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Science News Archive May 2010 - Page 17


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.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAdministrative Science Quarterly·DateMay 11, 2010

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.

SourcePurdue University·JournalGenetica·DateMay 11, 2010

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMay 11, 2010

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMay 11, 2010
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMay 11, 2010

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.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateMay 11, 2010

Hubble catches heavyweight runaway star speeding from 30 Doradus

Astronomers discovered a runaway star in the Large Magellanic Cloud's 30 Doradus Nebula, with a speed of over 400,000 km/h. The star is estimated to be around 10 times hotter than the Sun and has been ejected from its home cluster through dynamical interaction.

SourceESA/Hubble Information Centre·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMay 11, 2010

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.

SourceDuke University·JournalSmall·DateMay 11, 2010
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.

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.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateMay 11, 2010

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.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMay 11, 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.

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.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateMay 11, 2010

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.

SourceIowa State University·DateMay 11, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New study suggests sickle cell disease may affect brain function in adults

Research suggests that adult patients with few or mild complications of sickle cell disease may develop cognitive problems, such as difficulty organizing thoughts or learning. The study found that more than a third of participants scored below normal levels on cognitive function tests.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalJAMA·DateMay 11, 2010

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.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalBioinspiration & Biomimetics·DateMay 11, 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.

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.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateMay 11, 2010

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.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·DateMay 11, 2010

G20 Toronto summit unlikely to achieve major reform, Rotman study suggests

A new study suggests that the G20 Toronto summit may not lead to significant reforms in financial regulations. The study highlights the challenges of coordinating policies among countries with diverse financial structures, making harmonization a difficult task.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalThe Journal of Economic Asymmetries·DateMay 11, 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.

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.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateMay 11, 2010

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.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalMolecular & Cellular Proteomics·DateMay 11, 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.

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.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCell Death and Disease·DateMay 11, 2010

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Ophthalmology·DateMay 10, 2010

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateMay 10, 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.

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateMay 10, 2010

Cheaper drugs, vaccines forecast as collaborations grow between developing countries' biotech firms

A study found that south-south collaborations between biotech firms in developing countries are increasing, enabling the production of affordable health products. These collaborations have already led to successful vaccine development and distribution, such as the Brazil-Cuba collaboration during Africa's meningitis outbreak.

SourceSandra Rotman Centre for Global Health·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMay 10, 2010

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.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Physiology·DateMay 10, 2010

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.

SourceArizona State University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 10, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 10, 2010

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.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·DateMay 10, 2010

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateMay 10, 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.

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.

SourceMicrobiology Society·JournalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY·DateMay 10, 2010

New insights into how deadly amphibian disease spreads and kills

New research reveals that Chytrid fungus kills frog populations when infection intensity reaches a critical threshold. The study found that mass mortalities occur beyond this point, while continuous re-infection causes the disease to reach the threshold.

SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 10, 2010

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.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·DateMay 10, 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.

U-M study achieves reduced side effects in head and neck cancer treatment

A new U-M study shows that advanced radiation techniques can treat head and neck cancer effectively while reducing long-term swallowing complications. The study found that up to 88% of patients were cancer-free after three years, with only one patient still requiring a feeding tube.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateMay 10, 2010

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.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMay 10, 2010

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.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMay 10, 2010

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.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 10, 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.

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.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 10, 2010

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.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMay 10, 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.

Physical therapist-led exercise in patients in ICU improves function and decreases hospital stay

A study published by the American Physical Therapy Association found that physical therapist-led exercise programs in ICU patients improve functional mobility and reduce hospital stays. The program involved 57 patients who received rehabilitation-based exercise sessions, resulting in a decrease of 2.1 and 3.1 days in ICU and hospital l...

SourceAmerican Physical Therapy Association·JournalArchives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation·DateMay 10, 2010

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.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Physics·DateMay 10, 2010