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Science News Archive October 2012


Page 18 of 33

Tree of life branches out online

A new online platform called OneZoom allows users to explore the evolutionary tree of life in an interactive and intuitive way. By zooming in on different groups of organisms, users can reveal more details about their characteristics, extinction risks, and links to additional information.

New noninvasive test for colorectal cancer shows promise

A new noninvasive test measures DNA changes and fecal blood to detect precancerous lesions, showing high detection rates for cancers and precursors. The test achieved 98% sensitivity for all cancers and 83% for precursors with high-grade dysplasia.

Immune response may link social rejection to later health outcomes

A new study published in Clinical Psychological Science found that recent exposure to targeted rejection activates inflammatory signaling pathways and elevates pro-inflammatory signaling molecules. Participants with higher perceived social status showed a more pronounced effect, suggesting an adaptive response in top-tier individuals.

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.

New diabetes screening guidelines released

The new guidelines suggest using a risk calculator to determine the risk level for general population, and recommend no routine screening with blood tests for adults at low or moderate risk of diabetes. For high-risk adults, screening is recommended every 3-5 years using A1C blood test.

Presidential candidate body language plays little role in voter perception

A new study by German scholars found that viewers' impressions of political candidates are heavily weighted to the content of their speech rather than nonverbal cues. The research suggests that politicians should focus on improving their verbal communication skills to make a stronger impression on voters.

Cold viruses point the way to new cancer therapies

Researchers at Salk Institute discovered adenovirus proteins that hijack cell machinery, including growth and replication. E4-ORF3 protein assembles into polymers that capture tumor suppressors and silence genes, providing a new avenue for cancer therapies.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Pollenizer research should help seedless watermelon farmers

Seedless watermelons are more profitable for farmers, but their flowers require fertilization from male flowers of seeded plants. Researchers have identified three pollenizer varieties that produce the most male flowers and resist fungal infection, helping farmers make informed decisions about crop management.

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.

Link between creativity and mental illness confirmed

Researchers found that people in creative professions are treated more often for mental illness than the general population, particularly for schizophrenia. Creative fields were also associated with higher rates of bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety syndrome, substance abuse, and suicidal behavior.

1 by land and 1 by sea

The mission targeted the rapidly-changing Thwaites Glacier, a high-priority area for researchers. Scientists recorded new measurements to build a record of change in the Antarctic, combining them with previously gathered data.

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.

Feds enlist Rice for nanocarbon project

The partnership will focus on measurement and characterization of nanomaterials for enhanced optical, electrical and mechanical properties. The research aims to kickstart advances in energy, healthcare, materials science and national security.

Patient-reported outcomes essential to comparative effectiveness research

A research group recommends that patient-reported symptoms and health-related quality of life measures should be assessed in comparative effectiveness studies. This approach is crucial for adequate evaluation of cancer treatments, as patients' experiences directly impact their ability to function and maintain quality of life.

Great apes, small numbers

A genetic study has found that Sumatran orangutans have undergone a substantial recent population decline due to deforestation. However, the research also identified critical corridors for dispersal migrations that can help maintain genetic diversity and aid in the species' conservation if protected.

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.

New NIH grant to advance joint UMCP and UMB brain surgery robot development

A joint UMCP and UMB research project has been awarded a new $2 million grant to continue developing a small robot that could aid neurosurgeons in removing difficult-to-reach brain tumors. The robot, called MINIR-II, is fully MRI-compatible and will be controlled by the physician, with targeting information obtained from real-time MRI.

SDSU receives Department of Energy grant for solar research

San Diego State University has received a $3.9 million Department of Energy grant to develop a full-scale testing device for its solar energy theory. The project aims to prove the concept on a scale used to generate electricity, potentially offering a more efficient way to produce solar energy.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Study advances understanding of volcanic eruptions

Researchers found that initial bubble growth determines eruption size, with rapid changes in gas flux and composition crucial for prediction. The study provides a key to understanding volcanic eruptions and could lead to better predictions of their scale.

$1 million in federal funding for preventative healthcare

Concordia University professors Jean-Philippe Gouin and Sylvia Santosa have received $1 million in federal funding to advance their research on chronic stress and nutrition. The funding will support investigations into the psychological and physiological processes that link chronic caregiving stress to immune problems and poor health.

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 study aims to predict risk of cancer

A new study at the University of Southampton aims to develop a method to predict who is at higher risk of getting cancer. The CANcer DIagnosis Decision rules (CANDID) study collects and analyzes data from 20,000 patients with lung or colon cancer.

Findings reveal brain mechanisms at work during sleep

Research highlights sleep's role in shaping memory, learning, and behavior, with implications for dementia, obesity, and mental health. Sleep deprivation poses significant risks to these areas, emphasizing the importance of a good night's rest.

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.

NASA eyes Tropical Storm Rafael battering the Leeward Islands

Tropical Storm Rafael is expected to bring heavy rainfall and flash flooding to the northern Leeward Islands, with isolated totals reaching up to 12 inches. The storm is also forecasted to impact Bermuda late on Tuesday, Oct. 16, prompting a Tropical Storm Watch for the island.

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.

New approaches in the treatment of alcohol dependence

Researchers propose innovative treatments for alcohol dependence, including motor rehabilitation to increase inhibitory control and environmental enrichment to reduce craving. These approaches aim to improve treatment outcomes and reduce the health and social costs associated with addiction.

Study identifies characteristics of sunbed users, motivation for tanning

A study published in Archives of Dermatology found that nearly 40% of participants in Germany had ever used a sunbed, with women being more likely to use them. The main motivations for tanning were relaxation and attractiveness, while the risk of skin cancer was significantly increased by sunbed use.

Plaque build-up in your brain may be more harmful than having Alzheimer's gene

A study found that high beta amyloid plaque levels associated with Alzheimer's disease can lead to steeper memory decline in healthy older individuals. The research used PET brain scans and cognitive assessments to track participants over a year and a half, revealing a significant correlation between plaque accumulation and memory loss.

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.

Study shows fit elderly patients should be considered for therapy

A study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology found that fit elderly patients with non-small cell lung cancer can benefit from salvage targeted therapy without increased toxicity. The study analyzed data from 255 patients and showed no difference in response rates or progression-free survival between age groups.

BMC to implement training programs to address alcohol and other drug use

Boston Medical Center is implementing a two-year grant program to train healthcare providers in Massachusetts about incorporating screening and intervention for unhealthy alcohol and other drug use into their practices. The program aims to reduce risky behavior and promote early intervention and prevention strategies.

Gold nanoparticle prostate cancer treatment found safe in dogs, MU study shows

Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a new gold nanoparticle treatment for prostate cancer that uses radioactive gold nanoparticles. The treatment has shown to be safe and effective in dogs, which are the only other mammal to naturally contract aggressive prostate cancer, making it a promising lead for human trials.

Exposure to 'Prestige' fuel causes short-term damage to rat DNA

A new study on rats exposed to fuel similar to that of the Prestige tanker oil spill shows a direct link between respiratory exposure to compounds discharged by the fuel and damage to genetic material. The research suggests that people who carry out industrial cleaning of coasts or are involved in cleanup efforts may be at risk.

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.

Mice at risk of asthma, allergies can fight off skin cancer

Researchers found that mice exposed to a drug that increases TSLP levels are protected from developing skin tumors. Elevated TSLP also triggers an immune response that targets and destroys cancer cells. The study suggests that hyper-vigilance of the immune system may have benefits in fighting off skin cancer.

New merciful treatment method for children with brain tumors

Researchers developed a new radiation treatment method that reduces the risk of permanent neurocognitive damage in children with brain tumors. The study found that proton therapy and photon therapy techniques significantly decreased the risk of these adverse effects, potentially leading to better quality of life for affected children.

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

A recent study found that short-term sleep deprivation significantly decreases insulin sensitivity in fat cells, a key finding with implications for metabolic disorders. The researchers also discovered that regular sleep deprivation may lead to metabolic problems such as diabetes and obesity over time.

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.

Aggregation of proteins in cells may result in diseases

Research reveals that the amount of protein in solution determines the formation of fibrils, which can lead to cell death. Developing treatments for diseases caused by protein aggregation is a possibility with this new knowledge.

Soccer scores a health hat trick for hypertensive men

Research from the University of Exeter found that soccer training significantly lowered blood pressure in middle-aged men with hypertension, improving exercise capacity and reducing body fat. The study suggests that regular soccer training can be a game-changing approach to managing cardiovascular disease risk.

Can vaccines be delivered via the lungs instead of by injection?

Research suggests that pulmonary vaccine delivery can induce a local immune response more effectively than traditional injections, potentially combating pathogens that cause pulmonary diseases. The unique physiology of the respiratory tract makes it an attractive alternative to injections.

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.

NASA watching Hurricane Paul, warnings up for Baja California

Hurricane Paul has strengthened into a hurricane with maximum sustained winds near 90 mph, posing a threat to Baja California with heavy rainfall expected between 2-4 inches. The National Hurricane Center warns of dangerous surf and tropical storm conditions along the coast by Oct 16.

Anticipated new journal, eLife, publishes first articles

eLife has published its first four research articles, describing groundbreaking discoveries in life science and biomedicine. These include a hormone that increases mouse lifespan and a critical signaling molecule involved in the evolution of multicellularity.