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Science News Archive November 2010


Page 3 of 27

Marsupial embryo jumps ahead in development

Researchers found that marsupial embryos develop forelimbs earlier than expected, using a unique genetic program. This breakthrough suggests that developmental processes may be more flexible than previously thought, allowing for adaptability in marsupials.

Contact with dads drops when women ovulate

Researchers found that women call their fathers less frequently and hang up sooner during high-fertility days, possibly to avoid male control. They also spent more time on phone calls with mothers, suggesting an unconscious drive for reproductive success.

Prescriptions for teens and young adults on the rise

A recent study found that prescription rates for controlled medications nearly doubled among young adults and adolescents over the past 14 years. This increase was observed across multiple settings and demographics. Researchers attribute the trend to evolving pain management policies and increased awareness of mental health issues.

Emergency departments see substantial increase in CT exams

A new study reports a significant increase in CT scans performed in emergency departments, with the percentage of ED visits involving CT imaging rising from 2.8% to 13.9% between 1995 and 2007. The study found a remarkable growth rate of 16% per year, driven by increased awareness of cost and radiation concerns.

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.

New genomic technique reveals obesity gene variants

Researchers have identified DNA variants in two nervous system genes associated with an excessively high BMI, providing new insights into the genetics of obesity. The study used a novel approach to link rare and common regulatory variants to extreme obesity.

Clarity in short-term memory shows no link with IQ

Researchers at the University of Oregon found that a person's ability to store more items in their short-term memory is linked to higher fluid intelligence as measured by IQ tests. In contrast, the clarity or resolution of those memories shows no relationship with fluid intelligence.

Study suggests that being too clean can make people sick

A University of Michigan School of Public Health study found that people exposed to higher levels of triclosan were more likely to report allergies and hay fever. Additionally, BPA exposure was associated with impaired immune function in adults, but only for those over 18 years old.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Diagnosis uncertainty increases anxiety in patients

A study presented at the Radiological Society of North America annual meeting found that diagnosis uncertainty can be as stressful as knowing a serious illness, with breast biopsy patients reporting significantly higher anxiety levels. Healthcare providers can alleviate patient stress by improving communication and shaping expectations.

New tool to measure quality of patient care

A new tool has been developed to measure the quality of patient care for people with brain disorders, including Parkinson's disease. The tool evaluates non-motor symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, safety, and more, providing a comprehensive assessment of care.

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.

Please blow

A new generator has been developed to produce synthetic breath for evidential breath analyzers, reducing measurement uncertainty in alcohol concentration. The device can also be used to calibrate other sensors with different components.

How to avoid employee depression in a recession

During economic recessions, anxiety affects job satisfaction and engagement, leading to negative impacts on companies. A model has been formulated to help managers identify and address employee anxiety, implementing actions that improve job satisfaction and organizational commitment.

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.

Neuroscience of instinct: How animals overcome fear to obtain food

In a study, rats weigh their odds of safely retrieving food pellets near a predator to make instinctive safety decisions. Rats with impaired amygdala activity were more cautious and risk-averse when faced with danger, while those with overactive amygdala showed greater fear and avoidance behaviors.

Teenage girls face greater violence threat from poverty

A Cardiff University study reveals that living in a deprived area increases the risk of violence more sharply for girls than boys. The researchers found that assault injury rates were uniformly higher in the most deprived areas, and that the risk to girls was three times more sensitive to material deprivation.

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.

Light exercise may prevent osteoarthritis

A study found that light exercise can delay the onset of osteoarthritis by protecting healthy knee cartilage. Engaging in low-impact activities like walking or swimming may be beneficial in maintaining healthy joints.

Women with migraine with aura have better outcomes after stroke

Researchers found that women with migraine with aura are twice as likely to have no significant disability from stroke. This association may be due to smaller vessel mechanisms leading to mild strokes. The study's results offer reassuring news for migraine sufferers, suggesting a lower risk of severe outcomes.

Tiny RNA shown to cause multiple types of leukemia

In mouse models, overexpression of microRNA 125b (miR-125b) causes leukemia and accelerates its progression. The study found that miR-125b is a major cancer-causing microRNA, leading to different types of leukemia.

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.

New study reports effects of endurance running

A recent study followed 44 ultra-marathon runners for two months to investigate the physical effects of long-distance running. The research found that runners experienced significant muscle loss in their legs, as well as substantial fat reduction, particularly in visceral fat, which is linked to cardiovascular disease.

Neurological protein may hold the key to new treatments for depression

Researchers at Centre for Addiction and Mental Health have developed a protein peptide that disrupts coupling between dopamine receptors, potentially treating depression. The peptide showed marked improvement in depression-related behaviors in animal models, comparable to traditional anti-depressant medications.

A 'USB' for medical diagnosis?

UC Davis engineers have developed a universal microfluidics connector to bridge biological tests with electronic devices, enabling compact medical diagnostic tools. The 'fit-to-flow' interface could enable cell phones to function as mini microscopes.

Celecoxib may be effective in preventing non-melanoma skin cancers

A randomized clinical trial found that celecoxib reduced the incidence of new nonmelanoma skin cancers but not precancerous lesions in patients with actinic keratosis. The study suggests that cyclooxygenase inhibitors may provide an additional benefit to sunscreens in preventing these cancers.

Researchers demystify glasses by studying crystals

Scientists have demystified glasses by analyzing the behavior of a metallic alloy as it cools down. The findings suggest that glassy states can be unfrozen and refrozen by changing temperature, contradicting previous theories on strong and fragile liquids.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Abnormal blood vessel function found in women with broken heart syndrome

Researchers found increased vascular reactivity and decreased endothelial function in women with broken heart syndrome compared to postmenopausal women and those who had regular heart attacks. This unique risk factor highlights the importance of mental stress in ABS syndrome, which may lead to the development of specific therapies.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Superantigens could be behind several illnesses

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have discovered that superantigens, produced by staphylococcus bacteria, can activate the immune system in more ways than previously thought. This complex interaction may be behind several illnesses, including long-term wound infections and autoimmune disorders.

Amazonian biodiversity much older than originally thought

A recent study reveals that Amazonia's incredible biodiversity originated from the formation of the Andes mountains, dating back over 65 million years. The study found a strong correlation between the mountain's creation and the development of Amazonian species.

Scientists create highly ordered artificial spin ice using nanotechnology

Researchers at the University of Leeds have successfully created artificial spin ice, a state-of-the-art nanomaterial that has been difficult to produce in the past. By achieving thermal equilibrium, they can now study the precise configuration of magnetic monopoles and their potential applications in magnetricity.

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.

Whale-inspired ocean turbine blades

Researchers at US Naval Academy have designed novel blade modifications inspired by humpback whale flippers to improve turbine performance in converting low-velocity tidal flow energy into electricity. The modified blades proved effective in extracting energy at low speeds without degrading performance at high flow speeds.

Getting a tighter grip on cell division

Researchers have isolated and observed the kinetochore, a molecular complex that pulls chromosomes apart during cell division, outside of cells. The kinetochore's precise mechanism involves a balance of tension and disassembly to ensure accurate DNA replication.

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.

Iron compounds synthesized to combat tuberculosis

Two iron compounds have been synthesized to inhibit the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in vitro. The compounds showed low toxicity in mammalian cells, making them promising candidates for treating tuberculosis and serving as hospital disinfectants.

CERN observes melted nuclear matter for the first time

The ATLAS experiment at CERN has directly observed lead ions melting and dissolving into smaller particles, providing insight into the universe's early stages. This phenomenon was only expected to occur at extreme temperatures, confirming the power of the LHC in studying fundamental physics.

A molecular switch for memory and addiction

Researchers have identified a key role for a protein called RyR2 in the development of long-term changes in brain connectivity associated with learning, memory, and addiction. By upregulating RyR2, nicotine can trigger the formation of new connections in the brain, leading to addictive behavior.

Developing countries can cut greenhouse gas emissions and help the poor

A study by UC Berkeley researchers shows that clean energy investments in rural areas can help alleviate poverty and reduce carbon emissions. In Nicaragua, a community went from using diesel generators to efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs, resulting in a 28% drop in energy use and 37% reduction in electricity bills.

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.

ASU’s Ask A Biologist website wins prestigious SPORE prize

The American Association of Science has awarded ASU's Ask A Biologist website the Science Prize for Online Resources in Education (SPORE) award. The website, developed by Charles Kazilek, features a range of interactive content, including games, quizzes, and podcasts, designed to engage children in science learning.

Size of mammals exploded after dinosaur extinction

After the dinosaurs disappeared, mammals grew dramatically in size, with some reaching 17 tonnes, and ecosystems reset relatively quickly. The study reveals that climate and space availability limit mammalian size, with no single group dominating the largest class.

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.

Cassini reveals oxygen atmosphere of Saturn's moon Rhea

The Cassini mission has discovered an oxygen atmosphere on Saturn's moon Rhea, which is extremely thin and sustained by high-energy particles bombarding its icy surface. The formation of oxygen and carbon dioxide could be a pre-requisite for life, with complex chemistry potentially common throughout the solar system.

Writing exercise helps women overcome sexist stereotypes

A new study finds that a brief writing exercise can improve female students' academic performance and reduce the gender gap in college science. The exercise appears to narrow the gap by alleviating anxiety related to negative stereotypes about women in science.

Google -- an engine of knowledge creation?

Academic users must be aware of how search engines operate to ensure quality sources are chosen. José van Dijck argues that Google Scholar is a co-producer of academic knowledge, not just a neutral tool. Its algorithm prioritizes quantitative citation analysis over relevance and truth-value.

Will this be the end of hamburger disease?

A recent study published in Environmental Microbiology and Nature Reviews Microbiology reveals that E.coli O157:H7 can thrive in cow intestines due to its ability to scavenge ethanolamine, a nutrient not found by other bacteria. This breakthrough could lead to non-medical methods to eradicate the bug, reducing food contamination and hu...

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Researchers image atomic structural changes that control properties of sapphires

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have imaged atomic structural changes in sapphires that control their properties. These changes, called dislocations, involve small rearrangements of aluminum atoms and can affect the material's electrical, chemical, and magnetic properties as well as its strength and durability.