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Science News Archive 2010


Page 69 of 283

Low testosterone linked to Alzheimer's disease

A study by Saint Louis University scientist John E. Morley found that low testosterone levels are associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease in older Chinese men. The study, which analyzed data from 153 participants, also revealed elevated ApoE 4 protein levels and high blood pressure as additional risk factors.

A tracking device that fits on the head of a pin

Researchers have developed nano-sized optical gyroscopes that can fit on the head of a pin, improving rotation rates and accuracy in smartphones and medical equipment. These devices will enable enhanced tracking capabilities, including GPS system improvements and navigation for small capsules within the body.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Air pollution alters immune function, worsens asthma symptoms

A study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that exposure to air pollution suppressed immune system regulatory T cells, leading to increased severity of asthma symptoms and lower lung capacity. The research suggests a potential long-term effect of polluted air on children's health.

New fossil suggests dinosaurs not so fierce after all

A new species of dinosaur, Sarahsaurus, discovered in Arizona challenges conventional wisdom about dinosaurs' spread across the world. The fossil suggests that dinosaurs took advantage of a natural catastrophe to move into North America, rather than overpowering other species.

Shortfalls in carotenoid intake may impact women's health

A new report by The Nutrilite Health Institute found that only about a third of American women meet their fruit and vegetable intake recommendations, leading to potential health issues. Older women have higher total carotenoid intakes compared to younger women after accounting for caloric differences.

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.

Traveling for treatment: The case for and against

A new study led by the University of York will assess the motives behind medical tourism, including consumerism and patient decision-making. The research aims to establish the economic impact of medical tourism and its potential benefits for the NHS.

Volcano fuels massive phytoplankton bloom

A 2008 Kasatochi volcano eruption sparked a record-breaking phytoplankton bloom in the North Pacific Ocean, with iron-laden ash from the eruption taking up only a modest amount of atmospheric CO2

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.

Neuroscience research may help patients recover from brain injury

A new study published in PLOS ONE suggests that the way the brain processes second-stage learning could be mimicked therapeutically to help people with impaired memory formation. The researchers discovered a new mechanism of learning that is independent of the NMDA receptor, which is currently essential for learning and memory.

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.

UW-built device reveals invisible world teeming with microscopic algae

A new device, SeaFlow, detects and tracks microscopic algae that take up 50% of the world's ocean carbon dioxide. This discovery challenges traditional knowledge of ocean ecosystems and highlights the importance of monitoring phytoplankton communities for global carbon cycle understanding.

October 2010 issue of the Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America

Research reveals a causal relationship between rainfall and earthquakes, with variations in rainfall affecting pore-fluid pressure at depth and triggering earthquakes. Ground motion patterns in the Santa Clara Valley are also studied, revealing complex geological structures that influence seismic wave propagation and amplification.

The effects of hydrogen on growing carbon nanotubes

Researchers used transmission electron microscopy to study the effects of increasing hydrogen concentrations on iron metal catalysts. They found that too much hydrogen causes fibers with thick walls, instead of nanotubes, or no growth at all.

New findings about wind farms could lead to expanding their use

Researchers have found wind farms' effects on local temperatures and proposed strategies for mediating those effects, increasing the potential to expand wind farms. The study identified two possible mediation strategies: low-turbulence rotors or locational deployment in regions with natural mixing in the atmosphere.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Study: Small firms need more access to credit during financial troubles

Research by University of Illinois finance professors Murillo Campello and Heitor Almeida finds that small firms face higher costs of financing when economic conditions worsen. They often re-invest profits before paying off creditors, leading to increased debt and potential financial distress.

For future chips, smaller must also be better

Researchers have successfully made tiny high-frequency capacitors using a complex mineral, paving the way for high-frequency microwave applications. The capacitors, made from barium strontium titanate, exhibited excellent microwave properties up to 40 GHz.

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.

Mice with human body's defenses

Researchers generated mice with a human immune system using human stem cells, allowing them to produce human monoclonal antibodies. This breakthrough could simplify the study and treatment of diseases.

Oldest evidence of dinosaurs found in Polish footprints

The discovery of ancient dinosaur footprints in Poland pushes the timeline for the emergence of dinosaurs by 5-9 million years. The oldest evidence, Sphingopus footprints, dates back to 246 million years ago and provides insight into the evolution of bipedal dinosaurs.

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.

Neanderthals had feelings too, say University of York researchers

Researchers at the University of York found that Neanderthals exhibited deep-seated commitments to the welfare of others, including prolonged care for injured individuals. The study proposes a four-stage model for human compassion, with ancient humans developing empathy towards each other dating back six million years.

Sociologists find lowest-paid women suffer most from motherhood penalty

Research by Michelle J. Budig and Melissa J. Hodges finds that low-paid women experience the largest earnings penalty from having children, ranging from 4-15% per child. The study also highlights the importance of policies aimed at reducing the motherhood penalty to address the gender pay gap.

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.

Microfluidic devices advance 3-D tissue engineering at Stevens

Researchers at Stevens Institute of Technology have developed a new method to generate three-dimensional tissue models for studying bacterial infection of orthopedic implants. The microfluidic devices mimic the human body's conditions, allowing for realistic bone tissue growth and analysis of antibiotic delivery.

Planet Neptune not guilty of harassment

Researchers found binary systems in the Kuiper Belt would be destroyed by Neptune's interaction, contradicting previous assumptions. The study suggests the region formed near its present location and remained undisturbed over the age of the solar system.

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.

UNH researcher helps identify key reproductive hormone in oldest vertebrate

Researchers have identified the first reproductive hormone of the hagfish, a gonadatropin, which plays a crucial role in regulating sex steroid hormones and reproduction. This breakthrough helps unravel the mystery of hagfish reproduction, shedding light on their unique evolutionary position as the oldest living vertebrate.

Anti-tumor drugs tested by microfluidic device

A microfluidic device developed in Hong Kong enables non-invasive testing of anti-tumor drugs by subjecting cancerous cells to different concentration gradients. The device integrates a previously validated analysis method that quantifies cell apoptosis in real-time, allowing for precise control and reduced costs.

Europa's hidden ice chemistry

Researchers found that water and sulfur dioxide react as ice with surprising speed and high yield at temperatures hundreds of degrees below freezing. This unexpected reaction could revamp current thinking about Europa's chemistry and geology, potentially leading to new discoveries on the moon and other icy bodies.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

It's time to phase out codeine

Experts advocate for phasing out codeine due to its significant risks and unpredictable pharmacokinetics. Morphine, its active metabolite, is proposed as an alternative, offering more predictable metabolism and cost savings.

Life threatening breathing disorder of Rett syndrome prevented

Researchers at the University of Bristol have discovered a way to prevent intermittent episodes of breath holding associated with Rett syndrome by increasing levels of aminobutyric acid and stimulating serotonin receptors. This breakthrough has significant implications for alleviating symptoms in patients with this debilitating disease.

An eye for an eye

Researchers analyzed killings and rocket attacks between Israel and Palestine, finding that each side's attacks lead to violent retaliation from the other. This challenges claims of a one-sided conflict, suggesting both Israelis and Palestinians play a role in perpetuating violence.

Aeras-led research consortium receives FDA support

The Aeras Global TB Vaccine Foundation has received a $362,102 grant from the US FDA to develop new biological and immunological biomarkers for TB vaccine development. The project aims to evaluate four mycobacterial growth inhibition assays and identify T-cell immune responses associated with protective vaccines.

Using cassava to address vitamin A deficiency

A naturally occurring variant of cassava has been found to accumulate high levels of provitamin A carotenoids, offering a potential solution to vitamin A deficiency in sub-Saharan Africa. Transgenic approaches can also be used to increase the enzyme phytoene synthase, leading to increased carotenoid synthesis and biofortification of co...

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.

The sky is falling (less) onto Puget Sound

A region-wide study found that toxic pollution falling onto Puget Sound's waters has significantly decreased since 1991, with some pollutants decreasing by as much as 99%. However, industrial areas like Tacoma still have high air-deposited contamination levels, with the Port of Tacoma site recording the highest deposition rates.

New approach to underweight COPD patients

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg developed a new equation to calculate energy requirements for underweight COPD patients, leading to more accurate nutritional approaches. The study found that this method can help patients stop losing weight and even gain weight.

Technology transfer and postdoc entrepreneurs

A study published in the International Journal of Knowledge-Based Development found that postdoctoral researchers see technology transfer as important but few are actively preparing for self-employment. Initial wealth was a distinguishing factor among those who were self-employed.

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.

Walnuts, walnut oil, improve reaction to stress

A diet rich in walnuts and walnut oil may improve blood pressure responses to stress by lowering resting blood pressure and inflammation. The study found that adding flaxseed oil did not further lower blood pressure.

Mayo Clinic finds upper, lower body gain weight differently

Researchers found that increased abdominal fat increases the risk of metabolic disease, while fat gain in the thighs lowers the risk. The study challenges the concept that the number of fat cells remains stable in adults and suggests a potential protective effect of lower-body fat cells.

Vaccinations should continue as influenza pandemics epidemics wane

A new computer model predicts that vaccination can mitigate subsequent-wave mechanisms and reduce infection rates even when an epidemic appears to be waning. The model identified four potential mechanisms for a 'third wave' and showed that initiating vaccination earlier, increasing speed, and prioritizing subgroups can significantly re...

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.

Interactive video games can cause a broad range of injuries

Researchers found that interactive gaming devices are associated with higher rates of injuries, particularly among younger children and bystanders. The study highlights the need for supervision when playing video games, especially interactive ones.

An intelligent system for maritime surveillance has been created

The intelligent system uses data fusion software to integrate radar and AIS sensor capabilities, providing real-time monitoring of ships in a given maritime route. The prototype can monitor up to 2,000 identifiable vessels with a second refresh time, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information for secure maritime traffic management.

Census of Marine Life celebrates 'decade of discovery'

The Census of Marine Life has completed a ten-year initiative to describe ocean life distribution and diversity, with UAF scientists contributing significantly. New species have been discovered in the Arctic Ocean and coastal regions, shedding light on climate change impacts.