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Science News Archive August 2010


Page 17 of 23

World's tiniest mirror

Researchers design and characterize a field-switchable nanomagnetic atom mirror, which can manipulate atoms by applying magnetic fields. The technology could be applied to devices that trap and confine atoms, potentially leading to breakthroughs in quantum computing.

5 UM Rosenstiel School students receive NSF grad reserach grants

University of Miami Rosenstiel School graduate students David Weinstein, Kevin Brix, Quinn Devlin, and Erica Staaterman received the prestigious NSF Graduate Research Award for their groundbreaking research. The award is a testament to the school's strong Ph.D. programs and its ability to attract talented students.

Distinguishing 'senior moments' from Alzheimer's

Researchers at UCI identified a long-hidden part of the brain called the perforant path, which may help with early diagnosis. The study used ultrahigh-resolution MRI to track water molecules in the brain, confirming the passage weakens gradually with age and deteriorates more quickly due to Alzheimer's disease.

Better displays ahead

Researchers have developed electrowetting displays that offer high resolution, fast switching speeds, and low power consumption, enabling video content displays and potentially revolutionizing the industry

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.

Drugs to treat cocaine abuse?

A new study explores pharmacological strategies to reduce cocaine self-administration in animals, finding that dysregulation of mGlu2/3 and mGlu5 receptors may play a role in the transition to cocaine addiction. The research suggests that targeting mGlu2/3 receptors could be effective for treating severe cocaine-addicted individuals.

Students' understanding of the equal sign not equal, professor says

A study by Texas A&M University researchers found that US middle-grade students exhibit misconceptions about the equal sign, leading to poor math performance. In contrast, international students from Korea and China show a much lower incidence of misunderstanding, with Turkish students exhibiting even less.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Neurodegeneration 'clumping proteins' common in aging process

A study found that protein clumps are a normal part of aging and can influence neurodegenerative diseases. The discovery was made using the roundworm <i>C. elegans</i> and found that many common proteins in healthy individuals contribute to these clumps.

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.

Rate of health care associated MRSA infections decreasing

A study published in JAMA found that the incidence of hospital-onset and community-onset invasive MRSA infections decreased by 28% and 17%, respectively, between 2005 and 2008. The decrease was attributed to the dissemination of MRSA prevention practices in US hospitals.

Stereotyping has a lasting negative impact

New research from the University of Toronto Scarborough shows that prejudice has a lasting negative impact on those who experience it. Studies have found that people perform poorly in situations where they feel stereotyped, with lingering effects on behavior such as aggression, over-eating, and poor decision-making.

Adequate zinc eases pneumonia in elderly

Researchers found that nursing facility residents with normal zinc levels were 50% less likely to develop pneumonia compared to those with low zinc concentrations. Those with adequate zinc levels also had shorter durations of pneumonia and lower mortality rates.

Research: College undergrads study ineffectively on computers

A new study found that college undergrads tend to study computer materials mindlessly, using weak strategies like over-copying passages and relying on memory drills. In contrast, those who used effective strategies like recording complete notes, creating comparative charts, and building associations scored higher on tests.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Buried silver nanoparticles improve organic transistors

A team of Hong Kong researchers has demonstrated that burying a layer of silver nanoparticles improves the performance of organic electronic devices. The finding is significant as it suggests a simple and cost-effective way to enhance transistor performance.

Youth exposure to alcohol ads in magazines declining

A new study by the Center on Alcohol Marketing and Youth found that youth exposure to alcohol advertising in magazines declined by 48 percent between 2001 and 2008. The largest brands still advertising in youth-oriented publications were those selling spirits.

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.

Adult autism diagnosis by brain scan

Researchers at King's College London have developed a pioneering new method of diagnosing autism in adults using a quick brain scan that takes just 15 minutes. This technique can identify adults with autism with high accuracy and may lead to the screening for autism spectrum disorders in children.

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.

K-State research team investigates mutated gene's role in breast cancer

A Kansas State University research team is investigating the mutated ADAM12 gene's role in breast cancer, with findings suggesting its high expression in cancer stem cells. This discovery could lead to more targeted therapies, as conventional treatments often fail on these aggressive cells.

Better understanding of mapmaking in the brain

Scientists have found 'grid cells' for the first time outside of the entorhinal cortex in the rat brain, expanding our knowledge of how the brain generates internal maps. These grid cells work together with other neural cells to create a series of maps that help with navigation and recognition of specific landmarks.

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.

Stress gets under our skin

Researchers found that individuals with greater neural sensitivity to social rejection exhibit increased inflammatory activity, which can increase the risk of disorders such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and depression. Chronic inflammation can also lead to cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer.

BSSA tip sheet for August 2010

Researchers identified two apparent faults cutting young deposits near Olympia, Washington, suggesting recent fault activity and potential earthquake hazards. The study utilizes marine seismic reflection data to explore shallow structures associated with inferred faults in the Tacoma and Olympia areas.

ROCK(2) 'n' roll target for treating autoimmunity

Researchers have discovered that ROCK2 protein is involved in regulating the production of IL-17 and IL-21, which are linked to autoimmunity. Administration of a ROCK inhibitor has shown promise in reducing disease symptoms and ameliorating conditions in mice models.

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.

UCLA scientists map all mammalian gene interactions

Researchers have created comprehensive genetic interaction maps for mammalian cells, revealing which genes work together and their roles in disease. The study, published in Genome Research, offers valuable information for research and potential therapeutic targets.

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.

The salp: Nature's near-perfect little engine just got better

Researchers found salps can capture particles as small as 0.5 microns using a process called direct interception, making them more efficient filter feeders. This ability helps explain their survival in the open ocean and enhances their role in carbon cycling.

Latino children with asthma less accurate in determining their lung function

A new study reveals that Latino children with asthma often inaccurately perceive their lung function, resulting in increased emergency room visits and hospitalizations. The study's findings suggest that cultural differences, socioeconomic factors, and limited access to healthcare may contribute to these disparities.

A 'magnetic' solution to identify and kill tumors

Researchers develop a new method to target cancer tumors using heat and magnets, reducing side effects and damage to healthy tissue. The innovative technique uses biomarkers attached to individual tumors and excites nano-particles with an external magnetic field, killing the tumor cells.

Human clinical trial of NIH-developed dengue vaccine begins

A new tetravalent vaccine developed by NIAID is being tested in a Phase I human clinical trial to prevent dengue fever. The vaccine, which protects against all four dengue viruses, aims to provide efficient and cost-effective prevention against the mosquito-borne disease.

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.

An ancient Earth like ours

Researchers have reconstructed the Earth's climate belts between 460 and 445 million years ago, finding patterns that suggest ancient carbon dioxide levels were more modest than thought. The study reveals a 'modern-looking' pattern in ancient oceans, emphasizing the stability of the atmosphere and climate through deep time.

1 in 4 stroke patients stop taking medication within 3 months

A study published in Archives of Neurology found that nearly 75% of stroke patients remained on their prescribed medications after hospital discharge. Factors associated with persistent medication use included cardiovascular disease, insurance coverage, and understanding the purpose of the medications.

Carnegie Mellon researchers turn up brightness on fluorescent probes

The development enhances fluoromodule technology by making probes glow five- to seven-times brighter than EGFP, allowing researchers to monitor biological activities in real-time. Dendron-based dyedrons amplify the signal emitted by fluoromodules, providing a single compact protein tag with signal enhancement.

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.

Brain responds same to acute and chronic sleep loss

Researchers found that five nights of restricted sleep produced intense recovery sleep following each wake cycle, with both longer and deeper sleep. Chronic sleep restriction evokes the same brain response as acute total sleep deprivation.

Biochemist proposes worldwide policy change to step up daily vitamin D intake

A leading international expert in vitamin D, Anthony Norman, recommends increasing daily intake to 2,000-4,000 IU for most adults to maximize health benefits. This could effectively eradicate rickets in infants and reduce the frequency of diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and autoimmune type-1 diabetes.

Larger waist associated with greater risk of death

A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that larger waist circumferences are associated with a greater risk of dying from any cause. The research, which included over 48,000 men and women, found that very large waists were linked to approximately twice the risk of death, even among those at normal weight.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

UM advanced bio-filtration system promises less Chesapeake pollution

The University of Maryland's new bio-filtration system improves phosphorus and nitrogen removal from urban runoff, reducing pollution in the Chesapeake Bay. The system combines bioretention projects with advanced technologies to conserve rainwater and reduce environmental impact.

Alcohol taxes can reduce death rates among chronic heavy drinkers

A new study published in Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research found that increasing alcohol taxes can significantly reduce death rates from diseases caused by chronic heavy drinking. The study analyzed data from 1969 to 2004 and estimated that adjusting for inflation, would save around 1,500 Floridian lives per year.

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.