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Science News Archive 2010


Page 109 of 283

Saving the brain's white matter with mutated mice

A team of researchers at Tel Aviv University has developed genetically mutated mice to study Vanishing White Matter disease, which destroys brain myelin. The new tool allows for the first time to follow the exact process of myelin destruction, providing valuable information about the molecular mechanisms of the disease.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Which politicians do voters blame for the down economy?

A Brigham Young University study shows that voters are less objective in evaluating their governor's economic performance if the White House is controlled by the opposing political party. The analysis found that voters overestimate the policy success of the level of government their preferred party controls, leading to rosier assessmen...

Research could change course of treatment for cancer that spreads to bones

Researchers are investigating the effects of radiation on human bone strength to improve treatment for cancer patients with bone metastases. The study aims to establish the mechanical strength of bone before and after stereotactic radiosurgery, which has been shown to cause high fracture rates in post-treatment patients.

Mother of all humans lived 200,000 years ago

A new statistical method confirms that mitochondrial Eve, the mother of all humans, lived around 200,000 years ago. The study compared 10 human genetic models and found that they produced similar estimates, suggesting that refining assumptions beyond a certain point is not crucial in capturing the big picture.

Can clonal plants live forever?

Researchers found that long-lived aspen clones experience reduced sexual performance and increased risk of extinction with age. The study, published in PLOS Biology, used molecular clock estimates to determine the age of individual clones and measured male fertility.

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.

Eclipsing pulsar promises clues to crushed matter

Astronomers detected X-ray eclipses from a fast pulsar, shedding light on compressed matter and testing relativity. The system's unique properties revealed the size and mass of the companion star with unprecedented accuracy.

Trauma center care cost-effective

A new report from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health finds that trauma center care is cost-effective for patients with severe injuries and those younger than 55. The study estimates that trauma center care saves lives at a lower cost per life-year gained compared to non-trauma center care.

Passing in the night: Examining work schedules, gender and marital quality

A study by University of Cincinnati professor David Maume found that men who worked late shifts believed it negatively impacted their marriages, whereas most women saw rotating work schedules as a strain on their marriages. Women reported greater difficulty in caring for and nurturing family members due to their schedules.

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.

B vitamins and the aging brain examined

Research conducted by the USDA found that low levels of folate are associated with symptoms of dementia and poor brain function, as well as depression in women. The study also identified a protein called holoTC as a potential key to detecting cognitive decline earlier.

Bees warm up with a drink, too!

A study by Monash University researchers reveals that bees use a 'hot' drink to warm up on cold days and a 'cool' drink in warmer weather. The bees preferred feeding from artificial flowers with warmer nectar, which helped them maintain an optimal body temperature for flight.

Study shows birth dates, school enrollment dates affect ADHD diagnosis rates

A new study from North Carolina State University found large discrepancies in ADHD diagnosis rates based on small differences in children's birth dates. Children born shortly after the kindergarten eligibility cutoff date were 25% less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD, suggesting that younger children may be mistakenly diagnosed.

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.

Special yoga classes aimed at breast cancer survivors improves recovery

A recent study by University of Alberta research fellow Amy Speed-Andrews found that Iyengar yoga improved physical and mental health in breast cancer survivors. The 10-week program showed significant reductions in stress, anxiety, and depression, with participants experiencing improvements in quality of life and overall well-being.

Black patients, women miss out on strongest medications for chronic pain

A recent study by the University of Michigan Health System found that black patients are prescribed fewer pain medications than whites, while women receive weaker doses. The research highlights racial and gender gaps in pain care and suggests changes are needed to address these disparities starting in primary care.

Preschoolers use statistics to understand others

Children as young as 3-4 years old use statistical information to infer the preferences of others. In experiments, they were more likely to give a toy to someone who had selected it from a container with a low proportion of that toy type. This ability is crucial for learning about others' desires and preferences.

Powering Australia with waves

Researchers estimate that harnessing 10% of Australia's near-shore wave energy could generate enough electricity to meet half of the country's present-day consumption. This could contribute significantly to Australia's goal of producing 45,000 gigawatt-hours/year of additional renewable energy by 2020.

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.

Researchers identify breast cancer culprits

Scientists have discovered an accomplice in breast cancer – a master control switch with the power to set off a cascade of reactions orchestrated by a cancer-causing gene named Wnt1. The executive molecule MTA1 is reported to trigger cancer-causing signals from Wnt1 in human breast cancer cells, leading to tumors.

Nearly 1 million children potentially misdiagnosed with ADHD, study finds

A Michigan State University economist found that nearly 20% of the 4.5 million children currently diagnosed with ADHD may have been misdiagnosed due to their age relative to classmates. The study suggests that teachers' perceptions of young children's behavior can lead to incorrect diagnoses and unnecessary medication.

Astronaut muscles waste in space

Research published in the Journal of Physiology found that astronaut muscles deteriorate to that of an 80-year-old after just 180 days in space. The study highlights the need for effective exercise countermeasures to protect muscle and bone on long-duration space missions.

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.

Discovery of possible earliest animal life pushes back fossil record

The discovery of primitive sponge-like creatures living in ocean reefs around 650 million years ago pushes back the clock on when animal life appeared on Earth. The fossils, found in South Australia, represent the earliest evidence of animal body forms in the current fossil record.

World record data density for ferroelectric recording

Scientists at Tohoku University have recorded data at a world-record density of 4 trillion bits per square inch using the ferroelectric data storage method. This density is eight times that of today's most advanced magnetic hard-disk drives.

Scientists uncover Achilles heel of chronic inflammatory pain

Researchers discover small RNAs regulate genes involved in chronic pain, offering a new avenue for developing drugs to treat debilitating conditions like arthritis and back pain. Small RNAs may serve as possible drug targets to restore normal pain thresholds.

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.

Marriage and committed romance reduce stress-related hormone production

A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Chicago found that marriage and committed relationships significantly lower cortisol levels and increase testosterone production in response to psychological stress. The findings suggest that long-term monogamous relationships can have a dampening effect on stress hormones.

Novel diabetes hope comes from Chinese herbs

Researchers found that emodin from Chinese herbs can lower blood glucose and serum insulin levels in mice with diet-induced obesity. The herb's active compound effectively limits the effect of glucocorticoids, which contribute to insulin resistance.

Creation of the first frozen repository for Hawaiian coral

Researchers have created the world's first frozen repository for Hawaiian coral, banking cells to preserve species diversity and potentially restore populations. The frozen material can be thawed decades or even centuries later to revive coral reefs threatened by climate change, pollution, and human impact.

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.

Developmental problems: Some exist in the genes

A collaborative study examines a family with two rare genetic deletions, CNTNAP5 and DOCK4, which are associated with autism and reading difficulties. The research suggests that the CNTNAP5 deletion is linked to autism, while the DOCK4 deletion is co-segregated with reading difficulties.

CLASS Act analysis reveals America's long-term care future

The CLASS Act has the potential to transform long-term care financing in the US by introducing a voluntary, federally administered insurance program. This program would provide middle-class Americans with the choice to plan ahead for personal care and supportive service needs.

Cow vaccines go vroom

Researchers are developing a new vaccine technology using MHC tetramers to accelerate bovine vaccine creation, promising faster and more accurate development of vaccines for East Coast fever and foot-and-mouth disease. The goal is to provide basic science insights needed for better disease control in developing countries.

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.

The importance of workplace relationships post-retirement

A recent study finds that workplace relationships after retirement are vital for maintaining social interaction and personal ties. Those who retired recently were more likely to keep work-related connections, highlighting the importance of networking throughout life.

Targeted disease campaigns can be detrimental to general health

Researchers from the Antwerp Institute of Tropical Medicine found that targeted disease campaigns often displace basic healthcare services, leaving patients without access to curative care. Only a few health centers with experienced staff were able to integrate campaign work into their daily duties.

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 examines risks, rewards of energy drinks

A study examines the impact of energy drink consumption on athletic performance and body composition, finding that caffeine is a key contributor to performance enhancement, while weight loss benefits are uncertain and may be linked to diminishing returns.

Building a bridge with cross-cultural cancer education

A study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers found that traditional approaches to cancer education are ineffective for Hmong communities due to cultural differences. The team developed a new strategy based on community-participatory research, which led to a better understanding of the community's needs and perspectives.

New system developed to test and evaluate high-energy laser weapons

Researchers at Georgia Tech Research Institute developed a system to measure high-energy laser beam power and spatial energy distribution. The reusable target board and beam diagnostic system enables simultaneous measurement of power and energy distribution, optimizing lasers for national security.

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.

Why drunk drivers may get behind the wheel

A new study explores the impact of alcohol intoxication on reasoning and problem-solving abilities. Researchers found that executive functions don't recover as quickly as subjective feelings of drunkenness, explaining why many individuals feel they can drive after drinking.

SPF on your plate

A Mediterranean diet high in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids has been shown to reduce the damaging effects of UV rays on the skin. Foods such as olive oil, fish, fruits and vegetables can provide essential nutrients to protect against skin cancer, while regular sunscreen applications and protective clothing are also crucial.

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.

Diabetes risk in children increases risk for weak bones

A study of 140 overweight children found that those with signs of poor blood sugar regulation had less bone mass, a measure of bone strength. Higher abdominal fat was linked to lower bone mass and more body fat overall was associated with higher bone mass.

Mapping this wormy world

The new atlas identifies areas with urgent need for mass treatment and predicts infection risk in data-lacking areas. The Global Atlas of Helminth Infections aims to improve sanitation and health education to control worm infections.

Growing up without sibs doesn't hurt social skills

A study of over 13,000 students found that only children were selected as friends by their peers just as often as those with siblings. The researchers suggest that children learn essential social skills through interactions in school and extracurricular activities.

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.

U-M's efforts to encourage disclosure of medical errors decreased claims

A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that the University of Michigan's full disclosure program for medical errors resulted in a significant decrease in new claims, time to resolution, and liability costs. This improvement in transparency and compensation led to reduced malpractice costs and enhanced patient safety.

Arsenic in field runoff linked to poultry litter

Researchers found that fields amended with poultry litter can accumulate significant levels of arsenic, which can then migrate into nearby streams and rivers. The study highlights the importance of controlling point sources of arsenic and suggests management practices to protect local regions from agricultural pollutants.

Study sheds light on cancer-causing gene regulation

Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center discovered that the MDM2 oncogene is regulated by a complex signaling pathway involving enzymes CKI and beta-TRCP1. This finding suggests a 'dimmer switch' control mechanism, which could lead to new drug targets for killing tumors.

Telltale signs of bioterror

Researchers at Rice University are developing a genomic test that can quickly determine whether a disease outbreak is caused by a natural pathogen or one engineered in a lab. By studying how bacteria evolve in the lab, they hope to find common patterns that indicate domestication.