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Science News Archive November 2010


Page 2 of 27

UC Davis study finds children with autism have mitochondrial dysfunction

A new study by UC Davis researchers found that children with autism have deficits in cellular energy production, suggesting a strong link between autism and mitochondrial defects. The study's lead author suggests that deficiencies in mitochondria may contribute to cognitive impairments associated with autism.

The couch potato effect

A new study reveals that a key muscle protein is necessary for exercise but not normal muscle development. PGC-1-deficient mice exhibit mitochondrial problems but remain insulin-sensitive and do not develop diabetes.

Diabetes may clamp down on brain cholesterol

Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center discovered that diabetes can reduce brain cholesterol synthesis, which could impact brain function and increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease. This finding has broad implications for people with diabetes and may also play a role in diabetic neuropathy.

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.

Researchers find link between sugar, diabetes and aggression

Researchers found that drinking sweetened lemonade boosted glucose levels, reducing aggressive behavior in college students. The study suggests a link between low glucose metabolism and increased aggression and violence, particularly among individuals with diabetes.

Mystery dissolves with calcium pump discovery

Researchers from Arizona State University have discovered a calcium-driven pump mechanism in endolithic cyanobacteria, which dissolves carbonate substrates. This finding has implications for coral reefs and mussel aquaculture, addressing a long-standing geochemical paradox.

Manufacturing 'made to measure' atomic-scale electrodes

Scientists from Donostia-San Sebastian and Kiel universities develop method to control atom count in molecular unions, improving electric current flow. This breakthrough enables precise characterization of nanometric systems, resolving a key problem in nanotechnology.

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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Celebrex may help prevent some non-melanoma skin cancers

New research from the University of Alabama at Birmingham suggests that Celebrex may help prevent some non-melanoma skin cancers. The study found that celecoxib was highly effective in preventing cancer development from pre-cancerous actinic keratoses lesions, especially in patients with large numbers of lesions.

Nano-diamond qubits and photonic crystals

Researchers have successfully fabricated a hybrid system using nano-diamonds and photonic crystals, paving the way for multi-qubit systems on a single chip. This achievement brings the dream of a quantum computer closer to reality, with potential applications in various fields of science and engineering.

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.

Strategic alliance expands clinical and public health informatics globally

The International Medical Informatics Association (IMIA) and the Global Health Informatics Partnership (GHIP) announce a strategic alliance to enhance global health information and communication systems, create learning modules for public health and clinical workers, and support local centers of excellence in health informatics. The pa...

Predatory bugs can save cornfields

Researchers discovered that corn rootworm larvae's nasty blood repels certain predators like ground beetles and ants. However, wolf spiders have a hearty appetite for the insects, making them an important predator in controlling corn rootworm populations.

Ancient wind held secret of life and death

A team of geologists discovered that an ancient wind brought life to the region and preserved the dead in South Africa's Soom Shale. The unique structures found in the shale layers suggest that fierce glacial winds carried nutrients into the surface waters, fuelling prolific life.

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.

Walking slows progression of Alzheimer's

A 10-year study found that walking at least five miles per week protects brain structure and slows cognitive decline in people with Alzheimer's and mild cognitive impairment. The study also showed that physical activity levels are correlated with MRI results and reduced the risk of cognitive decline.

Evolutionary psychology: Why daughters don't call their dads

A new study reveals that women decrease interactions with male relatives, including fathers, when they are most fertile. This behavior is believed to protect against inbreeding and the negative consequences associated with it. Women tend to call their mothers more frequently during high fertility days.

From the brain of a locust

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have made a groundbreaking discovery that mechanical stress is instrumental in several key phenomena in neuronal development. The team used insect cells, including those from the desert locust, to build an in vitro nervous system and observe how neurons form a network.

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.

Playing with building blocks of creativity help children with autism

Children with autism improved their creative skills by building Lego structures in new ways, learning to use creativity in everyday life. Researchers used Applied Behavior Analysis and positive reinforcement to teach the children, who were able to apply their new skills to different situations.

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.

More lives saved with 24/7 enhanced staffing in medical ICU

Increased specialist staffing levels in intensive care units can improve survival rates and enable patients to breathe sooner without assistance. The study found a 19% decrease in mortality and significant reductions in sedative use and ventilator days.

Crucial sex hormones re-routed by missing molecule

Research finds that a missing molecule essential for nerve cell development impacts GnRH transport, leading to infertility in males. In mice lacking SEMA3A, GnRH becomes stuck in the nose or forehead, preventing proper hormone regulation.

Caffeinated alcoholic beverages -- a growing public health problem

Research reveals that consuming caffeinated alcoholic beverages can increase the risk of heavy intoxication, intending to drive after drinking, and experiencing or committing sexual assault. The article highlights the need for systematic research into this growing public health problem.

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.

Motivation to end racism relies on 'yes we can' approach

A new study published in Psychological Science found that making people believe their efforts will be successful motivates them to take action against racism. Participants who felt they could make a difference took more actions and had more positive attitudes towards African Americans.

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.

Heat wave deaths highest in early summer

A Yale University study found that the risk of dying from a heat wave is highest when they occur early in the summer and are hotter and longer than usual. The average daily risk of non-accidental death increased by an average of 3.74 percent during heat waves.

How authentic is your pomegranate juice?

A chemist at UC Riverside is using advanced spectroscopy methods to verify the presence of pomegranate compounds in juices sold as pomegranate juice. By analyzing unique biochemicals, she aims to detect adulterated products and potentially apply this technology to other food and beverage items.

Chemistry for greenhouse gases

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a new metal complex that can convert methane into ethane, a crucial step towards building longer-chain hydrocarbons as alternative energy sources. This breakthrough could pave the way for a cleaner and more sustainable method of producing fuels from greenhouse gases.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Male reproductive problems may add to falling fertility rates

Declining sperm counts and testosterone levels are contributing to reduced fertility rates worldwide. At least one in five young men in Europe have subfertile semen quality, while testicular cancer and developmental abnormalities also rise. Poor sperm quality is linked to poorer IVF success rates.

Duke scientists look deeper for coal ash hazards

A Duke University study identifies new monitoring protocols to accurately measure and predict ecological impacts of coal ash contaminants. The research found that arsenic levels remained high in pore water long after surface waters dropped below safe thresholds, posing significant risks to aquatic life.

Subsurface scattering in point-based rendering

A new framework for rendering subsurface scattering on surfaces represented by points is introduced, providing a significant improvement in transparency and realism for translucent materials. The method uses two additional computation passes to simulate the light diffusion phenomenon inside multilayered materials.

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.

Cinnamon can replace harmful chemicals used to create nanoparticles

Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a method to create gold nanoparticles using cinnamon, replacing toxic chemicals and reducing environmental impact. The process utilizes no electricity and toxic agents, making it a more sustainable approach for healthcare products and pharmaceuticals.

Confronting sexism may be 'antidote' for workplace distress

A new study shows that women who publicly challenge sexist behavior experience psychological benefits, including increased self-esteem and empowerment. Researchers found that communal-oriented individuals are more likely to confront prejudice.

Rainforest collapse drove reptile evolution

Scientists discovered that rainforest collapse triggered an evolutionary burst among reptiles, leading to increased diversity and adaptation. The event, which occurred 300 million years ago, isolated populations of reptiles and allowed them to evolve in separate directions.

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.

Developed world at risk of forgetting about AIDS pandemic

A recent study has found that media coverage on HIV/AIDS in developed countries has decreased by over 70% since the 1990s. Meanwhile, attention to climate change has increased significantly, potentially diverting resources away from addressing socioeconomic issues like malaria and poverty.

Study: Avoidance, poor coping challenge prisoners returning to society

A study of 20 individuals returning to society after prison found that avoidance and problem-focused coping strategies were frequently used but often ineffective in managing barriers. Healthy coping mechanisms, such as emotion-focused strategies, were infrequently employed, contributing to recidivism.

New approach may help dialysis patients fight anemia

Researchers have discovered a new treatment option for dialysis-related anemia using FG-2216, which increases erythropoietin (EPO) production in both healthy individuals and patients with end-stage renal disease. The study's findings suggest that the kidneys of dialysis patients retain significant EPO production capacity.

Blast from the past: Jack pine genetics support a coastal glacial refugium

Researchers found distinct genetic patterns in eastern and western jack pine populations, suggesting an isolated coastal refugium along the Atlantic coast during the Last Glacial Maximum. This discovery sheds light on how glaciers impacted present-day pine genetics and potentially influenced the distribution of other boreal species.

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.

Shape optimization of curved slots on 3-D surface

A new parametrical mapping method is proposed to shape optimize curved slots on 3D surfaces, reducing stress concentration and improving structural performance. The approach successfully applies to the squirrel-cage elastic support design, achieving valid designs with reduced fatigue risk.

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.