Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive October 2012


Page 3 of 33

The hunt for electron holes

A recent study reveals that two different types of electron holes contribute to the photocurrent in hematite-based photoanodes. The discovery was made using soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy under simulated sunlight and in the dark, providing new insights into the electronic structure of hematite.

How does the brain measure time?

Researchers at the University of Minnesota's Center for Magnetic Resonance Research found a specific region of the brain, lateral intraparietal area (LIP), that measures time consistently even without external cues. LIP activity decreased at a constant rate between timed movements, suggesting an internal hourglass mechanism.

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.

Finding triggers of birth defects in an embryo heart

Scientists have developed a technology to visualize how circulating blood affects the developing heart, potentially uncovering triggers for heart defects. The study maps shear stress on the endothelial cells lining the growing heart, which has been linked to gene expression changes and defect formation.

Risk of cardiac arrest depends on where you live

A study by Dr. Paul Dorian found that the risk of cardiac arrest depends on where you live, with neighborhoods having higher rates experiencing three to five times more cases than those with lower rates. Wealth, education, and social inclusion are important factors in determining cardiac arrest risk, but only explain part of the puzzle.

How the brain controls our habits

A new study from MIT neuroscientists has found that the brain's prefrontal cortex has a small region responsible for controlling which habits are switched on at a given time. The researchers used optogenetics to inhibit this region, allowing them to break and form new habits in rats.

Common food preservative may slow, even stop tumor growth

Researchers found that nisin slows or stops tumor growth by interrupting the cell cycle in cancer cells but not healthy ones. The study's findings suggest that nisin triggers cell death through the activation of protein CHAC1, which is a new role for this protein.

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.

Bullying has long-term health consequences

A study by the Crime Victims' Institute at Sam Houston State University found that childhood bullying can lead to long-term health consequences, including general and mental health issues, behavioral problems, eating disorders, smoking, alcohol use, and homelessness. The study recommends investing in victim services and effective preve...

Off to the future with a new soccer robot

Researchers from the University of Bonn have developed a new humanoid robot called NimbRo-OP, which is designed to facilitate research on humanoids. The robot's open-source design plan and source code aim to enable other researchers to use it as a basis for their work.

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.

Many cancer survivors face health-related quality of life issues

A recent study found that over one-third of cancer survivors in the US experience physical and mental health problems after treatment. The study identified groups at higher risk for long-term quality-of-life issues, with those with certain types of cancer facing significant challenges.

New pediatric heart failure guidelines a first in Canada

The new guidelines aim to provide a framework for early recognition and treatment of pediatric heart failure, which often goes unrecognized until it's too late. The guidelines recommend specialized care, including echocardiography by a pediatric specialist, and evidence-based treatments such as diuretics and inotropic drugs.

Hunt for superbugs in Australian animals

A national research effort is underway to monitor antibiotic resistance in Australian livestock and companion animals. The study aims to provide a clearer picture of the state of Australian livestock and inform mitigation strategies.

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 satellites capture Hurricane Sandy's massive size

Hurricane Sandy was a massive storm that covered 1.8 million square miles from the Mid-Atlantic to Canada and New England. NASA satellites captured its size, with maximum sustained winds near 75 mph and minimum central pressure rising to 952 millibars.

Unique protein bond enables learning and memory

Researchers discovered a unique protein bond that enables NMDA receptors to stabilize on the cell surface, increasing communication between brain cells. The scaffolding protein SAP102 binds with GluN2B at two sites, facilitating receptor turnover and preventing debilitating diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

Women with lupus have a higher risk for preeclampsia

Research finds women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have a two-fold increase in risk of preeclampsia. DMARD use during pregnancy may also pose a slight risk, with the severity of autoimmune disease contributing to the increased risk.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Drug offers new pain management therapy for diabetics

A 12-week clinical study found that nabilone significantly reduces pain and improves sleep in patients with diabetic neuropathy, with few side effects. The medication, a synthetic cannabinoid, has been used to treat nausea in chemotherapy patients and is now being considered for treating neuropathy pain in diabetics.

Indoor workplace smoking bans garner strong support from Hoosiers

A recent Indiana survey found nearly 75% of Hoosiers in favor of a statewide or community indoor workplace smoking ban. The study suggests that policy makers have the backing of their constituents to pass such legislation. Support was consistent across most groups, with strong backing from non-smokers and those unaware of health risks.

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.

E. coli adapts to colonize plants

Researchers discovered that E. coli strains can form biofilms more readily on plant surfaces, using plant-derived sugars for survival. The findings provide insights into the evolution of E. coli populations and offer targets for preventing dangerous strains from contaminating vegetables.

Homelessness, high mobility threaten children's achievement

A longitudinal study of over 26,000 Minneapolis Public Schools students found that homelessness and frequent moving led to persistently lower reading and math achievement scores. Despite this, individual children's academic resilience varied significantly, with 45% scoring within the average range or better.

NASA sees Tropical Storm Son-Tinh fill the Gulf of Tonkin

Tropical Storm Son-tinh made landfall in northern Vietnam and is curving to the northeast, tracking over southern China. The storm's powerful thunderstorms are reaching high into the troposphere, dropping heavy rainfall at rates of 50 mm/2 inches per hour.

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.

Bill McKibben to receive President's Medal of The Geological Society of America

The Geological Society of America awards Bill McKibben its highest honor, the President's Medal, for his life's work on climate change and environmental protection. McKibben has written over a dozen books on the environment, founded the grassroots climate campaign 350.org, and continues to be an outspoken advocate for action.

Cocktail achieves superconducting boost

Scientists have synthesized a new material with promising superconducting transition temperatures of 44 Kelvins, improving upon traditional copper-based high-temperature superconductors. The material, LixFe2Se2(NH3)y, displays an intercalation of potassium or rubidium, achieving a superconducting temperature of 32K.

Smoke-free laws led quickly to fewer hospitalizations

Comprehensive smoke-free laws resulted in rapid decreases in heart attack hospitalizations (15% reduction), stroke hospitalizations (16% decrease), and respiratory disease hospitalizations (24% drop). The most effective laws covered workplaces, restaurants, and bars, demonstrating the importance of inclusive legislation.

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.

More doctors use ultrasound to diagnose, manage rheumatic diseases

The American College of Rheumatology recommends using musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) to diagnose and manage rheumatic diseases. MSUS can provide a faster, more accurate diagnosis, better measurement of treatment success, reduced procedural pain, and improved patient satisfaction.

Stay-at-home transcription factor prevents neurodegeneration

Researchers discovered a new mechanism by which STAT3 helps prevent axon degeneration, a hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases. CNTF treatment stimulated STAT3 to inhibit stathmin, leading to increased axon growth and reduced breakdown in ALS patients.

Smoking causes asthma in second generation offspring

Researchers found that maternal smoking during pregnancy increases lung function issues in children and grandchildren due to increased levels of proteins such as fibronectin, collagen, and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. The effects are so long-lasting that stop-smoking education for expectant mothers is necessary.

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.

Mandatory flu vaccine for health care workers to protect patients

In an editorial published in CMAJ, Dr. Ken Flegel argues that a mandatory flu vaccine for healthcare workers is necessary due to the high risk of transmission and severe illness. With 55% of physicians not getting vaccinated, hospitals are at risk of outbreaks, emphasizing the need for compulsory vaccination rates above 90%.

Buckley receives 2012 Cancro Academic Leadership Award in psychiatry

Dr. Peter F. Buckley received the 2012 Cancro Academic Leadership Award for his work in advancing child and adolescent training experiences through a recovery-oriented model of care. He led the rebuilding of the MCG Department of Psychiatry, developing innovative programs that focus on recovery from mental illness.

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.

Overweight and smoking during pregnancy boost risk of overweight kids

A systematic review of over 200,000 participants found that maternal overweight and smoking during pregnancy significantly increase the risk of childhood overweight. High birth weight and early rapid weight gain also contribute to this risk. Breastfeeding can help mitigate this risk to some extent.

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.

Migraine in children may affect school performance

A study of 5,671 Brazilian children aged 5-12 found that those with migraines had lower school performance compared to those without headaches. Children with chronic or severe migraines were more likely to experience poor performance.

Researchers to debate the call for sexual abstinence education in schools

A research team from Sheffield Hallam University argues that introducing abstinence education into UK schools may not be an effective substitute for comprehensive Sex and Relationship Education. Comprehensive SRE has been shown to increase the age of first sexual encounter, reduce risks of unprotected sex and STIs, and provide skills a...

NASA examines Hurricane Sandy as it affects the eastern US

NASA used CloudSat and Aqua satellites to study Hurricane Sandy's structure and behavior, revealing a Category 1 hurricane with maximum sustained winds near 75 mph. The storm's large wind field and heavy precipitation associated with its outer bands posed significant challenges for the eastern US coast.

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.

Smoking and hyperactivity share common genetic risk factor

Researchers identify shared biological risk factors for smoking and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. A specific gene variant is found to be associated with both conditions, potentially serving as a gateway to smoking in adulthood.

How silver turns people blue

Researchers at Brown University have discovered how ingesting too much silver leads to argyria, a rare condition where skin turns grayish-blue. The study shows that silver nanoparticles are broken down into silver salt in the stomach, which is then absorbed into the bloodstream and deposited in the skin.

No more tears from tears

A new quick-release medical tape minimizes skin tissue tearing upon removal, addressing a significant issue in neonatal care. The innovative three-layer design incorporates an anisotropic adhesive interface, allowing for strong adhesion and safe removal.

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.

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for Oct. 30, 2012

The American College of Physicians (ACP) suggests using evidence-based performance measures to assess the use of low-value interventions, such as routine X-ray or advanced imaging methods for uncomplicated low back pain. This approach aims to improve health care quality by changing clinician behavior through feedback and public reporting.

NASA's TRMM satellite analyzes Hurricane Sandy in 3-D

The TRMM satellite provided valuable insights into Hurricane Sandy's properties, including a weak eyewall with modest precipitation and relatively light updrafts. The satellite also detected vigorous storm cells in the super-sized rainband extending to the west and north of the hurricane's center.