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Science News Archive June 2010


Page 12 of 24

In predominantly black communities, people of all races miss out on kidney care

A study found that patients living in predominantly black areas are less likely to receive pre-dialysis kidney care from a specialist, despite having declining kidney function. The researchers investigated the effect of residential area racial composition on access to and quality of kidney-related care before starting dialysis.

New research shows malaria threat is as old as humanity

A recent study published in Current Biology reveals that malaria is tens of thousands of years older than previously thought, evolving alongside anatomically modern humans. The research found a clear correlation between the geographic spread of malaria and human migration patterns, suggesting a shared origin and route of spread.

Damselfish 'garden' algae

Researchers discovered damselfish selectively weed algal gardens to promote Polysiphonia growth, reducing competition from other algae. This 'gardening' behavior leads to a mutualistic association between the fish and Polysiphonia, showcasing cultivation mutualism in non-terrestrial habitats.

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.

Body-image distortion predicts onset of unsafe weight-loss behaviors

Research by University of Illinois expert Janet Liechty finds that body-image distortion is a better screening tool to identify non-overweight girls at risk for unsafe weight-loss practices. Girls with distorted body-image are more likely to resort to dieting and extreme methods, increasing their risk of continued use.

Gut-residing bacteria trigger arthritis in genetically susceptible individuals

Researchers found that a single species of gut-residing bacteria can trigger a cascade of immune responses leading to the development of arthritis in genetically susceptible individuals. The bacteria cause the production of autoantibodies and T cells, which trigger an autoimmune response and inflammation in the joints.

Puffing in public housing poses serious health risks to tenants

Research shows that public housing residents are exposed to toxins from tobacco smoke, even if they don't smoke themselves. The authors argue that a ban on smoking in public housing units is necessary to protect the health of all residents, particularly children, who are more vulnerable to the effects of second-hand smoke.

Sequencing a single genome yields cause of inherited bone disorder

Scientists have identified two genetic mutations that cause metachondromatosis, a rare heritable disorder leading to bony growths, by sequencing the entire genome of one individual. The study uses whole-genome sequencing technology and classic genetic approaches to provide faster identification of Mendelian genes.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Medicare cuts increase cancer treatments, study finds

A new study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that Medicare cuts to physician payments for outpatient chemotherapy drugs increased treatment rates among Medicare recipients. The study analyzed data from 222,478 beneficiaries with lung cancer and found a 2.4% increase in chemotherapy treatment within one month of diagnosis.

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.

Why do certain diseases go into remission during pregnancy?

Researchers found that pyruvate kinase enzyme is reduced in pregnant women, leading to a modified immune response. This discovery may lead to the development of drugs targeting pyruvate kinase activity to treat conditions like pre-eclampsia and rheumatoid arthritis.

Unlocking genetic disease with next-generation sequencing

Researchers have discovered two mutations in the PTPN11 gene that cause metachondromatosis, a rare heritable disease. The study's findings suggest that next-gen sequencing may rapidly resolve familial diseases and provide insights into other related syndromes.

Dental pulp cells for stem cell banking

Researchers have successfully established induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells from dental pulp cells, a potential source for regenerative medicine. The study found that these cells can be easily obtained and expanded under simple culture conditions, making them an attractive option for cell therapy approaches.

Using bacteria in oil wells to convert oil to natural gas

Researchers propose using special bacteria to capture and convert CO2 into valuable natural gas, potentially lowering greenhouse gas emissions. This method has the potential to increase energy production while minimizing environmental harm.

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.

NIH awards $2.5 million to study osteoporosis in youth with spina bifida

A new NIH-funded study will investigate the effects of spina bifida on bone development in children and adolescents, potentially informing prevention strategies for leg fractures. The research aims to understand whether adolescence with spina bifida leads to differences in bone mass or reduced activity due to physical limitations.

Battle of the bugs leaves humans as collateral damage

Researchers found that competition between rival bacteria can cause deadlier forms of bacteria to evolve, making them more deadly when they enter the bloodstream. This can lead to serious diseases like pneumonia and meningitis.

A nutritional supplement for treating chronic hepatitis C: Viusid

A randomized clinical study published in World Journal of Gastroenterology found that Viusid reduces lipid peroxidation products and has immunomodulatory effects on cytokine secretion. The study suggests Viusid as a potential strategy for treating patients with chronic hepatitis C who have failed previous antiviral treatment.

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.

Neonatal diarrhea

A nationwide study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology found that diarrhea is a relatively uncommon but insidious condition underlying various illnesses in neonates. The study highlights the importance of recognizing rare chronic cases and advocating specific guidelines for managing diarrheal disorders in neonates.

Illegal bushmeat trade rife in Europe

Researchers found 11 species of wildlife, including primates and crocodiles, in confiscated bushmeat. The study estimates that around 270 tonnes of potentially contaminated bushmeat is smuggled into Europe annually.

New complication seen in stem cell therapy

Researchers found a new complication of stem cell therapy: angiomyeloproliferative lesions at injection sites, which can lead to kidney failure and death. The study highlights the need for further research to determine the circumstances that cause these masses to form and strategies to avoid them.

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.

Signal like you mean it

A new study reveals that orangutan gestures carry specific intentional meanings and are made with the expectation of behavioral responses. The researchers identified 64 gesture types, 40 of which were used predictably to achieve six social goals, including initiating interactions and requesting objects.

Blueberry ameliorates hepatic fibrosis

Research found that blueberries reduced liver damage and inflammation in laboratory animals with hepatic fibrosis. The study suggested that consuming blueberries may be beneficial for people with liver diseases, including fibrosis.

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.

Polar oceans key to temperature in the tropics

A study published in Science reveals that changes in subpolar climates influenced the development of the modern tropical Pacific climate. The research, led by Newcastle University's Dr Erin McClymont, used marine sediment analysis to reconstruct ocean temperatures during the Pliocene Era.

NT-proBNP is a predictor of CV risk in arthritis patients taking NSAIDs

A multinational study has validated previous research showing NT-proBNP is a strong indicator for cardiovascular risk in arthritis patients. Early control of inflammation can help manage long-term CV risk associated with RA. Elevated inflammatory markers like CRP are also independent predictors of CV risk.

Alternative pathway to malaria infection identified

Researchers have identified the complement receptor 1 (CR1) as an alternative protein used by the malaria parasite to invade red blood cells. This finding has significant implications for the development of a vaccine against malaria, and may help prevent the proliferation of parasites that rely on this pathway.

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.

When do newborns first feel cold?

A new study suggests that newborn mice develop cold sensing neural circuits around two weeks after birth, indicating a delay in the maturation of this circuit. This finding provides insight into the development of cold sensing and its potential impact on human health, particularly in children with altered temperature sensitivity.

Study finds echoes of the Holocaust in Russia's economy, politics

A new study found that areas in Russia with significant Jewish populations suffered from lower economic growth, wages, and per-capita GDP since World War II. These regions also exhibited stronger support for Communist candidates and a lasting resistance to political reform.

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.

An innate sense of direction

The study reveals that rodent brains contain working navigational neurons from birth, with different cell types maturing over time. This finding suggests that the sense of direction may be innate, but experience also plays a role.

PTSD: The serotonin system influences vulnerability and treatment

A study found that patients with PTSD who carried a short allele of the serotonin transporter gene promoter responded more poorly to cognitive behavior therapy. The researchers suggest that genetic variation may influence treatment response, leading to potential modifications in treatment approaches.

Father involvement in pregnancy could reduce infant mortality

A new study suggests that a father's involvement before birth may play an important role in preventing death during the first year of life. Infants born to absent fathers were more likely to experience lower birth weights, preterm births, and small size, as well as higher rates of neonatal mortality.

Brain study shows that the opinions of others matters

Researchers found that when people agree with our opinions, the 'reward' area of the brain is activated, indicating a satisfying experience. The study used fMRI to examine brain activity in response to expert opinions on music preferences, finding that agreement tends to increase brain reward activity.

Ocean changes may have dire impact on people

A comprehensive synthesis on climate change's effects on global ocean functions has revealed dramatic changes at an unprecedented rate. The report highlights the urgent need for world leaders to limit greenhouse gas growth and reduce the risk of ecological disasters.

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.

Carbon dioxide is the missing link to past global climate changes

A research team found that tropical ocean surface temperatures dropped by 1-3 degrees Celsius during each Ice Age, coinciding with the spread of ice sheets in the Northern Hemisphere. The study suggests carbon dioxide played a major role in controlling global climate patterns, beginning with the Ice Ages and continuing today.

Constraining the reign of ancient Egypt

Researchers have developed a long and accurate chronology of ancient Egyptian dynasties using radiocarbon analysis, narrowing down historical scenarios and imposing some revisions. The study constrains previous predictions, especially for the Old Kingdom, with more accurate comparisons to surrounding areas.

Storing carbon dioxide deep underground in rock form

Researchers at the Carbfix Project have found a way to capture and dissolve CO2 in water, then inject it into basalt rocks where it forms solid carbonates. This method aims to provide a long-term, thermodynamically stable solution for storing excess CO2.

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.

The 3-dimensional transcription film

Researchers at IGBMC have developed an 'image-by-image' analysis technique to study the 3D structure of transcription complexes, revealing new insights into the initiation and regulation mechanisms. The study, published in Nature, provides a detailed understanding of the molecular interactions involved in transcription.

AFOSR-funded initiative creates more secure environment for cloud computing

A team of researchers led by Dr. Bhavani Thuraisingham has developed a framework and incentives to enhance assured information sharing in cloud computing. The initiative, funded by AFOSR's Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative, aims to provide a secure environment for processing large amounts of data.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Fringe dwellers 'hold secrets of survival'

Researchers have discovered that coral ecosystems facing pressure from human activities and climate change may find survival clues in their fringed areas. These areas are critical for coral evolution, hybridization, and adaptation, highlighting the need to rethink protection strategies.

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.

New link identified for bipolar disorder

Researchers found that an enzyme called prolyl oligopeptidase controls a set of genes related to lithium sensitivity in bipolar patients. This discovery could lead to better understanding of the illness and more effective treatments.