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Science News Archive March 2010


Page 17 of 27

New Alzheimer's test offers better opportunities for early detection

Researchers at the University of Tennessee have developed a new Alzheimer's test called CST, which is more than 95 percent effective in detecting cognitive abnormalities. The test is designed to be simple and accessible for medical professionals and patients, providing an objective way to determine the presence of Alzheimer's disease.

Why female moths are big and beautiful

Researchers found that female moths outgrow their male counterparts by initiating a developmental change later in life, resulting in larger adult moths. This study provides insight into the evolution of sexual size dimorphism in moths, highlighting the importance of early developmental stages in determining adult body size.

Diabetes' link to eating disorders explored

Researchers explore the link between diabetes treatment and eating disorders, finding that insulin therapy can cause weight gain, increase hunger, and dysregulate appetite hormones. This can lead to unhealthy behaviors such as skipping or reducing insulin doses, which can exacerbate diabetes complications.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Clean sampling from bioreactors

bbi-biotech offers a novel sampling system that extracts sterile samples from bioreactors without dead volume, ensuring representative and contamination-free samples. The bioPROBE MK1 system facilitates at-line analysis and real-time monitoring of process status, enabling immediate regulation and optimization.

Traces of the past: Computer algorithm able to 'read' memories

A computer algorithm was able to predict which film a volunteer was recalling based on their brain activity, suggesting that memories are recorded in regular patterns. The key areas involved in recording episodic memories were the hippocampus and its immediate neighbors.

Get up, get out and go: NC State research tackles childhood obesity

A study by NC State researchers found that programs promoting physical activity at national parks increase awareness and participation among youth. The program, Get Up, Get Out and Go!, showed a significant increase in awareness and intention to visit a national park after implementation.

More maize ethanol may boost greenhouse gas emissions

Researchers found that increased production of maize-derived ethanol in the US could lead to significant land-use changes, resulting in higher carbon dioxide emissions. The study suggests that these indirect effects may cancel out any benefits from reducing global warming.

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.

Effort aims to spike breast cancer with new approach

A new clinical trial at the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center uses molecular profiling to identify specific treatments for refractory breast cancer. The trial aims to keep cancer under control for longer periods and potentially shrink tumors.

Yellow fever strikes monkey populations in South America

A study by Argentine scientists reveals that yellow fever outbreaks in howler monkey populations in northeastern Argentina have tragic conservation implications for the endangered brown howler monkey. The research emphasizes the importance of wildlife monitoring as an early detection method for pathogens affecting both animals and humans.

Communication often fumbled during patient hand-offs in hospital

A study found that important information is not fully conveyed during hospital hand-offs, even when physicians rate their communication as successful. Researchers emphasize the importance of educating doctors about effective communication skills and highlight the risks of increased hand-offs due to restricted work hours.

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.

Can we detect quantum behavior in viruses?

A German-Spanish research group has developed an experiment to test for quantum properties in objects composed of one billion atoms, including the flu virus. This technique could potentially allow researchers to study life and consciousness in the context of quantum mechanics.

VAI researchers develop tool to help study prostate cancer

Researchers at Van Andel Institute developed a new model to study prostate cancer, finding that normal secretory cells depend on E-cadherin binding for survival, unlike cancer cells which rely on androgen. This discovery could lead to therapies targeting tumor cells without harming normal cells.

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.

Study: Kidney disease a big risk for younger, low-income minorities

A recent study highlights the disproportionate burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) on younger minority adults receiving medical care in healthcare safety net settings. The study found that poor, minority adults with moderate to severe CKD are two to four times more likely to progress to kidney failure than non-Hispanic whites.

Researchers discover brain tumor's 'grow-or-go' switch

Glioblastoma cells use miR-451 to sense glucose availability, slowing cell proliferation and increasing migration. High miR-451 levels correlate with shorter survival, suggesting the molecule as a biomarker for predicting patient prognosis.

ARS sends third seed shipment to Norway seed vault

The US Department of Agriculture's ARS has sent its third seed shipment to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway, including a wild Russian strawberry collected from bear territory. The vault aims to store over 500,000 plant accessions for long-term preservation.

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.

The scientific brain

Researchers found that the primary visual cortex responds smaller when images are predictable, indicating an active prediction process. This challenges the classical view of passive cascades in visual perception.

New imaging technology brings trace chemicals into focus

Scientists at Arizona State University have developed a new imaging technology that can detect tiny particles of explosives, proteins, and heavy metals. This technique combines optical microscopy with electrochemical detection to provide a detailed map of the surface under study.

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.

American Society for Microbiology honors Rachel J. Dutton

Rachel J. Dutton received the Raymond W. Sarber Award for her research on disulfide bond formation pathways across bacterial genomes. Her discovery of an alternative VKOR homologue in Mycobacterium tuberculosis has implications for understanding bacterial protein stability and anticoagulant resistance.

Scavenging energy waste to turn water into hydrogen fuel

Scientists at UW-Madison have designed a method to harness small amounts of wasted energy to produce usable hydrogen fuel. The process uses the piezoelectric effect to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen, achieving an impressive 18% efficiency.

Shari'a as discourse

This book brings together scholars to explore the intellectual and legal traditions of Shari'a, examining how it is expressed in a European context. Key findings include the intersection of Shari'a and secular laws, as well as the diverse interpretations of Islamic jurisprudence.

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.

Researchers characterize stem cell function

Researchers at Northwestern University characterized a special type of stem cell, endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), to see if they can behave as endothelial cells in the body when cultured on a bioengineered surface. The study shows promise for improving surgery success rates for peripheral arterial disease.

Who does what on Wikipedia?

A University of Arizona professor and graduate student found that Wikipedia's quality relies heavily on collaboration between contributors. They identified seven roles that contribute to high-quality entries: all-round contributors, starters, content justifiers, and copy editors.

To Arctic animals, time of day really doesn't matter

A new study reveals that Arctic reindeer have evolved to bypass their internal biological rhythms, relying instead on light and dark cycles to regulate hormone levels. This adaptation allows them to thrive in environments with no reliable light-dark cycle.

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.

Back to the future for computers: A return to the 1980s?

Emerging optical technologies will enable warehouse-scale computing data centers, allowing users to access their data from anywhere and at any time. Google's Cedric Lam highlights the importance of low-cost, high-bandwidth, and high-density optical fiber interconnects in powering cloud computing.

Aquatic 'dead zones' contributing to climate change

Increased frequency and intensity of oxygen-deprived 'dead zones' along the world's coasts contribute to climate change by emitting nitrous oxide into the atmosphere, exacerbating global warming. The production of nitrous oxide in these waters can lead to ozone holes and increased UV radiation exposure.

New alterations found in young adults with type 2 diabetes

Researchers discovered mitochondrial protein and gene anomalies in young obese subjects with type 2 diabetes, leading to insulin resistance and reduced physical exercise response. The study highlights the need for specific treatments for each patient subtype.

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.

Human cells exhibit foraging behavior like amoebae and bacteria

Researchers found that human cells follow a bimodal correlated random walk pattern when moving in search of nutrients and growth factors. This discovery provides a general framework for analyzing cell movement, with potential applications in predicting the effectiveness of untested therapies.

World crude oil production may peak a decade earlier than some predict

A new study predicts that world conventional crude oil production will reach its peak in 2014, years earlier than anticipated. The study, published in ACS' Energy & Fuels, uses a revised version of the Hubbert model to account for individual production trends and provides a more realistic forecast.

PEGylated dendrimers: a novel mechanism of drug delivery

Researchers have developed PEGylated Polylysine dendrimers as a novel mechanism of drug delivery, targeting either the lymphatic system or bloodstream. The technology offers improved treatment options for diseases such as cancer, HIV, and lymphatic conditions worldwide.

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.

Prehistoric response to global warming informs human planning today

Researchers studying ancient human responses to climate change in the Arctic and Kamchatka regions provide insights into how societies adapt to environmental changes. Their findings can inform governments, scientists, and NGOs on how relationships between humans and their environments may shift due to global warming.

Breast cancer incidence among Iraqi women profiled

A recent study has found that breast cancer is affecting premenopausal women in Iraq, with a significant proportion presenting with advanced stage cancer. The study also highlights the importance of early detection and treatment, as only 32% of women detected a lump on self-examination sought medical advice within the first month.

Scientists solve puzzle of chickens that are half male and half female

Scientists have identified a new phenomenon called cell autonomous sex identity (CASI) that explains why some birds appear male on one side and female on the other. This discovery sheds light on the sexual development of birds and may have implications for behavior, disease susceptibility, and poultry production.

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.

Pediatric sports injuries: the silent epidemic

Recent studies highlight the growing trend of pediatric sports injuries, particularly in gymnastics and ACL injuries. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve outcomes, while awareness and prevention are essential to addressing this silent epidemic.

Novel stroke treatment passes safety stage of UCI-led clinical trial

A new treatment to restore brain cells damaged by stroke has passed the safety stage of a clinical trial led by UC Irvine neurologist Dr. Steven C. Cramer. Patients showed no ill effects after receiving sequential growth factors that encourage neuron creation in stroke-damaged areas of the brain.

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.

NoMix toilets get thumbs-up in 7 European countries

People in seven European countries show positive attitudes toward NoMix toilets, which separate urine from feces to reduce pollution and conserve resources. The innovative technology is well-accepted, with 80% of users expressing support and many willing to use it at work or home.

Texas earthquake study cites 'plausible cause'

Researchers found a plausible cause for small earthquakes in North Texas linked to the operation of a saltwater injection disposal well. The study suggests that fluid injection may have affected tectonic stress, reactivating faults and generating quakes.

New drug candidate reduces blood lipids

A clinical trial conducted by researchers from Karolinska Institutet found that eprotirome, a thyroid-hormone-like substance, effectively reduces blood cholesterol levels in patients who have already received statins. The trial showed significant reductions in harmful blood fats, up to 30% lower than those of patients receiving a placebo.

Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog's site fidelity may lead to further decline

Research on the Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog reveals strong site fidelity, but also highlights the negative impacts of a changing climate and introduced non-native trout. The study found that frogs with strong site fidelity are returning to lakes that dry up or have reduced breeding success due to predation by invasive trout.

UOG projects on aphids, compost and noni funded

The University of Guam's T-STAR program is funding research on aphids, compost and noni to enhance tropical agriculture and public health. The projects aim to improve soil quality, reduce the spread of banana bunchy top virus and ensure shelf life of noni botanical supplements.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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