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Science News Archive October 2012 - Page 27


Page 27 of 33

Genotyping helps identify source of clinic infection outbreak

A genotyping study identified a hematology clinic outbreak of Mycobacterium mucogenicum, a gram-positive bacteria found in tap water. The bacteria was linked to contaminated faucet aerators and improved infection control practices were implemented.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateOct 5, 2012
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Get with the computer program

A pan-Quebec study found that students prefer engaging lectures over targeted tweets, while instructors were more comfortable with emails than social media. The research suggests that curriculum design and professional development should prioritize interactive activities over technology integration.

SourceConcordia University·DateOct 5, 2012

Pacemaker could help more heart failure patients

Researchers found a link between prolonged QRS wave and increased mortality in heart failure. A new type of pacemaker could be effective for treating this condition, which is often overlooked.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateOct 5, 2012

NASA sees very strong wind shear battering Tropical Storm Gaemi

Tropical Storm Gaemi experienced strong northeasterly wind shear, causing a large oval-shaped area of showers and thunderstorms to form southwest of the storm's center. The storm's speed increased as it moved westward, forecasted to make landfall south of Hue, Vietnam on October 6.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 5, 2012

Building 3-D structures from a 2-D template

Researchers from KIT, Louvain, and Berlin develop a rapid and cheap method to produce 3D photonic crystals in silicon. The SPRIE method uses established technologies and innovative self-organization techniques.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateOct 5, 2012

Sun spits out a coronal mass ejection

A coronal mass ejection (CME) was released by the sun on October 4, 2012, traveling at approximately 400 miles per second. The CME may affect electronic systems in satellites and on Earth, although major effects have not been observed in the past.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 5, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NASA notes Nadine now no more

Nadine, a tropical cyclone, was monitored by NASA's TRMM satellite before its dissipation on October 4, 2012. The satellite showed minimal rainfall remaining in the storm, indicating its impending demise.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 5, 2012

BUSM study investigates genetic variants' role in increasing Parkinson's disease risk

A recent genome-wide evaluation by Boston University School of Medicine researchers has found specific genes and alterations in their expression to be associated with an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The study identified cis-effects in the MAPT region and trans-effects involving SNCA, MAPT, and RIT2 genes.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 5, 2012

NASA's HS3 mission thoroughly investigates long-lived Hurricane Nadine

The HS3 mission has provided valuable insights into the characteristics of long-lived tropical cyclones like Hurricane Nadine. The Global Hawk aircraft gathered data on Nadine's winds, temperature, and humidity, helping scientists understand how these storms can intensify despite being affected by dry air and strong westerly winds.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 5, 2012

Origin of ultra-fast manipulation of domain walls discovered

An international team has found a surprising effect that leads to spatially varying magnetization manipulation on an ultrafast timescale in ferromagnetic materials. This discovery could be key to further miniaturization and performance increase of magnetic data storage devices.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 5, 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.

Weather-making high-pressure systems predicted to intensify

A Duke University-led study predicts that high-pressure systems over oceans will intensify, contributing to droughts and extreme summer rainfall in the northern hemisphere. The North Atlantic and Pacific subtropical highs are expected to strengthen due to increasing greenhouse-gas concentrations.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateOct 5, 2012

Getting NASA's SDO into focus

Scientists optimize SDO's HMI instrument to improve resolution quickly after eclipses. By adjusting heater timing and temperature, they've reduced the recovery time from 60 minutes to around 45-50 minutes.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 5, 2012
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.

Breakthrough study identifies trauma switch

A new study identified the PAR1 receptor's role in regulating the brain's response to trauma, providing a potential mechanism for preventing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The research found that stressed events reprogram these receptors, which then determine how the brain reacts to subsequent traumatic events.

SourceThe Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateOct 5, 2012

NASA to upgrade vital communications link

The first of three third-generation TDRS satellites is set to launch in December, providing critical communication support for NASA's human spaceflight endeavors and science missions. The new satellite will increase bandwidth and ensure operational continuity for NASA's Space Network.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 5, 2012
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.

Superheroes needed to tackle timebomb of public health challenges

The research highlights the need for effective public health leaders to address significant health challenges, citing examples of successful individuals like Jamie Oliver. It suggests that current public health professionals may not be equipped to lead and influence policy, leading to calls for greater leadership training and support.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 5, 2012

Whether we like someone affects how our brain processes movement

A study by USC researchers reveals that social factors can affect brain activity related to motor actions, leading to 'differential processing'. This effect is specific to watching movement and is not influenced by physical appearance or group membership.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 5, 2012

HIV drug shows efficacy in treating mouse models of HER2+ breast cancer

A study published in JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that HIV protease inhibitor Nelfinavir inhibits the growth of HER2-positive tumors in mice. The treatment uses a dosage regimen similar to that used for HIV patients, suggesting potential as an anticancer agent.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateOct 5, 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.

A white mouse

Researchers found that B-Raf and C-Raf proteins are crucial for melanocyte stem cell renewal, leading to progressive whitening of fur in mice. The study provides insights into the role of these proteins in cancer development and offers potential new strategies for treating melanoma.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 5, 2012

MIT research: What number is halfway between 1 and 9? Is it 5 -- or 3?

Researchers at MIT's Research Laboratory of Electronics found that a logarithmic scale is optimal for minimizing relative error in human sensory perception and memory. This aligns with natural human instinct to represent numbers logarithmically, particularly when storing data in memory or compressing stimuli.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Mathematical Psychology·DateOct 5, 2012

NASA's Swift satellite discovers a new black hole in our galaxy

NASA's Swift satellite detected a rising tide of high-energy X-rays from a source near the center of the Milky Way galaxy, announcing the presence of a new stellar-mass black hole. The discovery was made using the Burst Alert Telescope and X-ray Telescope on Swift.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 5, 2012
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.

Low incidence of needlestick injuries among staff at national pharmacy chain

A recent study published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology found a lower-than-expected incidence of needlestick injuries (NSIs) at a nationwide retail pharmacy chain. The study revealed that the annual NSI rate was between 0 to 3.62 per 100,000 vaccinations, with most incidents occurring after use and disposal of needles.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateOct 5, 2012

NASA notes Nadine now no more

NASA's TRMM satellite observed very little rainfall in Nadine on its final pass before dissolution on October 4, 2012. Nadine was producing light to moderate rainfall east of its center when a cold front approached, contributing to its demise.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 5, 2012

Benzodiazepine use and dementia in the over 65s

A comparative analysis of elderly individuals found that benzodiazepine use was associated with a 50% increased risk of developing dementia. The study recommends limiting prescriptions to periods of a few weeks and ensuring proper use to mitigate potential adverse effects.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalThe BMJ·DateOct 5, 2012

University of Houston engineering professor wins NSF CAREER grant

The University of Houston Cullen College of Engineering has won its sixth NSF Faculty Early Career Development Award, with assistant professor Jeffrey Rimer receiving a $400,000 grant to further his research on zeolites. The award aims to develop a rational system for creating molecules that can tailor the growth of specific zeolites.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateOct 5, 2012
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.

Go west, young lion

A new study found that mountain lions are dispersing from Nevada to California, rather than the expected influx of animals from California into Nevada. The research used DNA analysis to track the movement of 739 mountain lions over seven years, revealing distinct genetic populations and habitat preferences.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateOct 5, 2012

HIV helps explain rise of anal cancer in US males

A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found a significant association between HIV infection and an increase in anal cancer risk among US males. The research suggests that measures to prevent anal cancer in HIV-infected males could reduce overall rates at the population level.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateOct 5, 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.

Researchers reveal how solvent mixtures affect organic solar cell structure

A team of researchers from North Carolina State University found that some mixing of donor and acceptor layers in polymer-based solar cells can increase efficiency. The study showed that controlling the mixing of domains can lead to better performance, contradicting previous assumptions that pure layers were best.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateOct 4, 2012

Medication use higher among overweight, obese kids

Research from UAlberta finds that overweight and obese children aged 12-19 are 59% more likely to take prescription medication. This trend contributes to higher health-care costs for treating childhood obesity.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateOct 4, 2012

What makes self-directed learning effective?

Researchers Todd Gureckis and Douglas Markant examine the benefits of self-directed learning from a cognitive and computational perspective. They argue that this approach optimizes educational experiences by focusing on useful information and exposing learners to new sources. By understanding these processes, researchers can develop as...

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateOct 4, 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.

NYU researchers find electricity in biological clock

Researchers at NYU have uncovered the electrical activity of biological clock neurons that help regulate behavioral rhythms. The study highlights the importance of understanding the coordination between neuronal firing and gene expression to develop new pathways for treating sleep disorders.

SourceNew York University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 4, 2012

C3E award winners announced at Women in Clean Energy Symposium

Female leaders in clean energy were honored at the Women in Clean Energy Symposium, including C3E award winners who made significant contributions to policy, innovation, education, and corporate implementation. The event highlighted the importance of local initiatives in advancing national energy plans.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateOct 4, 2012

'Thick Infrastructure' proposes new amenities for Houston

A team of University of Houston architects and designers developed new ideas on how the city can better serve its growing populations through innovative uses of ditches, easements, Metro transit centers, and park and rides. The 'Thick Infrastructure' exhibition will showcase bold possibilities for these components of the city.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateOct 4, 2012

Marlene R. Cohen wins Eppendorf/Science Prize

Cohen's research reveals that when the mind wanders, so too do our perceptual abilities, with a significant decrease in ability to detect subtle changes. Her method allows for measuring the effect of internal states on behavior, offering new insights into attention and perception.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 4, 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.

Climate sceptics more prominent in UK and US media

Research finds climate scepticism prevalent in UK and US newspapers, with opinion pieces often unchallenged. The study analyzed over 2,064 articles from six countries during two periods, including the IPCC's Fourth Assessment Report, and found a significant presence of sceptical voices in these nations.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateOct 4, 2012

NASA gets 2 infrared views of tropical storms Nadine, Oscar

NASA's Aqua satellite captured two infrared images of Tropical Storms Nadine and Oscar on October 3, showing contrasting storm behavior. Infrared imagery revealed strong convection and thunderstorms in Oscar, but not in Nadine, as it merges with a cold front.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 4, 2012
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.

How ketamine defeats chronic depression

Current evidence suggests ketamine regenerates damaged brain cells, providing immediate relief from symptoms in treatment-resistant patients. Understanding its mechanism could lead to the development of a new class of antidepressants.

SourceYale University·JournalScience·DateOct 4, 2012

Study reveals how bicultural consumers respond to marketing cues

A new study from Columbia Business School reveals that bicultural consumers respond differently to marketing cues depending on their level of cultural integration, with 'integrated-self' individuals exhibiting chameleon-like behavior and 'divided-self' individuals behaving as cultural contrarians.

SourceColumbia Business School·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateOct 4, 2012

Toward an artificial pancreas: Math modeling and diabetes control

Researchers develop novel mathematical models for injection of insulin in type 1 and type 2 diabetes, simulating injections of insulin in the manner of insulin pumps. The models simulate open-loop and closed-loop systems, achieving real-time feedback between glucose levels and insulin delivery.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·JournalSIAM Journal on Applied Mathematics·DateOct 4, 2012
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.

Nonprescription medication abuse underestimated

A new study reveals that nonprescription medication abuse is a significant issue, with 48% of cases involving pharmaceutical overdoses. The most common medications involved were sleeping pills, muscle relaxants, and pain relievers, leading to 35 deaths in 2011.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Medical Toxicology·DateOct 4, 2012