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Science News Archive March 2012 - Page 20


Page 20 of 32

Controversial study promoting psychic ability debunked

A new study has failed to replicate a controversial experiment suggesting the existence of precognition, thereby debunking claims of psychic ability. The researchers, led by Stuart Ritchie, found no statistically significant effects in their attempts to replicate the results.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 14, 2012

New study shows promise for developing new treatments for breast cancer

Researchers at the University of Kentucky have identified a key protein interaction that promotes metastasis in triple-negative breast cancer. Snail interacts with G9a to suppress E-cadherin expression, which is critical for cell adhesion and preventing tumor spread.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 14, 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 finds a quarter of adults with HIV were abused as children

A two-year Duke University study found that over half of patients had experienced sexual or physical abuse in their lifetime, leading to worse medical outcomes and poorer health-related behaviors. Childhood trauma was also associated with instances of unprotected sex, missing antiretroviral medications, and recent emergency room visits.

SourceDuke University·JournalJAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes·DateMar 14, 2012

An avalanche of planning for multi-national Arctic field campaigns

The US GEOTRACES initiative will conduct a grand-scale, coordinated experiment in the Arctic Ocean to better understand climate change impacts on ecosystems and geochemical cycles. The project aims to establish a baseline for future measurements and inform feedback mechanisms for Arctic change.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·DateMar 14, 2012

Researchers identify unexpected player in intestinal immunity

Goblet cells, previously thought to only secrete mucus, have been found to chaperone food antigens in the intestine, connecting them to dendritic cells. This discovery provides new insights into intestinal immunity and potential targets for therapies against inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, and food allergies.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature·DateMar 14, 2012

Deaths from gastroenteritis doubles

The number of US deaths from gastroenteritis increased by 10,000 over eight years, with adults over 65 accounting for most deaths. C. difficile and norovirus were the top infectious causes, with a five-fold increase in C. difficile deaths.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·DateMar 14, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scientists map genetic evolution of leukemia

Researchers sequenced DNA from cancer cells in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes who later developed leukemia, finding that the disease is an early form of cancer. The study suggests that targeted cancer drugs should be aimed at mutations that develop early in the disease.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 14, 2012

A study confirms the correlation between premature alopecia and prostate conditions

Spanish scientists have confirmed a clear relationship between androgenetic alopecia and benign prostate hyperplasia, with men experiencing premature baldness at higher risk for BPH. The study, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, found an association between hormone levels and prostate volume.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology·DateMar 14, 2012

Mystery human fossils put spotlight on China

The discovery of fossils from two caves in south-west China reveals a previously unknown Stone Age people with unusual anatomical features. Dated to 14,500-11,500 years old, these individuals may represent a previously unknown species or early migration of modern humans out of Africa.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 14, 2012

UNH research adds to mounting evidence against popular pavement sealcoat

Researchers found significant health and ecosystem implications from coal-tar-based sealcoats, which release PAHs detrimental to human and ecosystem health. The study recommends avoiding coal-tar-based sealcoats in favor of asphalt-based ones or no sealcoat at all.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·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.

2 new NASA LRO videos: See moon's evolution, take a tour

Two new NASA LRO videos reveal the moon's evolutionary history, exploring how it came to appear today. The 'Evolution of the Moon' video explains the moon's formation from a giant ball of magma and its subsequent impact that formed the South Pole-Aitken Basin.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 14, 2012

Japanese honeybees swarm huge hornet predator to kill it with heat

Researchers have discovered that Japanese honeybees use a novel defense mechanism when threatened by Asian giant hornets, creating a 'hot defensive bee ball' to cook the hornet. This behavior differs from European honeybees and is associated with increased neural activity in higher brain centers.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 14, 2012

Are silver nanoparticles harmful?

A recent study by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health found that silver nanoparticles can suppress cellular growth and multiplication, causing cell death depending on concentration and duration of exposure. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles also caused DNA damage but with weaker effects.

SourceNorwegian Institute of Public Health·JournalToxicology·DateMar 14, 2012

Silicon-carbon electrodes snap, swell, don't pop

The study reveals that silicon-carbon nanocomposite electrodes can withstand repeated use and charging cycles without significant degradation. The electrodes' expansion and contraction caused by lithium ion flow are more even and less prone to imperfections, leading to improved battery performance and potential for longer lifetimes.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 14, 2012
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Study finds genes improving survival with higher chemo doses in leukemia

Researchers found gene mutations in DNMT3A and NPM1, as well as translocations, associated with improved patient outcomes when treated with higher doses of daunorubicin chemotherapy. This discovery could help physicians tailor treatment plans for individual patients.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 14, 2012

Diverse catches are better for fishery ecosystems

A scientific team reports that a 'balanced harvest' can achieve productive fisheries while conserving environmental factors, according to the journal Science paper. This approach maximizes production and minimizes ecological effects by targeting multiple species and sizes.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalScience·DateMar 14, 2012

New study of pine nuts leaves mystery of 'pine mouth' unsolved

Researchers analyzed fatty acid composition and DNA analysis to identify the source of US-grown pine nuts. Most samples found to be mixtures of different species, but combining these methods didn't definitively link to 'pine mouth',

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateMar 14, 2012

JAMA study finds patients with stroke symptoms are still not calling 911

A study published in JAMA found that the number of stroke victims transported via ambulance has remained relatively static over the years, emphasizing the importance of recognizing stroke symptoms and calling 911. Early treatment is possible with effective drugs and surgeries that can minimize brain damage from a stroke.

SourceNewYork-Presbyterian·JournalJAMA·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.

Ob-gyns can prevent negative health impacts of environmental chemicals

Researchers call for ob-gyns to evaluate patients' exposure to environmental chemicals, provide education, and advocate for policy change to reduce toxic exposures. The human reproductive system is vulnerable to biological changes caused by chemicals during critical periods of development.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateMar 14, 2012

Clinical news alert: Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons highlights

The Spine Patient Outcomes Research Trial (SPORT) found surgical treatment significantly favored outcomes for IDH, DS, and LSS, while vitamin D deficiency is critical to musculoskeletal health. A new study urges orthopaedic surgeons to proactively diagnose and treat vitamin D deficiency, which can improve treatment results for various ...

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateMar 13, 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.

Get me out of this slump! Visual illusions improve sports performance

A study by Jessi Witt and coauthors found that visual illusions can improve sports performance, particularly in free throws. By projecting a ring of circles around the basket, players sank more putts when the hole looked bigger—about 10 percent more.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 13, 2012
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Research suggests new therapeutic approach for spinal cord injury

Researchers have discovered that administering FTY720, an oral drug shown promise for multiple sclerosis, significantly improves motor function recovery in mice with spinal cord injuries. The study suggests targeting sphingosine 1-phosphate receptors may be a new avenue to counteract the degeneration of the spinal cord in human SCI.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateMar 13, 2012

Baboon-like social structure creates efficiencies for spotted hyena

Recent study in Molecular Ecology reveals spotted hyenas exhibit strong kinship relationships, affected by resource reduction. The San Diego Zoo Global Wildlife Conservancy's conservation efforts focus on understanding and conserving these social systems.

SourceSan Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateMar 13, 2012

JoVE shows how researchers open the brain to new treatments

A new technique published in JoVE uses MRI-guided microbubbles and focused ultrasound to disrupt the blood-brain barrier, potentially opening new treatment avenues for devastating conditions like Alzheimer's and brain cancers. The method is safer than current methods, which can leave large areas of the barrier exposed to toxins.

SourceThe Journal of Visualized Experiments·JournalJournal of Visualized Experiments·DateMar 13, 2012

Reduced baby risk from another cesarean

A major study led by the University of Adelaide found that women who had one prior cesarean can lower the risk of death and serious complications for their next baby. Infants born to these women had a significantly lower risk of serious complications compared to those born after a vaginal birth following a prior cesarean.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 13, 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.

NASA sees double tropical trouble in northern Australia

Tropical Cyclone Lua has strengthened to a minimum tropical storm with maximum sustained winds near 35 knots, while System 96P is getting organized in the Southern Pacific Ocean. Both systems are affecting coastal areas in northern Australia and are expected to bring heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and rough surf.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 13, 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.

Research reveals carbon footprint caused by China's irrigation system

A new study reveals China's groundwater irrigation system is responsible for releasing over 30 million tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere every year. This significant pollution is caused by the energy needed to pump water from underground, with some areas requiring pumps that run for miles.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMar 13, 2012

NASA and CSA robotic operations advance satellite servicing

A NASA experiment aboard the International Space Station has demonstrated remotely controlled robots can perform precise satellite-servicing tasks in space, marking a milestone in technology test bed use. The project is expected to reduce risks and encourage future robotic servicing missions, paving the way for satellite repair, refuel...

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 13, 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.

A fragrant new biofuel

JBEI researchers have engineered Escherichia coli bacteria to generate significant quantities of methyl ketone compounds from glucose, which yielded high cetane numbers comparable to gasoline. The findings add flexibility and options for the biofuels industry, with potential applications in producing advanced biofuels.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateMar 13, 2012

Gene Kritsky to give Entomology Founders' Memorial lecture

Gene Kritsky will give the Entomology Founders' Memorial Award lecture at Entomology 2012, honoring Charles Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection. Dr. Kritsky's research has significantly contributed to understanding periodical cicadas and apiculture.

SourceEntomological Society of America·DateMar 13, 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.

Italian researchers found how to stop low back pain

Researchers at the Catholic University of Rome found that high concentrations of NF-kB cause degeneration of intervertebral discs, leading to chronic low back pain. They developed an experimental drug, NBD peptide, to inhibit NF-kB and tested its success in mice.

SourceCatholic University of Rome·JournalSpine·DateMar 13, 2012

Optics Express focus issue: Modular ultrafast lasers

The Optics Express Focus Issue on Modular Ultrafast Lasers showcases state-of-the-art developments in femtosecond lasers, enabling new applications in biology, medicine, chemistry, and energy research. Key findings include the generation of broad-bandwidth frequency combs for precision metrology and spectroscopy.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateMar 13, 2012

UC Riverside alumna receives high honor in genetics

Stephanie Turner Chen has received the Larry Sandler Memorial Award for her research on the detection of carbon dioxide in fruit flies and mosquitoes. Her work provides a novel approach to mosquito control, revealing odors that inhibit their ability to detect carbon dioxide.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateMar 13, 2012

Santorini: The ground is moving again in paradise

Scientists have recorded unprecedented deformation within Santorini's caldera, with movement of up to nine centimeters between GPS stations. The volcano's magma chamber has expanded by 14 million cubic meters since January, raising concerns about a potential eruption.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMar 13, 2012

A new approach to faster anticancer drug discovery

Scientists at UC San Diego School of Medicine developed a new strategy for faster anticancer drug discovery by analyzing the genetic pathway of disease. They identified Peruvoside, a cardiac glycoside, as a potential treatment for prostate cancer with minimal side effects.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 13, 2012
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.

Cancer epigenetics: Breakthrough in ID'ing target genes

A new study from Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine has developed a computer program called EpiPredictor to rapidly identify genes targeted by epigenetic proteins. The program, which was funded in part by the Cancer Prevention Research Institute of Texas, shows promise for speeding up research in cancer epigenetics.

SourceRice University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateMar 13, 2012

Storage time for cartilage transplant tissue doubled by MU researchers

Cartilage transplant tissue can now be stored for up to 63 days, compared to 28 days previously, using a new method developed by researchers at the University of Missouri. This increase in storage time is expected to greatly improve the success rate of joint grafting procedures.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalThe Journal of Knee Surgery·DateMar 13, 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.

More trans fat consumption linked to greater aggression

A study published in PLOS ONE found that dietary trans fatty acids are associated with irritability and aggression in both men and women of all ages. The research, which analyzed data from nearly 1,000 adults, suggests a strong link between trans fat consumption and aggressive behaviors.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 13, 2012