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Science News Archive 2011


Page 149 of 311

Pew finds serious gaps in oversight of US drug safety

A Pew Charitable Trusts study reveals serious gaps in US drug safety oversight, with 40% of finished drugs sourced from overseas. The report identifies links in the supply chain that need strengthening to ensure safe medicines.

TUM researchers discover a new switch in resistance to plant diseases

Researchers at Technical University of Munich (TUM) have identified two proteins in barley that powdery mildew takes advantage of during its attack. The RACB protein, a molecular switch, supports the fungus by increasing plant cell surface area, while MAGAP1 prevents this effect and limits the fungus's entry into plant cells.

HPV infection highly prevalent among organ transplant recipients

A study of 210 organ transplant recipients with previous SCC found that BetaPV infection is extremely common, with concordant presence of DNA and antibodies increasing the risk for SCC skin cancer. The findings may lead to novel preventative or therapeutic interventions for immunosuppressed individuals.

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.

Hubble's Neptune anniversary pictures

The Hubble Space Telescope has taken anniversary pictures of Neptune, revealing high-altitude clouds in the northern and southern hemispheres composed of methane ice crystals. The images also show that cloud activity is shifting to the northern hemisphere, with seasons lasting about 40 years.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

The metabolic effects of antipsychotic drugs

Research reveals that olanzapine, an atypical antipsychotic drug, promotes overeating, weight gain, and insulin resistance due to reduced body temperature. The study demonstrates altered peripheral glucose metabolism, contributing to impaired insulin sensitivity.

Border fences pose threats to wildlife on US-Mexico border, study shows

A new study from the University of Texas at Austin reveals that current and proposed border fences pose significant threats to wildlife populations along the US-Mexico border. The study identifies four species listed as threatened globally or by both the US and Mexico, and another 23 with small range sizes.

Brainy lizards pass test for birds

Researchers at Duke University found that tropical anoles can solve novel problems and remember solutions, demonstrating advanced cognitive abilities. The study's results challenge the notion that reptiles have limited cognitive capabilities and highlight the complexity of animal cognition.

When it comes to population growth, Houston is No. 1

Houston's population growth was the highest in the US, with a whopping 1.2 million new residents added over the past decade, outpacing New York and Chicago combined. The city's growth can be attributed to its proximity to Latin America, business-friendly policies, low cost of living, and significant job growth.

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.

Effects of exercise on meal-related gut hormone signals

Regular exercise increases sensitivity to leptin, a hormone that inhibits food intake. Exercise also reveals additional mechanisms that contribute to the beneficial effects of physical activity on managing body weight, including altered gut hormone release and increased responsiveness to CCK, a hormone that limits meal size.

Switch from corn to grass would raise ethanol output, cut emissions

A new study suggests that growing perennial grasses on underproductive farmland used for corn ethanol production could lead to higher overall corn yields, more ethanol output per acre, and better groundwater quality. The switch would also slash emissions of carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Molasses extract decreases obesity caused by a high-fat diet

Research suggests that dietary supplementation with molasses extract can reduce body weight and fat levels in mice. After 12 weeks on a high-fat diet supplemented with 4% molasses extract, mice had lower body weight, reduced body fat, and decreased leptin levels.

Alternative methods of smear collection are effective at diagnosing TB

Researchers developed alternative smear collection methods that are more convenient for patients, yet maintain the same level of accuracy for diagnosis. The findings suggest that a single patient visit could be sufficient to diagnose pulmonary tuberculosis, improving access to treatment, particularly in poor countries.

Family meals remain important through teen years, expert says

Regular family meals can safeguard teens' health, reducing the risk of disordered eating by 35% and promoting healthy habits. Family members should prioritize three meals a week to foster connection and encourage open conversations about unhealthy behaviors.

Biomarker for autism discovered

Researchers at the University of Cambridge identified a biomarker for autism in siblings of individuals with autism, showing reduced brain activity to emotional facial expressions. This finding provides an opportunity to investigate genes linked to autism and sheds light on why some family members are more affected than others.

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.

Bodyguard for the brain

Scientists have identified a mechanism that protects the brain from degeneration and aging processes. The discovery of CB1 receptors' role in preserving nerve cells and memory capabilities opens up new possibilities for developing therapies to combat age-related brain changes.

Accentuating the positive may eliminate the negative in teenagers with anxiety

Researchers from Oxford University found that training tasks can shift how healthy teenagers think about social events, promoting more positive interpretations. The approach, called cognitive bias modification of interpretations, has the potential to change negative thoughts that drive anxiety in teenagers with high anxiety levels.

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.

UCI study points to new means of overcoming antiviral resistance in influenza

Researchers at UCI have found a new approach to creating customized therapies for virulent flu strains that resist current antiviral drugs. They used computer simulations to predict how pocket structures on influenza proteins promoting viral replication can be identified, allowing for possible pharmaceutical exploitation.

Changes in family history of cancer can impact screening recommendations

A study found that changes in family history of cancer can significantly alter screening recommendations, particularly for colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers. For patients aged 30-50, the risk of increased cancer risk more than tripled for colorectal cancer and increased by 60% for breast cancer.

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.

Last dinosaur before mass extinction discovered

Researchers at Yale University found a ceratopsian horn fossil buried just five inches below the K-T boundary, suggesting that dinosaurs did not go extinct prior to the impact. The discovery provides further evidence for the impact hypothesis and may have closed the 'three-meter gap' in the fossil record.

Smokers not very receptive to shocking images

Researchers found that smokers' amygdala activity decreases after abstinence, reducing their fear response to scary images. This could be due to nicotine's role in maintaining normal function.

Ghrelin increases willingness to pay for food

A new study found that ghrelin, a naturally occurring gut hormone, increases the willingness to pay for food while decreasing it for non-food items. This increase in reward signaling is specifically linked to the nucleus accumbens region of the brain.

AIAA to present awards at 47th Joint Propulsion Conference

The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics presented several awards to recognize outstanding achievements in air breathing propulsion systems, rocket propulsion systems, ground testing, and combustion engineering. Awards were also given for historical non-fiction literature and graduate research in air breathing propulsion.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Lie of the land beneath glaciers influences impact on sea levels

Researchers found that the Slessor glacier in Antarctica has not thinned significantly since the last ice age due to a large trough in the land. This discovery will help scientists improve their understanding of how ice sheet movements affect sea levels, enabling more accurate projections of future change.

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.

Landscape change leads to increased insecticide use in US Midwest

A new study links increased insecticide use in the US Midwest to landscape change, finding that simplification of agricultural landscapes boosts crop pest pressure. The research suggests that preserving or restoring semi-natural lands can reduce the need for insecticides and contribute to agricultural economies.

Wireless power could cut cord for patients with implanted heart pumps

Researchers have developed a wireless power system that can power ventricular assist devices without a cord, reducing the risk of infection and improving patient quality of life. The system uses inductive power and has been shown to be efficient over medium distances, allowing patients to be free from cords for short periods.

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.

Evidence for 'food addiction' in humans

Clinical research identifies 'food addicts' with increased binge-eating disorder, depression, and impulsive personality traits. The study proposes personalized treatment approaches for obesity.

Researchers study pesticide pathways into the atmosphere

Researchers discovered herbicide volatilization consistently results in losses exceeding those from surface runoff, with a significant impact on groundwater contamination. The study highlights the importance of considering soil moisture levels and air temperatures in models of pesticide volatilization.

New genetic map of potato may lead to improved crops

Scientists have created a new map of the potato genome that could improve crop yields and nutritional content. The study's findings suggest that breeding potatoes with improved genes could help feed a growing global population.

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.

Newly discovered molecule essential to resetting 'body clocks'

A novel molecule, QUASIMODO (QSM), has been discovered as essential for relaying light-information to the circadian clocks of fruit flies. This molecule plays a crucial role in synchronizing the internal biological processes, such as sleep/wake cycles, with external time.

Supramolecules get time to shine

Researchers developed a supramolecular system combining single-walled carbon nanotubes with porous silicate materials, enabling the study of interactions between carbon nanotubes and a wide range of photoluminescent molecules. The platform holds promise for applications in catalysis, artificial photosynthesis, and hydrogen splitting.

Scleroderma study identifies roadblocks to employment

Research identified demographic, clinical, and psychosocial factors contributing to work disability in systemic scleroderma. Findings suggest that retraining and additional support can help individuals with the disease maintain or regain employment.

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.

Cracking the code of the mind

Researchers create a chip that connects neurons with electronics, enabling them to study complex neural networks and their behavior. The device reveals patterns in bigger networks of neurons, showing hierarchical structures and suggesting new approaches for artificial intelligence and neurology.

Prof receives inaugural award for animal welfare

Ian Duncan, a renowned expert in animal welfare, has been recognized with the inaugural Medal for Outstanding Contributions from the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare. His pioneering work on poultry behavior and welfare has significantly benefited animals worldwide.

New technology allows lenses to change color rapidly

A University of Connecticut scientist has developed electrochromic lenses that can change color rapidly, reducing waste and increasing production. The technology also has potential applications for the US military, such as enhancing situational awareness in dynamic environments.

Family planning in conflict

A new study finds that women in conflict-affected areas often want access to family planning but are unable to get it due to limited healthcare services. The research highlights the gap between what women want and what is available, with only a small percentage using modern contraception.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Deeper insight in the activity of cortical cells

Researchers can now study neuronal activity in deepest layers of the cortex, gaining insights into decision-making and object perception. The technique enables measurement of spatiotemporal organization of activity in these deep layers.