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Science News Archive November 2010 - Page 21


Page 21 of 27

Imaging of Alfvén waves and fast ions in a fusion plasma

Scientists have captured the first 2-D visualization of Alfvén waves and the energetic particles that ride them to fusion reactor walls. These images show a torus-shaped plasma with spiral waves and particles arriving at the wall in synchronization with the waves.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 8, 2010

Scientist chronicle nanoparticles' journey from the lungs into the body

Researchers used a novel imaging system to track the movement of near-infrared fluorescent nanoparticles from the lungs into the body and out again. The study found that non-positively charged nanoparticles smaller than 34nm in diameter appeared in lung-draining lymph nodes within 30 minutes.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateNov 8, 2010

Special skin keeps fish species alive on land

The mangrove killifish uses its skin to maintain ion balance, exchanging ions through the skin cells called ionocytes. The fish can also adapt to varying salinity levels, with skin ionocytes getting bigger in response to saltwater and returning to normal size when returned to water.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalPhysiological and Biochemical Zoology·DateNov 8, 2010
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Obesity not linked to breast cancer in Mexican-American women

A study found that Mexican-American women with breast cancer experienced an earlier onset of menopause, potentially reducing their risk due to shorter estrogen exposure. Weight gain during adulthood also reduced breast cancer risk, regardless of menopausal status.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateNov 8, 2010

A comparison of severe outcomes during the waves of pandemic (H1N1) 2009

The study found that while the second wave was substantially larger, with 4.8 times more hospital admissions and 53% of deaths, fewer patients had severe outcomes due to public health interventions. The percentage of severe outcomes decreased in the second wave compared to the first.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 8, 2010

Massachusetts Institute of Technology IDs new cancer drug target

Researchers at MIT identified a new cancer drug target by shutting down an enzyme that controls DNA repair, which can enhance the effectiveness of traditional chemotherapy drugs. The findings suggest that inhibiting this enzyme may help treat difficult cancers resistant to ordinary treatments and prevent drug resistance.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 8, 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.

Scientists make advance in dementia research

Researchers at King's College London found a correlation between VGLUT1 protein levels and cognition scores in individuals with and without dementia. Preserving VGLUT1 artificially after a stroke may reduce the risk of developing vascular dementia.

SourceKing's College London·JournalNeurology·DateNov 8, 2010

Graphene gets a Teflon makeover

Researchers at the University of Manchester have created fluorographene, a one-molecule-thick material similar to Teflon with chemical inertness and thermal stability. The team hopes to use it in electronics, such as LED devices and ultra-thin tunnel barriers, while retaining mechanical strength.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalSmall·DateNov 8, 2010

UCLA uses new hybrid, precision heart procedures to help stop deadly arrhythmias

A study reports on UCLA's experience with new techniques combining catheter ablation with minimally invasive surgical methods to access hard-to-reach areas of the heart. These procedures significantly improved accuracy in applying ablation therapy, offering more treatment options for high-risk patients.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalHeart Rhythm·DateNov 8, 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.

GOES-13 satellite sees cold front stalking remnant low of Tomas

The GOES-13 satellite is monitoring a cold front approaching the remnants of Hurricane Tomas, which has lost its tropical characteristics and now resembles a nor'easter. The satellite imagery shows the cold front as a line of clouds east of the US East coast, with Tomas' remnants appearing as a tight swirl of clouds near Bermuda.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 8, 2010

Researchers in Bonn find an 'altruism gene'

A study published in Social Cognitive & Affective Neuroscience found that a specific genetic variant, COMT-Val, is associated with an increased willingness to donate. Participants with this variant donated twice as much money to charity compared to those with the other variant, COMT-Met.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateNov 8, 2010
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Bilingualism delays onset of Alzheimer's symptoms

A Canadian research team found that bilingual individuals experienced a delay in the onset of Alzheimer's symptoms by as much as five years. The study analyzed clinical records of over 200 patients and found that bilingualism contributed to cognitive reserve, delaying symptom onset.

SourceBaycrest Centre for Geriatric Care·JournalNeurology·DateNov 8, 2010

Silent vascular disease accompanies cognitive decline in healthy aging

A new study by UC Davis researchers reveals that silent vascular disease is common among healthy, active older adults and can lead to subtle deficits in mental functioning. The study found that white matter hyperintensities are associated with greater declines in global cognition over time.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateNov 8, 2010

Most hysterectomies should be performed vaginally or laparoscopically

The American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopy (AAGL) advocates for vaginal or laparoscopic hysterectomy due to low surgical risks and reduced morbidity. These minimally invasive procedures enable faster recovery periods and shorter hospital stays.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology·DateNov 7, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Statins don't prove useful for general pediatric lupus population

Researchers found that statins did not significantly reduce atherosclerosis in children with lupus, despite improving CRP and lipid levels. The study suggests that statins should not be routinely prescribed to kids with lupus, as the benefits do not outweigh the potential risks.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·DateNov 7, 2010

APHA 2010: Health-care reform and people with disabilities

The article discusses how health-care reform can impact people with disabilities, and the importance of their active participation in shaping regulations. Experts emphasize that individuals must make their voices heard to ensure they receive the type of reform promised in the legislation.

SourceIndiana University·DateNov 7, 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 insect birth control strategy zaps cotton pests

Researchers at the University of Arizona have developed a novel approach to controlling pink bollworm pests in cotton fields. By combining pest-resistant cotton with the controlled release of sterile moths, they have virtually eliminated the pest from Arizona, allowing growers to maintain high yields without spraying insecticides.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateNov 7, 2010

Cell phones help save the lives of mothers, infants and children

Mobile phone technology is being used to improve healthcare for mothers, newborns, and children in underserved populations. The use of mHealth has the potential to support global development goals, particularly in reducing child and maternal mortality.

SourcePartnership for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health·DateNov 7, 2010

Viertel Foundation Fellowship for leading cancer researcher

Dr Ross Dickins, a leading cancer researcher at Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, has been awarded a $975,000 fellowship from the Sylvia and Charles Viertel Charitable Foundation. The fellowship will support his work on identifying the normal function of genes recently implicated in leukemia.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·DateNov 7, 2010

UCLA researchers discover a potential target for therapy for patients with a deadly prostate cancer

Researchers found that the protein N-cadherin is upregulated in prostate cancer that does not respond to hormone therapy, making it a potential target for therapy. The study suggests that a monoclonal antibody targeting N-cadherin may be effective in treating this aggressive form of prostate cancer.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Medicine·DateNov 7, 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.

McMaster scientists turn skin into blood

Scientists at McMaster University have discovered how to make human blood directly from adult skin cells, bypassing the need for a pluripotent stem cell conversion. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for patients in need of blood transfusions, reducing reliance on donor matches and increasing access to life-saving therapies.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalNature·DateNov 7, 2010

Dabigatran is as effective as warfarin in preventing stroke in patients with prior transient ischaemic attack or stroke and has a lower risk of intracranial bleeding

A new anticoagulant drug dabigatran has been found to be equally effective as warfarin in preventing stroke in patients who have previously had a stroke or transient ischaemic attack. The study also showed that dabigatran has a lower risk of intracranial bleeding compared to warfarin.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateNov 7, 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.

World's oldest ground-edge implement discovered in northern Australia

A team of international experts has discovered the world's oldest ground-edge stone tool in northern Australia, dated to 35,000 years ago. The find provides evidence of modern human technology and innovation dating back to this period, challenging previous estimates of axe use among early hominid ancestors.

SourceMonash University·JournalAustralian Archaeology·DateNov 6, 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.

ERC advanced grant for Professor Zandbergen's 'nanolaboratory'

Henny Zandbergen receives EU funding to develop 'NanoElectrical Measurements in a Transmission Electron Microscope' (NEMinTEM) equipment and methods. This technology enables real-time measurements of electrical characteristics of nanostructures, paving the way for groundbreaking research.

SourceDelft University of Technology·DateNov 5, 2010

Stevens Professor Hongbin Li receives AFRL contract to develop MIMO Radar

Dr. Hongbin Li receives a three-year AFRL contract to study distributed radar systems and improve object detection, developing networked radar capabilities with high spatial resolution and accuracy. The goal is to combine software and hardware for efficient data communication and achieve better bandwidth from multiple radar sensors.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·DateNov 5, 2010

Specialization builds trust among Web users

Researchers found that participants trusted specialized technology more than general websites and recommendation agents, with cumulative interaction increasing trust. The study suggests mental shortcuts, such as heuristics, contribute to the perception of expertise and trustworthiness in labeled e-commerce tools.

SourcePenn State·JournalInternational Journal of Human-Computer Studies·DateNov 5, 2010

Infants' hemodynamic responses to happy and angry facial expressions

Researchers used NIRS to investigate infants' hemodynamic responses to happy and angry faces, finding that positive expressions elicited continuous neural activation, while negative expressions triggered more rapid decreased activity. The study suggests hemispheric lateralization of facial expression processing develops by 6 months.

SourceNational Institute for Physiological Sciences·JournalNeuroImage·DateNov 5, 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.

NASA extends TIMED mission for fourth time

The NASA Thermosphere Ionosphere Mesosphere Energetics and Dynamics (TIMED) mission has been extended for the fourth time to study the upper atmosphere. The mission will focus on differentiating between human-induced and naturally occurring changes in this atmospheric region, allowing scientists to understand long-term trends.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 5, 2010

UNC team discovers promising target for new pancreatic cancer treatments

A UNC research team has identified RGL2 as a critical protein in the KRAS signaling pathway, which could lead to the development of effective pancreatic cancer treatments. The team's findings suggest that blocking this pathway may hold promise for halting the growth of pancreatic tumors.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateNov 5, 2010

$2.7 million research award to aid nursery, floriculture industry

Virginia Tech receives a $2.7 million grant to study integrated management of zoosporic pathogens and irrigation water quality for a more sustainable green industry. The project aims to develop biologically based control methods and best management practices to recycle irrigation water safely.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateNov 5, 2010

2008 Wenchuan earthquake: a landmark in China's history

The 2008 Wenchuan earthquake, a magnitude 7.9 rupture, resulted in over 80,000 fatalities and left four million homeless. The event showcased China's capability to demonstrate its earthquake science program to the global community.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateNov 5, 2010
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.

Real-time physician electronic alerts reduce unnecessary blood testing in elderly patients

A Kaiser Permanente study shows that electronic alerts can significantly reduce unnecessary D-dimer tests for elderly patients, resulting in a 69.7% decrease in orders. The alerts, which explain the test's inaccuracy in older adults, were implemented in eight primary care clinics and maintained throughout the study period.

SourceGolinHarris International·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·DateNov 5, 2010

Overweight children have different eating patterns than normal weight children

A recent study found that overweight children in Norway consume more healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and fish, but also drink more juice and sugary soft drinks than their normal-weight counterparts. The research highlights the importance of balancing food choices with physical activity to manage weight gain.

SourceNorwegian Institute of Public Health·JournalEuropean Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateNov 5, 2010

Chefs can create reduced-calorie restaurant foods

According to Penn State researchers, 72% of chefs surveyed said they could trim off 10% of calories from meals without customers noticing a difference in taste. Adding water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables can help reduce calorie counts while maintaining nutrient intake.

SourcePenn State·JournalObesity·DateNov 5, 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.

New statistical model moves human evolution back 3 million years

A new statistical model reevaluates the timeline of human evolution, suggesting divergence from chimpanzees occurred around 8 million years ago. The revised estimate improves upon previous findings by accounting for gaps in the fossil record and incorporating DNA evidence.

SourceField Museum·JournalSystematic Biology·DateNov 5, 2010

Understanding diabetes at the molecular level

Scientists have identified a crucial protein complex called TORC 2 that plays a significant role in insulin signaling and is linked to both diabetes and cancer. The study found that activating this complex is essential for cells to take up sugar from the blood, and that it may hold potential as a new target for treating type II diabetes.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 5, 2010

'Prima donna' protein doesn't work well in pairs

Researchers find that kinesins, powerful cargo-moving proteins, struggle to coordinate their efforts when paired, leading to inconsistent cargo transport. This discovery sheds light on the complex mechanisms governing intracellular transport and its link to neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceRice University·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateNov 5, 2010

Breakthrough in cancer vaccine research

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have discovered that a type of stromal cell found in many cancers expresses fibroblast activation protein alpha, which suppresses the immune response. Destroying these cells allows the immune system to control tumours, paving the way for improved immunological therapies.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience·DateNov 4, 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.

Lasofoxifene reduces breast cancer risk in postmenopausal osteoporotic women

Lasofoxifene statistically reduced the overall risk of breast cancer and ER positive invasive breast cancer in postmenopausal women with low bone density. The study found a significant reduction in coronary events, strokes, vertebral fractures, and non-vertebral fractures.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateNov 4, 2010

Moved by religion: Mexican cavefish develop resistance to toxin

Researchers found that Mexican cavefish exposed to a natural fish toxin developed resistance, passing tolerant genes to offspring. This adaptation was triggered by an indigenous ritual that was discontinued due to government pressure, revealing the power of natural selection in response to human activity.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalBiology Letters·DateNov 4, 2010