Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for November 12, 2010


NIMH's Dr. Mortimer Mishkin to be awarded National Medal of Science

Dr. Mortimer Mishkin, chief of NIMH's Section on Cognitive Neuroscience, is the first NIMH intramural scientist to receive the National Medal of Science for his pioneering work on brain processing and memory. His research has greatly advanced our understanding of how learning and memory are processed in the primate brain.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·DateNov 12, 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.

Sleep apnea linked to cognitive difficulties and deficits in gray matter

Research suggests sleep apnea patients experience structural brain abnormalities in regions susceptible to hypoxemia, which may be partially or fully reversible with early detection and treatment. Cognitive challenges such as executive function impairments and daytime sleepiness are linked to specific brain areas affected by OSA.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateNov 12, 2010

Myocarditis can attack hearts without warning

A 44-year-old sailor received a groundbreaking treatment for severe myocarditis, which caused inflammation of his heart muscle and led to heart failure. He was implanted with two small ventricular assist devices, making him the first person in North America to receive this life-saving therapy.

SourceNorthwestern Memorial HealthCare·DateNov 12, 2010

Breaking the ice before it begins

Researchers at Harvard University have designed nanostructured materials that prevent ice formation by repelling water droplets. The breakthrough could lead to efficient and sustainable solutions for keeping surfaces ice-free during harsh winter weather.

SourceHarvard University·JournalACS Nano·DateNov 12, 2010
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

New equation calculates cost of walking for first time

Researchers found that taller people use less energy per stride when walking, making short people less economical walkers due to taking more steps. A new equation can now be used to calculate the energetic cost of walking based on these factors.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateNov 12, 2010

NIH scientists explore 1510 influenza pandemic and lessons learned

The 1510 influenza pandemic originated in Asia and spread quickly to Africa and Europe via trade routes. New scientific and public health advances have improved our ability to plan and prepare for seasonal and pandemic influenza.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateNov 12, 2010

No difference in nonsuicide mortality between 2 anti-psychotic drugs

A Penn-led study of over 18,000 patients with schizophrenia found no significant difference in nonsuicide mortality between ziprasidone and olanzapine, two second-generation anti-psychotics. The findings provide reassurance for clinicians prescribing these medications.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateNov 12, 2010

Fertility or powdery mildew resistance?

Researchers at the University of Zurich have identified a mutant gene that links powdery mildew resistance to plant fertility. Plants with this gene are resistant to powdery mildew but infertile, highlighting a crucial trade-off in plant defense mechanisms.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalScience·DateNov 12, 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.

Addex highlights strength of allosteric modulation technology platform

Addex Pharmaceuticals highlights the power of its allosteric modulation technology platform, presenting data on nine therapeutic programs across various receptor types and therapeutic areas. The company's technology is allowing it to bring a new kind of chemistry to industrial drug discovery efforts, improving productivity in pharmaceu...

SourceHalsin Partners·DateNov 12, 2010

New genetic marker makes fruit fly a better model for brain development and diseases

Researchers have identified a new genetic marker, DenMark, which sheds light on neuronal connectivity in Drosophila, providing valuable insights into brain development and diseases such as Alzheimer's and multiple sclerosis. The discovery paves the way for further studies using the fruit fly as a model organism.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 12, 2010

Recognition given for ground-breaking advancements in digitalizing health data and information

Four leaders in biomedical and health informatics received the AMIA Signature Awards for their groundbreaking work in digitalizing health data and information. Adam Wright's research on clinical decision-support systems and data mining transformed patient care, while Judy Ozbolt's pioneering work in nursing informatics improved profess...

SourceAmerican Medical Informatics Association·DateNov 12, 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.

Vaccine for urinary tract infections is 1 step closer

Researchers discovered key differences in how E. coli bacteria behave in humans compared to mice, identifying potential targets for a vaccine. The study's findings could lead to the development of a vaccine that saves billions in healthcare costs and millions of doctor visits annually.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateNov 12, 2010

Nature honors outstanding faculty mentor

Chris Wood, a professor at McMaster University and University of Miami, is recognized for his immense impact on the field as a scientist and mentor. He has attracted over 100 postdocs and grad students to his labs, with many now holding faculty positions worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·DateNov 12, 2010

Tests show bright future for gadonanotubes in stem cell tracking

Researchers at Rice University have developed gadonanotubes that can effectively track mesenchymal stem cells through magnetic resonance imaging, potentially improving disease diagnosis and treatment. The study found that GNTs are 40 times better than standard contrast agents in helping doctors spot signs of disease or damage.

SourceRice University·JournalBiomaterials·DateNov 12, 2010

Mathematical model of the life cycle of red blood cells may predict risk of anemia

A mathematical model developed by researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard University can predict the risk of anemia in individuals. The model reflects how red blood cells change in size and hemoglobin content during their four-month lifespan, allowing for early detection of iron-deficiency anemia.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 12, 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.

Catastrophic drought looms for capital city of Bolivia

A new study suggests that parts of Peru and Bolivia will become a desert-like setting if temperatures rise more than 1.5 to 2 degrees Celsius above modern times. The change would be disastrous for the water supply and agricultural capacity of La Paz, affecting its two million inhabitants.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateNov 12, 2010

How diving leatherback turtles regulate buoyancy

Researchers deployed data loggers on leatherback females to study their diving patterns. The team found that the turtles dive at an average angle of 41deg and swim less hard as they descend. By varying the amount of air they inhale, leatherbacks regulate their buoyancy before diving.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateNov 12, 2010

Cystic fibrosis gene typo is a double whammy

Researchers discovered that a genetic error causing cystic fibrosis also affects the flow of sodium ions, preventing excessive mucus buildup. This finding has implications for developing better therapies for the disease.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateNov 12, 2010

5 avoidable causes account for nearly 1.5 million child deaths in India

A new study found that five avoidable causes, including birth asphyxia and pneumonia, account for nearly 1.5 million child deaths in India each year. The research suggests that improved delivery and postnatal care can reduce these deaths, with the introduction of vaccines and expanded neonatal care also shown to be effective.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 12, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Cell Press delivers the news

Cell Press introduces Cell DNA, a free daily news aggregation service covering life sciences topics. Readers can subscribe to receive daily email digests with news summaries and comment on stories.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateNov 12, 2010

New grant paves the way for transformative science at magnet lab

The NSF grant will support the design and construction of a portable spectrometer to work with a powerful new 36 tesla magnet. This will enable researchers to perform transformative science in an unexplored magnetic-field range for applications such as biological tissues and battery materials.

SourceFlorida State University·DateNov 12, 2010

Sleep makes your memories stronger

New research shows sleep consolidates memories and reorganizes emotional details to aid in creative idea production. Studies have found that a person tends to retain the most emotional part of a memory, leading to improved recall.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateNov 12, 2010
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.

Key player in detoxification pathway isolated after decades of searching

Researchers have isolated P450 compound I, a highly reactive chemical species involved in human metabolism of pharmaceuticals, enabling larger-scale studies to understand its chemical reactions. This breakthrough has significant implications for medicine and basic chemistry, driving research into specificity control.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalScience·DateNov 12, 2010

Tracking $40 billion in commitments for maternal and child health

The Partnership for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health has secured over $40 billion in commitments to improve maternal and child health, with key stakeholders meeting in Delhi to promote accountability. The Global Strategy for Women's and Children's Health has been instrumental in mobilizing these funds.

SourcePartnership for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health·DateNov 12, 2010