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Science News Archive 2011 - Page 258


Page 258 of 311

Laughter really is the best medicine (for leg ulcers)

A five-year study found that traditional nursing care methods, such as compression bandages and support stockings, work just as well as ultrasound therapy in healing venous leg ulcers. Laughter may also play a role in improving blood flow and overall health for patients with these conditions.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·DateMar 8, 2011

Malaria's weakest link

Researchers discover that malaria parasite relies on host cell signaling pathways to proliferate. A class of cancer-fighting drugs targeting these pathways can effectively kill the parasite.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMar 8, 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.

Cleansing the soul by hurting the flesh: The guilt-reducing effect of pain

Researchers found that those primed to think of their own unethical nature subjected themselves to more pain, but experienced reduced feelings of guilt after the painful experience. Pain has been imbued with meaning as punishment, leading to its psychological effect of resolving guilt.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 8, 2011

Urinary metabolomic profile and gastric cancer

Researchers used gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) technology to study urinary metabolite changes in mice with gastric cancer. The study identified low molecular weight biomarkers that may play a significant role in early diagnosis and screening of metastasis or recurrence.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateMar 8, 2011

Now, the story can be told – how scientists helped ID 'Amerithrax'

Researchers at University of Maryland developed a genetic 'fingerprinting' tool to track down microbial suspects. By analyzing DNA sequences and identifying unique mutations, they helped the FBI link anthrax-laden letters to a specific test tube at Fort Detrick.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 8, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Viruses teach researchers how to protect corn from fungal infection

Researchers at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center developed a corn variety resistant to fungal infection using a naturally found killer protein made by a virus. The single gene approach offers hope for effective solutions to control other pathogenic fungi and reduce crop losses.

SourceDonald Danforth Plant Science Center·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·DateMar 8, 2011

Study analyzes role of PARP enzyme in eukaryotes

Researchers analyzed evolutionary history of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase (PARP) superfamily in eukaryotes, finding ancestral proteins with diverse functions. The study suggests that the PARP superfamily is larger than previously documented and will grow as more eukaryotic genomes become available.

SourceOhio Supercomputer Center·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateMar 8, 2011

New instrument for analyzing viruses

Scientists have developed an instrument called PING that can analyze thousands of potential interactions between viruses and human cells. This device detects molecular interactions at a sensitivity 100- to 1,000-time greater than current methods, making it a promising tool for finding new treatments for viral infections.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateMar 8, 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.

UNC study finds oral tongue cancer increasing in young, white females

A UNC study found a significant increase in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma among young white females, with incidence rates rising by 111% between 1975 and 2007. The researchers suggest that the epidemiology of this cancer may be unique and not associated with human papillomavirus or tobacco/alcohol use.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateMar 8, 2011

Migrating moths and songbirds travel at similar rates

Researchers found that night-flying moths match the migration speeds of songbirds, traveling between 30-65 km/h. Moths use favorable tailwinds to aid their journeys, while birds take advantage of winds from various directions.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·DateMar 8, 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.

Improving risk/benefit estimates in new drug trials

Experts Jonathan Kimmelman and Alex John London argue that researchers predict success of interventions too optimistically in early stages of drug development. They suggest looking at past experiences and minimizing biases to improve estimates.

SourceMcGill University·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 8, 2011

The safety of daily magnesium oxide treatment for children with chronic constipation

A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology found that daily magnesium oxide treatment significantly increases serum magnesium concentrations in children with functional constipation. However, the magnitude of the increase appears modest, and younger age may be a relative risk factor for hypermagnesemia.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateMar 8, 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.

How long does a tuning fork ring?

A team from Vienna and Munich has developed a numerical solver to predict the design-limited damping of mechanical resonators, enabling the creation of more efficient devices. The solver uses quantum mechanics to calculate the radiation of phonons from the resonator, removing the need for trial and error prototype fabrication.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 8, 2011

ASGE initiative examines real-time endoscopic assessment of the histology of diminutive colorectal polyps

The ASGE has established guidelines for the use of real-time endoscopic assessment in managing diminutive colorectal polyps. The recommendations aim to minimize risk and delay while improving cost effectiveness of colonoscopy. Diminutive polyps are common, but pathological assessment can be costly and delay patient information.

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateMar 8, 2011

Real March Madness is relying on seedings to determine Final 4

A new model developed by Sheldon Jacobson predicts the most likely Final Four combinations based on seedings, rather than team performance. The model suggests that choosing a combination of two top-seeded teams, a No. 2 seed, and a No. 3 seed is the best bet for winning the office pool.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalOmega·DateMar 8, 2011

Roundworm could provide new treatment for sepsis

Researchers have identified a roundworm protein that can suppress systemic inflammation caused by sepsis, providing new potential treatment options. The protein, ES-62, triggers autophagy, a process that clears damage and promotes cell survival during stress situations.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalNature Immunology·DateMar 8, 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.

Making viruses pass for 'safe'

A team of scientists at the University of Pennsylvania has engineered a lentiviral vector that expresses CD47, a protein found on all cells, on its surface. This allows the virus to avoid being detected by the immune system, potentially making it safer for gene therapy and drug delivery.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateMar 8, 2011

Team uncovers dengue fever virus' molecular secrets

A team of researchers has made significant strides in understanding the life cycle of flaviviruses, including the dengue fever virus, which causes viral hemorrhagic fever and affects millions worldwide. The study provides new insights into the molecular details of viral replication and interactions with host cells.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateMar 8, 2011

No link between economic growth and child undernutrition rates in India

Despite economic growth, childhood undernutrition rates in India have remained relatively stable, with stunting prevalence decreasing and wasting rates showing minimal change. Direct investments in health interventions are necessary to address this issue, according to a new study published in PLOS Medicine.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 8, 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.

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.

MU chemist discovers shortcut for processing drugs

A University of Missouri chemist has discovered a method for manufacturing certain pharmaceutical drugs using pressurized carbon dioxide at room temperature. This new approach could streamline production processes and reduce the need for expensive and time-consuming methods currently used in the industry.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 8, 2011

Internet catches updated butterfly and moth website

The U.S. Geological Survey has launched an updated version of its Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA) website, featuring improved data collection and dissemination technologies. Verified sighting records are now immediately available on the site's home page, allowing for more efficient monitoring of pollinator populations.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·DateMar 8, 2011

Vascular brain disorder misdiagnosed as multiple sclerosis

Researchers found a delay in detecting CADASIL, a vascular brain disorder, and diagnosed it as multiple sclerosis in some patients. The study suggests that CADASIL often goes misdiagnosed due to similarities with MS in brain MRIs and symptoms.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalJournal of Neurology·DateMar 8, 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.

Identifying 'anonymous' email authors

Researchers at Concordia University have developed a novel technique for identifying anonymous email authors with high accuracy. By analyzing unique patterns in a suspect's emails, they can create a 'write-print' that is like a fingerprint, allowing investigators to determine the author's gender, nationality, and education level.

SourceConcordia University·JournalDigital Investigation·DateMar 8, 2011

Brief video training dramatically boosts hands-only CPR attempts

A study by the American Heart Association found that brief video training significantly improves hands-only CPR performance, with over 90% of trained participants attempting CPR in an emergency. The training also showed improved compression rates and depths compared to untrained individuals.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMar 8, 2011

Online nutrition courses: Fad or growing trend?

A new study in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that online nutrition education courses can be effective, with students able to gain knowledge and achieve learning outcomes similar to face-to-face learners. However, the study also identified areas for improvement, including the need for more engaging and interactiv...

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateMar 8, 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.

Epilepsy-linked memory losss worries more patients than doctors

A survey of patients with epilepsy found that they ranked memory loss as their second-most important concern, while doctors ranked it 12th. Practitioners were more concerned about unexpected seizures, which was also the top concern for both groups.

SourceOhio State University·JournalEpilepsy & Behavior·DateMar 8, 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.

Curbing cholesterol could help combat infections, study shows

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have discovered a direct link between cholesterol levels and the immune system's response to viral infections. By lowering cholesterol, the body can starve viruses of the nutrients they need to grow, potentially enhancing the immune system's ability to fight off infections.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 8, 2011

Researchers find drug that stops progression of Parkinson's disease in mice

Researchers at the University of Colorado School of Medicine have discovered a drug that turns on a protective gene, protecting brain cells from degeneration. The drug, phenylbutyrate, has been shown to prevent the progression of Parkinson's disease in mice and is now being tested in humans.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 8, 2011

Study of 90 animals' thigh bones reveals how they can efficiently carry loads

A study of 90 animal thigh bones reveals how trabeculae lattice structure supports loads in different species, leading to potential development of new, lightweight materials. The research found that trabecular struts vary in geometry depending on animal size, and could be used to create stronger, lighter bodywork for vehicles.

SourceImperial College London·DateMar 8, 2011

Oops -- graphene oxide's solubility disappears in the wash

Researchers found that graphene oxide's solubility is not as expected, with most oxygen content being loosely bound and easily removable by a wash with base. The study reveals that models for graphene oxide structure need revisiting, affecting synthesis and application of chemically modified graphene.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMar 8, 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.

It's all in a name: 'Global warming' vs. 'climate change'

A University of Michigan study found that more people believe in 'climate change' than 'global warming', with a difference driven by partisan orientation and question wording. Overall, 74% believed climate change was real when referred to as such, while 68% did so when called global warming.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPublic Opinion Quarterly·DateMar 8, 2011

Sleep-deprived people make risky decisions based on too much optimism

A study found that sleep deprivation leads to increased activity in brain regions assessing positive outcomes and decreased activity in those processing negative outcomes. As a result, sleep-deprived individuals are more likely to choose options with potential gains over those with potential losses.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·DateMar 8, 2011

Big games, close scores lead to more auto fatalities for winning fans

Research from North Carolina State University found that closely contested games result in a significant increase in traffic fatalities, with nail-biter games being the most dangerous. The study, published in Journal of Consumer Research, suggests that competition-induced testosterone may play a role in this increased risk.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateMar 8, 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.

Boy toddlers need extra help dealing with negative emotions

Research suggests that punishing boys for their negative emotions can lead to increased anxiety and behavior problems. Parents who punish toddlers for becoming angry or scared can hinder their child's ability to regulate and express emotions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalSocial Development·DateMar 8, 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.