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Science News Archive July 2010


Page 1 of 23

Missing Puma reveals cancer conundrum

Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery that challenges scientists' understanding of programmed cell death and its role in tumour formation. The study found that the body's natural cell-suicide program can fuel tumour development under certain conditions.

Red blood cells have a tiny but effective protector -- microRNA

Researchers discovered a new biological pathway where microRNA helps protect red blood cells from injury caused by chemicals called free radicals. The study found that the microRNA regulates gene activity by acting on an unexpected signaling pathway, which may have medical implications beyond blood cell development.

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.

Kinked nanopores slow DNA passage for easier sequencing

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have developed kinked nanopores that can slow down DNA transmission, enabling easier DNA sequencing. The innovation uses self-assembly techniques and atomic-layer deposition to achieve a fivefold slowdown in voltage-driven translocation speeds.

Nano 'pin art': NIST arrays are step toward mass production of nanowires

NIST nanowires grown through precisely defined holes in a stencil-like mask covering the silicon wafer exhibit excellent mechanical quality factors and controlled diameter placement. The technique enables precise control of wire location, resulting in uniform shape and size of nearly perfect hexagonal shapes.

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.

Clinical trials can be improved by managing the learning curve

A recent study found that departures from trial protocols were more common for earlier-enrolled patients, with queries and protocol deviations increasing as enrollment frequency decreased. Simulation programs can help address these issues prior to subject enrollment.

New study: Tools that assess bias in standardized tests are flawed

A new study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology finds that tools assessing bias in standardized tests are flawed, potentially affecting hundreds of thousands of individuals. The research, led by Indiana University's Herman Aguinis, used a massive simulation to reveal biases in test scores that were missed by top experts.

One more step on the path to quantum computers

Researchers at TUM achieve ten times stronger interaction than previous levels, opening new experimental options for quantum computing. The ultrastrong coupling creates a new unit of atom-photon pairs, challenging existing theories.

'Path of mental illness' follows path of war, 20 years after conflict ends

Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found a high prevalence of PTSD nearly two decades after the Liberian civil war, with certain villages experiencing a higher burden of trauma. The study suggests that populations exposed to severe conflict are likely to bear a long-lasting psychological toll.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Bringing academic insights to the software industry

The ITEA D-MINT project successfully applied model-based testing to industrial scale, reducing development time and increasing efficiency. Key industries like automotive, telecommunications, and healthcare saw significant benefits from this approach.

A new role of glypican-3 in hepatocellular carcinoma

Research reveals GPC3's association with MMPs and growth signaling molecules in HCC, indicating its potential role in cancer progression. Overexpression of GPC3 is correlated with altered expressions of various MMPs and growth signaling molecules, suggesting its involvement in tumor development.

Functional magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate pancreatic cancer

Researchers developed functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate pancreatic cancer models, using diffusion-weighted and transcatheter intraarterial perfusion MRI to differentiate living from dead cells. This non-invasive method may replace invasive techniques like biopsy or necropsy for assessing therapeutic efficacy.

Vanishing bile duct syndrome secondary to anti-retroviral therapy in HIV

A case report describes a rare instance of vanishing bile duct syndrome (VBDS) secondary to nevirapine use in an HIV-positive pregnant female. The patient experienced liver dysfunction, jaundice, and itching after starting triple-drug therapy with nevirapine. Liver biopsy revealed cholestatic hepatitis, leading to severe ductopenia and...

Reality TV, cosmetic surgey linked, says Rutgers-Camden researcher

A Rutgers-Camden psychologist has found a link between reality TV shows and the likelihood of teenagers undergoing cosmetic surgery. The study suggests that exposure to these programs can lead to a desire for plastic surgery as a means of self-satisfaction, with some participants describing it as an 'inspirational' experience.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

30 million women to benefit from health reform law

The Affordable Care Act will stabilize and reverse growing health costs for women through subsidized insurance coverage and expanded Medicaid eligibility. Women are expected to benefit from the law's provisions on maternity care, newborn coverage, and protection against higher premiums and coverage denials based on gender.

CD74 serves as a survival receptor on colon epithelial cells

Researchers found that CD74 is expressed on colon epithelial cells, increasing their survival upon MIF stimulation. Stimulation of CD74 led to Akt phophorylation and Bcl-2 expression, resulting in elevated cell survival. This discovery may open a new target for colorectal cancer research.

Proton pump inhibitors are a risk factor for C. difficile reinfection

Research found that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a risk factor for Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) recurrence. The study, published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology, identified age, low serum albumin levels, and PPI use as risk factors for CDAD recurrence.

Some like it hot: How to heat a 'nano bathtub' the JILA way

JILA's technique uses infrared laser light to quickly and precisely heat 'nano bathtubs'—tiny sample containers—for microscopy studies of single molecules and nanoparticles. The new method enables fast, noncontact heating of very small samples, enabling new experiments with single molecules.

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.

Study finds diet and alcohol alter epigenetics of breast cancer

Researchers found that epigenetic profiles of tumors had a direct association with diet, alcohol, and tumor size, providing new biomarkers for disease subtype and severity. The study's data show promise for tumor epigenetic signatures to provide more detailed tumor staging and prediction of prognosis.

Do soy isoflavones boost bone health?

A 3-year study found no significant positive effect of soy isoflavones on preventing bone loss in postmenopausal women. However, a moderate dose of 120mg showed a modest benefit when combined with lifestyle factors.

New approach to Alzheimer's therapy

DZNE and LMU researchers have identified alpha secretase enzyme ADAM10, which cleaves amyloid precursor protein without forming beta-amyloid plaques. This discovery opens up new possibilities for diagnosing and preventing Alzheimer's disease.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Intervention effort cuts HIV incidence among female sex workers

A US-Mexico border program using a 35-minute behavioral intervention significantly reduced the incidence of HIV and STIs among female sex workers. The program, called Mujer Segura or Healthy Woman, was found to be cost-effective, with an estimated expense per intervention of less than $200.

Body of evidence: New fast, reliable method to detect gravesoil

A new technique developed by NIST scientists can detect biochemical changes in a decomposing cadaver, making it easier to find hidden graves. The device uses an alumina-coated column with a motorized pipette to pull in air samples, detecting trace amounts of ninhydrin-reactive nitrogen.

New theory of why midcontinent faults produce earthquakes

A new theory developed at Purdue University suggests that stored stress built up in the Earth's crust long ago can trigger large earthquakes. Rapid erosion from the Mississippi River ended a period of forces keeping the New Madrid fault from slipping, triggering the massive earthquakes.

New 'armor' developed to avoid infection from AIDS virus

A new method of attack against the AIDS virus has been developed using a prevention system that stiffens cell membranes, making them impenetrable to the virus. This research, published in Chemistry & Biology, provides a novel focus on regulating cell membrane fluidity and preventing viral fusion.

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.

How to detect malnutrition in patients effectively?

Researchers found that albumin and serum protein parameters are less sensitive than anthropometric measurements for evaluating nutritional status in gastric cancer patients. However, a good correlation was observed between scoring nutritional assessment tools and other general nutritional measurement tools six months after surgery.

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.

MSU targets women's health research with $2.5 million grant

Michigan State University is creating a cross-discipline, mentored program to increase the number and diversity of researchers in women's health with a $2.5 million grant from the National Institutes of Health. The program will help junior investigators by matching them with mentors and protecting their time to focus on research efforts.

Reading terrorists minds about imminent attack

A new Northwestern University study has developed a technology that can detect imminent terrorist attacks by correlating P300 brain waves with guilty knowledge in mock terrorism scenarios. The test was accurate in identifying critical concealed information, even without prior knowledge of the planned crime.

Playing with pills

Norwegian nursing students will be given a specially developed computer game to aid in passing a critical exam. The project aims to improve learning through visual and fun methods, addressing students' struggles with mathematics and science.

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.

Gender-bending fish on the rise in southern Alberta

A study by University of Calgary researchers reveals a significant increase in female fish population and feminization of males in two Southern Alberta rivers. The presence of man-made and naturally occurring chemicals, such as synthetic estrogens and bisphenol A, is linked to the sex ratio imbalance.

Braddock Mayor John Fetterman to receive the ESA's Regional Policy Award

Mayor John Fetterman will receive the ESA's Regional Policy Award for his commitment to sustainability, revitalizing the town of Braddock through environmentally-friendly building design. The award recognizes Fetterman's innovative approach to green urban renewal and its potential economic benefits.

To make one happy, make one busy

Researchers found that people who stay busy, even with meaningless tasks, are happier than those who sit idly. The study used a survey with two options: drop off the survey at a nearby location or wait out the remaining time by walking to a farther location.

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.

Home birth: Proceed with caution

Recent meta-analysis finds planned home births double the risk of neonatal deaths and triple when infants have congenital defects. Women should receive adequate midwife care and have quick access to hospital equipment for safe delivery.

A breakthrough in tuberculosis research

Researchers found that TB bacteria tip the balance between cell death types, affecting immune response. Drugs targeting eicosanoid production may offer new treatment options for TB.

'White graphene' to the rescue

Researchers have successfully produced sheets of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), a potential insulator to complement graphene's electronic properties. The material can be deposited and transferred to various substrates, opening up possibilities for its use in graphene-based electronics.

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.

Discovered: Audubon's first engraving of a bird

After a decade-long search, Audubon's first published bird illustration of a running grouse has been discovered. The find sheds light on Audubon's development as an artist and provides a rare view of the Heath Hen, a subspecies that became extinct in the early 19th century.

New lab test could identify imatinib resistance

A new lab test developed by Japanese scientists can accurately predict imatinib resistance in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients. The test measures protein levels and activity markers to identify resistant cells and determine the next therapeutic option, including dose escalation or combination therapy.

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.

Some trees 'farm' bacteria to help supply nutrients

Certain tree species have developed strategies to select bacterial communities that can break down inorganic minerals into usable nutrients. This process, known as mineral weathering, is essential for tree growth in acidic forest soils.

Empa grows 'sea urchin'-shaped structures

Researchers have developed a new method to create nanostructured surfaces using polystyrene spheres and zinc oxide, which can efficiently absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity. The 'sea-urchin'-shaped structures

CAKE offers way forward for climate change adaptation

The Climate Adaptation Knowledge Exchange (CAKE) provides foundational knowledge on adaptation, new research, and innovative work from the field. The website enables scientists and practitioners to define and build the field of adaptation.