Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive October 2012 - Page 5


Page 5 of 33

Nanotechnology helps scientists keep silver shiny

Researchers use atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique to create thin, transparent oxide films that protect silver surfaces from hydrogen sulfide, reducing the need for frequent polishing and coating applications. The new method has potential to preserve historically important artifacts without damaging them.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateOct 26, 2012

Moffitt Researchers find genetic predictors of fatigue for some prostate cancer patients

Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have found that men with prostate cancer who receive androgen deprivation therapy are susceptible to heightened fatigue if they carry specific variants of the IL6 and TNFA genes. This discovery highlights the importance of personalized medicine in tailoring therapies to a patient's genetic profile.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·DateOct 26, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Hermit crabs socialize to evict their neighbors

Land-based hermit crabs remodel their shells to accommodate growth, but rare empty snails on land require them to kick others out of their homes. This unusual behavior is a result of the crabs' evolution to take advantage of a niche, leading to socialization in a typically solitary animal.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 26, 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.

Scientists demonstrate high-efficiency quantum dot solar cells

Researchers from NREL demonstrated a solar cell with external quantum efficiency exceeding 100 percent, producing up to 30% more current than conventional technology. This breakthrough harnesses the power of multiple exciton generation (MEG) to reduce heat loss and increase electrical energy.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateOct 26, 2012

New grant to establish pan-continental bioinformatics research network in Africa

A new $2 million grant will support a pan-continental bioinformatics research network in Africa. The H3ABioNet project aims to aggregate and analyze large datasets, establish collaborations among preexisting centers, and train African students and scientists in bioinformatics.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·DateOct 26, 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.

Efforts to mitigate climate change must target energy efficiency

A new study finds that efficient end-use technologies have the potential to contribute large emission reductions and provide higher social returns on investment. However, current innovation efforts are skewed towards energy supply technologies, which may be less effective in mitigating climate change.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNature Climate Change·DateOct 26, 2012

ESDM early intervention improves brain activity associated with social cues

The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) has been found to improve social skills and brain responses to social cues in young children with autism. The study, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, showed that ESDM increased brain activity associated with recognizing and perceiving social information.

SourceAutism Speaks·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateOct 26, 2012

Solving stem cell mysteries

A team of scientists has discovered a critical protein, Utf1, that balances activation and deactivation of genes for cell differentiation. This finding sheds light on the complex process of embryonic stem cell self-renewal and differentiation.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalCell·DateOct 26, 2012

Trial of HIV test for babies in Africa could make a big difference

A new HIV test developed at Northwestern University is being tested in Mozambique to deliver a diagnosis in under an hour. The test has a 95% accuracy rate and could significantly improve the rates of infected infants being diagnosed and treated, potentially saving thousands of lives.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateOct 26, 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.

Anesthesia type affects outcomes of bilateral knee replacement surgery

Using regional anesthesia reduces need for blood transfusions and major complications in bilateral knee replacements, according to a new study. Patients receiving neuraxial anesthesia had lower rates of blood transfusions compared to general anesthesia.

SourceHospital for Special Surgery·JournalRegional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine·DateOct 26, 2012

Minimizing mining damage with manure

Agricultural Research Service study found that adding beef manure compost to soil at post-mining sites increased pH, plant-available nutrients, and microbial activity. The compost also lowered lead and zinc availability by 90%, promoting vegetative cover and reducing runoff.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·DateOct 26, 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.

Watching the cogwheels of the biological clock in living cells

Researchers study circadian clocks in cultured cells and find that the transcription factor BMAL1 must die for the DBP gene to function. This discovery offers a possible explanation for how different genes have distinct daily cycles of expression.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalMolecular Cell·DateOct 26, 2012

Smart cities: Bridging physical and digital

Researchers are developing high-technology ways to see and think about modern cities, using tools like online mapping and modelling to transform the urban experience. This technology enables real-time engagement with citizens through social media, providing valuable insights into city movements and activity patterns.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateOct 26, 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.

WSU study shows voting higher among youth using social media to express beliefs

A WSU study found that young adults who use social media to express their political beliefs are more likely to participate in public affairs. The study analyzed over 400 undergraduate college students and found that those interested in election information were more likely to use digital sources to learn about elections.

SourceWashington State University·JournalMass Communication & Society·DateOct 26, 2012

Princess by proxy: When child beauty pageants aren't about the kids

A new study suggests that high-glitz child pageants are more about satisfying parents than the children's needs. Participation can lead to harm in children's health and self-esteem due to pressure for physical perfection and objectification. The author warns of 'princess by proxy' distortion where parents prioritize their own achieveme...

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateOct 26, 2012

Stimulating brain cells with light

Scientists at Lund University are using optogenetics to investigate the behavior of transplanted brain cells in a model of Parkinson's disease. The study aims to determine whether light can be used to reinforce dopamine production and improve the effectiveness of nerve cell transplantation.

SourceLund University·DateOct 26, 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.

Results of the STEMI-RADIAL trial presented at TCT 2012

The radial approach has been shown to significantly reduce the incidence of major bleeding and access site complications compared to the femoral approach. In STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI within 12 hours, radial access was associated with a lower rate of major adverse cardiovascular events.

SourceCardiovascular Research Foundation·DateOct 26, 2012

Autism early intervention found to normalize brain activity in children as young as 18 months

A nationwide study found that intensive early intervention therapy can normalize brain activity, decrease autism symptoms and improve social skills in young children with autism. The therapy, called Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), was effective in improving cognition and language skills among very young children with autism.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateOct 26, 2012

Scientists step up hunt for bacterial genes tied to Lyme disease

Researchers at UTHealth have developed a new technique to test 15 times more bacterial genes than previous years, uncovering potential roles in infection. The study could lead to vaccine candidates, better diagnostic tools, and targeted drug intervention.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 26, 2012

A Viagra follow-up? Drug used to treat glaucoma actually grows human hair

A new study published in the FASEB Journal found that bimatoprost, a commonly prescribed glaucoma drug, stimulates human hair growth from the scalp. The drug has been commercially available to lengthen eyelashes, but this is its first application for treating baldness.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateOct 26, 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.

C'est difficile

A combination of six naturally occurring bacteria eradicates a highly contagious form of Clostridium difficile, a cause of bloating, diarrhea, and over 2,000 UK deaths in 2011. Faecal transplantation resolves symptoms and contagiousness, but the new approach aims to reduce antibiotic use.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateOct 25, 2012

Restricting high-risk individuals from owning guns saves lives

The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health report highlights policies and initiatives to reduce gun violence by reforming current gun laws. The key findings include easy access to large-capacity magazines facilitating higher casualties in mass shootings and prohibiting high-risk groups from owning guns.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·DateOct 25, 2012

Experts call for increased neonatal inclusion in pediatric drug trials

A Commentary highlights the need for increased neonatal inclusion in pediatric drug trials due to inadequate representation in current studies. The lack of clinical trials on medications used by children, most notably neonates, poses risks to their health and safety.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateOct 25, 2012
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.

Genes, depression and life satisfaction

A twin study found that genes involved in satisfaction and positivity give protection against major depression, with a heritability of 34% for depression and 72% for overall life satisfaction. Environmental factors play a smaller role in protecting against depression than genetic factors.

SourceNorwegian Institute of Public Health·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·DateOct 25, 2012

Elevated formaldehyde levels found in day care centers

A study by University of California, Berkeley researchers found elevated levels of formaldehyde and several other contaminants in day care centers, exceeding state health guidelines. Cleaning- and sanitizing-related chemicals were also present, with some at higher levels than in comparable studies on homes.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·DateOct 25, 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.

Omega-3 intake heightens working memory in healthy young adults

A study by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh found that increasing Omega-3 fatty acid intake improves working memory performance in healthy young adults aged 18-25. The participants showed enhanced cognitive abilities despite already being at their peak cognitive function. The study suggests a potential mechanism for brain en...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 25, 2012

Scientists to study the role genes play in treating TB

Researchers are exploring genetic differences to improve TB treatment outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa. The study aims to identify genes that affect the effectiveness and reaction to anti-TB drugs, with potential benefits for patients with HIV/AIDS.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·DateOct 25, 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.

Results of the RESPECT trial presented at TCT 2012

The RESPECT trial found that PFO closure significantly reduces the risk of recurrent ischemic strokes, with a clinical benefit of 46.6-72.7% compared to medical management alone. The study also showed low device-related risks and no device-related thrombus or embolization.

SourceCardiovascular Research Foundation·DateOct 25, 2012

DNA's double stranded stretch

Researchers used a coupled discrete wormlike chain-Ising model to simulate DNA stretching and confirm two structural transitions at forces of around 65 pN and 135 pN. Beyond 135 pN, DNA strands peel apart into single-stranded DNAs similar to those obtained through thermal denaturation.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateOct 25, 2012

Scientists create first mouse model of typhoid fever

Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have developed a groundbreaking mouse model of typhoid fever, enabling the study and creation of more effective vaccines. The mouse model uses toll-like receptors to combat the infection, with promising results in immunizing mice against Salmonella typhi.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalCell·DateOct 25, 2012
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Results of the AIDA STEMI MRI sub-study presented at TCT 2012

A new study presented at TCT 2012 confirms that intracoronary and intravenous use of abciximab during angioplasty yield similar results for heart damage and reperfusion injury in STEMI patients. The AIDA STEMI MRI sub-study examined various measures of heart damage using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.

SourceCardiovascular Research Foundation·DateOct 25, 2012

Small organisms could dramatically impact world's climate

Research shows that warmer oceans will cause phytoplankton populations to thrive near the poles and shrink in equatorial waters, leading to significant changes in the food chain and global carbon cycles. This shift could have measurable consequences for the world's climate.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalScience·DateOct 25, 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.

Study reveals genetic causes of a male infertility disorder

A recent study has uncovered two genetic deletions that are responsible for severely low sperm count, accounting for 8% of cases. The most common deletion increased the risk by a factor of 2, while the rare b2/b4 deletion doubled the risk and accounted for 6% of cases.

SourceCell Press·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateOct 25, 2012

Sleep-deprived bees have difficulty relearning

A study by Menzel and colleagues found that sleep-deprived bees struggled to form new memories, particularly in navigating alternative routes. In contrast, well-rested bees easily learned new routes after being displaced from familiar paths.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateOct 25, 2012

Tracking environmental causes of good and bad health

Researchers are investigating how constantly evolving chemical modifications in our DNA and proteins cause our genome to stay healthy or develop diseases. Epigenome changes over time can affect which genes are turned on, leading to Leukemia and cancers of the colon and ovaries.

SourceSimon Fraser University·DateOct 25, 2012