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Science News for July 30, 2010


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.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 30, 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.

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.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJul 30, 2010

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.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalGlobal Journal on Quality and Safety in Healthcare·DateJul 30, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateJul 30, 2010

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.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Physics·DateJul 30, 2010

'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.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJul 30, 2010

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.

SourceEUREKA·DateJul 30, 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.

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.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateJul 30, 2010

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.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateJul 30, 2010

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...

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateJul 30, 2010

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.

SourceRutgers University·JournalBody Image·DateJul 30, 2010

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.

SourceCommonwealth Fund·DateJul 30, 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.

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.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateJul 30, 2010

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.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateJul 30, 2010

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.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateJul 30, 2010

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.

SourceBrown University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJul 30, 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.

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.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJul 30, 2010

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.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateJul 30, 2010

A potential chemotherapeutic drug to treat hepatocellular carcinoma

Researchers discovered galangin induces apoptosis in HCC cells through a mitochondrial pathway, modulating key proteins. The study suggests galangin may be a future treatment option for HCC, offering new hope for patients with this challenging cancer.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateJul 30, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 30, 2010

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.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalForensic Science International·DateJul 30, 2010

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.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature·DateJul 30, 2010

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.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalChemistry & Biology·DateJul 30, 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.

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.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateJul 30, 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.

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.

SourceMichigan State University·DateJul 30, 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.

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPsychophysiology·DateJul 30, 2010