Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive November 2012 - Page 2


Page 2 of 23

Kidney disease progresses faster in African Americans than other races

African Americans experience faster progression of chronic kidney disease in later stages compared to other races. Screening for microalbuminuria is cost-effective for African Americans with diabetes or hypertension, improving care and reducing kidney failure risk.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateNov 29, 2012

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.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateNov 29, 2012

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.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateNov 29, 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.

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateNov 29, 2012

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.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateNov 29, 2012

Behavior problems, not depression, linked to lower grades for depressed youths

A recent study published in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior found that behavior problems, including attention issues, delinquency, and substance use, are linked to lower grades for depressed adolescents. In contrast, depression itself is not directly associated with diminished academic achievement.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateNov 29, 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.

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.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateNov 29, 2012

'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.

SourceOhio University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateNov 29, 2012

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.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 29, 2012

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPopulation Health Management·DateNov 29, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·DateNov 29, 2012

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.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateNov 29, 2012

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.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateNov 29, 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.

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.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalChildhood Obesity·DateNov 29, 2012

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.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateNov 29, 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.

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.

SourceAlberta Health Services·DateNov 29, 2012

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalScience·DateNov 29, 2012

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.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCancer Cell·DateNov 29, 2012

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.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience·DateNov 29, 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.

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.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalStress and Health·DateNov 29, 2012

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.

SourceCMC Research Institutes·DateNov 29, 2012

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.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalTobacco Control·DateNov 29, 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.

Mild vibrations may provide some of the same benefits to obese people as exercise

A new study suggests that daily exposure to low-magnitude mechanical signals partially rescues B- and T-cell populations damaged by obesity, improving immune function. Brief daily vibration interventions showed promise in obese mice, potentially leading to a cheap and drug-free way for people to regain health.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateNov 29, 2012

Marketing analytics ups Fortune 1000 return on assets 8 percent, says operations research study

A recent study finds that Fortune 1000 companies using marketing analytics see an average 8% increase in return on assets, with potential gains of $70-180 million in net income. The research highlights the key role of management support and analytics skills in successful marketing analytics deployments.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalInternational Journal of Research in Marketing·DateNov 29, 2012
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.

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 29, 2012

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.

SourceSam Houston State University·JournalViolence Against Women·DateNov 29, 2012

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.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 29, 2012

Promising drug slows down advance of Parkinson's disease and improves symptoms

Researchers found that GM1 ganglioside improved symptoms and slowed disease progression in patients with Parkinson's disease over a 2.5-year period. The study enrolled 77 subjects and followed them for 120 weeks, with significant benefits observed when participants stopped taking the drug.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalJournal of the Neurological Sciences·DateNov 29, 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.

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.

SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·JournalScience·DateNov 29, 2012

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.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalAutism Research·DateNov 29, 2012

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.

SourceUSC Marshall School of Business·JournalManagement Science·DateNov 29, 2012

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.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalClinical Psychological Science·DateNov 29, 2012

Can a genetic variation in the vitamin D receptor protect against osteoporosis?

A genetic variation in the vitamin D receptor has been linked to a decreased risk of developing osteoporosis, according to a meta-analysis of 26 studies. The study suggests that individuals with this variation may have a significantly lower risk of bone mineral density loss.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalGenetic Testing and Molecular Biomarkers·DateNov 29, 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.

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%.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateNov 29, 2012

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.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateNov 29, 2012

UW-Madison scientists create roadmap to metabolic reprogramming for aging

Researchers created an atlas that maps molecular connections between caloric restriction and aging, identifying pathways in mitochondria that control metabolism. The study suggests therapies targeting Sirt3 function could provide novel interventions to prevent age-related illnesses.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalMolecular Cell·DateNov 29, 2012

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.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalScience·DateNov 29, 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.

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.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalScience·DateNov 29, 2012

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 29, 2012

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.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature·DateNov 29, 2012

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.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalTrends in Parasitology·DateNov 29, 2012

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.

SourceScience China Press·DateNov 29, 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.

New genetic test detects early breast cancer and identifies future risk

A new genetic test can accurately identify the presence of breast cancer tumors and predict the progression of tumor development. This breakthrough technology analyzes genetic switches to detect cancer growth, enabling earlier diagnosis and more effective treatment plans.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateNov 29, 2012