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Science News Archive November 2012 - Page 17


Page 17 of 23

Thermodynamics really from scratch -- in a new textbook

The new textbook on thermodynamics provides a clear structure and mathematical foundations, making it easier for students to understand the subject. It combines mathematical exactness with intuitive approaches, useful for chemists, biologists, and engineers.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·DateNov 14, 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.

Sequencing a mini-pig: The whole story

The Wuzhishan miniature pig genome sequence has provided valuable knowledge for medical engineering and drug design. Despite high levels of polymorphism, the genome is mostly homozygous, with 84% homology between humans and pigs.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalGigaScience·DateNov 14, 2012

Research breakthrough could halt melanoma metastasis

Scientists at Virginia Commonwealth University have made a significant breakthrough in understanding how cancer spreads, discovering that a specific protein can be inhibited to stop melanoma metastasis. The research could lead to new targeted therapies and diagnostic tools for patients with melanoma and potentially other cancers.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalCancer Research·DateNov 14, 2012

You can be a star -- on science's stage

The growth of citizen science has led to a surge in public involvement in scientific research, with over 25 NSF-funded projects now underway. Chemistry projects, such as Curating ChemSpider or monitoring water quality, allow hobbyists and enthusiasts to contribute to groundbreaking research.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateNov 14, 2012

Driving drones can be a drag

Researchers found that a little distraction can help drone operators stay engaged and perform better. Participants who were distracted 30% of the time scored almost as high as those who focused the majority of their attention on the simulation.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalInteracting with Computers·DateNov 14, 2012

Finally! The pig genome is mapped

The pig genome has been mapped, providing insights into the evolution of domesticated pigs and their relationship to wild boars. The study reveals that domestication occurred nearly 10,000 years ago in several independent locations across Europe and Asia.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature·DateNov 14, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Winners named in 2012 AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Award Competition

The 2012 AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Awards honored outstanding science journalists, including Carl Zimmer for his work on evolution and the human microbiome. The awards recognized the importance of science journalism in covering big stories that both excite and enlighten. Sarah Holt won three times for her NOVA documentary exploring...

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·DateNov 14, 2012

Chronic fatigue syndrome -- a system under stress

Australian researchers discovered that reduced heart rate variability best predicts cognitive disturbances in people with chronic fatigue syndrome. The study found a significant loss of vagal modulation, consistent with the notion that CFS represents a system under stress. This could lead to new ways to improve cognitive difficulties i...

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 14, 2012

Computer science helping the aged stay home

Researchers develop novel sensor systems using RFID and sensors to monitor human activity, enabling timely assistance for older people living independently. The system adapts to individual routines and context-aware reasoning, producing alerts when necessary.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·DateNov 13, 2012

Sperm length variation is not a good sign for fertility

A new study by Brown University researchers found that men with more consistently made sperm have better swimming abilities. The research suggests that variability in sperm length may be a sign of trouble with the production process, potentially affecting fertility.

SourceBrown University·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateNov 13, 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.

MSU uses $7.8 million grant to improve farming in Africa

Michigan State University will use a $7.8 million grant to help eight African nations intensify sustainable farming methods and improve environmental quality. The project aims to promote effective government strategies, build capacity of national policy institutes, and support small farmers.

SourceMichigan State University·DateNov 13, 2012

Department of Energy's ESnet rolls out world's fastest science network

The U.S. Department of Energy's ESnet has deployed the world's fastest science network, serving national laboratories, universities, and research institutions at 100 gigabits per second. This upgrade accelerates discovery in fields like energy, climate science, and cosmology by enabling faster data sharing and analysis.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateNov 13, 2012

'Dirty money' affects spending habits, new study finds

A new study found that currency's physical appearance dramatically affects consumer behaviour, with people preferring to spend dirty, crumpled currency in social situations. The researchers' findings challenge long-held beliefs about the value of money and suggest that it can be a part of conspicuous consumption.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateNov 13, 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.

Ancient foot massage technique may ease cancer symptoms

A study led by Michigan State University researcher Gwen Wyatt found that reflexology can significantly ease cancer symptoms such as shortness of breath, improve physical functioning, and reduce fatigue. The results suggest that reflexology may be a useful complementary therapy for mainstream care.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalOncology Nursing Forum·DateNov 13, 2012

Scientists discover how stomach cancer spreads

Researchers found that a protein called TGFβig-h3 is impaired in patients with gastric cancer, allowing cancer to spread. This discovery could lead to the development of new therapies restoring the functions of this protein.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalCarcinogenesis·DateNov 13, 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.

Injectable sponge delivers drugs, cells, and structure

Researchers at Harvard University have developed a biocompatible gel-based sponge that can be molded to any shape, loaded with drugs or stem cells, and delivered via injection. The sponge pops back to its original shape once inside the body, gradually releasing its cargo before safely degrading.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 13, 2012

A safer porn policy for employers

A recent study by Craig Cameron highlights the need for robust policies on workplace pornography to protect employees from sexual harassment and discrimination. The study identifies five primary methods of employee participation with pornography, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe work environment.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Technology Policy and Law·DateNov 13, 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.

Study finds high exposure to food-borne toxins

A study published in Environmental Health found that family members and preschool children are at high risk for exposure to toxic compounds such as arsenic, pesticides, and acrylamide. The researchers suggest dietary modifications can mitigate risk, including eating organic produce and limiting consumption of animal meat and fats.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalEnvironmental Health·DateNov 13, 2012

CU-NOAA study shows summer climate change, mostly warming

A new CU-NOAA study analyzes 90 years of observational data to show that summer climates in regions across the globe are changing, mostly warming, according to lead author Irina Mahlstein. The technique reveals location-by-location temperature changes and could yield valuable insights into changes in ecosystems on a regional scale.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 13, 2012

Games may help train analysts to overcome bias

Researchers at Penn State used scenario-based games to detect confirmation bias in intelligence analysts. The study found that teams trained in considering alternative hypotheses outperformed others in identifying perpetrators and targets. The game was designed to mimic real-life situations faced by U.S. intelligence analysts in Iraq.

SourcePenn State·DateNov 13, 2012

Stem cell finding could advance immunotherapy for lung cancer

A University of Cincinnati research team isolated and grew lung cancer stem cells in a preclinical model, offering a new avenue for investigating immunotherapy options that specifically target stem cells. This breakthrough could lead to the development of novel therapies targeting these cells and improving treatment outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 13, 2012

Uranium exposure linked to increased lupus rate

A new study conducted by scientists at the University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found a strong correlation between uranium exposure and an increased lupus rate. People who were exposed to higher levels of uranium had lupus rates four times higher than the average population.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateNov 13, 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.

Increasing efficiency of wireless networks

Researchers at UC Riverside developed a new method to double wireless network efficiency, addressing the 'spectrum crunch' issue. This breakthrough has significant implications for the mobile internet and wireless industries, enabling faster data speeds and lower costs.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalIEEE Signal Processing Letters·DateNov 13, 2012

How online video stream quality affects viewer behavior

Researchers found that viewers abandon videos if they don't start within two seconds, with every additional one-second delay resulting in a 5.8% increase in abandonment rate. Viewers with better connectivity are less patient, while mobile users are more tolerant of slow-starting videos.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateNov 13, 2012

Matching brands: Why do consumers prefer Tostitos salsa with Tostitos tortilla chips?

A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that consumers enjoy Tostitos salsa with Tostitos tortilla chips more when told they come from the same brand. The authors conclude that matching brands can enhance joint consumption experiences and provide an advantage for companies offering complementary products.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateNov 13, 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.

Nature study reveals loss of essential blood cell gene leads to anemia

Scientists at the University of Georgia and Harvard Medical School have discovered a new gene that regulates heme synthesis in red blood cell formation. The study found that a deficiency in this gene leads to severe anemia, which promises to advance our understanding and treatment of human anemias and mitochondrial diseases.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalNature·DateNov 13, 2012

Extinct or passé? New research examines the term, 'metrosexual'

A recent study by Erynn Masi de Casanova found that men are taking more interest in their appearance and feel the term 'metrosexual' is outdated. Many interviewees preferred dressing up and looked sharp, even with workplace casual dress codes. The research also highlights a possible bridge between gay and straight men through fashion.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateNov 13, 2012

Doubling down against diabetes

Researchers have engineered natural gut peptides to carry small steroids, improving insulin secretion, blood glucose, and body weight in mice. The study's findings suggest a potential breakthrough in treating type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, with minimal risk of estrogen-related side effects.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Medicine·DateNov 13, 2012

In a world of chronic pain, individual treatment possible, Yale research shows

Researchers discovered a specific mutation in the sodium channel Nav1.7 that predicts which chronic pain patients will respond to carbamazepine treatment. The study offers hope for more systematic and effective treatment of chronic pain, potentially benefiting millions of Americans suffering from the condition.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 13, 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.

Smart scaffolding aims to rebuild tissue from the inside

Researchers at Rice University aim to inject scaffolds infused with living cells to repair damage inside tissues naturally. They plan to start trials of their dental hydrogel within two years, which could also be used for spinal cord regeneration and eye conditions.

SourceRice University·DateNov 13, 2012

Optical boomerangs, ultralight fractal materials, and more

Researchers have created self-bending light beams that can move along curved paths and heal themselves, potentially using them to manipulate particles and data. Meanwhile, scientists have also designed ultralight fractal materials that could be used to build solar sails with reduced weight, potentially improving space propulsion.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 13, 2012

Study demonstrates that earlier end of life care discussions are linked to less aggressive care in final days of life

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that earlier end-of-life care discussions are associated with less aggressive care and increased use of hospice care for patients with advanced cancer. Initiating these discussions before the last month of life allows patients to make informed decisions about their care.

SourceAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateNov 13, 2012

Migraine-associated brain changes not related to impaired cognition

A nine-year follow-up study found that women with migraines did not exhibit declining cognitive abilities, unlike previous research suggesting a link between migraine and impaired cognition. Brain changes associated with bright spots on MRI scans were present in both men and women with migraines.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalJAMA·DateNov 13, 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.

Hinode to support ground-based eclipse observations

The Hinode mission will coordinate with ground-based observations during the November 13, 2012, total solar eclipse to produce a combined dataset. This study will focus on the sun's corona, including its temperature distribution and magnetic fields.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 13, 2012

Trying to save money? Ask for crisp new bills at the bank

A new study by Fabrizio Di Muro and Theodore J. Noseworthy found that consumers tend to spend more on worn bills due to feelings of disgust, but are more likely to hold onto crisp currency for social reasons. The researchers suggest that money's physical appearance can influence spending behavior, making it a vehicle for social utility.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateNov 13, 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.

Naïve fish: Easy targets for spear fishers

A recent study found that reserve-reared fish are less wary of divers and can be caught closer than those living in fished areas. This increased accessibility makes the local fish harvest more sustainable, potentially improving support for marine reserves.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalEcology Letters·DateNov 13, 2012

MRSA outbreak mapped by DNA sequencing

Researchers used DNA sequencing to map an MRSA outbreak in a special care baby unit, tracking its spread into the community. The technique allowed for quicker identification and isolation of outbreaks, containing the infection and preventing substantial illness.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateNov 13, 2012

Research strengthens link between obesity and dental health in homeless children

A recent study published in Journal of Pediatric Health Care found a strong correlation between childhood obesity and dental cavities among homeless children. Researchers analyzed data from 157 children aged 2-17 years old at an urban homeless shelter, revealing that as body mass index increased with age, so did cavity counts.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of Pediatric Health Care·DateNov 13, 2012

Bacterial DNA sequence used to map an infection outbreak

Using DNA sequencing, researchers confirmed an ongoing MRSA outbreak in a hospital, identifying the source and extent of the infection. The team linked the outbreak to an unsuspecting carrier and treated them to eradicate the bacteria, preventing further spread.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateNov 13, 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.

Novice or expert: How do consumers increase their knowledge about products?

A study by Clarkson et al. found that novice consumers seek out novel experiences to expand their existing knowledge, whereas expert consumers prefer deeper knowledge through familiar but unique products. This selective approach to consumption drives consumer behavior.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateNov 13, 2012

Scientists question the designation of some emerging diseases

The Ebola, Marburg, and Lassa viruses have been around for thousands of years, not emerging as life-threatening diseases. Designating them as emerging diagnoses would aid in diagnosis and prevention by understanding their ecological niches and geographical distribution.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalScience·DateNov 13, 2012
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.

Autism treatment is more than skin deep

Researchers found that metal-binding agents applied to the skin, prescribed for autism treatment, are not absorbed and ineffective. The study contradicts claims made by some practitioners treating children with mercury-binding agents.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Medical Toxicology·DateNov 13, 2012