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Science News Archive October 2012 - Page 7


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, ...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateOct 25, 2012

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 25, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 25, 2012

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.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Public Health Management and Practice·DateOct 25, 2012

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.

SourceEuropean Space Agency·JournalIcarus·DateOct 25, 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.

Chewing betel quid exposes half a billion people to direct carcinogens

A new study found that compounds in the arcea nut can directly cause DNA damage and increase the risk of oral cancer in betel quid users. The substances, present in amounts sufficient to cause harm, were discovered through research published in Chemical Research in Toxicology.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical Research in Toxicology·DateOct 24, 2012

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.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·DateOct 24, 2012

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.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalMass Communication & Society·DateOct 24, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateOct 24, 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.

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.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·DateOct 24, 2012

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.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateOct 24, 2012

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.

SourceThe Menopause Society·JournalMenopause·DateOct 24, 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.

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.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 24, 2012

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.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateOct 24, 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.

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 24, 2012

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.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature·DateOct 24, 2012

Future training in bystander CPR needs targeted approach in 'high-risk' neighborhoods

Researchers found that residents in high-income white and integrated neighborhoods were more likely to receive bystander CPR during out-of-hospital cardiac arrests compared to those in low-income black neighborhoods. The study suggests a targeted approach in these areas may be more efficient than nationwide CPR training programs.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 24, 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.

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.

SourceCardiovascular Research Foundation·DateOct 24, 2012

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.

SourceAcademy of Finland·DateOct 24, 2012

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.

SourceKansas State University·DateOct 24, 2012

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNature·DateOct 24, 2012
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.

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.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature·DateOct 24, 2012

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.

SourceThe Menopause Society·JournalMenopause·DateOct 24, 2012

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...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 24, 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.

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.

SourceLudwig Institute for Cancer Research·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateOct 24, 2012

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.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 24, 2012

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.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature·DateOct 24, 2012

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.

SourceArizona State University·JournalJournal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology·DateOct 24, 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.

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.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Biochemical and Molecular Toxicology·DateOct 24, 2012

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.

SourceMcGill University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 24, 2012

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.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNeuroscience·DateOct 24, 2012

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'...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 24, 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.

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.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalThe American Naturalist·DateOct 24, 2012

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.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateOct 24, 2012

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.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalDiabetes Technology & Therapeutics·DateOct 24, 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.

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.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateOct 24, 2012

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 24, 2012