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Science News Archive December 2010 - Page 9


Page 9 of 21

Iridium memories

Researchers incorporated nanocrystals of iridium into flash memory designs, demonstrating excellent memory properties and thermal stability. Iridium's high work function and melting point make it an attractive option for improving nonvolatile memory with enhanced trapping ability.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateDec 14, 2010

A positive step in the face of uncertainty

ASU professors Patricia Gober and Craig Kirkwood assess the impact of climate change on water shortages in Phoenix. Their study provides options for solutions, including changing landscape type, limiting pools, and investing in leak fixes. By embracing uncertainty, residents can reduce risk and protect themselves from water scarcity.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 2010

UCI researchers find novel memory-enhancing mechanism in brain

UCI researchers identified a novel mechanism in the brain that boosts memory by strengthening and prolonging memories of negative events to simple objects. Neuropeptide S activation prepares the brain for learning, leading to remarkable memory improvement with long-lasting effects.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateDec 14, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

What 'pine' cones reveal about the evolution of flowers

Genetic analysis suggests a single common ancestor triggered the emergence of flowers from pine cone-like structures, with water lilies as potential 'genetic fossils'. This discovery challenges expectations of distinct genetic instructions for each floral organ in early angiosperms.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 2010

Fighting flu in newborns begins in pregnancy

Researchers found that vaccinating pregnant women against influenza prevents hospitalization in infants by 91.5%. This effective strategy protects young infants without a vaccine, and is cost-effective as it protects two individuals.

SourceYale University·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateDec 14, 2010

Study finds prayer can help handle harmful emotions

A University of Wisconsin-Madison sociologist found that prayer can help victims of violent relationships cope with their emotions by finding comfort in God's perspective. Prayer serves as a distraction and reprieve from anxiety, while also raising self-worth counteracting the abuser's hurtful words.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalSocial Psychology Quarterly·DateDec 14, 2010

High activity staves off pounds, especially for women

A new study by Northwestern Medicine found that highly active women gain significantly less weight over 20 years compared to their low-activity peers. On average, highly active women gained about 13 pounds less than those with low activity levels.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJAMA·DateDec 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.

Vaccine boosts your immune system

Researchers have discovered a protein that can prevent chronic tissue inflammation and boost the immune system. The therapeutic vaccine has been shown to effectively treat conditions like multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 14, 2010

Qatar-led international team finds its first alien world

Astronomers have discovered a new alien world, Qatar-1b, a hot Jupiter located 550 light-years from Earth. The planet orbits extremely close to its star, resulting in scorching temperatures and a unique rotational period.

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateDec 14, 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.

Researchers open the door to biological computers

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have successfully created synthetic circuits in yeast cells using gene-regulated communication. This breakthrough could lead to the development of complex biological systems for detecting diseases and monitoring environmental pollutants.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature·DateDec 14, 2010

New vaccine to assist worldwide eradication of polio

A new type of vaccine is being developed that can trick the body into developing immunity against polio, with no risk of causing or spreading the disease. The replica virus particle will be designed to look and behave like the real virus but contain no genetic material.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·DateDec 14, 2010

Walkable neighborhoods richer in social capital, UNH study finds

Research from the University of New Hampshire found that walkable neighborhoods have higher levels of social capital, including trust among neighbors and participation in community events. This study suggests that designing neighborhoods with accessibility can lead to increased social benefits and improved quality of life.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalApplied Research in Quality of Life·DateDec 14, 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.

2 people receive kidney transplants in pilot program using CMU software

A new national program using Carnegie Mellon University's computer algorithm successfully matched transplant candidates with living donors, enabling the first kidney transplants. The program aims to increase the number of kidney paired-donation transplants by creating a national pool of mismatched donor-recipient pairs.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateDec 14, 2010

Neonatal intensive care in Mexico is cost effective

A study published in PLOS Medicine found that neonatal intensive care provides substantial population health benefits in Mexico relative to its costs, even for very premature babies. The study suggests that including neonatal intensive care in Mexico's Seguro Popular program is highly efficient in terms of overall benefits provided com...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateDec 14, 2010

Momentum for minority participation and retention in science and engineering

The Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP) program at IUPUI is successfully encouraging minority students to select STEM majors and pursue careers. Students like Kathryn DelaCruz and Tomás Meijome are thriving in research projects, internships, and graduate programs.

SourceIndiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis School of Science·DateDec 14, 2010

Violent games not to blame for youth aggression

A new study published in Journal of Youth and Adolescence found no link between violent video games and serious acts of youth aggression or violence. Instead, depression was identified as a strong predictor of youth violence and aggression.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Youth and Adolescence·DateDec 14, 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.

Mothers' diets have biggest influence on children eating healthy

A Michigan State University study found that mothers' own eating habits and perceptions of their child as a 'picky eater' significantly impact whether their toddler consumes enough fruits and vegetables. Health professionals must consider these factors when developing strategies to promote healthy eating in children.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPublic Health Nursing·DateDec 14, 2010

Biracial and passing -- as black

A majority of survey respondents identify as biracial but pass as black in certain situations. The phenomenon suggests a changing culture around race relations in the US, with blackness becoming less stigmatized.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalSocial Psychology Quarterly·DateDec 14, 2010

Alcohol consumption may increase amphetamine abuse

A recent study found that moderate alcohol drinkers were more likely to engage in computer tasks to receive high doses of amphetamines, indicating increased vulnerability to stimulant effects. The researchers suggest that moderate drinking may sensitize individuals to the reinforcing effects of amphetamines.

SourceAlcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research·DateDec 14, 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.

Go ahead, drink your milk

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found no link between dairy consumption and increased risk of heart disease, stroke, or total mortality. The research also revealed that drinking three glasses of milk per day may lead to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.

SourceGlobal Dairy Platform·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateDec 14, 2010

Cell of origin for brain tumors may predict response to therapy

Researchers at UCSF have identified that oligodendroglioma brain tumors arise from progenitor cells rather than neural stem cells. This distinction explains why these tumors are more responsive to therapy, unlike other brain tumors such as glioblastoma multiforme.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCancer Cell·DateDec 14, 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.

Human umbilical cord blood cells found to enhance survival and maturation of key brain cells

USF researchers discovered that human umbilical cord blood cells (HUCB) promote the growth and differentiation of hippocampal neurons in both young and old laboratory animals. HUCBs have been found to enhance survival, maturation, and arborization of key brain cells, potentially benefiting treating brain injury and degenerative disease...

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalAging and Disease·DateDec 14, 2010

Geologist's discoveries resolve debate about oxygen in Earth's mantle

Recent studies by University of Rhode Island scientist Katherine Kelley reveal that the Earth's mantle is highly oxidized due to exposure to oxygen during its formation. The findings suggest that oxygen from subduction zones controls mineral composition and gas behavior in the mantle, influencing volcanic eruptions.

SourceUniversity of Rhode Island·DateDec 14, 2010

Study shows how flu infections may prevent asthma

A new study suggests that influenza virus infection in young mice protected against the development of allergic asthma. The study also found that a compound isolated from Helicobacter pylori activated a subset of natural killer T cells, which may prevent asthma.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 13, 2010

Apartment-dwelling children in nonsmoking units still exposed

Children living in apartments are at higher risk of tobacco smoke exposure due to shared ventilation systems or wall contamination. The study found that over 84% of children in multi-unit housing had been exposed to tobacco smoke, compared to 70% in detached houses.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateDec 13, 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.

Team of scientists predicts continued death of forests in southwestern US due to climate change

A team of scientists predicts continued death of forests in the southwestern US due to climate change, with more severe fire events, higher tree mortality rates, and insect infestation. The study finds that warmer temperatures are negatively impacting tree growth, particularly in the spring and summer months.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 13, 2010

Soda taxes: Weight loss benefit linked to household income

A new study found that imposing higher taxes on sodas and sweetened drinks would generate significant revenue but result in only minor weight loss for most households. The tax's impact varies by household income, with middle-income groups experiencing the largest reductions in calories and weight.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateDec 13, 2010

A new mechanism for reversible proteasome inhibition

Researchers at TUM have developed a new mechanism for reversible proteasome inhibition, which could lead to improved treatments for cancer and immune reactions. By targeting the immuno-proteasome specifically, they aim to minimize damage caused by side effects.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·DateDec 13, 2010

Potential chink in armor of African sleeping sickness parasite: It's social

Researchers discovered that Trypanosoma brucei parasites can sense their environment, exchange messages, and coordinate movements when seeded onto a surface. This social behavior opens up new avenues for understanding other supposedly solitary parasites like those responsible for malaria and epidemic diarrhea.

SourceAmerican Society for Cell Biology·DateDec 13, 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.

Mexican immigrants' health declines as they assimilate to America

A new study reveals that Mexican immigrants who are more integrated into US culture appear less healthy and more likely to require healthcare resources. Men tend to report better health than women, but their health declines faster as they adapt to the US.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateDec 13, 2010

How Iapetus got its ridge

A team of researchers, including Washington University professor William B. McKinnon and associate professor Andrew Dombard, propose that Iapetus had a sub-satellite created by a giant impact, which eventually broke apart and formed the ridge. The study suggests that tidal forces played a crucial role in shaping the moon's unique feature.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·DateDec 13, 2010

Parkinson's disparities

A recent study from the University of Maryland School of Medicine found that African American patients and those with lower socioeconomic status have more advanced Parkinson's disease and greater disability when seeking treatment from specialists. This disparity is associated with earlier loss of independence and greater disease severity.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Medical Center·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateDec 13, 2010

Freshwater sustainability challenges shared by Southwest and Southeast, researchers find

Researchers found that both the Southwest and Southeast have insufficient water resources to support human needs, leading to a reliance on imported virtual water. The study highlights the need for new strategies in water storage and conservation across the US, particularly in regions with inland metropolitan areas.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 13, 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.

Protein restores learning, memory in Alzheimer's mouse model

Researchers at UT Health Science Center San Antonio have found that increasing a protein called CBP can restore learning and memory in an Alzheimer's disease mouse model. This breakthrough provides a novel therapeutic target for the development of Alzheimer's medications.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 13, 2010

Research examines gender gaps in immigrant health

A new study by researchers at Duke University reveals that Mexican American men and women have different experiences with the US healthcare system, with men facing greater challenges as they age. Women, particularly those more recently arrived in the US, report poorer health due to their increased interactions with healthcare providers.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateDec 13, 2010

USDA scientists discover how foot-and-mouth disease virus begins infection in cattle

Researchers discovered the FMD virus selectively infects epithelial cells in the nasopharynx after just six hours of exposure. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more effective vaccines and potentially eradicate the disease, which causes significant economic losses globally.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalVeterinary Pathology·DateDec 13, 2010

Many brain tumor patients use homeopathy, alternative treatments

A study published in Neurology found that nearly 40% of brain tumor patients use alternative therapies, including homeopathic remedies and vitamin supplements. Younger people, women, and those with more education were more likely to use these treatments, which they often sought to add benefits to conventional care.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateDec 13, 2010
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.

Math research to improve Internet reliability

Researchers synthesize traffic matrices based on real network patterns, enabling network researchers to test communication network designs. This will help network providers make efficient and reliable networks.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·DateDec 13, 2010

CMU's research finds large uncertainty in carbon footprint calculating

A recent study by Carnegie Mellon's Christopher Weber found that carbon footprint calculations are often inaccurate due to variables from production and shipping. The use phase of an IBM computer server accounted for 94% of total greenhouse gas emissions, emphasizing the importance of energy efficiency in data centers.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateDec 13, 2010

Winners of the IOF Young Investigators Awards announced at Singapore meeting

The International Osteoporosis Foundation has presented its Young Investigators Awards to researchers from China, India, Japan, Sri Lanka, and Taiwan, highlighting the need for osteoporosis awareness in the region. The awards recognize outstanding research on hip fractures, falls, and vitamin D deficiency, promoting education, innovati...

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·DateDec 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.

How cells export and embed proteins in the membrane

EMBL scientists first to visualize the structure of a ribosome-protein complex involved in carrying nascent proteins out of the cell. The discovery could increase understanding of illnesses such as cystic fibrosis and Parkinson's disease, where improper protein targeting leads to harmful accumulation inside cells.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateDec 13, 2010

Researchers explain mechanism behind rare muscle disorders

Mutations in RYR1 lead to calcium release channel dysfunction, causing dominant-negative effect that reduces muscle force generation. The study provides a comprehensive analysis of the consequences of this mutation in muscle fibers.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of General Physiology·DateDec 13, 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.

A study analyzes the movement of tree sap

Researchers created a 3D model of a European beech tree to study the changes in the trunk's structure when water moves through it. The study reveals that the sap is in a pressurized situation, expanding in radial direction during positive pressure and contracting during negative pressure.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalJournal of Biological Physics·DateDec 13, 2010