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Science News Archive October 2012


Page 7 of 33

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal announces global expansion initiatives

The Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal is expanding its reach to the international plastic surgery community through a publishing partnership with Revista Brasileira de Cirurgia Plastica. The journal will exchange content with RBCP, allowing for easy access to research advances among Brazilian leaders. A new open-access title, ...

NASA spacecraft sees huge burp at Saturn after large storm

Researchers at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center detected a massive release of ethylene gas during a rare storm on Saturn, with temperatures soaring 150 degrees Fahrenheit above normal. The storm was observed using Cassini's composite infrared spectrometer and revealed unprecedented disturbances in the planet's upper atmosphere.

Size does matter in sexual selection, at least among beetles

A study published in Current Biology demonstrates that male genital shape affects fertilization success in a species of seed beetle. Males with longer genital spines produced substantially more offspring than those with shorter spines, highlighting the importance of competition among males in driving evolutionary changes.

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.

Journal of Public Health Management and Practice now available on the iPad

The Journal of Public Health Management and Practice is now available on the iPad, providing convenient access to critical public health information. The journal's November/December special issue focuses on public health services and systems research, exploring its impact on organization, financing, and delivery of public health services.

After-effects of Saturn's super storm shine on

Scientists have discovered a giant oval vortex on Saturn persisting long after the visible effects of the 'Great Springtime Storm' subsided. The vortex is characterized by high temperatures and unique chemistry, unlike Jupiter's famous Great Red Spot.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers create potatoes with higher levels of carotenoids

ARS scientists bred yellow potatoes with enhanced carotenoid levels, doubling their nutritional value compared to Yukon Gold. The new varieties have shown promise in improving eye health by protecting against age-related macular degeneration and cataract formation.

When negative political ads work

A new study by Juliana Fernandes found that negative political ads work best when presented in moderation, allowing voters to process information carefully. The study revealed that larger time intervals between ad repetitions disfavor the target candidate, making it harder for them to be seen as unfavorable.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Partial sleep deprivation linked to obesity

Research reveals that partial sleep deprivation affects ghrelin and leptin levels, leading to increased energy intake and potential weight gain. The study suggests a possible link between sleep patterns and body weight regulation.

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.

Reclaiming rare earths

Scientists at Ames Laboratory successfully remove neodymium and other rare earths from commercial magnets, maintaining useful properties. The new process aims to produce high-purity alloys for future applications.

Lactation protein suppresses tumors and metastasis in breast cancer

A recent study published in Nature Cell Biology has identified Elf5, a protein necessary for lactation, as a key player in suppressing breast cancer tumors and metastasis. The research found that when Elf5 is absent or low, epithelial cells become more like stem cells, leading to cancer growth and spread.

Hypnosis helps hot flashes

A recent study published in Menopause found that hypnosis can effectively manage hot flashes in postmenopausal women, leading to significant reductions in frequency and severity. The study showed a 57% reduction in skin conductance, which is a measure of hot flash symptoms.

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.

Research findings breathe new life into lung disease

Endothelial cells, not muscle cells on the outside of blood vessels, are responsible for sensing low oxygen levels and triggering pulmonary hypertension. Researchers at St. Michael's Hospital found that blocking communication between endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells could potentially prevent right heart failure.

2 Carnegie Mellon teams get nod to compete in DARPA Robotics Challenge

Two Carnegie Mellon teams, Tartan Rescue Team and Team Steel, have been selected to compete in the DARPA Robotics Challenge, a competition where robots will respond to disaster scenarios in human-engineered environments. The ultimate winning team will receive a $2 million prize and advance robotics development across all fields.

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.

NASA sees tiny Tropical Storm Tony traveling

Tropical Storm Tony is a small, compact storm traveling through the central Atlantic Ocean. The storm's maximum sustained winds are near 45 mph, with some strengthening expected before gradual weakening.

CU-Boulder researchers uncover new target for cancer research

Researchers at CU-Boulder have discovered a novel target for anti-cancer drug development by targeting the telomerase enzyme at the ends of chromosomes. This approach may provide an effective solution to the complex problem of cancerous cells. By blocking the telomerase enzyme, the growth of cancerous cells can be prevented.

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.

Results of the ETAP trial presented at TCT 2012

A study found that a nitinol stent performed better than balloon angioplasty alone in treating blockages of the popliteal artery, with higher one-year primary patency rates. The trial compared primary nitinol stent placement to angioplasty alone in patients with single obstructive lesions in the popliteal artery.

Voice prostheses can help patients regain their lost voice

Researchers have developed improved artificial voice devices that can produce age-appropriate voices for children and women with vocal cord problems. The new technology enhances speech signal analysis by tackling the challenge of identifying glottal excitation signals in higher-pitched voices.

Grant to help develop solar-powered charging stations for plug-in vehicles

The university will use the grant to build solar-powered charging stations for electric and hybrid vehicles, exploring technical, social, environmental and economic issues surrounding plug-in vehicles. The project aims to reduce air emissions and improve air quality by promoting the adoption of solar-powered charging stations.

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.

Galaxy halos are produced by orphan stars, findings indicate

Researchers from UC Irvine and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory have discovered that galaxy halos are likely caused by orphan stars ejected from galaxies during violent mergers. The team used data from the Spitzer Space Telescope to study the patterns of diffuse light, finding that it is too strong to be explained by earlier theories.

Live cables explain enigmatic electric currents

Researchers at Aarhus University discovered bacteria that function as live electric cables, conducting electric currents over centimeter-long distances. These 'cable bacteria' contain insulated wires that transfer electrons, allowing them to thrive in oxygen-free parts of the seabed.

Hot flashes can come back after SSRI

A recent study published in Menopause found that about one-third of women who stopped taking the SSRI antidepressant escitalopram experienced a relapse of hot flashes and night sweats. Women with insomnia and those who responded less well to the medication were more likely to experience a relapse.

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.

JCI early table of contents for Oct. 24, 2012

LncRNAs have been found to regulate gene expression in various diseases, including brachydactyly and HELLP syndrome. Additionally, research on obesity has shown that early genetic intervention can rescue mice from obesity-induced metabolic disorders. Furthermore, editing mistakes in miR-376 cluster have been linked to invasive brain tu...

Mouse model exposes a new type of T cell to target melanoma

Researchers have identified a novel type of T cell that can selectively target and destroy melanoma tumors. The discovery involves combining cyclophosphamide, an antibody that activates OX40 on T cells, with adoptive T cell transfer to eradicate advanced melanoma tumors in mice.

An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth

Research suggests that vendettas can be viable over the long term among group members, despite being costly and damaging to stakeholders. The study found that punishment mechanisms can enhance cooperation in public good games within groups.

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.

Challenging Parkinson's dogma

Researchers found dopamine neurons release GABA, a neurotransmitter that lowers neuronal activity, which could explain why restoring only dopamine leads to waning improvements in Parkinson's patients. This discovery highlights the complex interplay between dopamine and GABA in brain disorders like depression and addiction.

Plants provide accurate low-cost alternative for diagnosis of West Nile Virus

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a new method using plants to produce biological reagents for detecting and diagnosing West Nile Virus. The technique, which relies on plant viral-based vectors, allows for rapid, high-accuracy testing with lower costs and scalability compared to existing methods.

Study: Flame retardant 'Firemaster 550' is an endocrine disruptor

A new study by NC State University and Duke University finds that flame retardant Firemaster 550 causes endocrine disruption, leading to rapid weight gain, early onset of puberty, and cardiovascular health problems in lab rats. The researchers also detected high levels of thyroid hormone and glucose regulation issues in exposed offspring.

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.

Feeling hot, hot, hot

A study published in PLOS ONE finds that climate patterns are more correlated with population growth in the contiguous United States than income or urbanization. The researchers found a pronounced shift away from cool and seasonal climates towards warmer and drier areas, resulting in a six-fold temperature increase over the last century.

Moderate drinking decreases number of new brain cells

A new study suggests that moderate drinking can decrease brain cell production by up to 40% in adults, leading to potential harm on learning and memory. Researchers found that rats exposed to low levels of alcohol showed reduced nerve cells in the hippocampus, a crucial area for new learning.

New insight on managing fungal meningitis

Physicians are facing the challenge of providing early treatment for fungal meningitis as cases continue to rise. The University of Michigan Health System physician authors recommend a high dose of voriconazole, but note the risk of visual disturbances, confusion, and liver test abnormalities. To avoid these effects, reducing the drug'...

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.

Climate change may alter amphibian evolution

Climate change is altering rainfall patterns in Panama, which affects frog reproductive strategies. Some species, like the pantless treefrog, may adapt to changing conditions by switching between aquatic and terrestrial egg-laying.

Electronic nose could be used to detect sleep apnea

Researchers developed an electronic nose to detect obstructive sleep apnoea, a condition associated with inflammation in the upper airways. The device accurately diagnosed sleep apnoea in patients, showing a sensitivity of 93%, and could potentially reduce costs by selecting patients who require further testing.

Can diabetes devices be damaged by airport security scanners?

Research highlights the potential impact of airport security scanners on diabetes devices, including insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring systems. The Editorial calls for more research to understand and potentially repair this issue affecting hundreds of thousands of people worldwide who use insulin pump therapy.

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.

Knee replacement not an 'easy solution' for obese patients

Obese patients are at a greater risk of post-surgical infections and require more follow-up surgeries following total knee replacement. The study advises well-informed obese patients to lose weight before surgery to lessen osteoarthritis symptoms and improve outcomes.

Gaps in border controls are related to alien insect invasions in Europe

Research estimates that European countries with weak agricultural import controls are more vulnerable to exotic insect pests. The study provides new metrics to evaluate and improve border controls, highlighting the need for better biosecurity measures to prevent invasive insects from entering the continent.

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.