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Science News Archive June 2012 - Page 8


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.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJun 22, 2012

Is arm length the reason women need reading glasses sooner than men?

Research suggests women require higher power reading glasses than men of equivalent age due to preferred reading distances or arm length. The study found no significant gender-related difference in the eye's focusing ability.

SourceAssociation for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateJun 22, 2012

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.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of Medical Entomology·DateJun 22, 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.

Happy Father's Day! Another reason why dads and hopeful dads should quit smoking now

A new study published in the FASEB Journal reveals that smoking before conception can damage genetic information in sperm cells, potentially harming offspring with increased risk of cancer and other diseases. The research highlights the importance of quitting smoking for men trying to conceive.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJun 22, 2012

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 22, 2012

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.

SourceNational Jewish Health·DateJun 22, 2012

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.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalResearch in Higher Education·DateJun 22, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalJournal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology·DateJun 22, 2012

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.

SourceTemple University·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateJun 22, 2012

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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 22, 2012

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 22, 2012

Myelodysplastic syndrome treated with deferasirox shows beneficial iron reduction, Moffitt says

Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center and colleagues have tested deferasirox as a treatment for myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a blood-related malignancy that affects the ineffective production of blood cells. Deferasirox reduced iron levels by 23% in 53% of patients, showing promising results for this type of cancer.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJun 22, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceAmerican Society of Plant Biologists·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateJun 22, 2012

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.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·DateJun 22, 2012

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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateJun 22, 2012

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 22, 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.

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.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateJun 22, 2012

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...

SourceOregon State University·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateJun 22, 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.

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.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJun 21, 2012

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.

SourceCampus PR·DateJun 21, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJun 21, 2012

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.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateJun 21, 2012

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.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature·DateJun 21, 2012

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.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 21, 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.

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.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalChemistry & Biology·DateJun 21, 2012

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.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery·DateJun 21, 2012

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.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Political Economy·DateJun 21, 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.

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.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalDiabetes Care·DateJun 21, 2012

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.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·DateJun 21, 2012

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.

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·JournalScience·DateJun 21, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalInternational Journal of Information Technology and Management·DateJun 21, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJun 21, 2012

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.

SourceWiley·JournalAddiction·DateJun 21, 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.

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.

SourceCell Press·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJun 21, 2012

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 21, 2012

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.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·DateJun 21, 2012

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.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 21, 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.

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.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateJun 21, 2012

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.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalGeology·DateJun 21, 2012

Surgical 'sling' reduces risk of weakened bladder control after prolapse surgery, U-M study says

Researchers at the University of Michigan Health System found that patients who receive a mid-urethral sling during prolapse repair have less than half the risk of urinary incontinence. The study suggests that inserting a sling during surgery can significantly reduce urine leakage, but also increases the risk of certain side effects.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 21, 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.

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.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateJun 21, 2012