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Science News Archive June 2010


Page 6 of 24

Addiction: a loss of plasticity of the brain?

Researchers at Neurocentre Magendie in Bordeaux found that addiction is caused by a persistent impairment of synaptic plasticity, leading to a permanent loss of the brain's ability to adapt and learn. This lack of plasticity results in compulsive consumption and loss of control over drug use.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Off-the-shelf cancer detection

Rice University researchers developed a method to use an off-the-shelf digital camera to distinguish cancerous cells from healthy ones. The device uses fluorescent dyes and fiber-optic cables to capture images of tissues, allowing doctors to identify abnormal cells quickly and accurately.

Delayed time zero in photoemission

Researchers used ultra-short time measurement technology to test the assumption that electrons leave atoms immediately after photon impact. They found a small but measurable time delay of about twenty attoseconds, indicating electrons 'hesitate' before leaving.

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.

System that controls sleep may be same for most mammals

A mathematical model reproducing sleep patterns for multiple species suggests the neural circuitry controlling human sleep may be universal across mammals. The study reveals fundamental physiological mechanisms underlying diverse sleep patterns, with implications for understanding evolution and diversity in mammalian sleep.

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.

Texas A&M researchers call for support for parents of children with disabilities

A study by Texas A&M University found that lack of necessary environmental supports is a significant challenge for parents of children with disabilities. The research highlights the need for family-centered services to meet their needs, particularly in terms of access to information, financial support, and community inclusion.

Virus works with gene to cause Crohn's-like illness

Researchers found that a specific virus interacts with a mutation in the host's genes to trigger disease. In mice, exposure to a damaging chemical and infection with a viral strain caused symptoms similar to human Crohn's disease, suggesting viruses may be key to understanding complex diseases.

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.

Do bosons ever masquerade as fermions?

Physicists at UC Berkeley confirm that photons do not act like fermions, validating Bose-Einstein statistics and Quantum Field Theory. The experiment tested the fundamental assumptions underlying these theories, including Lorentz invariance and microcausality.

Antihypertensive drugs may protect against Alzheimer's disease

Researchers found that carvedilol can lessen the degenerative impact of Alzheimer's disease and promote healthy memory functions in mice. The study suggests that certain antihypertensive drugs already available to the public may independently influence memory functions.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Genetics in bloom

A team of researchers discovered the molecular mechanisms governing Gerbera's unique inflorescence structure, characterized by three different flower types. The study highlights an expanded gene family that likely plays a new role in the formation of this complex structure, differing from Arabidopsis species.

Once weekly exenatide for type 2 diabetes is more convenient and induces better blood sugar control and more weight loss, than standard second-line treatment of daily insulin glargine

A 26-week randomized study found that once-weekly exenatide significantly improved blood sugar control, inducing a mean weight loss of 2.6kg per patient, compared to insulin glargine's lesser effect and mean weight gain of 1.4kg. The treatment also had lower rates of hypoglycemia and a progressive decrease in bodyweight.

Scientists create 3-D models of whole mouse organs

Scientists at Yale University have developed a method to create high-resolution 3D models of intact mouse organs, allowing for non-invasive imaging and analysis. This breakthrough uses fluorescence microscopy and optical clearing to image tissues up to depths of over two millimeters, enabling the creation of virtual 3D biopsies.

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.

Automated telephone reminders increase colon cancer screenings

A Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research study found that simple, automated telephone reminders can increase colon cancer screening rates by 30 percent. The study, which involved nearly 6,000 members in Oregon and Washington, showed that people were more likely to get screened after receiving automated reminders.

Teens and alcohol study: After a few drinks, parenting style kicks in

A new Brigham Young University study reveals that parenting style significantly influences teens' heavy drinking habits. Teens with parents who scored high on both accountability and warmth were least prone to heavy drinking, while those with 'indulgent' or 'strict' parents faced higher risks.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Touch: How a hard chair creates a hard heart

A Yale-led team of psychologists found that physical sensations can shape our thoughts and perceptions, leading to different behaviors towards others. The study demonstrated how dramatic the impact of touch can be on our interactions with job applicants, relationships, and negotiations.

Pleasing to the eye

Scientists found that visually stimulating female Houbara bustard brooders with highly displaying male birds increased their fertility and breeding success. This led to better offspring growth rates due to increased testosterone allocation, suggesting a potential means for conserving vulnerable species.

Popular heart drug may be unsafe for some kidney patients

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that dialysis patients taking digoxin had a 28% higher risk of death compared to those not taking the medication. The increased risk was greatest among patients with higher levels of digoxin in their blood.

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.

Breast milk transmits drugs and medicines to the baby

A Spanish study reviews methods for detecting substances in breast milk and their adverse effects on newborns. The general recommendation is to avoid drug abuse during breastfeeding due to the risk of transmission through breast milk, as well as exposure during pregnancy and environment.

TWAS awarded Premio Feltrinelli

TWAS has received the 2010 Premio Feltrinelli award for its unprecedented accomplishments in promoting scientific capacity in developing countries. The prize includes a Euro 250,000 cash award and recognizes TWAS's inspirational mission to advance global economic and social well-being through South-South cooperation in science.

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.

Climate change complicates plant diseases of the future

Researchers predict carbon dioxide levels will double by 2050, altering plant diseases and affecting crop yields. Elevated carbon dioxide and ozone can make plants more susceptible to some diseases, but less susceptible to others.

Tactile sensations influence social judgments and decisions

Psychologists at Harvard University found that physical attributes of incidental objects can profoundly impact our social interactions. Researchers discovered that weight, texture, and hardness of objects can unconsciously influence judgments about unrelated events.

Study confirms benefit of routine, jail-based HIV testing for inmates

A new report confirms that routine, jail-based HIV testing can identify a substantial proportion of people unknowingly infected with HIV. The study found nearly 170 new HIV diagnoses among Rhode Island inmates during an eight-year period, highlighting the potential for this testing to prevent disease spread.

Agriculture's next revolution -- perennial grain -- within sight

Researchers predict perennial grain crops could be available in two decades, offering a sustainable solution to feed the world's growing population. These crops have longer growing seasons, deeper roots, and require fewer herbicides and equipment passes, reducing erosion and sequestering carbon.

Researchers at UH work to prevent neurological diseases

Researchers at UH are studying 'wireless connections' in the brain to prevent diseases like epilepsy and schizophrenia. They found that liver X receptor β and thyroid hormone receptor α play key roles in brain development and regulation.

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.

Celia now in the Major Leagues: a category three hurricane

Celia has become the first major hurricane of the season in the Eastern Pacific, reaching Category Three strength with maximum sustained winds of near 115 mph. As she moves westward, Celia is expected to strengthen further today before weakening due to cooler sea surface temperatures.

$10 million grant to fund math research center at UD

The University of Delaware will receive a $10 million grant to establish a five-year research and development center aimed at understanding math difficulties in elementary and middle school children. Researchers plan to use a multidisciplinary approach to develop usable knowledge that will help students who are struggling in math.

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.

Plant growth hormones: Antagonists cooperate

A recent study published in Nature found that auxin and cytokinin, two previously thought-to-be antagonistic plant growth hormones, actually cooperate to regulate plant growth. The international team of researchers discovered that auxin boosts the effect of cytokinin by suppressing genes that limit its activity.

How the first step affects the (watery) result

Researchers from Germany and the US developed a new synthesis paradigm for efficient hydrogen generation. The team found that the light wavelength used in the process affects its efficiency, with redder light resulting in better outcomes.

MIT chemists find an easier way to synthesize new drug candidates

A team of MIT chemists has designed a new way to attach trifluoromethyl groups to compounds, which could allow pharmaceutical companies to create and test new drugs faster and more efficiently. The new synthesis uses a palladium catalyst and achieved yields ranging from 70 to 94 percent.

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.

Curbing speculation could destabilize commodity prices, study says

A new study suggests that restricting speculative trading in futures markets could destabilize commodity prices, rather than reduce volatility. The research found that the influx of cash from index traders provided a deep pool of liquidity that held price increases in check.

Brief psychological therapy is effective in primary care

A meta-analysis of 34 studies involving 3962 patients found that brief cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), counseling, and problem-solving therapy (PST) were equally effective in treating depression and mixed anxiety. The study suggests that brief psychological therapies can be an effective treatment for routine delivery in primary care.

Industry fishing for profits, not predators

A recent study analyzed worldwide catch and economic data for the past 55 years, finding that fishermen prioritize profit over top predators. The research revealed that nearly all high-catch fisheries are already developed, with few new opportunities existing today.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Texas A&M researcher explains how embryo fights retroviral infection

A Texas A&M researcher has found that early mammalian embryos possess three stem cell lineages with different viral silencing strategies, including XEN cells that exhibit rapid and aggressive silencing of retroviruses. The study provides new insights into fetal diseases and has profound implications for diagnosis and treatment.