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Science News Archive October 2012 - Page 3


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.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateOct 30, 2012

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 30, 2012
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.

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.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateOct 30, 2012

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.

SourceHeart and Stroke Foundation of Canada·DateOct 30, 2012

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 30, 2012

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.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalCancer Medicine·DateOct 30, 2012

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...

SourceSam Houston State University·JournalJustice Quarterly·DateOct 30, 2012
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.

Higher education levels in women change relationship patterns

Research shows that as more women have higher education levels, couples are forming with a woman having lower studies than her partner. This trend is observed globally and may lead to increased symmetry and equality in relationships.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalPopulation and Development Review·DateOct 30, 2012

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.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·DateOct 30, 2012

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.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·DateOct 30, 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.

At 6 months, development of children with autism like those without

A new study reveals that children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) develop similarly to their peers at 6 months of age, but diverge later on. The research, conducted over three years, examined the development of 235 children with and without ASD from 6 to 36 months.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateOct 30, 2012

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.

SourceHeart and Stroke Foundation of Canada·DateOct 30, 2012

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.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·DateOct 30, 2012

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 30, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 30, 2012

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.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateOct 30, 2012

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.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalPain·DateOct 30, 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.

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.

SourceIndiana University·DateOct 30, 2012

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.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalEnvironmental Microbiology·DateOct 30, 2012

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.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateOct 30, 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.

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 29, 2012

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.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateOct 29, 2012

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.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateOct 29, 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.

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.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateOct 29, 2012

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.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateOct 29, 2012

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.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medicine·DateOct 29, 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.

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%.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateOct 29, 2012

Overweight, obesity in adolescents linked with increased risk for end-stage renal disease over time

A nationwide population-based study found that adolescents' being overweight and obese during their teenage years are linked to a higher risk of developing end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in the following 25 years. Researchers also noted an increased risk for diabetic ESRD, with risks increasing six-fold and 19-fold among overweight and...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateOct 29, 2012

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.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateOct 29, 2012
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.

Higher-math skills entwined with lower-order magnitude sense

Researchers found that human math abilities are connected to a primitive sense of magnitude, while animals rely on instincts. The study showed that people with better math skills can distinguish between smaller numbers.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 29, 2012

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.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateOct 29, 2012
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

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.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateOct 29, 2012

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...

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateOct 29, 2012

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 29, 2012

Insights into a new therapy for a rare form of cystic fibrosis

A new therapy for a rare form of cystic fibrosis has been developed using an unconventional approach. The drug, VX-770, was found to open both normal and mutant CFTR channels without the need for ATP, a molecule that normally regulates channel activity.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateOct 29, 2012
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.

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.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateOct 29, 2012

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.

SourceBrown University·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 29, 2012
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.

Duke researchers engineer cartilage from pluripotent stem cells

Researchers successfully grew and sorted induced pluripotent stem cells for use in cartilage repair and studying osteoarthritis. The breakthrough uses adult stem cells converted into embryonic-like stem cells to produce cartilage tissue.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 29, 2012

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.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 29, 2012

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.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateOct 29, 2012

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 29, 2012
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.