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Science News Archive March 2010 - Page 25


Page 25 of 27

Prestigious Sloan Fellowship awarded to McGill astrophysicist

McGill University astrophysicist Matt Dobbs has been awarded a prestigious Sloan Research Fellowship to investigate cosmic microwave background radiation and shed light on the universe's fundamental structures. The $50,000 two-year award supports Dobbs' research on the origins and evolution of the universe.

SourceMcGill University·DateMar 2, 2010

Developing web technologies to share secure information

Researchers are developing a standard policy language to achieve flexible and dynamic Web security when sharing information with different agencies, countries, and organizations. This technology aims to facilitate the exchange of information between entities using different languages to express their security constraints.

SourceAir Force Office of Scientific Research·DateMar 2, 2010

Alzheimer's-associated protein may be part of the innate immune system

Research suggests that amyloid-beta protein, a primary component of Alzheimer's plaques, is an antimicrobial peptide part of the innate immune system. A-beta inhibits the growth of certain pathogens and its accumulation may be triggered by chronic activation of the innate immune system.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 2, 2010

First signal received by future telescope

The first antenna of the Australia Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) telescope has received its first radio signals, paving the way for further development. The successful test demonstrates the feasibility of ASKAP's innovative design and sets a promising stage for the future telescope's scientific discoveries.

SourceCSIRO Australia·DateMar 2, 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.

'Distributed energy' has power to save billions

A new report by CSIRO outlines the potential of distributed energy to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Australia. Distributed energy systems can provide local generation, efficiency, and demand management, offering an immediate and cost-effective response to climate change.

SourceCSIRO Australia·DateMar 2, 2010

People with prediabetes not taking adequate precautions to avoid diabetes

A new study reveals that only half of US adults with prediabetes report trying to lose weight or exercise more, highlighting a need for increased awareness and prevention measures. The researchers also found that adults with prediabetes are more likely to be male, older, and have lower educational attainment.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMar 2, 2010

Artificial bee silk a big step closer to reality

Researchers at CSIRO Australia have successfully produced hand-drawn threads of artificial honeybee silk, rivalling the strength of natural silk. The breakthrough is a significant milestone towards developing biomimetic materials for various industries.

SourceCSIRO Australia·DateMar 2, 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.

Study finds delay in referrals for older women with ovarian cancer

Researchers found that GP referrals for gynaecological investigation were delayed for older women with suspected ovarian cancer. Women over 70 years old had a 20-week wait for referral, while those aged 75-79 years had a peak wait of 24 weeks. The discrepancy may be due to differences in data recording and GPs' motivation.

SourceWellcome Trust·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateMar 2, 2010

Lesbian, gay, bisexual individuals risk psychiatric disorders from discriminatory policies

A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that LGB individuals living in states with same-sex marriage bans experienced significant increases in mood disorders, generalized anxiety disorder, and alcohol use disorders. The prevalence of any psychiatric disorder also increased among heterosexual respondents, ...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMar 2, 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.

Eliminating junk foods at schools may help prevent childhood obesity

A San Francisco State University study found that eliminating sugary beverages and junk foods from schools significantly reduced the rate of overweight children among fifth-grade boys and seventh-grade students. The study showed that governmental policies can shape food behaviors and influence obesity trends in entire student populations.

SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalHealth Affairs·DateMar 2, 2010

Only the beautiful need apply

A new study finds that undergraduate women who join a sorority are more likely to experience self-objectification, higher levels of bulimic attitudes, and increased body shame. Sorority membership may exacerbate pre-existing problematic attitudes and behaviors.

SourceSpringer·JournalSex Roles·DateMar 2, 2010

How estrogen feeds breast tumors

Researchers found that estrogen inhibits MLK3, a protein that causes normal cell death, leading to uncontrolled growth of cancer cells and resistance to chemotherapy. This discovery could lead to new cancer-fighting drugs.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalCancer Research·DateMar 2, 2010

Combination therapy more effective for enlarged prostate

A recent study from UT Southwestern Medical Center found that combination therapy yielded better results than individual drugs in treating enlarged prostate. The treatment, which combined dutasteride and tamsulosin, reduced the risk of BPH progression by 25% and PSA levels by 50%.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalEuropean Urology·DateMar 2, 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.

Exercise counters negative effects of weight regain, researchers find

Researchers at University of Missouri found that exercising during weight regain maintains improvements in metabolic health and disease risk. The study, led by Tom R. Thomas, indicates that exercise can counter negative effects of weight regain on conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateMar 2, 2010

Kidney injury linked to greater risk of death among pneumonia patients

Patients hospitalized with pneumonia who develop acute kidney injury are more likely to die after discharge than those whose kidneys remain healthy. The study also found a strong relationship between AKI and levels of inflammatory biomarkers.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalKidney International·DateMar 2, 2010

Ethnic minorities are better educated but have less job prospects

A new study published in Oxford Economic Papers reveals that ethnic minorities in Britain are better educated than their white peers, but face lower employment probabilities. The research shows significant wage disparities between British-born ethnic minority individuals and their white peers, particularly for men.

SourceOxford University Press UK·JournalOxford Economic Papers·DateMar 2, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Small molecule with high impact

Researchers at HZI have discovered a new adjuvant, c-di-IMP, that enhances immune responses and provides long-lasting protection. The molecule has been shown to stimulate important effector mechanisms in mice, making it a promising candidate for improving existing vaccines.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalVaccine·DateMar 2, 2010

NASA's Fermi probes 'dragons' of the gamma-ray sky

Astronomers using NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope found that less than a third of gamma-ray emission arises from black-hole-powered jets. The study suggests that alternative explanations, such as particle acceleration in normal star-forming galaxies and dark matter, may be responsible for the extragalactic gamma-ray background.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 2, 2010

Baby monkeys receive signals through their mother's breast milk

Researchers found that higher-energy milk from heavier mothers with previous pregnancies led to more confident, active, and curious infants. In contrast, lower-energy milk was associated with less confident and less active infants when separated from their mother.

SourceSmithsonian·JournalAmerican Journal of Primatology·DateMar 2, 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.

Even the boss doesn't follow the doctor's orders

A study of corporate executives found that only 68% took their cholesterol-lowering medication as prescribed. Executives who took statins were twice as likely to meet their cholesterol goals and achieved better outcomes than those who didn't take the medication, even sporadically.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPopulation Health Management·DateMar 2, 2010
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.

Extremes of sleep related to increased fat around organs

A recent study by Wake Forest University School of Medicine found that both too little and excessive sleep can be hazardous to health, especially for young minority women. Short sleep duration of five hours or less per night was associated with large increases in visceral fat around organs.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalSLEEP·DateMar 2, 2010

Study: People sometimes less trusting when in a good mood

A study found that people in positive moods are more likely to follow cues and stereotypes when evaluating trustworthiness. This occurs because happy individuals are less motivated to process information, leading them to rely on pre-existing expectations rather than new data.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateMar 2, 2010

Children with insomnia may have impaired heart rate variability

A recent study published by the American Heart Association found that children with insomnia and shorter sleep duration have impaired modulation of heart rhythm during sleep. This impairment can lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in young children, highlighting the importance of healthy bedtime habits for their overall...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMar 2, 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.

'Stepping up' asthma treatment in children leads to improvement

A new study found that increasing dosage or adding asthma drugs to low-dose inhaled corticosteroids improves asthma control in 98% of children. LABA shows the highest response rate, but individual patients require personalized treatment due to factors like Asthma Control Test score, eczema, and ethnicity.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 2, 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.

Modern man found to be generally monogamous, moderately polygamous

Researchers analyzed genomic data from African, Asian, and European populations to estimate breeding sex ratios, finding that modern humans tend towards monogamy but exhibit polygamous tendencies over evolutionary history. The study's novel method of analysis provides new insights into the genetic population structure of humans.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMar 2, 2010

Mother's milk turns on the heat

Researchers discover that mother's milk induces liver production of FGF21, a molecule that activates brown fat to increase body temperature. This phenomenon may have far-reaching consequences for metabolic health in adulthood.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMar 2, 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.

Mercurial tuna: Study explores sources of mercury to ocean fish

Researchers found that coastal and open-ocean fish have distinct mercury signatures, ruling out the idea that they pick up methylmercury by eating contaminated coastal fish. Instead, they suggest that mercury is deposited into the open ocean and undergoes methylation in low-oxygen microenvironments.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMar 2, 2010

Cocaine-related deaths rise in warm weather

Researchers found that accidental overdose deaths from cocaine use rose significantly when ambient temperature exceeded 24 degrees Celsius. The number of cocaine-related overdose deaths continued to climb as temperatures increased, due to cocaine's effect on core body temperature and cardiovascular system.

SourceWiley·JournalAddiction·DateMar 2, 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.

Political corruption has impact on social trust

A new study by Georgia State University professor Sean Richey found that residents of states with more government corruption have less trust in the general public. Increases in corruption before a survey were taken lead to decreases in belief that government officials and ordinary citizens are trustworthy.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalAmerican Politics Research·DateMar 2, 2010

MMS and NOAA scientists study prey of Gulf of Mexico sperm whales

Scientists on a research vessel are trawling for prey of sperm whales in the northern Gulf of Mexico to gather data on their feeding ecology. The study will help conserve and protect these endangered large whales by understanding how they utilize their environment.

SourceBureau of Ocean Energy Management·DateMar 2, 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.

Popular nanoparticle causes toxicity in fish, study shows

A Purdue University study has found that nanosilver, a bactericidal agent, is toxic to fish and can cause malformations even at low concentrations. Researchers detected nanoparticles as small as 30 nanometers inside fish embryos, highlighting the need for further testing on environmental release levels.

SourcePurdue University·JournalEcotoxicology·DateMar 2, 2010

Moderate drinking before trauma leads to more flashbacks

New research at UCL suggests that moderate alcohol consumption before a traumatic event can lead to increased recall of the traumatic experience, resulting in more frequent flashbacks. In contrast, high levels of alcohol consumption may disrupt both types of memory, leading to fewer flashbacks and reduced overall memory for the event.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateMar 2, 2010

Evolutionary Synthesis Center wins 5-year, $25M, renewal from NSF

The National Evolutionary Synthesis Center (NESCent) has been awarded a $25 million 5-year grant from the NSF to continue its cutting-edge research in evolutionary biology. The center plans to expand its programs and add new initiatives, including graduate fellowships and international research partnerships.

SourceNational Evolutionary Synthesis Center (NESCent)·DateMar 2, 2010

HRT and cataract risk; smoking and uveitis

Researchers found that postmenopausal women using HRT had a higher risk of cataract removal compared to those who never used the therapy. Additionally, smoking was linked to an increased risk of uveitis, a serious eye disease causing inflammation in the middle layer of the eye.

SourceAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology·JournalOphthalmology·DateMar 1, 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.

A new generation of rapid-acting antidepressants?

Researchers found that scopolamine, a muscarinic cholinergic receptor antagonist, reduced symptoms of depression within three days. The study also showed that participants experienced full symptom remission by the end of the treatment period.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateMar 1, 2010