Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive October 2012


Page 26 of 33

Grant-winning PPPL scientists lead fusion to the edge

Researchers will develop computer code to model the complex conditions at the edge of fusion plasmas, which could help design and operate facilities for generating electricity from fusion. The validated model could guide developers of next-generation fusion facilities, including ITER.

Scientists identify genetic signatures for aggressive form of prostate cancer

Researchers identified genetic signatures that can predict the progression of castration-resistant prostate cancer, with patients having the signature living an average of 9.2 months compared to 21.6 months without the signature. These findings hold promise for improving patient outcomes and enabling better clinical trials.

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.

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

A new over-the-counter HIV test, OraQuick, is unlikely to significantly impact the fight against HIV due to its high cost and limited accessibility. Physicians recommend counseling patients about the use and limitations of home testing to make informed decisions.

Catalytic converters like it hot

Researchers have discovered that the critical temperature for catalytic ignition depends on the material used and crystallographic orientation of metal granules. The findings suggest that a more efficient catalytic converter can be built by optimizing these factors, potentially reducing emissions and costs.

Maths adds new weapon in fight against pandemics

Researchers at the University of Warwick have created a model to predict the impact of future pandemics in real-time. By analyzing statistical data, they found that infection rates were higher than previously thought and transmission probabilities decreased with increasing household size.

School hearing tests: Are they as good as they sound?

A team of academics will compare screening programmes in some areas to establish the most effective way of spotting hearing loss in children aged four to six years old. The research aims to determine whether a nationwide approach would be successful and cost-effective.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Caffeine may block inflammation linked to mild cognitive impairment

A University of Illinois study found that caffeine reduces brain-based inflammation associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Caffeine-treated mice recovered their ability to form new memories faster than non-caffeine-treated mice, suggesting a possible therapeutic target for mild cognitive impairment.

Scientists develop 'barcode' blood test for aggressive prostate cancer

Researchers have designed a blood test that can detect aggressive prostate cancers by analyzing the pattern of gene activity in blood cells. The test, which reads genetic changes like a barcode, can accurately identify patients with advanced prostate cancers and predict their survival time.

$2.7M LSUHSC grant to reduce alcohol use & improve HIV outcomes

A team of scientists will enroll 250 people living with HIV/AIDS in a clinical study to compare an intervention with a Holistic Health Recovery Program adapted for Alcohol Use Disorders, aiming to enhance patients' awareness and modify behaviors that promote HIV disease progression.

Super-microbes engineered to solve world environmental problems

The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) has successfully engineered microbes to produce biodegradable materials like polylactic acid, which can be used in various applications. Metabolic engineering enhances microbial performance to improve the production of desired chemicals and materials.

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.

MRSA researchers identify new class of drug effective against superbug

A new class of treatment has been identified against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a 'superbug' responsible for difficult-to-treat illnesses. The compound, developed from an anti-cancer agent, shows promise in treating MRSA-infected mice and has the potential to combat drug-resistant tuberculosis.

Making computer data storage cheaper and easier

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have developed a new technology that aims to make terabyte storage cheaper and easier. They use similar optical data storage technology as commercially available Blu-ray discs but write data in dozens of layers instead of two or four, resulting in lower manufacturing costs.

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.

Study finds nearly 50% of retail firewood infested with insects

A new study found that nearly half of all retail firewood sold in the US West is infested with live insects. The research highlights the risks of untreated firewood transporting pests and pathogens to uninfested areas. Heat-treating firewood before sale could help mitigate these risks.

Health Canada's fast-tracked drug approvals can put public at risk

A recent study from York University found that drugs approved through Health Canada's accelerated review process are more likely to be withdrawn or earn serious safety warnings than those undergoing standard reviews. This is due to the faster review process potentially missing serious safety issues.

JCI early table of contents for October 8, 2012

Researchers found that common polymorphisms in the T2R38 gene were correlated with the incidence of bacterial sinus infections, demonstrating a genetic link to individual differences in respiratory infection susceptibility. In companion pieces, studies on PSD-95 expression and progranulin deficiency shed light on potential therapeutic ...

River Thames invaded with foreign species

The River Thames has been invaded with over 96 non-native freshwater species, according to a recent study published in Biological Invasions. The research suggests that globalisation and shipping activity have facilitated these invasions, resulting in significant biodiversity loss and ecosystem service degradation.

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.

Can eating tomatoes lower the risk of stroke?

A new study published in Neurology suggests that a diet rich in tomatoes and lycopene may lower the risk of stroke. The research involved 1,031 Finnish men aged 46-65, who were followed for an average of 12 years, with those having higher levels of lycopene showing a 55% reduced risk of stroke.

2010 Korea bomb 'tests' probably false alarms, says study

A new study by seismologists at Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory suggests that North Korea's alleged 2010 nuclear tests were probably false alarms. The researchers found no evidence of seismic waves consistent with the detonations, citing the region's dense network of seismic stations.

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.

Fresh blood not better, clinical trial shows

A randomized clinical trial of 377 premature babies found that receiving fresher blood did not improve clinical outcomes, including major organ injury, mortality, and infection. The study, led by Dr. Dean Fergusson, used the gold standard of medical science and challenged existing beliefs about fresh blood being better.

Cause of annoyance, concern, anxiety, and even anger:

A study found that computerized surveillance in the home causes significant changes in behavior to control privacy intrusion. Participants adjusted their daily practices to maintain a tolerable level of surveillance, but unexpected events could disrupt these adaptations.

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.

Optimal therapy sought for patients who cannot defecate effectively

Dysynergic defecation is a condition where the brain and gut communicate improperly, leading to constipation and abdominal pain. Researchers have developed a biofeedback system that helps patients relearn normal behavior and restore communication between the brain and gut, showing an 85% success rate.

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.

Language learning makes the brain grow

A three-month intensive language study led to significant brain structure changes in language learners compared to non-language students. The hippocampus and cerebral cortex areas expanded in size, correlating with improved language skills, highlighting the cognitive benefits of language learning.

Demographic miracle in the deserts

Some desert plant species adapt well to climate change, benefiting from fluctuating weather conditions. This is contrary to predictions by climate models, which forecast unfavorable effects on ecosystems. Researchers found that these plants have a unique physiology allowing them to thrive in arid regions.

Nearly half of children with autism wander or 'bolt' from safe places

A new study found that nearly half of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) attempt to elope at least once after age 4, with 53% going missing long enough to cause concern. The study also reveals that elopement behavior is often goal-oriented and intent-driven, with children seeking to go somewhere or do something.

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.

Power in the palm of your hands

The Digits sensor allows users to control devices remotely using hand gestures, eliminating the need for external hardware. Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in understanding human hand movements and developing a system that can accurately track and interpret finger joints, wrist orientation, and other key points.

A welcome predictability

Researchers have developed an adaptor that makes genetic engineering of microbial components more predictable, converting regulators of translation into regulators of transcription in Escherichia coli. This allows for the construction of increasingly complex functions in microorganisms, enabling safer and more efficient production of e...

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.

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.

Bariatric surgery not silver bullet for sleep apnoea

New research reveals bariatric surgery does not significantly improve obstructive sleep apnoea in severely obese individuals. Weight loss through surgical or medically-supervised means results in comparable improvements in OSA severity.

Smallest and fastest-known RNA switches provide new drug targets

Researchers have discovered smallest and fastest-known RNA switches, which could provide new targets for drug development. The newly found excited states of RNA molecules offer potential for disrupting HIV replication and interfering with protein assembly in bacterial ribosomes.

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.

Fertility discovery a sperm's tail

Researchers have discovered a key protein, RABL2, that affects sperm tail length and motility, potentially leading to new avenues for male infertility treatment. A mutation in this protein can result in significantly shorter sperm tails and decreased production.

Tree nut research may unexpectedly lead to medical advances

Researchers discovered that combining conventional antifungal medications with natural plant compounds, such as thymol, can inhibit the growth of fungi at lower doses. This could lead to more effective treatments for fungal infections, potentially even reducing economic losses from contaminated crops.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Freezing water droplets form sharp ice peaks

Researchers discovered that water droplets can form sharp ice peaks when freezing, due to the water's expansion as it freezes. As the droplet solidifies, the resulting ice peak attracts water vapor in the air, creating a unique tree-like structure on its surface.

Mechanism of aerosol aging identified

Researchers discovered that OH radicals significantly influence organic aerosols' mass and composition, leading to changes in concentration and characteristics. This finding necessitates updates to regional and global climate models.

NASA satellites indicate wind shear taking toll on Oscar

Tropical Storm Oscar is being battered by strong northwesterly wind shear, with NASA's Aqua satellite capturing images of the storm's clouds and showers southeast of its center. The National Hurricane Center expects Oscar to dissipate late on Oct. 5, 2012.