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Science News Archive November 2010 - Page 3


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.

SourceDuke University·JournalDevelopment·DateNov 29, 2010

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalPsychological Science·DateNov 29, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateNov 29, 2010

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.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateNov 29, 2010

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.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalGenome Biology·DateNov 29, 2010

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.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateNov 29, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateNov 29, 2010

Broadening the base of publicly funded health care

Health care costs in Canada are expected to increase due to rising expenditures. Governments have options to deal with this, including increasing revenue through taxes or social insurance.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 29, 2010

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.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateNov 29, 2010

Declining energy quality could be root cause of current recession

A decade-long decline in the nation's energy supply quality may be the root cause of the current economic recession. The Energy Intensity Ratio (EIR) measures how much profit consumers get from their energy, and its decline is correlated with economic downturns.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateNov 29, 2010

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNeurology·DateNov 29, 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.

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.

SourcePhysikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB)·JournalChemie Ingenieur Technik·DateNov 29, 2010

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.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Management and Enterprise Development·DateNov 29, 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.

How well is your doctor caring for people with Parkinson's disease? New AAN tool helps measure care

The American Academy of Neurology has developed a new quality measures tool to help doctors gauge how well they are caring for people with Parkinson's disease, focusing on non-motor symptoms such as depression and falls. The measures aim to improve the quality of care for individuals with neurologic disorders like Parkinson's disease.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateNov 29, 2010

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.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 29, 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.

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.

SourceCardiff University·JournalEmergency Medicine Journal·DateNov 29, 2010

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.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateNov 29, 2010

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.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateNov 29, 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.

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.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 29, 2010

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.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateNov 29, 2010

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.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalNature Medicine·DateNov 29, 2010

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalLab on a Chip·DateNov 29, 2010

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.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateNov 29, 2010
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

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.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Physics·DateNov 29, 2010

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.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 29, 2010

Fitting a biological nanopore into a man-made one, new ways to analyze DNA

Researchers at Delft University of Technology and Oxford University have developed a new, more robust type of nanopore device that combines biological and artificial building blocks. This technology has the potential to revolutionize DNA analysis by making it faster and cheaper.

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 28, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 28, 2010

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.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalScience·DateNov 28, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Physics·DateNov 28, 2010

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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateNov 27, 2010

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.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature·DateNov 26, 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.

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.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Inorganic Biochemistry·DateNov 26, 2010

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.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 26, 2010

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.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateNov 26, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·DateNov 25, 2010

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.

SourceArizona State University·DateNov 25, 2010

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.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalScience·DateNov 25, 2010
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 than 600,000 deaths per year worldwide -- 1 perecent of all deaths -- caused by passive smoking, and around 165,000 of these deaths are among children

A study published in The Lancet reveals that passive smoking claims the lives of over 600,000 people each year globally, mostly among children. The research found that children are more heavily exposed to second-hand smoke than other age groups, and their exposure can have devastating effects on their health.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 25, 2010

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.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScience·DateNov 25, 2010

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.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 25, 2010

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.

SourceSAGE Publications UK·JournalInternational Journal of Cultural Studies·DateNov 25, 2010
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.

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...

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalEnvironmental Microbiology·DateNov 25, 2010

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.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalScience·DateNov 25, 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.