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Science News Archive 2011


Page 263 of 311

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Federal grant funds OSC support of industrial modeling

The Ohio Supercomputer Center is receiving $2 million from a federal grant to support small- and medium-sized manufacturers in adopting advanced manufacturing technologies. The initiative aims to promote job retention, supply-chain growth, and new exports by providing access to modeling, simulation, and analysis tools.

Scientists target aggressive prostate cancer

Scientists have identified a potential target to treat an aggressive type of prostate cancer, known as SPINK1. A 'blocking' antibody to SPINK1 reduced tumor growth by up to 74% in mice. The study suggests that targeting SPINK1 may be effective in treating SPINK1-positive tumors.

2 languages in peaceful coexistence

A study published in New Journal of Physics analyzed the pattern of populations speaking Castilian and Galician languages in Spain. The researchers found that levels of bilingualism can lead to the steady co-existence of two languages in a stable population.

Lithosphere: New research posted Feb. 10

Two studies published in Lithosphere suggest the existence of a pre-3.3 billion year old continent in the East Indian Shield, implying a possible original supercontinent. Additionally, measurements of SKS splitting in South America indicate that asthenospheric flow plays a significant role in shaping the upper mantle's anisotropy.

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.

New study suggests ALS could be caused by a retrovirus

A Johns Hopkins Medicine study found that human endogenous retrovirus K (HERV-K) may be responsible for some cases of ALS, a neurodegenerative disease. Researchers identified HERV-K mRNA transcripts in the brains of ALS patients and found that they were present in areas surrounding the motor cortex.

Depression following miscarriage can continue after healthy birth

Women who experience depression and anxiety after a miscarriage may continue to feel these symptoms after a healthy child is born. The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children found that mental health problems associated with miscarriage or stillbirth do not end with the birth of a healthy baby, but can persist for several years.

Using artificial, cell-like 'honey pots' to entrap deadly viruses

Scientists design artificial protocells with bait proteins that mimic henipavirus receptors, successfully entraping and deactivating experimental analogs of Nipah and Hendra viruses. This innovative technique could lead to the development of new antiviral drugs by exploiting the virus's basic infection mechanism.

New advances in genetic studies of Fanconi anemia patients

Researchers identified a dominant Indo-European mutation in Spain and its spread to America, linked to high prevalence on La Palma and Brazil. The study mapped over 130 pathogenic mutations, revealing the mutation's impact on DNA repair pathways and cancer risk.

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.

Effectiveness of wastewater treatment may be damaged during a severe flu pandemic

A study finds that widespread discharge of inefficiently treated wastewater into rivers could occur if existing plans for antiviral and antibiotic use are implemented during a pandemic. This could lead to water quality deterioration at drinking water abstraction points, potentially causing eutrophication and environmental toxicity.

New interpretation of Antarctic ice cores

Researchers at Alfred Wegener Institute expand prevailing theory on climate history by showing local climate changes in southern hemisphere can trigger temperature fluctuations in Antarctica. The study, published in Nature, suggests alternative explanation for historical Earth climate data from Antarctica.

UK youth are happy after all?

A study of 40,000 UK households reveals that children living in households with the bottom fifth income have similar average life satisfaction scores as those in the top fifth. Family relationships, particularly mother-child relationships, play a significant role in determining young people's happiness.

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.

Nanofabrication tools may make silicon optical chips more accessible

The University of Washington is developing design tools and using commercial nanofabrication tools to create inexpensive next-generation silicon-based electro-optical chips. The Air Force Office of Scientific Research is funding this effort to improve data communications, lasers, and detectors.

Improved lesion detection with time-of-flight PET scans affirmed

Researchers found significant improvements in lesion detection with whole-body TOF FDG PET scans, particularly in larger patients and shorter studies. TOF scans yielded better image signal-to-noise due to travel time consideration, reducing scanning time and patient motion.

Has the Earth's sixth mass extinction already arrived?

Researchers estimate that if currently threatened species go extinct, the sixth mass extinction could arrive within 3 to 22 centuries. However, they also believe it's not too late to save critically endangered mammals and other species through conservation efforts.

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.

Researchers predict age of T cells to improve cancer treatment

By analyzing CD8+ T cells from healthy blood donors, researchers created a statistical model that accurately predicts the age and quality of T cells. This allows clinicians to transfer only young functional cells back into patients' bodies, potentially improving therapeutic outcomes for various cancers.

Fighting cancer at your local Indian restaurant

Researchers at Tel Aviv University discovered that curcumin amplifies the therapeutic activity of anti-inflammatory drugs used to treat colon cancer. This combination has already shown promising results in human clinical trials and may alleviate unwanted side effects.

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.

How much can a cell uptake?

A new study has found that macrophages have a seven-cell uptake threshold, governing the healing process. The researchers also discovered substances informing cells on tissue repair rates and accelerating macrophage transition to immune organs.

Earth's sixth mass extinction: Is it almost here?

A study published in Nature warns that Earth is on the brink of a mass extinction like those that have occurred five times during the past 540 million years. The study finds cause for hope and alarm, with critically endangered mammals facing an even greater risk of extinction within three generations.

IL28B gene predicts treatment outcome for liver transplantation patients

Researchers found a significant association between IL28B genotypes and interferon-based antiviral treatment outcomes, as well as graft inflammation caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV). The presence of G-allele serves as a marker for severe HCV-induced graft inflammation and predictor of unsuccessful treatment.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

JQI physicists demonstrate coveted 'spin-orbit coupling' in atomic gases

Physicists at JQI successfully demonstrated spin-orbit coupling in a gas of bosonic rubidium atoms, opening new possibilities for studying fundamental physics. The technique also showed promise for creating novel interactions between fermions, which could lead to breakthroughs in topological quantum computation and superconductivity.

Mutations found in human induced pluripotent stem cells

Researchers discovered protein-coding point mutations in all 22 hiPSC lines, with an estimated six mutations per exome. The findings suggest that genetic screening of hiPSCs before clinical use is crucial to ensure their safety and accuracy.

Blood protein in lung cancer could improve diagnosis and treatment

A recent study discovered a blood protein linked to lung adenocarcinoma, which could serve as a diagnostic marker for the disease. Elevated levels of serum amyloid A (SAA) were found in patients with lung cancer, making it a promising target for developing drugs that stop cancer spread.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Trust, clarity and openness in the workplace

A study by D. Keith Denton highlights the importance of creating an atmosphere of trust in the workplace to improve communication and reduce dissatisfaction. Face-to-face communication is found to be more effective than other channels, allowing for true dialogue to occur.

4 new species of Zombie ant fungi discovered in Brazilian rainforest

Four new species of fungus have been discovered in the Brazilian rainforest, infecting ants and manipulating their behavior to secure prime locations for spore dispersal. The study sheds light on the complex interactions between parasites and fragmented habitats, providing tools for further research into disease dynamics.

Sustaining the biodiversity of the western Great Plains

Fire, cattle, and prairie dogs play a crucial role in maintaining the diversity of vegetation on the western Great Plains. This mosaic of diverse vegetation supports various wildlife species, including declining populations of grassland birds and ground-nesting birds.

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.

Penn physicists develop scalable method for making graphene

Researchers at Penn have created high-quality graphene that covers over 95% of its surface area using readily available materials and manufacturing processes. The production process can be scaled up to industrial levels, reducing costs and increasing flexibility.

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.

CROI -- Day 3: Selected highlights of NIH-supported research

The iPrEx study found daily oral Truvada effective in preventing HIV infection in gay and bisexual men and transgender women. Researchers also discovered small but significant decreases in bone mineral density among those taking Truvada compared to a placebo.

Study shows ibuprofen may reduce risk of developing Parkinson's disease

A new Harvard School of Public Health study found that adults who regularly take ibuprofen have a lower risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The researchers analyzed data from nearly 99,000 women and 37,000 men, finding that ibuprofen use was associated with a 38% reduced risk of Parkinson's disease.

Solar mystery solved

Computer simulations suggest that changes in plasma flow within the Sun, which resembles ocean currents, contribute to prolonged solar minima. The team discovered that a faster flow during the first half of the solar cycle can lead to an extended period without sunspots and weak polar magnetic fields.

Clouds amplify ecological light pollution

Research by physicists and ecologists found that overcast skies are up to three times brighter than clear nights, amplifying ecological light pollution in urban ecosystems. The study highlights the need to consider cloud cover when assessing biological impact of light pollution.

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.

New growth inhibitors more effective in plants, less toxic to people

Researchers created a new class of plant growth regulators that block auxin transport, controlling growth processes without hormonal activity or toxicity concerns. The inhibitors are expected to reduce environmental impact and safety risks associated with current growth regulators.

Penn researchers find new role for cancer protein p53

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that protein p53 controls glucose metabolism, enabling cells to grow uncontrollably in tumors. This discovery may lead to new cancer therapeutics by targeting an inefficient metabolic pathway.

Research shows how bacteria communicate with each other

Researchers at Hebrew University identified a previously uncharacterized type of bacterial communication mediated by nanotubes that bridge neighboring cells. This mechanism enables bacteria to exchange small molecules, proteins, and even small genetic elements, facilitating the acquisition of new features such as antibiotic resistance.

New MIT developments in quantum computing

Researchers at MIT propose an experiment using a large number of photons and beam splitters to calculate complex distributions. The challenge lies in simulating the sampling process, which is currently computationally intractable.

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.

Black holes: a model for superconductors?

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a model for interacting electrons in unconventional superconductors by mimicking the behavior of charged black holes. This work resolves the Mott problem, which has puzzled physicists for decades, and sheds light on the origin of superconductivity in copper oxide materials.

Jekyll and Hyde: Cells' executioner can also stave off death

Caspase 8, long viewed as an executioner of cellular suicide, has a surprising dual function: initiating apoptosis and restraining an independent programmed death pathway. The enzyme's absence can be compensated by RIP3, allowing mice to develop normally and potentially offering new therapeutic avenues for diseases.

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.

An appeal to the caregiving values of rural women for breast cancer prevention

A study published in the Journal of Consumer Affairs found that rural Appalachian women are more likely to perform breast health self-examinations and seek medical attention when their caregiving responsibilities are recognized. The research suggests that appealing to their strength as caretakers encourages them to take care of themsel...