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Science News Archive May 2010


Page 17 of 26

Restructuring also puts workers who remain at risk, study says

A new study by University of Illinois labor expert John Dencker found that restructuring shifts workplace power towards firms, leading to performance-based bonuses that slow payroll growth. The shift creates fears of termination for managers, affecting their wages and career stability.

Lake sturgeon have genes from parasite, signs of human STD

Researchers at Purdue University discovered that lake sturgeon have genes from a parasitic worm and a protozoan parasite that causes a sexually transmitted disease in humans. This finding could lead to new methods of sex determination without harming the fish, which are endangered due to overfishing and pollution.

Long-term studies of chronic disease needed in Africa

The need for longitudinal cohorts in sub-Saharan Africa is highlighted due to the growing burden of non-communicable diseases. These studies can investigate multiple complex diseases and risk factors over an individual's lifetime.

Does foreign policy help or hinder global health?

Global health diplomacy is gaining traction in foreign policy circles, with the WHO Foreign Policy and Global Health Initiative aiming to integrate health into international agendas. Experts emphasize the importance of diplomatic engagement for addressing global health challenges and advancing national security objectives.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Monitoring and control can limit side effects of promising cancer drugs

A clinical panel recommends that patients' blood pressure should be closely monitored and controlled before starting angiogenesis inhibitors for cancer treatment. Treating a patient's hypertension before treatment begins and maintaining blood pressure below 140/90 mmHg can help control this side effect.

Caffeine reduces mistakes made by shift workers

A new study found that caffeine can help shift workers make fewer mistakes and improve their performance in tasks such as driving and neuropsychological tests. The researchers reviewed data from 13 trials studying the effects of caffeine on shift work and found a significant reduction in errors made by participants.

DNA could be backbone of next generation logic chips

Duke University engineer Chris Dwyer demonstrates that DNA can be used to create simple logic gates, or switches, using light to excite molecules. This technology has the potential to produce virtually unlimited supplies of these tiny circuits, paving the way for faster and more efficient computing.

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.

No-till farming improves soil stability

A joint study across the central Great Plains found that no-till farming stores more soil carbon, binding particles together and reducing vulnerability to raindrops. This makes the topsoil less susceptible to erosion by water or wind, critical in semiarid regions with low precipitation and high evaporation.

A woman's touch: Physical contact increases financial risk taking

A new study published in Psychological Science found that physical contact from a female experimenter increases financial risk taking in adults. The researchers suggest that this effect is due to the way mothers use touch to make their babies feel secure, creating a sense of attachment and increased willingness to take risks.

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.

Researchers identify additional genes that may play a role in AD

A team of researchers has identified two new genes that may play a role in the development of late-onset Alzheimer's disease. The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, used genome-wide association analysis to identify the genes on chromosomes 2 and 19, which were found to be associated with AD.

Iowa State engineers design power structures that help keep the lights on

Researchers at Iowa State University have designed a new type of transmission pole that can resist extreme loads and prevent cascading failures. The hinged poles, which are cheaper and easier to install than traditional structures, can be repaired rather than replaced, providing better and more reliable power service.

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.

Bats' echolocation recorded for human exploit

Researchers have recorded and recreated Egyptian fruit bats' echolocation calls, allowing them to apply the technique to human engineering systems. The study will enhance information on robotic vehicles' locations, detecting structural flaws.

Many pregnant women not getting enough vitamin D

A recent study reveals that seven out of ten pregnant women in the United States have insufficient vitamin D levels. Prenatal vitamins may not be enough to meet the needs of all women, particularly those with darker skin or living in regions with limited sunlight during winter months.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Bloomberg School receives $100K Grand Challenges Explorations grant

The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health has received a $100,000 Grand Challenges Explorations grant to develop an evolution-proof pesticide that could prevent malaria. The project aims to use a virus to instruct the mosquito to die after transmitting the malaria parasite, reducing the risk of resistance.

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.

Overtime work is bad for the heart

A long-running study of over 10,000 civil servants in London found that working overtime was associated with a 60% higher risk of heart-related problems. The study, published in the European Heart Journal, controlled for various risk factors and suggested that chronic stress may be a key mechanism behind this association.

Revealing the metabolic activity of microbial communities

Researchers have developed a new method to study the metabolic functions of microbial communities, identifying key species and interactions in complex decomposition processes. The Protein-SIP technique measures carbon flux accurately, revealing food chains within microbial communities.

Cancer: Trapping the escape artist

Recent discoveries may help curb anti-apoptotic proteins that tumors express to resist treatment. Researchers outline how six anti-apoptotic proteins in the Bcl-2 family are expressed differently in different cancers.

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.

Certain laboratory technique allows rapid detection of eye pathogens

A new laboratory technique using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) allows for rapid detection of eye pathogens, including bacteria and fungi, in corneal scrapings. This method provides faster diagnosis and treatment for corneal ulcers compared to traditional bacterial culture, which can take up to 48 hours.

Can a mother's voice spur recovery from a coma?

Researchers at Northwestern University led by Theresa Pape are testing if familiar voices can facilitate brain repair and improve coma recovery. The study found that subjects responded more to family voices compared to non-familiar ones, with activated brain areas appearing on MRI scans.

Studies document risks associated with common acid-suppressing medications

A series of reports find that proton pump inhibitors are associated with increased risk of fractures in postmenopausal women, bacterial infections in many patients, and higher doses do not provide additional benefits for treating bleeding ulcers. Introducing guidelines for proton pump inhibitor use may reduce inappropriate prescriptions.

Running a marathon halts cellular suicide

Researchers found that strenuous exercise like running a marathon shifts the balance between pro- and anti-apoptotic genes, potentially halting cellular suicide. The study suggests that sirtuin proteins may play a key role in this process, offering new insights into the effects of exercise on cell death.

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.

New technique permits development of enzyme tool kit

Researchers developed a new approach to harness and modulate enzyme activity, allowing for the design of industrial catalysts and healthcare diagnostics. The technique uses polyvinyl alcohol to limit molecule diffusion, enabling simultaneous monitoring of enzyme- peptide interactions.

Paper offers new insights into the genomics of speciation

A new study by University of Notre Dame biologist Jeffrey Feder challenges the prevailing assumption about genomic speciation. The research found that speciation in the classic apple maggot fly system involves genome-wide differentiation driven by natural selection.

Enabling easy access to DNA sequence information

The European Nucleotide Archive (ENA) consolidates three major sequence resources, providing free access to over 20 terabases of nucleotide sequence data. The ENA offers improved submission and data-access tools, making it easier for users to share their sequence data.

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.

Parkinson's disease treatments associated with compulsive behaviors

Research suggests that individuals taking dopamine agonist medications for Parkinson's disease are at a higher risk of developing compulsive behaviors. The DOMINION Study, which analyzed data from 3,090 patients, found that dopamine agonists were associated with an increased odds of having an impulse control disorder.

Rare toxic algae identified

Scientists have identified a rare species of pathogenic algae causing human skin infections and septicemia. The discovery may lead to better treatment protocols and economic benefits for the dairy industry.

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.

IOF-Servier Young Investigator Research Grant awarded in Florence

The IOF-Servier Young Investigator Research Grant was awarded to two young researchers, Dr. Frank DeVries and Dr. Davide Ruffoni, for their innovative projects on osteoporosis. The grant aims to estimate the risk of fracture in patients with bariatric surgery and understand the mechanisms of implant integration in osteoporotic bone.

Astronomers plan second look at mega star birthing grounds

An international team of astronomers will conduct a closer look at the mega star birthing cloud, located 8,000 light years away in the Southern sky constellation Carina. The cloud is collapsing in on itself, offering an unusual view into behemoth star birth and providing insights into the formation of our solar system.

Nano parfait a treat for scientists

Scientists at Rice University have made a breakthrough in creating highly purified samples of carbon nanotube species using ultracentrifugation, a technique that can help enable the development of efficient nationwide electrical grids and critical applications in medicine and electronics.

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.

X-rays reveal chemical link between birds and dinosaurs

A team of paleontologists, geochemists, and physicists used X-ray technology to analyze the Thermopolis Archaeopteryx fossil, revealing half a dozen chemical elements that were part of the living animal itself. The study confirms that feathers in the fossil are actual fossilized feathers containing phosphorus and sulfur.

How cancer cells lose their (Circadian) rhythm

A new study finds that some immortal cancer cells have functioning biological clocks, but these clocks don't regulate cell division. This could lead to the development of new anti-cancer therapies by targeting the biological clock pathway.

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.

May/June 2010 Annals of Family Medicine tip sheet

Researchers analyzed data from 93,676 women aged 50-79 years and found that those exposed to verbal and physical abuse had lower scores on mental health assessments and greater depressive symptoms. Social visiting was also shown to be effective in improving mood and quality of life for depressed elderly individuals.

Untangling the quantum entanglement behind photosynthesis

Berkeley scientists have identified quantum entanglement as a natural feature of photosynthesis, enabling efficient energy harvesting and transfer. This discovery holds implications for the development of artificial photosynthesis systems and quantum-based technologies.

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.