Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive September 2010


Page 5 of 27

Mining the 'wisdom of crowds' to attack disease

A crowdsourcing experiment, called the Challenge, has selected 12 pioneering ideas for attacking Type 1 Diabetes. These ideas were proposed by a diverse group of people, including patients, students, and researchers from various backgrounds.

'Louder at the back, please'

A new study found that playing white noise in class can improve the memory of schoolchildren with difficulties in paying attention. The researchers discovered a significant improvement in performance for inattentive children and a decline in performance for attentive ones as noise levels increased.

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.

Digging deep for ways to curb ammonia emissions

Researchers from USDA's Agricultural Research Service found that subsurface injection of liquid manure can reduce ammonia emissions from dairy farms by 65% compared to surface broadcasting or shallow incorporation. This method limits manure nitrogen losses from volatilization, improving air quality and soil health.

2010 AAO-HNSF new research highlights: Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2010

Researchers presented studies on safe outpatient total thyroidectomy using a serum parathyroid hormone-based discharge algorithm, as well as the potential benefits of statins in treating chronic rhinosinusitis. Additionally, a study examined the impact of mobile phone use on auditory health and found increased risk of cochlea damage. O...

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers use CT to predict heart disease

A new study published in Radiology suggests that radiologists can predict cardiovascular disease using incidental findings from routine CT scans. The study found that aortic calcifications were highly predictive of future cardiovascular events, and developed prediction models to identify patients at high risk.

Method to detect bladder cancer earlier is under development

Researchers identified 79 microRNAs linked to bladder cancer, showing promise for early detection through existing laboratory tests. The new method measures microRNA presence or absence in bodily fluids with high accuracy, comparable to current gold standard testing.

Microbiomes may hold key to better understanding of preterm birth

A team of scientists from Mayo Clinic, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and J. Craig Venter Institute are investigating the relationship between vaginal microbiota and preterm birth. They aim to identify microbial risk predictors for preterm birth using genomic information from the Human Microbiome Project.

Rebels without applause: New study on peer victimization

A Concordia University study found that loners and antisocial kids who reject others are often bullied at school as a way to control renegades. The research team identified dominant children who use relational aggression to maintain their social status.

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.

Triple-negative breast cancers may have unique therapeutic target

Researchers identified insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) overexpression in 25% of triple-negative breast cancers, correlated with gene amplification. IGF-1R blockade has been successful in sarcomas, and targeting this receptor may offer new therapeutic options for triple-negative breast cancer.

Tiny generators turn waste heat into power

Researchers have developed tiny devices that convert waste heat into electricity using pyroelectric nanowires. The devices can generate an electrical current in response to temperature changes, offering a potential solution for powering small devices and biological applications.

Sneaking spies into a cell's nucleus

Researchers have successfully slipped silver nanoparticles cloaked in HIV protein into the nucleus of cells, where they can detect subtle light signals and deliver payloads. This innovation has potential implications for disease treatment and basic scientific research.

Striding towards a new dawn for electronics

A team of McGill University researchers has developed a method to study energy transport along individual conductive polymer molecules, enabling the development of new technologies. By visualizing energy transport in various conformations, they aim to improve sensors and hybrid organic-inorganic light harvesting materials for solar 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.

The price of popularity: Drug and alcohol consumption

A University of Montreal study found that teenagers who are well-accepted and sensitive to social codes are more likely to consume drugs and alcohol. The study, which tracked over 500 students from ages 10 to 15, showed a two-fold increase in consumption among the most popular kids with very popular friends.

Biomarker panel identifies prostate cancer with 90 percent accuracy

Researchers have developed a biomarker panel that distinguishes prostate cancer from benign prostate disease and healthy tissue with high accuracy. The panel uses autoantibodies to identify proteins on the surface of cancer cells, enabling early diagnosis and potentially increasing cure rates.

LA BioMed researcher to receive prestigious honor

Dr. Casaburi will receive the award on Oct. 8 at the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation's annual meeting in Milwaukee, recognizing his many contributions to the field of respiratory research and pulmonary rehabilitation. He is a leading researcher at LA BioMed, directing the Rehabilitation Clinical Tria...

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.

Mayo collaboration finds source of breast drug side effect

A Mayo Clinic collaboration identified four genetic variants on chromosome 14 associated with aromatase inhibitor-induced arthritis. These findings provide a new clue for identifying women at risk and developing treatments, allowing more women to take lifesaving breast cancer therapy.

Acupuncture not effective in stroke recovery

A comprehensive review of 10 studies involving 711 patients found no evidence that acupuncture aids in stroke recovery. The researchers concluded that the existing evidence is negative, calling for large-scale trials to better understand its effects.

Red light regulates nectar secretion

Lima bean plants produce extrafloral nectar to attract ants, which defend against herbivores. Red light influences the production of this nectar through phytochrome, a photoreceptor that regulates the signaling molecule jasmonic acid. This light-dependent regulation enhances defense when herbivory is most likely.

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.

Insecticides from genetically modified corn present in adjacent streams

A study by the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies reveals that streams in the Midwest are contaminated with insecticidal proteins from genetically modified corn, which can persist in the landscape. The research highlights the need for further investigation into the effects of agricultural practices on freshwater ecosystems.

New oil detection technique

A new technique allows for fast and accurate detection of petroleum hydrocarbons in soil and rock using a portable infrared spectrometer. This method reduces labor-intensive sampling and processing requirements, saving time and costs associated with assessing and remediating contaminated sites.

Fungal spores travel farther by surfing their own wind

A new study reveals that fungal spores travel farther by forming a plume that reduces drag to nearly zero, creating a wind that carries them up to 100 millimeters. By hydrodynamic cooperation, thousands of spores are ejected simultaneously, reaching speeds of 60 centimeters per second and covering distances of over a centimeter.

Interaction with neighbors: Neuronal field simulates brain activity

A computational model developed by RUB scientists simulates brain activity through neighbor interactions, facilitating faster processing of moving objects. The model, published in PLoS Computational Biology, uses a neural field approach to describe the complex dynamics of cortical neurons.

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.

Family, culture affect whether intelligence leads to education

A new study explores how genetic and environmental factors influence educational outcomes in identical and fraternal twins across Minnesota and Sweden. Family background plays a significant role in determining education, especially in Minnesota, while Sweden prioritizes grades and test scores.

Quarks 'swing' to the tones of random numbers

Researchers have developed a new theory that describes the way quarks 'swing' inside protons using massive quantities of random numbers. This allows for more accurate numerical calculations and provides a new understanding of the data from large research groups at CERN.

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.

2010 AAO-HNSF new research daily highlights: Monday, Sept. 27, 2010

Researchers have developed an in vitro system to investigate hair-cell regeneration techniques, while studies also examine the presence of biofilms in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. Disparities in healthcare access and utilization among children with ear infections were also found, highlighting the need for targeted interven...

Help for new food-zapping process

CSIRO has partnered with German organizations to develop low-energy electron beam processing technology, preserving food's flavor, odor, and nutrients without heat or chemicals. The technology has been successfully applied to Stahmann Farms, Australia's largest pecan nut processor.

Semiconductor could turn heat into computing power

The new technology, thermo-spintronics, could enable integrated circuits that run on heat instead of electricity. Researchers discovered that two pieces of the material do not need to be physically connected for the effect to propagate from one to the other.

Partners of breast cancer patients are at risk of developing mood disorders

A new analysis reveals that male partners of women with breast cancer are at a significantly higher risk of developing severe mood disorders requiring hospitalization. The study found a 39% increased risk of being hospitalized with an affective disorder among men whose partners had breast cancer, compared to those without.

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.

Tile drainage directly related to nitrate loss

A recent study reveals that tile drainage in the Mississippi Basin is a significant source of nitrate pollution, particularly in the highly productive cornbelt region. Farmers are not blamed for this issue, as they are using the same amount of nitrogen since 1993 and achieving higher yields.

UCLA develops combat casualty care educational program for US armed forces

The UCLA-developed Combat Casualty Care educational program provides critical training for U.S. armed forces medical personnel in traumatic injury management, applicable to both military and civilian settings. The program incorporates cutting-edge video footage, patient cases, and ultrasound training modules to enhance trauma care.

Exercise associated with lower rate of fractures in elderly women

A randomized trial found that 30 months of supervised exercise followed by voluntary home training significantly reduced the risk of fractures in high-risk elderly women. The study also showed improved balance and gait, as well as lower mortality rates, compared to a control group.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

'Gold' fish thrive, cancers die

Researchers at Rice University used gold nanoparticles with laser pulses to create tiny vapor bubbles that selectively destroyed cancer cells in zebra fish implanted with live human prostate cancer cells. This technique avoids damaging healthy tissue and demonstrates a new approach to cancer treatment.

Type 1 diabetes research at UC San Diego gets $5 million boost

UC San Diego researcher Maike Sander leads a team in developing replacement insulin-producing beta cells from patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells. The goal is to create a cell-based approach for treating type 1 diabetes, providing patients with insulin independence and reduced risk of hypoglycemia.

A revolutionary new way of reversing certain cancers

Researchers found a way to shrink tumors in certain cancers by blocking the production of microRNA 380, which disables the P53 gene. This breakthrough provides hope for new treatments and may return cells to normal when blocked.

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.

Right or left? Brain stimulation can change which hand you favor

New research from UC Berkeley found that magnetic pulses disrupt neurons governing motor skills, increasing left hand use in right-handed volunteers. The study challenges previous assumptions about decision-making and may pave the way for clinical advances in brain injury rehabilitation.

Complexity not so costly after all, analysis shows

A new analysis by Jianzhi Zhang and coworkers reveals flaws in models predicting the cost of complexity and finds that moderate complexity best enables organisms to adapt. The study challenged assumptions underlying traditional mathematical models, suggesting that a moderate amount of complexity is beneficial for adaptation.

Television drove viewers to the Web to explore Obama-Muslim rumors

A study by Ohio State University researchers found that television coverage significantly influenced public interest in the Obama-Muslim rumor, leading to increased online searches. Newspaper coverage had little effect, as articles effectively dispelled the rumor and reduced online searches.

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.

Scientists arrive in Senegal to give African hunger a black eye

Researchers are exploring the cowpea's high protein content, drought resistance, and ability to infuse soils with nitrogen, making it a promising crop for Africa's food security. The conference highlights innovative approaches to breeding resilient varieties and using biotechnology to combat pests and diseases.

Surgery found effective for patients with aggressive prostate cancer

Researchers found that surgery provides high survival rates of 92% for patients with aggressive prostate cancer, outperforming radiation therapy alone in terms of cancer-specific and overall survival. The study suggests that limiting hormone therapy may avoid adverse health consequences for these patients.

Baby boomers raise midlife suicide rate

Research by sociologists Ellen Idler and Julie Phillips found significant increases in middle-aged suicide rates, particularly among unmarried individuals and those without a college degree. The study suggests that chronic diseases and substance abuse may be contributing factors to the rising trend.

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.

JCI table of contents: Sept. 27, 2010

Researchers discovered that Maf protein promotes osteoblast differentiation in mice, reducing bone formation and increasing fat cell generation with age. Additionally, studies found defective immune cells in patients with type 1 diabetes and suggested these cells could be a viable target for treatment.

Friends, family detect early Alzheimer's signs better than traditional tests

Researchers developed a questionnaire that relies on friends and family to evaluate cognitive changes, which corresponded with biomarker results more consistently than traditional cognitive tests. The Ascertain Dementia 8 (AD8) tool provides a brief and low-cost alternative for identifying individuals who need follow-up evaluations.