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Science News Archive June 2012 - Page 3


Page 3 of 29

Pressure testing of new Alvin Personnel Sphere successful

The new titanium personnel sphere has been successfully tested to withstand the extreme pressures of 6500 meters, with sufficient data collected to support certification for human-occupied operations. The upgrade project is a significant step towards resuming ocean science missions with Alvin in the near future.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·DateJun 27, 2012

Scientists measure soot particles in flight

Researchers at DESY and SLAC used the world's most powerful X-ray laser to capture images of single soot particles floating through a beam. The study found that the structure of soot determines how it scatters light, which is crucial for understanding climate models.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature·DateJun 27, 2012

Diet rich in vegetables may help stave off acute pancreatitis

A diet high in vegetables may help prevent acute pancreatitis by reducing oxidative stress. The study found that individuals who consumed the most vegetables daily were 44% less likely to develop the condition than those who ate the least. This protective effect was strongest among heavy drinkers and overweight individuals.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalGut·DateJun 27, 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.

Ability to estimate quantity increases in first 30 years of life

A study by NIH-funded researchers found that people's ability to estimate quantities improves across the first 30 years of life, with a sharp decline after age 30. The study suggests that environmental factors, such as education, can shape this intuitive number sense and improve math skills.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 27, 2012

Obese appendectomy patients have fewer complications with minimally invasive operations

Obese appendectomy patients who undergo minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures experience fewer complications, longer hospital stays, and higher rates of infectious complications compared to open appendectomy. This study suggests that minimally invasive operations may be less risky for obese patients, reducing morbidity by up to 57%.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJun 27, 2012

New way of probing exoplanet atmospheres

Researchers use CRIRES instrument on VLT to study Tau Bootis b's atmosphere, measuring mass and carbon monoxide levels. The new technique allows for the detection of non-transiting exoplanets' atmospheres, enabling scientists to learn more about their atmospheric conditions.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateJun 27, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Women 'never the right age' in hedge fund

A new study reveals that women in hedge funds struggle with 'adulting' due to societal expectations of maturity and work-life balance. Women face problems at every stage of adult life, from getting hired to balancing work and parenthood, whereas men are given more opportunities to settle into corporate life.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·DateJun 27, 2012

New treatment protocol extends survival in some cases of once inoperable pancreatic cancer

A new treatment protocol that includes accurate CT scan analysis and complex surgical technique has significantly increased long-term survival for patients with previously inoperable pancreatic adenocarcinoma. On average, patients lived about 30 months after tumor removal, nearly three times longer than those who never underwent surgery.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJun 27, 2012

Finding brings scientists 1 step closer to Parkinson's drug

Researchers have identified a process by which misfolded proteins, such as alpha-synuclein, travel from sick to healthy cells in the brain, leading to the progression of Parkinson's disease. The study provides new insights into the disease's pathology and offers potential targets for disease-modifying treatments.

SourceVan Andel Research Institute·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 27, 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.

New planet-weighing technique found

A new method has been developed to measure the mass of non-transiting planets using carbon monoxide signatures in their atmospheres. This breakthrough technique allows for precise mass determination, opening a new path to study exoplanet properties and potentially detect molecules associated with life.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJun 27, 2012

Half of inhaled diesel soot gets stuck in the lungs

A new study reveals that over half of inhaled diesel soot particles remain in the body, penetrating deeper into the lungs. This finding has significant implications for public health and may lead to the establishment of guidelines for soot particle limits in outdoor air.

SourceLund University·JournalJournal of Aerosol Science·DateJun 27, 2012

Standing for long periods during pregnancy may curb fetal growth

Research found that women who spent long periods standing during pregnancy had slower fetal growth rates, with an average head circumference reduction of 1 cm. Long working hours were not consistently associated with restrictions on fetal development or premature birth, but excessive work may impact birth weight.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalOccupational and Environmental Medicine·DateJun 27, 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.

UCSB scientists compile first study of potential for tsunamis in northwestern California

A comprehensive study of tsunamis in Northwestern California has been compiled by UCSB scientists, revealing evidence of smaller strong-to-major earthquakes and larger quakes that involved the regional subduction zone. The research provides valuable insights into the region's seismic activity and potential for future tsunami events.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateJun 27, 2012

Menopausal women could 'work out' their hot flashes

A study of 92 menopausal women found that regular physical activity can lead to a decrease in hot flash symptoms. The researchers used objective and subjective methods to track the frequency of hot flashes, finding that exercising actually reduced symptoms in most participants, contradicting previous assumptions.

SourcePenn State·JournalMenopause·DateJun 27, 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.

Concerns over cost of dengue vaccine lessened with new study

A new study published in Vaccine indicates that the cost of producing a tetravalent dengue vaccine could be as low as $0.20 per dose with an annual production level of 60 million doses. This finding provides confidence to ministries of health to plan for the inclusion of dengue vaccine in their immunization programs.

SourceSabin Vaccine Institute·JournalVaccine·DateJun 27, 2012

Efforts to develop new drugs that hopefully will never be used

The US government is developing medical countermeasures against nuclear threats, including acute radiation syndrome (ARS). Several companies are working on adapting existing drugs and creating new compounds to treat ARS symptoms and remove radioactive particles from the body.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJun 27, 2012

X-ray vision exposes aerosol structures

Researchers capture most detailed images of airborne soot particles, revealing surprising complexity and diversity. The study paves the way for understanding atmospheric processes and designing cleaner combustion sources.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature·DateJun 27, 2012

EMBO Gold Medal 2012 awarded to Jiri Friml

Jiri Friml received the EMBO Gold Medal for his groundbreaking research on auxin transport and gradient formation in plants, which has significant implications for plant development and agriculture. His work provides a basis for targeted engineering to develop plants that produce higher yields or are more resistant to drought.

SourceEMBO·DateJun 27, 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.

Success of fertility treatment may approach natural birth rate

A massive study of nearly 250,000 U.S. women found that live birth rates for fertility treatment can approach natural fertility rates with favorable patient and embryo characteristics. The study highlights the importance of factors such as age and embryo quality in determining success rates.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 27, 2012

New technique controls crystalline structure of titanium dioxide

Researchers have developed a new technique to control the crystalline structure of titanium dioxide at room temperature, enabling precise control over its properties. This allows for the creation of materials with optimal structures for specific applications, such as photovoltaic cells and hydrogen production.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 27, 2012

Patient care by residents is as good as by fully qualified doctors

A systematic review published in BMC Medicine found that properly supervised residents' care is safe and of equal quality to that of fully trained doctors. Adequate supervision and evaluation are crucial for maintaining patient care, according to the study's lead author.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medicine·DateJun 27, 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.

Scientists identify new cancer stem cell mechanism

Scientists at Queen Mary University of London have discovered a novel link between Keratin K15 and FOXM1 genes, which may lead to the development of targeted anti-cancer drugs. This breakthrough could potentially prevent cancer recurrence by targeting cancer stem cells.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 27, 2012

Exercise is key in the fight against Alzheimer's disease

A recent study published in Journal of Biological Chemistry suggests that exercise is more beneficial than diet control in reducing β-amyloid formation and restoring memory loss associated with Alzheimer's disease. The research found that exercise alone can significantly reduce the risk of developing the disease.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJun 27, 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.

Immune response to heart attack worsens atherosclerosis, increases future risk

Researchers found that the immune response to a heart attack accelerates underlying atherosclerosis, leading to increased inflammation in atherosclerotic plaques. This study suggests a new therapeutic strategy for preventing heart attacks and strokes by targeting the immune system's role in exacerbating atherosclerosis.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature·DateJun 27, 2012

Space tornadoes power the atmosphere of the sun

Mathematicians at the University of Sheffield have discovered space tornadoes in the Sun's atmosphere, which can channel energy from below the surface to heat the magnetised solar plasma. The process has the potential to develop technology for producing free, clean, and green energy on Earth.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalNature·DateJun 27, 2012

Dietary fiber alters gut bacteria, supports gastrointestinal health

A University of Illinois study found that dietary fiber promotes beneficial bacteria in the gut, leading to improved gastrointestinal health. The research suggests that increasing fiber intake can have a positive impact on health, particularly in reducing the risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateJun 27, 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.

New vaccine for nicotine addiction

Weill Cornell researchers develop a novel vaccine that protects mice against nicotine addiction, using the liver to continuously produce antibodies. The vaccine is designed to prevent nicotine chemicals from reaching the brain and heart, offering hope for smokers who struggle with addiction.

SourceNewYork-Presbyterian·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 27, 2012

NASA observes the Waldo Canyon Fire, Colorado

The Waldo Canyon Fire has burned over 15,517 acres near Colorado Springs, forcing evacuations of at least 32,000 people. NASA satellites continue to provide coverage of the fire, which is currently being battled by over 750 firefighters.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 27, 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.

The physics of going viral

Researchers at Caltech have developed a method to measure the rate of DNA transfer from viruses to bacteria. They found that the amount of genetic material within the bacterial cells determines how quickly the bacteriophage's DNA is transferred, not the pressure in the virus itself.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 27, 2012

Social issues in teen years can hurt future health

A long-term study found that problematic peer relationships in adolescence were correlated with all components of metabolic syndrome, including obesity and high blood pressure, in middle age. The study, led by Per E Gustafsson, monitored social relationships and health over 27 years.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 27, 2012

They were what they ate

A study published in Nature reveals that Australopithecus sediba consumed between 95 and 100 percent forest-based foods, contradicting the assumption that early hominins ate a varied diet. This finding provides insight into the dietary habits of our ancestors and sheds light on why some species thrived while others became extinct.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalNature·DateJun 27, 2012

New mechanism of bacterial pathogenesis discovered

Researchers have identified a novel mechanism by which Bartonella bacteria manipulate host cell signaling, prolonging cell lifespan and contributing to chronic infection persistence. The study reveals the role of protein BepA in binding adenylyl cyclase, leading to increased cAMP production and preventing host cell death.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 27, 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.

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.

Regulation of telomerase in stem cells and cancer cells

Scientists at Max Planck Institute have discovered a molecular link between telomerase and the Wnt/β-signalling pathway, which regulates telomere length in stem cells and cancer cells. This regulation mechanism could lead to the development of new treatments for human tumours.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateJun 27, 2012

Racial make-up of community impacts obesity risk

A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that community racial and ethnic composition affects obesity rates, with Hispanic communities associated with a 21% higher obesity rate and non-Hispanic whites with a 23% higher rate. In contrast, communities with high concentrations of non-Hispanic Asians saw lower obesi...

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJun 27, 2012

Brain scans detect early signs of autism

Researchers detected significant differences in brain development in high-risk infants who developed autism starting at age 6 months. White matter tract development was found to be the key difference between those with and without autism.

SourceMcGill University·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateJun 27, 2012

Study examines how parenthood affects gay couples' health, HIV risk

A study by San Francisco State University suggests that gay dads' lifestyles may change in ways that protect them from risky sexual behavior after becoming parents. Many couples reported a decrease in sex frequency but found this acceptable, while others remained committed to their monogamous relationships.

SourceSan Francisco State University·DateJun 27, 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.

New animal model for rheumatoid arthritis

Researchers at Northwestern University have created an animal model that spontaneously develops rheumatoid arthritis and is predisposed to atherosclerosis. The model allows scientists to examine the systemic influence of inflammatory arthritis on the development of heart disease, with promising results from treatment with Enbrel.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateJun 27, 2012