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Science News Archive June 2010 - Page 4


Page 4 of 24

New meta-analysis demonstrates heart risks associated with rosiglitazone

A new meta-analysis of clinical trials finds that rosiglitazone is associated with a significantly increased risk of myocardial infarction, while the risk of cardiovascular death was not elevated. The study suggests an unfavorable benefit-to-risk ratio for the diabetes drug, raising concerns about its safety.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJun 28, 2010

Even the midnight sun won't convince bees to work nights

Researchers tracked bumblebee movements in Arctic conditions, finding that bees work a day shift and retire before midnight. The study suggests that bees may have an internal sense of time based on light intensity or temperature changes.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Biology·DateJun 28, 2010

Increased bicycle riding and brisk walking associated with less weight gain in women

According to a study published in Archives of Internal Medicine, increased bicycle riding and brisk walking among premenopausal women were linked to reduced weight gain, particularly for those who are overweight or obese. The study found that even low levels of cycling, such as five minutes per day, can have significant health benefits.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJun 28, 2010

Celia and Darby are now both weakening tropical storms

Darby and Celia are weakening tropical storms in the Eastern Pacific, with expected minimum central pressures of 1004 millibars and 1005 millibars. Both storms are forecast to continue weakening over the next day or two before becoming remnant low pressure areas.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 28, 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.

Mystery unraveled: How asbestos causes cancer

Researchers discovered that asbestos exposure leads to the release of high-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1), which promotes tumor growth and inflammation. Elevated levels of HMGB1 in patients exposed to asbestos may enable simple serological testing to identify at-risk individuals.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 28, 2010

Of lice and man: Researchers sequence human body louse genome

A multi-institutional team sequenced the body louse genome, revealing a simplified genetic toolkit that sheds light on its unique biology. The study found that the body louse has a reduced list of detoxification enzymes, making it an attractive model for studying resistance to insecticides.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalNature·DateJun 28, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

End-of-life care in teaching hospital is generally of good quality

Patients admitted to teaching hospitals for end-of-life illnesses receive high-quality medical care, but more family communication is necessary. The study found that timely efforts to keep patients comfortable and better discussions about goals of treatment can improve the quality of care.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJun 28, 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.

Toddler foods too sweet

A recent study by University of Calgary professor Charlene Elliott found that 53% of baby and toddler foods have excessive sugar content, with over half meeting the criteria for poor nutritional quality. The study also revealed a 'halo effect' in adult perceptions of these products, highlighting the need to carefully examine ingredient...

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalJournal of Public Health·DateJun 28, 2010

The image in the mirror and the number on the scale both count

A new study published in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior found that adolescent girls who perceive themselves as overweight but have a healthy weight are more likely to experience depressive symptoms than those with actual obesity. Additionally, underweight boys are also at high risk for distress. The researchers suggest that ...

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateJun 28, 2010

Molecular biology provides clues to health benefits of olive oil

A study published in Biomed Central (BMC) Genomics found that high-phenolic-content olive oil modifies genes involved in the inflammatory response, potentially reducing heart disease risk. The researchers tracked gene expression in blood cells after consuming two virgin olive oil-based breakfasts with varying phenolic compound content.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalBMC Genomics·DateJun 28, 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.

Gene leads to longer shelf life for tomatoes, possibly other fruits

A Purdue University researcher has identified a yeast gene that increases the production of a compound slowing aging and delaying microbial decay in tomatoes. This discovery may lead to extended shelf life for most fruits by an additional week, benefiting areas with limited access to fresh produce.

SourcePurdue University·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateJun 28, 2010

Bees help to beat MRSA bugs

Researchers at the University of Strathclyde found that a substance called beeglue, originating from beehives in the Pacific region, was active against MRSA. The study isolated two compounds, Propolin C and Propolin D, which showed good activity against all MRSA strains tested.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·JournalPhytotherapy Research·DateJun 28, 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.

NASA Goddard introduces the NASA Center for Climate Simulation

The NASA Center for Climate Simulation (NCCS) has been introduced at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, offering enhanced computing capacity and data interaction technologies. This will support NASA's growing climate data needs and enable climate simulations and predictions.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 28, 2010

University receives $19 million to monitor carbon storage project

The University of Texas at Austin will design and oversee a monitoring plan for a carbon capture and storage demonstration project in southeast Texas. The project aims to reduce emissions of CO2 from a coal-fired power plant and demonstrate advanced technology for enhanced oil recovery.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·DateJun 28, 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.

Shape-shifting sheets automatically fold into multiple shapes

Researchers at Harvard University have developed programmable matter by folding, allowing a single sheet to transform into a boat- or plane-shape. The technology uses origami techniques and features smart cups that can adjust to liquid levels and other tools with multiple functions.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 28, 2010

Study shows Chile's school voucher program increased graduation rates

A new study on Chile's nationwide school voucher program found that it increased high school graduation rates by 3.6 percent, and college-going rates by 3.1 percent. The reforms also led to a modest reduction in earnings inequity and an increase in the demand for private subsidized schools.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Reno·JournalQuantitative Economics·DateJun 28, 2010

International study identifies 12 new genetic risk factors for type 2 diabetes

An international consortium of scientists has identified 12 new gene variants linked to type 2 diabetes, with 11 influencing insulin production and one associated with the X chromosome. This discovery sheds light on the complex pathogenesis of the disease, which affects millions worldwide.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature Genetics·DateJun 28, 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.

Whiter clouds could mean wetter land

A new study suggests that seeding clouds over the ocean to make them more reflective could actually increase monsoonal rains and cause continents to become wetter on average. This contradicts previous assumptions about the impact of geoengineering schemes on global rainfall patterns.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalClimate Dynamics·DateJun 28, 2010

Combination MMRV vaccine linked with 2-fold risk of seizures

A Kaiser Permanente study found the MMRV vaccine doubles the risk of febrile seizures in 1- to 2-year-old children compared to separate MMR and varicella vaccines. The study analyzed 459,000 children and recommended that families without a preference for MMRV receive separate vaccinations.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJun 28, 2010
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.

Healthier cafeteria food, more intense gym classes lower students' diabetes risk

A national study called HEALTHY found that innovative PE programs, healthier food choices, and in-class lessons on healthy lifestyles can benefit children most at-risk for type 2 diabetes. After three years, students in intervention schools had a 21% lower rate of obesity and improved fasting insulin levels compared to comparison schools.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 27, 2010

Carbon nanotubes form ultrasensitive biosensor to detect proteins

A team of researchers at Boston College has developed a biosensor using carbon nanotubes that can detect minute amounts of proteins with high sensitivity. The sensor can distinguish between different varieties of the same protein and could potentially be used to diagnose diseases such as human papillomavirus.

SourceBoston College·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 27, 2010
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 sequestration: Boon or burden

Large-scale carbon sequestration could help avoid extreme global warming, but its effectiveness is uncertain due to leakage risks. Geological storage appears more effective in delaying climate consequences with minimal CO2 leakage rates.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJun 27, 2010

Technique enables precise control of protein activity in living cells

Engineered allosteric regulation provides precise control of kinase activity in living cells, enabling scientists to understand cellular processes and dissect the functions of kinases. This new method has exciting applications in basic research and promises to open doors to new scientific insights into cancer and other human diseases.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJun 27, 2010

Why mercury is more dangerous in oceans

Research by Duke University scientists reveals that seawater's higher concentrations of mercury make saltwater fish like tuna and shark more toxic to humans. Methylmercury latches onto dissolved organic matter in freshwater, but tightly binds to chloride in seawater, where sunlight can't break it down as easily.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJun 27, 2010

Gestational diabetes linked to serotonin and dietary protein

Researchers at UCSF have found a link between serotonin, a neurotransmitter, and gestational diabetes, suggesting that high protein diets may trigger the condition. The study's findings offer new insights into possible ways to reverse non-gestational diabetes and provide potential therapeutic solutions.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature Medicine·DateJun 27, 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.

Unexpected findings in patients with limbic encephalitis will change disease diagnosis and classification and aid understanding of other neurological diseases

Researchers identify LGI1 as the main target of autoantibodies in patients with limbic encephalitis, leading to a new diagnostic test and potential therapeutic strategies for other neurological disorders. The findings also suggest that limbic encephalitis should be classified as an autoimmune synaptic encephalopathy.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateJun 27, 2010

Physicists explain why superconductors fail to produce super currents

Researchers at the University of Florida have discovered that grain boundaries in high-temperature ceramic superconductors impede electrical current. The study, published in Nature Physics, provides a theoretical model explaining why these barriers limit the potential of superconductors.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalNature Physics·DateJun 27, 2010

Can too much HDL be harmful to women with type 1 diabetes?

A study found that high HDL levels in women with type 1 diabetes increased the risk of heart disease, while low levels actually decreased risk. The researchers suggest that too much good cholesterol may not always be protective and could even be harmful.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·DateJun 26, 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.

Once-weekly exenatide injection improves blood sugar control more than daily oral sitagliptin or pioglitazone and induces more weight loss (DURATION-2 study)

The DURATION-2 study found that once-weekly exenatide improved HbA1c levels by 1.5% compared to 0.9% for sitagliptin and 1.2% for pioglitazone, with significant weight loss in the exenatide group. The findings suggest that exenatide should be considered as an adjunct to metformin for improving glucose control and weight loss.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 26, 2010

Going out on a (redwood tree) limb

Alana Oldham and colleagues found that water stress, due to gravity's effect on the water column, drives leaf anatomy and morphology in redwoods. This reduces photosynthesis in the upper canopy, but increases water-stress tolerance traits below.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateJun 26, 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.

No heart benefit from omega-3 in women with type 1 diabetes

A study by the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health found that consuming higher amounts of omega-3 fatty acids does not lower heart disease risk in women with type 1 diabetes. Men with the same condition had a lower rate of heart disease at higher omega-3 intake levels.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·DateJun 26, 2010

Quantifying human behavior one MoCap data point at a time

Scientists are developing a database of human emotion and behavior by collecting digital representations from actors. The USC CreativeIT Database will help predict patterns in human behavior, leading to potential applications in addiction treatment, customer care, and global security.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateJun 25, 2010

How not to blow up a molecule

Researchers found that shorter pulse lengths produce fewer higher charge states in nitrogen molecules, reducing damage. This phenomenon, known as frustrated absorption, prevents outer valence electrons from being stripped, safeguarding molecule integrity.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 25, 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.

Aggressive action to reduce soot emissions needed to meet climate change goals

Researchers found that eliminating soot pollution from diesel engines and coal sources would provide the world with an additional eight years to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. This study aimed to standardize estimates of soot's contribution to global warming, emphasizing the need for further research.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 25, 2010

Ingredient in red wine may prevent some blinding diseases

Researchers found that resveratrol inhibits formation of damaging blood vessels in the eye, a potential preventive therapy for blinding diseases. The compound's novel pathway could become a new target for therapies for eye disease and other problems related to abnormal angiogenesis.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateJun 25, 2010