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Science News Archive March 2012 - Page 27


Page 27 of 32

Study: Most weight loss supplements are not effective

A study by Oregon State University researcher Melinda Manore found that no single supplement results in significant weight loss, while many have detrimental health benefits. She emphasizes the importance of exercise and a balanced diet, such as eating whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean meats.

SourceOregon State University·JournalInternational Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism·DateMar 6, 2012

Fish exposed to SSRIs exhibit abnormal behavior, Baylor study finds

Researchers at Baylor University found that fish exposed to Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) display abnormal behavior and reduced anxiety. The study used digital tracking software to monitor shelter-seeking behavior in fathead minnows under laboratory conditions.

SourceBaylor University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMar 6, 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.

NASA sees Tropical Cyclone Irina still looping at sea

Tropical Cyclone Irina is making a slow loop in the southern Mozambique Channel, with maximum sustained winds near 45 knots. The storm is weakening due to cool sea surface temperatures and moderate wind shear, with forecasters predicting potential dissipation in the next day or two.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 6, 2012

Studies show that CYP2D6 genotype does not predict tamoxifen benefit

Two studies found that CYP2D6 genotypes associated with reduced enzyme activity do not predict clinical responsiveness to adjuvant tamoxifen therapy among postmenopausal women. This challenges the conventional hypothesis that poor metabolizers experience fewer side effects and may receive less benefit from tamoxifen.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 6, 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.

Carp dominate crayfish in invasive species battleground

A study by Queen Mary University of London found that common carp have driven Louisiana red swamp crayfish away from Lake Naivasha, leading to a shift in the food web. The carp's dominance has resulted in the crayfish being forced to eat lower-quality diets, making it nearly impossible to catch them.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 6, 2012

Listening to the 9.0-magnitude Japanese earthquake

Researchers have converted the Tohoku-Oki earthquake's seismic waves into audio files, enabling the audience to hear pitch and amplitude changes, as well as familiar sounds like thunder, popcorn popping, and fireworks. This unique representation helps explain various aspects of the earthquake sequence, including mainshocks and aftersho...

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalSeismological Research Letters·DateMar 6, 2012

A bird's song may teach us about human speech disorders

A new study by UCLA scientists has discovered that over 2,000 genes in the brain of zebra finches are significantly linked to singing. These genes, which include FoxP2 and reelin, may also play a critical role in human speech and speech disorders such as stuttering and autism.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNeuron·DateMar 6, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study reveals how protein machinery binds and wraps DNA to start replication

Researchers have mapped the molecular-level details of how protein machinery binds and wraps DNA to start replication, a crucial process for cell division. The study sheds light on how this complex choreography is orchestrated by intricate cellular proteins, potentially leading to new ways to fight cancer.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalStructure·DateMar 6, 2012

Canadian farmers trust regulated dairy industry

A University of Illinois study found Canadian dairy farmers feel secure under the supply management system, which protects their income but restricts milk production. The system's inefficiencies have led to changes in management practices, such as reducing herd size and limiting exports.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalApplied Economic Perspectives and Policy·DateMar 6, 2012

Hypothermia protects the brain against damage during stroke

Researchers found that mild hypothermia (34C) can offset the damage caused by tPA treatment in rats, reducing swelling and damaged tissue after a stroke. The therapy may also increase the time window for tPA treatment, potentially benefiting patients who experience significant brain function loss.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalExperimental & Translational Stroke Medicine·DateMar 6, 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.

Next stop, Mount Everest

A UC Riverside Ph.D. candidate will attempt to summit Mount Everest for the second time, this time as part of his dissertation research on Himalayan mountaineering communities. His research focuses on the types of communities climbers create and the transformation of Sherpa society after decades of aiding international climbers.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateMar 6, 2012

Influencing stem cell fate

Scientists at Northwestern University developed a powerful analytical method called nanocombinatorics to rapidly identify the chemical and physical structures that cue stem cells to become osteocytes. The researchers successfully directed stem cell differentiation without additional chemical cues, demonstrating better control than curr...

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 2012

Life-saving radio campaign launches in Burkina Faso

A pioneering new project aims to save thousands of lives in Burkina Faso through innovative radio health messages. The campaign targets pregnant women and new mothers to reduce child mortality rates before the age of five, with a predicted impact of 15-20% reduction in childhood mortality.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·DateMar 6, 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.

The challenges of cancer vaccines

Therapeutic cancer vaccines are being evaluated in clinical trials with immune checkpoint inhibitors and small-molecule targeted therapies to overcome immunosuppressive entities. Patients with fewer chemotherapeutic regimens respond better to vaccines, indicating a shift towards combination therapies.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 6, 2012

Surgery recommended as early intervention for some with epilepsy

A study found that 73% of patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy who underwent surgery were seizure-free after two years. The procedure, called anteromesial temporal resection, also improved quality of life for those patients. Early diagnosis and referral to specialized centers are crucial for optimal treatment outcomes.

SourceLA BioMed·JournalJAMA·DateMar 6, 2012

Developing health systems guidance: New series

A new series of health system guidance is needed to address challenges such as translating research in low- and middle-income countries. The authors suggest that further research is required to develop meaningful advice on health systems complexity, political systems, and contexts.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 6, 2012

Report highlights understudied, unwelcome side of cancer treatment

A new report by a national scientific committee reveals that gains in cancer survival have come at the cost of second malignancies and cardiovascular disease. The report calls for the development of better risk estimates and prediction models to prevent serious health problems among cancer survivors.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 6, 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.

Cebit 2012: 3-D animations for everyone

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Informatics have developed two computer programs that can create 3D characters in mere seconds. The software uses databases of pre-made models to simplify the creation process, allowing users to assemble and animate their own custom characters.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·DateMar 6, 2012

High blood glucose levels may increase kidney disease in elderly populations

A recent study published in The Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that elderly people with the metabolic syndrome are at a higher risk of chronic kidney disease. Insulin resistance and high blood glucose levels were also linked to rapid decline in renal function.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMar 6, 2012

UCLA scientists uncover mechanism for melanoma drug resistance

Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have uncovered a mechanism by which melanoma becomes resistant to the BRAF inhibitor Zelboraf. By amplifying the mutated BRAF gene, cancer cells can overproduce the drug target protein, rendering the treatment ineffective.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 6, 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.

Address barriers to housing ex-offenders, says research

Ex-offenders face significant barriers to securing accommodation due to local authority restrictions, limited housing connections, and complex needs. Strengthening relationships between housing advice agencies, local authorities, and third sector organisations is crucial for reducing reoffending rates.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·DateMar 6, 2012

Survey paints a portrait of the UK

The survey highlights the challenges faced by young people, including unemployment and lack of access to higher education. It also reveals a diverse UK population with increasing connections to other countries, particularly among White British individuals.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateMar 6, 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.

New depression treatment 'safe and effective'

A major Australian study of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has found up to half of depressed participants experienced substantial improvements after receiving the treatment. The largest randomized controlled trial to date confirms previous reports of significant antidepressant effects, with results showing improved atte...

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·DateMar 6, 2012

2 heads are not always better than 1

A study by Julia Minson and Jennifer S. Mueller found that collaboration can exacerbate the rejection of outside information, leading to reduced judgment accuracy. Despite initial marginally higher accuracy, pairs' estimates quickly matched those of individuals after revision, highlighting the importance of considering outside input.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 6, 2012

Dung beetle diversity affects Florida livestock producers

The study found that four of the six most commonly collected beetles were introduced species, suggesting they displaced native species due to available niches or competition. Dynamic and unique dung beetle diversity was observed on each farm, influenced by herd management practices.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalAnnals of the Entomological Society of America·DateMar 6, 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.

Vitamin D deficiency linked to higher mortality in female nursing home residents

A recent study found that vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased mortality in female nursing home residents. The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, examined 961 nursing home residents and found that 92.8% were deficient in vitamin D.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMar 6, 2012

New H5N1 viruses: How to balance risk of escape with benefits of research?

Two experts argue different views on balancing biosecurity and potentially life-saving research for H5N1 viruses. Adolfo García-Sastre advocates for enhanced BSL-3 facilities to prevent human exposure while Michael Hanna suggests BSL-4 containment due to vaccine limitations and potential for rapid spread.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateMar 6, 2012

Study finds estrogen-only HRT continues to protect women against breast cancer long after they have stopped taking the treatment

Women who used estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are less likely to develop breast cancer and die from the disease compared to those who never used HRT. The study, based on data from over 7,500 women, found a 23% reduction in breast cancer incidence and a 63% reduction in deaths from the disease.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateMar 6, 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.

CNIO scientists discover in studies with mice that an anti-cancer gene also fights obesity

Researchers found that an anti-cancer gene can help combat obesity and age-related diseases by activating brown fat, a type of tissue that burns off excess fat. A synthetic compound with the same effect has been developed, offering hope for a new drug to boost tumour suppressors or improve nutrient metabolism.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMar 6, 2012

Semi-automated 'pathwalking' to build a protein model

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have developed a semi-automated protocol called pathwalking to generate initial models of protein folds from near-atomic resolution images. This approach enables the rapid generation of ensemble models that can be optimized for full atomic models.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalStructure·DateMar 6, 2012

Home measurement of eye pressure in children may improve management of glaucoma

Home measurement of IOP can provide baseline information about expected variability of eye pressures in healthy children, according to a new study. The study found that normal eyes of healthy children have a fluctuation in eye pressure of about five mm Hg throughout the day.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus·DateMar 6, 2012

Study: With the right photo, your Facebook text profile hardly matters

A study by Ohio State University found that Facebook profile photos play a significant role in forming impressions of individuals, with most viewers relying on the photo to gauge extraversion. The results suggest that when a profile photo aligns with expected social norms, it can overshadow text-based information.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Communication·DateMar 6, 2012
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.

Innovative efforts to reduce colorectal cancer disparities in Alaska Native population

A new study describes innovative efforts to increase colorectal cancer screening rates among Alaska Natives, resulting in a 55% statewide screening rate. The pilot projects included training mid-level providers, itinerant endoscopy services, patient navigator services, and database creation to identify high-risk individuals.

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateMar 6, 2012

Spectroscopic imaging reveals early changes leading to breast tumors

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new imaging technique to detect subtle changes in breast tissue, which may help determine a woman's risk of developing breast cancer. The technology uses vibrational spectral microscopy to identify early precancerous stages and study the impact of fatty acids on breast tissue.

SourcePurdue University·DateMar 6, 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.

The cutting edge

Using guillotine-based experiments and computer modeling, researchers at the University of Bristol studied the efficiency of bladed tooth shapes. They found that different shaped teeth are optimized for different types of food, with V-shaped edges being similar to those found in sharks and carnivorous mammals.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalInterface·DateMar 6, 2012

Give your snack a national nutrition month makeover with pistachios

Consuming tree nuts like pistachios is associated with lower risk factors for metabolic syndrome, including abdominal obesity, hypertension, and elevated fasting glucose. Pistachios are also high in fiber, vitamin B6, manganese, and copper, making them a healthy snack option that can aid in weight management and support heart health.

SourceParamount Farms·JournalJournal of the American College of Nutrition·DateMar 6, 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.

Responding to the radiation threat

Scientists at Berkeley Lab are developing a much more effective alternative to decontaminate a large number of actinides, including plutonium and uranium. The treatment can be administered orally in the form of a pill, resulting in approximately 90-percent actinide contaminant excretion within 24 hours.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalHemoglobin·DateMar 6, 2012

Galaxy cluster hidden in plain view

The team discovered the most distant cluster of red galaxies, 30 galaxies packed together, 10.5 billion light years away, and formed the earliest known 'galaxy city' in the universe. The findings revealed a conspicuous concentration of galaxies that existed three billion years ago, providing insights into galaxy evolution and assembly.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMar 6, 2012

New Notre Dame study examines density stratification on microorganisms in aquatic ecosystems

Researchers at the University of Notre Dame have found that density stratification has a significant impact on small organisms in aquatic ecosystems. Organisms near pycnoclines experience reduced risk of predation, affording a competitive advantage, which can lead to an accumulation of particles and alter environmental processes.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 2012
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.