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Science News Archive October 2010 - Page 11


Page 11 of 25

Photovoltaic medicine

Researchers have developed miniature solar cells that can release chemotherapeutic drugs directly to tumors, reducing systemic side effects. The devices convert light into electric current and can be controlled by varying the intensity of light.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateOct 19, 2010

To be good, sometimes leaders need to be a little bad

Researchers found that some negative personality traits, such as caution and skepticism, were associated with improved leadership development and performance. The study suggests that a nuanced approach to leadership may be necessary, taking into account individual traits and context.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalThe Leadership Quarterly·DateOct 19, 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.

Cheaper, more effective treatment of type 1 Gaucher disease possible

Researchers at Yale School of Medicine have discovered a new pathway involving multiple cell types that contributes to the development of Type 1 Gaucher disease. This knowledge could lead to more effective and less expensive treatments, including a small molecule substrate inhibitor in pill form.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 19, 2010

Study: Religious diversity increases in America, yet perceptions of Christian nation intensify

A study by Jeremy Brooke Straughn found that American religiosity is becoming more diverse, yet perceptions of Christianity as a dominant force are intensifying. This trend coincides with the decline of Protestantism and the rise of religious diversity, highlighting the need to consider the impact of religion on national identity.

SourcePurdue University·JournalSociology of Religion·DateOct 19, 2010

Drought may threaten much of globe within decades

The study predicts that severe and prolonged droughts will affect much of the globe in the next 30 years, with dry conditions increasing substantially across Eurasia, Africa, Australia, and parts of North America. By the end of the century, densely populated regions may face extreme drought conditions.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateOct 19, 2010

Mounting research shows increased health risks from volcanic air pollution

A recent study published in the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health found that exposure to Kilauea's vog increases health risks, including headaches, sore throats, and acute airway problems. Children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable due to their nose-breathing habits.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Reno·JournalJournal of Toxicology and Environmental Health·DateOct 19, 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.

Study reveals superior sedation method for children

Research finds that patients receiving a combination of ketamine and propofol have a faster recovery time and less severe side effects compared to using ketamine alone. The study, conducted by Drs. Amit Shah et al., included 136 children treated in the Paediatric Emergency Department.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateOct 19, 2010

First direct evidence that response to alcohol depends on genes

Scientists found significant brain changes in response to drinking among dopamine receptor-deficient mice, suggesting genetic influence on alcohol's effects. This study supports the idea that genetic screening could help individuals understand risks associated with alcohol consumption.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·DateOct 19, 2010

How green is your campus?

A study analyzing 180 university campuses reveals that factors such as regulatory pressures, financial constraints, and stakeholder opinions significantly impact adoption of sustainable practices. Smaller institutions may benefit from subsidies or technical assistance to adopt green initiatives and attract environmentally conscious stu...

SourceWiley·JournalContemporary Economic Policy·DateOct 19, 2010
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.

Lessons learned from the H1N1 pandemic

The H1N1 pandemic showed the need for faster vaccine production and clear communication to address risks to vulnerable populations. The delay in vaccine manufacturing and unclear messages hindered efforts, resulting in significant years of life lost among younger age groups.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateOct 18, 2010

White House Science Fair showcases Lemelson-MIT InvenTeams

The White House Science Fair highlights the achievements of selected Lemelson-MIT InvenTeams, including students from Arizona and Tennessee who developed a physical therapy chair and a water purifier. The fair aims to inspire youth to engage in STEM activities and pursue careers in these fields.

SourceLemelson-MIT Program·DateOct 18, 2010

Consortium: Higher ed curricula not keeping pace with societal, tech changes

A consortium of educators from around the world is urging a radical transformation in international educational reform to address the complexity and diversity of perspective in the 21st century. The group's website outlines 11 principles for rethinking curricula that lack continuity, collaboration, and shared vision.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature·DateOct 18, 2010

The world is not flat: Exploring cells and tissues in three dimensions

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a new 3D cell culture method that better mimics the in vivo environment, allowing for more accurate study of infectious diseases. This innovation has the potential to expand our understanding of disease onset and progression, and could lead to the development of novel therapeutics.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Reviews Microbiology·DateOct 18, 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.

Researchers increase understanding of genetic susceptibility to psoriasis

A genome-wide association study of 2,622 patients with psoriasis and 5,667 healthy individuals has identified six regions of the genome associated with the condition. The study found evidence for an interaction between two associated regions – HLA-C and ERAP1, providing new insights into psoriasis susceptibility.

SourceKing's College London·JournalNature Genetics·DateOct 18, 2010

Fructose intolerance common in children with functional abdominal pain

A new study found that fructose intolerance is common in children with recurrent or functional abdominal pain, affecting 53.9% of patients. A low-fructose diet was effective in resolving symptoms in 67.7% of patients, highlighting the importance of identifying and managing this condition.

SourceAmerican College of Gastroenterology·DateOct 18, 2010

When vertebrae cross dress: How sloths got their long neck

Scientists at University of Cambridge discover how sloths evolved their unique neck skeleton, finding early bone formation in distal neck vertebrae. The study reveals that sloth's bottom neck vertebrae are developmentally similar to ribcage vertebrae of other mammals.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 18, 2010

Vitamin E in front line of prostate cancer fight

Researchers at Queensland University of Technology have identified a specific vitamin E constituent that can inhibit the growth of prostate tumors. The treatment, tocotrienol (T3), has shown promise in animal trials, with complete inhibition of tumor formation in over 70% of mice implanted with prostate cancer cells.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateOct 18, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Globalized economy more sensitive to recessions

Rice University scientists used evolutionary theory to show that globalization makes the global economy more sensitive to recessionary shocks and recovers more slowly from them. The researchers found a trend of increasing modularity in the trade network since 1969, but also a brief increase in modularity after each recession.

SourceRice University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 18, 2010

A mystery solved: How genes are selectively silenced

Researchers have discovered a crucial mechanism for regulating gene expression, where noncoding RNAs interact with DNA to silence specific genes. This breakthrough sheds light on the complex interactions between epigenetic regulation and noncoding RNA molecules.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalGenes & Development·DateOct 18, 2010

Does clenching your muscles increase willpower?

A new study found that clenching muscles can increase willpower by activating the mind-body connection. Participants who tightened their muscles demonstrated greater ability to withstand pain and make healthy choices.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateOct 18, 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.

Research team identifies new mechanism with suspected role in cancer

A research team at Brown University has discovered a key chemical process involved in the development of cancer, particularly breast cancer. The study found that prolactin receptors can come together to form a structure that picks up growth factors leading to cancerous growth.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 18, 2010

Cash is healthier? Credit and debit increase impulsive food purchases

A study found that shoppers are more likely to buy unhealthy foods when paying with credit or debit cards. The authors suggest this is due to the psychological pain of payment, which can curb impulsive behavior. This connection may be linked to the rising obesity epidemic in the US.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateOct 18, 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.

100-million-year-old mistake provides snapshot of evolution

Researchers at the University of Leeds discovered a 100-million-year-old gene mutation that led to differences in how plants produce male and female parts. The study found that the mutation, which occurred around 20 million years ago, creates a new role for one of the duplicate genes, enabling it to make both male and female parts.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 18, 2010

Tackling cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease: 1 'STEP' at a time

Lowering STEP protein levels reversed cognitive deficits in mice with Alzheimer's disease, according to a Yale University study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The research found that reducing STEP levels is sufficient to reverse cognitive defects in mice without the Alzheimer's mutation.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 18, 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.

Intestinal enzyme helps maintain population of beneficial bacteria

A new study found that an intestinal enzyme helps maintain a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut, potentially preventing serious health issues. The enzyme, IAP, blocks toxic molecules on pathogenic bacteria and restores beneficial E. coli strains after antibiotic treatment.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalGut·DateOct 18, 2010

Can naturally raised beef find its place in the industry?

Researchers found that naturally raised steers can be produced effectively in either confinement or pasture finishing systems, but require a premium of $110 to justify costs. Pasture finishing is more profitable and results in higher quality grades.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalThe Professional Animal Scientist·DateOct 18, 2010
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Watching violent TV or video games desensitizes teenagers and may promote more aggressive behavior

Research published in the Oxford Journal Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience found that exposure to violent media can lead to decreased brain activation in regions involved in emotions and emotional responses. This desensitization can result in increased acceptance of violence and a reduced likelihood of forming consequences wi...

SourceOxford University Press UK·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateOct 18, 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.

Generous paupers and stingy princes? Power and consumer spending

Researchers found that people spend more money on purchases for themselves when they feel powerful and less when powerless. However, those in high-power states tend to be happier when bidding for someone else, not themselves.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateOct 18, 2010

Body's bacteria affect atherosclerosis

Researchers found that bacteria from the mouth and gut can enter the body and contribute to inflammation and plaque rupture in atherosclerosis. The study identified specific bacteria, such as Pseudomonas luteola and Chlamydia pneumoniae, which were present in both atherosclerotic plaques and the mouths and guts of patients.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 18, 2010

Few nurse practitioners, physician assistants pursue careers in pediatric health

New studies by Michigan Medicine's Child Health Evaluation and Research Unit found no increase in the number of nurse practitioners and physician assistants entering pediatric care, despite overall increases. Healthcare systems need to rethink future plans as they transition to caring for an aging population.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateOct 18, 2010

Study documents wrong-site, wrong-patient procedure errors

A Colorado liability insurance database revealed that wrong-site and wrong-patient procedures continued to occur after nationwide steps to prevent them. The study found that non-surgical disciplines also contribute to patient injuries related to wrong-site procedures.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Surgery·DateOct 18, 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.

New 2010 European Resuscitation Council Guidelines published

The new guidelines, published by Elsevier, provide detailed advice for healthcare professionals on how to treat cardiac arrest and continue treatment after the heart has been restarted. In many cases, therapeutic hypothermia is recommended to increase survival rates.

SourceElsevier·JournalResuscitation·DateOct 18, 2010

New evidence of the power of open access

New evidence supports the power of open access in increasing citation impact for higher-quality research. The study found that mandatory and self-selected open access articles have similar citation impacts, contradicting the self-selection bias hypothesis.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 18, 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.

Penn study gives hope for new class of Alzheimer's disease drugs

A new Penn study has found a class of drug that can enter the brain and stabilize degenerating neurons in an animal model of Alzheimer's disease. The epothilone D class of microtubule-stabilizing drugs may offer hope for treatment by restoring microtubule tracks to their original supportive structure.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateOct 18, 2010

How do beauty product ads affect consumer self esteem and purchasing?

A new study found that beauty product ads lower female consumers' self-esteem by making them compare their attractiveness levels to the products. The study also showed that problem-solving products do not have this effect, suggesting a specific impact of beauty-enhancing products on consumer perception.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateOct 18, 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.

The protein NOS2 isn't good for ER-negative breast cancer patients

Researchers have identified a potential therapeutic target for basal-like ER-negative breast cancer. High levels of the protein NOS2 are associated with poor survival in these patients. Selective NOS2 inhibitors may offer new treatment options for this aggressive subtype.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 18, 2010

Japanese researchers report on liver transplantation studies using animal and iPS cells

Two Japanese research teams have reported breakthrough studies in liver cell transplantation, with one team finding that induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) can differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells and another team successfully transplanting porcine hepatocytes into mice with acute liver failure, highlighting progress in overcomin...

SourceCell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair·JournalCell Transplantation·DateOct 18, 2010