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Science News Archive April 2010 - Page 20


Page 20 of 24

Study: Social influence playing role in surging autism diagnoses

A recent study found that children living near a child with autism are more likely to be diagnosed themselves in the following year. The proximity effect is strongest among children on the milder side of the autism spectrum and explains about 16% of the recent increases in diagnoses.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalAmerican Journal of Sociology·DateApr 8, 2010
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.

BUSPH study links rheumatoid arthritis to vitamin D deficiency

A recent study by Boston University School of Public Health researchers found a strong association between vitamin D deficiency and an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis in women. The study, which analyzed data from the Nurses' Health Study, suggests that higher latitudes may lead to lower levels of vitamin D due to reduced sunligh...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateApr 7, 2010

Controls for animals' color designs revealed

Researchers have discovered a key ingredient in animal color patterns: a diffusible protein called Wingless. This morphogen prompts cells to make pigment, creating intricate designs like stripes and spots. The study's findings have implications for understanding how animals evolve their color patterns.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature·DateApr 7, 2010

UNC's Dr. Sean McLean receives Robert Wood Johnson Foundation award

Dr. Sean McLean, an assistant professor of pediatric surgery at UNC, has been awarded a four-year grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to study pulmonary hypertension using a mouse model for congenital diaphragmatic hernia. The award aims to increase faculty diversity in academic medicine.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·DateApr 7, 2010

Insolvency risk lower for private equity-backed companies

A recent study found that private equity-backed companies have a lower risk of insolvency compared to non-private equity-backed businesses. Private equity involvement significantly reduces the risk of buyout failure and improves debt recovery rates.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·DateApr 7, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New survey techniques improve narwhal population estimates

A new survey technique has led to a significant increase in estimated narwhal populations, now estimated to be over 60,000. The technique uses dive data and accounting for biases to improve accuracy and provides a more accurate picture of the population's size and distribution.

SourceArctic Institute of North America·JournalARCTIC·DateApr 7, 2010

Carbon dioxide may explain 'near death experiences'

A recent study by Zalika Klemenc-Ketis and colleagues suggests that raised carbon dioxide levels in the blood may contribute to near-death experiences. The research found a significant association between high CO2 levels and NDEs, with 11 of 52 cardiac arrest patients reporting the phenomenon.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalCritical Care·DateApr 7, 2010

Myths about teens busted in new guide for parents

The Teen Years Explained: A Guide to Healthy Adolescent Development dispels myths about teens' behavior, physical changes, and risk-taking. The book emphasizes the importance of sleep, nutrition, and parental influence on adolescent development.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·DateApr 7, 2010
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.

Most women unaware of risk for debilitating fractures

A landmark international study found that many postmenopausal women at high risk of fractures fail to recognize their risk factors. The study highlights the need for improved education about osteoporosis risk factors and treatment to prevent debilitating fractures.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateApr 7, 2010

Successful short-term peg-interferon monotherapy for chronic hepatitis

A new concept of early viral kinetics in peg-interferon therapy has been proposed, showing a high probability of sustained virological response in 92.1% of patients. The study suggests that a short treatment period can be efficient and safe, reducing the risk of adverse events.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateApr 7, 2010

Connect 2 Congress lets you track your senator, 1 vote at a time

Connect 2 Congress simplifies congressional voting records by analyzing Poole-Rosenthal scores, allowing users to track senator votes and examine party alignment. The system provides a graphical representation of Congress, enabling users to view changes in behavior over time.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateApr 7, 2010

Plant growth aided by insect-feeding animals

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that insect-gobbling animals increase plant growth by reducing plant-feeding insects' damage. The research solidifies birds, bats, lizards, and other similar animals' importance to ecosystem health.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 7, 2010
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.

Educate individuals to prevent sky-rocketing health care costs

A study by Tufts University researchers found that employees who were more informed about their copayments for office visits and emergency room visits were more likely to have more office visits and fewer emergency room visits. This suggests that transparency about healthcare costs could help contain expenditures on health services.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·DateApr 7, 2010

Cosmopolitan eels

Researchers conducted a genetic survey of moray eels across the Indo-Pacific, revealing genetically homogeneous populations with only two species showing notable differences. The team's findings contradict predictions that longer pelagic duration would lead to greater genetic diversity among species.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of Heredity·DateApr 7, 2010

A tumor suppressor in the gastrointestinal tract

A research group at Case Western Reserve University found that Recql5 mutation had an important impact on tumorigenesis in the mouse GI tract. The study also suggested that Recql5 may be an important candidate for a colon cancer biomarker, and its expression was recently shown to affect sensitivity to camptothecin-based anticancer drugs.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateApr 7, 2010

Entertainment needs drive innovative mobile phone uses in India

Researchers found that Indians use mobile phones to transfer media files via Bluetooth for free, overcoming cumbersome processes, and even construct elaborate systems for entertainment content. The study suggests that motivation and not just usability barriers drive innovative uses of mobile phones in India.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateApr 7, 2010
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Genetic factor shown to regulate both heart failure and aneurysm disease

Researchers identified KLF15 as a genetic factor regulating both heart failure and aneurysm disease. The study found that deficiency of this gene predisposes individuals to these cardiovascular diseases, but also discovered potential therapeutic targets through the inhibition of p53.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 7, 2010

Hooking up or dating: Who benefits?

Researchers explore why college students prefer hooking up or dating. Women fear emotional attachment, while men value independence in both situations. Men and women agree on benefits and risks of dating and hooking up, with context influencing preferences.

SourceSpringer·JournalSex Roles·DateApr 7, 2010

UTHealth to serve as Health Information Technology Regional Extension Center

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) has been awarded $15.3 million to establish a Health Information Technology Regional Extension Center (REC). RECs will provide technical assistance and guidance to healthcare providers on implementing electronic health records, helping them become meaningful users of e...

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·DateApr 7, 2010

When is the suitable time to perform follow-up liver biopsies in Wilson disease patients?

A study found that Wilson disease patients' liver histology progression does not correlate with clinical parameters or treatment type. Researchers recommend considering liver biopsy with hepatic copper quantification every 3 years due to the inability of clinical tools to detect fibrosis progression despite treatment.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateApr 7, 2010
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.

New hope for treating hepatitis C: Telaprevir

Researchers found that telaprevir, combined with standard treatment, cures a significantly higher number of difficult-to-treat patients than standard treatment alone. The addition of telaprevir eliminated hepatitis C in over 50 percent of patients who had shown no response to previous treatment.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 7, 2010

Astronomers take close-up pictures of mysterious dark object

Researchers have taken the first close-up pictures of Epsilon Aurigae's mysterious dark companion, revealing a geometrically thin, dark, dense, but partially translucent cloud. The images show that the basic paradigm was right despite slim probability, and provide new insights into the system's shape and surface characteristics.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature·DateApr 7, 2010

First animals to live without oxygen discovered

Researchers have discovered small animals in the Mediterranean Sea that live their entire lives without oxygen and reproduce despite a complete absence of oxygen. These multicellular organisms possess organelles resembling hydrogenosomes found in anaerobic environments, challenging our current understanding of life on Earth.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Biology·DateApr 7, 2010
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.

Vitamin C and E supplements do not reduce risk for blood pressure disorders of pregnancy

A recent NIH study found that vitamin C and E supplements starting in early pregnancy do not reduce the risk of hypertensive disorders and their complications. The supplements did not show any significant difference in preeclampsia or other pregnancy-related hypertension complications, contradicting earlier small studies.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 7, 2010

Toddlers appreciate good intentions, Queen's study finds

Researchers at Queen's University found that toddlers as young as 21 months can be selective in their helping and reward good intentions. In three experiments with infants and two actresses, 75% of toddlers helped the actress who made an effort to help, even if they didn't receive a toy.

SourceQueen's University·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 7, 2010

New agent chokes off energy supply, kills cancer cells

Researchers have designed an experimental drug called OSU-CG12 that kills cancer cells by choking off their energy supply. The agent targets a survival mechanism used by many types of cancer, and its efficacy is 10 times better than a comparable drug, resveratrol.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateApr 7, 2010
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.

NC State research may revolutionize ceramics manufacturing

Researchers at NC State have developed a new way to shape ceramics using an electric field, reducing energy consumption and increasing efficiency. The process could lead to significant cost savings and reduced pollution in ceramics manufacturing.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalThe Philosophical Magazine·DateApr 7, 2010

Parents keep diabetic teens on track

A new study found that teenagers with type 1 diabetes are more likely to adhere to their treatment plan if their parents monitor their care and maintain a positive parent-adolescent relationship. The study revealed a decline in parental involvement as the adolescent grows older, which relates to decreased adherence to treatment.

SourceUniversity of Utah·DateApr 7, 2010

Retreating patients with hepatitis C: Telaprevir boosts cure rate

Adding telaprevir to standard treatment increases hepatitis C cure rate by 52% for patients who initially failed to respond. The experimental drug also confirms the importance of ribavirin in effective treatment, with 24% of patients receiving telaprevir and peginterferon being virus-free at six months.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 7, 2010

New studies show reduced depression with Transcendental Meditation

Two new studies show that Transcendental Meditation significantly reduces depressive symptoms in African Americans and Native Hawaiians aged 55+, with an average reduction of 48% in those with clinically significant depression. The findings have important implications for improving mental health and reducing cardiovascular risk.

SourceMaharishi International University·DateApr 7, 2010
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.

Habitat of elusive northern squid documented by researcher

Researcher Kathleen Gardiner builds broad distribution maps to track northern squid habitats, crucial for understanding the impact of climate change on Arctic marine life. The study provides valuable insights into the species' temperature tolerance and feeding grounds.

SourceArctic Institute of North America·JournalPolar Research·DateApr 7, 2010

Digital divide changing but not for students torn by it

A study of 500 undergraduate students found that high-school opportunities in technology shape their abilities to engage in university academics. Insufficient preparation can lead to a sense of not belonging and limited perspectives as academic beings.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalNew Media & Society·DateApr 7, 2010
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.

Pitt-led international study identifies human enzyme that breaks down potentially toxic nanomaterials, opens door to novel drug delivery

A team of researchers identified a human enzyme, myeloperoxidase, that can break down carbon nanotubes, reducing their unhealthful effects. The study also found that neutrophils can be directed to attack specific nanotubes, opening the door to novel drug delivery and natural biodegradation.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateApr 7, 2010

Eastern US forests resume decline

A recent analysis found a substantial and sustained net loss of forest cover in the eastern United States, with a 4.1 percent decline over three decades. The study attributed the decline mainly to mechanical disturbance for timber production and urban expansion.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateApr 7, 2010

Does smoking compound other MS risk factors?

A new study found that smoking increases MS risk in individuals with high levels of Epstein-Barr virus antibody, but not those without it. The research suggests a link between smoking, immune response to the virus, and MS development.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateApr 7, 2010
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.

Urine test for kidney cancer a step closer to development

Researchers identified two proteins in urine that accurately reveal 90% of all kidney cancers, offering a promising diagnostic tool. The discovery could save lives and preserve kidney function by detecting the disease at an early stage.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateApr 7, 2010

Health reform law likely to improve access to affordable coverage

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) aims to provide most Americans with access to affordable healthcare, covering over 95% of legal residents. However, the law's impact on primary care access and cost control remains uncertain, with concerns about the shortage of physicians and increasing costs.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 7, 2010

Supplement your stem cells

Researchers discover a commercially available supplement stimulates production of hematopoietic stem cells, repairing the body. The supplement increases levels of these cells in the blood over a two-week period, showing potential for treating conditions associated with low cell counts.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalJournal of Translational Medicine·DateApr 7, 2010
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.

For osteoporosis patients, exercise pill one step closer to reality

Researchers identified signaling mechanisms used by primary cilia to regulate bone cells' capacity to sense fluid flow. The discovery opens the door to developing drugs that mimic exercise benefits for osteoporosis patients. Primary cilia play a crucial role in detecting mechanical loads, such as exercise, and triggering new bone growth.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateApr 7, 2010

Scientists find out why living things are the size they are -- and none other

Scientists identified 'growth genes' that stimulate rapid growth in young animals, which are then progressively turned off as organs mature. This process, controlled by organ development, limits excessive growth and explains why organs maintain proportional size.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateApr 7, 2010

Potential new Alzheimer's drugs advancing in clinical trials

Scientists are developing new medications to block abnormal clumps of amyloid-beta protein in the brain, which may slow Alzheimer's disease progression. Clinical trials could lead to new treatments within 5-10 years if successful.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateApr 7, 2010
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.

90 percent of children with intermittent exotropia will become nearsighted by 20 years of age

A new study published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology found that 90% of children with intermittent exotropia will become nearsighted by age 20. Researchers followed 135 patients over a 20-year period and discovered a significantly higher rate of myopia development in this population compared to previously reported rates.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Ophthalmology·DateApr 7, 2010

Traditional Inuit knowledge combines with science to shape weather insights

Researchers are combining indigenous environmental knowledge with modern science to learn new things about the Arctic climate. Studies have found that weather patterns in the Arctic are becoming more unpredictable, which is not matching up with scientific measurements.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·DateApr 7, 2010

Researchers discover new approach for identifying smokers at highest risk for developing lung cancer

Researchers have discovered a novel gene-expression-based approach to define oncogenic pathway signatures in the airway epithelium of smokers with lung cancer. This approach identifies specific genes belonging to the PI3K pathway, which are activated in high-risk smokers and may be reversed with a chemopreventive agent, myo-inositol.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 7, 2010