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Science News Archive March 2012


Page 19 of 32

What does delaying childbearing cost?

Freezing eggs or ovarian tissue for delayed childbearing proves costly for society, with an additional $130,000 required per live birth. The study suggests doing nothing is the most cost-effective option, while freezing eggs is less expensive than ovarian tissue.

New drug now available for actinic keratosis

Ingenol mebutate, a new topical gel, is applied for just a few days and shows comparable results to current therapies. The treatment significantly reduces the time needed to treat actinic keratosis, a common precursor to sun-related squamous-cell carcinoma.

Slug ecology and management in no-till field crops

Slugs are major crop pests in no-till field crops, with limited management options available. Integrated pest management options, including cultural, biological, and chemical controls, are suggested for common mid-Atlantic slug species.

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.

Heavy rucksacks storing up back problems for many school-kids

Research found that over half of school children carry rucksacks weighing 10% or more of their body weight, increasing the risk of back problems. Girls are more susceptible to back issues, which worsen with age. Experts advise parents and teachers to promote healthy backpacking habits.

A new treatment option for Clostridium difficile: Fecal transplantation

A new study suggests that fecal transplantation is clearly better than any other treatment for recurrent Clostridium difficile infection. The procedure showed an outstanding result in a patient group unresponsive to other treatment methods, with no serious adverse events observed during a one-year period.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Social networking shortcut to finding medical experts

A new method of social network analysis has been developed to identify opinion leaders and media experts in the field of health. The system, which uses text mining technology, was tested on the topic of obesity and found experts with an accuracy of about 90%. It also identified non-scientific experts who support a particular cause.

Economic and social growth of developing nations may increase obesity

A new study from Rice University and the University of Colorado found that economic growth in developing nations can lead to increased obesity among lower socio-economic status individuals. This is attributed to different cultural values and norms, with being large considered a status symbol in developing countries.

'Brain fog' of menopause confirmed

A study published in the journal Menopause found that menopause is associated with certain types of memory deficits, particularly those related to working memory and sustaining attention. The study's findings validate women's experiences of 'brain fog' during this phase of life.

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.

An evolutionary surprise

Scientists have found highly similar signaling centers in the acorn worm that direct the formation of its embryonic body plan. This discovery provides unexpected insight into the evolution of vertebrate development and genetics, revealing complex mechanisms for establishing body plans in distant relatives.

Gold nanoantennas detect proteins

A new method of monitoring protein molecules using gold nanoparticles has been developed by scientists at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz. The technique allows for the detection of individual unlabeled proteins, providing insights into molecular processes and dynamics.

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.

How muscle cells seal their membranes

Muscle cells have efficient systems to seal holes in their plasma membranes. Researchers at KIT and Heidelberg University observed membrane repair in real-time using a novel imaging method. They found that membrane vesicles form a repair patch, which is sealed off from the extracellular environment.

How to best help your child lose weight: Lose weight yourself

A parent's weight change is the most important predictor of a child's weight loss in family-based treatment of childhood obesity. Parents can help their obese child lose weight by losing weight themselves and making changes to their home food environment.

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.

New test could help track down and prosecute terrorists

A new test developed by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory uses impurity profiling to trace the source of nerve agents used in terrorist attacks. Up to 88% of impurities in source chemicals can wind up in the finished product, making them unique like a fingerprint.

NASA's TRMM satellite sees tropical storm Lua's rainfall

Tropical Storm Lua formed in the Indian Ocean off Australia's northwestern coast, causing moderate rainfall and strong thunderstorms. The storm prompted a Cyclone Watch from Cape Leveque to Mardie, Western Australia, and is expected to strengthen into a cyclone before landfall.

Vineyard records link early grape ripening to climate change

Scientists have attributed early grape ripening in wine grapes to climate warming and soil water content declines. The study reveals that management factors also influence the shift, providing opportunities for growers to develop adaptation strategies. Human-induced climate change is a key driver of this trend.

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.

Smartphones can aid people with schizophrenia

Smartphones can be used to track symptoms and deliver real-time interventions for people with schizophrenia, according to Dartmouth College research. A survey of 1,600 individuals found that 70% had cellphones and used them frequently.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Molecular graphene heralds new era of 'designer electrons'

Scientists from Stanford University and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have created a system of 'designer electrons' with unique properties. By tuning the fundamental behavior of electrons, researchers can create exotic variants of ordinary electrons that may lead to new types of materials and devices.

Broader screening for hepatitis C would be cost effective, study suggests

A new report estimates that broader screening for hepatitis C virus (HCV) would be cost-effective in reducing mortality and morbidity. The study recommends a one-time screening for all adults between 20 and 69 years old to identify those infected with the virus, which affects 4 million U.S. residents.

Fielding questions about climate change

Researchers found iron oxides remove one fifth of organic carbon deposited on ocean floor, trapping it and removing CO2 from atmosphere. Decrease in dissolved oxygen levels threatens coastal ecosystems' ability to extract carbon dioxide.

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.

Millions of Americans at risk of flooding as sea levels rise

New research suggests nearly four million Americans, covering an area larger than Maryland, are at risk of severe flooding due to rising sea levels. The US Government's current flood zones may not be stable with predicted sea level rise, and many locations will experience high flooding every decade or more often.

End of Winter: How 2012 snow stacks up

In 2012, areas usually covered in snow are bare due to La Niña conditions and a strong Arctic Oscillation. The resulting snow cover is significantly lower than in 2011, with the Great Lakes, Rocky Mountains, and East Coast experiencing less snow.

Inner workings of magnets may lead to faster computers

Researchers at CU-Boulder and NIST used X-ray lasers to study magnetism in nickel and iron atoms, finding that each metal behaves differently. The findings could lead to optimized optical energy delivery for hard drive performance.

Advice to breastfeed exclusively for 6 months may be 'unhelpful' and too idealistic

A qualitative study of new mothers found that the ideal of exclusive breastfeeding for six months can be unhelpful and difficult to achieve. The study suggests that more realistic and incremental goals should be set, with a focus on emotional support and family-centered care. Healthcare professionals are advised to adopt a proactive ap...

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.

Crocodilians bite with the best

A study published in PLOS ONE found that crocodilians possess a remarkable capacity for generating force through their bites. The researchers measured bite forces and tooth pressures for 23 species of crocodilians, with saltwater crocodiles displaying the strongest bite force at over 3,700 pounds.

Lack of sleep may increase calorie consumption

Researchers found that sleep-deprived individuals consumed an average of 549 additional calories per day, while leptin levels increased and ghrelin decreased. This study suggests that sleep deprivation may be a preventable cause of weight gain and obesity.

Eye health is related to brain health

A study published in Neurology found that women with mild retinopathy had lower scores on cognitive tests and more brain damage than those without the condition. The researchers suggest that eye screening could be a simple way to identify people at risk of brain health issues.

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.

Smoking depicted in movies influences younger adolescents

A study found that young adolescents exposed to smoking in movies are at a greater risk of smoking compared to older peers. Early exposure to smoking depicted in movies is associated with an increased risk of becoming established smokers.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Seeing pictures of food affects taste perception

Researchers identified brain mechanisms linking visual appeal of food to nutritional reward. Participants rated tastes as more pleasant when preceded by images of high-calorie foods like pizza or pastry.

Getting a full picture of an elusive subject

Researchers used Chandra X-ray Observatory and other telescopes to map dark matter in galaxy cluster Abell 383. The study found a stretched-out, football-like shape of dark matter, with the point aligned close to the line of sight. The results challenge standard models and suggest further research is needed to resolve the discrepancy.

New wheat for salty soils

A salt-tolerant variety of durum wheat has been developed using traditional crop breeding techniques, delivering increased yields on salty soils. The research introduces a salt-tolerant gene into commercial wheat, providing farmers with an alternative for growing premium wheat in saline paddocks.

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.

Astronomers get rare peek at early stage of star formation

Researchers used radio and infrared telescopes to study a giant cloud about 770 light-years from Earth, discovering a 'pristine' clump of gas that may be on the verge of forming dense cores. The observations reveal previously unseen substructures within the clump that could lead to the formation of ten new stars.

Influenza 'histone mimic' suppresses antiviral response

Researchers at Rockefeller University discovered that the influenza A virus's NS1 protein hijacks key regulators of antiviral gene function by mimicking a core component of gene regulating machinery. This finding suggests a possible target for new antiviral and anti-inflammatory drugs.

'Personalized immune' mouse offers new tool for studying autoimmune diseases

Researchers have developed a personalized immune mouse that can recreate an individual's immune system, allowing for unprecedented analysis of abnormalities contributing to type 1 diabetes and other autoimmune diseases. This model has the potential to develop individualized immunotherapies against cancer and infection.

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.

Current water resources in Europe and Africa

A new assessment reveals large areas in Europe and Africa with insufficient freshwater resources, exacerbating water scarcity issues. The report emphasizes the need for improved water management and forecasting to address future challenges.