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Science News Archive March 2012


Page 5 of 32

Mount Sinai releases landmark research at American College of Cardiology meeting

Researchers from Mount Sinai School of Medicine presented several studies at the American College of Cardiology's annual scientific session. One study found that aggressive statin therapy reduced fat content in coronary blockage by 22 percent, while another showed that cardiovascular disease screening can identify risk factors and symp...

New gene therapy approach developed for red blood cell disorders

Researchers have designed a powerful gene therapy strategy to treat beta-thalassemia and sickle cell anemia by transferring a healthy beta-globin gene into diseased cells. The new technique has shown promising results, with increased production of normal hemoglobin in patients.

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.

Writing graphene circuitry with ion 'pens'

Researchers from the University of Florida have developed a new technique to create graphene patterns on silicon carbide using ion implantation. This method allows for selective graphene growth at lower temperatures and can be used to create graphene nanoribbons with nanoscale dimensions.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NASA Space Network to begin new design phase for ground segment

The NASA Space Network Ground Segment Sustainment project is upgrading the network's ground communications infrastructure with new, cutting-edge technology. The new architecture will enable easier technology refreshes, increased customer data rate capabilities, and lower operations costs.

TARA OCEANS completes 60,000-mile journey to map marine biodiversity

The TARA OCEANS expedition mapped marine biodiversity across the world's oceans, understanding how microscopic organisms interact with their environment. The project aims to build a global systems biology map of these interactions, using advanced DNA sequencing and microscopy techniques.

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.

Poor colonoscopy prep hides pre-cancerous polyps

A recent study found that inadequate bowel preparation during a colonoscopy can lead to missed pre-cancerous lesions, which were later discovered during a second screening. This highlights the importance of proper preparation for colonoscopies, as even minor issues can have significant consequences.

Interrogational torture: Effective or purely sadistic?

A recent study published in Political Research Quarterly found that information gleaned from interrogational torture is likely to be unreliable and used too frequently. The study's author, John W. Schiemann, concludes that the use of torture makes it difficult for states to distinguish between real and false confessions.

IOF and ECTS issue guidance on management of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis

The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) and the European Calcified Tissue Society (ECTS) have published a guidance document outlining management strategies to prevent bone loss and related fractures in high-risk patients. The guidelines provide a framework for developing national assessment and treatment guidelines, emphasizing...

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Over 20 million individuals infected with hepatitis E in Asia and Africa

A study published by the World Health Organization estimates that 20.1 million individuals were infected with hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotypes 1 and 2 in 2005. This resulted in 3.4 million symptomatic cases, 70,000 deaths, and 3,000 stillbirths, primarily affecting countries in Asia and Africa.

New study looks at growth rates of lung cancers found by CT screening

A new study published in Radiology journal reveals that lung cancers diagnosed through annual rounds of computed tomography (CT) screening exhibit similar growth rates and cell-type distributions compared to those found in clinical practice. The findings suggest a less aggressive approach for diagnosis and treatment of sub-solid lesions.

Quantum effects and cancer

Researchers propose that quantum metabolism explains metabolic changes causing healthy cells to become cancerous, enabling cells to outcompete for space and nutrients. Understanding this process could lead to new cancer treatment approaches.

Has modern science become dysfunctional?

The number of retractions in scientific journals has increased by over 10-fold in the past decade, driven by economic incentives and a hypercompetitive environment. This trend is seen as a symptom of a growing dysfunction in biomedical research, with researchers feeling pressure to publish in high-profile journals to secure funding.

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.

Mustard -- not just for hotdogs anymore, research shows

Researchers discovered a compound in mustard seed meal with antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, and Listeria monocytogenes. The isolated sinapic acid lends a useful function to the previously economic value-less defatted seed meal, enabling its use as a natural food preservative.

Clinical trial to test success of cystic fibrosis lung infection treatment

A new clinical trial aims to determine whether intravenous antibiotics are more effective than traditional therapies in tackling Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common germ causing destructive lung infections in CF patients. The study will assess the treatment's success over a year and potentially inform national guidelines.

When we test, do we stress?

A recent study by Sonia Lupien's team at the Centre for Studies on Human Stress found that testing older adults in unfamiliar and stressful environments can significantly reduce their memory performance. The researchers tested older adults under conditions similar to those in which cognitive examinations take place, and found that stre...

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.

Research on cash payments to promote health: Ethical concerns may be misplaced

A recent study published in PLOS Medicine argues that the use of cash incentives to promote healthy behaviors may not be as problematic as previously thought. The authors suggest that when incentives are used to encourage people to engage in activities they are already familiar with and likely to benefit from, ethical concerns may be m...

Thyme may be better for acne than prescription creams

Researchers found thyme to be the most effective herbal preparation against Propionibacterium acnes, the bacteria causing acne. Thyme tincture surpassed standard benzoyl peroxide concentrations in antibacterial action, offering a gentler alternative for skin sensitivity sufferers.

Popcorn-shaped gold particles gang up on Salmonella

Scientists have developed a rapid test to detect Salmonella in lettuce and water using popcorn-shaped gold particles. The test can identify the bacteria in just five minutes, making it a potential game-changer for food safety, particularly in remote areas or during outbreaks.

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.

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.

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.

Harvard’s Wyss Institute creates living human gut-on-a-chip

Researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute have created a living human gut-on-a-chip that mimics the structure, physiology, and mechanics of the human intestine. The device supports the growth of living microbes and could help understand intestinal disorders such as Crohn's disease.

Blocking 'oh-glick-nack' may improve long-term memory

Researchers found that blocking O-GlcNAc attachment to CREB protein improved long-term memory in mice. The study suggests that targeting O-GlcNAc could lead to new ways to enhance memory. Blocking O-GlcNAc also showed promise in slowing cancer growth, making it a potential target for anti-cancer drugs.

Young infants' imitation not guided by rational thinking

A recent study suggests that young infants' imitation is not driven by rational thinking, but rather by distractions. In a replication study, researchers found that infants imitated an unusual action only if it was not attributed to external constraints.

Researchers create molecular Braille to identify DNA molecules

The new method, called Direct Molecular Recognition, uses atomic force microscopy to take nanoscopic pictures of DNA molecules and identify sequence differences. This technique has the potential to be used for sensitive detection of DNA molecules in genomic research and medical diagnostics.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

IPTi in co-endemic falciparum and vivax malaria

A randomized trial found IPTi to be an effective preventive measure against malaria episodes in infants exposed to both falciparum and vivax malaria. The study showed a significant reduction in malaria cases with regular IPTi treatment during infancy.

Some flame retardants make fires more deadly

A new study by Anna A. Stec and colleagues found that some flame retardants increase the release of carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide during combustion, leading to more deaths from fire injuries than burns themselves.

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.

Transparent memory chips are coming

Rice University researchers have developed a transparent memory chip using silicon oxide, which can combine with transparent electrodes and integrated circuits. The technology has the potential to create flexible and transparent electronics, such as see-through cellphones.

Taking oral glucocorticoids for 3 months or longer? Beware of osteoporosis!

Long-term oral glucocorticoid therapy is associated with a significant risk of bone loss and fractures, particularly in older adults and those with higher doses. To mitigate this risk, patients should take preventive measures such as maintaining adequate calcium and protein intake, exercising regularly, and getting enough vitamin D.

West Antarctic ice shelves tearing apart at the seams

A new study reveals that West Antarctica's floating ice shelves are fracturing and retreating inland, potentially accelerating ice loss to the sea. The research found that the margins of these ice shelves are heavily rifted, resembling a cracked mirror in satellite imagery.

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.

Substance use linked to Internet gambling

A study published in Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking found that online gamblers reported more frequent and problematic drinking and cannabis use compared to offline-only gamblers. The research suggests that online gambling may be associated with increased risks of substance-related behaviors.

Mental health workers: The overlooked victims of 9/11

A new study by Mary Pulido finds that mental health clinicians experienced high levels of secondary traumatic stress due to their work with 9/11 victims. The lack of support and supervision is a significant concern, but peer support was helpful in mitigating the effects.

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.

Using game theory to understand the physics of cancer propagation

Cancer researchers employed game theory to study the physics of tumor evolution under stress conditions. They found that modifying their framework accounted for heterogeneous stress patterns, leading to emergent cooperative outcomes between cooperator and cheater cells.