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Science News for November 16, 2012


Into the magnetic resonance scanner with a cuddly toy

Bochum clinicians successfully performed MRI scans on 326 children without sedation, achieving a 97% diagnostic relevance rate. The BLADE technique was used to minimize blurring and maximize image quality, allowing for successful examinations in 41% of three-year-olds, 91% of four-year-olds, and 98% of patients over five years old.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalRöFo - Fortschritte auf dem Gebiet der Röntgenstrahlen und der bildgebenden Verfahren·DateNov 16, 2012

Wandering minds associated with aging cells

A UCSF study suggests an association between attentional state and length of telomeres, finding that those who report more mind wandering have shorter telomeres, while those who are more present in the moment have longer telomeres. Mindful meditation interventions may promote health by increasing activity of telomerase.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalClinical Psychological Science·DateNov 16, 2012

Children who swim start smarter

Children who learn to swim early achieve better visual-motor skills and excel in literacy and numeracy. The comprehensive three-year study found significant differences between swimming and non-swimming children, regardless of socio-economic status.

SourceGriffith University·DateNov 16, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Bad air means bad news for seniors' brainpower

Research shows that exposure to fine air particulate matter may be an environmental risk factor for reduced cognitive function in older adults. Cognitive decline was associated with every ten point increase in fine air particulate matter exposures, equivalent to aging three years.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateNov 16, 2012

Middle schoolers to explore sky with robotic telescopes

The Skynet Junior Scholars program will train middle school educators to engage youths in telescopic observations of planets, asteroids, and galaxies. The program aims to introduce students to potential STEM careers during the critical middle school years.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·DateNov 16, 2012

What's behind the success of the soccer 'Knuckleball'

Researchers reveal that a soccer 'knuckleball' shot causes a zigzag trajectory due to aerodynamic lift forces, not deformations at the site of impact. The study sheds light on the phenomenon's unpredictability and potential role in historic experiments trying to prove the Earth's rotation.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateNov 16, 2012

Collaring tapirs to help them survive

A MSU team is working to collar Baird's tapirs in Nicaragua to monitor their movements and determine how they can co-exist with local farmers. The research aims to find a balance between the animals' survival and crop protection.

SourceMichigan State University·DateNov 16, 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.

Reconsidering cancer's bad guy

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered that a protein known for causing cancer cells to spread is also involved in brain repair. The study, published in Nature Communications, suggests new avenues for treating degenerative brain diseases like Alzheimer's.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 16, 2012

Antenna-on-a-chip rips the light fantastic

The Rice team's device can modulate a signal at more than 10 gigabits per second, making it suitable for real-time video processing and high-speed data throughput. This breakthrough has the potential to scale up the capability of optical information processing systems by several magnitudes.

SourceRice University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 16, 2012

Brazilian mediums shed light on brain activity during a trance state

A study published in PLOS ONE reveals that experienced Brazilian mediums show lower brain activity in certain areas during psychography, a form of writing believed to be guided by spirits. The findings suggest an absence of focus, self-awareness, and consciousness during the trance-like state.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 16, 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.

Are we closer to understanding the cause of deadly sepsis?

A growing body of literature suggests that alterations in regulatory T cell function may contribute to the development of sepsis. Manipulating these cells may offer a promising approach to treating patients with septic shock. The Journal of Interferon & Cytokine Research reviews the current understanding of this complex immune response.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Interferon & Cytokine Research·DateNov 16, 2012

Is the detection of early markers of Epstein Barr virus of diagnostic value?

Researchers compare three immunoassay methods to detect EBV infection in patients with mononucleosis or immunosuppressed adult liver transplant recipients. The study suggests that molecular tests identifying early protein markers may have value for diagnosing active infection.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBioResearch Open Access·DateNov 16, 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.

Mechanism of breathing muscle 'paralysis' in dreaming sleep identified

A novel brain mechanism has been identified that mediates the inhibition of critical breathing muscles during REM sleep, causing snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. This inhibition affects the airspace behind the tongue, leading to self-suffocation episodes, which can occur hundreds of times a night.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateNov 16, 2012

New program draws young artists into science

A new four-year program aims to draw young artists into science careers by integrating art, biology, and physics. The project, Project STEAM, offers summer academies, science cafés, and activity kits to inspire interest in science among art-interested students, particularly girls.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·DateNov 16, 2012

Important progress for spintronics

Researchers at Linköping University have developed a world's first spin amplifier that can be used at room temperature, a crucial step towards spintronics. This achievement has significant implications for the future of electronics and data processing.

SourceLinköping University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateNov 16, 2012

Technology only a tool in search for solutions to poverty

A Penn State researcher examined a low-income community project that provided WiFi and computer training, finding technology alone cannot address underlying issues. The study highlights the need for political action over reliance on tech to solve poverty problems like low wages and childcare access.

SourcePenn State·DateNov 16, 2012
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.

Indirect effects of climate change could alter landscapes

Researchers found that warmer springs are causing trees to leaf out earlier, threatening tree species like yellow birch and sugar maple. This altered landscape can lead to changes in wildlife populations, including deer replacing moose in the ecosystem.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateNov 16, 2012

Teenagers urged to exercise to ward off bone disease

Research found that adolescents spending long periods in sedentary activities are more likely to have low bone mineral content, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. Participating in high-intensity sports like football or running can significantly reduce this threat, especially for girls.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBMC Public Health·DateNov 16, 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.

Fear of the dentist is passed on to children by their parents

A new study reveals that parents' dental fear can transmit to their children, with fathers acting as a major mediator in this process. The research analyzed 183 children and found that the father's emotional reactions significantly impact the child's perception of dentist anxiety.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalInternational Journal of Paediatric Dentistry·DateNov 16, 2012

UGA study finds anxiety linked to chest pain in children

Pediatric patients with noncardiac chest pain exhibit higher levels of anxiety and depression compared to those with innocent heart murmurs. The UGA research found a statistically significant increase in anxiety and depression among these patients.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of Pediatric Psychology·DateNov 16, 2012

Level up: Study reveals keys to gamer loyalty

Online role-playing game developers can increase player loyalty by providing gamers with more opportunities for social interaction, collaboration, and character ownership. The study found that strategies such as cooperative play and guilds built loyalty and social identity among players.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalInternational Journal of Electronic Commerce·DateNov 16, 2012

Nano insights could lead to improved nuclear reactors

Caltech researchers discover that interfaces between metals can absorb radiation damage, maintaining material strength and ductility. Nanopillars with helium bubbles at interfaces show increased strength without embrittlement.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateNov 16, 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.

Basketball teams offer insights into building strategic networks

Researchers found that teams with less predictable, more distributed offenses and better player connections were more successful. The study analyzed games from the 2010 playoffs and gathered data on 16 teams, suggesting a link between team cohesion and success.

SourceArizona State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 16, 2012

USDA funded research leads to key discoveries in the pig genome

The study found significant genetic differences between Asian and European wild boars, as well as a high degree of similarity in immunity genes between pigs and humans. This discovery could lead to better breeding strategies, improved pork production, and increased potential for the pig as a biomedical model.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalNature·DateNov 16, 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.

Hepatitis C treatment's side effects can now be studied in the lab

Researchers have developed a method to study hepatitis C medication side effects in Petri dishes and test tubes, potentially paving the way for safer treatments. The technique could help identify medications that eliminate all adverse effects and aid in personalized medicine.

SourcePenn State·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateNov 16, 2012

ORNL recipe for oxide interface perfection opens path to novel materials

The ORNL research team achieved virtual perfection at the oxide interface of two insulator materials by tweaking the formula for growing oxide thin films. This discovery has significant ramifications for creating novel materials with applications in solar cells, batteries, fuel cells, transistors and capacitors.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateNov 16, 2012

New research explores why we remember and why we forget

Researchers studied retrieval-induced forgetting, finding that impaired individuals recall more negative memories than positive ones. Historical knowledge transmission was also explored, showing a reminiscence bump influenced by sociocultural events.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateNov 16, 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.

New model reveals how huddling penguins share heat fairly

Researchers created a model of penguin huddles that assumes each penguin aims to minimize its own heat loss, surprisingly revealing an equitable sharing of heat. The study found that even in self-centered behavior, the system relies on others for shelter, leading to fair outcomes.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 16, 2012

New whale shark study used metabolomics to help understand shark and ray health

A new research study from Georgia Aquarium and Georgia Institute of Technology found that homarine is a useful biomarker for the health status of whale sharks, with metabolic profiles differing between healthy and unhealthy individuals. The study also identified over 25 other compounds that differed in concentration based on health.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 16, 2012

Fetus suffers when mother lacks vitamin C

A new study at the University of Copenhagen found that maternal vitamin C deficiency during pregnancy can stunt fetal hippocampus development by up to 10-15%, potentially leading to memory problems and learning difficulties. The damage cannot be reversed even with vitamin C supplements after birth.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 16, 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.