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Science News Archive March 2012 - Page 22


Page 22 of 32

Research on rare bone disorder reveals new insights into autism

Research on multiple hereditary exostoses (MHE), a rare genetic disease, reveals the molecular basis of autistic symptoms in children with MHE. The study identifies the amygdala as the brain region responsible for autistic symptoms, shedding light on potential underlying causes and future treatments.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 12, 2012

UNC study identifies pockets of high cervical cancer rates in North Carolina

A recent UNC study revealed pockets of high cervical cancer rates in North Carolina, highlighting the need for targeted education, vaccination, and screening programs. The study found that less affluent counties had higher rates and mortality rates were disproportionately high among African American women.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateMar 12, 2012

March/April 2012 Annals of Family Medicine tip sheet

Researchers project that the cost of family health insurance premiums will surpass household income by 2033, with a current estimate suggesting this could happen as early as 2021. The study highlights the challenges and opportunities facing the US healthcare environment following the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Car...

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 12, 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.

ESA Southwestern branch awards presented in Little Rock

The ESA Southwestern Branch presented awards to Apurba Barman for his Outstanding Ph.D. Student Award and Rachel Mohr for her PhD Oral Presentation and Poster Presentation. The awardees showcased their research on entomology and its applications in agriculture, forensic science, and livestock management.

SourceEntomological Society of America·DateMar 12, 2012

Touch of gold improves nanoparticle fuel-cell reactions

Researchers at Brown University created a triple-headed metallic nanoparticle that generates higher current per unit of mass than any other nanoparticle catalyst tested, with good durability as well as good activity. The FePtAu nanoparticle removes carbon monoxide from the reaction, improving performance and stability.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 12, 2012

The first dinosaur discovered in Spain is younger than originally thought

The study, published in Geological Magazine, reveals that Aragosaurus ischiaticus, found in Teruel, Spain, is the oldest of its kind and could be a common ancestor. Its new age means it fills the gap in the transitional period between Jurassic and Cretaceous periods.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalGeological Magazine·DateMar 12, 2012

Routine glaucoma screening program may benefit middle-age African-American patients

Implementing a routine national glaucoma screening program for middle-age African American patients can be clinically effective in reducing undiagnosed glaucoma, with predicted reductions of 27% in undiagnosed glaucoma prevalence and 4.6% in glaucoma-related visual impairment. The projected cost is $80 per individual screened, and futu...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Ophthalmology·DateMar 12, 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 reports steady increases in long-term survival among children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, reflecting impact of treatment advances

The study reported a significant increase in five-year and 10-year survival rates for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, rising to 90.4% and 83.9%, respectively. Advances in treatment, including new drugs and supportive care, contributed to the improved outcomes.

SourceAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateMar 12, 2012

The shape of things to come

Researchers at McGill University have developed a mathematical method to predict the movement of oil and ash following environmental disasters. The tool uses Lagrangian Coherent Structures (LCSs) to forecast dramatic changes in pollution patterns, allowing for more informed decision-making about controlling spills.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 12, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Defect in transport system causes DNA chaos in red blood cells

A defect in the transport system of red blood cells leads to DNA chaos due to a lack of regulation by the Codanin-1 protein. This affects the development of red blood cells and highlights the importance of histone structure and gene regulation.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateMar 12, 2012

Scientists name 2 new species of horned dinosaur

Two new horned dinosaurs, Unescoceratops koppelhusae and Gryphoceratops morrisoni, have been named based on fossils found in Alberta, Canada. The discoveries fill gaps in the evolutionary history of small-bodied horned dinosaurs.

SourceCleveland Museum of Natural History·JournalCretaceous Research·DateMar 12, 2012

JCI early table of contents for March 12, 2012

A study found that bone marrow-derived progenitor cells promote liver regeneration in rats, improving our understanding of how liver tissue can regenerate following damage. Researchers also discovered a new determinant of human breast cancer metastasis, highlighting the potential for new therapeutics targeting this pathway.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 12, 2012

2 European neuroscientists awarded the Brain Prize 2012

Christine Petit and Karen Steel's pioneering research on the genetics of hearing and deafness has shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying ear development and function. Their work has led to significant advances in diagnosis, genetic counseling, and therapeutic decisions for patients with inherited forms of deafness.

SourceGrete Lundbeck European Brain Research Foundation·DateMar 12, 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.

Beliefs about genes, God, can change health communication strategies

A study by Penn State researchers found that people's beliefs about genes, God, and personal control can influence their communication strategies when diagnosed with a genetic disorder. The team identified four groups based on these beliefs, suggesting personalized approaches to simplify health communication strategies.

SourcePenn State·JournalHealth Communication·DateMar 12, 2012

Trudeau Institute announces latest discovery

A study by the Trudeau Institute has identified key mechanisms in controlling gamma-herpesvirus infections and their implications for treating and preventing cancer. Researchers found that immune responses differ between initial active phase and long-term latent infection phases.

SourceTrudeau Institute·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateMar 12, 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.

Growing market for human organs exploits poor

A Michigan State University anthropologist has exposed the horrific experiences of poor people who were victims of organ trafficking. Moniruzzaman's study found that kidney sellers are often plagued with health problems and receive inadequate compensation.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalMedical Anthropology Quarterly·DateMar 12, 2012

Statue, chapels and animal mummies found in Egypt by U of T team

A wooden statue of a king, believed to be female pharaoh Hatshepsut, was found along with an offering chapel and remains of over 80 animal mummies. The discovery provides insight into ritual activity associated with the great gods and challenges previous understanding of pharaonic representation.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·DateMar 12, 2012

The shape of things to come

Researchers have developed a mathematical method to forecast the movement of oil and ash in the environment following disasters. This technique uses Lagrangian Coherent Structures (LCSs) to detect the cores of complex patterns in ocean flows, predicting dramatic changes in pollution patterns.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 12, 2012

Prescribing opioids for pain after short-stay surgery appears associated with long-term use

A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that prescribing opioids for pain after short-stay surgery is associated with long-term analgesic use. Researchers analyzed population-based data and found that patients who received opioid prescriptions within seven days of surgery were more likely to become long-term opioid users.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateMar 12, 2012

'2 steps' ahead in cystic fibrosis research

A recent study suggests that restoring normal function to the mutant gene product responsible for cystic fibrosis requires correcting two distinct structural defects. This finding could lead to more effective therapeutic strategies for CF in the future.

SourceMcGill University·JournalCell·DateMar 12, 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.

New study examines how medical symptoms presented online makes a difference in health-care choices

A new study reveals that identifying symptoms in 'streaks' prompts people to perceive higher disease risk than uninterrupted series. Researchers found that alternating common and specific symptoms or longer lists can mitigate this effect, highlighting the importance of online presentation formats on medical decision-making.

SourceArizona State University·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 12, 2012

More children now living with 'life-limiting' conditions

A new study by University of Leeds researchers found that approximately 40,000 children in England are currently living with a life-limiting condition, with numbers rising year-on-year. The study highlights the need for specialist palliative care services to support these children and their families.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMar 12, 2012

Personal mobile computing increases doctors' efficiency

Providing personal mobile computers to medical residents increases their efficiency and enhances continuity of care. The study found that residents submitted 5% more orders before morning rounds and 8% more orders before handing off responsibilities.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateMar 12, 2012

Lifestyle changes for obese patients linked to modest weight loss

Researchers at WashU Medicine found that lifestyle interventions can slow weight gain and improve blood pressure in high-risk, low-income patients. Despite modest six-month weight losses, participants who received lifestyle intervention maintenance over two years experienced significant improvements in blood pressure control.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateMar 12, 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.

Dual solidification mechanisms of liquid ternary Fe-Cu-Sn alloy

Researchers have developed novel dual solidification mechanisms for a ternary Fe47.5Cu47.5Sn5 peritectic-type alloy, enabling the effective synthesis of advanced materials. The mechanisms involve peritectic solidification at moderate undercoolings and macroscopic phase separation at greater undercoolings.

SourceScience China Press·DateMar 12, 2012

DuPont joins Stanford's Global Climate and Energy Project

DuPont has joined the Global Climate and Energy Project (GCEP) at Stanford University, investing in research on solar and bio-energy technologies. The project's corporate sponsors have invested $113 million in 93 research programs since 2002, focusing on reducing costs and improving efficiencies of batteries and solar cells.

SourceStanford University·DateMar 12, 2012
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

A georeferenced digital 'comic' to improve emergency management

The system, eStorys, facilitates the search for photographs related to a specific theme, time or place and allows users to share digital stories that aid in understanding or documentation of emergency situations. Experts found it easy to use and exhibited good integration of its functional qualities.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalJournal of Visual Languages & Computing·DateMar 12, 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.

Correcting human mitochondrial mutations

Researchers at UCLA have identified a method to correct human mitochondrial mutations by targeting corrective RNAs, which could lead to treating a range of mitochondrial diseases. The study builds on previous work that uncovered a role for an essential protein in regulating RNA import into mitochondria.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 12, 2012

Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement threatens public health

The draft TPPA threatens progressive public health policies by shifting the balance of power in favour of transnational corporate interests. The agreement aims to set a 'gold standard' for removing barriers to the global alcohol and tobacco industries, posing minimal impediments to global strategies.

SourceWiley·JournalAddiction·DateMar 12, 2012

Potential role of parents' work exposures in autism risk examined

A pilot study found associations between parental exposure to certain solvents and an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in their children. The researchers also observed higher levels of asphalt and solvent exposures among parents of children with ASD compared to those without the condition.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateMar 12, 2012

A new theory on the formation of the oldest continents

Researchers propose that oceanic crust 'oozed' continents at depths of 30-40 kilometers instead of 100 km, supported by analysis of oldest rocks. This new theory challenges the conventional understanding of continental crust formation.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalGeology·DateMar 12, 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.

Southeastern Entomology awards presented in Little Rock, Arkansas

Dr. Amanda C. Hodges received the 2012 Distinguished Achievement Award in Extension for her extensive work on plant pest diagnostics, training, and research. Dr. Gregg S. Nuessly was awarded the 2011 Distinguished Achievement Award in Horticultural Entomology for his contributions to research and extension projects on turfgrass pests.

SourceEntomological Society of America·DateMar 12, 2012

Diamond-based materials brighten the future of electronics

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have discovered a new pathway for creating nanocrystalline-diamond thin films that can significantly improve the performance of certain types of integrated circuits. By reducing thermal budget, these materials can sustain higher current densities, leading to more efficient electronic devices.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 12, 2012

Discovery could reduce chemo's side effects

A team of researchers at Duke University has determined the structure of a concentrative nucleoside transporter, which works by moving nucleosides from outside to inside of cells. This discovery may lead to more effective drugs with fewer effects on healthy tissue.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalNature·DateMar 11, 2012

Why do we see the man in the moon?

Researchers found that the Moon's synchronous rotation with Earth is due to its geophysical properties, not a result of chance. The near side of the Moon resembles the Man in the Moon due to volcanic material, while the far side has higher mountainous regions.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalIcarus·DateMar 11, 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.

Tracing the UK's No. 1 sexually transmitted infection

Researchers used whole genome sequencing to reveal that Chlamydia strains can swap DNA, making it harder to detect new strains and track re-infections. This knowledge is crucial for improving Chlamydia testing and implementing health policies to combat the spread of this common STI.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateMar 11, 2012

US citizenship may be determined at random

A Michigan State University researcher found that the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) test is not reliable in measuring civics knowledge. The test questions are randomly selected from a pool of 100, but no data has been released on their reliability or validity.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalLanguage Assessment Quarterly·DateMar 11, 2012

World breakthrough on salt-tolerant wheat

A team of Australian scientists has bred salt tolerance into a variety of durum wheat, showing improved grain yield by 25% on salty soils. The research uses non-GM crop breeding techniques and introduces a salt-tolerant gene that works by excluding sodium from the leaves.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMar 11, 2012

Researchers discover mechanism in cells that leads to inflammatory diseases

Cedars-Sinai researchers identified the mechanism that leads to interleukin-1beta production, a major contributor to inflammation in conditions like atherosclerotic heart disease and strokes. This discovery could lead to treatments that prevent its production, resulting in more effective medications for inflammatory diseases.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalImmunity·DateMar 11, 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.

Antidepressant shows promise as cancer treatment

A team of researchers has found that an antidepressant called tranylcypromine (TCP) can harness the power of a vitamin A-derivative to treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The study reveals that inhibiting an enzyme called LSD1 with TCP can switch genes on, making cancer cells susceptible to ATRA.

SourceSamuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 11, 2012

Sending out an SOS: How telomeres incriminate cells that can't divide

Researchers found that telomeres send out a molecular SOS signal when cells take too long to divide, leading to the activation of DNA damage pathways and cell death. This discovery has implications for cancer chemotherapy, suggesting ways to make therapy more potent by combining mitotic inhibitors with other drugs.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateMar 11, 2012

Protein discovery could switch off cardiovascular disease

Researchers have found a protein called pregnane X receptor (PXR) that can sense harmful substances in the blood and activate protective pathways in blood vessels. This discovery has major implications for preventing cardiovascular disease, the UK's biggest killer.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalCardiovascular Research·DateMar 11, 2012

Greenland ice sheet may melt completely with 1.6 degrees global warming

A new study suggests the Greenland ice sheet may melt completely within 500 years under 8 degrees Celsius global warming, while a 2-degree limit would take 50,000 years to achieve. The melting could accelerate due to feedbacks between climate and the ice sheet, with significant consequences for sea levels.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMar 11, 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.

Mount Sinai researchers identify promising new drug target for kidney disease

Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine have identified HIPK2 as a crucial regulator protein in kidney fibrosis, leading to improved conditions when eliminated or inhibited. The study provides a new therapeutic target for the treatment of kidney failure, affecting millions of Americans.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 11, 2012