Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2011 - Page 196


Page 196 of 311

China fossil shows bird, crocodile family trees split earlier than thought

A 247 million-year-old fossil from China has been reclassified as an archosaur, revealing that the bird and crocodile family trees split earlier than previously thought. The discovery provides new evidence for the evolution of archosaurs and sheds light on the origins of these dominant land vertebrates.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalEarth and Environmental Science Transactions of the Royal Society of Edinburgh·DateMay 18, 2011

The Earth's core is melting ... and freezing

A new model suggests that heat flow at the core-mantle boundary varies depending on the structure of the overlying mantle, causing localized melting. This phenomenon is linked to plate tectonics and affects the Earth's magnetic field generation.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature·DateMay 18, 2011

Marker identifies breast cancer patients likely to respond to tamoxifen

Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University discovered a biomarker Stat5 in breast cancer that predicts patient response to anti-estrogen therapy tamoxifen. Women with active Stat5 have an increased likelihood of responding to the treatment, while those without it are at a higher risk of dying from breast cancer.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateMay 18, 2011
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.

Occupational lung diseases in Iraq and Afghanistan veterans

Researchers and clinicians face challenges in diagnosing and managing occupational lung diseases in veterans returning from Southwest Asia deployments. Key findings include a unique pattern of fixed obstruction in half of cases and clinically-reversible new-onset asthma in most, as well as rare interstitial lung disease.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·DateMay 18, 2011

Standing up to fight

A University of Utah study shows that men can hit with far more force when standing upright than when on all fours, giving tall males a fighting advantage. This supports the theory that bipedalism evolved to allow humans to fight with greater strength, and may explain why women prefer tall men.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 18, 2011

Gambling problem exposed as access grows

A new study by University of Calgary researcher Dr. David Hodgins highlights the growing issue of problem gambling as access to online gambling increases. Problem gamblers often co-occur with other mental health and substance-abuse disorders, and treatment effectiveness is variable.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 18, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Nuclear magnetic resonance with no magnets

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have successfully performed nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) without the use of magnets, overcoming obstacles like polarization and chemical shifts. This breakthrough enables more portable and cost-effective NMR, with potential applications in medical diagnoses and field analyses.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Physics·DateMay 18, 2011
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.

The odds are against ESP

A new study by Rouder and Morey applies a statistical method to Dr. Bem's ESP experiments, finding modest evidence that doesn't support claims of extra-sensory perception. The researchers conclude that the odds are against ESP existing, given the current scientific knowledge.

SourceSpringer·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateMay 18, 2011

Sun protects against childhood asthma

Research suggests that children living in areas with limited sunlight are at higher risk of developing asthma. Vitamin D, synthesized through sun exposure, plays a crucial role in preventing the illness.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalInternational Journal of Biometeorology·DateMay 18, 2011

ASCO releases studies from upcoming annual meeting

New studies released by ASCO highlight advances in cervical cancer screening, ovarian cancer detection, and prostate cancer risk prediction. The studies also explore genetic biomarkers for chemotherapy-induced neuropathy and potential treatments for relapsed ovarian cancer.

SourceAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology·DateMay 18, 2011

Enzyme may drive breast cancer growth

Researchers have identified an enzyme that drives the production of estradiol, a potent form of estrogen, in human breast cancer tissue. The enzyme creates a positive cycle where estradiol sustains its own production, leading to aggressive and potentially deadly cancer types.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·DateMay 18, 2011
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Astronomer Bennett's team discovers new class of planets

Bennett's team found 10 free-floating planets roughly the mass of Jupiter, suggesting planetary systems often become unstable, ejecting planets from their orbits. The discovery confirms that free-floating planets exist and are quite common, estimated to be twice as many as stars.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalNature·DateMay 18, 2011

New treatment regimen shows clinical benefit in advanced colon cancer

A new treatment combination of a PARP inhibitor with chemotherapy offered significant benefit in patients with metastatic colon cancer who had exhausted all standard therapies. The study found that the treatment controlled cancer growth for nearly six months in 23% of patients, with two experiencing a partial response.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·DateMay 18, 2011

Teachers need greater awareness of language disorders

Children with specific language impairment (SLI) face difficulties with language, grammar, vocabulary, literacy, short-term memory, and higher-order thinking skills. Teachers can employ various techniques to help them learn more effectively.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateMay 18, 2011

Not all viewers of Arab TV networks develop anti-American feelings

A new study suggests that Arab television networks such as Al Jazeera do not promote anti-American feelings among all their viewers. Research based on surveys of nearly 20,000 residents of six Arab countries found that while watching networks like Al Jazeera fuels anti-American feelings in some viewers, it actually reduces such sentime...

SourceOhio State University·JournalCommunication Research·DateMay 18, 2011

Potentially toxic flame retardants detected in baby products

Scientists have detected potentially toxic flame retardants in 80% of baby products containing polyurethane foam. The study reveals compounds associated with pentaBDE, a substance banned in many countries due to health risks, as well as two potential carcinogens.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMay 18, 2011
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Artificial tissue promotes skin growth in wounds

Researchers at Cornell University have developed dermal templates made of type 1 collagen that promote vascular growth and encourage healthy skin to invade wounded areas. The templates are designed to improve healing outcomes and reduce the need for invasive surgeries.

SourceCornell University·JournalBiomaterials·DateMay 18, 2011

UCSF team discovers key to fighting drug-resistant leukemia

Researchers at UCSF have identified BCL6, a protein that leukemia cells use to survive treatment, as the basis for drug resistance. Targeting this protein may lead to more powerful cancer drugs and improved cure rates for children with leukemia.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature·DateMay 18, 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.

Breaking the silence on aid workers' salaries

A new international task force aims to promote fair pay and develop organisational capacity in lower-income countries. Research found significant disparities between local and expatriate aid workers' salaries, pushing local employees below the poverty line and contributing to 'brain drain'.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateMay 18, 2011

Lack of 'gatekeeper' protein linked to skin cancer

A 'gatekeeper' protein called C/EBP alpha plays a crucial role in preventing DNA damage and skin cancer. Its absence is linked to human skin cancers, including breast and colon cancer, and may also play a role in tumor suppression.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateMay 18, 2011
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.

Lichens may aid in combating deadly chronic wasting disease in wildlife

USGS research suggests that certain lichens can break down the infectious proteins responsible for chronic wasting disease, a prion disease fatal to wild deer and elk. The study found that some lichen species contain a protease enzyme capable of significantly breaking down prions in the lab.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 18, 2011

Radiation protection expert criticizes comparison of Fukushima to Chernobyl

Professor Richard Wakeford critiques the comparison of Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Station to Chernobyl, highlighting key differences in radiological hazard and Japanese authorities' response. He notes that lessons learned from Chernobyl have guided actions taken in Fukushima, including evacuation zones and iodine tablets.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalJournal of Radiological Protection·DateMay 18, 2011

Study identifies more cost-effective immune suppressant for transplants

Researchers found that alemtuzumab is as safe and effective as basiliximab or antithymocyte globulin in preventing organ rejection after kidney transplant. The study's results suggest that the less expensive drug option could lead to cost savings without compromising patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 18, 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.

Columbia researchers work to prevent blindness from age-related macular degeneration

Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have discovered a modified form of vitamin A that slows the formation of detrimental dimers, leading to improved vision and ocular health in mice with Stargardt's disease. The study provides hope for treating age-related macular degeneration and Stargardt's disease.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMay 18, 2011

New form of girl's best friend is lighter than ever

Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have developed a new form of diamond aerogel that is lighter than air and has exceptional optical properties. This material could improve the efficiency of telescopes, eyeglasses, and other devices by reducing reflection.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 17, 2011

EMAS publishes position statement about the post-reproductive health of women

The European Menopause and Andropause Society (EMAS) has published a position statement on managing menopausal women with a personal or family history of venous thromboembolism. The statement recommends transdermal estrogen as a first-choice option for overweight/obese women requiring hormone therapy, while micronized progesterone and ...

SourceElsevier·JournalMaturitas·DateMay 17, 2011

Study shows pharmacies' software systems miss potentially dangerous interactions

A study conducted at the University of Arizona found that only 28% of pharmacies' clinical decision support software correctly identified clinically significant drug-drug interactions. Pharmacists should be familiar with how their computer system identifies drug interactions to reduce medication errors.

SourceUniversity of Arizona, College of Pharmacy·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateMay 17, 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.

Of moose and men

Researchers found that removing all road-side salt pools can reduce moose-vehicle collisions by as much as 79 percent. Moose are attracted to the high sodium concentration in salt pools, posing a significant risk to human and vehicle safety.

SourceConcordia University·JournalEcological Modelling·DateMay 17, 2011

A virus similar to herpes could be a risk factor for multiple sclerosis

Researchers at University of Granada analyzed antibody levels in patients with multiple sclerosis and found a statistically significant association between viral infection markers and the condition. Further research is needed to confirm the link.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalEuropean Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases·DateMay 17, 2011

Pro athletes ought to bargain outside federal court, legal scholar says

A University of Illinois law expert argues that professional athletes should negotiate employment terms at the collective bargaining table, rather than in federal court. This approach could strengthen labor peace and prevent players from exploiting the system.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalThe Journal of Sports and Entertainment Law·DateMay 17, 2011

CSI: Infection

Geographic profiling successfully located the sources of disease outbreaks in London and Cairo, revealing breeding habitats of mosquito Anopheles sergentii. This method shows great promise as a component of policy relating to control of various infectious diseases.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalInternational Journal of Health Geographics·DateMay 17, 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.

Cole Foundation injects $700,000 into childhood cancer research

The Cole Foundation has awarded over $700,000 in fellowships to researchers studying pediatric leukemia and lymphoma. The funding will support the work of 14 scientists at Université de Montréal and McGill University, with projects focused on understanding the disease's causes and developing new treatments.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·DateMay 17, 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.

Smoking ban reduces emergency room admissions

A study by Irish researchers found significant reductions in emergency hospital admissions due to respiratory illness and cardio-pulmonary disease after the implementation of a workplace smoking ban. The most pronounced decrease was observed in the 20- to 29-year-old age group.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·DateMay 17, 2011

Understanding a bacterial immune system 1 step at a time

Scientists at the University of Alberta discovered the first step in a bacterial immune response, where RNA is cut into pieces to target invading viruses. This finding has implications for controlling bacterial growth and fighting human infections.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateMay 17, 2011

Penn State leads in honey bee health initiative

The Bee Informed Partnership aims to reduce honey bee mortality, increase profitability, and enhance sustainable management systems. The project will use epidemiological methods to identify effective practices and create a dynamic Honey Bee Health database with an interactive web-based interface.

SourcePenn State·DateMay 17, 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.

That anxiety may be in your gut, not in your head

Researchers found that gut bacteria can influence brain chemistry and behavior, with changes in bacteria disrupting behavior and increasing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Disrupting the normal bacterial content of the gut with antibiotics also produced changes in behavior.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateMay 17, 2011

Greenhouse ocean study offers warning for future

A new study found significant organic material buried in deoxygenated layers of sediment, indicating a mass mortality event in the oceans during a greenhouse effect. The research suggests that subtle changes in temperature and CO2 levels can trigger catastrophic effects on ocean sustainability.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 17, 2011

Queen's scientists teaming up to cure premature baby blindness

Two teams from Queen's University Belfast are working on different approaches to cure Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) in premature babies. The first team aims to tackle the disease at an early stage, while the second team investigates using stem cells from umbilical cords to repair damaged eyes.

SourceQueen's University Belfast·DateMay 17, 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.

Sodium channels evolved before animals' nervous systems, research shows

Sodium channels are a key component of animal nervous systems but evolved prior to their development, according to new research published in PNAS. The discovery suggests that complex traits like the nervous system can evolve gradually from pre-existing genes.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 17, 2011

Mitigating mummy berry disease of blueberry

Researchers at the USDA's Agricultural Research Service have identified several blueberry cultivars with high resistance to mummy berry disease, caused by the fungus Monilinia vaccinii-corymbosi. These cultivars, including 'Brunswick' and 'Bluejay,' can withstand both stages of the fungal infection.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalHortScience·DateMay 17, 2011