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Science News Archive March 2012


Page 6 of 32

Minority women still most underrepresented in science despite progress

A report at the American Chemical Society symposium highlights the challenges faced by minority women in STEM fields, including limited access to quality education and career discouragement. The percentage of women of color with doctorates in science has risen, but there is still a long way to go for equal representation.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Malaria prevention saves children’s lives

A new study published in Malaria Journal found that malaria prevention measures saved 850,000 child deaths in Africa between 2001 and 2010. The Lives Saved Tool model used by researchers estimated the impact of interventions such as insecticide-treated mosquito nets and pregnant women's malaria prevention.

Early temporary treatment for HIV can delay the time to long-term treatment

Researchers found that patients who received early temporary treatment with antiretroviral drugs (cART) for 24 weeks had a lower viral setpoint and delayed the need to restart treatment during chronic HIV infection. This delay lasted for an average of 0.7 years, compared to those who did not receive early cART.

The acid test: 21st century pH meter

A team from Graz University of Technology has developed a new method for measuring pH in enzyme reactions using luminescent dual-life-time referencing. This method, known as DLR-based pH meter, combines a pH indicator and a reference standard to provide real-time characteristics of enzyme reactions.

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.

GSA's Lithosphere puts together a rich mix of first quarter 2012 online articles

This bimonthly publication presents research on the Deccan Traps, transfluvial incision in Eastern Papua New Guinea, and late Pleistocene structural evolution of the Camarillo fold belt. Seismic data reveal imprints of volcanism deep beneath the Deccan volcanic province, while river profiles indicate vertical rock uplift and fault motion.

Scientists suggest new age for East African Rift

A new study published in Nature Geoscience suggests that the Eastern branch of the East African Rift system is approximately 25-30 million years old, nearly doubling its previously estimated age. This discovery has important implications for understanding climate change models, faunal evolution, and the development of Africa's unique l...

Researchers discover a new path for light through metal

Researchers have found a promising candidate for plasmonic materials in titanium nitride, enabling the transportation of plasmons and directing optical signals on the nanoscale. This discovery could lead to faster and more efficient optoelectronic devices with unprecedented speed and efficiency.

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.

Are parents price-sensitive about their children's medication?

A recent US study found that higher out-of-pocket costs for children's medication are associated with reduced medication use and increased hospitalizations. The study, which analyzed data from over 8,000 patients, suggests that parents may be less sensitive to cost when making decisions for their younger children.

The Black Queen Hypothesis: A new evolutionary theory

The Black Queen Hypothesis suggests that microbes can lose necessary functions and rely on others to do the work, enabling cooperation in communities. Prochlorococcus plankton species, studied by the authors, is an example of this adaptation.

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.

9 million bicycles, but what about the cars in Beijing?

Researchers developed an algorithm to optimize traffic flow across roundabouts in Beijing, reducing delays to just 11 seconds. The approach balances entry and exit point delays for smoothest flow, offering a potential solution to the city's chronic congestion issues.

'Resuscitating' antibiotics to overcome drug resistance

Researchers found that combining antibiotics with additional compounds made previously resistant bacteria more susceptible, increasing efficacy by up to six-fold. The study's lead author believes adjuvant therapy could revolutionize antibiotic use and reduce antimicrobial resistance.

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.

Guideline: IVIg effective for certain nerve and muscle disorders

A new guideline from the American Academy of Neurology confirms IVIg as an effective treatment for Guillain-Barré syndrome and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). The therapy has been shown to be as effective as plasma exchange in treating GBS, with long-term use also helping to manage CIDP. Serious side effects a...

How colds cause coughs and wheezes

Researchers found that rhinovirus infection causes an increase in cough receptors, making airways more sensitive to environmental stimuli. This may lead to new drugs that reduce virus-induced cough and wheeze in asthmatics and chronic lung disease patients.

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.

Scientists find new way to measure economic impact of forest fires

A team of scientists created a methodology that considers timber vulnerability, harvesting value, and fire behavior to estimate potential net losses from timber production and fire survival probability. This approach helps fire managers and planners evaluate the economic impacts of wildfires on timber resources.

Cryoablation therapy spot-freezes breast cancer tumors

Percutaneous cryoablation, an interventional radiology procedure, uses tiny probes to freeze and destroy tumors in metastatic breast cancer. The treatment has been shown to provide a valuable alternative to other therapies with minimal side effects and reduced recovery time.

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.

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.

Study suggests new way to treat chronic pain

A recent study by McGill University researchers has identified a key gene affecting chronic pain sensitivity, offering a potential new approach to individualized therapy. The findings suggest that targeting the pore-forming function of P2X7 receptors may provide relief for patients with genetically inherited low pain sensitivity.

New research reveals deep-ocean impact of the Deepwater Horizon explosion

Researchers discovered numerous coral communities covered in brown flocculent material and showing signs of tissue damage near the Macondo Well, 4,000 feet from the surface. Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography analysis confirmed oil from the spill was the source, revealing a serious impact on deep-sea animal communities.

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.

Progress toward new chemotherapy agents

Researchers aim to create targeted compounds that selectively attack cancerous cells by zeroing-in on pollutants produced by tumors' characteristic metabolism. This approach seeks to minimize side effects associated with conventional chemotherapy.

Use it or lose it: Mind games help healthy older people too

A new study published in BioMed Central shows that cognitive training can improve reasoning, memory, language, and hand-eye coordination in healthy older adults. The results suggest that this type of training may help prevent mental decline and promote independent living among elderly individuals.

Significant global shortfall of trained eye doctors now and in future

The number of ophthalmologists worldwide is insufficient to meet the growing demands of ageing populations and developing countries. The global shortfall of trained eye doctors is a pressing concern, particularly in low-income countries where capacity is increasing faster than the population.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Scientists unlock key to cancer cell death mystery

Researchers have discovered that a specific protein called p21 can kill certain cancer cells, including sarcomas, by sensitizing their mitochondria to oxidants. This finding provides a rationale for testing existing drugs that increase p21 levels in these types of cancers.

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.

Hammerhead shark double whammy

A new look-alike species of hammerhead shark has been discovered in Brazilian waters, raising concerns about its impact on the endangered scalloped hammerhead. The discovery confirms that the original finding was not a local oddity and highlights the need for further research to understand its population status.

Electrical pulse treatment gives pancreatic cancer patients new hope

Researchers found success with irreversible electroporation to treat primary and metastatic liver cancer; the technique is now being implemented as a treatment for pancreatic cancer. Two out of eight participants had successful resections after IRE, with improved survival rates compared to traditional treatments.

Catheter-placed heart valve shows strong performance at 2 years

Two-year data show comparable death and durability rates between catheter-placed heart valves and open-heart surgery in very old patients. Valve durability appears to be comparable, with no significant difference in mortality between the two groups over time.

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.

Melanoma drug also shows promise in patients whose cancer has spread to the brain

A phase 2 trial found that ipilimumab improved disease control and long-term survival in patients with advanced melanoma and brain metastases. The treatment was associated with similar immune-related side effects as those reported for patients without brain metastases, suggesting a potential new standard of care for this population.

New memory for HIV patients

A study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine suggests that replacing naive CD4+ T cells with memory CD4+ T cells may be a more effective approach to combating HIV. The loss of naive T cells had no effect on the maintenance of memory CD4+ T cells, whose loss proceeded similarly with or without naive cell replacements.

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.

Regular chocolate eaters are thinner

A new study by the University of California, San Diego, suggests that regular chocolate eaters are actually thinner than those who don't consume chocolate regularly. The research found a modest but significant association between chocolate consumption and lower body mass index, regardless of calorie intake or exercise habits.

Geologists correct a rift in Africa

Researchers have redefined the timing of the Great Rift Valley's formation in Africa, suggesting it occurred around 25 million years ago. This new evidence has significant implications for understanding climate change models and animal evolution.

Non-invasive scans accurately predict 30-day risk for patients with chest pain

A new study reveals that non-invasive coronary CT angiography (CCTA) scans can quickly and reliably determine which patients with chest pain can be safely discharged from emergency departments. The test was found to have a lower 30-day event rate than traditional care, making it a valuable tool for identifying low-risk patients.