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Science News Archive March 2012 - Page 28


Page 28 of 32

Texas A&M astronomers help find distant galaxy cluster to shed light on early universe

The discovery of the most distant galaxy cluster reveals that it is located 10.5 billion light-years away from our Milky Way galaxy and contains a dense concentration of 30 galaxies. This finding provides insights into the evolution of galaxy clusters and the formation of large urban centers in the universe's earliest moments.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMar 6, 2012

Irreversible catastrophic brain hemorrhage after minor injury in a patient on dabigatran

A case report reveals the devastating consequences of dabigatran-induced brain hemorrhage, emphasizing the importance of rapid assessment and intervention after minor head trauma in patients taking anticoagulant medications. The study's findings underscore the need for medical providers to be aware of this high-risk complication.

SourceJournal of Neurosurgery Publishing Group·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·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.

Removing molecule speeds relief from depression

A study suggests deleting a protein that regulates nerve cell growth can increase new nerve cells and speed up antidepressant effects, potentially offering a novel therapeutic approach for depression. The research found that mice without this protein showed improved symptoms of depression and anxiety even without medication.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateMar 6, 2012

Looking at the man in the moon

Caltech researchers found that the man in the moon's face is not just a coincidence, but rather a result of the moon's slowed-down rotation rate. The side with the man facing Earth had about two-to-one odds of being visible due to the dissipation rate of the moon's rotational energy.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalIcarus·DateMar 6, 2012

Marriage: A powerful heart drug in short supply

A new study by the American Sociological Association found that married adults undergoing heart surgery are more than three times as likely to survive the next three months compared to single individuals. The study also showed that marriage continues to provide a strong protective effect on survival for up to five years after surgery.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·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.

Pilot program demonstrates measureable benefits for people with schizophrenia

A six-month pilot program demonstrates measureable benefits for individuals with schizophrenia, improving communication, social interaction, and coping skills. The program, Advancing Standards of Care for People with Schizophrenia, uses evidence-based tools to encourage participants to take control of their mental illness.

SourceChandler Chicco Agency·DateMar 6, 2012

Olson, noted UT Southwestern molecular biologist, wins 2012 Passano Award

Dr. Eric Olson has won the 2012 Passano Award for his groundbreaking research on the genetic pathways that control heart development and function. His discoveries have profoundly influenced our understanding of congenital and acquired diseases of the heart, leading to advances in new cardiovascular therapeutics.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·DateMar 6, 2012

Computer software monitoring detects ICD malfunctions sooner

A new software program can detect ICD problems earlier than traditional monitoring methods, potentially saving thousands of patients from health risks. The automated system analyzed large databases of ICD patients and found issues with recalled leads at least a year before recalls were issued.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMar 6, 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.

Is aggressive treatment of severe traumatic brain injury cost effective?

A study published in the Journal of Neurosurgery found that aggressive treatment of severe traumatic brain injury results in better patient outcomes and is cost-effective across all age groups. Aggressive care outperformed routine care, while comfort care had poor outcomes and high costs.

SourceJournal of Neurosurgery Publishing Group·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·DateMar 6, 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.

Finding your friends and following them to where you are

Computer scientists at the University of Rochester developed a model that can determine a person's location within a 100-meter radius using only their friends' locations on Twitter. The researchers achieved an accuracy rate of 85% in one experiment, tracking individuals to within one city block in over eight out of ten instances.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·DateMar 6, 2012

Fasudil bypasses genetic cause of spinal birth defect

Researchers discovered that Fasudil increases the size of muscle fibers and their connection to motor neurons, improving the movement of SMA mice. This treatment bypasses the genetic cause of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) by targeting the ROCK intracellular signaling pathway.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medicine·DateMar 6, 2012

NIH-funded study defines treatment window for HIV+ children infected at birth

A NIH-funded study found that HIV-positive children treated after showing moderate symptoms did not experience greater cognitive or behavior problems compared to those treated earlier. However, both groups lagged behind HIV-negative peers in these areas, suggesting an early treatment window for minimizing impairments.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·DateMar 6, 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.

Exercise changes your DNA

Researchers discovered that exercise alters DNA molecules within muscles, leading to improved strength and metabolism. The study also found that caffeine can mimic this effect, suggesting a potential alternative to traditional exercise for some individuals.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMar 6, 2012

1 in 4 US HIV patients don't stay in care, Penn study shows

A recent US study found that only about 75% of HIV/AIDS patients in the United States remain in consistent care, with long gaps between appointments common. Patients with certain characteristics, such as women, white patients, and those with low CD4 counts, are more likely to stay in care.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAIDS·DateMar 6, 2012

Blocking natural, marijuana-like chemical in the brain boosts fat burning

Researchers at UCI found that blocking an endocannabinoid compound called 2-AG boosts fat burning and leads to weight loss in mice. The study suggests that this natural chemical plays a critical role in energy metabolism, and blocking its production may lead to new treatments for obesity.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMar 6, 2012

Research on flavanols and procyanidins provides new insights into how these phytonutrients may positively impact human health

Recent studies have demonstrated that flavanols and procyanidins play distinct roles in the human body, with flavanols being directly absorbed to exert cardiovascular benefits. In contrast, procyanidins are poorly absorbed and do not break down into flavanols, suggesting a need for more precise discrimination between these phytonutrients.

SourceCNC (UK) Ltd.·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·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.

Adolescent AIDS expert co-authors new guidelines for therapy entry and adherence

The International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care published new evidence-based guidelines to overcome barriers to optimal HIV care. The guidelines address key areas such as entry into care, monitoring adherence, and education, with a focus on special populations like children and adolescents.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 6, 2012

New method for estimating parameters may boost biological models

Researchers at NC State University have developed a new method to estimate parameters in oscillatory biological systems, allowing for more accurate and predictable models. This approach factors in the frequency of concentrations within the system, eliminating hills and valleys, making it easier to identify optimal parameters.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·DateMar 6, 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.

A culprit behind brain tumor resistance to therapy

A study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine found that persistent protein expression may explain why brain tumors return after therapy. The research suggests blocking an active VEGF receptor could represent a new treatment option for glioblastoma cases where traditional therapies have failed.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMar 5, 2012

Embryonic development protein active in cancer growth

Scientists at University of California, San Diego have identified ROR1 as a protein expressed by breast cancer cells but not normal adult tissues. Silencing its expression impairs tumor growth and survival, making it a potential therapeutic target for future anti-cancer drugs.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 5, 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.

Characterization of winter organic aerosols in Beijing, China

Organic aerosol is a significant fraction of fine particles in Beijing, with key role in air pollution. Recent study characterizes winter organic aerosols using high-resolution measurements, revealing prominent accumulation mode and photochemical characteristics.

SourceScience China Press·JournalChinese Science Bulletin·DateMar 5, 2012

Scientists search for source of creativity

A new study by USC researchers reveals that creativity requires both hemispheres of the brain, with the left hemisphere playing a crucial supporting role. The study found that visual creative tasks lit up the left hemisphere more than non-creative tasks, indicating its potential importance in creative thinking.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateMar 5, 2012

Head for the cloud

Researchers identified six essential security aspects for cloud computing: confidentiality, integrity, availability, utility, authenticity, and possession. Users prioritize these elements based on personal needs, weighing pros and cons to reach a compromise.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Communication Networks and Distributed Systems·DateMar 5, 2012

Lasting T cell memories

A recent study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine found that humans can build up memory T cell numbers over time without sacrificing old ones, unlike previous studies on mice that suggested space limitations. The discovery has significant implications for understanding human immune responses and potential treatments.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMar 5, 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.

CWRU study finds quality-of-life discussions are important for ICU patients

A new study from Case Western Reserve University highlights the importance of discussing quality of life with critically ill patients. The researchers found that many family meetings lacked essential information about a patient's desired quality of life, making it difficult for decision-makers to make informed choices.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalCritical Care Medicine·DateMar 5, 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.

Hyperactivity: Increased prevalence of children with ADHD and the use of stimulants

A new study found an increase in ADHD diagnoses and medication use among Canadian school-age children, with boys taking more medications than girls. The study suggests that school environment plays a role in the increased use of medications, raising questions about whether children with ADHD are over-medicated.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalThe Canadian Journal of Psychiatry·DateMar 5, 2012

Organic strawberries better pollinated

A study by Lund University found that organic strawberry farms had significantly higher pollination rates (45% vs. 17%) due to the absence of pesticides and non-organic fertilizers. This positive effect on pollination was evident within 2-4 years after farm certification.

SourceLund University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 5, 2012

Family members of ICU patients too optimistic when faced with grim prognoses

A study found that family members of ICU patients tend to be overly optimistic about recovery prospects, even when faced with poor prognoses. The researchers suggest that this optimism serves as a coping mechanism in high-stress situations, and may lead to caregiver decisions that do not reflect the patient's values.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 5, 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.

School bullies more likely to be substance users, study finds

Researchers found that bullies and bully-victims were more likely to use substances than victims and non-involved youth. The study suggests a relationship between substance use and bullying behavior, particularly among middle school students.

SourceOhio State University·JournalAddictive Behaviors·DateMar 5, 2012

The Blue Planet's new water budget

Scientists at University of Copenhagen have reconstructed the isotopic composition of 3.8 billion-year-old seawater, revealing that young planet's oceans had proportionately more 'normal water' than 'heavy water'. This discovery suggests Earth has lost less than ¼ of its water budget over the last roughly 4 billion years.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 5, 2012

Bioethicist calls Jon Stewart 'our greatest public intellectual'

A Loyola bioethicist calls Jon Stewart 'our greatest public intellectual' due to his promotion of serious ideas and discourse. Kayhan Parsi argues that Stewart, through 'The Daily Show,' creates a space for writers and intellectuals to discuss their work, making him a catalyst for independent thought.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalThe American Journal of Bioethics·DateMar 5, 2012

Launch madness at Wallops in March - '5 in 5'

Scientists will gather data on the high-altitude jet stream, which affects satellite and radio communications, using chemical tracers and instrumented payloads. The mission will help better understand the process responsible for this phenomenon, located 60-65 miles above the Earth's surface.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 5, 2012

Scientists gain new insight into prefrontal cortex activity

Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center used fMRI to study brain activity before and after monkeys learned new memory tasks. They found that a small group of neurons specialized in the new task were activated while retaining existing information.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 5, 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.

More effective method of imaging proteins

The study found that far fewer images are needed to map a protein's structure than previously believed, allowing for faster and more efficient imaging. The team also created a three-dimensional model of the protein using just 265 images.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature Methods·DateMar 5, 2012

Pond hockey heats up

Canada's outdoor skating season has decreased significantly due to global warming, with the Prairies and Southwest regions experiencing the largest decreases. The research predicts a complete end to outdoor skating in British Columbia and Southern Alberta within a few decades.

SourceConcordia University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMar 5, 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.

New Alzheimer's marker strongly predicts mental decline

Researchers found that higher levels of VILIP-1 in the spinal fluid are linked to faster mental decline in patients with early Alzheimer's disease. This study suggests that VILIP-1 may be a better predictor of Alzheimer's progression than other markers.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNeurology·DateMar 5, 2012