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Science News Archive August 2010 - Page 14


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.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateAug 15, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers find function of proteins that can enhance the progression of viruses and cancer cells

Researchers at SUNY Downstate Medical Center have identified proteins (Ligatin, MCT-1 and DENR) that can enhance the progression of viruses and cancer cells by promoting eIF2-independent translation initiation. This novel mechanism is a potential target for therapeutic inhibition to counteract viral infections.

SourceSUNY Downstate Health Science University·JournalGenes & Development·DateAug 14, 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.

Estrogen not associated with lung cancer incidence and mortality among postmenopausal women

A recent study published in JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that estrogen alone was not associated with increased lung cancer mortality among postmenopausal women. In contrast, combined hormone therapy showed a statistically significant increase in breast cancer incidence and a reduction in colorectal cancer.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 13, 2010

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.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateAug 13, 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.

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.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHuman Gene Therapy·DateAug 13, 2010

Happy employees may be the key to success ... for organizations

A study of over 2,000 business units found that employee work perceptions predict important organizational outcomes. Employee job satisfaction is linked to higher retention rates, increased customer loyalty, and better financial performance.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateAug 13, 2010

Sensors more accurately map the Chesapeake Bay's forested wetlands

Researchers have developed new maps of the Chesapeake Bay's forested wetlands, increasing accuracy by 30% compared to existing maps. The combined data from LiDAR and SAR sensors reveals previously unknown connections between wetlands, drainage ditches, and ponds.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalWetlands·DateAug 13, 2010

Current directions in schizophrenia research

The latest research on schizophrenia focuses on prenatal factors, neurological development, prognosis, brain abnormalities, social cognition, and promising treatments.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateAug 13, 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.

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.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateAug 13, 2010

GEN reports on rediscovered technology to bolster proteomics research

Researchers are leveraging decades-old ultrahigh pressure discoveries to advance proteomics, mass spectrometry, and protein extraction techniques. Pressure-cycling technology (PCT) accelerates glycan release, membrane protein extraction, and other complex processes.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalGenetic Engineering & Biotechnology News·DateAug 13, 2010

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.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateAug 13, 2010

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.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalEcology·DateAug 13, 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.

Speed electronic medical record adoption via key medical centers, says Management Science

A new study by INFORMS suggests that persuading influential medical centers to adopt electronic medical records can accelerate the adoption of these systems among neighboring hospitals. The research found that targeting well-known, larger, and older hospitals in densely populated regions can significantly increase the rate of adoption.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalManagement Science·DateAug 13, 2010

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.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·DateAug 13, 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.

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.

SourceEUREKA·DateAug 13, 2010

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.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateAug 13, 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.

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNano Letters·DateAug 13, 2010

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.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 13, 2010

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.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 13, 2010

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.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateAug 12, 2010

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.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScience·DateAug 12, 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.

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.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·DateAug 12, 2010

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.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateAug 12, 2010

SUMO works with replication protein A complex to repair DNA

Researchers discovered that SUMO modifies RPA70, essential for DNA repair by homologous recombination. The connection offers a potential target to short-circuit repair, making cells more vulnerable to chemotherapy and ionizing radiation.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalMolecular Cell·DateAug 12, 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.

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.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 12, 2010

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.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·DateAug 12, 2010

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.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateAug 12, 2010

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.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 12, 2010
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

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.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalJournal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation·DateAug 12, 2010

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateAug 12, 2010

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...

SourceNewYork-Presbyterian·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateAug 12, 2010

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...

SourceLoyola Medicine·DateAug 12, 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.

Immune responses during pregnancy linked to schizophrenia among offspring

A new study published in Schizophrenia Research found that exposure to certain immune proteins during pregnancy is linked to an increased risk of schizophrenia in offspring. Maternal levels of interleukin-8 were associated with structural brain changes in children diagnosed with schizophrenia.

SourceTemple University·JournalSchizophrenia Research·DateAug 12, 2010

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.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateAug 12, 2010

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.

SourceWashington State University·JournalScience·DateAug 12, 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.

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...

SourceTufts University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateAug 12, 2010

New rheumatoid arthritis criteria to stave off disabling disease for thousands of people

The new criteria redefine RA by classifying it based on the confirmed presence of synovitis in at least one joint, absence of alternative diagnoses, and a combined score from four domains. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent destructive joint damage with the help of synthetic and biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateAug 12, 2010

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.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNano Letters·DateAug 12, 2010

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.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·DateAug 12, 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.

Illinois researchers use pyrosequencing to study canine intestinal bacteria

A new method of DNA sequencing has helped researchers uncover the phylogeny of a healthy dog's gut, shedding light on how diet affects gastrointestinal infections. The study found that dogs have diverse bacterial communities, with Firmicutes and Bacteriodetes being the most prevalent.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 12, 2010