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Science News for March 25, 2010


New insights into the 3-D organization of the human genome

A study has revealed new insights into the 3D organization of the human genome, detailing the spatial location of genes and non-coding sequences within the nucleolus. The research provides a high-resolution sequence map of this nuclear structure, shedding light on how nuclear information is packaged into functional compartments.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMar 25, 2010

Sun protection program increases hat use among 4th graders

A sun protection intervention program increased hat use at school, but had no effect on self-reported hat use at home or skin pigmentation. The program's success highlights the importance of educating children about sun protection and modeling healthy behavior.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 25, 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.

Safer nuclear reactors could result from Los Alamos research

Los Alamos researchers report a mechanism allowing nanocrystalline materials to heal radiation-induced damage through 'loading-unloading' effect at grain boundaries. This discovery provides new avenues for designing highly radiation-tolerant materials for next-generation nuclear energy applications.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateMar 25, 2010

Inflammation in body fat is not only pernicious

Researchers found that a certain form of body fat inflammation is necessary for fat cell turnover in lean, healthy individuals. This challenges the theory that inflammation in adipose tissue only causes insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 25, 2010

Study pinpoints causes of child death in China

A new study led by the University of Edinburgh reveals that pneumonia is the leading cause of child death in China, accounting for 17% of deaths in under-5s. The number of children dying before age five has dropped by 70% since 1990 due to increased access to hospital treatment.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 25, 2010

Hepatitis C treatment less effective in urban minority patients

A recent study found that standard hepatitis C therapy is less effective in urban minority patients compared to clinical trials, with lower sustained viral response rates. Researchers attribute this disparity to the complex interaction of genetic variations, environmental factors, and health behaviors in these populations.

SourceWiley·JournalHepatology·DateMar 25, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Most kidney transplant candidates will accept risk of infection

The study found that 58.9% of kidney transplant candidates would accept a kidney from a donor at increased risk of viral infection under some conditions, while 17.7% always accepted them. Patients on dialysis and older patients more commonly accepted such kidneys.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMar 25, 2010

In brain-injured children, early gesturing predicts language delays

Research found that 18-month-old gesturing in brain-injured children can predict later vocabulary delays; the study suggests that gesture may be a diagnostic tool for identifying children who will experience persistent language delay. The findings have both therapeutic and diagnostic implications.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateMar 25, 2010

Chemist monitors nanotechnology's environmental impact

Binghamton University researcher Omowunmi Sadik is developing sensors to detect and identify engineered nanoparticles, advancing understanding of their environmental risks. Her work aims to balance innovation with responsibility, encouraging the safe use of nanomaterials.

SourceBinghamton University·DateMar 25, 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.

New gateway to treat leukemia and other cancers

Canadian researchers have identified a previously hidden channel in humans that allows anti-cancer agents like Bleomycin to target leukemia cells. This discovery may revolutionize treatment for acute myeloid leukemia, a cancer affecting white blood cells.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 25, 2010

Chymase inhibitors could enhance treatment for damaged hearts

Researchers found that adding chymase inhibitors to ACE inhibitors significantly boosted recovery of heart function in animals after a heart attack. This could lead to improved treatments for people with high blood pressure, heart failure, and other conditions.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 25, 2010

Pursuit of status and affection drives bullies' behavior

A large-scale Dutch study finds that bullies aim to gain status by dominating victims, while avoiding social rejection from peers. The study also reveals that gender plays a significant role in bullying behavior.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateMar 25, 2010

When will children disobey parents? It depends on the rule

A study found that children distinguish between moral and personal domain rules, with moral rules associated with compliance and feelings of good emotions, while personal domain rules lead to disobedience and positive emotional experience for the child.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateMar 25, 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.

China must accelerate progress towards clean air and water

Air and water pollution in China pose significant health risks, with indoor air pollution from solid fuels responsible for millions of premature deaths. The country has made some progress in reducing industrial waste and improving access to piped water, but more efforts are needed to address the issue.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 25, 2010

Is it really bipolar disorder?

A new study from Rhode Island Hospital has found that a widely-used screening tool for bipolar disorder may incorrectly identify borderline personality disorder. The research team tested the accuracy of the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) and found that it misidentified patients with borderline personality disorder, leading to potent...

SourceLifespan·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateMar 25, 2010

Kidney disease hides in people with undiagnosed diabetes

A study found that up to 42% of people with undiagnosed diabetes and nearly 18% of those with prediabetes have chronic kidney disease. This suggests a significant number of individuals may be at risk for worsening kidney disease, emphasizing the need for earlier screening and timely medical care.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMar 25, 2010

Rotman paper finds exposure to fast food can make us impatient

Researchers found that exposure to fast food symbols increases preference for time-saving products, reduces willingness to save, and promotes a general sense of haste. The study highlights the potential impact of fast food on everyday psychology and behavior.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 25, 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.

Finding a potential new target for treating rheumatoid arthritis

Scientists at NYU Langone Health discovered a potential new target for treating rheumatoid arthritis by boosting the normal activity of regulatory T cells, which counterbalance conventional T cells' hyperactivity. The study reveals how an investigational drug wards off inflammation by holding an enzyme at bay.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalScience·DateMar 25, 2010

How does a heart know when it's big enough?

A protein called Kibra has been found to regulate organ size by controlling cell growth and death. This discovery may hold the key to understanding and treating cancer.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateMar 25, 2010

McMaster researchers discover how cells recognize viral toxin

Researchers at McMaster University have discovered how specific proteins on cell surfaces bind to double-stranded RNA, triggering an immune response. This finding could lead to the development of targeted antiviral therapies with reduced side effects.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMar 25, 2010

Targeting cell pathway may prevent relapse of leukemia

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital discovered a possible way to kill off leukemia stem cells and prevent relapse. The study found that targeting the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway can suppress leukemia recurrence by inhibiting beta-catenin, a crucial player in leukemia stem cell development.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalScience·DateMar 25, 2010
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Mexican Americans less likely than whites to call 9-1-1 for stroke

A study found that Mexican Americans are 40% less likely than non-Hispanic whites to call 9-1-1 and be taken to the hospital via ambulance for stroke, leading to delayed medical treatment. Women, particularly those from the Hispanic community, were also more likely to experience delays in receiving timely care.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMar 25, 2010
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.

Breathe easy: A natural fruit compound may help asthma

Researchers have identified a compound in blackcurrants that reduces lung inflammation and complements the body's natural immune response. This discovery could lead to the development of foods containing these compounds as a natural alternative to assist conventional drug treatments for asthma.

SourceNew Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research·JournalMolecular Nutrition & Food Research·DateMar 25, 2010

Autism susceptibility genes identified

Researchers have identified two genes, LRRN3 and LRRTM3, associated with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD), providing valuable insights into the genetic basis of the condition. Variations in these genes were found to be significantly associated with susceptibility to ASD.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalMolecular Autism·DateMar 25, 2010

Tips from the American Journal of Pathology

A preclinical model of human prostate cancer mimics primary tumors' genetic behavior, offering a platform for biomarker and drug discovery. High expression levels of delta-like ligand 4 in breast cancer predict poor prognosis.

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateMar 25, 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.

New test takes guesswork out of diagnosing early stage Alzheimer's disease

A new enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay can detect Alzheimer's disease by measuring high molecular weight A-Beta oligomers in spinal fluid. The test showed direct correlation between A-Beta oligomer levels and memory impairment, enabling early diagnosis of the disease.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateMar 25, 2010

New understanding of protein's role in brain

Researchers at McGill University have discovered a modified protein that plays a key role in memory processes, altering its function and enabling stronger neural connections. This finding represents an important step in understanding how the brain stores memories.

SourceMcGill University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateMar 25, 2010

Gaining autonomy through decision-making

A longitudinal study found that teenagers' input into decisions gradually increased from ages 9 to 14, then surged from 15 to 20. Young people had more autonomy in decisions about appearance, activities, schoolwork, and social life than chores, health, and curfew.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateMar 25, 2010

A new fossil species found in Spain

Researchers from the University of Extremadura have discovered a new species of Cloudina, a small animal with an external skeleton, in Spain. The fossils show evidence of asexual reproduction, a rare phenomenon previously only described in Chinese specimens.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalPrecambrian Research·DateMar 25, 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.

'A-maize-ing' discovery could lead to higher corn yields for food, feed and fuel

Scientists have made a significant discovery in corn breeding that could lead to higher crop yields, improved disease resistance and heartier plants able to withstand severe weather. By understanding the genetics of photoperiod response, researchers hope to be able to overcome the barrier to using tropical maize for temperate varieties.

SourceGenetics Society of America·JournalGenetics·DateMar 25, 2010

New period of brain 'plasticity' created with transplanted embryonic cells

Scientists at UCSF successfully created a new period of brain plasticity in juvenile mice by transplanting embryonic cells into the visual cortex. This approach may one day be used to repair neural circuits following injury or disease. The findings suggest that inhibitory neurons play a crucial role in regulating this plasticity period.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMar 25, 2010

The Medicare donut hole: Now you're covered, now you're not

A new study found that women and patients with dementia and diabetes are most likely to enter the Medicare Part D coverage gap, facing significant out-of-pocket drug expenses. The researchers suggest medication cost-counseling interventions for these clinically vulnerable subpopulations may be warranted.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMar 25, 2010

Talk to your babies

Researchers found that words significantly impacted 3-month-old infants' cognitive performance in a categorization task. Infants who heard words showed evidence of forming the fish category, while those who heard tones did not.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalChild Development·DateMar 25, 2010
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Tropical storm Omais weakens and doubles in size

Tropical storm Omais has doubled in size due to wind shear, weakening from 63 mph to 52 mph. The storm is expected to dissipate over the next day and a half as it encounters cooler, drier air associated with a cold front.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 25, 2010

Study IDs medical conditions that put seniors at risk of falling into Medicare 'donut hole'

A new study identifies women and patients with diabetes and dementia as most likely to fall into Medicare's 'donut hole', a gap in coverage where beneficiaries face unsubsidized medication costs. Researchers recommend doctor-patient counseling to manage drug regimens and prevent adverse effects on patients' health.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMar 25, 2010

Eli Lilly and Co. joins SNM's Clinical Trials Network

SNM's Clinical Trials Network has gained a new member, Eli Lilly and Company, which will support the initiative to facilitate the development of therapeutic medicines. The network aims to streamline drug discovery and integrate imaging biomarkers into clinical trials, ultimately leading to personalized diagnostics and therapies.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·DateMar 25, 2010

UCI professor wins 2010 Templeton Prize

Francisco Ayala, a renowned evolutionary biologist, has won the 2010 Templeton Prize for his contributions to affirming life's spiritual dimension through scientific research. He promotes mutual respect between science and faith, suggesting they are not mutually exclusive but rather complement each other.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·DateMar 25, 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.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder?

A novel research project combines art and neuroscience to explore the connections between visual perception and the brain. Researchers are discovering that artists have intuitive knowledge of neuroscience concepts, including optical illusions.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·DateMar 25, 2010

Scientists find first ever southern tyrannosaur dinosaur

Researchers identify 110 million-year-old tyrannosaur hip bone from Australia, challenging the idea that tyrannosaurs only existed in the northern hemisphere. The discovery sheds new light on the group's evolutionary history and raises questions about why they evolved into giant predators like T. rex only in the north.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience·DateMar 25, 2010

Expedition heads for world's deepest undersea volcanoes

A British scientific expedition is heading to the Cayman Trough, a rift in the seafloor of the Caribbean that reaches over three miles deep. The team will use robot submarines and remotely-controlled vehicles to study deep-sea vents, which support lush colonies of deep-sea creatures.

SourceNational Oceanography Centre, UK·DateMar 25, 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.

Blueprint for 'artificial leaf' mimics Mother Nature

Researchers create artificial leaf-like structures that can harness sunlight and water to produce hydrogen fuel, increasing activity by a factor of ten compared to commercial photo-catalysts. The 'Artificial Inorganic Leaf' (AIL) mimics natural leaves' structural features for improved light harvesting efficiency.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 25, 2010

Your fat may help you heal

A Rice University researcher has developed a natural extracellular matrix from adipose cells that supports the growth of living cells into tissues. The substance, called Adipogel, has been proven effective for growing liver cells and may be used to repair damaged organs in the future.

SourceRice University·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateMar 25, 2010

Novel Parkinson's treatment strategy involves cell transplantation

Scientists at UCSF have developed a novel cell-based strategy to treat Parkinson's disease by transplanting embryonic neurons into the striatum, improving motor function and balance in rats. The approach may offer a more precise effect than traditional strategies and has implications for other neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalScience·DateMar 25, 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.

A prescription for excellence

The new center will provide timely data on prescriptions to doctors, pharmacies, and regulatory agencies, helping identify best practices in prescription monitoring. The initiative aims to reduce the serious epidemic of drug abuse, taking thousands of lives.

SourceBrandeis University·DateMar 25, 2010
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.

Newly identified proteins critical to FA pathway DNA repair function

A study has identified two new proteins, MHF1 and MHF2, that are indispensable for the functional integrity of the Fanconi anemia (FA) pathway. The research reveals how these proteins work together to bind to specific DNA structures and prevent or repair DNA interstrand crosslinks, which can lead to cell defects and disease.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalMolecular Cell·DateMar 25, 2010

April 2010 Geology and GSA Today highlights

Recent studies have shed new light on explosive volcanic eruptions in the ocean, a 300-million-year-old forest from the Andes, and innovative methods for dating sedimentary rocks. Researchers have discovered a unique eruption style dubbed 'Poseidic,' characterized by uninterrupted magma ascent, while fossil evidence supports an ecologi...

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateMar 25, 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.

Pregnancy for breast cancer survivors: Meta-analysis reveals it is safe and could improve survival

A recent meta-analysis of 14 trials found that pregnancy after breast cancer diagnosis reduces the risk of death by 42%. The study suggests that hormonal changes during pregnancy may have an inhibitory effect on breast cancer cells, and that foetal antigens may also play a role in reducing the risk of recurrence. The findings support t...

SourceECCO-the European CanCer Organisation·DateMar 25, 2010

Community-acquired MRSA becoming more common in pediatric ICU patients

A Johns Hopkins study found that community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) colonization rates increased among pediatric ICU patients, with younger children and African-American children more affected. Universal screening upon hospital admission and weekly screenings can help curb the spread of MRSA.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateMar 25, 2010

Pollution from Asia circles globe at stratospheric heights

A new study reveals that pollutants from Asia are being transported to the stratosphere during monsoon season, potentially affecting global climate. The research found that black carbon, sulfur dioxide, and other pollutants are lifted into the stratosphere by Asian monsoon circulation patterns.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalScience·DateMar 25, 2010
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.

Early child-parent attachment affects behavior, especially for boys

Children with insecure attachments have repeated experiences of caregivers responding inconsistently, leading to behavioral problems like aggression and hostility. The meta-analysis of 69 studies found that early insecure attachment to mothers is associated with later behavioral issues in children, including boys.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateMar 25, 2010

Move over predators: Plants can control the food chain too -- from the bottom up

New Cornell University research reveals how plants at the bottom of the food chain have evolved mechanisms that influence ecosystem dynamics. Plants have developed three main strategies to increase their biomass, including producing volatile compounds called sesquiterpenes that attract predators, which drive modern ecosystems' structure.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateMar 25, 2010

Changing incentive system for China's health-care providers could mean large improvements in care quality and coverage, and reduce costs

Experiments in China have shown that changing the incentive system for healthcare providers can lead to improved basic primary health care and reduced costs. Primary-care providers are incentivized to cover more citizens with vaccinations and health education, improving access to cost-effective care.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 25, 2010

Many factors contribute to adolescents' decision-making autonomy

A longitudinal study by Penn State researchers found that adolescents' input into decisions increases gradually, with more autonomy in areas such as appearance, activities, and schoolwork. The study also revealed differences in decision-making autonomy among children with varying family characteristics.

SourcePenn State·JournalChild Development·DateMar 25, 2010

Keeping cattle cool and stress-free is goal of ARS study

Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists are working to understand the causes of heat stress in cattle and develop management strategies to mitigate its effects. They have identified 11 influential factors contributing to animal susceptibility, including coat color, health history, and temperament.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·DateMar 25, 2010
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Insulin-like signal needed to keep stem cells alive in adult brain

Researchers at University of California - Berkeley found an insulin-like signal necessary to keep stem cells alive in the adult brain. Blocking apoptosis genes alone is not enough, as neural stem cells also require an insulin-type signal to persist. The study suggests that manipulating the insulin pathway may be essential for re-growin...

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 25, 2010

Carnegie Mellon's kitchen chemistry makes science palatable

The university's course, 'Kitchen Chemistry Sessions,' uses molecular gastronomy techniques to teach students about chemical and biochemical concepts in food. Students learn to apply these concepts to prepare meals, demonstrating their understanding of chemical processes and scientific principles.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateMar 25, 2010