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Science News for March 19, 2012


Penn researchers find mentoring provides health benefits for African American veterans with diabetes

A study by Penn researchers found that peer mentoring significantly improved glucose control in African American veterans with diabetes. The intervention, which included financial incentives, showed a statistically significant effect on improving HbA1c levels. The authors suggest that social support and camaraderie among veteran partic...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 19, 2012

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.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalBlood·DateMar 19, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateMar 19, 2012

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.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateMar 19, 2012

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.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature·DateMar 19, 2012
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.

'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.

SourceConcordia University·JournalChild Development·DateMar 19, 2012

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.

SourceStanford University School of Engineering·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMar 19, 2012

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.

SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournalNeuron·DateMar 19, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalJournal of Abnormal Psychology·DateMar 19, 2012

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.

SourcePorter Novelli·DateMar 19, 2012

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.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMar 19, 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.

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.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateMar 19, 2012

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Aircraft·DateMar 19, 2012

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.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 19, 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.

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,...

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 19, 2012

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.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalDeviant Behavior·DateMar 19, 2012
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.

Pediatricians' pain-medication judgments affected by unconscious racial bias, says UW study

A recent University of Washington study found that pediatricians who exhibit unconscious racial bias tend to prescribe better pain-management for white patients than they do for African-American patients. The study suggests that incorporating awareness of personal bias into medical education and training is necessary to avoid unintende...

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMar 19, 2012

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.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMar 19, 2012

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.

SourceIndiana University·JournalSexual & Relationship Therapy·DateMar 19, 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.

New genetic path for scleroderma

A genetic pathway previously known for its role in embryonic development and cancer has been identified as a target for systemic sclerosis, or scleroderma, therapy. The finding reveals that the Wnt signaling pathway is abnormally activated in scleroderma patients, leading to fibrosis and tissue damage.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateMar 19, 2012

MARC travel awards announced for EB 2012

The FASEB MARC Program has announced the travel award recipients for the Experimental Biology 2012 meeting, aiming to promote entry of underrepresented minority students and postdoctorates into the mainstream of basic science. A total of 122 awards worth $201,300 were conferred this year.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·DateMar 19, 2012

MIT research: Study finds room to store CO2 underground

A new MIT analysis reveals there is sufficient room in deep saline aquifers to safely store CO2, addressing a major issue in capturing and storing greenhouse gases. The study models how carbon dioxide would percolate through rock formations, accounting for capacity and injection rates.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 19, 2012

Researchers discover novel therapy for Crohn's disease

A study published in Clinical Nutrition found that patients with mild to moderate Crohn's disease showed significant improvement when taking supplementary CLA. The natural fatty acid has anti-inflammatory properties and may offer a safer alternative to synthetic drugs.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalClinical Nutrition·DateMar 19, 2012

Newborn screening for DMD shows promise as an international model

A new approach to newborn screening for DMD uses a two-tier system with CK testing on dried blood spots and DNA testing, allowing for efficient and cost-effective diagnosis. This method has been validated in a pilot study of 37,749 newborn boys, detecting six cases of DMD gene mutations.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateMar 19, 2012
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Cytori breast reconstruction cell therapy trial results published

The RESTORE-2 trial found high rates of investigator and patient satisfaction with autologous adipose-derived regenerative cell (ADRC)-enriched fat grafting for breast reconstruction after cancer surgery. The procedure also showed improved breast contour and no local cancer recurrences or serious adverse events.

SourceCytori Therapeutics·JournalEuropean Journal of Surgical Oncology·DateMar 19, 2012

Infection prevention groups outline steps needed to preserve antibiotics

Infection prevention groups outline steps needed to preserve antibiotics by identifying and addressing resistance issues. The role of infection preventionists and healthcare epidemiologists is crucial in preventing the emergence of multidrug-resistant organisms, a major threat to human health.

SourceAssociation for Professionals in Infection Control·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateMar 19, 2012

Diagnosis of ADHD on the rise

The number of ADHD diagnoses among American children has increased by 66% over the past decade, according to a new study published in Academic Pediatrics. Specialists are now treating an increasing proportion of these young patients, shifting away from primary care physicians.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAcademic Pediatrics·DateMar 19, 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.

Beyond the microscope: Identifying specific cancers using molecular analysis

A new method detects cancer-causing chromosomal translocations quickly and accurately, allowing for potential single-array testing for every known cancer-causing translocation simultaneously. The technique combines microarray technology with a novel antibody to detect the presence of the translocation.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateMar 19, 2012

Trauma drives HIV epidemic in women

Research from UCSF and Harvard Medical School finds that trauma significantly contributes to the HIV epidemic among women. Women with HIV are exposed to trauma at higher rates than the general population, leading to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and poor treatment outcomes.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAIDS and Behavior·DateMar 19, 2012

Targeted X-ray treatment of mice prevents glaucoma

Researchers found that targeted x-ray treatment can prevent glaucoma in mice by inhibiting the entry of damaging cells into the optic nerve and retina. This discovery raises hope for a new treatment approach for humans, where lower doses of radiation could be used to block cell entry and prevent blindness.

SourceJackson Laboratory·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 19, 2012
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.

Global sea level likely to rise as much as 70 feet for future generations

Researchers found that future generations will have to deal with sea levels 12-22 meters (40-70 feet) higher than at present, even if global warming is limited to 2 degrees C. The study suggests that the Earth's great ice sheets are highly sensitive to temperature change and could lead to a large sea-level rise.

SourceRutgers University·JournalGeology·DateMar 19, 2012

New paper examines poison resistance in snakes around the world

Researchers found that snakes from different parts of the world have evolved a limited set of genetic mutations to resist deadly neurotoxin TTX, which immobilizes nervous and muscle tissue. This study increases understanding of the genetic basis of adaptation and its limits.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 19, 2012

Sanford-Burnham scientists unravel cancer drug's secret to resistance

Researchers at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute found that MLN4924-resistant cancer cells escape death due to a simple mutation in the NEDD8-activating enzyme. The team developed a method to predict how cancer patients will respond to this drug, providing a new path toward personalized medicine.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCell Reports·DateMar 19, 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.

A basic -- and slightly acidic -- solution for hydrogen storage

Researchers at Brookhaven Lab have found a safe and reversible way to store hydrogen fuel by connecting it to carbon dioxide in a mildly basic solution. The reaction can be reversed by adding acid, making it suitable for use in hydrogen fuel vehicles and other high-powered systems.

SourceDOE/US Department of Energy·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMar 19, 2012

Experients may force revision of astrophysical models of the universe

Researchers found that current estimates of ice-giant planetary interiors overstate water's compressibility by as much as 30 percent. Accurate estimates are essential to calculate the evolution of the universe and model the composition of planets like Neptune and Uranus.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 19, 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.

First complete full genetic map of promising energy crop

Researchers have completed the first high-resolution genetic map of miscanthus, a towering cane-like grass used as an energy crop. The mapping project has provided valuable markers to differentiate individual plants and improve breeding for faster and more efficient production.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 19, 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 antibiotic could make food safer and cows healthier

A new molecule discovered at the University of Illinois has the potential to treat bovine mastitis and make food safer. Geobacillin, an analog of nisin, is more stable than its predecessor and shows promise as a treatment for both dairy industry and human disease.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 19, 2012

A clearer understanding of glaucoma

A new study has shed light on glaucoma prevention by highlighting the impact of X-ray treatment on monocyte entry into the optic nerve. Researchers found that mice treated with a single X-ray treatment prior to glaucoma onset were protected from developing the disease, even with other risk factors.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 19, 2012

Study reveals how monarch butterflies recolonize northern breeding range

Research from University of Guelph uncovers how monarch butterflies recolonize northern breeding grounds in spring, with 10% coming directly from Mexico and most born in central US. This knowledge aids conservation by identifying highly productive regions that fuel the migration further north.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 19, 2012

Time to invest in trauma care

A recent study estimates that up to two million lives could be saved globally with improvements in trauma care, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The researchers suggest that reductions in fatality rates among seriously injured individuals could save nearly two million lives annually.

SourceSpringer·JournalWorld Journal of Surgery·DateMar 19, 2012
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Green 'Oakley Cluster' to double OSC computing power

The Ohio Supercomputer Center's new Oakley Cluster supercomputer system offers nearly twice the memory per core and three times the number of GPUs as its predecessor, with peak performance reaching 154 teraflops. The system is also more energy-efficient, consuming only 60% of the power of its previous flagship system.

SourceOhio Supercomputer Center·DateMar 19, 2012

Mayo Clinic researchers building melanoma vaccine to combat skin cancer

Researchers at Mayo Clinic have made significant breakthroughs in developing a new melanoma vaccine that uses a genetic combination of human DNA from melanoma cells and a cousin of the rabies virus. Early studies show a cure rate of 60% in mouse models with minimal side effects. The vaccine delivers a broad spectrum of genes derived fr...

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMar 19, 2012

Circadian rhythms have profound influence on metabolic output, UCI study reveals

Researchers at UCI Center for Epigenetics & Metabolism discovered that circadian rhythms significantly impact liver metabolite production, with approximately 60% dependent on the body clock. This finding has implications for understanding obesity, high cholesterol, and metabolic diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 19, 2012

Team discovers how bacteria resist a 'Trojan horse' antibiotic

Researchers discovered how bacteria modify an enzyme to recognize and disarm a potent antibiotic. The adaptation allows bacteria to protect themselves from toxins while still being susceptible to certain antibiotics, offering new insights into treatment strategies.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 19, 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.

Smell is a symphony

Researchers at Stowers Institute for Medical Research presented a new model of olfaction, suggesting that the brain maps odors in a tunotopic manner. This approach enables the system to recognize and encode any smell, regardless of its chemical structure.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 19, 2012

Study: Including ads in mobile apps poses privacy, security risks

A recent study by North Carolina State University researchers found that over half of mobile apps in the Google Play market contain ad libraries that track user location, access call logs, and phone numbers. These libraries pose security risks as they can bypass Android security efforts and potentially launch malware attacks.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·DateMar 19, 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.

Spotting ancient sites, from space

A Harvard archaeologist developed a system to identify early human settlements based on satellite image analysis, uncovering approximately 9,000 possible sites in northeastern Syria. This technique simplifies the process of finding ancient settlements, allowing for more efficient and targeted surveys.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 19, 2012

Cosmic rays alter chemistry of lunar ice

Space scientists have quantified galactic cosmic ray bombardment on the moon's surface, causing chemical changes in water ice and regolith. This radiation process creates complex organic molecules and darkens lunar soil, providing insight into the geologic history of the moon.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·DateMar 19, 2012

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for March 20, 2012, issue

Researchers found dapagliflozin effective as an add-on for type 2 diabetes treatment, despite long-term safety data limitations and increased hypoglycemia risk. Peer mentoring improved glucose control among African American veterans through behavioral interventions. However, the use of antiplatelet therapy in patients with chronic kidn...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 19, 2012

Breaking the backbone of triple-negative breast cancers

Researchers have discovered a new growth-driving protein, MYC, that drives the growth of aggressive triple-negative breast tumors. Blocking a cooperating protein, CDK, causes these tumors to regress in mice, offering a potential new target for treatment.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMar 19, 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.

Immune system implicated in prematurity complication

A study by Vanderbilt University Medical Center researchers has found that disruptions in the immune system's regulation may play a role in necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a deadly disease affecting premature infants. The findings suggest a new target for therapeutic interventions to prevent NEC.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalGut·DateMar 19, 2012

Is modern medicine ill with dehumanization?

Dehumanization in medicine can lead to disastrous outcomes, including neglect of treatments and excessive procedures. Researchers recommend simple changes to make medical institutions more humane and effective, such as personalizing hospital rounds and increasing physician diversity.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateMar 19, 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.

Blood testing for sensitivity, allergy or intolerance to food

Blood testing for food sensitivity is increasingly common, but its limitations and potential misuse have been emphasized by European and American allergy and immunology societies. Physicians should caution patients about the controversy surrounding IgG4 testing and advise them on alternative diagnostic approaches.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 19, 2012

Scientists develop a software tool for estimating heart disease risk

Researchers at University of Granada developed a software tool estimating accurate heart disease risk for individuals and populations, reducing potential years of work and productivity loss. The tool employs various equations to understand the risk factors, contributing to heart disease prevention and long-term cost savings.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalJournal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice·DateMar 19, 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.

Solving the mystery of blood clotting

Scientists have determined the molecular 3D structure of a protein in blood platelets and a receptor that controls blood clot formation. This discovery helps understand the body's response to superbugs and potentially leads to new treatments.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 19, 2012

1 solution to global overfishing found

A study by the Wildlife Conservation Society finds that co-management is a successful solution to global overfishing, with more than half of surveyed fishermen feeling it improved their livelihoods. The approach has also been shown to protect fish stocks and improve ecosystem health.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 19, 2012