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Science News Archive August 2010


Page 14 of 23

Discovered gene causes Kabuki syndrome

Researchers discover genetic alterations in the MLL2 gene that account for most cases of Kabuki syndrome, a rare disorder with multiple birth defects and mental retardation. The new DNA sequencing strategy quickly identifies the gene variants responsible for the condition.

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.

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 sporadic prion protein disease identified by Case Western Reserve

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have discovered a new sporadic prion protein disease, Variably protease-sensitive prionopathy (VPSPr), which shares genotype characteristics with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. The abnormal prion protein in VPSPr exhibits distinct characteristics different from other prion diseases.

Promising results of gene therapy to treat diseases of the eye

Researchers successfully replaced a human gene to preserve photoreceptor function in mice with severe retinal degeneration. The study demonstrates improved function and survival of photoreceptors, validating a potential gene therapy design for patients affected by Leber congenital amaurosis.

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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Language as a window into sociability

Researchers at the Salk Institute found that individuals with Williams syndrome process spoken language differently from those with autism spectrum disorders, which has opposite social profiles. People with Williams syndrome exhibit an abnormally large N400 response indicating sensitivity to semantic aspects of language.

ARPA-E funding supports research on carbon dioxide removal from flue gases

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology are using ARPA-E funding to develop cost-effective techniques for removing large volumes of carbon dioxide from flue gases. They will use hollow-fiber composite membranes with nanoporous metal-organic framework materials to separate CO2, with the goal of achieving a 90% removal rate.

Trojan Horse attack on native lupine

Invasive European beachgrass provides cover for deer mice to feed on Tidestrom's lupine fruits without being detected by birds. A mathematical model of lupine populations predicts that all three populations will go extinct, but if mice eat fewer seeds, the largest population will remain stable.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Evidence of new solar activity from observations of aurora in New Zealand

Researchers from Boston University's Center for Space Physics observed recent auroral displays in high latitudes accompanied by fainter glows in lower latitudes. The team detected signs of a new cycle of solar-terrestrial activity, including Stable Auroral Red (SAR) arcs in the southern hemisphere.

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.

Europe ready to launch 3-D TV outperforming the competition

German and Swiss researchers have developed a 3D LCD flat-screen monitor capable of displaying high-definition images without the need for red and green glasses. The Dualplex Display technology offers improved image quality, reduced eye strain, and wider viewing angles, making it suitable for both consumer and professional markets.

Surf your way to a deep ocean research expedition

Researchers from the University of Washington are leading an expedition to study the seafloor and its ecosystems. The team aims to deploy sensors and moorings that will provide real-time data on ocean conditions, enabling scientists to better understand and predict natural phenomena such as hurricanes and tsunamis.

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.

The nano world of Shrinky Dinks

A Northwestern University team has developed a low-cost, high-throughput method for creating and mass-producing large-area nanoscale patterns using Shrinky Dinks. This solvent-assisted nanoscale embossing (SANE) method offers unprecedented opportunities to manipulate electronic, photonic, and magnetic properties of nanomaterials.

Ocean's color affects hurricane paths

A study found that a decrease in chlorophyll concentration, leading to a change in ocean color, can reduce hurricane formation by 70% in the North Pacific. This reduction is due to changes in air circulation patterns and surface water temperature.

Acetaminophen use in adolescents linked to doubled risk of asthma

Monthly acetaminophen use in adolescents may more than double the risk of asthma, with yearly use associated with a 50% increase. The study found a significant association between acetaminophen use and increased risks of asthma, eczema, and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.

Scientists discover oldest evidence of human stone tool use and meat-eating

Researchers found bones bearing unambiguous evidence of stone tool use, including cut marks made while carving meat off the bone. The discovery provides the first evidence that Lucy's species, Australopithecus afarensis, used stone tools and consumed meat, shifting the known timeframe of a game-changing behaviour for our ancestors.

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.

Single neurons can detect sequences

Researchers at University College London found that single neurons and even individual dendrites can effectively distinguish between different temporal sequences of incoming information. This challenges the widely held view that large numbers of neurons working together are necessary for sequence processing in the brain.

College students exhibiting more severe mental illness, study finds

A study found that severe mental illness is more common among college students than a decade ago, with a shift towards more severe psychological problems. The number of students on psychiatric medicines increased, but the percentage of students acknowledging suicidal thoughts decreased.

Citizen scientists discover rotating pulsar

Researchers credited with discovery, PSR J2007+2722, a neutron star rotating 41 times per second, has no orbiting companion and is likely recycled or young, sparking interest in basic physics of neutron stars. This is the first genuine astronomical discovery by a public volunteer distributed computing project.

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 cancer biomarker conundrum: Too many false discoveries

Despite advancements in cancer biomarker research, many initial breakthroughs fail to translate to clinical success due to issues with study design and interpretation. Seven biomarkers initially hailed as promising have been reevaluated, highlighting problems with pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical study design.

US greenhouse gas emissions and capture, regionally

A new report by the American Society of Agronomy highlights the role of agriculture in greenhouse gas emissions and capture. The study finds that adopting conservation agricultural systems can increase carbon sequestration and reduce GHG emissions. However, knowledge gaps remain in understanding the effectiveness of these practices.

Parents' mental health more likely to suffer when a grown child struggles

A study by Karen Fingerman found that 68% of parents have at least one grown child with a problem, while only 49% say one is highly successful. Parents who had multiple high-achieving children reported better well-being, but having even one problematic child negatively impacted their mental health.

Carnegie Mellon's Steinbrenner Institute helps grow green jobs

The Steinbrenner Institute is helping Heritage Community Initiatives train local workers to create a pool of green collar employees. The program has spawned over 800,000 green collar workers nationwide and provides skills in industries like construction, deconstruction, and home energy retrofits.

Over-the-counter painkiller may help ease emotional slights, UF study finds

A University of Florida researcher found that acetaminophen alleviates social pain from hurt feelings, suggesting an interrelation between physical and emotional pain. Participants who took acetaminophen daily for three weeks reported fewer emotional sufferings and less brain activity linked to social rejection.

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.

Teaching robot helps children to use wheelchair

A new robotic wheelchair system, ROLY, is being developed to assist young children with disabilities in learning to drive. The system uses a joystick with force feedback assistance to help children develop driving skills at their own pace.

Immune overreaction may enable recurrent urinary tract infections

Severe inflammatory responses to initial UTI cause bladder damage and allow infection to persist longer. Immunodeficient mice lacking these acute inflammatory responses are protected from chronic bladder infection. Researchers hope to identify patients vulnerable to recurrent infection using markers discovered in the study.

Elevated heart rate over time linked to significant risk of death

A study published in the European Heart Journal found that patients with an elevated resting heart rate over a five-year period were at a significantly increased risk of death from both cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. Tracking heart rate over time can provide a simple yet important marker of health issues, allowing for potentia...

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.

Expensive new blood pressure meds no better than generics

A new study found that expensive brand-name medications for high blood pressure are no better than generic diuretics in preventing cardiovascular disease. The ALLHAT trial, which followed patients with high blood pressure for eight to 13 years, showed that the diuretic was superior in two measures: stroke death rate and hospitalization...

Poor kidney function common among HIV-infected injection drug users

A study reveals that HIV-infected injection drug users are more likely to develop proteinuria, a marker of kidney disease, which can lead to kidney failure. Clinicians should aggressively screen this population for proteinuria and consider them candidates for medical treatments that protect the heart and kidneys.

Experts say federal nuclear waste panel overlooks public mistrust

A special White House panel on high-level radioactive waste needs to focus more on social and political acceptability. Public mistrust has fueled failed attempts to effectively work with those affected, and addressing this is crucial for developing a publicly acceptable solution.

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.

Implantable silk metamaterials could advance biomedicine, biosensing

Researchers created the first large area metamaterial structures on implantable bio-compatible silk substrates, providing a promising path towards developing novel biomaterial-inspired biosensors and biodetectors. The silk metamaterials retained their resonance properties while implanted under muscle tissue, opening up possibilities fo...

Wax, soap clean up obstacles to better batteries

Researchers at PNNL developed a simple one-step method to create high-capacity lithium manganese phosphate electrodes using paraffin wax and soap. The new process enables the exploration of cheaper alternatives to current lithium-ion-metal oxide batteries, with potential applications in electric vehicles and consumer electronics.

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.

Asteroid found in gravitational 'dead zone'

Asteroid 2008 LC18 is found in the L5 stability region of Neptune, with an estimated diameter of 100 kilometers. The discovery suggests a population of similar asteroids at L5, outnumbering those in the main asteroid belt.

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.