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Science News for March 7, 2010


A high-tech handrest

University of Utah engineers created a computer-controlled hand and arm support to aid precision tasks with less fatigue. The Active Handrest allows users to maintain control while sensing tool position or force, increasing precision in tasks like surgery, painting, and electronics repair.

SourceUniversity of Utah·DateMar 7, 2010

Repeated anesthesia can affect childrens ability to learn

A study published in the Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism found that repeated anesthesia can cause a significant decrease in stem cells in the hippocampus, leading to impaired memory and learning in young animals. The researchers believe this effect may be age-related, with younger animals being more susceptible.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJournal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism·DateMar 7, 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.

MIT researchers discover new way of producing electricity

Researchers at MIT have discovered a new phenomenon that causes powerful waves of energy to shoot through carbon nanotubes, enabling the production of electricity. The discovery has led to the creation of a system that produces energy about 100 times greater than an equivalent weight of lithium-ion battery.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 7, 2010

Asking 'what would nature do?' leads to a way to break down a greenhouse gas

Researchers develop method to efficiently turn carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide using visible light, a process similar to what organisms naturally do. The technique has potential applications in producing electricity or hydrogen and could be scaled up with mass production of the catalyst.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 7, 2010

Gene site found for children's food allergy

A study found a region of chromosome 5 associated with eosinophilic esophagitis, a severe and painful type of food allergy that can cause weight loss, vomiting, and swallowing difficulties. The likely culprit is the gene TSLP, which has higher activity levels in children with EoE compared to healthy subjects.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalNature Genetics·DateMar 7, 2010

Women's group support can improve birth outcomes

Research findings suggest that participatory women's groups can reduce neonatal mortality by up to one-third and moderate maternal depression. The groups' impact was attributed to improved hygiene and care practices, as well as increased community mobilization and support for the poorest populations.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 7, 2010

How to fortify the immunity of HIV patients

Researchers at Universite de Montreal and VGTI have discovered a new mechanism by which HIV infects immune cells, characterizing the role of two molecules PD-1 and IL-10 in this process. The study suggests that blocking these interactions may restore the immune response in HIV-infected patients.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 7, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

All may look smooth, but there are 'bumps' along the way

Hebrew University researchers describe how frictional strength evolves over time, with a focus on microscopic 'bumps' that govern contact between sliding bodies. The study provides a comprehensive picture of friction's behavior, shedding light on its applications in fields like hard drives and earthquakes.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature·DateMar 7, 2010

Perfect peas to push profits and cut carbon

Scientists are working with breeders and the food industry to create high-quality pea varieties that can reduce nitrogen fertilizer use, thereby cutting carbon emissions. The goal is to increase the uptake of legume farming and improve profit margins for farmers.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·DateMar 7, 2010

Vitamin D crucial to activating immune defenses

Scientists have discovered that Vitamin D is essential for activating killer cells in the immune system. Without sufficient vitamin D, T cells cannot detect and fight off serious infections. The researchers found that T cells rely on vitamin D to activate and that a lack of vitamin D can lead to immune suppression.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalNature Immunology·DateMar 7, 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.

Snake venom charms science world

A novel protein named haditoxin has been identified in King Cobra venom, showing promise for new drug discovery and advancing our understanding of disease mechanisms. The protein's unique structure suggests it may offer insights into treating various neurological disorders.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 7, 2010

Ritalin boosts learning by increasing brain plasticity

Researchers found Ritalin enhances learning and focus by increasing brain plasticity and activity of dopamine receptors. The study showed Ritalin improves cognitive abilities in animals by strengthening communication between neurons.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMar 7, 2010

New sensor array detects single molecules for the first time

A new sensor array made of carbon nanotubes can detect single molecules of hydrogen peroxide emanating from a single living cell. The detection could lead to new targets for potential cancer drugs and diagnostic devices for some types of cancer.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMar 7, 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.