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Science News Archive May 2012


Page 26 of 31

Study shows Avastin has similar effect to Lucentis

A one-year study has found that Avastin and Lucentis have similar effectiveness in treating the most common cause of blindness in developed countries. The treatment approach, where drugs are administered as needed rather than monthly, resulted in almost identical levels of vision improvement.

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.

A new candidate pathway for treating visceral obesity

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have identified a new candidate pathway for treating visceral obesity by manipulating vitamin A metabolism. By inhibiting the enzyme Aldh1a1, white fat cells can take on characteristics of brown fat, leading to reduced fat storage and improved metabolic health.

Climatic effects of a solar minimum

Researchers found a direct solar-climate linkage on centennial timescales using sediment analysis from Lake Meerfelder Maar. The study suggests a mechanism explaining the relation between weak sun and climate change, with positive feedback effects.

Diabetic retinopathy research could reduce screening costs

Research at Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry found that screening people with type 2 diabetes every two years is a safe and cost-effective strategy, reducing costs by around 25%. This approach could benefit 2.8m people in the UK who have diabetes.

Robot reveals the inner workings of brain cells

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed an automated technique to record electrical activity from neurons in the living brain, offering insights into brain cell activities. The robotic system detects cells with 90% accuracy and can determine a cell's shape and genetic profile.

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.

LSU research finds orangutans host ancient jumping genes

Recent LSU research has found that orangutans are host to ancient Alu jumping genes more than 16 million years old, which can copy themselves using a method similar to retroviruses. This discovery represents only the second study to identify a driver Alu element and provides promising new evidence for Alu propagation in orangutans.

The energy efficient soldier

A five-year grant from the US Army will support research on multiscale modeling of electronic materials. The University of Utah-led consortium aims to design new materials that can reduce the weight and increase the energy efficiency of devices, enabling soldiers to carry more equipment without excessive battery weight.

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.

First oral agent to quell invasive macular degeneration, restore lost vision

Researchers report a breakthrough treatment for invasive macular degeneration, using an oral nutriceutical that rapidly restores vision and improves overall eye health. In 16 successful cases, the treatment showed significant improvements in visual acuity, contrast vision, and circulatory health within 3-6 weeks.

Trial launched into curry chemical's cancer-fighting properties

A new study launched by University of Leicester is exploring whether tablets containing curcumin can enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy for advanced bowel cancer. The trial aims to recruit 40 patients and investigate the safety and efficacy of adding curcumin to standard treatment.

Eye color may indicate risk for serious skin conditions

A study published in Nature Genetics found a correlation between eye color and the risk of developing certain serious skin conditions. People with blue eyes were less likely to have vitiligo, while those with brown eyes may be at lower risk for melanoma.

Higher risk of birth defects from assisted reproduction

A University of Adelaide study found a significant association between assisted reproduction and major birth defects, with IVF and ICSI carrying higher risks. The study also identified cryopreservation as a protective factor, while clomiphene citrate use outside of supervised clinical settings tripled the risk of birth defects.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

GPS on commercial ships could improve tsunami warnings

A recent study published in Geophysical Research Letters suggests that GPS on commercial ships could detect tsunamis with high accuracy, even in open ocean. This could provide critical data for predicting tsunami size and direction, saving lives and reducing costs associated with evacuations.

Expensive hospital readmissions linked to health-care-associated infections

A new study published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology found a strong link between healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and patient readmission after an initial hospital stay. Patients with positive clinical cultures for MRSA, VRE or C. difficile were 40% more likely to be readmitted within a year.

New center focuses on sport concussion research and community service

The Center for Sport Concussion Research and Service at Penn State aims to advance concussion research and provide baseline assessments for local collegiate and child athletes. Virtual-reality technology is being used to study the cognitive and motor effects of concussions on athletes.

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.

Spotlight on Sentinel-2

The upcoming Sentinel-2 mission will fill the gap in research and operations, providing frequent coverage and high-resolution imagery. This will enable the monitoring of land cover, forests, agriculture, and glaciers, leading to better management of the environment and understanding of climate change.

Different recipes for success in the world of plants

Researchers found that non-native plant species use different strategies, such as blooming later in the year and occupying specific habitats, to increase their frequency of occurrence. This differentiation is important for understanding modern ecosystems and recognizing potential dangers from introduced species.

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.

Plant diversity is key to maintaining productive vegetation

A new study published in Science magazine reveals that plant diversity is essential for maintaining productive ecosystems. The research found that each species plays a unique role in maintaining soil fertility and biomass production over time.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Better prognosis for breast cancer in Germany

Heidelberg University Hospital's Breast Center reports excellent treatment results for breast cancer patients in Germany. Eighty-six percent of patients survived the first five years after onset of treatment and 80% remained disease-free during this period.

A single stem cell mutation triggers fibroid tumors

Researchers at Northwestern University have identified the molecular trigger of uterine fibroids, a single stem cell mutation that activates other cells to grow uncontrollably. The study suggests a new direction for developing therapies to treat these tumors, which affect an estimated 15 million women in the US.

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.

Early spring means more bat girls

A University of Calgary study found that earlier spring births result in a higher female-to-male sex ratio among big brown bats. This skewed sex ratio may be due to natural selection favoring females' reproductive success.

Sunlight and air powers access to sterile water

Researchers at the University of Hull are developing a system to produce constant supplies of sterile water, eliminating the need for chemicals or electricity in remote communities. The device uses porphyrin molecules that react to sunlight to kill bacteria and parasites, making the water safe for healing wounds.

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.

Economics study homes in on factors influencing value of great art

An economic model by Arzu Aysin Tekindor breaks down the value of great art, finding that artist style and subject have a significant impact on prices. The study found that works sold in New York tend to fetch more than those in London, and paintings with iconic subjects increase their value by over three-quarters.

Slaughtering animals without prior stunning should be curbed, if not banned

A former British Veterinary Association president argues that slaughtering animals without prior stunning is 'not acceptable' and should be restricted to those communities that require it for religious beliefs. The practice is linked to animal welfare concerns, with many animals experiencing pain and distress before loss of consciousness.

Low testosterone levels could raise diabetes risk for men

A recent study from the University of Edinburgh found that low testosterone levels in men can increase their risk of developing diabetes. The research discovered that testosterone plays a crucial role in regulating insulin sensitivity, and its impairment is linked to insulin resistance.

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.

Beehive extract shows potential as prostate cancer treatment

A compound isolated from honeybee hive propolis has been found to slow the growth of prostate cancer cells and tumors in mice by shutting down their system for detecting sources of nutrition. The compound CAPE arrests early-stage prostate cancer by suppressing proteins involved in cell proliferation, offering a promising co-treatment a...

New technique uses electrons to map nanoparticle atomic structures

Scientists have developed a new technique that allows for the mapping of nanoparticle atomic structures using transmission electron microscopes, removing barriers to widespread use. The method produces highly similar results with x-ray synchrotron data and has potential applications in energy, medicine, and materials science.

Are educators showing a 'positive bias' to minority students?

A Rutgers University study found that public school teachers provide more positive feedback to minority students than to their white peers, even when the work is of equal merit. This 'positive bias' can hinder intellectual growth and achievement in minority students.

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.

Using nanoclays to build better asphalt pavement

Researchers at Michigan Technological University have discovered that adding nanoclays to asphalt materials can stiffen the mixture, potentially preventing rutting. The study found that even tiny amounts of nanoclays can improve the viscosity of the asphalt, providing better stiffness and durability.

'Game-powered machine learning' opens door to Google for music

Researchers developed a solution called 'game-powered machine learning' that enables computers to automatically label every song on the internet using examples provided by unpaid music fans. This approach is as accurate as using paid music experts and saves time and money.

Comorbidities increase risk of mortality in COPD patients

A new study found that comorbidities are independently associated with an increased mortality risk in COPD patients. The study identified 12 comorbidities, including lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, and congestive heart failure, as significantly increasing the risk of death.

Hubble to use moon as mirror to see Venus transit

NASA's Hubble Space Telescope will observe the moon for seven hours before, during, and after a rare Venus transit on June 5-6. The telescope will capture reflected sunlight and isolate the small fraction of light that passes through Venus' atmosphere to study its atmospheric makeup.

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.

Colors burst into contemporary architecture

Researchers at Polytechnic University of Valencia analyze the use of color in modern architecture, identifying four concepts: transformation, fragmentation, movement, and innovation. Chromatic versatility transforms buildings through changing appearance and perception.

Analyzing energy potential

Researchers develop data logger to analyze and harness energy from vibrations, enabling wearable devices, IoT systems, and industrial applications. The technology replaces traditional battery-powered devices with sustainable energy harvesting.

Scientists aim to kill lung tumors

Researchers have identified a molecule, PDE4, that plays a key role in regulating the division of tumor cells and blood vessel growth in lung cancer. By blocking PDE4, they were able to significantly reduce tumor growth in laboratory experiments and mouse models.

Karin Melnick receives AMS Centennial Fellowship

Karin Melnick has been awarded the prestigious AMS Centennial Fellowship for her outstanding research achievements in differential-geometric aspects of rigidity. The fellowship provides a stipend of US$80,000 and comes with an expense allowance.

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.

Mitigating disasters by hunting down Dragon Kings

Researchers aim to predict Dragon Kings, statistical anomalies in natural disasters, using advanced statistical analysis. They have identified empirical evidence in abnormal rainfall, hurricanes, and sudden events.

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.