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Science News Archive October 2010


Page 12 of 25

Vitamin B12 may reduce risk of Alzheimer's disease

A seven-year study found that higher levels of vitamin B12 reduced the risk of Alzheimer's disease by two percent, while low homocysteine levels were associated with a 16% increased risk. The study suggests that vitamin B12 may be used as a supplement to help protect memory.

Four new psoriasis 'hotspots' identified by U-M geneticists

Scientists at the University of Michigan have identified four new DNA hotspots that may aid in developing new treatments for psoriasis. The study, published in Nature Genetics, builds on past work by U-M researchers and provides a better understanding of the hereditary factors of the disease.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Rice, TMC team take aim at pancreatic cancer

Researchers at Rice University are testing a nanoparticle designed to diagnose and treat pancreatic cancer, which is notoriously difficult to treat with a five-year preclinical testing program funded by the National Cancer Institute.

Largest parity violation and other adventures in table-top physics

Researchers at UC Berkeley have achieved the largest observed parity violation in atoms, exceeding previous tests by a factor of 100. Additionally, they measured a non-changing fine structure constant within one part in 1015 per year, setting a goal for further precision.

No standard for the placebo?

A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine questions the foundation of placebo-controlled trials, citing a lack of standardization and regulation for placebo ingredients. The researchers found that only 10% of cases disclose the makeup of placebos, leading to potential biases in study results.

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.

Surgical complications drop at hospitals that share patient safety data

A collaborative approach to sharing patient safety data among Michigan hospitals has led to a nearly 10% reduction in surgical complications. The study, which examined general and vascular surgeries between 2005 and 2007, also found improvements in reducing blood infections, septic shock, prolonged ventilator use, and cardiac arrest.

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.

Is team science productive?

Researchers at Penn Medicine measured the collaborative nature of translational medicine using network analysis, finding that ITMAT members' collaborative papers doubled since 2006. They also discovered that researchers were more likely to collaborate within their own departments and institutions rather than across them.

NASA's Webb telescope's systems engineering evolves

NASA has formed a single systems engineering organization for its James Webb Space Telescope, combining Northrop Grumman's expertise with NASA's mission-level decision-making. The new team aims to streamline communication and decision-making, reducing costs and meeting the launch goal with minimal risk.

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.

Latinas: 'Cancer was just meant to be'

A new study shows that fatalistic thinking in Latinas may prevent them from using cancer screening services. Seven out of eleven studies found a statistically significant inverse association between fatalism and utilization of cancer screening services.

New studies highlight obesity's impact on gastrointestinal health

Researchers found a strong association between obesity and an increased risk of liver cancer, as well as adenoma recurrence in patients with colorectal polyps. Additionally, studies revealed that inflammatory bowel disease is an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease.

Why are men more susceptible to alcoholism?

A new study reveals that men are up to twice as likely to develop alcoholism as women, with increased dopamine release in the brain contributing to this difference. The study found that men had greater dopamine release than women after consuming an alcoholic drink, which may contribute to the initial reinforcing properties of alcohol a...

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.

Treating cancer with light

Scientists at UC Irvine have designed a new device using spatial frequency domain imaging to image cancerous lesions and monitor the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for skin cancer. The device, which uses an array of LEDs, can provide detailed images of the biochemistry of tissue, enabling targeted treatment.

Breakthrough in nanocrystals growth

Researchers at Carnegie Institution for Science have successfully watched nanoparticles grow from the earliest stages of formation using high-energy X-rays. This breakthrough allows for the development of new techniques to control growth conditions, paving the way for improved solar-cell technology and chemical sensors.

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.

NIH-funded scientists sequence genomes of lyme disease bacteria

Scientists supported by the National Institutes of Health have determined the complete genetic blueprints for 13 different strains of Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria that cause Lyme disease. The new genetic data will help develop improved ways to diagnose and treat the disease.

Medicaid reimbursement and childhood flu vaccination rates linked

A new study published in Pediatrics suggests that increasing Medicaid reimbursement for administering influenza shots may boost vaccination rates among poor children. The research analyzed state-by-state data and found a strong correlation between flu vaccination rates and Medicaid reimbursement rates.

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.

Mount Sinai researchers discover why cocaine is so addictive

Researchers found that activation of D1 and D2 neurons in the nucleus accumbens region of the brain exert opposite effects on cocaine reward. Activation of D1 neurons increases cocaine reward, while activation of D2 neurons decreases it. This imbalance may lead to chronic exposure to cocaine resulting in decreased activity in D2 neurons.

JCI online early table of contents: Oct. 18, 2010

New study suggests that high levels of NOS2 are a predictor of survival in patients with ER-negative breast tumors and may be a good target for therapeutic intervention. Additionally, researchers identify the H-CDR3 antibody region as a potential key to treating pemphigus by targeting it with specific therapy. However, genetic inactiva...

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.

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers found that people with periodontal disease are at high risk for cardiovascular disease and that invasive dental procedures may raise this risk. However, studies have not consistently shown a link between these procedures and cardiovascular events. Meanwhile, peer support programs improved diabetes management in patients, su...

Breakthrough: With a chaperone, copper breaks through

Researchers have identified how a membrane protein transfers essential copper ions throughout the body, which could lead to improved treatment of cancer patients. The study's findings may also help develop more effective chemotherapy drugs by understanding how essential minerals are transferred into cells.

Western diet exacerbates sepsis

A high-fat Western diet has been found to exacerbate the inflammatory response to sepsis, a condition of systemic bacterial infection. This increased inflammation can lead to severe outcomes, including higher mortality rates and more morbidity in obese patients.

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.

Beta carotene and retinitis pigmentosa

Researchers tested beta carotene's effects on retinitis pigmentosa, a cluster of hereditary disorders causing incurable blindness. One-third of patients showed improved visual function after taking the nutrient for 90 days, while two-thirds had no response.

Would you sleep on a chunk of ice? Building your 'experience resume'

A recent study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that some people can't resist collecting new experiences, driving unusual consumption choices. Consumers view these activities and products as opportunities to build their 'experiential CV,' connecting to their desire to use time efficiently and productively.

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.

Hepatitis E research receives funding

Researchers are studying a rare form of Hepatitis E affecting middle-aged and elderly men in the UK. The two-year study will examine liver problems in hospital patients and explore transmission through contact with pigs and products.

Yale University researchers find key genetic trigger of depression

Yale University researchers have found a genetic trigger for depression, identifying the MKP-1 gene as a promising target for new antidepressants. The study found that increased levels of this gene are associated with signaling abnormalities in the brain, which can lead to depression.

A dry AMD treatment?; some long-term diabetics escape PDR

Fenretinide shows promise in reducing risk of wet AMD and geographic atrophy growth in dry AMD patients. Long-term diabetics who survived over 50 years with type 1 diabetes appear to be protected against PDR, with protective mechanisms activated early in the disease.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

UMMS researchers identify protein associated with sporadic ALS

UMMS researchers discovered a common link between familial ALS and sporadic ALS, suggesting that the SOD1 gene plays a role in both forms of the disease. The study found that an oxidized form of the SOD1 protein shared characteristics with the mutant SOD1 protein found in familial ALS.

Genetic test to predict early menopause

A genetic test predicting early menopause risk could help UK women in their 30s plan families. Researchers identified four genes associated with early menopause and found they combined to have a larger impact on the condition.

Mice that 'smell' light could help us better understand olfaction

Harvard University neurobiologists have created mice that can detect light using optogenetics, a breakthrough tool for understanding the neural basis of olfaction. The study reveals how the brain processes odors and sheds light on the temporal organization of sensory information.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Key difference in how TB bacteria degrade doomed proteins

Scientists discovered a key difference in how TB bacteria and human cells deliver unwanted proteins to their respective recycling factories. This critical difference may help design drugs to disable the bacterial system while leaving normal human protein recycling centers intact.

Climate change may alter natural climate cycles of Pacific

Scientists link El Nino Modoki to long-term changes in North Pacific Ocean currents, affecting fish stocks and ocean nutrient distributions. The North Pacific Gyre Oscillation (NPGO) is intensifying due to increasing frequency of El Nino Modoki.

Singapore scientists first to perform genome-wide study of human stem cells

A team of Singaporean scientists has made a major breakthrough by discovering the most important genes in human embryonic stem cells, which are crucial for treating debilitating conditions. The researchers identified a particular gene called PRDM14 that makes it easier to turn adult cells into pluripotent stem cells.

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.

Genetic medicine and AMD treatment; genetic screening and glaucoma

Researchers studied genetic risk factors for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and found that patients carrying specific genes were more likely to respond to anti-VEGF therapy. Genetic screening may improve glaucoma care by identifying markers for congenital and primary open angle glaucoma.

MSU tasked with educating health-care providers on fish consumption

Michigan State University will educate healthcare providers on safe fish consumption guidelines using a $1.5 million EPA grant. The program aims to identify at-risk patients and provide benefits and potential dangers of eating fish, particularly for children and women of child-bearing age.