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Science News Archive 2010


Page 119 of 283

Study details autism's heavy toll beyond childhood on marriages

A new study reveals that parents of children with autism are more likely to divorce than couples with typically developing children, particularly after the child reaches adolescence and adulthood. The study found that marital strain may remain high in these later years due to ongoing parenting demands.

No such thing as a free lunch for Venus flytraps

Researchers discovered that Venus flytraps convert sugars into carbon dioxide and energy to power their traps, contradicting the idea of passive plants. The plants' digestive process provides a means to capture prey, allowing them to thrive in nutrient-poor environments.

Generating energy from ocean waters off Hawaii

The University of Hawaii at Manoa has identified the Leeward side of Hawaiian Islands as a promising location for ocean-based renewable energy plants using seawater to drive massive heat engines. This technology, known as Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC), has the potential to produce steady amounts of renewable energy by harnessi...

Couch potatoes of the animal kingdom

A study of orangutans found they used remarkably low energy levels, similar to those of sloths. This adaptation may be an evolutionary response to food shortages in their native rainforests, where ripe fruit is unpredictable and scarce.

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.

Innovative MOM program may improve maternal health in eastern Burma

A community-based maternal health delivery strategy, MOM, implemented in eastern Burma improved access to antenatal and postnatal care, skilled birth attendants, and family planning. The project increased women's participation in these services by up to tenfold, with modern contraception use rising from 24% to 45%.

Marine Pied Piper leads Nemo astray

A new study found that short exposure to artificial noise makes fish attracted to inappropriate sounds, putting their survival at risk. The researchers used underwater experiments to show that baby reef fish can learn and remember specific sounds, including those made by humans.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Cardiff study aims to uncover source of sensory problems in autism

Researchers at Cardiff University are using advanced brain imaging techniques to investigate how people with autism process touch sensations. The study aims to provide a clearer understanding of sensory symptoms in autism and potentially lead to the development of new treatments.

Oral contraceptive use associated with increased risk of breast cancer

Researchers found that African American women who use oral contraceptives are more likely to develop estrogen receptor negative breast cancer. The study, based on data from the Black Women's Health Study, also revealed a significant increase in risk for women who have used oral contraceptives for 10 or more years.

Pest-resistant soybeans grow out of MSU research lab

A new trade name, Sparta – the Soybean Aphid Shield, has been developed by Dechun Wang, which promises healthier harvests for growers and a little green for the university too. The resistant genes were isolated from 2,000 strains of soybeans tested against aphids.

Is your hemoglobin 'trending'?

Researchers at Tel Aviv University discovered that low hemoglobin levels can indicate a potential for colon cancer years before it's diagnosed. A continuous long-term decline of more than 0.28 grams per decilitre over a four-year period may serve as a warning of illness on the horizon.

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 do not prevent vascular events in stroke patients

A large trial found that B vitamin supplements did not reduce the risk of subsequent vascular events in patients who had a recent stroke or ischemic attack. Despite lowering homocysteine levels, B vitamins were not effective in preventing non-fatal strokes, heart attacks, or vascular deaths.

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.

U. Iowa biologists publish findings on cell interactions

Researchers discovered that specific cadherin molecules expand molecular diversity and specificity in cell-cell adhesion, shedding light on autism and mental retardation. The study's findings could lead to a better understanding of synapse formation and brain circuit assembly during normal development.

FSU study takes novel approach to understanding pituitary function

Researchers at Florida State University have developed a mathematical model to study prolactin secretion from the pituitary gland, which could lead to new treatments for disorders such as infertility. The study found that oxytocin stimulates prolactin secretion and that dopamine inhibits it.

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.

New drug target for immune diseases discovered

Researchers identified a new signaling pathway between TACI and MyD88 that regulates the immune response. This interaction may cause both protective antibodies against infections and excessive immune reactions in autoimmune diseases.

New inexpensive solar cell design

Scientists at University of Toronto have developed a new inexpensive solar cell design that uses nickel instead of gold, reducing material costs by 40-80 percent. The design employs low-cost electrical contacts, including nickel, to gather the electrical current produced by colloidal quantum dot solar cells.

Tropical Depression 4 now a small tropical storm named Colin

Tropical Storm Colin formed after strengthening from Tropical Depression 4, with maximum sustained winds near 40 mph and no expected impact on land areas. The storm is moving west-northwest at 23 mph and is forecast to pass northeast of the Leeward Islands late Wednesday and early Thursday.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Cells use water in nano-rotors to power energy conversion

A team of scientists has provided the first atomic-level glimpse of the proton-driven motor from ATP synthases, enzymes central to cellular energy conversion. The study revealed a water molecule in the critical rotor element of a bacterial nano-motor that shares common features with human mitochondria and bacteria.

Analysis: July was cool this year (compared to the likely future)

A surprising analysis by Climate Central found that July temperatures were cooler than predicted, despite being above historical averages in northeast US cities. The study also highlights the projected long-term warming trend and its potential impact on heat stress and electricity supply.

More detailed picture of asthma may yield dramatically improved treatment

Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch have developed new techniques to identify specific asthma subtypes using protein patterns in airway lining fluid. This allows for targeted medication and potentially improved treatment outcomes. The study aims to reduce trial and error in asthma diagnosis and treatment.

All-over tan is a myth, study finds

Researchers found that some body areas are more resistant to tanning than others, with the buttock being particularly resistant. People with no freckles also tanned more easily than those with freckling.

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.

New methods, new math speed detection of drug-resistant malaria

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University developed new techniques to identify drug resistance in malaria, enabling faster detection and saving lives. By using genetic assays and mathematical analysis, they can track drug immunity of the deadliest form of the disease in just days, far cheaper than traditional methods.

Cancer-causing bacterium targets tumor-suppressor protein

Researchers have discovered that Helicobacter pylori's CagA protein disables the tumor suppressor protein RUNX3 in host cells, leading to gastric cancer. The interaction between CagA and RUNX3 causes degradation of the protein via ubiquitination, promoting aberrant cell growth and cancer development.

Researchers find universal law for material evolution

Researchers at Northwestern University found a universal law for material evolution, allowing them to predict the dynamics of phase break-up in various materials. The study used 4-D synchrotron-based X-ray tomographic microscopy to observe the evolution of rod-shaped phases during the break-up process.

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.

American Chemical Society names 2010 Fellows

The American Chemical Society has named 192 distinguished scientists as 2010 ACS Fellows, including professionals from top institutions. The recognition honors their achievements in chemistry and contributions to the scientific community.

New technique in robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy

A new technique preserves periprostatic anatomy by keeping intact the pubovesical complex, achieving a higher rate of urinary continence after radical prostatectomy. The study reports a 25.7% weighted mean continence rate immediately after catheter removal.

Study finds deep, open ocean is vastly under-explored

The deep open ocean is vastly under-explored due to the long-held belief that life in this area was confined primarily to the surface and near the sea bed. New research mapped marine species records and found most knowledge comes from shallow waters or ocean floor, revealing uncounted animals living without hard surfaces.

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.

What the doctor prescribes: Customized medical-image databases

A customized medical-image database is being developed with input from dermatologists and incorporating novel eye-tracking techniques to identify critical regions in images. The project aims to bridge the semantic gap in content-based image retrieval by leveraging end-user knowledge and expertise.

Oxygen fuels the fires of time

Scientists from The Field Museum and Royal Holloway University of London have discovered that high atmospheric oxygen concentrations in the past led to the evolution of new plant groups, such as conifers and flowering plants. This, in turn, may have promoted large and frequent wildfires, with implications for Earth's climate history.

Viral infection predicts heart transplant loss in children

Researchers found that viral infection of the heart is a predictor of heart transplant failure in young children and adolescents. The study suggests that rigorously screening transplant patients for viral DNA and RNA, and using intravenous immunoglobulin therapy, may improve organ survival.

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.

Students get a feel for soil-water relationships

A simple and inexpensive demonstration of soil water retention and field capacity helps students visualize and understand these concepts. The demonstration uses PVC rings, a trashcan, and a scale, illustrating the influence of soil texture, structure, and depth to the water table on soil water content.

Pilot safety protocol could help dentists reduce errors

A pilot-dentist duo proposes adapting airline crew resource management principles to dental offices, aiming to reduce human errors and improve patient safety. By implementing standardized safety procedures and empowering team members with CRM checklists, dentists can significantly reduce complications and deaths in surgical settings.

Women attracted to men in red, research shows

A study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General found that wearing red or being bordered by the color increases a man's attractiveness and sexual desirability among women. The researchers attribute this effect to the cultural association between red and high status, as well as biological roots in human behavior.

Alphavirus-based vaccine may slow some cancers

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center developed an experimental vaccine that stimulates an immune response against tumor growth. In a Phase I/II study, the vaccine showed promising results in patients with advanced lung, colon, breast, and pancreatic cancers.

Boosting the efficacy of anticancer vaccines

Researchers developed an alphavirus vector to overcome neutralizing antibodies and Tregs, inducing clinically relevant immune responses in patients with metastatic cancer. Repeated administration led to longer overall patient survival, making the approach a promising therapeutic option.

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.

Purdue-IU team uncovers potential prostate cancer marker

A Purdue University-led team has found a molecular compound that appears to be useful in identifying cancerous and precancerous tissue in the prostate. The compound, cholesterol sulfate, is absent in healthy prostate tissue but present in prostate cancer tumors, making it a potential marker for the disease.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.