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Science News Archive August 2010 - Page 17


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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateAug 10, 2010

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.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·DateAug 10, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 10, 2010

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

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateAug 10, 2010

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.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateAug 10, 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.

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.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalPsychological Reports·DateAug 10, 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.

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateAug 10, 2010

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.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateAug 10, 2010

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.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateAug 10, 2010

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.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalJournal of Educational Psychology·DateAug 10, 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.

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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateAug 10, 2010

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.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·DateAug 10, 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.

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.

SourceKing's College London·DateAug 10, 2010

Researchers find clues to gut immunity evolution, reveal similarities between fish and humans

A study at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine has identified a key player in animal gut immunity and revealed surprising similarities between fish and humans. The discovery provides new insights into how humans maintain healthy intestines and could lead to improved approaches for keeping fish safe from pathogens.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Immunology·DateAug 10, 2010

Study finds similar personality types in male and female domestic violence perpetrators

A study published in Journal of Abnormal Psychology found that subtypes of domestically violent men and women share similar personality traits and characteristics. The analysis of 567 civil psychiatric patients revealed three common subtypes among both genders, shedding light on the complexities of domestic violence.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of Abnormal Psychology·DateAug 10, 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.

Inhibiting prostate cancer without disturbing regular body processes

Researchers at McGill University have discovered that the facultative enzyme Mnk plays a key role in developing prostate cancer. By blocking Mnk's activity, mice became resistant to prostate cancer growth, offering hope for targeted treatments.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 9, 2010

Researchers develop magnetic molecular machines to deliver drugs to unhealthy cells

Scientists create a new system that utilizes porous nanomaterials driven by a magnetic core to release drugs inside living cancer cells, improving targeted drug delivery and imaging in cancer treatment. The system has the potential to deliver anti-cancer drugs only to cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 9, 2010

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.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateAug 9, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Injection of bone cement (vertebroplasty) is safe, effective and at an acceptable cost for patients with acute osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures

Vertebroplasty is effective in providing greater pain relief than conservative treatment, resulting in a significant reduction in Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores. Patients experienced immediate and sustained pain relief lasting up to one year, making it a safe option for those with acute fractures.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 9, 2010

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 9, 2010

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.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateAug 9, 2010

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.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 9, 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.

The jellyfish-like salp: Most efficient filter-feeder in the deep, scientists discover

Researchers find salps capture food particles as small as bacteria and phytoplankton, making them hardier and more plentiful than thought. This allows them to play a crucial role in carbon cycling by consuming the entire 'microbial loop' and sinking large amounts of carbon to the ocean bottom.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 9, 2010

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalGenome Research·DateAug 9, 2010

Physicians failing to follow recommended heart-failure treatment guidelines, Stanford study finds

A recent Stanford University School of Medicine study found that physicians are losing ground in prescribing recommended medications for treating congestive heart failure. The use of ACE-inhibitors and beta blockers has declined since the early 2000s, with only about one-third of patients receiving these life-saving treatments.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateAug 9, 2010

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.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 9, 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.

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.

SourceLifespan·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 9, 2010

Researchers successfully test new alternative to traditional semiconductors

Scientists at Ohio State University have successfully tested a new type of computer memory that uses the spin of electrons to store data. This innovative technology, known as spintronics, has the potential to increase data storage capacity, reduce power consumption, and enable more portable electronics.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 9, 2010

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.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalNanomedicine·DateAug 9, 2010

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.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateAug 9, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 9, 2010

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateAug 9, 2010
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.

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.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 9, 2010

Demographic disparities found among children with frequent ear infections

Research by UCLA and Harvard University found that white children and those from below the poverty level have higher rates of frequent ear infections. The study's findings highlight racial and socioeconomic disparities in access to healthcare for these vulnerable populations.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalThe Laryngoscope·DateAug 9, 2010

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.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 9, 2010

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalExperimental Biology and Medicine·DateAug 9, 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.

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateAug 9, 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.

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.

SourceBurness·DateAug 9, 2010

Computerized warning system alerts doctors to medications that could harm elderly patients

Researchers developed a specialized CPOE system to alert doctors to potentially hazardous medications for older hospital inpatients. The system resulted in a significant decrease of 20% in orders for flagged medications, highlighting its potential to reduce adverse drug events and improve care for vulnerable elderly patients.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateAug 9, 2010