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Science News for December 9, 2010


Estrogen alone is effective for reducing breast cancer risk

A study published at the 33rd Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium found that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with estrogen alone can reduce breast cancer risk in certain women. The analysis of data from the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) trials showed a significantly reduced breast cancer incidence in subsets of wom...

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateDec 9, 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.

Fahrenheit -459: Neutron stars and string theory in a lab

A team of scientists at Duke University has measured the viscosity of an ultra-cold gas, confirming its potential as a scale model for exotic matter and high-temperature superconductors. The results also provide insight into predictions made using string theory.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience·DateDec 9, 2010

Study examines effect of water-based and silicon-based lubricant

Researchers at Indiana University found that using lubricant during sex significantly increases women's ratings of sexual pleasure and satisfaction. The study also showed that water-based lubricants are associated with lower rates of genital pain and fewer genital symptoms overall.

SourceIndiana University·JournalThe Journal of Sexual Medicine·DateDec 9, 2010

Cholera strain evolves new mechanism for causing disease

Researchers identified a new protein (vopE) involved in causing diarrhea and found that the bacteria requires T3SS to cause disease. The study reveals a second pathogenic mechanism used by non-O1, non-O139 strains of Vibrio cholerae.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateDec 9, 2010
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Cholera strain in Haiti matches bacteria from south Asia

A recent study found that the cholera strain in Haiti matches bacterial samples from South Asia, contradicting earlier assumptions of its Latin American origin. The researchers believe the strain was introduced into Haiti through human activity, raising hopes for control measures such as vaccination and rapid screening.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 9, 2010

Gene hunters tackle crop diseases

Scientists have sequenced the genomes of parasitic water fungus and water molds that cause late blight in potatoes, tomatoes, and downy mildew in cruciferous vegetables. The analysis reveals that some sections of the genome are slow to evolve, allowing for resistance genes to be targeted.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalScience·DateDec 9, 2010

Look: What your reaction to someone's eye movements says about your politics

Researchers found that liberals consistently move their attention in response to gaze cues, while conservatives do not. This suggests that liberals tend to be more responsive to others and are influenced by social interaction, whereas conservatives value personal autonomy and are less likely to be swayed by external cues.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·DateDec 9, 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.

Key protein discovered that allows nerve cells to repair themselves

A team of scientists led by Melissa Rolls has discovered a key protein controlling the layout of microtubules in dendrites, allowing neurons to regenerate after severe injury. The research provides new insights into the process of nerve cell regeneration and potential avenues for treating neurodegenerative diseases.

SourcePenn State·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 9, 2010

2 decades of Nuss procedure outcomes: Refinements in groundbreaking surgery for chest deformity

The Nuss procedure has achieved a high success rate of 95.8% in correcting pectus excavatum, with refinements in surgical techniques and instruments developed to increase effectiveness and safety. New tools include stronger bars, improved tunnel creation, and titanium options for patients with metal allergies.

SourceChildren's Hospital of The King's Daughters·JournalAnnals of Surgery·DateDec 9, 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.

Making Internet faster

A EUREKA-backed project, TRAMMS, aimed to solve Internet bottlenecks by monitoring traffic over three years. The team gained insight into user behavior and accurately measured network traffic, enabling service providers to avoid bottlenecks and improve web browsing quality.

SourceEUREKA·DateDec 9, 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.

States now fund majority of human embryonic stem cell research

According to a recent study in Nature Biotechnology, states in the US are now funding more human embryonic stem cell research than the federal government. The extent of this funding varies significantly between states, with some prioritizing this research over others.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateDec 9, 2010

Platinum and blue light combine to combat cancer

Scientists at the University of Warwick have discovered a new platinum-based compound that can be activated by normal visible blue or green light, leading to a highly potent cancer treatment. The compound is up to 80 times more effective than existing platinum-based anti-cancer drugs.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateDec 9, 2010

Industry collaboration enhances academic science, sociologist finds

New research by James Evans highlights industry's role in advancing academic science by encouraging novel discovery and exploring previously unexplored biological processes. Industry-funded work tends to stray from theoretical hubs, whereas government-funded studies cluster around related themes and theoretical hubs.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalAmerican Journal of Sociology·DateDec 9, 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.

Better batteries from the bottom up

Rice University researchers have developed microbatteries with nanowire 'hearts' that can store more energy and charge faster than traditional lithium-ion batteries. The batteries employ vertical arrays of nickel-tin nanowires encased in a PMMA polymer, which insulates the wires and allows ions to pass through.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateDec 9, 2010

Immune system changes linked to inflammatory bowel disease revealed

Scientists at Virginia Tech have discovered key molecular events in the immune system that contribute to inflammatory bowel disease. The study identifies peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma as a crucial regulator of inflammation and offers potential targets for repurposed drugs and naturally occurring compounds.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalMucosal Immunology·DateDec 9, 2010
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Buprenorphine treatment produces improved outcome for babies born addicted

A new study found that buprenorphine is at least as effective as methadone in treating opioid addiction during pregnancy. Babies of mothers who received buprenorphine had shorter hospital stays and required less morphine to treat neonatal abstinence syndrome.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 9, 2010

Gene knockout shows potential for diabetes-related heart failure

Researchers found that silencing the TLR4 gene can prevent hyperglycemic cardiac apoptosis in diabetic mice, highlighting the potential clinical use of siRNA-based therapy. The study demonstrated that TLR4 plays a critical role in cardiac apoptosis and that its silencing can suppress apoptotic cascades.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalJournal of Translational Medicine·DateDec 9, 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.

There's a new 'officer' in the infection control army

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered a new regulatory protein, GAKIN, that oversees the activity of CARD11, a key player in immune cell activation. This finding presents opportunities to develop new treatments for autoimmune diseases and cancer by targeting hyperactive immune cells.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalMolecular Cell·DateDec 9, 2010

Computer-based program may help relieve some ADHD symptoms in children

A new study suggests an intensive computer-based working memory training program can alleviate some ADHD symptoms in children. The five-week program showed significant changes in attention, organization, and working memory skills. Parents reported improvements in ADHD symptoms, and the results were evident four months after treatment.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology·DateDec 9, 2010

Charging makes nano-sized electrodes swell, elongate and spiral

Researchers observed electrode wires made from materials used in rechargeable lithium ion batteries contorting and fatten as they become charged with electricity. This study suggests how rechargeable batteries eventually give out and might offer insights for improving battery performance.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateDec 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.

Scientists begin 5-month study of cloud life cycles

A team of atmospheric scientists will gather data from clouds at four different elevations on Mount Werner for five months. The data will help improve climate models by verifying the accuracy of measurements used in computer simulations.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateDec 9, 2010

IU study: When to end a run

A study by Indiana University found that runners who continue despite exhaustion change their form, increasing the risk of injury. The study showed that at the end of a normal run, runners' mechanics start to change when they reach fatigue levels, typically indicated by RPEs between 13-15.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of Biomechanics·DateDec 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.

Simulations aim to unlock nature's process of biomineralization

Hendrik Heinz, a University of Akron researcher, is using advanced simulations to understand organic-inorganic bonding. His work aims to develop new composite materials and devices, such as bone replacement and sensing systems, by harnessing nature's biomineralization process.

SourceOhio Supercomputer Center·JournalInterface·DateDec 9, 2010

Avant-garde music offers a gateway to artificial intelligence

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a system that analyzes and responds to the complex musical structures of improvised avant-garde performances, using interconnecting elements of cognition such as perception/action, reasoning, decision-making, planning, and memory.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·DateDec 9, 2010

Unraveling Alzheimer's: Simple small molecules could untangle complex disease

Researchers have discovered a new class of small molecules that can break up and remove amyloid clumps in the brain, potentially providing a therapeutic application for Alzheimer's disease. These compounds also show potential to cross the blood-brain barrier, protecting the brain from harmful substances.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 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.

Supercomputing research opens doors for drug discovery

A new technique developed at ORNL allows supercomputers to sift through massive molecular databases and identify potential drug candidates. This breakthrough could lead to diverse and innovative classes of drugs by processing millions of molecules a day.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Computational Chemistry·DateDec 9, 2010

Massive gene loss linked to pathogen's stealthy plant-dependent lifestyle

A recent study has shed light on the genetic code of a plant pathogen that causes downy mildew disease. The analysis revealed massive gene loss in the pathogen, which is essential for its stealthy lifestyle, and could lead to new ways to investigate how these pathogens wreak havoc and prevent billions of dollars of losses for farmers.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalScience·DateDec 9, 2010

Evolutionary arms race between smut fungi and maize plants

Scientists have identified new genes in smut fungi that play a crucial role in infecting maize plants. The study reveals an evolutionary arms race between the plant and parasite, with each side developing new molecules to outsmart the other.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateDec 9, 2010

Tiny protozoa may hold key to world water safety

A new technology using tiny protozoa to detect toxins in water sources may provide unprecedented assessment of the world's water supplies. The Swimming Behavioral Spectrophotometer (SBS) can detect chemicals, pesticides, and biological warfare agents with near-instant feedback.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·DateDec 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.

Genome of barley disease reveals surprises

Researchers discover parasites within the fungus help it adapt and overcome plant defenses, leading to rapid evolution and devastating impact on agricultural yield. The study could lead to significant advances in developing new agricultural techniques for protecting cereal crops from infection.

SourceImperial College London·JournalScience·DateDec 9, 2010

Living in certain neighborhoods increases the chances older men and women will develop cancer

A new study found that living in racially segregated neighborhoods with high crime rates increases the chances of developing cancer, particularly among older adults. The research, published in the American Journal of Public Health, also discovered a link between neighborhood segregation and heart problems for older women.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateDec 9, 2010

UCLA researchers find that Medicaid-funded ADHD treatment for children is failing

A study by UCLA researchers found that Medicaid-funded ADHD treatment for children yielded poor quality care, with few follow-up visits and inadequate medication use. The study suggests areas for improvement in ADHD care, including better alignment of clinical severity with provider type and increased use of stimulant medication.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateDec 9, 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.

'1-drop rule' appears to persist for biracial individuals

Harvard researchers found that biracials are consistently perceived as belonging to their lower-status parent group, with only 68% needed to be white for a black-white biracial to be seen as white. Further studies aim to understand why this persistence of the 'one-drop rule' occurs

SourceHarvard University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateDec 9, 2010

A double block of blood vessels to starve cancerous tumors

A new type of VEGFR-3 blocking antibody has been developed to inhibit angiogenesis in cancerous tumors. The antibody was shown to be effective even at high concentrations of the growth factor, and combining it with another inhibitor provided synergistic inhibition.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalCancer Cell·DateDec 9, 2010

EU project to build Electric Solar Wind Sail

The EU-funded ESAIL project aims to develop the laboratory prototypes of key electric sail components. A full-scale electric sail is estimated to produce a continuous thrust of one newton while weighing only 100 kg.

SourceFinnish Meteorological Institute·DateDec 9, 2010
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Blue whale-sized mouthfuls make foraging super efficient

Researchers discovered that blue whales can consume up to 2,000,000 kJ in a single mouthful of krill, providing 240 times more energy than used during a dive. This efficiency is due to the massive size of their mouths, which allow them to engulf large volumes of food.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateDec 9, 2010

Researcher develops accurate method for detecting dangerous fluoride

A Florida State University researcher has developed a molecular sensor that accurately detects fluoride levels at very low concentrations, posing a carcinogenic risk. The sensor's nanomolar sensitivity makes it one of the most sensitive fluoride sensors known to date.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 9, 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.

Most women do not get recommended mammograms

A study of over 12 million women found that only half received annual mammograms, with rates varying by age group. The low rate has sparked theories on reasons behind non-compliance, including discomfort and lack of available screening centers.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateDec 9, 2010

Alzheimer's patients can't effectively clear sticky plaque component

Researchers found that Alzheimer's disease is associated with disrupted brain clearance of a sticky plaque component called amyloid-beta. The study's findings have important implications for diagnosis and treatment, as scientists seek to understand how this process can be improved.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience·DateDec 9, 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.

Scientists trace origin of recent cholera epidemic in Haiti

The study reveals that the bacteria causing the current Haitian cholera epidemic originated in South Asia, supporting the notion of transmission from an infected individual. The strain was found to be more virulent than average, with a higher potential for severe diarrhea and increased mortality rates.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 9, 2010

Official food allergy treatment guidelines released

The new guidelines aim to standardize diagnosis, treatment, and management of food allergies. They consolidate the latest available data into straightforward and consistent protocols for diagnosis and treatment, which will give physicians a uniform pool of information, ultimately leading to more accurate care for patients.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateDec 9, 2010

Black holes and warped space: New UK telescope shows off first

The e-MERLIN telescope has captured the first image of a galaxy with its gravitational lens, revealing multiple images of a quasar billions of light years away. This groundbreaking observation demonstrates the power of the new telescope system in studying the fine details of astronomical events.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·DateDec 9, 2010

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is ultimately a stem cell disease

Researchers found that Duchenne muscular dystrophy symptoms emerge when skeletal muscle stem cells can no longer keep up with repairs, leading to progressive muscle weakening and respiratory failure. Successful treatments targeting muscle stem cells may alleviate symptoms and offer new hope for managing the disease.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateDec 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.

A new kind of blast-resistant glass

Engineers have created a quarter-inch-thick, lightweight, and colorless blast-resistant glass that can withstand explosions and severe weather. The new design features long glass fibers soaked in liquid plastic, providing a significant reinforcing effect to the polymer matrix.

SourceUS Department of Homeland Security - Science and Technology·DateDec 9, 2010

On...off...on...off... The circuitry of insulin-releasing cells

A study published in Nature Chemical Biology reveals how pancreatic beta cells interpret incoming signals and find that three proteins relay signals similar to an electrical circuit. The discovery may lead to repairing deficient cells in treating diabetes.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateDec 9, 2010

World's smallest battery created at CINT nanotechnology center

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have created the world's smallest battery using a single tin oxide nanowire anode, which nearly doubles in length during charging. The discovery provides new insights into lithium batteries and could improve power and energy density.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalScience·DateDec 9, 2010

When their tools get dull, leaf-cutters switch jobs

Researchers found that leaf-cutter ants change tasks when mandibles wear out, allowing more efficient sisters to take over. This division of labor allows the colony to remain productive while minimizing energy loss.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateDec 9, 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.

Cancer prevention expert honored for innovative tobacco research

Alexander V. Prokhorov, a behavioral scientist at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, has been recognized for his innovative tobacco research and education programs targeting high-risk teens and young adults. His work includes developing video games and websites to teach healthy lifestyles and prevent tobacco use.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·DateDec 9, 2010

Sesame Street program improves development for children in Indonesia

A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that Indonesian children who watched Jalan Sesama, a local version of Sesame Street, showed significant improvement in literacy, math skills, safety knowledge, and social awareness compared to those with low exposure.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Development·DateDec 9, 2010

Cutting dietary phosphate doesn't save dialysis patients' lives

A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that restricting dietary phosphate does not improve survival rates among hemodialysis patients. In fact, patients with more liberal phosphate restrictions were 27% less likely to die than those on restrictive diets.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 9, 2010

Patients may not have to stop taking anti-platelets for some surgeries

A recent study found that patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA) can safely continue taking clopidogrel, but bleeding complications are associated with using a Dacron patch. The study analyzed 260 consecutive patients and found no significant difference in operative blood loss between those on clopidogrel and aspirin alone.

SourceMinneapolis Heart Institute Foundation·JournalAnnals of Vascular Surgery·DateDec 9, 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.

Researchers discover how natural drug fights inflammation

Scientists at Virginia Tech uncover how abscisic acid, a natural plant hormone, fights inflammation by interacting with the lanthionine synthetase C-like 2 protein. This alternative mechanism avoids known adverse side effects of existing drugs, paving the way for new treatments.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateDec 9, 2010

Technique turns computer chip defects into an advantage

Physicists at Ohio State University have developed a technique to tune the properties of key atoms in computer chips by rearranging tiny defects. This could lead to faster computing speeds and new computing paradigms based on quantum mechanics.

SourceOhio State University·JournalScience·DateDec 9, 2010

A 'stitch in time' could help damaged hearts

A research team at Worcester Polytechnic Institute demonstrates the feasibility of delivering adult bone-marrow-derived stem cells using biopolymer microthreads, which support cell growth while maintaining differentiation potential. The technology has the potential to improve cardiac function and treat cardiac arrhythmias.

SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·JournalJournal of Biomedical Materials Research·DateDec 9, 2010

Digital video recorders do not change shopping behavior

A study by University of Chicago researchers found that households did not shift to store brand alternatives after receiving a DVR. The lack of effect on sales suggests that TV advertising may not have a discernible impact on sales in the first place.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateDec 9, 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.

Director General CERN announces $25M Australian center on origins of universe

The ARC Centre of Excellence for Experimental Particle Physics at the Terascale will probe particle interactions at higher energies, revealing secrets about the early stages of the universe after the big bang. Scientists hope to discover elusive Higgs Boson particles and new physics such as extra dimensions and super symmetry.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·DateDec 9, 2010

National team of scientists peers into the future of stem cell biology

A team of scientists has discovered that microRNA profiles can predict the type of cell, including whether it's cancerous or not. This finding has significant implications for the use of stem cells in repairing damaged body parts, as it highlights the potential risks of creating cancer.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateDec 9, 2010

Protein targeted to stop melanoma tumor growth

Researchers have discovered MIC-1 as a regulator of angiogenesis, finding that it is present in high levels in 67% of melanoma patients. Targeting this protein can prevent blood vessel formation and decrease tumor development by up to 300%. This could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating melanoma.

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateDec 9, 2010

Cloud 'feedback' affects global climate and warming, says Texas A&M study

A new study by Andrew Dessler at Texas A&M University found that cloud feedback will amplify global warming over the next century. The research uses measurements from NASA's Terra satellite and meteorological analyses to calculate energy trapped by clouds as climate varied over the last decade.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalScience·DateDec 9, 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.

Web of international collaboration boosts worldwide nanotechnology research

A new study finds that nanotechnology research collaboration has increased significantly worldwide, with the US and China being the leading international co-authors. The study analyzed over 91,000 papers published between 2008 and 2009 and found that researchers from just 15 countries accounted for 90% of the publications.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateDec 9, 2010

Monitoring your car for a safer driving

The CARING CARS project aims to make driving safer by developing an innovative sensor network that monitors a driver's vital signs and responds accordingly. The system detects fatigue, emotional state, and other factors to provide alerts and assistance in emergency situations.

SourceEUREKA·DateDec 9, 2010

Gene that causes some cases of familial ALS discovered

Scientists identify the valosin-containing protein (VCP) gene linked to familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a fatal neurological disease. Further study may lead to novel treatments by transforming the pathological process in ALS patients.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateDec 9, 2010

Researchers track the impacts of depression during pregnancy

A University of Michigan-led study found that depressed mothers' bodies may play a role in the development of their unborn children's brains. Babies born to depressed moms had higher levels of stress hormones and decreased muscle tone, but also showed signs of neurological maturity.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalInfant Behavior and Development·DateDec 9, 2010