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Science News Archive March 2013


Page 28 of 30

ADHD takes a toll well into adulthood

A long-term follow-up study of 367 children with ADHD found that nearly a third still had ADHD as adults and were more likely to have psychiatric disorders, commit suicide, or be incarcerated. The study highlights the need for continued treatment and monitoring beyond childhood.

For birds, red means 'go'

Certain Australian native flowers have shifted from using insects as pollinators and evolved flower colour to the red hues favoured by birds. The study found that bird-pollinated flowers have spectral signatures that are best discriminated by those birds.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

The right dose for oncology

A new tool developed by EPFL researchers can accurately determine the optimal dose of chemotherapy for individual patients, reducing the risk of resistance mechanisms and relapse. The method measures a cancerous cell's electrical conductivity to assess the treatment's effect, allowing oncologists to make more patient-specific decisions.

How the brain loses and regains consciousness

A new study tracked brain activity in human volunteers as they lost and regained consciousness, revealing distinctive patterns linked to different stages of general anesthesia. The findings could improve monitoring systems used during surgery, reducing the risk of rare cases where patients wake up during operations.

Discovery opens door to new drug options for serious diseases

Researchers have discovered how oxidative stress can turn a benign cellular protein into a powerful accomplice in neuronal death. This finding could lead to new therapeutic approaches for debilitating diseases, including those related to inflammation, aging and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

National Sleep Foundation poll finds exercise key to good sleep

The National Sleep Foundation's 2013 Sleep in America poll found a strong association between exercise and better sleep. Exercisers reported better sleep quality and reduced symptoms of insomnia compared to non-exercisers. Additionally, regular exercise was linked to lower risk of sleep apnea and improved overall health.

Vitamin deficiency screening needed for refugees

A new study has found a significant prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency among refugees arriving in Australia. The research highlights the importance of regular screening to prevent severe malnourishment and its consequences, including developmental defects in unborn children.

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.

Study identifies ways to increase HIV testing, reduce HIV infection

The study demonstrates that community efforts can significantly increase HIV testing rates, especially among men and young individuals. The intervention communities showed a 45% higher rate of testing for men compared to control communities, leading to a 14% reduction in new HIV infections.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Human Y chromosome much older than previously thought

A newly discovered Y chromosome variation has pushed back the age of the most recent common ancestor for the Y chromosome lineage by almost 70 percent. The findings suggest that the Y chromosome divergence occurred around 300,000 years ago, before the emergence of anatomically modern humans.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

NASA transfers operational control of environmental satellite

Suomi NPP, a partnership between NASA and NOAA, supports Earth science research and weather forecasting by providing critical data for global change science and improving short-term weather forecasts. The satellite's observations help advance science and increase the accuracy of meteorological predictions.

UCSB physicists make discovery in the quantum realm

A team of physicists at UCSB has made a discovery that provides new understanding in the quantum realm. By manipulating light on superconducting chips, they have developed an unprecedented level of control over photons, enabling the shaping of released photons into different wave forms.

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 vaccine that works in newborns?

Researchers have identified a potent compound that activates immune responses in newborns' white blood cells substantially better than anything previously tested, potentially making vaccines effective right at birth. The compound, VTX-294, produced strong immune responses and triggered production of cytokines and co-stimulatory molecules.

Contraception in women over 40

Women over 40 face declining fertility and require effective contraception to prevent pregnancy. Various methods are considered safe and effective, including copper IUDs, progestin implants, and sterilization, with benefits outweighing risks for most women.

Parkinson's disease brain rhythms detected

Scientists at UCSF have discovered a way to detect abnormal brain rhythms associated with Parkinson's disease by implanting electrodes within the brains of people with the disease. This finding may lead to developing next-generation brain stimulation devices to alleviate symptoms.

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.

Stress hormone foreshadows postpartum depression in new mothers

A new study found that pregnant women who received strong social support from their families had lower levels of a stress hormone and reduced depressive symptoms after giving birth. The researchers also discovered that emotional support was the most powerful form of support, while father support was not as strong of a protective factor.

Contraband tobacco use hinders smoking cessation

A study published in CMAJ found that people who smoke contraband cigarettes are less likely to stop smoking compared to those who smoke premium or discount cigarettes. Contraband cigarettes are widely available and significantly cheaper than legitimate options.

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.

Accurate water vapor measurements for improved weather and climate models

A new laser hygrometer has been proven suitable as a transfer standard for atmospheric water vapor measurements, improving the accuracy of weather and climate models. The SEALDH system has demonstrated excellent performance in field conditions, with a detection limit in the ppm range and an ability to work autonomously.

Vortex loops could untie knotty physics problems

University of Chicago physicists create linked and knotted vortex loops, a feat long elusive in lab experiments. Their work relates to turbulence, plasma physics, ordinary fluids, and superfluids, offering potential solutions to longstanding puzzles.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

SMU psychology department awarded more than $1 million in grants

The SMU psychology department has been awarded over $1 million in grants to collaborate with the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women's University in Peshawar, Pakistan. The partnership aims to enhance faculty development, curriculum growth, and research collaborations between the two institutions.

Pharmaceutical advertising down but not out

Despite declining marketing efforts, pharmaceutical promotion remains prevalent, with free samples and physician detailing accounting for over 70% of expenditures. The study found no significant change in the proportion of marketing to primary care physicians or specialists, highlighting ongoing conflicts of interest.

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.

What predicts distress after episodes of sleep paralysis?

Researchers found that fear, threat, and assault during sleep paralysis episodes were associated with increased post-episode distress. Cognitive styles, distress sensitivity, and supernatural beliefs also played a role in predicting distress levels.

Protein synthesis blocker may hold key to reducing effects of traumatic events

Researchers found that a protein synthesis blocker can significantly reduce fear and stress in rats after they experienced a mildly traumatic event. The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggests that this approach could have clinical implications for treating posttraumatic stress disorder.

Fermat's Last Theorem and more can be proved more simply

Case Western Reserve University professor Colin McLarty has simplified the proof of Fermat's Last Theorem by using only finite-order arithmetic, reducing reliance on strong set theory. This breakthrough, inspired by Grothendieck's work, opens new avenues for number theorists to tackle similar problems.

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.

Brain adds cells in puberty to navigate adult world

Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered that the brain adds new cells during puberty to help navigate complex social cues, a process previously thought to be limited to two brain regions. The findings suggest that these new cells play a crucial role in adult reproductive function and behavior.

Lawrence Livermore helps find link to arsenic-contaminated groundwater

A team of researchers found that bacteria in Bangladesh's aquifers use surface-derived organic carbon, which is naturally released from sediment into groundwater. This process predates recent human interaction and suggests that intensive pumping has not yet significantly affected arsenic release.

7 genetic risk factors found to be associated with common eye disorder

A comprehensive study has identified seven new regions of the human genome associated with increased risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The study, led by Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, found that AMD is not caused by a single genetic change but rather by many events that accumulate over time.

HIV infection appears associated with increased heart attack risk

A large study of veterans found that HIV infection is independently associated with an increased risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI or heart attack), even after adjusting for standard risk factors. The study also identified other risk factors, including low CD4 cell count and hepatitis C virus, as contributing to the increased risk.

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.

MIT researchers develop solar-to-fuel roadmap for crystalline silicon

A team of MIT researchers has published a detailed analysis of the factors that limit the efficiency of artificial leaf systems, which could lead to the production of a commercial viable prototype. The study suggests that combining the right solar cells and catalysts can improve efficiencies of 16 percent or more.

Scores that evaluate newborn intensive care units are inconsistent

A new study published in Pediatrics found that scoring methods for evaluating Newborn Intensive Care Units (NICU) are inconsistent, leading to unreliable comparisons. The research suggests that these scores may not level the playing field well enough and can be unfair to hospitals with high numbers of sick infants.

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.

'Very low' risk of infections in advanced brain procedures

A study published in Neurosurgery found that patients undergoing cerebral angiography and neurointerventional procedures are at a very low risk of infection, even without preventive antibiotics. The authors suggest that the minimally invasive nature and short duration of these procedures may contribute to this low risk.

First evidence that obesity gene is risk factor for melanoma

Researchers have discovered a connection between a genetic variant in the FTO gene and an increased risk of developing melanoma. The study, published in Nature Genetics, suggests that this gene plays a role in various diseases beyond obesity and BMI.

Study shows mirabegron effective and well tolerated for overactive bladder

A phase III trial shows mirabegron reduces incontinence episodes and daily urinations, improving urgency and nocturia in adults with overactive bladder. The study also confirms the drug's balanced efficacy and safety profile, making it a potential alternative for patients with inadequate antimuscarinic therapy.

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.

Why your brain tires when exercising

A new study published in PNAS reveals that excessive serotonin release triggers central fatigue, a condition where the brain and nervous system become exhausted during exercise. The findings may help develop better drugs for conditions like spasticity and cerebral palsy, as well as improve understanding of antidepressant side effects.