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Science News Archive March 2012 - Page 6


Page 6 of 32

Air pollution from trucks and low-quality heating oil may explain childhood asthma hot spots

A new study finds that high levels of black carbon, a pollutant from truck emissions and dirty oil, contribute to childhood asthma hot spots in NYC. Children with higher black carbon exposure have higher exhaled nitric oxide, indicating greater lung inflammation and increased risk for asthma exacerbations.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology·DateMar 27, 2012

Minority women still most underrepresented in science despite progress

A report at the American Chemical Society symposium highlights the challenges faced by minority women in STEM fields, including limited access to quality education and career discouragement. The percentage of women of color with doctorates in science has risen, but there is still a long way to go for equal representation.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 27, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Malaria prevention saves children’s lives

A new study published in Malaria Journal found that malaria prevention measures saved 850,000 child deaths in Africa between 2001 and 2010. The Lives Saved Tool model used by researchers estimated the impact of interventions such as insecticide-treated mosquito nets and pregnant women's malaria prevention.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalMalaria Journal·DateMar 27, 2012

The acid test: 21st century pH meter

A team from Graz University of Technology has developed a new method for measuring pH in enzyme reactions using luminescent dual-life-time referencing. This method, known as DLR-based pH meter, combines a pH indicator and a reference standard to provide real-time characteristics of enzyme reactions.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Biotechnology·DateMar 27, 2012
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

GSA's Lithosphere puts together a rich mix of first quarter 2012 online articles

This bimonthly publication presents research on the Deccan Traps, transfluvial incision in Eastern Papua New Guinea, and late Pleistocene structural evolution of the Camarillo fold belt. Seismic data reveal imprints of volcanism deep beneath the Deccan volcanic province, while river profiles indicate vertical rock uplift and fault motion.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalLithosphere·DateMar 27, 2012

Scientists suggest new age for East African Rift

A new study published in Nature Geoscience suggests that the Eastern branch of the East African Rift system is approximately 25-30 million years old, nearly doubling its previously estimated age. This discovery has important implications for understanding climate change models, faunal evolution, and the development of Africa's unique l...

SourceOhio University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMar 27, 2012

Researchers discover a new path for light through metal

Researchers have found a promising candidate for plasmonic materials in titanium nitride, enabling the transportation of plasmons and directing optical signals on the nanoscale. This discovery could lead to faster and more efficient optoelectronic devices with unprecedented speed and efficiency.

SourceOptica·JournalOptical Materials Express·DateMar 27, 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.

Are parents price-sensitive about their children's medication?

A recent US study found that higher out-of-pocket costs for children's medication are associated with reduced medication use and increased hospitalizations. The study, which analyzed data from over 8,000 patients, suggests that parents may be less sensitive to cost when making decisions for their younger children.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJAMA·DateMar 27, 2012

The Black Queen Hypothesis: A new evolutionary theory

The Black Queen Hypothesis suggests that microbes can lose necessary functions and rely on others to do the work, enabling cooperation in communities. Prochlorococcus plankton species, studied by the authors, is an example of this adaptation.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateMar 27, 2012

9 million bicycles, but what about the cars in Beijing?

Researchers developed an algorithm to optimize traffic flow across roundabouts in Beijing, reducing delays to just 11 seconds. The approach balances entry and exit point delays for smoothest flow, offering a potential solution to the city's chronic congestion issues.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Innovative Computing and Applications·DateMar 27, 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.

'Resuscitating' antibiotics to overcome drug resistance

Researchers found that combining antibiotics with additional compounds made previously resistant bacteria more susceptible, increasing efficacy by up to six-fold. The study's lead author believes adjuvant therapy could revolutionize antibiotic use and reduce antimicrobial resistance.

SourceMicrobiology Society·DateMar 27, 2012

Guideline: IVIg effective for certain nerve and muscle disorders

A new guideline from the American Academy of Neurology confirms IVIg as an effective treatment for Guillain-Barré syndrome and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). The therapy has been shown to be as effective as plasma exchange in treating GBS, with long-term use also helping to manage CIDP. Serious side effects a...

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateMar 26, 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.

How colds cause coughs and wheezes

Researchers found that rhinovirus infection causes an increase in cough receptors, making airways more sensitive to environmental stimuli. This may lead to new drugs that reduce virus-induced cough and wheeze in asthmatics and chronic lung disease patients.

SourceMicrobiology Society·DateMar 26, 2012

Largest study of on-pump and off-pump bypass proves both can be done safely

The CORONARY trial found that off-pump CABG reduces the need for blood products, reoperations, and pulmonary complications, but increases the risk of technical failure. The study suggests that patient-specific decisions can be made for bypass surgery, allowing surgeons to individualize the technique.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 26, 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.

Scientists find new way to measure economic impact of forest fires

A team of scientists created a methodology that considers timber vulnerability, harvesting value, and fire behavior to estimate potential net losses from timber production and fire survival probability. This approach helps fire managers and planners evaluate the economic impacts of wildfires on timber resources.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Pacific Southwest Research Station·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·DateMar 26, 2012

NEJM: Heart patients do better with non-surgical valve replacement than standard medical therapy

Patients diagnosed with aortic stenosis who are too sick for open-heart surgery have better survival rates and an improved quality of life after undergoing catheter-based heart valve replacement. The minimally invasive procedure adds years to life and life to years, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 26, 2012

US economic woes ripple all the way to Latin America, U-M study shows

A new U-M study finds that US employment downturns affect remittance payments to chronically ill patients in Central America, leading to reduced access to healthcare. Patients with lower education and multiple chronic health problems face significant financial strain.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalInternational Journal of Health Services·DateMar 26, 2012

Cryoablation therapy spot-freezes breast cancer tumors

Percutaneous cryoablation, an interventional radiology procedure, uses tiny probes to freeze and destroy tumors in metastatic breast cancer. The treatment has been shown to provide a valuable alternative to other therapies with minimal side effects and reduced recovery time.

SourceSociety of Interventional Radiology·DateMar 26, 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.

Test for single genetic fault can help tailor cancer treatment for children

A study found that a simple genetic test can predict the aggressiveness of rhabdomyosarcoma tumours in children, allowing for tailored treatment and improved survival rates. The test identified a panel of genes whose altered activity levels could be used to predict patient response to treatment.

SourceSwiss Institute of Bioinformatics·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateMar 26, 2012

Study suggests new way to treat chronic pain

A recent study by McGill University researchers has identified a key gene affecting chronic pain sensitivity, offering a potential new approach to individualized therapy. The findings suggest that targeting the pore-forming function of P2X7 receptors may provide relief for patients with genetically inherited low pain sensitivity.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 26, 2012
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

New analysis of premature infants' heartbeats, breathing could be cues for leaving NICU

Researchers developed an analytical method that measures cardiorespiratory interaction using individual breaths and heartbeats, showing that postnatal age is an indicator of maturity in premature infants. The study found no correlation between cardiorespiratory interaction and birth weight or gestational age at birth.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateMar 26, 2012

New research reveals deep-ocean impact of the Deepwater Horizon explosion

Researchers discovered numerous coral communities covered in brown flocculent material and showing signs of tissue damage near the Macondo Well, 4,000 feet from the surface. Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography analysis confirmed oil from the spill was the source, revealing a serious impact on deep-sea animal communities.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 26, 2012

Progress toward new chemotherapy agents

Researchers aim to create targeted compounds that selectively attack cancerous cells by zeroing-in on pollutants produced by tumors' characteristic metabolism. This approach seeks to minimize side effects associated with conventional chemotherapy.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateMar 26, 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.

Use it or lose it: Mind games help healthy older people too

A new study published in BioMed Central shows that cognitive training can improve reasoning, memory, language, and hand-eye coordination in healthy older adults. The results suggest that this type of training may help prevent mental decline and promote independent living among elderly individuals.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medicine·DateMar 26, 2012

Significant global shortfall of trained eye doctors now and in future

The number of ophthalmologists worldwide is insufficient to meet the growing demands of ageing populations and developing countries. The global shortfall of trained eye doctors is a pressing concern, particularly in low-income countries where capacity is increasing faster than the population.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Ophthalmology·DateMar 26, 2012

Scientists unlock key to cancer cell death mystery

Researchers have discovered that a specific protein called p21 can kill certain cancer cells, including sarcomas, by sensitizing their mitochondria to oxidants. This finding provides a rationale for testing existing drugs that increase p21 levels in these types of cancers.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 26, 2012

Updated policy about consent for pelvic exams in Canada needs revision

A Canadian Medical Association Journal analysis reveals a gap in consent policies for pelvic exams under anesthesia. The updated policy statement for medical students requires explicit consent, but residents are not subject to the same requirements, leaving some women less protected.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 26, 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.

Hammerhead shark double whammy

A new look-alike species of hammerhead shark has been discovered in Brazilian waters, raising concerns about its impact on the endangered scalloped hammerhead. The discovery confirms that the original finding was not a local oddity and highlights the need for further research to understand its population status.

SourceNova Southeastern University·JournalMarine Biology·DateMar 26, 2012

Electrical pulse treatment gives pancreatic cancer patients new hope

Researchers found success with irreversible electroporation to treat primary and metastatic liver cancer; the technique is now being implemented as a treatment for pancreatic cancer. Two out of eight participants had successful resections after IRE, with improved survival rates compared to traditional treatments.

SourceSociety of Interventional Radiology·DateMar 26, 2012

Big sagebrush may need to count on its soil seed bank for survival

New research reveals Artemisia tridentata seeds can form a persistent seed bank, enabling the species to regenerate post-fire. The study found that burying sagebrush seeds 3 cm below the soil surface increased their viability for up to 24 months.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateMar 26, 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.

Catheter-placed heart valve shows strong performance at 2 years

Two-year data show comparable death and durability rates between catheter-placed heart valves and open-heart surgery in very old patients. Valve durability appears to be comparable, with no significant difference in mortality between the two groups over time.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 26, 2012

Melanoma drug also shows promise in patients whose cancer has spread to the brain

A phase 2 trial found that ipilimumab improved disease control and long-term survival in patients with advanced melanoma and brain metastases. The treatment was associated with similar immune-related side effects as those reported for patients without brain metastases, suggesting a potential new standard of care for this population.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateMar 26, 2012

Study by Haverford College professor reveals unprecedented impact of Deepwater Horizon on deep ocean

Researchers find stressed corals and brown flocculent material at depths of up to 4,300 feet, contradicting initial assumption that such ecosystems are immune to surface spills. The study's findings suggest the Deepwater Horizon spill had a more far-reaching impact than previously thought.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 26, 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.

New memory for HIV patients

A study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine suggests that replacing naive CD4+ T cells with memory CD4+ T cells may be a more effective approach to combating HIV. The loss of naive T cells had no effect on the maintenance of memory CD4+ T cells, whose loss proceeded similarly with or without naive cell replacements.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMar 26, 2012

Regular chocolate eaters are thinner

A new study by the University of California, San Diego, suggests that regular chocolate eaters are actually thinner than those who don't consume chocolate regularly. The research found a modest but significant association between chocolate consumption and lower body mass index, regardless of calorie intake or exercise habits.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateMar 26, 2012

Geologists correct a rift in Africa

Researchers have redefined the timing of the Great Rift Valley's formation in Africa, suggesting it occurred around 25 million years ago. This new evidence has significant implications for understanding climate change models and animal evolution.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMar 26, 2012

Non-invasive scans accurately predict 30-day risk for patients with chest pain

A new study reveals that non-invasive coronary CT angiography (CCTA) scans can quickly and reliably determine which patients with chest pain can be safely discharged from emergency departments. The test was found to have a lower 30-day event rate than traditional care, making it a valuable tool for identifying low-risk patients.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 26, 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.