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Science News Archive October 2010


Page 8 of 25

Offshore wind a 'mixed bag': University of Maryland study

A University of Maryland study assesses the feasibility of developing and operating wind farms in Maryland's Atlantic coastal waters. The study finds that offshore wind holds potential to help meet State Energy Targets, but addresses serious institutional impediments such as radar interference and transmission facility inadequacies.

Simple blood test helps predict chronic kidney disease

A study found that measuring three biomarkers in a single blood sample can improve physicians' ability to identify patients at high risk of developing CKD. The biomarkers included homocysteine, aldosterone, and B-type natriuretic peptide.

Malaria-transmitting mosquito evolving, NIH grantees find

Researchers funded by NIH have found that Anopheles gambiae is evolving into two distinct species, M and S, with differing traits and behaviors. These emerging species may alter disease transmission patterns, requiring new prevention strategies.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Peripheral induction of Alzheimer's-like brain pathology in mice

Researchers at the Hertie Institute of Clinical Brain Research have found that peripheral administration of misfolded protein fragments can induce Alzheimer's-like brain pathology in mice. This discovery provides new clues on the underlying mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease and may lead to new strategies for prevention and treatment.

Coccolithophore blooms in the southwest Atlantic

A study led by Dr. Stuart Painter identifies five distinct water masses controlling coccolithophore blooms off the southeast coast of South America, highlighting the region's complexity and productivity. The research cruise measured salinity, chemistry, and nutrient levels, confirming that specific conditions foster bloom formation.

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.

Promising new 'antigene' therapy

Antigene therapy utilizes a DNA-based drug that attaches directly to specific DNA sequences and is activated by light energy, effectively silencing targeted genes. This approach may offer new hope for treating diseases currently incurable or having limited success.

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.

Egg meets sperm: The female side of the story

The study reveals new insights into how the egg interacts with sperm at fertilization, providing potential clues to infertility and potentially leading to non-hormonal contraceptives. The research was conducted by Luca Jovine's team at Karolinska Institutet and has important implications for human reproductive medicine.

Poor start in life need not spell doom in adulthood

A University of California, Riverside biologist found that adult Trinidadian guppies can mitigate the negative effects of a poor early start through flexible growth and reproductive strategies. This study suggests that adults can compensate for their early conditions through adaptive changes.

Research looks at stuttering differences in boys, girls

A recent study aims to identify neural reasons for early childhood stuttering, with a focus on sex differences that influence recovery rates. The research seeks to better understand the causes of this speech disorder, which affects about 5% of children during early stages of speech acquisition.

Teaching kids to work through trauma

A Tel Aviv University researcher has developed a workshop method to help children develop resilience factors and avoid psychological disabilities from stress. The program improved children's anxiety, social interaction, and academic performance.

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.

Scientists examine energy trends of communications equipment

A team of scientists at Alcatel-Lucent Bell Labs has found that energy efficiency gains in communications equipment are not keeping pace with traffic growth, leading to increased power consumption. The study predicts a seven-fold increase in power per user over the next decade.

Toward a better understanding of future climate in the Sahel

Research scientist Alessandra Giannini wins NSF CAREER award to advance understanding of climate model projections in the African Sahel. She aims to identify mechanisms attributed to natural variability, land use change, or global warming, using data from global models and atmospheric observations.

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.

Partners who had powerful faces in college lead profitable law firms

A study found that law firms led by managing partners with powerful faces in college are more profitable. The researchers judged photos of 73 managing partners for dominance, maturity, attractiveness, likeability, and trustworthiness, and found that facial power was a strong predictor of law firm profitability.

UTHealth receives $11 million NIDA grant

Researchers at UTHealth's Center for Neurobehavioral Research on Addiction will use the five-year, $11 million grant to study the behavioral neurobiology of cocaine dependence. The project aims to translate this knowledge into effective pharmacotherapies for the disorder through novel medications and imaging methodologies.

Center to study effects of plastics chemicals on children's health

A new research center will study the effects of bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates on infant and adolescent development, cognition, and behavior. The center aims to determine if exposure to these chemicals alters hormone signaling and affects sex differences in brain development and behavior.

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.

Nightshades' mating habits strike uneasy evolutionary balance

A team of researchers led by Boris Igiâ31 and Emma Goldberg found that long-term evolutionary survival favors plants that avoid self-fertilization. This leads to greater genetic diversity among nightshade species. By avoiding self-fertilization, plants can more easily keep beneficial mutations and protect against harmful ones.

Microbes may consume far more oil-spill waste than earlier thought

Researchers found microbes in the Gulf of Mexico's seafloor brine pools consume methane 10-100 times faster than previously realized. High concentrations of methane are present in these pools, which are then consumed by microbes, reducing the amount of greenhouse gas released.

Burn injuries rapidly deplete vitamin E

Children with third-degree burns lose almost half of their stored vitamin E in just three weeks, despite receiving high-calorie diets. This rapid depletion may lead to health complications, including peripheral neuropathy.

CSIRO 'hot rods' old telescope

CSIRO has upgraded a radio telescope at the University of Sydney, boosting its sensitivity and bandwidth to three times more than before. The upgrade demonstrates Australia's technological capabilities and will inform the design of the country's own ASKAP telescope.

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.

Scripps Clinic nurse to receive 2010 ASTRO Nurse Excellence Award

Elizabeth A. Brunton, a registered nurse at Scripps Clinic, has been recognized with the 2010 ASTRO Nurse Excellence Award for her exceptional patient care and dedication to education. She developed patient education materials and created an orientation program to help patients understand radiation therapy.

Eating mostly whole grains, few refined grains linked to lower body fat

A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that individuals who consume several servings of whole grains per day and limit their intake of refined grains appear to have less visceral adipose tissue, a key factor in cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. The study observed a 10% lower VAT volume in...

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Clearing the cosmic fog

A European team of astronomers has confirmed that the UDFy-38135539 galaxy is the most remote object identified so far in the Universe. By analyzing its light's redshift, they found that it was seen just 600 million years after the Big Bang, providing valuable insights into the era of reionisation and galaxy formation.

Measuring changes in rock

A research team developed tools to study supercritical CO2's impact on minerals, which could be affected by stored carbon dioxide. The new high-pressure atomic force microscope can observe changes at the atomic scale, addressing a key question about the feasibility of carbon capture and storage.

GOES-13 sees system 99L organizing tropically

System 99L is showing increased organization in the Caribbean Sea, with improved cloud structure and rainfall patterns. Heavy rainfall is expected for the Cayman Islands and Jamaica over the next couple of days.

A new way to weigh planets

A new way to weigh planets has been developed using radio signals from small spinning stars called pulsars, providing an independent check on previous results. The measurements of planet masses made this new way could feed into data needed for future space missions.

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.

Going high-tech to probe deeper into oceans

The new IMOS ocean-observing array will use advanced technologies like autonomous floats, marine mammals with satellite tags, and underwater gliders to study the open ocean. This data will help scientists understand how the ocean's physical properties influence the marine ecosystem.

Exploring Africa's success stories

The African Successes project identifies and analyzes African successes, focusing on economic and political improvements, transparency, and freedom of press. Researchers are studying successful initiatives such as an anti-malaria campaign in Zambia and a cellphone-based money transfer system in Kenya.

The real 'mommy brain': New mothers grew

A new study published by the American Psychological Association found that new mothers' brains grew in areas linked to motivation and behavior, particularly in those who showed intense affection for their babies. The researchers suggest that this growth may be due to hormonal changes after birth, which trigger active brain building.

Gene therapy may be powerful new treatment for major depression

Researchers at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell report that gene therapy to the brain reverses depression-like behavior in mice, with human data backing up the promise of such therapy. Autopsy studies reveal significantly reduced levels of p11 protein in patients with severe depression.

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.

A redeeming role for a common virus

Researchers are conducting a phase II clinical trial using reovirus, a common virus that causes mild symptoms, to target and kill specific tumor cells with KRAS or EGFR mutations. The goal is to exploit the virus's ability to replicate in cancer cells while minimizing harm to healthy cells.

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.

Yorkshire gets £4 million ($6.3 million) electron lithography facility

Researchers in Yorkshire will gain access to a state-of-the-art electron-beam lithography system to study novel magnetic materials and fabricate high-frequency electronics. The £4 million facility, supported by industrial funding, will enable the fabrication of nanostructures with features less than 10 nanometres in size.

Link between 2 forms of ALS suggests drug target

A disease mechanism linking hereditary amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to the more common sporadic form has been discovered. The findings point to the P38 enzyme as a key factor in disrupting axonal transport, a disruption that results in loss of connectivity and symptoms of ALS long before the neurons actually die.

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.

Black rice bran may help fight disease-related inflammation

A new study suggests that black rice bran extract can reduce skin inflammation by 32% compared to control animals. Feeding mice a diet with black rice bran also showed a significant reduction in swelling associated with allergic contact dermatitis.

Dad's weight and diet linked to offspring's risk of diabetes

Researchers found a significant link between paternal weight, diet, and an increased risk of diabetes in offspring through epigenetic changes. The study, published in Nature, showed that high-fat diets in fathers can 'program' metabolic disease in their children.

Neurogenetics research sheds light on the causes of neurological disease

Recent advances in neurogenetics research have shed light on the genetic basis of human brain disorders, including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. Genetic discoveries have transformed clinical practice and provided new hope for patients and families affected by these devastating disorders.

New equation could advance research in solar cell materials

Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a new equation that describes the relationship between current and voltage in organic semiconductors, which could enable advanced solar cells, thin OLED displays, and high-efficiency lighting. The equation provides fundamental insights into how charge moves in these materials.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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