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Science News Archive July 2010 - Page 16


Page 16 of 23

Why (smart) practice makes perfect

A study by neuroscientists at USC found that volunteers practicing a challenging arm movement with related tasks showed better retention of the skill. The prefrontal cortex was necessary for consolidating the memory, while constant practice focused on a single task did not retain the skill as well.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJul 12, 2010

New guideline: MRI better than CT scans at diagnosing stroke

A new guideline recommends using diffusion MRI scans instead of CT scans for diagnosing acute ischemic stroke within 12 hours. MRI scans are found to be more accurate in detecting stroke damage and identifying severity, leading to faster diagnosis and treatment.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJul 12, 2010

JCI online early table of contents: July 12, 2010

A study published in JCI Online found that targeting acetylcholine-producing nerve cells in the pedunculopontine nucleus may alleviate gait disorders and falls in Parkinson's disease patients. Meanwhile, another study suggests that blocking TIM-1 protein could provide therapeutic benefits for asthma patients.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 12, 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.

Pain, dry mouth may play role in sleep quality of head and neck cancer patients

A recent study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that head and neck cancer patients with poor sleep quality had more symptoms of chronic pain and complaints of dry mouth related to radiation treatments. The researchers suggest that reducing these factors may be warranted to improve sleep hygiene and enha...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe Laryngoscope·DateJul 12, 2010

Key milestone towards the development of a new clinically useful antibiotic

Researchers have identified the genes necessary for producing a highly potent and clinically unexploited antibiotic, microbisporicin. The study enables the engineering of bacteria to produce similar but better molecules, improving pharmacological properties.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 12, 2010

New vitamin D guidelines from Osteoporosis Canada

The new guidelines recommend daily supplements of 400 to 1000 IU for adults under 50 without osteoporosis, increasing to 800-2000 IU for those over 50. Canadians can safely take daily vitamin D supplements up to 2000 IU without medical supervision.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJul 12, 2010

Discovery points to new approach for diabetes therapy

Researchers at Oregon State University have found that stimulating the production of fatty acid elongase-5 enzyme in mice can cure mild diet-induced diabetes. The study suggests a new approach to diabetes therapy, with potential applications for human treatment and management of related conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateJul 12, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Pediatric clinical studies appear prone to bias, Hopkins review shows

A Johns Hopkins review of nearly 150 randomized controlled trials on children found that 40-60% of the studies failed to minimize risk for bias or properly describe those measures. The study urges pediatricians to critically read studies, asking how researchers reached conclusions and whether analysis was unbiased.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJul 12, 2010

Unique program boosts safe-sex habits among high-risk African-American couples

A new study found that a culturally specific intervention program based on the African concept of Eban increased condom use and reduced acts of unprotected sex among heterosexual African American couples with differing HIV status. The program aimed to improve communication, relationship health, and community respect.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJul 12, 2010

Engineering could give reconstructive surgery a facelift

Topology optimization enables creation of patient-specific, case-by-case designs for tissue-engineered bone replacements in facial reconstruction. The technique accounts for variables like blood flow and chewing forces to optimize structure and function.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 12, 2010

The brain of the fly -- a high-speed computer

Researchers at Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology successfully establish conditions for decoding fly brain's motion vision mechanisms. They use fluorescence molecules and state-of-the-art microscopes to observe nerve cell activity, revealing that L2-cells transform data and relay information about light intensity reductions to subseq...

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJul 12, 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.

High-performance engineering used to design facial bone replacements

Scientists use topological optimization to create experimental 3D structures for facial bone replacement, which can withstand chewing forces and facilitate speaking and swallowing. The team plans to grow bone around these lightweight structures using tissue engineering techniques.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 12, 2010

Larger head size may protect against Alzheimer's symptoms

A recent study published in Neurology found that individuals with larger heads who have Alzheimer's disease tend to exhibit better memory and cognitive skills. The research suggests that brain reserve, or the individual capacity to withstand changes in the brain, plays a crucial role in protecting against Alzheimer's symptoms.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJul 12, 2010

Disruption of circadian rhythm could lead to diabetes

A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that disrupting two genes controlling circadian rhythms can lead to diabetes. The researchers discovered that mice with defective CLOCK and BMAL1 genes developed pancreatic cells unable to release sufficient amounts of insulin, leading to diabetes.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNature·DateJul 12, 2010

Obstructive sleep apnea linked with later risk of heart disease

Research from the Sleep Heart Health Study found that severe obstructive sleep apnea raised the risk of heart failure and coronary heart disease in men. Men with the most severe OSA faced a 58% higher risk of developing heart failure and a 68% higher risk of developing coronary heart disease compared to those without OSA.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateJul 12, 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.

Experimental obesity drug avoids brain effects that troubled predecessors

A second-generation anti-obesity drug has shown promise in reducing body weight in rodents without causing psychiatric side effects. The drug targets peripheral tissues and organs, avoiding significant brain exposure. This finding raises the prospect of reviving CB1 receptor blockade for fighting obesity and related diseases.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Obesity·DateJul 12, 2010

Krause to receive GSA's 2010 Richard Kalish Innovative Publication Award

Krause received the award for his book 'Aging in the Church: How Social Relationships Affect Health,' which explores the relationship between church-based social support and physical/mental health outcomes. The GSA recognized his work as state-of-the-art thinking in aging and life course development.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateJul 12, 2010

NIH genetic collaboration brings new meaning to the Silk Road

Researchers have identified associations with the HLA-B51 region of the MHC and variants on chromosome 1, including a known variant of the IL10 gene. These findings suggest that low levels of IL-10 protein may be a risk factor for Behcet's disease.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases·JournalNature Genetics·DateJul 12, 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.

Arsenic shows promise as cancer treatment, Stanford study finds

A Stanford study found that arsenic trioxide can block the Hedgehog pathway, a signaling cascade involved in various cancers. The compound inhibits the expression of certain genes, making it harder for cancer cells to mutate and evade treatment.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 12, 2010

Staggering tree loss from 2005 Amazon storm

The study reveals that a single squall line killed between 441 and 663 million trees across the Amazon basin, equivalent to 23% of annual carbon accumulation. The region near Manaus experienced up to 80% tree mortality in affected plots.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 12, 2010

Weight loss reduces hot flashes in overweight and obese women

A new study found that overweight and obese women with hot flashes can reduce their symptoms by losing weight through diet or exercise. Half of the participants reported improvements in hot flashes after six months, with those in the active weight loss group twice as likely to see an improvement compared to the control group.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJul 12, 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.

Vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of cognitive decline in the elderly

A study by Dr. David J. Llewellyn found that vitamin D deficiency is associated with a higher risk of substantial general cognitive decline and new problems with mental flexibility. The research involved over 850 older adults, showing that those with severe vitamin D deficiencies were 60% more likely to experience cognitive decline.

SourceThe Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJul 12, 2010

Colorectal cancer screening in Canada is cost-effective

A study by researchers from the University of British Columbia and Dalhousie University found that colorectal cancer screening can reduce mortality by 39-83% and incidence by 26-81%. Regular screening, such as fecal tests or colonoscopies every ten years, is recommended for average-risk individuals.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJul 12, 2010

Plant 'breathing' mechanism discovered

A study by Carnegie Institution scientists reveals that radiation drives stomatal response, rather than just humidity. This breakthrough has significant implications for weather forecasting, climate change research, and agriculture.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 12, 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.

Preventable bloodstream infections still a problem in hospitals, infection prevention group finds

A survey of infection preventionists found that half agree catheter-related bloodstream infections are a problem in their facilities due to lack of time, resources, and leadership commitment. Many hospitals have seen dramatic declines in rates but still report difficulty implementing best practices to avoid these infections.

SourceAssociation for Professionals in Infection Control·DateJul 12, 2010

Online learning supplements watershed program

Researchers found that online learning modules increased participant understanding of key concepts by 30% and retention rates remained high after two months. Participants valued the supplement to hands-on classes, but preferred face-to-face interaction with experts.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Education·DateJul 12, 2010

UCI to get $4.7 million to fight malaria in Southeast Asia

The University of California, Irvine will lead a groundbreaking malaria field research project in China, Myanmar, and Thailand with $4.7 million federal funding. Researchers aim to develop broader results by working with transient populations and Chinese residents near the Myanmar border.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·DateJul 12, 2010

For speediest athletes, it's all in the center of gravity

Researchers argue that differences in body types among blacks and whites, including the location of their center of gravity, contribute to racial disparities in athletic performance. The study found black sprinters are 1.5% faster than whites due to a higher center of gravity.

SourceDuke University·JournalInternational Journal of Design & Nature and Ecodynamics·DateJul 12, 2010

Adolescent vision screenings may miss farsightedness and astigmatism

A recent study found that traditional vision screening methods for adolescents often fail to detect hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism. The researchers used a comprehensive eye examination to assess 2,353 year 7 students and found that no reliable cutoff point could be established for detecting these conditions.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Ophthalmology·DateJul 12, 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.

Fungi's genetic sabotage in wheat discovered

Scientists have discovered how fungi subvert a single gene in wheat, triggering programmed cell death, which protects plants from pathogens. Researchers also developed DNA molecular markers to rapidly screen commercial cultivars for the gene, allowing for its elimination through selective breeding.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 12, 2010

'Dawning of a new age' in bacteria research

Researchers at Loyola Medicine have discovered protein acetylation, a common molecular reaction in bacteria that affects protein function and gene regulation. This finding has significant implications for understanding bacterial physiology and developing new drugs to combat harmful bacteria.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalMolecular Microbiology·DateJul 12, 2010

AOSSM presents prestigious research awards at annual meeting

The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) presents eight research awards and two grants to recognize innovative studies in orthopaedic sports medicine. This year's award recipients include researchers who have made significant contributions to the field, with highlights including studies on platelet-rich plasma, exte...

SourceAmerican Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine·DateJul 12, 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.

MIT researchers create fibers that can detect and produce sound

Researchers at MIT have developed fibers that can detect and produce sound, opening up new possibilities for wearable microphones and biological sensors. The fibers use a piezoelectric material to convert vibrations into electrical signals, allowing for high-resolution sensing applications.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 12, 2010

Enhancer of prostate cancer risk located in gene desert

A genetic variant associated with increased expression of oncogene MYC has been identified in a gene desert, increasing prostate cancer risk. The study showcases a new protocol for studying cancer-risk variants in gene deserts and highlights the importance of regulatory sequences in controlling gene expression.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalGenome Research·DateJul 12, 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.

Canada needs a policy for rare disease treatment

The lack of a policy in Canada hinders treatment accessibility for rare diseases, where pharmaceutical companies may hesitate due to small markets. The authors propose defining rare diseases and developing patient registries as short-term solutions.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJul 12, 2010

Children and teens with Tourette syndrome find relief with self-hypnosis

A new study finds that self-hypnosis taught with videotape training significantly reduced tic control in children and adolescents with Tourette Syndrome. After just a few sessions, almost all participants experienced a dramatic increase in tic control.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalJournal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics·DateJul 12, 2010

New evidence shows low vitamin D levels lead to Parkinson's disease

A new study reveals that low vitamin D levels can predict the development of Parkinson's disease, with individuals having the lowest levels being three times more likely to develop the condition. Researchers are calling for public health authorities to consider raising the target vitamin D level above the current recommended level.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateJul 12, 2010

A person's language may influence how he thinks about other people

Researchers found that Israeli Arabs' biases towards their own group are stronger in Arabic than in Hebrew, suggesting language influences thought patterns. The study used the Implicit Association Test to measure biases in bilingual Arab Israelis.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 12, 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.

Open golfers should putt with a 'Quiet Eye'

Researchers at the University of Exeter found that using the Quiet Eye technique can significantly improve putting accuracy in golfers. This method involves focusing on a specific spot on the ball for up to 3 seconds before and during the stroke. By doing so, golfers can reduce pressure and increase their chances of sinking crucial putts.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·DateJul 12, 2010

Origin of key cosmic explosions still a mystery

Scientists investigate white dwarf remnants and binary systems to understand supernovae origins. However, the search for accreting white dwarfs yields few results, leading researchers to reconsider their theories.

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·DateJul 12, 2010

Anti-cancer effects of broccoli ingredient explained

Researchers found that sulforaphane, a broccoli compound, reduces prostate cancer risk by affecting cells lacking the PTEN gene. In these cells, sulforaphane inhibits tumor growth and competitiveness. This study suggests potential therapeutic applications of sulforaphane.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalMolecular Cancer·DateJul 12, 2010

Avatars as lifelike representations and effective marketing tools

Researchers found that avatars can portray lifelike and accurate depictions of their creators' personalities within virtual worlds. The study used Second Life as its model, where community members form impressions based on avatar traits, which may accurately match the true personality behind the avatar.

SourceWiley·JournalPsychology and Marketing·DateJul 12, 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.

1 in 4 not covering coughs, sneezes

Research presented at the International Conference on Emerging Infectious Diseases found that less than 5% of people covered their mouth using recommended methods during the H1N1 pandemic. Medical students observed a low prevalence of respiratory hygiene behaviors in public areas, with most people covering their mouths with their hands.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·DateJul 12, 2010

Researchers witness overnight breakup, retreat of Greenland glacier

Researchers from NASA and the Byrd Polar Research Center report that a 7 square kilometer section of the Jakobshavn Isbrae glacier broke up on July 6 and 7, with the calving front retreating nearly 1.5 kilometers in one day. This event is unusual due to its rapid detection and fine detail.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 12, 2010

Low vitamin D levels associated with cognitive decline

Researchers found that low vitamin D levels are associated with cognitive decline in older adults, particularly in executive function. The study, which assessed 858 adults over six years, showed a 60% increased risk of substantial cognitive decline among those with severely deficient vitamin D levels.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJul 12, 2010

Study: Diversity of grieving among Alzheimer's caregivers

A new study from the University of Michigan found significant variations in emotional reactions among black, white, and Hispanic caregivers of Alzheimer's patients. The research suggests that racial and ethnic differences play a crucial role in shaping their grieving experiences.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateJul 12, 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.

UCLA scientists create army of tumor-fighting immune cells and watch as they attack cancer

Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center created a large battalion of tumor-seeking immune system cells that can locate and attack melanomas in real-time. The genetically engineered lymphocytes were injected into mice and found to kill the cancer within two to three days, paving the way for potential treatment in humans.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 12, 2010

Archaeology find sheds new light on family pets

A University of Leicester archaeologist has discovered a bone belonging to a late 19th-century tortoise from Stafford Castle, providing the earliest archaeological evidence for pet tortoises. This find sheds light on the changing attitudes towards family pets in British society during the late 19th century.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalPost-Medieval Archaeology·DateJul 12, 2010

UCLA surgeons find new way to shield vision during radiation for eye cancer

Researchers have discovered that silicon oil can absorb nearly 50% of radioactive rays during radiation therapy for ocular melanoma. The study, published in Archives of Ophthalmology, suggests that the substance acts as a physical shield to reduce radiation exposure to the eye.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalArchives of Ophthalmology·DateJul 12, 2010