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Science News Archive May 2010


Page 1 of 26

Warmer climate makes Baltic more salty

A new study from the University of Gothenburg reveals that climate change could lead to a decrease in river runoff and an increase in salinity in the Baltic Sea. This change could have significant consequences for the region's sensitive ecosystem, which relies on a delicate balance between salt and fresh water.

Powerful genome barcoding system reveals large-scale variation in human DNA

A powerful new genome barcoding system has revealed large-scale structural variations in the human genome, including variations of thousands to hundreds of thousands of DNA's smallest pieces. This technology allows for a comprehensive view of the human genome and may lead to breakthroughs in disease treatment and personalized genomics.

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.

Breakthrough in stem cell culturing

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have successfully cultured human embryonic stem cells under chemically controlled conditions without the use of animal substances. This breakthrough enables large quantities of human embryonic stem cells to be produced in a completely defined environment, paving the way for future clinical uses.

Antidepressants in pregnancy increase risk of miscarriage

A new study published in CMAJ found a significant association between antidepressant use during pregnancy and an increased risk of miscarriage. The study, which analyzed data from over 5,000 women, found that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) were associated with a higher risk of miscarriage, particularly at higher doses.

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Animal study reveals new target for antidepressants

Researchers identified a key receptor in the brain that influences serotonin-related antidepressants, providing a potential new target for treatment. The discovery could lead to more effective and targeted treatments for depression and anxiety with fewer side effects.

New answers on rare childhood disease

Researchers at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute created a new mouse model of multiple hereditary exostoses, a rare childhood disease characterized by abnormal bone growths. The study reveals the molecular basis of the disease and provides a tool to screen new treatments.

Sugary band-aid may help heal post-operative tissue

A sticky gel made from a polycarbonate of dihydroxyacetone may help prevent seroma formation after surgery. The gel, developed from the same compound found in spray tanning lotion, is biodegradable and water-soluble, reducing the risk of infection.

Chances of surviving cardiac arrest depends on your neighborhood

A new study found that certain neighborhoods in Fulton County, Ga. have higher incidence of cardiac arrest and lower bystander CPR rates, with the potential to save an additional 15 lives per year. Targeted CPR training could be a key strategy to reverse stagnant survival rates.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

The crime of mental illness

The article highlights the prevalence of mental health issues among prisoners and emphasizes the importance of training correctional staff, treatment programs, and community prevention programs. The editorial argues that society's values and understanding of mental health disorders contribute to this issue.

Scientists decipher structure of nature's 'light switch'

Researchers have deciphered the molecular structure of phytochrome, a key 'light switch' in plant growth. The study reveals a twisted area of contact between two units, suggesting that light adjusts its strength and orientation to transmit signals.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Perspectives on computational biology methods

The Journal of General Physiology presents Perspectives on computational biology methods, including ab initio simulations and all-atom molecular dynamics. These approaches provide insights into membrane proteins and ion channels, highlighting the importance of multi-scale analysis in understanding physiological processes.

Impulsivity-related problem drinking decreases greatly for 18- to 25-year-olds

A new study found that impulsivity and alcohol consumption decrease significantly in 18-to-25-year-olds. The study analyzed data from 489 college students and identified five trajectory groups with distinct patterns of change. Individuals who decreased in impulsivity also showed the steepest decreases in alcohol use and related problems.

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.

Lead in ammunition contaminates game meat

A study by British and Spanish researchers found that cooked game meat exceeded EU maximum lead levels due to ammo residue. The presence of lead in hunted animals increases the risk of exposure, particularly for vulnerable groups.

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Research reveals that group visits can significantly improve blood pressure in diabetics with hypertension but not blood sugar levels. Colorectal cancer risk increases with age and birth cohort, suggesting a potential burden to society. Opioid treatment agreements may not reduce misuse, and a new complication from contaminated cocaine ...

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.

What happens when we get angry?

A new investigation reveals that anger provokes profound changes in the state of mind of individuals, as well as psychobiological parameters. Heart rate, arterial tension, and testosterone increase, but cortisol levels decrease. The study also highlights the complexity of emotions, with anger exhibiting unique patterns.

Immune cell's role in lupus nephritis demonstrated

Researchers discovered that activated basophils cause kidney damage in a mouse model of lupus nephritis, potentially leading to new treatments with an asthma medication. The study found increased IgE responses and activated basophils in people with SLE, strongly associated with disease activity.

U of A discovery offers promising research for spinal-cord injury treatments

Researchers at the University of Alberta have discovered a natural self-repair mechanism that kick-starts after spinal-cord injuries, offering promising new treatments. Serotonin receptors remain active after injury, but are permanently turned on, contributing to muscle spasms; blocking these receptors could help alleviate symptoms.

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.

Researchers find gene linked to birth defects

A recent study has identified a gene linked to severe birth defects, specifically Meckel-Gruber and Joubert syndromes. The research found that mutations in the TMEM216 gene can cause these conditions by disrupting cellular signaling pathways.

Faulty gene stops cell 'antennae' from transmitting

Researchers have identified a genetic cause of inherited conditions causing severe fetal abnormalities, potentially leading to treatments for related disorders. The study found that the faulty gene stops cells' 'antennae' from transmitting information.

Liquid method: pure graphene production

Researchers have developed a liquid-based method to produce high-quality graphene, which could lead to novel carbon composites and more affordable touch screens. The new technique yields very pure material and has the potential to drive down costs in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and construction.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Acupuncture's molecular effects pinned down

Researchers at University of Rochester Medical Center discover adenosine's role in paralyzing pain signals, tripling acupuncture effects in mice by adding medication. The study identifies molecular mechanism underlying acupuncture's pain-relieving properties.

Deep subduction of the Indian continental crust beneath Asia

Researchers have discovered that the Indian continental crust was forced down to a depth of at least 200 km under the Asian plate during the Himalayan collision. This finding is significant as it contradicts previous estimates and challenges fundamental parameters of Himalayan tectonics.

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.

Canadian research examines effects of scientific claims on oil

A University of Alberta researcher examines three social narratives that prevent people from acting on the effects of oil on the environment. These narratives, including strategic realism, eco-apocalypse, and technological utopianism, hinder effective action despite knowledge of the issue's impact.

Robots big and small showcase their skills at NIST Alaskan events

The Virtual Manufacturing Automation Competition and Mobile Microrobotics Challenge demonstrated robotic capabilities for complex tasks like mixed palletizing and microassembly. The competitions aimed to advance robotic skills for future robots in various industries.

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.

Put more nitrogen into milk, not manure

A study by US Department of Agriculture researchers found that only 20-35% of nitrogen fed to dairy cows is converted into milk, with 16-77% necessary for grass and other pasture plants. The research provides tools to improve nitrogen use efficiency, promoting better practices for farmers and reducing environmental impact.

Prenatal exposure to BPA and DES may increase breast cancer risk

Researchers at Yale University found that prenatal exposure to BPA and DES can increase an offspring's risk of breast cancer. The chemicals, known as endocrine disruptors, alter gene expression in the breast throughout life, leading to a higher risk of breast cancer in adults.

Rutgers cell biologist pinpoints how RNA viruses copy themselves

Researchers have discovered that certain RNA viruses, including Poliovirus and Hepatitis C virus, copy themselves by seizing a cellular enzyme to create replication factories enriched in phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate (PI4P) lipids. This process enables the viruses to attract and stimulate the enzymes needed for replication.

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.

New blood thinners can cause dangerous drug interactions

Three new oral blood-thinning drugs may offer significant advantages over Coumadin, but their lack of clinical experience raises concerns about potential interactions. Many adults take multiple prescription drugs, increasing the risk of adverse interactions.

Study begins on air-sea exchanges and their influence on climate

Scientists launch Waves, Aerosols and Gas Exchange Study (WAGES) to investigate air-sea gas exchange and its impact on climate. The two-year project uses the Royal Research Ship James Clark Ross to collect continuous measurements of carbon dioxide, sea-spray aerosol, heat, moisture, and momentum.

New source of stem cells form heart muscle cells, repair damage

Researchers have discovered a new source of stem cells that can form heart muscle cells, which can help repair damaged hearts. The stem cells, called human amniotic membrane-derived mesenchymal cells (hAMCs), were obtained from the amniotic membrane and showed promising results in laboratory studies.

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.

Zeroing in on quantum effects

Physicists use iron oxychalcogenides to study Mott localization in undoped pnictide parent compounds, providing further evidence that these systems are on the verge of Mott localization. This proximity to Mott localization endows the system with strong quantum magnetic fluctuations.

Following the sugar right from the start

Researchers have successfully attached imaging probes to glycans in zebrafish embryos just seven hours after fertilization, allowing for the first-ever images of glycan activity on embryonic cells. This new technique enables scientists to study physiological changes during embryogenesis without damaging the embryos.

Yale researchers develop test to identify 'best' sperm

Researchers at Yale School of Medicine have developed a method to select sperm with the highest DNA integrity, comparable to the egg's natural selection abilities. The test identified a biochemical marker that allows clinicians to choose the best sperm for fertilization, improving male fertility rates.

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.

Post-mortem of a comet

Researchers at the University of Leicester have dissected comet samples to reveal their true composition, shedding light on the Solar System's early stages and water delivery. They found unexpected signs of high-temperature iron oxides, raising questions about comet formation.

Response to preoperative therapy may predict survival in pancreatic cancer patients

Researchers found that patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma whose tumors respond most to preoperative chemotherapy and radiation survive four times as long, on average, than those who respond least. The study suggests that identifying molecular factors associated with a major pathologic response could lead to important progress in t...

Novel protein essential for successful pregnancy

Researchers at Yale University have discovered a novel protein called Preimplantation Factor, which is crucial for successful pregnancy. The protein modulates maternal immunity and promotes early embryo attachment, influencing uterine cell remodeling.

First horned dinosaur from Mexico

The newly discovered Coahuilaceratops magnacuerna is a rhino-sized plant-eater with massive horns up to 4 feet long and weighs around four to five tons. The species provides fresh insights into the Late Cretaceous period in Mexico, offering a new perspective on western North America's ecosystem.

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.

Materials Design and Texas Instruments at VLSI Symposia

Materials Design Inc. presents a joint presentation with University of Texas at Dallas, KAUST, and Texas Instruments on the power of atomistic simulation in guiding microelectronics development. The collaboration demonstrates low Vt in CMOS using hybrid cladding layers.