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Science News Archive 2010


Page 130 of 283

NSF funds infection-resistant orthopedic research

Researchers at Stevens Institute of Technology are developing novel methods to prevent bacterial infections in orthopedic implants, such as inkjet printing of drug-eluting micropatterns. This technology aims to overcome the challenge of biofilm formation and promote rapid bone healing.

Cellulose: Hard to digest, but full of energy

Researchers at Max Planck Institute identify CSI1 protein involved in cellulose synthesis, linked to improved cell wall digestibility and energy generation. The discovery aims to increase animal feed efficiency and tap into plant cell walls as a renewable energy source.

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.

Astrophysicists discover a quasar that acts as a cosmic lens

Astronomers have discovered a quasar that acts as a gravitational lens, allowing them to weigh and measure a distant galaxy containing a black hole. This groundbreaking observation was made possible by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey database and will provide new insights into the distribution of matter in the universe.

In-store displays: How do consumers perceive pricing?

A study found that consumers perceive products as more expensive when grouped with expensive items and less expensive when grouped with inexpensive ones. Marketers can help consumers form accurate perceptions of prices by encouraging a 'discriminating' mindset.

First-of-its-kind map details the height of the globe's forests

Scientists have created a first-of-its-kind map detailing the height of the world's forests using satellite data. The map provides insights into how much carbon the world's forests store and how it cycles through ecosystems, helping to explain the 'missing' 2 billion tons of carbon annually.

Alcohol: The forgotten drug in HIV/AIDS

A new study finds that hazardous alcohol consumption is linked to increased HIV infection rates in Southern and Eastern Africa. Venue-based interventions have been shown to be effective in changing individual behavior and social norms, but more research is needed to address the gender gap in these programs.

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.

A baby, Skype and water research partnership with Israel

Sharon Walker, a US engineer, partnered with Ben-Gurion University in Israel to develop innovative approaches to water management. The collaboration aims to enhance global competency of graduate students and faculty through research and education.

Schools safer, discipline worse

Research by Professor Aaron Kupchik finds that schools are safer than ever, yet disciplinary practices continue to be overly aggressive and ineffective. He recommends alternatives such as removing police from schools and involving students in the rule-making process to promote safety and well-being.

Where the wild veggies are

Researchers have found that the wild populations giving rise to melons and cucumbers originated in Asia, contrary to previous assumptions. The study analyzed genetic material from over 100 species of Cucumis, revealing a close living relative of the cultivated melon is native to Australia.

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.

Liverpool scientists construct molecular 'knots'

Researchers at the University of Liverpool construct molecular 'knots' with dimensions of around two nanometers, using a process called self-assembly to mechanically bond interpenetrating loops. The discovery has potential applications in building molecular machines to trap harmful gases and pollutants.

HIV testing for children must be improved

Children account for 18% of HIV-related deaths and 15% of infections annually, highlighting the need for improved testing. New approaches, such as routine newborn testing, could help detect more children with HIV in resource-limited settings.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

HIV in women who use drugs: Double neglect, double risk

Women who use drugs face double neglect and risk of HIV infection via unprotected sex and unsafe injections. A new proposal outlines trauma-informed approaches to prevent HIV infection, including couple-based interventions and empowerment strategies.

What causes hybrid vigor?

Researchers found that genetic variation, known as gene expression noise, can lead to increased vigour in species hybrids. This study provides a new explanation for hybrid vigor, covering both natural and domesticated varieties.

Foreign accents make speakers seem less truthful to listeners

Researchers found that foreign accents undermine a person's credibility by making them harder to understand, leading listeners to judge statements as less truthful. The severity of the accent increases the impact on credibility, with heavy accents being rated as less truthful than native speakers.

LSU researchers secure NSF rapid response grants to study impact of oil spill

Researchers at Louisiana State University are conducting vital studies to understand the effects of the ongoing oil spill on marine ecosystems, including oyster beds and the health of naturally-occurring bacteria. Additionally, LSU faculty are exploring how people cope with major disasters through social networks, shedding light on a c...

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.

New test to predict success of IVF treatment developed at Stanford

A new test developed at Stanford University School of Medicine predicts the outcomes of a subsequent round of IVF for women who have already gone through a cycle. The test is 1,000 times more accurate than current age-based guidelines and provides personalized predictions based on clinical data from prior failed treatments.

CSIRO grants global license for new polymer technology

The CSIRO has granted a global license to Monomer-Polymer for its patented RAFT technology, a powerful polymerization process that enables the creation of complex molecules. This agreement will allow Monomer-Polymer to market the technology worldwide and strengthen their position in material development.

'The friend of my enemy is my enemy'

A new study analyzing interactions between players in a virtual universe game has provided large-scale evidence to prove an 80-year-old psychological theory called Structural Balance Theory. The research shows that individuals tend to avoid stress-causing relationships when they develop a society, resulting in more stable social networks.

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.

Nanoparticles plus adult stem cells demolish plaque

Researchers used nanoparticles to destroy atherosclerotic plaque in pigs, reducing plaque volume by 56.8% after six months. Combining nanoparticles with adult stem cells showed the greatest reductions in plaque volume and signs of new blood vessel growth.

Can blocking a frown keep bad feelings at bay?

Researchers found that treating people with botulinum toxin to block facial expressions caused them to take longer to read angry and sad sentences compared to happy ones. The study supports the embodied cognition hypothesis, suggesting that emotions are rooted in basic bodily processes of perception and action.

Autism has unique vocal signature, new technology reveals

A new study finds that pre-verbal vocalizations of children with autism are distinctly different from those of typically developing children. The LENA system automatically analyzed 1,486 recordings and achieved 86% accuracy in distinguishing between the two groups.

Research consortium at CHLA receives $410,000 to study leukemia and lymphoma

A research consortium at Children's Hospital Los Angeles has received a $410,000 grant to study targeted therapy for children with relapsed or refractory acute leukemia. The Phase I study aims to determine a safe and biologically-active dose of a new drug in young patients with FLT3 and c-Kit genetic mutations.

Frog killer caught in the act

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that a fungal disease has decimated amphibian abundance and species diversity in Central America's highlands. The researchers used DNA barcoding to estimate the impact of the epidemic, discovering five new species were also lost.

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.

JCI online early table of contents: July 19, 2010

A study found that drugs inhibiting the protein MTOR can impair heart function in patients with ongoing heart dysfunction. Additionally, researchers discovered that deleting the protein 4E-BP1 improved heart function and survival in mice. These findings suggest a potential new therapeutic strategy for improving heart health.

LSU receives $2 million grant for campus network advancing discovery

The National Science Foundation grants LSU a nearly $2 million BIPAS grant to enhance the university's high-speed data communication network, enabling researchers to handle large amounts of data and collaborate globally. The grant will also provide on-demand increases in connectivity for future research needs.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Battlefield psychologists investigate stress in combat and after

Researchers monitored Israeli soldiers' neural mechanisms during daily rocket attacks, revealing a dissociative state rather than hypervigilance. This study has significant implications for PTSD therapy, suggesting a neuromarker that can predict chronic PTSD risk.

Stormwater model to inform regulators on future development projects

Researchers at NC State University have developed a stormwater model that accurately predicts pollution impacts from proposed developments. The model uses regional data and can be easily modified for use elsewhere, allowing regulators to make informed decisions about project approvals.

HIV prevention science scores a victory -- the gel works!

A vaginal gel containing 1% tenofovir has been shown to significantly reduce a woman's risk of HIV infection and genital herpes. The study found that the gel was 39% effective in reducing HIV risk during vaginal intercourse, increasing to 54% for women using the gel in over 80% of their sex acts.

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.

New study challenges stereotypes of adolescent sex offenders

A new study by Michael C. Seto and Martin Lalumiere found that adolescent sex offenders are more likely to have atypical sexual interests, such as desire for prepubescent children, than social skills deficits. The researchers also identified social isolation as a key factor in adolescent sexual offending.

Socioeconomic status not associated with access to cochlear implants

Poor children with hearing loss have equal access to cochlear implants, but experience more complications and poor follow-up compliance compared to their higher-income peers. The study found a five-fold greater risk of complications in Medicaid-insured children, highlighting the need for improved access to these life-changing devices.

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.

$10M project to store CO2 underground in China

The project focuses on advancing ECBM recovery and providing a pathway to near zero emissions technology from coal-fired power. ECBM involves injecting CO2 into coal seams to displace methane, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by storing CO2 underground.

Microbial world's use of metals mostly unmapped

A new survey method reveals a broader and more diverse array of metal-driven chemical processes in microbes than previously recognized. The research could lead to innovative biofuels and bioremediation technologies.

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.

Study examines sepsis and septic shock after surgery

Sepsis and septic shock are common complications in general surgery patients, with a death rate of approximately 34% within 30 days. The study identified risk factors for sepsis and septic shock, including age, emergency surgery, and co-occurring illness.

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.

Research develops simple 'recipe' for fungus-free horseradish

Researchers found that subjecting horseradish root stocks to hot water at 47 degrees Centigrade for 20 minutes effectively controls Verticillium and Fusarium pathogens. This simple, safe, and cost-effective method is expected to boost crop yields and improve the quality of commercial horseradish.

Brain training reverses age-related cognitive decline

Researchers found that intensive auditory training improved sound perception and processing in aging rats, reversing aspects of normal cognitive decline. The study suggests that specially designed mental exercises may benefit people experiencing age-related cognitive decline.

Wood's 'noble rot' fungus genetically decoded

The complete genome of the split gill mushroom has been published, revealing a unique enzyme-based digestive apparatus that enables it to decompose wood. This knowledge can be used to genetically modify the fungus to optimize decomposition processes and improve the properties of wood.

Report examines relationship between nasal zinc gels and loss of sense of smell

A report examines the relationship between nasal zinc gels and loss of sense of smell in patients. The study found that intranasal zinc gluconate therapy may be associated with a permanent reduction in sense of smell due to chemical injury. Experts recommend increased FDA oversight for homeopathic medications to monitor their safety.

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.

When climate change becomes a health issue, are people more likely to listen?

A new study by George Mason University's Center for Climate Change Communication found that framing climate change as a public health problem resonates with people, even those who don't believe in climate change. The research suggests re-framing the issue helps people better understand and relate to the climate problem.