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Science News Archive September 2010


Page 12 of 27

Protein behind development of immune system sentinels identified

Researchers at Walter and Eliza Hall Institute have identified a protein called PU.1 as essential for the development of dendritic cells, which are key players in the immune response. By regulating PU.1 expression, Flt3 can control DC development, revealing a crucial role for this protein in immune system function.

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.

Consumers willing to pay more for locally grown apples

A Vermont study found that consumers are willing to pay significantly more for locally grown, organic apples. The research indicates a 'significant niche market' for local, organic apples in the US, with many consumers purchasing them from supermarkets, farmers' markets, and natural food stores.

The Amazon rainforest -- a cloud factory

The Amazon Basin acts as a self-contained biogeochemical reactor during the rainy season, producing organic material that serves as cloud condensation nuclei. This process allows scientists to investigate natural cloud formation and precipitation without human influence.

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.

'Wyldewood,' first release from Elderberry Improvement Project

Researchers from the University of Missouri have introduced a new variety named 'Wyldewood', which consistently produces heavy yields, is efficient to harvest, and produces fruit well-suited for processing. The cultivar outperforms standard 'Adams II' in yield potential and berry size.

Grasping the tree of life: There is an app for that, too

The TimeTree app combines phylogeny and timescale data to provide a powerful tool for understanding the interrelationships and diversity of living things. By searching for two organisms, users can find when they shared a common ancestor, with results available in seconds.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Taking the pulse of coral reefs

Coral reefs are surprisingly noisy places with fish and invertebrates producing clicks and grunts that provide useful information about the state of the reef. Healthier reefs were found to be louder, with a clear association between overall noise level generated and the amount of living coral.

Female fish abandoned by males to raise offspring on their own

A new study published in Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology found that male cichlid fish often desert their mates, leaving females to care for their young on their own. This abandonment severely compromises the quality of care provided by females, making them vulnerable to predators.

Plague researchers race to beat bioterrorists

A new vaccine development aims to protect humans from pneumonic plague by combining antibodies with cytokines, addressing concerns about the effectiveness of existing treatments. The Trudeau Institute is leading this research in collaboration with the US and UK militaries.

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.

Study gets measure of how best to prevent blood clots

Researchers found that thigh-length stockings can reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in stroke patients, a life-threatening form of blood clot. The study, which included over 3,000 patients from 112 hospitals, highlights the importance of using long stockings to prevent clots.

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.

Biochemist studies DNA repair with $787,000 in grants

Weiguo Cao's research aims to understand the mechanisms of DNA repair and its contribution to cancer prevention. The study will investigate two DNA repair pathways and explore how defects in these processes can lead to cancer.

NASA-funded study shows desert dust cuts Colorado River flow

A new NASA-funded study reveals that increased desert dust caused by human activities is cutting Colorado River flow, resulting in reduced water availability. The study shows peak spring runoff now comes three weeks earlier than before, with annual runoff lower by more than 5 percent.

NASA sees Tropical Storm Julia getting 'dusted'

Tropical Storm Julia is struggling to maintain its strength as it encounters massive Hurricane Igor's westerly wind shear. The National Hurricane Center predicts Julia will fade into a remnant low in a day or two, with some models suggesting it could be absorbed by Hurricane Igor's circulation.

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.

Firefly Satellite to study lightning

The Firefly satellite, developed by University of Maryland students, will study Terrestrial Gamma-ray Flashes (TGFs) and their link to lightning. The mission aims to answer whether lightning triggers or is triggered by these high-energy flashes.

JCI online early table of contents: Sept. 20, 2010

Researchers identified ways to preserve motor neuron cells in ALS and enhance CD8+ T cell therapy for leukemia. Expanding immune suppressors via TNFRSF25 could prevent allergic lung inflammation in asthma. These findings may pave the way for new therapeutic approaches for these diseases.

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.

4 possible risk factors for ovarian cancer found

A consortium of cancer researchers has identified four chromosome locations with genetic changes that may alter a woman's risk of developing ovarian cancer. These findings are based on a large genome-wide association study and could lead to individualized risk assessments for ovarian cancer.

Possible alternate therapy for adults with poorly controlled asthma

Researchers at the NHLBI found that adding tiotropium bromide to low-dose inhaled corticosteroids is more effective than doubling corticosteroids alone and as effective as adding a long-acting beta agonist. The treatment showed significant improvements in asthma control, including increased symptom-free days.

Technology in the extreme

Researchers at Newcastle University create a wireless sensor that can withstand extreme temperatures to monitor volcanic activity and collect real-time data. The device uses Silicon Carbide electronics, which also offers radiation tolerance for potential use in the nuclear industry.

2 studies find new genetic links to ovarian cancer risk

Two studies found new genetic variants linked to ovarian cancer risk in the general population, particularly in women with serous ovarian cancer. The variants were more common in women with aggressive disease and may be used for closer surveillance and preventive approaches.

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.

Mayo-led researchers discover genetic variants modifying breast cancer risk

Researchers identified five genetic variants associated with increased breast cancer risk in BRCA1 carriers, including those related to estrogen-receptor-negative and triple-negative disease. These findings may help identify individuals at lower or higher risk of cancer, enabling tailored cancer prevention strategies.

Rutgers researchers discover how HIV resists AZT

HIV-1 virus uses ATP to remove AZT, a widely used AIDS treatment, allowing it to replicate itself. This discovery helps researchers understand why anti-AIDS treatments can fail, enabling the development of more effective treatments for HIV patients.

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.

Research team assesses environmental impact of organic solar cells

A research team from Rochester Institute of Technology conducted a life-cycle assessment of organic solar cells, revealing lower embodied energy compared to conventional inorganic devices. The study also found potential benefits for manufacturing, including low-cost solution processing.

NASA eyes Typhoon Fanapi approaching Taiwan

Typhoon Fanapi is approaching Taiwan with strong convection and a tight circulation center, reaching speeds of 97 mph. NASA's Aqua satellite data shows the typhoon consolidating, with a 11-mile-wide eye and a small gap in the eyewall.

When the Earth mantle finds its core

Researchers confirm partial melting of mantle at 2900 km depth, revealing a deep magma ocean. The study uses X-ray diffraction to characterize the passage from solid to liquid state, shedding light on the dynamics and composition of the Earth's depths.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

SHSU to study ballistics database

Sam Houston State University will study the use and effectiveness of the national Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) database to connect crimes to a single firearm. The research aims to identify best practices for improving the system's effectiveness and understand why some law enforcement agencies do not use it.

Research could improve detection of liver damage

Research at the University of Liverpool has led to a potential breakthrough in detecting liver damage, using paracetamol as a basis for study. The team discovered specific proteins in the blood indicate early liver cell damage and can assess the extent of damage more accurately.

Pickle spoilage bacteria may help environment

Agricultural Research Service microbiologist Ilenys Pérez-Díaz and her colleagues discovered that certain Lactobacilli species can modify azo dyes into non-mutagenic substances. This finding has potential applications for wastewater treatment, making food-grade bacteria a promising option for cleaning up textile industry dye waste.

Gene limits learning and memory in mice

Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine have found that deleting a certain gene in mice can improve their learning and memory abilities. The RGS14 gene, which is primarily active in one region of the hippocampus, appears to limit some forms of learning and memory when present.

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.

NASA's CloudSat satellite and GRIP Aircraft profile Hurricane Karl

Hurricane Karl's powerful thunderstorms featured very high icy cloud tops, while moderate to heavy rainfall was observed from the storm. The GRIP mission gathered valuable data on Karl's rapid intensification, which went from a tropical storm to a Category 3 hurricane overnight into Friday.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Channeling efforts to fight cystic fibrosis

Researchers have found a possible new target for fighting cystic fibrosis, exploiting the crosstalk between two chloride ion channels in mucous gland cells. The study suggests that activating one channel could compensate for the lack of CFTR functionality in affected cells.

'Miracle tree' may form basis for low-cost water purification

Researchers aim to create a sustainable water treatment process using moringa seed, which can kill bacteria and remove sediment from water. The system's success depends on optimizing the amount of moringa seed needed to achieve effective water purification without compromising its shelf life.

Light is the friend of lovers

Permanent night lighting affects songbirds' reproductive behavior, with males singing earlier and females laying eggs up to 1.5 days sooner in artificial light environments. This can lead to maladaptive mate-choice decisions, potentially impacting survival and fitness.

Tick tock: Rods help set internal clocks, biologist says

Researchers have found that rod cells in the retina play a crucial role in setting internal biological clocks, even in low light conditions. This discovery has important implications for understanding circadian rhythms and sleep disorders, particularly in older adults who may lose their rod cells to age.

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.

Teenagers are more sedentary on weekends

A study published in Preventive Medicine found that teenagers spend significantly more time watching TV and engaging in sedentary behavior on weekends. The researchers analyzed data from over 3,000 European adolescents and found that having a computer in the bedroom reduces the risk of excessive TV watching.

NASA sees record-breaking Julia being affected by Igor

NASA's Aqua satellite captured visible image of Hurricane Julia, weakened by Hurricane Igor's outflow, breaking a record for the most intense hurricane east of the Azores. The storm is expected to move west-northwest then turn northeast, staying at sea.

Targeted therapy decreases progression rate in thyroid cancer

Researchers at Mayo Clinic found that pazopanib significantly decreased progression rate in patients with metastatic, rapidly progressive differentiated thyroid cancers. The median progression-free survival time was 11.7 months, with an overall survival rate of 81 percent at one year.