targeted marketing and incentives.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJun 14, 2012

Top young Latin-American scientists named Pew Biomedical Fellows

The Pew Latin American Fellows Program provides salary support for postdoctoral-level scientists to work in top laboratories in the US. Over 70% of fellows return to their home country to build scientific infrastructure, despite a high number of foreign doctorate recipients staying in the US.

SourcePew Charitable Trusts·DateJun 14, 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.

Amazon was not all manufactured landscape, Smithsonian scientist says

A new study suggests that large areas of western Amazonia were sparsely inhabited before European arrival, contradicting the idea that most of Amazonia was heavily occupied. The research found few signs of charcoal from fires, indicating low-intensity human impacts on forests.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalScience·DateJun 14, 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.

UNC's Saskia Neher selected as 2012 Pew Scholar

Saskia B. Neher, a UNC School of Medicine assistant professor, is one of 22 promising scientists to receive the 2012 Pew Scholars award, supporting her research on LPL regulation and its implications for cardiovascular disease.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·DateJun 14, 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.

Virtual colonoscopy without laxative equals standard in identifying clinically significant polyps

A new method of virtual colonoscopy, administered without laxatives, has been shown to be as accurate as conventional colonoscopy in detecting potentially cancerous polyps. The procedure uses a CT scanner and a tagging agent to identify polyps, and was found to detect clinically significant polyps with 91% accuracy.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 14, 2012

How aging normal cells fuel tumor growth and metastasis

Research at Thomas Jefferson University discovered that senescent cells in the tumor microenvironment produce nutrients for cancer cells via autophagy, supporting their growth. This finding suggests that aging is a key factor in driving tumor growth and metastasis.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalCell Cycle·DateJun 14, 2012

Ethics framework urged to manage conflicts of interest in medicine

A new ethics framework is recommended to manage conflicts of interest in the development of medical guidelines, ensuring expert input without industry influence. The study found that such a framework can help identify and address ethics issues, but further analysis and initiatives are needed.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 13, 2012

Mindful multitasking: Meditation first can calm stress, aid concentration

Research from the University of Washington found that meditation training can help individuals perform better in stressful work settings, showing improved concentration, reduced stress and increased memory. Meditation was shown to be more effective than body relaxation training in enhancing multitasking skills.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateJun 13, 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.

Inner ear may hold key to ancient primate behavior

Researchers analyzed fossilized primate skulls and CT scans of living primates to determine how extinct animals moved, focusing on the bony labyrinth of the inner ear. The study found that ancient primates were relatively agile, with some species moving faster than their Old World ancestors.

SourcePenn State·DateJun 13, 2012

Physical activity reduces compensatory weight gain after liposuction

A recent study shows that liposuction can lead to an increase in visceral fat, associated with cardiovascular disease. However, regular physical activity effectively prevents this compensatory growth. The study found that exercising after liposuction reduces the risk of weight regain and related health issues.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJun 13, 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.

Scripps research scientists show lack of single protein results in persistent viral infection

A study by Scripps Research Institute scientists shows that the single protein TLR7 plays a significant role in generating immune responses required to clear persistent LCMV infection. Without this protein, the immune system's ability to purge the infection is compromised, leading to exhaustion of T cells and impairment of both cellula...

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateJun 13, 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.

New software forecasts noise levels in the street

Researchers at the University of Granada developed a new software solution to predict urban noise levels using a dataset of street type, road conditions, and vehicle speed. The system has shown higher accuracy than traditional mathematical models, with a reliability of 95%, and will help perform urban noise mapping projects.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateJun 13, 2012

Successful transplantation of tissue-engineered vein in a child offers hope for patients who lack suitable veins for dialysis or bypass surgery

A 10-year-old girl's successful transplantation of a tissue-engineered vein has dramatically improved her quality of life, avoiding complications associated with synthetic grafts and lifelong immunosuppressive drugs. The procedure restored normal blood flow and significantly enhanced her physical growth.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 13, 2012

Web-based tool helps parents improve on kids' asthma treatment

A new web-based tool, 'My Child's Asthma,' has been shown to improve parental compliance with asthma treatment guidelines, leading to reduced healthcare costs and fewer hospital visits. The interactive website, used by over 600 parents, tracks medication usage and provides feedback to help optimize care.

SourceSeattle Children's·JournalAcademic Pediatrics·DateJun 13, 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.

$5M pledge to further research at Molly and Doug Barnes Vision Institute

The University of Houston College of Optometry will receive a $5 million pledge from Dr. Doug Barnes and his wife Molly to support further research in optometry. The gift will be matched by the state of Texas through the Texas Research Incentive Program, enabling the college to expand its clinical and basic research portfolio.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateJun 13, 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.

Productivity gains from health IT must await bigger health system changes

RAND Corporation researchers suggest that existing administrative data may be unable to detect the effects of health IT. To accurately gauge impact, new measurement tools are needed. Health IT can lead to greater convenience, access and quality while lowering costs if it supports teamwork, care coordination and innovative approaches.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 13, 2012

Predicting post-traumatic stress disorder before it happens

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a novel approach to probing the susceptible brain using electroencephalography and functional magnetic resonance imaging. This allows for ongoing monitoring tailored to each individual, enabling early or preventive intervention.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalBrain Connectivity·DateJun 13, 2012

'Hitchhiking' viral therapy deals a double blow to cancer

Researchers at University of Leeds and The Institute of Cancer Research have made breakthrough with a viral therapy that attacks cancer on two fronts. This 'hitch-hiking' virus can be injected into the bloodstream like standard chemotherapy agents, targeting cancer cells while leaving normal tissue alone.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 13, 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.