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Science News Archive 2011 - Page 264


Page 264 of 311

Dude, you throw like a crybaby!

A UCLA study found that body language is more likely to be judged as masculine when it conveys anger and as feminine when it conveys sadness during baseball tosses. Researchers used technology to disguise the actors' sex and presented videos to observers, who made judgments about their emotions and gender.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalCognition·DateMar 2, 2011

Just like me: Online training helpers more effective when they resemble students

A study by North Carolina State University found that superficial similarities between training participants and helper agents enhance performance. Participants reported better engagement and focus when the helper's communication style matched their own, leading to improved learning outcomes.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateMar 2, 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.

Worms strike see-saw balance in disease resistance

Researchers found that C. elegans worms gain resistance to one microbe at the cost of becoming more vulnerable to another, highlighting a see-saw balance between immunity to different diseases across the animal kingdom.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 2, 2011
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.

Study in PLoS: Intensive adherence counseling to HIV treatment improves patient outcomes

A study published in PLoS Medicine found that intensive adherence counseling significantly reduces poor adherence and virologic treatment failure in patients with HIV. Patients receiving counseling were 29% less likely to experience poor adherence, and those receiving early counseling had a 59% lower risk of viral failure.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 2, 2011

Researchers focus on human cells for spinal cord injury repair

Researchers have discovered that specific human astrocytes derived from stem cells can repair damaged nervous systems and promote locomotor function in spinal cord injured rats. The study reveals the importance of creating beneficial cell types through tissue culture before transplantation, providing a potential new avenue for treating...

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 2, 2011

Shift work may be associated with decreased risk of skin cancer

A recent study published in JNCI found that shift work may be associated with a reduced risk of skin cancer in women. The researchers analyzed data from the Nurses' Health Study and discovered that rotating night shifts were linked to a lower risk of skin cancer, particularly melanoma. Darker-haired women had the lowest risk.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 2, 2011

6-month drug regimen cuts HIV risk for breastfeeding infants, NIH study finds

A 6-month daily dose of the antiretroviral drug nevirapine significantly reduced HIV transmission through breast milk to infants of HIV-infected mothers. The extended regimen achieved a 54% reduction in HIV transmission risk compared to six-week treatment, while preserving health benefits of extended breastfeeding.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateMar 2, 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.

Scientists unravel the mysterious mechanics of spider silk

Researchers have uncovered the key to spider silk's incredible strength and toughness, revealing a serial arrangement of crystalline and amorphous subunits that outperforms random structures. This breakthrough may lead to the design of artificial silk fibers with similar properties.

SourceCell Press·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateMar 1, 2011

Hospital use of virtual colonoscopy is on the rise, study suggests

A recent study found that hospital use of computed tomographic colonography (CTC), also known as virtual colonoscopy, is increasing. In 2008, 17% of hospitals offered CTC, up from 13% in 2005, with many citing a desire to provide alternative screening options for frail patients and those with failed optical colonoscopy.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Radiology·DateMar 1, 2011

New hope for lowering cholesterol

A team of researchers has discovered a new enzyme, squalene mono-oxygenase (SM), that plays a key role in cholesterol production. Inhibiting SM may lead to more effective treatments with fewer side effects than current medications.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMar 1, 2011

Gene variations associated with risk of type 2 diabetes

Research reveals that specific gene variants, particularly IVS5-13insC, are linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes in individuals of white European ancestry. The study's findings suggest that these genetic variations could serve as early predictive markers for insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMar 1, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scientists reveal new insights into tendon injury

Researchers found a thin layer of epithelial cells on healthy tendons that prevent adhesion formation. Mice with defective cells developed tendon adhesions, highlighting the importance of tissue surface integrity.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 1, 2011

Tanning bed exposure can be deadly when complicated by medication reactions

A study by Indiana University School of Medicine found that tanning bed radiation can cause severe skin reactions, including toxic epidermal necrolysis, a life-threatening condition. The researchers advise caution when using tanning beds to treat undiagnosed skin conditions.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalArchives of Dermatology·DateMar 1, 2011

$46 million boost to UK's biggest study of babies and young children

The £46 million study will track the lives of over 90,000 UK babies and their families, examining factors such as social disadvantage, environmental pollutants, and parenting style. The research aims to understand how biological and environmental influences shape children's health, development, and future life chances.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateMar 1, 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.

$1 million USDA grant aims to reduce obesity in preschoolers

The University of Illinois Chicago has received a $950,000 USDA grant to integrate obesity-prevention strategies into programs for low-income families. The program, Hip-Hop to Health, was previously found effective in reducing body mass index in minority children and will now be tested with an additional population.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·DateMar 1, 2011

For alcoholics, new help in abstaining -- without thinking about it

A new study published in Psychological Science finds that a short-term regime called cognitive-bias modification can help heavy drinkers change their impulsive responses to temptation, leading to improved treatment outcomes. The technique involves video-game-like tasks and was found to reduce relapse rates among alcoholics.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 1, 2011

Scientists unravel the mysterious mechanics of spider silk

Researchers deciphered the molecular structure behind spider silk's remarkable mechanical properties, discovering that soft amorphous subunits contribute to its elasticity and crystalline subunits determine its maximal toughness. The study's findings may aid in designing artificial silk fibers with improved performance.

SourceCell Press·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateMar 1, 2011

UCSF researchers uncover hormone pathway to fatty liver disease

UCSF researchers have discovered a crucial hormone pathway that contributes to the development of fatty liver disease. By disrupting this pathway, they found that fat accumulation in the liver can occur even without alcohol consumption. The study's findings may lead to the development of new therapeutic drugs targeting this pathway.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 1, 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.

Quality of life significantly increases after uterine fibroid treatment

A new study found that uterine fibroid treatment significantly improved quality of life for women, with non-minimally invasive options such as MRgFUS showing better outcomes. The study surveyed over 197 women who underwent different treatments, including hysterectomy and UAE.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateMar 1, 2011

New online resource offers teachers wealth of Middle East material

The 'Teaching the Middle East' online resource provides comprehensive and objective teaching materials on topics ranging from prehistory to modern states. It features articles written by University of Chicago faculty, lesson plans, and links to additional resources, aiming to dispel stereotypes and promote understanding.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·DateMar 1, 2011

ASA launches new journal focused on mental health and illness

The American Sociological Association has launched a new journal dedicated to researching the sociology of mental health and illness. The journal features original studies applying sociological concepts to understand the social origins of mental health and illness.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalSociety and Mental Health·DateMar 1, 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.

Stem cell study could aid motor neurone disease research

Scientists have discovered a new way to generate human motor nerve cells, helping research into motor neurone disease. This breakthrough enables the creation of different types of motor neurons, allowing researchers to study their vulnerability to disease.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 1, 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.

Freedom to choose leisure activities benefits people with autism

A recreation program that allowed autistic adults to choose their own leisure activities improved their communication and social skills, according to Penn State researchers. Participants scored higher on personality tests than a control group, showing significant improvement in recognizing and labeling emotions.

SourcePenn State·JournalResearch in Autism Spectrum Disorders·DateMar 1, 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.

DREADD-ing your next meal

Researchers found that chronic stimulation of AgRP neurons induces weight gain by increasing food intake, while inhibition inhibits food intake. Stimulating AgRP neurons also triggers intense food seeking behavior.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 1, 2011

2011 Harold M. Weintraub Graduate Student Award recipients announced

The 2011 Harold M. Weintraub Graduate Student Award has been awarded to 12 graduate students from institutes across North America who have made significant contributions to the field of biological sciences. The award recognizes the quality, originality and significance of their research.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·DateMar 1, 2011

Scientists discover genetic switch that increases muscle blood supply

Researchers identified a genetic switch, estrogen-related receptor gamma (ERR gamma), that converts fast twitch fibers into slow twitch fibers with increased blood supply. This discovery offers potential therapeutic avenues for treating critical limb ischemia and other cardiovascular diseases.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMar 1, 2011

Type 2 diabetes linked to single gene mutation in 1 in 10 patients

A multinational study found that a single gene mutation in the HMGA1 gene is responsible for type 2 diabetes in nearly 10 percent of patients of white European ancestry. This defect leads to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, providing a potential test to predict disease risk and identify effective treatment options.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA·DateMar 1, 2011

CROI -- Day 2: Selected highlights of NIH-supported research

Researchers investigated the risks of starting antiretroviral therapy in HIV-infected patients with TB, finding that early ART may not reduce AIDS risk for those with fewer than 250 CD4+ T cells. Microbicide studies showed promise with rectally applied tenofovir gel reducing HIV infection risk in men and women.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateMar 1, 2011
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.

JCI online early table of contents: March 1, 2011

Studies using DREADD technology found that stimulating AgRP neurons induced weight gain and intense food seeking behavior, while inhibiting these neurons inhibited food intake. In another study, researchers discovered a new mechanism explaining growth hormone's role in fatty liver disease, which may lead to the development of novel tre...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 1, 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.

For some kids, corneal transplant improves vision and daily life

Researchers tracked corneal transplant success in young patients and found substantial improvement in vision for most children with keratoconus. The study revealed that infants had lower success rates due to related illnesses, while older children fared better.

SourceAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology·JournalOphthalmology·DateMar 1, 2011

Spotlight on autism research

UK child psychiatrist Sir Michael Rutter reviews the latest scientific developments in autism research, covering clinical features, genetics, environmental factors, and psychological treatments. Despite substantial gains in knowledge, prevention and cure remain major puzzles in autism research.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateMar 1, 2011

Solving the riddle of nature's perfect spring

Researchers have discovered the structure of tropoelastin, a key component of elastin that provides elasticity to human tissues. The molecule has near-perfect elasticity, allowing it to stretch up to eight times its original length and return to its shape with no loss of energy.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 1, 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.

Diversifying crops may protect yields against a more variable climate

Agricultural diversification techniques can help farmers mitigate the effects of climate change by making it harder for pathogens and pests to spread. By growing a broader range of species or varieties, farmers can modulate climate extremes and reduce economic losses.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateMar 1, 2011

Study finds nitric oxide does not help sickle cell pain crisis

A new study involving 150 patients with sickle cell disease found that inhaling nitric oxide gas did not improve outcomes, including reducing pain crisis duration or shortening hospital stays. The study's results contradict previous trials suggesting administration of nitric oxide might shorten sickle cell pain crises.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalJAMA·DateMar 1, 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.

Don't underestimate the power of herbal teas

Researchers from the US Department of Agriculture have found moderate antimicrobial activity and significant antiplatelet-clumping activity in chamomile tea. Peppermint tea has been shown to have strong antioxidant and antiviral actions, while hibiscus tea has lowered blood pressure in pre-hypertensive adults.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·DateMar 1, 2011

Study links vitamin D to lung cancer survival

Researchers found that high levels of CYP24A1 enzyme can predict lung cancer survival, with patients having higher levels experiencing nearly half the survival rate as those with low levels. The study suggests using vitamin D to prevent or delay cancer recurrence after surgery.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateMar 1, 2011

NASA's Glory Satellite scheduled for launch March 4

NASA's Glory satellite is scheduled to launch on March 4 from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. The mission will study the effects of sun particles and aerosols on Earth's climate. The launch also carries three CubeSats, designed and built by university students.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 1, 2011

Nitric oxide does not appear to improve treatment of sickle cell pain-attacks

A study published in JAMA found that inhaling nitric oxide gas for up to 3 days did not shorten the time to resolution of painful crises in patients with sickle cell disease. The treatment, which had shown promise in small trials, failed to demonstrate significant benefits in reducing pain duration or hospitalization length.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMar 1, 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.