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Science News Archive March 2012


Page 14 of 32

Study highlights risks from arm difference in blood pressure

A systematic review found that a difference of more than 10mmHg or 15mmHg in systolic blood pressure between arms is associated with increased risk of vascular disease and mortality. The study supports the need for two-arm blood pressure checks to become the norm.

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.

Friendly to a fault, yet tense: Personality traits traced in brain

Researchers found abnormal development of the insula circuit hub is rooted in genes and causes overly friendly yet anxious behavior in individuals with Williams syndrome. The study uses neuroimaging to pinpoint the suspect brain area in people with the disorder, revealing structural and functional abnormalities.

Nudging government to greater accountability

Technological advances like citizen journalism and WikiLeaks aim to increase transparency in government. However, Mohamed Chawki argues that current laws may not effectively balance disclosure with potential harm.

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.

Proteins shine a brighter light on cellular processes

Researchers have created a new cyan fluorescent protein (CFP) called mTurquoise2, which triples the fluorescence efficiency of existing proteins, enabling improved cellular imaging with unprecedented sensitivity. This breakthrough allows scientists to study protein-protein interactions in living cells with increased accuracy and detail.

Test to improve peanut allergy diagnosis

Researchers have identified a new test using 'Arah2' to diagnose peanut allergy, reducing the need for oral food challenges by four-fold. The two-step screening process is more accurate and predictive than standard tests, minimizing over-diagnosis and alleviating pressure on healthcare services.

Evidence mounts for link between opioids and cancer growth

Two studies suggest that opioids can stimulate tumor growth and spread in cancer patients, with laboratory research indicating the mu opioid receptor plays a key role. Medications blocking this receptor may reduce cancer growth and metastasis.

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.

Jellyfish inspires latest ocean-powered robot

Researchers from Virginia Tech have created a robotic jellyfish named Robojelly that mimics the natural movements of a real jellyfish. The robot is powered by chemical reactions taking place on its surface, fueled by hydrogen and able to regenerate fuel from its surroundings.

Curcumin shows promise in attacking Parkinson's disease

A new study by Michigan State University researchers found that curcumin can prevent clumping of alpha-synuclein proteins, a common cause of Parkinson's disease. By binding to these proteins, curcumin rescues them from aggregation, potentially slowing the progression of the disease.

NASA GPM satellite's dual-frequency precipitation radar arrives at Goddard

The Dual-Frequency Precipitation Radar has arrived at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, providing three-dimensional measurements of raindrop shapes and sizes to better understand storm physical properties. This instrument will be integrated into the GPM Core Observatory, enabling more accurate precipitation estimates globally.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Collaboration rapidly connects fly gene discovery to human disease

A study discovered mutations in the mitochondrial methionyl-tRNA synthetase gene that cause neurodegenerative disorders in both fruit flies and humans. The findings suggest that antioxidants may counteract the negative consequences of these mutations in flies, raising hope for potential therapeutic approaches in human patients.

NASA sees more severe weather over eastern Texas, Oklahoma

A stalled frontal system is generating severe weather in eastern Texas and Oklahoma, with cloud top temperatures of up to -63.6°F detected by NASA's Aqua satellite. The National Weather Service has issued flood warnings for the region due to heavy rainfall and isolated thunderstorms.

A camera that peers around corners

Researchers at MIT Media Lab have developed a new imaging system that can produce recognizable 3-D images of objects outside its line of sight by using femtosecond laser pulses and analyzing reflected light. The system has potential applications in emergency response, vehicle navigation, and medical devices.

Scientists measure how energy is spent in martial arts

Researchers studied judo, a complex and unpredictable sport, to understand how athletes spend their energy. They used a portable gas analyzer and mathematical formulas to determine the relative contributions of aerobic, lactic, and alactic anaerobic metabolism.

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.

JCI early table of contents for March 26, 2012

Research published in JCI suggests a connection between insulin resistance and Alzheimer's disease, highlighting potential new therapeutics for treatment. The studies found that defective insulin signaling is a common feature of Alzheimer's disease and that treatment with a new anti-diabetic drug normalized insulin signaling and improv...

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

A new pipewort species from a unique, but fragile habitat in India

A new species of pipewort has been discovered in the foot hills of the Western Ghats, a unique and fragile habitat. The discovery highlights the importance of conserving this area, which is under threat from population growth, infrastructure development, and uncontrolled tourism.

Is there good research evidence for health systems interventions?

The article discusses the importance of researching health systems interventions and assessing the reliability of evidence. The authors argue that useful tools are available to evaluate effectiveness, but more work is needed to assess other key factors such as policy acceptability and implementation feasibility.

American Society of Plant Biologists honors early career women scientists

The American Society of Plant Biologists has announced seven winners of the Women's Young Investigator Travel Award, providing $1000 travel grants for female investigators in their first five years as independent scientists. The program aims to increase attendance at the annual meeting and support women in plant biology.

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.

Drug makes leukemia more vulnerable to chemo

Researchers have found that a new drug called plerixafor can help drive leukemia cells out of the bone marrow and into the bloodstream, making them more vulnerable to chemotherapy. In a clinical trial, 46% of patients with acute myeloid leukemia achieved complete remission after treatment.

Study shows air emissions near fracking sites may impact health

A new study found that air emissions from hydraulic fracturing (fracking) near natural gas drilling sites can cause non-cancer health impacts, such as eye irritation, headaches, and respiratory problems. The study also calculated higher cancer risks for residents living closer to wells.

MRI techniques improve pulmonary embolism detection

Researchers have developed a new MRI technique that significantly improves the detection of pulmonary embolism, a potentially life-threatening condition. The addition of two magnetic resonance imaging sequences to a common MR angiography technique boosts detection rates to 84%, reducing the need for ionizing radiation and contrast agents.

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.

Microbiologists can now measure extremely slow life

A team of researchers has developed a new method to calculate the activity level of microorganisms in the deepest layers of the seabed. The study reveals that these slow-growing bacteria play a crucial role in the global storage of organic carbon, affecting the oxygen content of the atmosphere.

'Look at me' toddlers eager to collaborate and learn

A Concordia University study reveals that toddlers' high-quality attention-seeking behaviors are associated with increased motivation to collaborate and learn. Parents who respond favourably to their child's needs can encourage positive expectations, leading to improved conscience development in children.

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.

Engineers enlist weather model to optimize offshore wind plan

A team of Stanford engineers has developed a weather model to recommend the optimal placement of four interconnected offshore wind farms off the US East Coast. The grid would have a total maximum capacity of 2000 megawatts, with each farm delivering an individual maximum capacity of 500 megawatts.

Step forward in research into new treatments for brain edema

A study of a rare neurodegenerative disease has uncovered a mechanism that destabilizes the homeostatic balance of brain cells, leading to fluid accumulation. The discovery identifies a protein GlialCAM as an ion channel subunit regulating chloride ions and potentially paving the way for new treatments.

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 find that smoking may restore tapped-out self-control resources

Researchers found that smoking restored depleted self-control resources in smokers, improving their mood and performance on frustrating tasks. This study suggests that nicotine can be a maladaptive way to cope with stress, and alternative strategies like relaxation or sugary drinks may be healthier options.

Soy-based S-equol supplement reduces metabolic syndrome risk factors

A 12-week treatment of a fermented soy germ-based nutritional supplement containing S-equol significantly lowered hemoglobin A1c, LDL cholesterol and improved vascular stiffness in overweight Japanese men and women. The study found favorable effects on metabolic syndrome risk factors, particularly in non-S-equol producing individuals.

Focus on technology overlooks human behavior when addressing climate change

A new study by University of Oregon sociologist Richard York finds that it takes more than 10 units of alternative energy to displace a single unit of fossil fuel-generated power. The research highlights the need for a shift in political and economic policies to address human behavior, rather than just technological solutions.

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.

Empowered citizens or hopeful bystanders?

A study by Professor Nick Gallent found that communities are 'hopeful bystanders' rather than contributors to planning decisions, citing lack of investment in building relationships and inadequate protocol support. The research highlights the need for a more responsive approach to community input in local planning.

A biplane to break the sound barrier

Researchers at MIT have developed a biplane design that can reduce drag by up to half, making it more fuel-efficient and quieter. The design, inspired by Adolf Busemann's work in the 1950s, could potentially cut fuel costs by over half, enabling cheaper supersonic travel.

JCI early table of contents for March 19, 2012

Researchers discovered that radiation treatment inhibits monocyte entry into the optic nerve head, preventing neuronal damage in a mouse model of glaucoma. This breakthrough sheds light on a potential prevention strategy for glaucoma, which is one of the leading causes of vision loss and blindness worldwide.

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.

Avoiding the tragedy of overfishing

A study of 42 co-managed coral reef fisheries found that partnerships between government, conservation groups, and local fishers were successful in meeting the livelihood needs of local communities and protecting fish stocks. The research identified conditions for co-management success, providing vital guidance for conservation groups,...

To combat identity theft, protect computer

A Michigan State University study found that computer users with triple-threat protective software are 50% less likely to have their credit card information stolen. Computer-related deviance, such as downloading pirated content, increases the risk of identity theft.

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.

Some orbits more popular than others in solar systems

Computer simulations reveal that giant gas planets prefer certain orbits over others, resulting in 'planet pile-ups' and 'planet deserts'. High-energy radiation from baby stars carves gaps in protoplanetary disks, corralling planets into specific orbits.

Study: Exercise can lead to female orgasm, sexual pleasure

A first-of-its-kind study by Indiana University researchers confirms that exercise can lead to female orgasm without sex or fantasies. The study found that women who reported exercising-induced orgasms reported feeling self-consciousness but not fantasizing during their experiences.

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.