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Science News Archive 2011 - Page 113


Page 113 of 311

Researchers developing new test to measure risk for birth defects and neuro-developmental disorders

Researchers at SUNY Downstate have developed a diagnostic test to measure the risk of folate receptor autoantibodies, associated with neural tube defects, autism spectrum disorders, and other neurodevelopmental diseases. The test aims to identify women and children at risk for these conditions, potentially preventing neural tube defect...

SourceSUNY Downstate Health Science University·DateAug 25, 2011

AIAA to present awards at SPACE 2011 Conference in Long Beach

The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) will present awards recognizing key achievements in space science and technology, program management, and sustained service. The AIAA Sustained Service Awards will be presented to Guy Jette and Peter Kurzhals for their contributions.

SourceAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics·DateAug 25, 2011
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.

Scientists create natural Alzheimer's-fighting compound in lab

Researchers at Yale University have developed a practical method to synthesize huperzine A, a natural enzyme inhibitor that has been used to treat Alzheimer's disease in China. The compound shows promise in combating the effects of chemical warfare agents and may offer improved therapeutic benefits compared to existing treatments.

SourceYale University·JournalChemical Science·DateAug 25, 2011

Cell receptor could allow measles virus to target tumors

Researchers discovered that measles virus can target tumors through the PVRL4 receptor, a marker found on lung, breast, colon, and ovarian cancer cells. This approach could be used to fight various types of cancer, with ongoing experiments testing its effectiveness in mouse tumor models.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateAug 25, 2011

Exotic galaxy reveals tantalizing tale

Astronomers have discovered a unique spiral galaxy with massive jets, providing insights into the formation of galaxies and clusters in the early universe. The galaxy, dubbed Speca, has been found to exhibit three distinct episodes of jet activity, shedding new light on the processes that shaped these ancient structures.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 25, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Irrigation's impacts on global carbon uptake

A new study finds that irrigation increases global agricultural productivity by an amount equivalent to the entire US agriculture sector, leading to significant carbon uptake. Adding even small amounts of water can have a bigger impact than larger amounts in wetter regions.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalGlobal Biogeochemical Cycles·DateAug 25, 2011

Government-led efforts targeting eating habits of children needed to curb worldwide obesity epidemic

A new paper calls for coordinated global effort to monitor and prevent childhood obesity, citing taxes on sugary drinks and marketing restrictions as effective cost-saving strategies. International organizations must work with governments and private sector to promote healthy eating habits and physical activity among children.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 25, 2011

E. coli in the countryside: whose problem is it anyway?

Research reveals that E. coli O157 can persist in the environment for over 15 weeks, making it essential for everyone to take precautions when visiting rural areas or consuming contaminated food and water. Farmers, visitors, and governments must adopt strategies to reduce risks and promote awareness about the dangers of this bacteria.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateAug 25, 2011

JCI online early table of contents: August 25, 2011

Scientists identify uroguanylin as a potential target for controlling appetite and obesity. They also found a link between Parkinson disease and fat levels in the blood, with implications for treating this neurodegenerative disorder.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 25, 2011
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.

Third genetic link to osteoarthritis discovered

A new gene, MCF2L, associated with osteoarthritis has been identified through a genome-wide association scan using the 1000 Genomes Project data. The variant is found on chromosome 13 and regulates nerve growth factor (NGF), suggesting that MCF2L plays a role in the development of osteoarthritis.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateAug 25, 2011

Why HIV infection rates are on the rise

New HIV cases linked to infected, medicated partners in gay community, suggesting a need for revised public health approach towards HIV counselling and education. The study reveals that existing HIV drug therapies can't prevent transmission from aware, medicated individuals.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateAug 25, 2011
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.

The malaria mosquito is disappearing -- but it is not just good news

A Danish research group has discovered a significant decline in malaria mosquito populations in certain Tanzanian villages without organized mosquito control. The researchers attribute the decrease to changes in precipitation patterns, which may be linked to global climate change.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalMalaria Journal·DateAug 25, 2011

Life expectancy success story

Researchers found that life expectancy in deprived areas of Brazil increased at three times the rate of more affluent areas, narrowing the gap to 4.2 years by 2005. This decline in social inequalities in life expectancy corresponds to a significant increase in life expectancy between deprived and affluent areas.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalInternational Journal for Equity in Health·DateAug 25, 2011

Linking Parkinson's disease and fat levels in the blood

Researchers identified parkin as a regulator of fat uptake by liver cells, impacting blood fat levels and potentially linking to Parkinson's disease. The study found that increased parkin protein levels are associated with high-fat diets and mutant human cells.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 25, 2011
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.

Getting back from a trip 'ahead of time'

A new study by Niels van de Ven and colleagues found that people tend to overestimate the length of their outward journey, making the return journey feel shorter. The researchers believe this is due to prior expectations rather than familiarity with the route.

SourceSpringer·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateAug 25, 2011

Smoking soon after waking raises risk of lung and head and neck cancers

Researchers found that smokers who light up within 30 minutes of waking have a higher risk of developing lung and head and neck cancers. This increased risk is independent of smoking frequency and duration, suggesting that nicotine dependence may play a role in cancer development.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalCancer·DateAug 25, 2011

Identifying correlations in electronic patient records

Researchers used text mining to analyze electronic health records and identified co-occurrence of diseases and clustered patients into groups with similar clinical features. The study also mapped disease correlations to the genetic level, potentially revealing a genetic cause behind some diseases.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateAug 25, 2011
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.

LSU researcher studies health effects of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill

A Louisiana State University researcher is leading a multi-university team to investigate how disaster-impacted communities cope with disruptions and recover from past calamities. The study aims to identify traditional elements of resilience that enable coastal societies to bounce back after traumatic events.

SourceLouisiana State University·DateAug 25, 2011

Single vaccines to protect against both rabies and Ebola

Scientists have successfully tested a bivalent vaccine that protects against both rabies and Ebola in mice, offering a promising solution for Africa's healthcare challenges. The vaccine is built on the same platform as the approved rabies vaccine and has several advantages over existing Ebola candidates.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalJournal of Virology·DateAug 25, 2011

School-based mental health screening for teens results in connection to care

A new study found that school-based mental health screening for teens can effectively identify adolescents at risk and connect them with follow-up care. The screening, provided by TeenScreen, identified nearly three-quarters of high school students at risk who weren't receiving treatment.

SourceTeenScreen National Center for Mental Health Checkups at Columbia University·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateAug 25, 2011

Heart may hold key to unexplained nausea in youths

Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center found that fludrocortisone, a drug commonly used to treat orthostatic intolerance, reduced debilitating chronic nausea in patients. The study involved 17 children who experienced significant improvements in nausea after treatment.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalClinical Autonomic Research·DateAug 25, 2011
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.

A question of gene silencing

Researchers have created a method for silencing non-protein-coding genes using zinc finger nucleases. This allows for the study of these genes' molecular and cellular functions, which are thought to play a role in cancer development.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalGenome Research·DateAug 24, 2011

Bone marrow transplantation may increase cancer resistance in patients

Researchers discovered the expression of cancer-killer SAC-GFP activity in bone marrow cells after transplantation, suggesting successful transfer and colonization of anti-cancer tissue. The study shows promise for treating primary and metastatic tumors with genetically modified stem cells that secrete potent Par-4/SAC killer proteins.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalCancer Biology & Therapy·DateAug 24, 2011
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.

Landmark law and neuroscience network expands at Vanderbilt

The MacArthur Foundation Research Network on Law and Neuroscience, led by Vanderbilt professor Owen Jones, aims to make neuroscience accessible in America's courtrooms. The network explores effects of modern neuroscience on criminal law, including assessing mental states, capacity, and evidence.

SourceVanderbilt University·DateAug 24, 2011

Cholera pandemic's source discovered

A recent study has traced the source of the current cholera pandemic to an ancestor that first appeared in the Bay of Bengal 40 years ago. The analysis reveals that the bacterium's genetic region SXT acquired around 1982, triggering global transmission from this original source.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature·DateAug 24, 2011

Researchers detail how a distant black hole devoured a star

Two studies reveal that the star was torn apart by intense tides as it approached the black hole, creating an unprecedented outburst of energy. The outburst produced X-rays and radio emissions that pointed straight at Earth, offering insights into relativistic beaming.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature·DateAug 24, 2011

Researcher finds altered cerebella in those with Down syndrome

A researcher has found that individuals with Down syndrome have substantially altered key eye reflexes, leading to poor balance and motor coordination. The study's findings could lead to new tools for assessing the effectiveness of treatments aimed at improving quality of life.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalExperimental Brain Research·DateAug 24, 2011
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.

Mechanism links substance abuse with vulnerability to depression

Repeated cocaine use increases depressive-like responses in a mouse model of depression, linking substance abuse with increased stress-related illnesses. Histone modifications play a key role in this process, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for mood disorders associated with substance abuse.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateAug 24, 2011
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.

Obama: Our 22nd greatest president?

A statistical analysis by Curt Nichols predicts Obama will land at the 22nd spot on expert ranking lists if he serves only one term. He is likely to receive credits for his four years of service and wartime leadership, but may be penalized for failing to lift the nation out of crisis.

SourceBaylor University·DateAug 24, 2011

New Keck award spurs research for low-cost, mass measurements

A new approach enables precise mass measurements of single molecules using molecular oscillators, overcoming limitations of conventional mass spectrometry. The technique allows for fast, miniaturized, and real-time analysis of molecular binding affinity, paving the way for versatile low-cost mass spectrometry measurements.

SourceArizona State University·DateAug 24, 2011

Irene becomes a major hurricane on GOES-13 Satellite video

Hurricane Irene strengthened into a major hurricane on the GOES-13 satellite video, reaching Category 3 status with 115mph winds. The storm is expected to make landfall in eastern North Carolina as a major hurricane, bringing devastating damage and heavy rainfall.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 24, 2011
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.

UCSF study shows greater impact of chemotherapy on fertility

A recent UCSF study analyzes the long-term effects of chemotherapy on women's reproductive health, finding that younger women are more likely to experience early menopause and infertility. The research provides new insights for patients and clinicians, enabling more strategic and personalized counseling about fertility preservation.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCancer·DateAug 24, 2011

Researchers unravel mystery of how we detect life

New research reveals that human beings can visually detect living presence through specific movement cues, including those close to the ground and mimicking real gravitational acceleration. The visual system is keyed into these cues to determine a moving object's life-detection.

SourceQueen's University·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 24, 2011

Protecting cells

Researchers found that a genetic switch in master neurons inhibits the proper functioning of protective cell stress responses, accumulating misfolded and damaged proteins. Restoring this natural ability could offer a new target for therapy, improving cellular health and quality of life.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 24, 2011

Scientists identify point of entry for deadly Ebola virus

Researchers have identified a protein used by Ebola virus to gain entry into cells and begin replicating, providing a new target for antiviral drugs. This discovery may lead to the development of more stable and effective treatments for Ebola hemorrhagic fever (EHF), currently caused by one of the deadliest known viruses affecting humans.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalNature·DateAug 24, 2011

Females choose mates for their personalities, study shows

Researchers found that adventurous females prefer mates with similar outgoing personalities, regardless of physical attributes. This study provides evidence that compatible personalities play a crucial role in partner choice in non-human species.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEthology·DateAug 24, 2011
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 of HIV increase in Pakistan could benefit other research

Researchers studying HIV in Pakistan's general population found the virus has spread beyond at-risk groups to women and children. Genetic analysis suggests the strongest factor of disease spread is through men who sleep with male intravenous drug users.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 24, 2011
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.

George Mason research team uncovers new factor in HIV infection

A George Mason University research team has uncovered a new factor, LIMK, that triggers cell movement essential for HIV infection. The discovery builds upon previous findings and provides a potential therapeutic target to limit or halt HIV infection.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 24, 2011

Eradicating dangerous bacteria may cause permanent harm

Researcher Martin Blaser warns that widespread antibiotic use can cause permanent damage to the body's natural defense system. This can lead to increased susceptibility to infections and disease, as well as conditions like asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, and type 1 diabetes.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature·DateAug 24, 2011

Climate cycles are driving wars, says study

A study found that El Niño boosts temperatures and cuts rainfall, doubling the risk of civil wars in affected tropical countries. The research tracked ENSO from 1950 to 2004 and correlated it with onsets of conflicts, finding that El Niño may have played a role in 21% of civil wars worldwide.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalNature·DateAug 24, 2011

Three-part handoff delivers proteins to membrane surface

A team of researchers has reconstructed and tested a trafficking pathway for hundreds of cell proteins, finding that they can be delivered to the membrane via a simple three-part system. This discovery could have significance for the development of new drugs and bioengineering methods.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalNature·DateAug 24, 2011
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

GSA Bulletin highlights: New research posted 19 August 2011

Researchers study paleo-hurricane records from South Carolina marshlands and find that spatio-lateral continuity of hurricane deposits is poor. High-precision geochronology of the Chinle Formation provides new insights into early dinosaur evolution and temporal constraints on their evolution.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeological Society of America Bulletin·DateAug 24, 2011

Commonly prescribed antibiotic reduces acute COPD attacks

A new study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has found that adding azithromycin to daily treatment regimens for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can lower frequency and severity of flare-ups. The medication was shown to improve breathing ability and overall well-being in patients with COPD.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 24, 2011