Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive March 2012 - Page 18


Page 18 of 32

Bright future ahead for antibody cancer therapy

New monoclonal antibody drugs are being tested in most tumor types, allowing them to bind to multiple targets and stimulate the immune response. Researchers have developed advanced antibody engineering techniques to create more effective treatments, including bispecific antibodies and conjugates with toxic payloads.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalCell·DateMar 15, 2012

Taking another shot at RAGE to tame Alzheimer's

Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center have developed a compound that targets RAGE, a molecular actor involved in Alzheimer's disease. The compound, FPS-ZM1, reverses amyloid deposits, restores brain blood flow, and improves learning capabilities in mice.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 15, 2012

Researchers create more efficient hydrogen fuel cells

A research team from UCF created a new structure that layers cheaper elements with gold and palladium to enhance energy conversion rates in hydrogen fuel cells. This approach could make the technology more cost-effective and practical for large-scale use.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateMar 15, 2012

Biomarkers: New tools of modern medicine

Recent advances in biomarker discovery highlight the potential for personalized medicine, but also pose significant challenges. Biomarkers have been identified for various diseases, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and systemic lupus erythematosus.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalTranslational Research·DateMar 15, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Pleurectomy/decortication proposed preferred surgical procedure

A recent study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology suggests that pleurectomy/decortication (P/D) is a superior approach to extrapleural pnemonectomy (EPP) for patients with early-stage malignant pleural mesothelioma. P/D resulted in significantly better survival rates and lower mortality and morbidity compared to EPP.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateMar 15, 2012

With climate change, US could face risk from Chagas disease

Researchers found that 38% of kissing bugs in Arizona and California contained human blood, carrying the parasite that causes Chagas disease. The study raises awareness about the potential for transmission in the US, where the disease is currently rare.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateMar 15, 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.

How does the order of choices affect consumer decisions?

A new study found that consumers' search for individual products is influenced by the order of choices, with larger choice sets being more daunting when presented first. By presenting smaller choice sets before larger ones, retailers may make large selections less intimidating.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateMar 15, 2012

Pants on fire: When consumers lie to service providers

A new study found that consumers who lie during a service encounter are more satisfied when they get what they want. Lying is perceived as hard work, resulting in fewer mental resources for other tasks, including updating expectations about the conversation's progress. This leads to stronger reactions to outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateMar 15, 2012

Menopausal hormone therapy and breast cancer risk

A recent review of large prospective cohort studies and WHI trials found that estrogen plus progestin increases breast cancer risk, while estrogen alone decreases risk in women with a previous hysterectomy. The study proposes that mammography screening differences may explain the observed effects.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 15, 2012

Blood vessel disease of retina may be marker of cognitive decline

A study led by UCSF researchers found that women with mild retinopathy are more likely to experience cognitive decline and related brain changes. The findings suggest retinopathy could serve as a simple eye screening tool for detecting early stages of vascular disease.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNeurology·DateMar 15, 2012

Researchers demonstrate versatility of solid-state protein sensor

The new sensor uses nanometer-scale pores to selectively screen single molecules passing through a semiconductor membrane. The technology has the potential to detect and identify specific proteins in a single cell, with applications in medical research, pharmaceuticals, and fundamental biological studies.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMar 15, 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 research suggests cap and trade programs do not provide sufficient incentives for innovation

A new study by Margaret Taylor of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory finds that successful cap and trade programs often reduce incentives for innovation, as low-cost emissions reductions lead to lower allowance prices. This has significant implications for developing more effective pollution control targets.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 15, 2012

Suppressing feelings of compassion makes people feel less moral

A recent study published in Psychological Science found that suppressing compassionate feelings can lead to a decrease in morality. When participants were instructed not to feel sympathy or distress, they reported feeling less committed to following moral rules and being more flexible about morality.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 15, 2012

Cancer cells send out the alarm on tumor-killing virus

Brain-tumor cells infected with a cancer-killing virus release CCN1, which initiates an antiviral response that reduces viral replication and limits its cytolytic efficacy. This mechanism may help control viral infections and improve oncolytic viral therapy for glioblastoma.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalCancer Research·DateMar 15, 2012

Study looks at discrimination's impact on smoking

A new study by Jason Q. Purnell found that individuals who perceive discrimination are more likely to smoke, with workplace discrimination being a significant factor. The research highlights the importance of addressing discrimination in health care settings and workplaces to improve smoking cessation rates.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMar 15, 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.

Scholars call for global governance overhaul to ensure Earth's sustainability

A group of environmental scholars recommends transforming national and international institutions into a more coherent planetary stewardship model. The proposal includes reforms to the UN system, integrating social and economic pillars of sustainable development, and closing regulatory gaps on emerging technologies.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalScience·DateMar 15, 2012

Deprived of sex, jilted flies drink more alcohol

Researchers found that male fruit flies drink more alcohol after being rejected by females due to a molecular trigger called neuropeptide F. This discovery may help shed light on the brain mechanisms underlying social interaction and addiction in humans.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalScience·DateMar 15, 2012

Leading infectious diseases experts call for increased focus on protecting antibiotics

Leading infectious diseases experts call for enhanced antimicrobial stewardship initiatives to preserve antibiotic effectiveness and combat emerging infections. The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America, IDSA, and PIDS position paper outlines measures to improve antibiotic use and monitor resistance.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateMar 15, 2012

Designer lights from the physics lab

Researchers fabricated optically active, three-dimensional structures using DNA origami to tailor visible light properties. The study enables the preparation of self-assembling metamaterials and novel optical lens systems.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature·DateMar 15, 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.

Panel of serum biomarkers may reduce number of lung biopsies needed

A panel of 10 serum protein biomarkers shows promise in predicting lung cancer risk and aiding early detection. Research suggests that these biomarkers could reduce the number of unnecessary lung biopsies needed, offering a more targeted approach to diagnosis.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateMar 15, 2012

NIH brain imaging study finds evidence of basis for caregiving impulse

A recent NIH brain imaging study found that viewing images of infant faces activates specific brain circuits associated with care giving behavior. These findings suggest a biological impulse governing adults' interactions with small children, which may have implications for preventing child neglect and abuse.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalNeuroImage·DateMar 15, 2012

Cell phone use in pregnancy may cause behavioral disorders in offspring

A study by Yale School of Medicine researchers found that exposure to cell phone radiation during pregnancy can cause hyperactivity and reduced memory capacity in adult mice. The findings suggest a potential link between fetal cellular telephone irradiation exposure and behavioral disorders in human children, such as ADHD.

SourceYale University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 15, 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.

Very few low-income moms meet breastfeeding recommendations

A recent study found that less than 2% of low-income mothers met breastfeeding recommendations, highlighting the need for increased support and resources. The research suggests that physicians can play a crucial role in removing barriers to breastfeeding by providing accessible information and assistance.

SourceMichigan State University·DateMar 15, 2012

Lung doctors expect respiratory diseases will worsen with global climate change

A new position paper from the American Thoracic Society predicts increased asthma, allergies, and infectious diseases worldwide as climate change worsens air quality and heat stress. Vulnerable populations like infants, children, and the elderly will be disproportionately affected.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalProceedings of the American Thoracic Society·DateMar 15, 2012

USPSTF releases new guidelines for cervical cancer screening

The USPSTF recommends a three-year Pap smear schedule for women aged 21-65, allowing those over 30 to go five years between tests if they undergo HPV screening. Women under 21 and older than 65 are not recommended for routine screening.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 14, 2012

Study: US tobacco-control efforts prevented nearly 800,000 cancer deaths between 1975 and 2000

A study led by Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center found that US tobacco-control efforts significantly reduced lung cancer deaths between 1975 and 2000. The researchers estimated that if all smokers had quit after the 1964 Surgeon General's report, an additional 2.5 million people would not have died from lung cancer.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 14, 2012
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.

The 'twilight zone' of traffic costs lives at stoplight intersections

New research identifies the 'dilemma zone' before a stoplight intersection where drivers are unsure whether to stop or go ahead. The study proposes using advanced technology and fuzzy logic to improve yellow-light timing and reduce driver confusion.

SourceOregon State University·JournalTransportation Research Part F Traffic Psychology and Behaviour·DateMar 14, 2012

In developing countries, female sex workers 14 times more likely to become infected by HIV

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that female sex workers are nearly 14 times more likely to be infected with HIV compared to the general population. The analysis of 102 previous studies representing almost 100,000 female sex workers in 50 countries revealed a significant disparity in HIV prevalence a...

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateMar 14, 2012

Study finds expensive procedure no more effective than medical therapy to prevent strokes

A new international multi-site randomized study found that a catheter procedure to close a hole in patients' hearts was not more effective than medical therapy in preventing recurrent strokes. The study, led by Anthony Furlan, M.D., of University Hospitals Case Medical Center, enrolled 909 patients and showed no statistically significa...

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 14, 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.

Some NHS trusts consistently outperform others on patient experience

Research published in BMJ Quality & Safety found that some NHS trusts deliver a consistently better experience for patients, with a strong association between Foundation Trust status and improved performance. The study identified system-wide successes and failures, highlighting areas for improvement across the healthcare system.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Quality & Safety·DateMar 14, 2012

Delivery of a small full-term infant puts mothers at risk for heart disease

A study published in PLOS One found that delivering a small full-term infant increases the mother's risk of ischemic heart disease by almost two-fold. The researchers suggest that this may be due to long-term cardiovascular changes triggered during pregnancy, which can lead to increased maternal risk for heart disease.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 14, 2012

Loss of appetite deciphered in brain cell circuit

Researchers discovered a brain circuit that mediates loss of appetite in mice, revealing potential therapeutic targets for eating disorders. The study identified interventions that can restore normal appetite and prevent starvation by modulating signals from specific nerve cells.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature·DateMar 14, 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.

Few genes control neuronal function

Researchers at Linköping University identified seven key transcription factors that specify the creation of 34 neuron groups in a fruit fly's antenna. This discovery sheds light on the mechanisms that diversify neurons and keep them diverse, crucial for future nerve cell cultivation and replacement.

SourceLinköping University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 14, 2012

Corn insecticide linked to great die-off of beneficial honeybees

A study published in Environmental Science & Technology reveals that seeds coated with neonicotinoid insecticides cause widespread deaths of honeybees. The researchers found that even modified machines designed to reduce seed fragmentation still led to bee fatalities, highlighting the need for innovative solutions.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMar 14, 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.

Epigenetic signatures direct the repair potential of reprogrammed cells

A study at Tufts University has identified specific epigenetic signatures that can predict the expression of a wound-healing protein in reprogrammed skin cells. This breakthrough brings researchers closer to developing personalized tissue regeneration strategies using stem cells from patients, eliminating the need for human embryonic s...

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalJournal of Cell Science·DateMar 14, 2012

How cancer cells start new tumor sites

Researchers have identified a critical link in the signaling pathway that enables cancer cells to establish tumors in distant parts of the body. A new drug targeting this molecule may help prevent cancer from spreading, offering hope for improved treatment options.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 14, 2012

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

A new study suggests that broader screening for hepatitis C virus (HCV) would be cost effective in reducing related mortality and morbidity. The report emphasizes the importance of linking those infected with the treatment they need to prevent further complications.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateMar 14, 2012

Breakthroughs in Chikungunya research from A*STAR spell new hope for better treatment and protection

Scientists at A*STAR's Singapore Immunology Network have made significant strides in understanding Chikungunya fever, a mosquito-borne disease that can cause severe joint pains. Researchers discovered a direct biomarker, IgG3 antibodies, to identify patients at risk of the more severe form of the disease.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateMar 14, 2012
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.

Evidence builds that meditation strengthens the brain, UCLA researchers say

Long-term meditators have larger amounts of cortical gyrification, indicating improved neural processing and information processing. The study also found a positive correlation between meditation years and insular gyrification, supporting the idea that meditation enhances regional brain structure.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateMar 14, 2012

Study suggests link between H. pylori bacteria and adult Type 2 diabetes

A recent study published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases found a significant association between H. pylori bacteria and elevated glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in adults, particularly those with obesity. This link suggests that the bacteria may play a role in the development of type 2 diabetes.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateMar 14, 2012

UN emission market needs urgent reform

A new study by the Economic & Social Research Council found that the UN's Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) is skewed towards polluting corporations and people who earn a living from the market. The CDM is meant to finance investment projects that reduce emissions and bring development benefits to poorer countries.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateMar 14, 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.

An integrated pest management program for coffee berry borer in Colombia

In Colombia, an integrated pest management (IPM) program for coffee berry borer successfully reduced insect damage and improved quality. The program involved harvesting fewer berries per tree, increasing parchment coffee bean quality, and increasing the proportion of high-quality specialty coffee sold.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Integrated Pest Management·DateMar 14, 2012

People in neighborhoods with healthy features have better heart health

Research at the American Heart Association's 2012 Scientific Sessions found that living in neighborhoods with favorable features, such as parks and healthy food options, is associated with better cardiovascular health. Participants with ideal health were more likely to be under age 55, male, and highly educated.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMar 14, 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.

CDC study shows outbreaks linked to imported foods increasing

A CDC study reveals a significant increase in foodborne disease outbreaks linked to imported foods between 2009 and 2010. Fish and spices were the most common sources of these outbreaks, with nearly half coming from Asia. The study highlights the growing global nature of the US food supply, exposing consumers to new pathogens.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·DateMar 14, 2012

Nano spiral staircases modify light

Researchers have successfully built nano spiral staircases with tailored optical material from DNA, modifying light in specific ways. The findings confirm predictions and show promise for developing novel optical lens systems with negative refractive index.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature·DateMar 14, 2012

New study lowers estimate of ancient sea-level rise

A new study suggests that the seas rose 20 to 43 feet higher than today during an extremely warm period 400,000 years ago, contradicting previous estimates. The research provides a simple explanation for high beach deposits and infers that Greenland and West Antarctica ice sheets collapsed at that time.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalNature·DateMar 14, 2012