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Science News Archive November 2012


Page 2 of 23

Cancer drug shows promise in eradicating latent HIV infection

Researchers discover that JQ1 can reactivate latent HIV by activating the virus in the presence of potent therapy, making it vulnerable to current treatments. The study also found potent suppression of inflammatory genes, suggesting its potential effectiveness against other inflammatory conditions.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Inviting customer complaints can kill business: UBC research

A study from the Sauder School of Business at UBC found that when customers believe they're to blame for a product's failure, they're more likely to shift blame and increase ill will towards it. This can lead to negative ratings and decreased favorability after complaining.

Precisely engineering 3-D brain tissues

Researchers use microfabrication techniques to create 3D brain tissues with precise control and manipulation, enabling the study of neuron connections and predicting cell responses to drugs. The new technique paves the way for developing bioengineered implants for organ systems and personalized medicine.

Next-generation treatments for Fragile X syndrome

A new study has identified a potential therapeutic mechanism for Fragile X syndrome, which is the most common heritable form of autism and intellectual disability. Researchers have found that blocking the serotonin 7 receptor may reverse synaptic plasticity in mice with FXS, suggesting a new approach to treatment.

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.

Activating ALC1: With a little help from friends

Researchers at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research have identified a new way in which the chromatin-remodeling enzyme ALC1 is activated. Through biochemical experiments, they found that ALC1's shape shifts in the presence of its activators PARP1 and NAD+, making it accessible to regulate gene transcription and DNA repair.

'Dark core' may not be so dark after all

Astronomers have found that a merging galaxy cluster's 'dark core' does not appear to be over-dense in dark matter. The study uses improved Hubble camera capabilities to map the cluster's dark matter distribution, with a ratio of 2.5 to 1 of dark matter to normal matter, aligning with expectations.

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.

Hand use improved after spinal cord injury with noninvasive stimulation

Researchers developed a noninvasive stimulation protocol to temporarily improve hand function in people with spinal cord injuries. The treatment, paired with transcranial magnetic stimulation and electrical stimulation, successfully enhanced spinal cord transmission and voluntary motor output, leading to greater manual dexterity.

Diabetics with cancer dangerously ignore blood sugar

Researchers found that people with Type 2 diabetes who received diabetes education after a cancer diagnosis had fewer visits to the emergency room and hospital admissions. They also tested their blood sugar levels more often, resulting in lower healthcare costs.

Feeding the world fairly

A multidisciplinary group of scholars at Johns Hopkins University aims to develop guidelines for fair access to good food, addressing disparities in global nutrition. The project seeks moral common ground among experts and stakeholders from various fields.

Findings support safety of whooping cough vaccine for older adults

A new study found that the tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine is safe for seniors, with minor injection site reactions being the most common adverse event. The study's findings support the recommendation that older adults receive the vaccine to protect themselves and others from pertussis.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Study reinforces safety of whooping cough vaccine for older adults

A Kaiser Permanente study found that Tdap vaccination is as safe as Td vaccination for adults 65 and older, with no increased risk of injection site reactions. The study provides empirical evidence supporting the use of Tdap in reducing pertussis infections among older adults.

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.

Which group of Asian-American children is at highest risk for obesity?

A study found that Asian-Indian American children have the lowest rate of overweight or obesity (15.6%), while Vietnamese-American children have the highest rate (34.7%). This contrasts with other ethnic groups, highlighting the variability in obesity risk among different Asian-American communities.

Mayo Clinic inducted into 2012 Healthcare Internet Hall of Fame

Mayo Clinic received the Healthcare Internet Hall of Fame award for its pioneering work in patient education, including online offerings. The organization also won five eHealthcare Leadership Awards for its website, digital communications, and health information content.

Garbage bug may help lower the cost of biofuel

A team of researchers has discovered a bacterium that can efficiently degrade hemicellulose, a key component in biofuels. By unlocking this microbe's enzymes, scientists may be able to engineer microbes that can convert more plant material into fuel.

Canada's first liver cell transplant takes place in Calgary

Physicians at Alberta Children's Hospital successfully completed the world's first liver cell transplant on a Canadian baby with Urea Cycle Disorder, improving ammonia levels and buying time for a potential liver transplant. The procedure was performed as part of a research trial sponsored by Cytonet LLC.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Altimeter built at Goddard helped identify ice on Mercury

The MESSENGER spacecraft provided new lines of evidence for the existence of water ice on Mercury, with measurements from its laser altimeter and hydrogen concentrations from the neutron spectrometer. The findings suggest that ice is present near the north pole, covered by a layer of material in most areas.

Study helps resolve debate about how tumors spread

Researchers at University of California, San Diego School of Medicine discovered the reversible EMT switch in metastasis, resolving a decade-long debate. Activation of Twist1 gene promotes carcinoma cells to disseminate into blood circulation, while turning off EMT switch is crucial for proliferation and formation of secondary tumors.

International study provides more solid measure of melting in polar ice sheets

A new international study has reconciled measurements of ice sheet changes in Antarctica and Greenland, providing a more consistent estimate of their contribution to sea-level rise. The results show that the planet's two largest ice sheets have been losing ice faster during the past decade, causing widespread concern.

Meditation with art therapy can change your brain and lower anxiety

A study at Thomas Jefferson University found that meditation paired with art therapy significantly reduced stress and anxiety in women with breast cancer. The treatment altered brain activity, increasing emotional centers associated with positive emotions, stress regulation, and reward system function.

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.

Industrial carbon management research gets $3.75 million boost

Eight new research projects receive funding from Carbon Management Canada to develop technologies for reducing CO2 emissions in industries such as cement and power generation. These projects will focus on innovative solutions for capturing, storing, and utilizing CO2, including sensor technology and carbon mineralization methods.

As cigarette taxes go up, heavy smoking goes down

A recent study found that heavy smokers who experienced significant price hikes from increased taxes reduced their smoking by an average of 35% more than lighter smokers. This suggests that higher taxes can lead to a substantial decrease in smoking behaviors among the most heavy users, which is a positive development for public health.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

NASA sees Tropical Storm Bopha moving through Southern Yap state

Tropical Storm Bopha is moving through Micronesia in the western North Pacific Ocean, triggering warnings and watches. The storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall and wind gusts to Woleai and surrounding islands, with the center passing about 180 miles south of Woleai on Friday night.

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.

Working couples face greater odds of intimate partner violence

Intimate partner violence is more likely to occur in working couples, with over 60% of women reporting victimization. The study highlights the impact of female employment on relationship dynamics and suggests that clinicians should address specific risk factors and cultural differences when treating victims.

Alcoholic fly larvae need fix for learning

Research reveals that fly larvae fed alcohol-spiked food exhibit lasting changes in brain function, even after abstinence. This study provides insights into the neural mechanisms underlying ethanol dependence and its evolutionary roots.

Integrating science and policy to address the impacts of air pollution

Scientists from six countries emphasize the importance of collaboration between science and policy in addressing air pollution effects. Successful integration has led to significant improvements in reducing acid rain and eutrophication, but challenges persist, including nitrogen emissions and climate change.

Autism severity may stem from fear

A study by Brigham Young University found a strong correlation between the persistence of fears and the severity of classic symptoms of autism. Children with autism took longer to extinguish their original fear in response to a changing visual cue, highlighting the need to help them make emotional transitions.

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.

When good service means bad behavior

A USC Marshall study found that smog check firms cluster with competitors, leading to lenient passing grades for cars that should fail. This practice could have passed 39,000 cars in New York State, contributing to public health problems.

Post-divorce journaling may hinder healing for some

A new study found that writing about emotions after a divorce can actually increase emotional distress in some individuals, particularly those prone to rumination. Non-expressive control writing may provide greater healing benefits for these individuals.

Treating coronary heart disease in kidney failure patients

A study found that open heart surgery is safer than angioplasty for dialysis patients with blocked arteries surrounding the heart, with five-year survival rates over 90% without kidney disease but dismal in kidney failure patients. Heart disease is a leading cause of death in kidney failure patients, affecting 30-60%.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

New insights into mosquitoes' role as involuntary bioterrorists

Recent research revealed mosquitoes possess surprisingly effective immune systems, destroying pathogens by utilizing the circulatory system's unique characteristics. A Vanderbilt study discovered a new mechanism for eliminating pathogens, increasing effectiveness in disease control strategies.

AAAS and the University of South Florida announce 2012 Fellows

Fifteen University of South Florida faculty were named AAAS Fellows this year, recognized for their scientifically or socially distinguished efforts. The university was among the top ten organizations worldwide with the most AAAS Fellows, alongside universities such as Michigan and California-Davis.

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.

Jigsaw a critical piece of the Notch puzzle

Researchers have identified a key piece of the Notch signaling pathway, specifically a domain within the Notch receptor that is crucial for determining which ligand to bind. This finding provides a molecular handle for future studies and potential therapeutic targets for diseases such as cancer.

The beginning of everything: A new paradigm shift for the infant universe

Scientists at Penn State University developed a new paradigm for understanding the earliest eras of the universe, extending analyses to the Big Bang using loop quantum cosmology. The research reveals that fundamental fluctuations in space-time evolved into large-scale structures, challenging classical physics and inflationary theories.

Oceanic crust breakthrough: Solving a magma mystery

Researchers have discovered that magma in oceanic crust is cycled through the Earth's surface before eruption, altering previous theories on the formation of oceanic crust. This breakthrough could help scientists better understand the conditions of mantle melting and production of the Earth's most-common rock.

Birds may spread, not halt, fever-bearing ticks

A Turkish biologist's review of existing scientific literature suggests that releasing non-native guineafowl in Turkey to eat ticks may actually spread the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus. The birds carry ticks on their feathers, which could facilitate the spread of the disease despite initial intentions.

Significant progress in intelligent radio-over-fiber (I-ROF) systems

Researchers developed a large dynamic, reconfigurable, distributed I-ROF system to meet the growing demand for broadband and ubiquitous information access. The system offers flexible wireless access and fiber-optic broadband transmission, providing effective solutions for modern information society.

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.