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Science News Archive November 2010 - Page 23


Page 23 of 27

Cedars-Sinai 'nano-drug' hits brain-tumor target found in 2001

Researchers create a nanobioconjugate drug that specifically targets glioblastoma multiforme by blocking the production of laminin-411, promoting tumor cell death. Human clinical trials are anticipated to begin soon, offering new hope for brain cancer treatment.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 4, 2010

Electrical brain stimulation improves math skills

Researchers applied transcranial direct current stimulation to the parietal lobe, improving participants' ability to learn artificial numbers and processing relationships between them. The treatment had a lasting impact of up to 6 months, with potential implications for individuals with moderate to severe numerical disabilities.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 4, 2010

Yale journal explores new environmental applications of ICT

A special issue of Yale's Journal of Industrial Ecology examines innovative ICT applications for energy efficiency, smart irrigation, and carbon reduction. The research assesses the environmental impacts of ICT and entertainment sectors, estimating their net environmental impact and potential for reducing carbon emissions.

SourceYale University·JournalJournal of Industrial Ecology·DateNov 3, 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.

UM dorms will go 'off the water grid'

The University of Miami College of Engineering is developing a self-sustaining water system for 20 students using new technologies to reduce energy and water demands. The project aims to promote sustainable development by treating wastewater as a resource, reducing the need for centralized treatment plants.

SourceUniversity of Miami·DateNov 3, 2010

Honey bees: Genetic labeling decides about blue blood

Researchers find that methyl labels determine a bee's fate from food intake, influencing gene expression and potentially linked to human cancer. They identified 550 genes with differences between queens and workers, offering insights into epigenetic regulation.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 3, 2010

Volcanoes have shifted Asian rainfall

Scientists have found that large volcanic eruptions tend to dry up central Asia but bring more rain to southeast Asian countries. This contradicts climate models' predictions and highlights the complex interactions between natural and manmade forces.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 3, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Small materials poised for big impact in construction

A new report highlights the potential benefits of nanomaterials in construction, including improved strength, durability, and energy efficiency. However, concerns about adverse health and environmental effects also exist, emphasizing the need for guidelines to regulate their use.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateNov 3, 2010

The emergence of holographic video

Researchers have developed a holographic system that can transmit near-real-time 3D images using a novel photorefractive polymer. The system can refresh images every two seconds, making it faster than previous versions by over 100 times.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature·DateNov 3, 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.

Study shows volunteering benefits those with functional limitations

A new study reveals that volunteering helps adults with functional limitations live longer by alleviating a sense of diminished usefulness. Older adults who volunteered were found to have lower mortality rates compared to those without such limitations.

SourceArizona State University·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateNov 3, 2010

Video-game technology may speed development of new drugs

The use of graphics processing units (GPUs) is accelerating the simulation of molecule movement, reducing processing times from years to months for the development of new drugs. Chemists are embracing this technology to streamline computations and accelerate discovery.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateNov 3, 2010

Cosmic curiosity reveals ghostly glow of dead quasar

Astronomers have confirmed that Hanny's Voorwerp is a large cloud of glowing gas illuminated by the light from a quasar, which has since burned out. The team found that the quasar lighting up the gas took up to 70,000 years to travel through space.

SourceYale University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateNov 3, 2010
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.

The developmental dynamics of the maize leaf transcriptome

Scientists at Boyce Thompson Institute have used RNAseq to track gene expression in maize leaves, revealing that entire suites of genes are turned on and off as the leaf develops. The study provides an unprecedented view of the genetic circuitry of the leaf and has significant implications for agriculture and bioenergy.

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateNov 3, 2010

Psyllid identification key to area-wide control of citrus greening spread

A US Department of Agriculture scientist has identified at least six psyllid species in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, which are suspected to spread citrus greening disease. The psyllids were found on various trees, including torchwood and persimmon, which surround citrus groves.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·DateNov 3, 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.

Neutron stars may be too weak to power some gamma-ray bursts

A new study analyzing four extremely bright gamma-ray bursts observed by NASA's Fermi satellite suggests that these events are likely powered by black holes rather than neutron stars. The analysis found that the remnant of a long-duration burst is most likely a black hole, as it cannot produce enough energy to power a magnetar.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·DateNov 3, 2010

Does adolescent stress lead to mood disorders in adulthood?

Research from Concordia University suggests a link between adolescent stress and the development of mood disorders such as depression or bipolar disorder in adulthood. High cortisol levels in adolescence have been found to persist into young adulthood, doubling the risk for developing a serious mood disorder.

SourceConcordia University·DateNov 3, 2010

Higher medication spending doesn't indicate better prescribing quality

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that there is significant variation in prescription spending across hospital-referral regions in the US. Despite high spending, some areas still prescribe unnecessary medications to seniors, leading to complications and increased healthcare costs.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 3, 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.

Study shows drop in unnecessary care after Medicare reimbursement cut

A recent study found a decline in unnecessary care for prostate cancer patients not likely to benefit from treatment after Medicare policy changes reduced reimbursement. In contrast, patients with clear benefits from the therapy continued to receive it at the same rate.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 3, 2010

Chromosome imbalances lead to predictable plant defects

A study by Purdue University researchers found that specific chromosome imbalances in plants can lead to predictable physical defects. The team used polyploid and aneuploid plants to identify easily measured characteristics associated with imbalanced chromosomes, offering insights into correcting genetic defects.

SourcePurdue University·JournalGenetics·DateNov 3, 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.

New compounds may treat both alcohol and cigarette addictions

Researchers have discovered two new compounds that target neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtype α3β4* to treat both alcohol and nicotine dependence. The compounds significantly decreased alcohol consumption in rodents without affecting their sucrose intake.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateNov 3, 2010

UCLA autism study reveals how genetic changes rewire the brain

Researchers at UCLA used brain imaging and genetic detective work to illustrate how genetic variants alter the brain, behavior, and learning. The discovery could lead to earlier detection of autism and targeted therapies to rebalance brain function.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 3, 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.

MIT chemists engineer plants to produce new drugs

Researchers at MIT have genetically engineered periwinkle plants to produce unnatural variants of their usual alkaloid products, which could lead to more effective cancer treatments. The team successfully attached halogens to vinblastine precursors using bacterial genes, expanding the plant's pharmaceutical repertoire.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateNov 3, 2010

Multifocal contact lenses may reduce vision for night driving

A new study finds that older adults wearing multifocal contact lenses may have slower driving speeds at night and reduced ability to recognize road hazards compared to those using progressive addition glasses. However, they can still see road signs at a shorter distance.

SourceAssociation for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateNov 3, 2010

Armed antibody triggers remissions for Hodgkin's lymphoma

A phase I clinical trial at University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found an antibody loaded with an anti-cancer agent produced complete or partial remissions in 38 percent of patients with relapsed or therapy-resistant Hodgkin lymphoma.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 3, 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.

Nanoimprint lithography NSF grant awarded to micro device lab at Stevens

Stevens Institute of Technology has received an NSF grant to acquire a Nanoimprint Lithography System, enhancing its research and educational capabilities in nanotechnology. The new equipment will support high-throughput nanoscale patterning and hands-on experience for students in the Nanotechnology Graduate Program.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·DateNov 3, 2010

Levels of coumarin in cassia cinnamon vary greatly even in bark from the same tree

A recent study reveals significant variation in coumarin levels among Cassia cinnamon samples, with powder containing up to 63 times more coumarin than Ceylon cinnamon. Researchers highlight the need for further research to identify factors influencing coumarin levels and potentially allow for lower-coumarin harvesting.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateNov 3, 2010

Researchers expand cyberspace to fight chronic condition in breast cancer survivors

University of Missouri researchers are developing a virtual database to store, search, and review information on lymphedema treatment. The system aims to improve patient health by providing timely access to evidence-based research. Lymphedema is a chronic condition affecting physical, mental, and social health in breast cancer survivors.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalProceedings of the IEEE·DateNov 3, 2010

Prostate cancer's multiple personalities revealed

Weill Cornell Medical College researchers discovered secondary mutations in prostate cancer cells that make them lethal. This finding could lead to better tests and individualized therapy for deadly prostate cancers.

SourceNewYork-Presbyterian·JournalGenome Research·DateNov 3, 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.

Physics experiment finds violation of matter/antimatter symmetry

The MiniBooNE experiment has confirmed the existence of a fourth flavor of neutrino, violating the fundamental symmetry of matter and antimatter. The discovery could explain the composition of the universe and potentially help resolve dark matter.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 3, 2010

Asthma drug prevents spread of breast cancer: study

Researchers found a Japanese asthma drug can stop the spread of breast cancer cells and reduce tumour growth by 50%. Tranilast targets a molecule in cancer cells that binds to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, making it beneficial for treating allergies, inflammatory diseases, and cancer.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 3, 2010

New 3-D model of RNA 'core domain' of enzyme telomerase may offer clues to cancer, aging

Researchers at UCLA have created a three-dimensional structural model of the RNA core domain of the telomerase enzyme, which plays a critical role in cancer cell immortality. The new model provides insights into how telomerase functions and could lead to new approaches for treating diseases associated with telomerase activity.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 3, 2010

Language appears to shape our implicit preferences

A study by Harvard University psychologists found that bilingual individuals' opinions of ethnic groups were affected by the language they spoke. The researchers used the Implicit Association Test to show that language can create and shape implicit attitudes, challenging the view that attitudes are stable.

SourceHarvard University·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateNov 3, 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.

Electrons get confused

Researchers at HZB observed exotic behavior in beryllium oxide when bombarded with high-speed heavy ions, causing electrons to forget material properties. The results show changes in electronic structure and ultra-fast melting processes around the firing line of the heavy ions.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 3, 2010

First outstanding article award presented by Contraception

Three papers were selected for the inaugural Contraception Article Award for their exceptional quality and impact on the field of family planning. The awarded articles cover topics such as bone mineral density recovery after contraceptive use, medical abortion follow-up, and postpartum intrauterine contraception cost-effectiveness.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·DateNov 3, 2010

UGA study finds moving animals not a panacea for habitat loss

Researchers found that gopher tortoises released earlier were three times more likely to produce offspring, suggesting a social hierarchy's impact on breeding patterns. Introducing females instead of males or increasing female numbers could lead to successful population augmentation.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalBiological Conservation·DateNov 3, 2010

Transparent conductive material could lead to power-generating windows

Scientists have developed transparent thin films capable of absorbing light and generating electric charge over large areas. The material combines elements for light harvesting and electric charge transport, enabling potential applications in energy-generating solar windows and transparent solar panels.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateNov 3, 2010
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.

Main squeeze not needed for boa mom

Researchers at North Carolina State University have discovered that female boa constrictors can reproduce asexually, producing all-female babies with rare genetic traits. The study found that these WW-chromosome females retained their mother's color mutation and lacked any male influence.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalBiology Letters·DateNov 3, 2010

Cell membranes behave like cornstarch and water

Researchers discovered that cell membranes behave as viscoelastic materials, bouncing back like rubber when quickly perturbed. This finding challenges the long-held notion of biological membranes being simple Newtonian fluids.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 3, 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.