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Science News Archive April 2010 - Page 21


Page 21 of 24

Getting heavier, younger: U-M study shows generational shift in obesity

A new study by the University of Michigan Health System shows that 20% of Americans born between 1966-1985 were obese by age 20-29, a significant increase from previous generations. This trend is expected to worsen racial disparities in health, with black Americans already experiencing a higher burden of obesity-related diseases.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateApr 7, 2010

UBC graduate student finds a 'start/stop switch' for retroviruses

A University of British Columbia graduate student has discovered a mechanism to silence retroviruses, which could lead to new cancer treatments. The protein ESET is crucial in preventing endogenous retrovirus activity in mouse embryonic stem cells and may hold promise for cancer therapies.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature·DateApr 7, 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.

New tool developed for DNA research

A PhD student at the University of Copenhagen has developed a molecular gauge that can measure DNA structure without disrupting it, using luminescent markers. This tool holds the potential to reveal new insights into DNA function and mechanism, as well as understand how new drugs work.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry B·DateApr 6, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Cold atoms and nanotubes come together in an atomic 'black hole'

Physicists at Harvard University create an atomic-scale black hole by accelerating cold rubidium atoms towards a charged carbon nanotube. The experiment demonstrates the merging of cold-atom and nanoscale science, opening doors to new applications in materials and electronics.

SourceHarvard University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 6, 2010

New study implicates health care utilization, over biology, in colorectal cancer disparities

A new study by the National Cancer Institute found that health care utilization, rather than biology, plays a more important role in colorectal cancer disparities among African Americans. The study revealed that blacks were less likely to receive follow-up colonoscopies after screening, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.

SourceNIH/National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateApr 6, 2010
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.

Blacks have lower follow-up rates after colon cancer screening

A recent study found that blacks in the US are less likely to follow up on abnormal colon cancer screening test results, highlighting disparities in healthcare utilization. The study analyzed data from a large national trial and found that 62.6% of black participants went for a diagnostic colonoscopy, compared to 72.4% of white partici...

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateApr 6, 2010

Sand fly barcoding in Panama reveals Leishmania strain and its potential control

Scientists identified 20 sand fly species in Panama, including two carrying Leishmania naiffi, a parasite causing cutaneous leishmaniasis. The presence of Wolbachia bacteria in these flies may offer a strategy for disease control and prevention measures such as insect repellent and protective clothing.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateApr 6, 2010

MSU leads global effort to study link between people, planet

Michigan State University is leading a global initiative to study the complex relationships between humans and the environment. With a $1.5 million NSF grant, MSU will build a global database of scholars and their projects, fostering collaboration and raising awareness about sustainability research.

SourceMichigan State University·DateApr 6, 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.

Carnegie Mellon student uses skin as input for mobile devices

A Carnegie Mellon student has created a technology called Skinput, which uses bio-acoustic sensors and machine learning to enable touchless control of smartphones and other mobile devices. The system can classify inputs with high accuracy, even when using different body parts.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateApr 6, 2010

New pyrimidine compounds may lead to improved treatments for childhood brain cancer

Researchers discovered new pyrimidine compounds that target Src tyrosine kinases in medulloblastoma cells, showing reduced cell proliferation and tumor progression. These compounds may offer a more effective treatment option for childhood brain cancer, with potential synergistic effects when combined with chemotherapy.

SourceSbarro Health Research Organization·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateApr 6, 2010

ARS scientists develop self-pollinating almond trees

Researchers have developed self-pollinating almond trees that can produce high-quality nuts without insect pollination. This breakthrough is crucial for almond growers facing rising costs due to honeybee shortages.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·DateApr 6, 2010
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.

Ontario's universal flu vaccination plan

A study found that Ontario's universal flu vaccine campaign reduces influenza illness attack rates, morbidity, and mortality at a reasonable cost to taxpayers. The campaign prevented an estimated 34,541 cases, 111 deaths, and $7.8 million in healthcare costs per season.

SourceUniversity Health Network·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 6, 2010
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.

Mouth breathing can cause major health problems

Chronic mouth breathing can lead to abnormal facial and dental development, poor sleeping habits and academic performance. Treatment options are available, including surgical removal of tonsils and adenoids, and orthodontic intervention.

SourceAcademy of General Dentistry·JournalEuropean Journal of General Dentistry·DateApr 6, 2010

Unconscious learning uses old parts of the brain

A new study from Karolinska Institutet finds that the limbic striatum, an evolutionarily old part of the brain, is involved in implicit learning of motor sequences. This discovery sheds light on fundamental learning systems shared with primitive vertebrates and has implications for developing treatments for diseases like Parkinson's.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 6, 2010

UCSB geologist discovers pattern in Earth's long-term climate record

A pattern connecting changes in Earth's orbital cycle to climate fluctuations has been discovered by UCSB geologist Lorraine Lisiecki. She found a correlation between the timing of climate change and eccentricity, as well as glacial cycles, which suggests internal instability within the climate system.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Geoscience·DateApr 6, 2010

Pitt/Magee research finds women with preeclampsia have fewer blood vessel precursor cells

A study by Pitt/Magee research team found that women with preeclampsia have reduced numbers of endothelial progenitor cells, which are thought to help grow and maintain blood vessels. This adaptation didn't happen in patients with preeclampsia, a pregnancy disorder characterized by high blood pressure.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalReproductive Sciences·DateApr 6, 2010
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Poisoning by prescription drugs on the rise

Hospitalizations for prescription opioid, sedative, and tranquilizer poisoning increased by 65% from 1999-2006. Unintentional poisonings by these drugs increased by 37%, while intentional overdoses rose by 130%.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateApr 6, 2010

Commercial fishing estimated to kill millions of sea turtles

A new study estimates that up to two million sea turtles may have been caught in commercial fishing gear since 1990, highlighting the need for guidelines to reduce turtle bycatch. The study suggests that using circle hooks and Turtle Excluder Devices can significantly reduce losses.

SourceDuke University·JournalConservation Letters·DateApr 6, 2010

SLU doctor warns against St. John's wort for anxiety

A Saint Louis University doctor found no evidence supporting the use of natural treatments like St. John's wort for anxiety, instead recommending selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) as a safe and effective first-line treatment option.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalJournal of Family Medicine·DateApr 6, 2010

Genetic variants associated with a risk of Crohn's disease

A new study of 43,596 Danish individuals found no statistically significant link between specific genetic variants and an increased risk of Crohn's disease. The study suggests that the effect of these genetic variants on disease risk is likely to be low, challenging personalized medicine approaches.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 6, 2010
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.

Mount Sinai study finds only a weak link between fruit and vegetable and reduced risk of cancer

A Mount Sinai study of over 400,000 people found that high fruit and vegetable consumption reduces cancer risk by only 3%, with benefits limited to certain populations. The researchers concluded that the association is weak and may not justify increased dietary recommendations.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateApr 6, 2010

Doctors with ownership in surgery center operate more often, U-M study finds

A new study from the University of Michigan Health System found that doctors who own a surgery center operate on average twice as many patients as those without such financial ties. This increased caseload may be due to lowered treatment thresholds, suggesting potential conflicts of interest among physician owners.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalHealth Affairs·DateApr 6, 2010

Building a better flu vaccine: Add second strain of influenza B

Research suggests that including both strains of influenza B in the seasonal flu vaccine could improve its effectiveness in preventing the disease. Studies found that vaccines containing only one strain of influenza B were less effective in protecting against the flu, particularly in children.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalVaccine·DateApr 6, 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.

Scientists: Soccer improves health, fitness and social abilities

A 3-year study by University of Copenhagen researchers found that soccer training has significant cardiovascular, metabolic and musculoskeletal adaptations, comparable to or even better than running. Soccer also provides broad-spectred health benefits, reduces risk of cardiovascular diseases, falls, and fractures.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalScandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports·DateApr 6, 2010
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.

Gene provides a link between lower birth weight and type 2 diabetes

A recent study found two genetic regions associated with lower birth weight, one of which is also linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. The research analyzed over 38,000 Europeans and showed that individuals with a specific gene variant were 25% more likely to develop diabetes if they had low birth weight.

SourceWellcome Trust·JournalNature Genetics·DateApr 6, 2010

Darwin's finch and the evolution of smell

A recent study on the zebra finch genome suggests that smell may be involved in bird communication, contrary to earlier assumptions. The research found that around 200 genes can potentially produce functional smell receptors, supporting the idea that some birds rely on their sense of smell.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature·DateApr 6, 2010

New test could identify smokers at risk of emphysema

Researchers developed a new test that uses CT scans to measure blood flow in the lungs, identifying smokers most at risk of emphysema. The study found subtle differences in blood flow patterns between smokers with normal lung function and those with early signs of emphysema.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 6, 2010
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.

Automobile control research opens door to new safety features

Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed a computer program that enables cars to stay within their lane, opening the door to new safety features and military applications. This technology can detect traffic and lanes, allowing cars to avoid accidents caused by driver fatigue or distraction.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·DateApr 6, 2010

Sensitive nerve cells

Scientists at the Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology have demonstrated using a new animal model that nerve cells do not begin to die until three conditions are met in Parkinson's disease. This finding is an important step forward in understanding this illness and may offer a potential new direction for therapy.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 6, 2010

New thick-shelled turtle species lived with world's biggest snake

A new fossil turtle species, Cerrejonemys wayuunaiki, was found in the Cerrejon coal mine in Colombia, dating back to 60 million years ago. The thick shell may have protected it from predators like the Titanoboa, a snake thought to be the world's biggest.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·DateApr 6, 2010

Synergy between behavioral and pharmacologic interventions for ADHD

A study published in Biological Psychiatry compared the effects of medication, motivation, and a combination of both on response inhibition in children with ADHD. The results showed that stimulant medication tends to normalize brain function, while motivational incentives also play a role in improving performance.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateApr 6, 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.

Scientific risk-taking by young students fades with age

A University of Oregon study of 585 elementary school students found that students' willingness to take intellectual risks in science decreases with age. However, students who were interested in science and felt supported by their teachers were significantly more likely to engage in intellectual risk-taking. The study suggests that tea...

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalJournal of Research in Science Teaching·DateApr 6, 2010

Gene variation among kidney donors associated with graft failure

A recent study published in JAMA has identified a significant association between gene variation in kidney donors and increased risk of graft failure. The researchers found that donors with certain genetic variants had poorer graft survival rates, highlighting the potential for genetic biomarkers to predict transplant outcomes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateApr 6, 2010

Gone with the wind: Far-flung pine pollen still potent miles from the tree

A study by Claire Williams found that long-distance dispersal of transgenic pine pollen is a potential problem due to its viability. Viable pine pollen was found as far as 2000 feet in the air and 25 miles offshore, with over 50% still germinating after drifting those distances.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateApr 6, 2010

Community-based approaches are best to reduce deaths among newborns

Newborn mortality in low-income countries is a significant concern, with many infants going unseen by health services. Community-based approaches, such as community mobilization and home visits by community workers, can improve newborn survival rates, according to a study published in PLoS Medicine.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 6, 2010
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 immune system's guard against cancer

Scientists discovered that beta-interferon inhibits tumor growth by blocking its connection to the blood circulatory system and reducing the production of growth factors. This effect was seen in mice where tumors grew slower and formed fewer metastases, highlighting a new potential target for cancer therapy.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 6, 2010