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Science News Archive 2011


Page 245 of 311

HIV integration requires use of a host DNA-repair pathway

Researchers found that HIV requires base excision repair proteins to integrate its DNA into the host genome, identifying novel targets for anti-HIV drugs. The study suggests that drugs targeting these cellular proteins may avoid resistance and have fewer side effects.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New approach to programming may boost 'green' computing

Binghamton University researcher Yu David Liu is developing an energy-aware programming language to encourage green software development. The new approach aims to reduce energy consumption by allowing programmers to express their intentions directly in the code.

Noninvasive brain stimulation may improve swallowing after stroke

A pilot study found that noninvasive brain stimulation improved swallowing ability in stroke patients by at least two points in 86% of those receiving treatment. The treatment, tDCS, showed a statistically significant improvement compared to sham stimulation, with patients increasing their ability to swallow by more than 2.5 points.

Exploding stars and stripes

A pattern of X-ray 'stripes' in the Tycho supernova remnant supports a theory on how magnetic fields amplify near expanding shock waves, accelerating particles to extreme energies. The discovery may provide direct evidence for the production of cosmic rays.

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.

Micro-RNA's contribute to risk for panic disorder

Researchers found that four microRNAs (miR-22, miR-138-2, miR-148a, and miR-488) are associated with panic disorder, regulating genes related to anxiety pathways in the brain. The study suggests a coordinated involvement of multiple risk genes, implying the existence of molecular 'switches' that control gene function.

Eye movement differs in British and Chinese populations

Researchers found a rare eye movement pattern more common in healthy Chinese individuals than in British participants, challenging the assumption that this pattern is only indicative of underlying neurological issues. This discovery could indicate subtle cultural or genetic influences on brain function, warranting further investigation.

Against the tide: Currents keep dolphins apart

Researchers from Wildlife Conservation Society and AMNH discover genetic distinct populations of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin formed by currents, surface temperature differences, and environmental barriers. The study sheds light on how environmental factors influence population structure in marine species.

Suzaku shows clearest picture yet of Perseus Galaxy Cluster

The study provides the first direct evidence that million-degree gas clouds are tightly gathered in the cluster's outskirts. The Suzaku images reveal that the outer parts of the Perseus cluster contain too many baryons, contradicting earlier studies and galaxy surveys.

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.

Math professor wins National Science Foundation award

Julien Langou receives $400,000 NSF CAREER award to study algorithms and their limitations in numerical simulations. His research aims to better understand how fast the fastest algorithm can execute on a given computing platform.

NeuroImage: Multiplexing in the visual brain

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum successfully visualized distinct activity patterns overlaid in primary visual cortex, indicating simultaneous encoding of object orientation and motion direction speed. This breakthrough demonstrates the brain's ability to process multiple visual cues simultaneously.

BrainGate neural interface system reaches 1,000-day performance milestone

A woman with tetraplegia has controlled a computer cursor accurately for over 1,000 days using the BrainGate neural interface system. The system, which decodes brain signals to translate them into digital instructions, has shown promising results in enabling people with paralysis to control external devices.

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.

Cutting carbon dioxide helps prevent drying

Reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations could increase global precipitation and prevent droughts, according to Carnegie Global Ecology scientists. The team's novel explanation shows that cutting CO2 can lead to an increase in thunderstorms and rainfall.

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.

Study: Teachers unaware of growing gender gaps in classrooms

A study by University of Illinois education professors reveals a growing gender gap in math and reading scores, especially in lower grades. Teachers tend to overestimate girls' math achievement and underestimate boys' reading abilities, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

Bryan Roth honored for excellence in clinical pharmacology

Dr. Bryan Roth has received the PhRMA Foundation Award in Excellence in Pharmacology/Toxicology for his groundbreaking research on drug discovery and development. His work aims to understand how central nervous system drugs affect brain neurons and mitigate side effects, particularly for conditions like schizophrenia and depression.

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.

Bats keep separate households

Researchers found that males and females use different foraging grounds, with females relying heavily on lake shores and males using a broader range of resources. The study suggests that conservation efforts should prioritize female needs and account for sex-specific habitat use in monitoring efforts.

iMobot rolls, crawls and creeps

The iMobot robot has four controllable degrees of freedom and can be assembled into larger robots for specific tasks. Researchers hope the technology will speed up university and industry research in robotics.

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.

Mini-stroke doubles risk of heart attack

Patients who have suffered a mini stroke are at twice the risk of heart attack compared to the general population. The study found that the risk of heart attack among TIA patients was about 1 percent per year, double that of people who had never had a TIA.

Could 'training the brain' help children with Tourette syndrome?

Researchers discovered a unique brain development pattern in children with Tourette syndrome, which could lead to new treatment methods through behavioural therapy. The study suggests an alternative to drug-based therapies, offering hope for young people struggling with the condition.

MRSA infection shown to be seasonal

A new study from Rhode Island Hospital found a significant increase in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections during the summer and autumn months, particularly among pediatric patients. The researchers attribute this seasonal variation to high temperatures and humidity promoting microbial growth on the skin.

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.

Researchers reveal remarkable fossil

Researchers have discovered a remarkable 525-million-year-old fossil of a 'feathered helmet from beyond the clouds,' offering insights into ancient biology and evolution. The find belongs to a group called pterobranch hemichordates, related to starfish and sea urchins.

Johns Hopkins scientists link DNA 'end-caps' length to diabetes risk

Researchers found that mice with short telomeres developed higher blood sugar levels and secreted less insulin, mimicking early stages of human diabetes. The study suggests that shorter telomeres may predispose people to age-related diabetes, paving the way for potential biomarkers.

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.

Study finds remarkable diversity of lichen species in Florida state park

A recent census led by Robert Lücking documented 432 different lichens within one square kilometer of Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, including 18 never before identified and nearly 100 previously not known from North America. The discovery highlights the remarkable biodiversity of lichens in this tropical environment.

Good news! Hope makes headlines

Researchers from McGill University found that cancer coverage has increased in Canadian newspapers over the past 20 years, with a greater emphasis on positivity and hope. However, the study also identified a gap in coverage of palliative care and psychological aspects of cancer.

Closing in on the pseudogap

A team of scientists has found that the pseudogap in high-temperature superconductors is not a gradual transition to superconductivity, but rather a distinct phase of matter. This discovery challenges current understanding and opens up new possibilities for achieving superconductivity at higher temperatures.

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.

ESCEO Young Investigators Awards presented at ECCEO11-IOF in Valencia

The ESCEO Young Investigators Awards were presented to Dr. Nick Harvey and Dr. Michaël Hiligsmann for their outstanding contributions to bone and mineral research. Their awards, valued at €2,500, recognize excellence in bone mineral research and are supported by a grant from MSD.

Integral spots matter a millisecond from doom

Astronomers have spotted extremely hot matter near a black hole just milliseconds before it plunges in. The unique observations suggest that some matter may be escaping via highly structured magnetic fields.

Great Depression did not significantly improve life expectancy in the US

A new study by London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found no significant impact of the Great Depression on mortality rates in urban US populations. The study suggests that government responses to economic crises can affect health outcomes, with protective effects observed during periods like the New Deal.

Recipients of the 2011 Clay Research Awards announced

Yves Benoist and Jean-François Quint received the Clay Research Award for their work on stationary measures and orbit closures. Jonathan Pila won the award for resolving the André-Oort Conjecture in the case of products of modular curves.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Acupuncture is equally effective with simulated needles

A study published in PLoS ONE found that simulated acupuncture, also known as placebo, was just as effective as real acupuncture in reducing nausea in cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. The researchers suggested that the benefits may be due to patient expectations and extra care received during treatment.

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.

Rapid etching X-rayed

Researchers at Kiel University developed a method to track atomic-scale changes during etching and coating, revealing uniform metal removal. The technique enabled detection of reactions within milliseconds, providing insights into industrially employed processes.

'Knowing it in your gut' is real

Researchers found that gut bacteria influence how the brain is wired for learning and memory, leading to anxiety-like behavior. The study also suggests that targeting the immune system and gut function could lead to new therapies for psychiatric illnesses.

Researchers find similarities in brain activity for both habits and goals

A study by researchers at New York University found overlapping neurological mechanisms between goal-directed actions and habitual behaviors. The findings suggest that the brain's systems for different behaviors are more intertwined than previously thought, paving the way for addressing addiction and similar maladies.

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.

Traumatizing your DNA

A Tel Aviv University researcher warns that environmental stressors like pollution and stress can alter gene expression in a way that affects the human genome. This epigenetic inheritance can be passed down to future generations, with potential long-term impacts on health.