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Science News Archive September 2010


Page 15 of 27

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.

$40 million awarded to trace human brain's connections

The Human Connectome Project aims to create detailed maps of brain circuitry in healthy adults and those with psychiatric and neurologic illnesses. The project will use state-of-the-art imaging instruments and analysis tools to shed light on how brain networks are organized and how they change as we age.

Depression and heart disease combo more lethal than either one alone

Research published in Heart found that the combination of depression and coronary heart disease triples the risk of death from all causes and quadruples the risk of dying from a heart attack or stroke. Depression alone increases mortality by twice as much as having neither condition.

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.

Study: Mental illness stigma entrenched in American culture; new strategies needed

A joint Indiana University and Columbia University study found no change in prejudice and discrimination toward people with serious mental illnesses or substance abuse problems despite increased public acceptance of neurobiological explanations. Key findings include increased support for treatment but generally unrelated stigma reduction.

Study: Old age may not be to blame for becoming forgetful

A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that brain lesions associated with dementia contribute to mild memory loss in older adults. The study of 350 Catholic nuns and priests revealed a gradual decline in memory until the last four to five years of life.

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.

BU team wins $4.1M genome grant

Boston University researchers have received a $4.1 million grant to refine their nanoscale, low-cost DNA sequencing method that could lead to individual genome sequencing for less than $1,000. The team's solid state nanopores are uniquely positioned to compete with current DNA sequencing methods for cost, speed and accuracy.

Nature study shows how molecules escape from the nucleus

Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine have developed a microscope apparatus that achieves unprecedented resolution in living cells, allowing them to visualize the dynamic mechanism by which messenger RNA molecules pass through nuclear pores. This breakthrough could lead to treatments for disorders such as myotonic dystrophy.

$30 million project will map the brain's wiring

A five-year, $30-million Human Connectome Project will generate a map of the brain's major circuits using powerful scanners and analysis techniques. The project aims to understand brain connectivity and function to advance brain health and develop new treatments for disorders like autism and schizophrenia.

Glaciers boost mountain growth in Andes

Researchers found that glaciers in southern Patagonian Andes have helped mountains grow, not erode, by providing an icy shield. The study's findings contradict the glacial buzzsaw theory, which predicted glaciers would slow mountain growth.

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.

New wave: Spin soliton could be a hit in cell phone communication

Researchers at NIST have found theoretical evidence of a new method to generate high-frequency waves used in modern communication devices. The team's analysis predicts the creation of a soliton in a magnetic sandwich, which could lead to more secure and interference-resistant wireless technology.

UNH researchers probe BP oil spill's effect on biodiversity

Researchers investigate impact of Deepwater Horizon spill on minute ocean organisms, which play key roles in nutrient cycling and food chains. The study aims to establish baseline information on pre-spill biodiversity to inform future research.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Home's electrical wiring acts as antenna to receive low-power sensor data

Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a system that uses home electrical wiring as an antenna to receive low-power sensor data. The technology, called Sensor Nodes Utilizing Powerline Infrastructure (SNUPI), allows for wireless sensors that can transmit information wirelessly and run for decades on a single battery.

Commercial-scale test of new technology to recover coal from sludge successful

A new hyperbaric centrifuge technology has been successfully tested for recovering ultrafine coal from slurry, promising to reduce coal slurry impoundment problems. The technology developed by Virginia Tech's Center for Advanced Separation Technologies can be used to recover all mined coal and clean up existing impoundments.

Research shows radiometric dating still reliable (again)

Researchers tested the hypothesis that solar radiation affects radioactive decay rates and found no detectable effect. The study used radioactive gold-198 in two shapes to compare neutrino emission rates, ruling out solar neutrinos as a factor.

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.

Modern Muslims use dreams to make major life decisions

A study by Durham University anthropologist Dr Iain Edgar found that night dreams are being used to make choices on issues like marriage, business, and career development among modern Muslims. The practice of Istikhara, or Islamic 'dream incubation', involves using symbolism to interpret dreams and make decisions.

Rice study examines how bacteria acquire immunity

Rice University scientists analyze how bacteria acquire immunity from disease through the CRISPR system, which uses RNA interference to silence viral genes. The study's findings have implications for biotechnology and drug development.

Children under 4 and children with autism don't yawn contagiously

Most children develop contagious yawning by age 4, while those with autism spectrum disorders are less likely to yawn in response to others. Children with more severe autistic symptoms show the least yawn contagion, suggesting empathy and social cues may be delayed in development

Fountain of youth in bile? Longevity molecule identified

Concordia University researchers have identified lithocholic acid (LCA) as a compound that extends the lifespan of normally aging yeast, which shares common elements with humans. The findings suggest that LCA may have significant implications for human health and longevity.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Secret funding fosters hope for new drugs for autism

A small drug company, Seaside Therapeutics, is developing potential treatments for Fragile X syndrome and autism with secret funding from an anonymous wealthy family. Two of its drugs show promise in clinical trials as treatments for these diseases.

Children's brain development is linked to physical fitness

Research at University of Illinois found that physically fit children have a bigger hippocampus and perform better on tests of memory. A study using MRI measures found associations between aerobic fitness and improved cognitive tasks in pre-adolescent children.

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.

Death at home less distressing for cancer patients and families

A study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that cancer patients who die in hospitals or ICUs have worse quality of life, compared to those dying at home with hospice services. Caregivers of patients who died in ICUs are also at higher risk for developing PTSD and prolonged grief disorder.

Gene network reveals link between fats and heart disease signs

Researchers identified a gene network tied to high-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, and apolipoprotein B levels, which predict downstream cardiovascular disease. The study exposes potential targets for the treatment of heart disease and highlights the importance of understanding biological networks in disease prevention.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Synthetic fuels research aims to reduce oil dependence

Researchers at Purdue University are working on a project to develop a system for generating large quantities of synthetic fuel from agricultural wastes, other biomass or coal. The goal is to create a sustainable synthetic fuel economy by reducing carbon dioxide emissions and increasing the yield of liquid fuel.

Discovery highlights promise of new immune system-based therapies

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute scientists have identified cells in mice that prevent the immune system from attacking own cells, potentially leading to improved therapies for autoimmune diseases. The discovery highlights the importance of balancing the immune response, with CD8+ Treg cells playing a key role.

Gender gap in spatial ability can be reduced through training

A new study finds that training can eliminate the gender gap in spatial abilities in first graders, a promising direction for improving girls' math and science skills. The research suggests that early intervention programs can help level the playing field and provide equal opportunities for girls to excel in these areas.

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.

Does your insurance company know who the good doctors/surgeons are?

A recent study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that physician rating systems are not consistent across insurance companies, leading to confusion among consumers. The study also revealed that board certification, Medicaid acceptance, and practice location were independent factors associated with a top-tier ratin...

Stress accelerates breast cancer progression in mice

Research found that chronic stress increases cancer spread by 30-fold in stressed mice compared to unstressed controls. Stress alters the biology of immune cells, promoting metastasis to distant organs. Beta blockers blocked this effect, suggesting potential prevention strategies.

Chocolate farmers could benefit from newly sequenced cacao genome

The completed cacao genome project provides genetic information to improve planting stocks and protect fragile incomes of West African, Asian, and South American cocoa farmers. The dataset is publicly available, enabling breeders and researchers around the world to share tools and fight disease in their crops.

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.

Wearable sensor technology to measure physical activity

Researchers from Michigan State University are creating a new wearable sensor network to assess physical activity and well-being. The system uses three small wireless sensors that measure frequency, intensity, time, and type of activity, providing valuable information for remote assessment and management.

OHSU research team joins elite consortium dedicated to curing type 1 diabetes

A multi-center team of scientists from OHSU is part of the prestigious Beta Cell Biology Consortium, aiming to develop a cell-based therapy for insulin delivery in type 1 diabetes patients. The researchers hope to produce abundant quantities of functional human insulin-producing beta cells that can be used for transplantation.

Perception of emotion is culture-specific

A new study examines how Dutch and Japanese people assess others' emotions, finding that Japanese participants rely more on vocal tone than facial expressions. This cultural difference in perception can lead to misunderstandings between individuals from different backgrounds.

Mount Sinai researchers develop database to help accelerate drug discovery

A new computational method, ChIP Enrichment Analysis (ChEA), helps streamline gene expression experiment analysis and identifies potential drug targets. The database integrates results from ChIP-seq and ChIP-chip experiments, providing a better understanding of transcription factor regulation and disease development.

Glaciers help high-latitude mountains grow taller

Research reveals that glaciers in cold climates protect mountain tops and sides from erosion, allowing them to grow higher. By analyzing rocks exposed on remote glaciers in Patagonia, scientists found that the protective effect of glaciers reverses the conventional view of them as powerful agents of erosion.

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.

Even very low dose of regular aspirin wards off bowel cancer

Research published online in journal Gut found that taking even a very low dose of regular aspirin (75 mg) can reduce the risk of developing bowel cancer. After one year, daily low-dose aspirin was associated with a 22% reduced risk of developing bowel cancer, which increased to 30% after five years.

Alcohol consumption after breast cancer diagnosis may increase recurrence risk

A new study has found that alcohol consumption after a breast cancer diagnosis may increase the risk of cancer recurrence. The study followed 1,897 women with early-stage breast cancer and found that those who consumed 3 to 4 drinks per week had a higher risk of breast cancer recurrence and death compared to non-drinkers.

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.

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.

Plant biologists lead biobased-fuel research projects

Nine Plant Feedstocks Genomics for Bioenergy awards have been given to ASPB members, who will explore ways to enhance productivity, yield and sustainability of plants as sources of biofuels. Researchers will investigate the role of microRNAs, small RNA molecules and genetic diversity in improving bioenergy crops.

Teaching doctors to treat the individual

Researchers found that medical students who attended workshops on contextual clues during patient examinations showed significant improvement in treating patients with unique contexts. The study suggests that individualized care is something that can be taught and should be part of medical training.

New microfluidic chip for discriminating bacteria

A new microfluidic chip developed by Taiwanese researchers uses surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy to sort and identify bacteria. The technique creates unique spectral fingerprints for different bacterial species, enabling efficient identification.

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.