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Science News Archive 2011 - Page 248


Page 248 of 311

Can non-medical factors trigger sick leave?

A Swedish study found that problems in relationships with colleagues and superiors were more frequent in the days leading up to sick leave. Individuals with minor ailments were also more likely to report sick when they expected a stressful workday ahead, highlighting the impact of work environment on behavior when ill.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateMar 22, 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.

Newly discovered virus implicated in deadly Chinese outbreaks

Researchers have identified a new virus as the cause of deadly outbreaks in six Chinese provinces, with a mortality rate of 12%. The virus, known as Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome virus, is transmitted through tick bites and affects humans without causing human-to-human transmission.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 22, 2011

European coastal pollution is harmful to seals

A European study found harbour seals in the Elbe estuary have high levels of contamination from industrial activities, dredging, and shipping. This highlights the impact of coastal pollution on marine life.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·DateMar 22, 2011

Nanomodified surfaces seal leg implants against infection

Brown University researchers created two nanoscale surfaces that promote skin cell growth on titanium leg implants, sealing the gap where bacteria can enter. The findings show nearly doubled skin cell density within five days, indicating a complete layer of skin has been formed.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Biomedical Materials Research·DateMar 22, 2011

Pre-conception and early pregnancy iron deficiency harms brain

A University of Rochester Medical Center study found that a mother's iron deficiency early in pregnancy can have a long-lasting effect on the child's brain development, even if it's not severe enough to cause anemia. The research suggests that monitoring a pregnant woman's iron status beyond anemia is crucial.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 22, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The informant: a jumping gene

Scientists developed a new method, GROMIT, to study gene regulation by employing a jumping gene as an informant. The technique revealed that each regulatory element can control a broader range of genes than previously thought, and expression levels are fine-tuned at the tissue level.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature Genetics·DateMar 21, 2011

Fault-finding coral reefs can predict the site of coming earthquakes

Researchers used fossil coral reefs and sediment slides to detect historic earthquake patterns, creating an underwater map of the Red Sea floor. This method can be applied anywhere, including Japan and the west coast of the U.S., helping city engineers pinpoint high-risk locations ahead of potential earthquakes.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalGeo-Marine Letters·DateMar 21, 2011

Capitalizing on corruption: Not all companies harmed by corruption

A new study finds that corruption can help companies develop organizational capabilities to operate successfully in corrupt environments, leading to more success when investing internationally. The study identifies various strategies firms use to capitalize on corruption, including political networking and joint venturing.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Management Studies·DateMar 21, 2011
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.

Stem cells may show promise for people with rapidly progressing MS

A long-term study reports the effectiveness of stem cell transplants in replacing bone marrow and reducing disease activity in people with rapidly progressive MS. The treatment showed promising results, with an average improvement in symptoms lasting two years.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateMar 21, 2011

Adolescent brood of women who drank during first trimester more prone to develop conduct disorder

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found that adolescent girls exposed to heavy alcohol use during their first trimester were three times more likely to develop conduct disorder. The study examined 592 adolescents and their mothers or caretakers, utilizing data from a long...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateMar 21, 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.

Webb sunshield like an umbrella on the shores of the universe

The James Webb Space Telescope's sunshield is a complex system of five layers, each less than half the thickness of paper, working together to create an effective SPF of 1,000,000. The sunshield unfurls like a giant beach umbrella to protect the telescope and instruments from solar heat and light.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 21, 2011

Study suggests alternative treatment for bacteria in oysters

Researchers found that exposure to salty water reduces Vibrio vulnificus levels in oysters, potentially providing a low-cost solution to FDA regulations. The study suggests an 'oyster relay' method could be effective in minimizing the presence of the bacterium.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·DateMar 21, 2011

MU researchers use motion sensors to determine equine lameness

A new motion sensor system developed by MU researchers uses sensors on a horse's head, limbs, and tail to detect lameness. This system improves early detection and treatment outcomes for horses with lameness by removing human bias and increasing frequency of motion sampling.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·DateMar 21, 2011

A dose of safflower oil each day might help keep heart disease at bay

A daily dose of safflower oil improved health measures such as good cholesterol, blood sugar, and inflammation in obese postmenopausal women with Type 2 diabetes. The researchers found a significant association between safflower oil supplementation and reduced cardiovascular disease risk.

SourceOhio State University·JournalClinical Nutrition·DateMar 21, 2011

One fish, two fish … reef fish

Marine biologists from the University of Miami have created a probabilistic survey approach to count reef fish, increasing efficiency and accuracy. This framework can support long-term sustainability of reef resources globally, informing management decisions for coral reefs in various regions.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalFisheries Research·DateMar 21, 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.

European guidelines for HIV tropism testing

The European Consensus Group has developed guidelines for HIV tropism testing, which is required before starting maraviroc treatment. The guidelines recommend phenotypic enhanced sensitivity Trofile assay or V3 loop genotypic sequencing for drug-naive patients with toxic side-effects or poor tolerability.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateMar 21, 2011

Deciphering developmental disorders

The Deciphering Developmental Disorders (DDD) Project collects genomic data from 12,000 children with developmental delays or multiple malformations. The goal is to develop clinical tools to unlock genetic reasons for these conditions, enabling doctors to make rapid diagnoses in up to one in five cases.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·DateMar 21, 2011

Critical thinking: How do children learn who to trust?

A UT Dallas researcher is studying how preschool and elementary-age children evaluate information to solve problems and learn critical thinking. The study aims to combat misleading advertising by understanding how children differentiate between reliable and doubtful sources of information.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·DateMar 21, 2011

Spacebound bacteria inspire earthbound remedies

Research on space-bound bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa could lead to improved treatments for people with compromised immune systems. The study reveals that spaceflight affects common regulators in both disease-causing bacteria.

SourceArizona State University·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateMar 21, 2011
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.

New technique could help solve mystery of vanishing bees

Ecologists have developed a new method for rearing honey bee larvae in the laboratory, allowing researchers to study the causes of their decline more effectively. The technique, which uses an artificial plastic honeycomb, has shown high survival rates and improved data analysis capabilities.

SourceWiley·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·DateMar 21, 2011

MARC Travel Awards announced for GSA 26th Fungal Genetics Meeting

The FASEB MARC Program has announced the travel award recipients for the 2011 GSA 26th Fungal Genetics meeting. Three awards totaling $4,950 were conferred to underrepresented minority students and scientists. The program aims to increase diversity in biomedical research.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·DateMar 21, 2011

Traffic accidents linked to increased risk of chronic widespread pain

Research published in Arthritis Care & Research found that traffic accidents increase the likelihood of developing chronic widespread pain by 84%. Individuals with poorer health or psychological issues may be more prone to developing this type of pain following a traumatic event.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateMar 21, 2011

How the lily blooms

Researchers found that rapid growth and wrinkling at the periphery of petals create stress within the bud, forcing it to open. This contradicts earlier theories about flower blooming, but supports a theory proposed by German literary master Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 21, 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.

Feeling angry? Say a prayer and the wrath fades away

Research suggests that prayer can help people cope with their anger by changing how they view a negative situation and taking it less personally. The benefits of prayer do not rely on divine intervention.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateMar 21, 2011

Children of women who smoked during pregnancy at increased risk of becoming smokers

Research reveals prenatal exposure to nicotine increases vulnerability to nicotine self-administration in adolescent mice, making them more likely to start smoking and susceptible to addictive effects. The study supports the hypothesis that adolescents with prenatal nicotine exposure are more prone to nicotine addiction.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalEuropean Journal of Pharmacology·DateMar 21, 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.

Breakthrough in Niemann-Pick Type C research reported by Notre Dame and Cornell scientists

Scientists at Notre Dame and Cornell have made a breakthrough in understanding the genetic disorder Niemann-Pick Type C, which affects brain cells and causes devastating symptoms. Using histone deacetylase inhibitors, researchers were able to correct the damage done by the genetic flaw and restore normal cell function.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 21, 2011

Time lived with obesity linked with mortality

A Monash University study has found a direct link between time lived with obesity and the risk of mortality. Participants who experienced medium to long durations of obesity had significantly higher mortality rates compared to those who were never obese.

SourceMonash University·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateMar 21, 2011

Salk scientists crack molecular code regulating neuronal excitability

Researchers deciphered a molecular code that regulates brain channel protein activity, modulating neuronal excitability. SNX27 distinguishes GIRK channels from similar proteins, targeting them for destruction and affecting substance abuse behaviors.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 21, 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.

Men fuel rebound in plastic surgery

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports a significant increase in men undergoing cosmetic procedures, with over 1.1 million procedures performed in 2010. Facelifts and other surgical procedures saw substantial growth, bucking the trend of minimally-invasive treatments.

SourceMediaSource·DateMar 21, 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.

Primordial soup gets spicier

Researchers have reanalyzed Stanley Miller's 1958 'primordial soup' samples and found a diverse array of organic compounds, including sulfur amino acids. The discovery supports the hypothesis that volcanoes and lightning played a key role in creating the building blocks of life on Earth.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 21, 2011

Surprising results in the first genome sequencing of a crustacean

The genome sequence of Daphnia pulex, a small freshwater crustacean, has revealed neurotrophins that suggest the nervous system of crustaceans is more complex than previously believed. This finding may have implications for understanding the impact of climate change on crustacean behavior.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalScience·DateMar 21, 2011

Open-source software designed to minimize synthetic biology risks

A rigorous bioinformatic analysis of the strengths and limitations of a screening protocol method recommended by the federal government was conducted, leading to the development of GenoTHREAT. The software tool helps detect the use of synthetic DNA as bioterrorism agents and is being released in an open-source format.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMar 21, 2011
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.

Unknown animals nearly invisible but yet there

A new DNA study by University of Gothenburg researchers has uncovered over 120 previously unknown bryozoan species in Swedish waters, including a completely new species. The findings shed light on the evolution and relationships of these nearly invisible animals, which are found in marine and freshwater environments.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalMolecular Phylogenetics and Evolution·DateMar 21, 2011

Princeton engineers make breakthrough in ultra-sensitive sensor technology

Researchers developed a breakthrough sensor using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) that boosts faint signals, allowing identification of substances based on reflected light color. The chip's design features uniform rows of tiny pillars made of metals and insulators, significantly boosting the Raman signal.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalOptics Express·DateMar 21, 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.

Could mutant flies give epilepsy sufferers greater peace of mind?

Brown University researcher Robert Reenan has created mutant fruit flies that mimic human epilepsy, with the goal of finding genes that can suppress seizures. By using a unique technique called homologous recombination, Reenan hopes to induce mutations in the flies that may lead to a genetic cure for epilepsy.

SourceBrown University·DateMar 21, 2011

Biofilm reorganization: Back to the theoretical drawing board

Researchers used image-analysis methods to analyze microcinematic movies of bacteria forming aggregates, revealing that size matters most in predicting survival. The team found a signaling mechanism within the aggregate itself that trumps neighbor-related factors, contradicting existing theories.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 21, 2011

Computerized systems reduce psychiatric drug errors

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that coupling electronic prescription drug ordering systems with computerized adverse event reporting dramatically reduced medication errors in a psychiatric unit from 27.89 to 3.43 per 1,000 patient days over four years. The system's integration of decision support and safety net tools furth...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Psychiatric Practice·DateMar 21, 2011

Combination ACE inhibitor therapy increases risk of kidney failure and death

A study published in CMAJ found that elderly patients taking combination ACE inhibitors and ARBs had a higher risk of kidney failure and death. The researchers observed that most patients stopped the combination therapy within three months due to low blood pressure.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 21, 2011
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Chicken soup for the soul: Comfort food fights loneliness

A recent study published in Psychological Science found that people can use comfort food as a social surrogate to combat loneliness. Participants who wrote about eating a comfort food reported reduced feelings of loneliness compared to those who wrote about an unfamiliar food.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 21, 2011