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Science News Archive June 2010


Page 1 of 24

Cancer drug shows promise for treating a wide range of inflammatory diseases

Research published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology suggests that bortezomib induces cell death only in active and proliferating T cells, leaving resting T cells untouched. This could lead to a new treatment option for inflammatory diseases without affecting all T cells equally.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateJun 30, 2010

Honey as an antibiotic: Scientists identify a secret ingredient in honey that kills bacteria

Researchers identified defensin-1 protein in honey as a potent antibacterial agent, showing promise in treating burns, skin infections, and combating antibiotic-resistant infections. The discovery sheds light on the inner workings of honey bee immune systems, potentially leading to healthier bees.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJun 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.

Real-world proof of hand washing's effectiveness

A new study finds that hand washing can significantly reduce fecal bacteria contamination in stored drinking water, which is crucial for households with limited access to municipal water supply systems. The research discovered nearly 100 times more fecal bacteria in stored water compared to its source in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJun 30, 2010

NASA's TRMM satellite sees heavy rainfall in Hurricane Alex

Heavy rainfall was detected in Hurricane Alex using data from NASA's TRMM satellite on June 29, 2010. The analysis revealed a heavy band of precipitation spiraling into the center of the storm, with rain falling at over 2 inches per hour in some areas.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 30, 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.

Restore hearing thanks to new drug

A new drug called ADAC has been found to restore hearing in rats with noise-induced hearing loss. Early treatment with multiple injections of ADAC significantly attenuated noise-induced hearing loss and improved sensory hair cell survival.

SourceSpringer·DateJun 30, 2010

New cochlear implant could improve outcomes for patients

Researchers developed a new cochlear implant with more electrodes and a thinner, more flexible wire, which can improve the quality of sound and preserve residual hearing. This innovation allows for more precise stimulation of the auditory nerve, resulting in better sound resolution.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateJun 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.

Genetic code 2.0

Researchers at Max-Planck-Gesellschaft successfully integrated three synthetic amino acids into a single protein, allowing for systematic improvement of existing protein qualities. This breakthrough has significant implications for industry and science, enabling the creation of new biological features and tailored proteins with novel p...

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateJun 30, 2010

VIB receives high score from European Research Council

The Flanders Institute for Biotechnology has received a high score from the European Research Council due to its excellent research in biotechnology. The institute supports promising researchers with ERC grants to advance their work and develop new therapies for autoimmune diseases and neurological disorders.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·DateJun 30, 2010

Unpeeling atoms and molecules from the inside out

Researchers at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have successfully controlled individual electrons within simple atoms and molecules by stripping them away using intense pulses of X-ray light. This breakthrough enables the creation of hollow atoms with potential applications in future imaging experiments.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature·DateJun 30, 2010

Apples grow larger when cells don't divide, study shows

Researchers found that a new apple variety, Grand Gala, grows larger due to endoreduplication, where cells make copies of DNA but don't divide. The apples are about 38% heavier and have a diameter 15% larger than regular Galas.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Experimental Botany·DateJun 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.

A butterfly effect in the brain

A recent study by UCL scientists found that the brain is intrinsically unreliable due to high levels of noise. The researchers proposed a rate code strategy as a possible solution to this problem.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature·DateJun 30, 2010

Gerald Fink awarded 2010 Gruber Genetics Prize

Gerald Fink has been recognized with the 2010 Gruber Genetics Prize for his revolutionary transformation technique, enabling gene insertion into yeast cells. This breakthrough allows scientists to study specific genes and produce compounds used in vaccines, antibiotics, and biofuel.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·DateJun 30, 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.

Graphene 2.0: A new approach to making a unique material

Researchers have developed a new method to produce graphene using chemical synthesis, creating a material with improved electronic properties. The new approach allows for the fine-tuning of structures in terms of size, shape, and geometry, making it suitable for commercial mass production.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 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.

Virgin olive oil and a Mediterranean diet fight heart disease by changing how our genes function

A new study in the FASEB Journal suggests that polyphenols in virgin olive oil can down-regulate atherosclerosis-related genes, leading to improved lipid profiles and reduced inflammation. This research provides insight into how specific foods can modify gene expression, offering potential therapeutic benefits for cardiovascular disease.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJun 30, 2010

Melanoma-initiating cell identified by Stanford scientists

Researchers identified a protein marker, CD271, on cancer cells in human melanomas that evade current treatments. The cancer-initiating cells were found to be self-renewing and differentiating into other tumor cell types, making them resistant to therapies.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNature·DateJun 30, 2010

Man-made global warming started with ancient hunters

A new study proposes that early hunters contributed to the demise of mammoths around 15,000 years ago, leading to a significant increase in birch trees and global warming. The researchers estimate that this event may have added up to 0.1 degrees Celsius to the planet's temperature over several centuries.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 30, 2010

Kilimani Sesame has positive impact on children in Tanzania: Johns Hopkins University study

A six-week intervention with Kilimani Sesame content significantly improved cognitive, social and health outcomes in Tanzanian children. The study found that increased exposure to the program led to higher scores on literacy and math tests, as well as greater knowledge about HIV/AIDS and malaria.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Applied Developmental Psychology·DateJun 30, 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.

More than 2 billion people worldwide lack access to surgical services

A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that over 2 billion people worldwide lack access to surgical treatment, with a disproportionate burden on low-income countries. The study highlights the need for better access to surgical services, particularly in emergency situations such as childbirth and road accidents.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 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.

New technique improves efficiency of biofuel production

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a more efficient technique for producing biofuels from woody plants, reducing waste and increasing efficiency. The new method uses gaseous ozone to break down lignin and release carbohydrates, eliminating solid and liquid waste.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·DateJun 30, 2010

Nutrients, viruses and the biological carbon pump

A new study suggests that adding nutrients to the sea could lower viral infection rates among phytoplankton, enhancing the biological carbon pump. This process involves transferring carbon from the atmosphere to the deep ocean, potentially helping mitigate global warming.

SourceNational Oceanography Centre, UK·JournalJournal of Theoretical Biology·DateJun 30, 2010

Molecular signatures may aid fight against pediatric liver disease

Cincinnati Children's Hospital researchers have identified molecular signatures that can classify the vast majority of patients with biliary atresia as inflamed or fibrotic. This helps determine the 'stage' of liver disease, allowing for tailored treatments and potential new therapies.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalGenome Medicine·DateJun 30, 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.

3-legged dogs boost robot research

Scientists studied 3-legged dog movement techniques to develop robots that can adjust to injuries. Dogs with fore-limb amputations used 'compensation strategies' to walk and run, while those with hind-limb amputations showed little adjustment. This research aims to improve robot efficiency and usability.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology·DateJun 30, 2010

Dartmouth researchers contribute to solving a quantum puzzle

Researchers bridge the gap between classical and quantum physics by exploring how the rules of quantum mechanics apply to macroscopic objects. They discovered that vibrations in a crystal can cause electrons to tunnel through barriers, leading to random quantum fluctuations.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalNature·DateJun 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.

Europe leads the world in assisted-reproduction technology

The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology reports that Europe leads the world in Assisted Reproduction Technology (ART), with over 479,000 treatment cycles in 2007. The number of ART treatments has grown by 5-10% per annum over the last 5 years.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateJun 30, 2010

Little E/Z changes make a big difference

Scientists at Max Planck Institute have identified a gene controlling the difference in sex pheromone production between two European Corn Borer races, E and Z. The study found that this genetic variation leads to reproductive isolation, potentially marking the beginning of new species evolution.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalNature·DateJun 30, 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.

Nano-sized advance toward next big treatment era in dentistry

Scientists have developed a multilayered, nano-sized film containing alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone to regenerate dental pulp, potentially revitalizing damaged teeth and reducing the need for root canal procedures. The film has anti-inflammatory properties and increased the number of fibroblasts in dental pulp.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 30, 2010

Flowering and freezing tolerance linked in wheat, study shows

Scientists discovered a connection between flowering and freezing tolerance in wheat, enabling the crop to better withstand winter temperatures. The study found that exposing wheat varieties to non-freezing cold temperatures accelerates flowering time and prepares the plant to tolerate freezing.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·DateJun 30, 2010

Anger drives support for wartime presidents

A study found that anger is the dominant emotion driving the 'rally 'round the flag effect', where Americans surge support for their president during war or conflict. The study showed that anger, not anxiety, triggers and feeds this phenomenon, regardless of initial political leanings.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateJun 30, 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.

Ongoing pregnancy rates from vitrified eggs as good as those from fresh

Researchers have found vitrified eggs produce on-going pregnancies with similar success as freshly harvested oocytes. The study's results will improve egg banking practices, enabling cancer patients and others at risk of infertility to access fertility treatment more safely.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateJun 30, 2010

Beverages leave 'geographic signatures' that can track people's movements

Researchers found that beverage isotopes in hair can serve as chemical fingerprints to pinpoint geographic regions where individuals have been. The study analyzed isotope patterns in bottled water, soda pop, and beer from 33 cities, revealing characteristic 'iso-signatures' for each region.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJun 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.

UC Riverside entomologist to oversee centralized database of bee specimens

A collaborative project is digitizing and consolidating nearly one million specimen records from ten bee collections across the US to create a centralized database. The project aims to understand native bees' roles in agricultural and natural systems and predict risks to bees due to climate change and habitat loss.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateJun 30, 2010

US plan to pay hospitals for performance could hurt those in less-advantaged areas

A nationwide US plan to pay hospitals for performance may exacerbate existing healthcare disparities, as hospitals in under-resourced areas lose funding to those in more affluent regions. The study found that US hospitals in richer economic areas achieved higher clinical process scores than their counterparts in less-advantaged areas.

SourceNew York University·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 30, 2010

Caltech researchers show how active immune tolerance makes pregnancy possible

Researchers found that female immune cells actively produce specific T regulatory cells in response to fetal antigens, protecting the fetus from rejection. This active immune tolerance is essential for successful pregnancies and may provide insights into pregnancy-related conditions such as preeclampsia.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 30, 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.

ARS releases heat-tolerant beans

The US Department of Agriculture has released two new kidney bean germplasm lines, TARS HT-1 and TARS HT-2, that are tolerant to high temperature conditions. These germplasm lines can improve yields under hot summer conditions for farmers in regions prone to high temperature stress.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·DateJun 30, 2010