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Science News Archive March 2012 - Page 29


Page 29 of 32

Americans more concerned with viability rather than electability in primary races

A recent study by Mitchell S. McKinney and J. Brian Houston found that voters are more likely to see a candidate's viability as a key factor in making their decision, rather than electability. This focus on party viability may explain why some Republican candidates struggle to gain traction despite strong debate performances.

SourceInternational Communication Association·DateMar 5, 2012

Depression common among young adults with Asperger syndrome

Around 70% of young adults with Asperger Syndrome reported at least one episode of depression, while up to 50% experienced repeated episodes. One third of individuals also have ADHD, and characteristics between Asperger and schizophrenia share similarities in autistic traits and social cognitive ability

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalResearch in Developmental Disabilities·DateMar 5, 2012

Comprehensive guidelines needed for young adult preventive care

A new study from UCSF identifies a broad number of evidence-based recommendations for young adult preventive care. The transition to young adulthood is associated with increased engagement in health-damaging behaviors and preventable health problems. Primary care visits present an opportunity to improve the health of this population.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateMar 5, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New universal platform for cancer immunotherapy developed by Penn-led team

Researchers have created a universal approach to personalized cancer therapy based on T cells, offering a highly adaptable and effective treatment option. The system uses engineered T cells capable of targeting multiple tumor antigens simultaneously or sequentially, significantly extending conventional CAR approaches.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalCancer Research·DateMar 5, 2012

Tips from the journal mBio

A new study in mBio reveals that microbes thriving on hot fluid methane and sulfur are replaced by those feeding on solid iron and sulfur when deep-sea vents go dormant. Researchers also explore genomic sequencing data to aid rapid detection of hospital-acquired infections caused by enterococci bacteria.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateMar 5, 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.

University of Tennessee study: Shortcuts costly when buying conservation from farmers

A University of Tennessee research finds that designing subsidy programs promising environmental benefits is challenging, with most schemes over-compensating farmers and failing to meet promised bird species increases. Allowing payment rates to vary depending on farm location can greatly improve conservation prospects.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalEcology Letters·DateMar 5, 2012

NASA satellites see Tropical Storm Irina getting loopy

Tropical Storm Irina is making a unique cyclonic loop in the Mozambique Channel, driven by weather systems pushing it in different directions. NASA satellites have been tracking rainfall and cloud top temperatures, showing heavy rainfall and strong thunderstorms in the southern half of the storm.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 5, 2012

Younger children in the classroom likely overdiagnosed with ADHD

A study published in CMAJ found that younger children are 39% more likely to be diagnosed and 48% more likely to be treated with medication for ADHD if born in December compared to January. This discrepancy is due to the relative age effect, where children born in December may appear less mature than their older peers.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·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.

Space weather: Explosions on Venus

Scientists have found evidence of 'hot flow anomalies' on Venus, which are similar to those observed on Earth. These events release massive energy and can even deflect the solar wind back towards the sun.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 5, 2012

In forests, past disturbances obscure warming impacts

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that past disturbances, such as logging, can obscure the effects of climate change on forest ecosystems. Researchers used decades-long data from the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest to uncover a complex legacy left by these historical events.

SourceCary Institute of Ecosystem Studies·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 5, 2012

App turns tablet into math aid for visually impaired students

A new Android app, developed by Vanderbilt University graduate student Jenna Gorlewicz, assists visually impaired high school students in mastering algebra and other STEM subjects using haptic technology. The app vibrates or generates tones when the student's fingertip touches a line, curve, or shape on the screen.

SourceVanderbilt University·DateMar 5, 2012

Tiny fractal trees for solar power

Tiny fractal trees made from silver could lead to better, more efficient solar cells due to their large surface area. These structures will collect positively charged holes and produce electrical potential when light particles hit the polymer coat.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateMar 5, 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.

Go-getters fall short in health, mortality new study shows

A new study by Timothy Judge reveals that ambitious people, who typically attend the best colleges and universities, have prestigious careers, and earn high salaries, do not necessarily lead happier or healthier lives. The research tracks 717 high-ability individuals over seven decades and finds a slightly negative impact on longevity.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateMar 5, 2012

New nanoglue is thin and supersticky

Researchers developed a superthin nanoglue based on polydimethylsiloxane, enhancing its adhesive properties through oxygen treatment. The breakthrough enables precise bonding of silicon wafers for new multilayered chip designs.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 5, 2012

Researchers announce new advance in body 'chemical switch' study

Researchers have gained a realistic insight into the operation of the P2X1 receptor, a key player in blood clotting. By visualizing the receptor's structure and detecting changes upon activation, scientists have identified a crucial mechanism that could lead to the development of new drugs to prevent strokes and heart attacks.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 5, 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.

Working models for the gravitational field of Phobos

Researchers develop three methods to improve gravitational field models of Phobos, using high-resolution shape data and comparisons show good consistency. The updated model provides a more detailed understanding of Phobos' physical properties, including its volume and surface gravity.

SourceScience China Press·DateMar 5, 2012

Rock, pop, white power: How music influences support for ethnic groups

A new study found that listening to mainstream rock music increased support for student groups catering mostly to whites, while Top 40 pop music showed equal support for diverse groups. In contrast, radical white-power rock listeners gave more funds to the white group and less to minority groups.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media·DateMar 5, 2012

Report suggests ways to improve health-care provider 'report cards'

A RAND Corporation study outlines a checklist to improve the methods behind health care performance reporting, aiming to minimize misclassifications and avoid adverse consequences. The goal is to create accurate and useful reports that help patients choose better-quality providers.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalHealth Affairs·DateMar 5, 2012

Next-generation DNA sequencing to improve diagnosis for muscular dystrophy

Scientists at the University of Nottingham used next-generation DNA sequencing to correct a patient's genetic diagnosis from incorrect to accurate. The new technique enables fast and affordable analysis of human genomes, providing hope for thousands of people living with muscle-wasting diseases in the UK.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalEuropean Journal of Human Genetics·DateMar 5, 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.

Plant neighbors 's(c)ent' to protect

Plants can detect unhealthy neighbors through odor perception, inducing resistance to disease and pests. A new study found that exposure duration and concentration of odor compounds significantly impact this process.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Chemical Ecology·DateMar 5, 2012

Risk for drug abuse in adopted children appears influenced by family, genetics

A Swedish study found a significant increase in drug abuse among adopted children with biological parents who had a history of substance abuse. The study suggests a complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors, highlighting the importance of adoptive home environment and family relationships.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·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.

New potential target for rheumatoid arthritis

Researchers have found a new potential target for rheumatoid arthritis by developing an agent that prevents activated T cells from migrating towards the site of inflammation. The agent, PS372424, binds to a specific receptor CXCR3 on activated T cells and 'blinds' them, preventing further damage.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·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.

Personality change key to improving well-being

A recent study published in Social Indicators Research found that small positive personality changes can lead to greater increases in happiness than earning more money, marrying, or gaining employment. Personality changes are strongly related to changes in well-being and contribute more to improvements in personal wellbeing.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalSocial Indicators Research·DateMar 5, 2012

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for March 6, 2012, issue

The American College of Physicians has released a guidance statement for colorectal cancer screening, emphasizing the importance of individualized risk assessment and recommending screening starting at age 50 for average-risk adults. A survey found that most physicians are confused by cancer screening statistics, with many relying on m...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 5, 2012

How to save $800 on a new car

Research shows consumers can save up to $800 by finding out what a dealer pays for a car, visiting two dealerships and liking to bargain. Buyers who don't like to bargain or do research can save $230 by doing just two things.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalQuantitative Marketing and Economics·DateMar 5, 2012

Shortcuts costly when buying conservation from farmers

A study found that shortcuts in subsidy scheme design risk environmental benefits, promising conservation gains are often lost. The researchers suggest designing more targeted schemes to efficiently use public funds.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalEcology Letters·DateMar 5, 2012

Scientists revolutionize electron microscope

Scientists at the University of Sheffield have developed a new method, called electron ptychography, to form high-resolution images without lenses. This approach enables imaging at sub-atomic scale and has no fundamental experimental boundaries.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 5, 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.

Study finds intrauterine exposure to drugs does not affect academic achievement test scores

Researchers found no association between intrauterine cocaine or marijuana exposure and lower academic achievement scores. However, children exposed to low levels of alcohol showed decreased scores in math reasoning and spelling, even after controlling for other factors. These findings suggest that children with histories of low-level ...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalVulnerable Children and Youth Studies·DateMar 5, 2012

Unraveling biological networks

Researchers develop efficient algorithm to detect recurring patterns of interconnections in biological networks, shedding light on cellular processes and disease mechanisms. The approach has revealed novel motifs previously unrecognized, offering new insights into complex networks.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Data Mining and Bioinformatics·DateMar 5, 2012

Trauma study is first to show how cyclists are injured and killed on city streets

A study by Queen Mary University of London reveals that cyclists are injured and killed at a higher rate than previously thought, with HGVs causing the most severe injuries. Cyclists involved in collisions with HGVs had a higher death rate and required longer hospital stays compared to those injured in car collisions.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalEmergency Medicine Journal·DateMar 5, 2012

BYU study: Using a gun in bear encounters doesn't make you safer

Researchers at Brigham Young University found that carrying guns in bear encounters offers no protection and can lead to increased injuries. Instead, they recommend using bear spray as a safe alternative. The study analyzed 269 incidents of bear-human conflicts and found that firearms did not reduce the risk of injury or fatality.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Wildlife Management·DateMar 5, 2012

A nation of frustrated home-movers

A study of 40,000 UK households found that only 6.4% of people moved home between 2009 and 2010, with urban dwellers more likely to fulfill their moving desires. The main reasons for moving were seeking better accommodation, family-related factors, or improving neighborhood conditions.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateMar 5, 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.

Sustainability principles need to be integrated into business education

A University of Illinois expert calls for embedding sustainability practices in business education, marrying managerial, ecological and social values. The approach aims to bring about a better world by understanding the associated challenges with realizing that vision.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalOrganizational Behavior Teaching Review·DateMar 5, 2012

VCU study: Bad environment augments genetic risk for drug abuse

A VCU study found that dysfunctional family environments can augment genetic risk for drug abuse in adoptees, even with no biological parent history of addiction. The research used a large adoption sample from Sweden and demonstrated the impact of environmental factors on the liability to drug abuse.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateMar 5, 2012

2 crystals linked by quantum physics

Scientists at UNIGE have successfully linked two large crystals through quantum physics, paving the way for quantum memory and long-distance quantum communication. The entangled pair exhibits simultaneous behavior despite their separation, showcasing a promising step towards creating quantum repeaters and secure networks.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Photonics·DateMar 5, 2012

Whole-body CT scans in trauma can prove but not exclude injuries

A study found that single-pass whole-body computed tomography is effective at detecting injured tissue, but variable in excluding injuries. The scan's performance improves after 30 minutes of admission, allowing healthcare teams to prioritize treatment while minimizing missed injuries.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 5, 2012

Women happier in relationships when men feel their pain

A new study published by the American Psychological Association found that relationship satisfaction is linked to men's ability to read their female partner's positive emotions correctly. Women who correctly understood that their partners were upset during an incident reported being happier in their relationships.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·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.

Will a genetic mutation cause trouble? Ask Spliceman

A new web-based program called Spliceman predicts whether genetic mutations will disrupt mRNA splicing, a process crucial for gene expression. The software uses research to show that many disease-causing mutations occur due to faulty splicing instructions.

SourceBrown University·JournalBioinformatics·DateMar 5, 2012

Teaching about hearing can save young people's ears

A University of Gothenburg researcher developed research-based teaching material on sound, hearing, and auditory health, which improved students' knowledge and attitudes towards high sound levels. The study found that teaching about hearing can positively change adolescents' behavior.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalInternational Journal of Science Education·DateMar 5, 2012

Stem cells can repair a damaged cornea

Researchers have made a breakthrough in cultivating stem cells on human corneas, a potential game-changer for patients awaiting corneal transplants. The successful cultivation of stem cells on human corneas could eventually eliminate the shortage of donated corneas, allowing for more people to receive life-changing transplants.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalActa Ophthalmologica·DateMar 5, 2012

Persistent depression linked with cognitive decline in older patients with coronary artery disease

A study published in Archives of General Psychiatry found that persistent depression symptoms may be associated with significant declines in cognitive performance in older patients with coronary artery disease who underwent cardiac catheterization. Patients with persistent depressive symptoms exhibited greater decline in attention/exec...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateMar 5, 2012

Perception and preference may have genetic link to obesity

A recent study published in Obesity by Rutgers University researchers found a link between genetic variation in CD36 and the ability to perceive fatty acids. Those with this variation were more sensitive to fat texture but preferred high-fat foods, highlighting a potential genetic basis for obesity development.

SourceRutgers University·JournalObesity·DateMar 5, 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.

How chemotherapy becomes more effective

Cancer cells use an 'emergency brake' to protect themselves from chemotherapy drugs, which can be rendered inoperative by targeting a specific enzyme pathway. The study identifies PARP inhibition as a promising therapeutic approach to improve chemotherapy effectiveness.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateMar 5, 2012

Stinging came before seeing

Researchers discovered a simple nervous system linking stinging cells and light-detecting nerve cells in Hydra magnipapillata, suggesting that light-sensing capabilities predated eye evolution. The study found that Hydras fire their stingers less in bright than in dim light, indicating the presence of light-sensitive neurons.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalBMC Biology·DateMar 5, 2012

Researchers ID gene behind primary cervical dystonia, a neck-twisting disorder

A team of researchers from Mayo Clinic and the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center identified the CIZ1 gene as the cause of adult-onset primary cervical dystonia. The discovery sheds light on a movement disorder that has long been difficult to explain, with symptoms including involuntary neck twisting and muscle pain.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateMar 5, 2012

Making memories: How 1 protein does it

Researchers found that BDNF uses microRNA to target the production of specific proteins involved in learning and memory, and that increasing these microRNAs can halt protein production. The study sheds light on how memories are made and offers hope for treating mental disorders and neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell·DateMar 5, 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.

Demise of large animals caused by both man and climate change

Scientists analyzed data from an Antarctic ice core and arrival of modern humans to determine that a combination of human pressure and climate change led to the extinction of many large animals. The research provides insights into the consequences of pressures on megafauna living today, including tigers and rhinos.

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