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Science News Archive 2011 - Page 265


Page 265 of 311

New kind of optical fiber developed

Researchers have developed a new class of optical fibers using zinc selenide, enabling more efficient light manipulation and transmission in the infrared spectrum. This breakthrough has potential applications in medical lasers, countermeasure lasers, and environmental monitoring.

SourcePenn State·JournalAdvanced Materials·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.

New generation of optical integrated devices for future quantum computers

Researchers from the University of Bristol demonstrated the quantum operation of new components that will enable compact circuits for future photonic quantum computers. These integrated photonic circuits are compact, stable, and low-noise, paving the way for mass production of chips for quantum computers.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 1, 2011

Research provides new findings on drug delivery with nanoparticles

Researchers have discovered that the coating of nanoparticle surfaces significantly influences immune activation, allowing for more targeted treatment of diseases. The study shows that designing polymers in various ways can drastically change the body's immune response.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalACS Nano·DateMar 1, 2011

New 'frozen smoke' may improve robotic surgery, energy storage

A new carbon material, engineered to be the lightest solid, shows promise in detecting pollutants, improving robotic surgery techniques, and storing energy more efficiently. The material's large surface area allows for great amounts of energy storage, increasing the capacity of lithium batteries.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalACS Nano·DateMar 1, 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.

Emergency mental health lessons learned from Continental Flight 3407 disaster

Mental health responders to the Continental Flight 3407 disaster share key successes and areas for improvement in disaster response planning. Clear relationships among responders, long-lasting mental health referrals, and efficient communication are highlighted as critical components of effective emergency preparedness.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalDisaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness·DateMar 1, 2011

Regrets? Study examines how people can cope

A new study from Concordia University found that people who focus on others who are worse off with similar regrets tend to experience fewer physical symptoms and improved emotional well-being. The study, published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, suggests that downplaying others' regrets can be a protective coping mechanism.

SourceConcordia University·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateMar 1, 2011

Stronger than steel, novel metals are moldable as plastic

Researchers at Yale University have successfully created complex shapes using newly developed bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) that can be blown molded with unprecedented ease and precision. The BMGs are twice as strong as typical steel, making them a promising material for various applications.

SourceYale University·JournalMaterials Today·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.

Turning bacteria into butanol biofuel factories

Researchers have engineered E. coli bacteria to produce n-butanol, a chemical that could be used as a substitute for diesel oil and gasoline. The new genetically altered E. coli produced nearly five grams of n-butanol per liter, about 10 times better than current industrial microbe systems.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMar 1, 2011

Measuring methane

Researchers developed a non-invasive method to measure methane release from cattle, accounting for up to 77% of emissions at a single point in a paddock. The technique uses open-path lasers and global positioning devices to track animal movements and wind speed.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateMar 1, 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.

Answers to a rare and tragic form of epilepsy

A new study reveals that glycogen synthase mistakenly incorporates phosphate molecules into glycogen, leading to the accumulation of 'wrecked' glucose in neurons and the formation of deposits called Lafora bodies. This discovery may lead to a viable therapeutic intervention for Lafora disease, which has no current effective treatment.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMar 1, 2011

Microscope could 'solve the cause of viruses'

Scientists have developed a microscope that can see objects as small as 50 nanometres, beyond the theoretical limit of optical microscopy. This breakthrough enables potential examination of human cells and live viruses for the first time, revolutionizing cell study and biomedicine.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 1, 2011

Is March Madness always the same?

A Duke University engineer's theory predicts that dominant teams in March Madness and top-ranked universities share similar hierarchies. The constructal law explains how these systems evolve to minimize imperfections and optimize performance.

SourceDuke University·JournalInternational Journal of Design & Nature and Ecodynamics·DateMar 1, 2011

Policies to reduce medical residents' fatigue may compromise quality of training

A study by Mayo Clinic researchers suggests that new duty-hour limitations for medical residents may not address the issue of physician fatigue, but rather compromise the quality of their training. The survey found that many residency program directors are concerned that shortened shifts will disrupt patient care and education.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateMar 1, 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.

New scientific field will study ecological importance of sounds

Researchers at Purdue University are developing a new scientific field that uses soundscapes to understand ecological characteristics and reconnect people with natural sounds. By analyzing the rhythms of natural sounds, scientists can detect early changes in climate, weather patterns, and pollution.

SourcePurdue University·JournalBioScience·DateMar 1, 2011

Shark tracking reveals impressive feats of navigation

Researchers found that tiger sharks can navigate long distances using directed walks, while thresher sharks also exhibit this behavior. Blacktip reef sharks, on the other hand, swim randomly within their small home ranges.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateMar 1, 2011

Abundant ammonia aids life's origins

Researchers found large amounts of ammonia in an asteroid, which could have provided a sustained source of reduced nitrogen essential for life. This discovery has significant implications for the origins-of-life theory and the potential for extraterrestrial life.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 1, 2011

6 different pathways to adulthood

A longitudinal study identifies six different pathways to adulthood among Finnish university students, shaped by career, partnership, and parenthood transitions. The study reveals that young adults with fast or on-time achievement of age-graded developmental tasks experience higher life satisfaction.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalAdvances in Life Course Research·DateMar 1, 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.

New non-surgical autopsy technique set to revolutionize post-mortem practice

A new non-surgical post-mortem technique uses minimally invasive targeted coronary angiography to determine the cause of death in up to 80% of cases. The technique is inexpensive, easy to use, and applicable to natural and unnatural deaths, offering a potential permanent change in autopsy practice.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalInternational Journal of Legal Medicine·DateMar 1, 2011

Which symptoms of PTSD do the most damage?

Research identifies four major PTSD symptoms with varying effects on quality of life, challenging common assumptions about the disorder's impact. Symptoms tied to heightened arousal, such as trouble sleeping and irritability, were found to have a significant association with lower quality of life among PTSD patients.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalPsychiatric Services·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.

Intensive adherence counseling with HIV treatment improves patient outcomes

A randomized controlled trial found that intensive adherence counseling reduces poor adherence and virologic treatment failure by up to 59%. Counseling also had no significant effect on mortality or CD4 counts. The study suggests that adherence counseling should be implemented in HIV clinics caring for large numbers of patients.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 1, 2011

Depressing future for men?

As men lose their primary breadwinner roles, depression and marital conflict are likely to increase. Biological and sociological differences may also make it harder for men to care for young children.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·DateMar 1, 2011

How long do stem cells live?

Researchers created a computer program that predicts the lifespan of hematopoietic stem cells, finding that each cell has a set amount of time for self-renewal. This understanding can improve the safety and efficacy of bone marrow transplants and potentially lead to breakthroughs in regenerative medicine.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 1, 2011

New cell therapy a promising atherosclerosis treatment

Researchers have developed a cell therapy that selectively dampens vascular inflammation induced by LDL, showing substantial protective effects against atherosclerosis. The treatment has been shown to reduce the disease process by up to 70 percent in mouse studies.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCirculation·DateMar 1, 2011

Relaxation leads to lower elasticity

Microscopic relaxation processes contribute to macroscopic changes in polymer network properties. Over ten hours, elasticity decreases by about a fifth and remains stable, shedding light on the aging process of elastic polymers.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 1, 2011
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.

Gene variants in autism linked to brain development

Researchers identified new gene variants contributing to autism, disrupting brain development and nerve signaling. The study suggests multiple genetic paths to autism, with similar functional roles in the nervous system.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateMar 1, 2011

NYU physicists develop potent packing process

New York University physicists have developed a method for packing microscopic spheres that can improve various commercial products, such as pharmaceutical lotions and ice cream. The researchers manipulated the properties of emulsions using statistical mechanics and depletion attraction to create materials with desired properties.

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 28, 2011
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.

Motivation in their work reduces stress among IT consultants

A study by Gothenburg University found that motivated employees experience less stress in their work environment. The research highlights the importance of managers understanding what motivates their IT consultants to reduce turnover and increase profitability.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalHuman Factors and Ergonomics in Manufacturing & Service Industries·DateFeb 28, 2011

University of Miami awarded Howard Hughes Medical Institute experiment grant

The University of Miami has received a grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute to design and assess an innovative competency-based premedical curriculum. The new curriculum will focus on integrating basic science concepts with clinical cases to teach students critical thinking skills and prepare them for future medical practice.

SourceUniversity of Miami·DateFeb 28, 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.

Mating mites trapped in amber reveal sex role reversal

A 40-million-year-old extinct mite species reveals a reversal of traditional sex roles, where females have partial or complete control over mating. This finding provides insight into the evolutionary advantages gained by females in controlling aspects of copulation.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalBiological Journal of the Linnean Society·DateFeb 28, 2011

More evidence that Alzheimer's disease may be inherited from your mother

A new study found that individuals with a mother who has Alzheimer's disease are twice as likely to experience gray matter shrinkage and have more whole brain atrophy compared to those with a father or no family history. The research suggests that inheriting the disease from one's mother may be a significant risk factor.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateFeb 28, 2011

Gene fuelled transporter causes breast cancer cells to self-destruct

Scientists at Queen's University Belfast have developed a gene delivery system that targets and kills breast cancer cells using an innovative nanoparticle transport system. The iNOS gene forces cancer cells to produce poisonous nitric oxide, leading to cell death or increased vulnerability to chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

SourceQueen's University Belfast·JournalInternational Journal of Pharmaceutics·DateFeb 28, 2011

Gay rights movement born in 19th century Germany, scholar says

The modern understanding of homosexuality originated in 19th-century Germany with the Imperial Criminal Code's anti-sodomy law, sparking public inquiry into same-sex eroticism. This led to key components of modern gay rights, including recognizing same-sex attraction as a fundamental aspect of individual biology or psychology.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalThe Journal of Modern History·DateFeb 28, 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.

A grudge match between humanity and death -- who wins?

A recent study by George Mason University psychology professor Todd Kashdan found that mindfulness can neutralize fears of dying and death. Mindful people showed less defensiveness toward others who didn't share their worldview, and were more diplomatic and tolerant when confronted with death-related thoughts.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateFeb 28, 2011

Heart attack patients with depression less likely to receive priority care in emergency rooms

A study published in CMAJ found that heart attack patients with a history of depression received lower priority care in emergency departments, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment. This disparity may be due to healthcare staff assuming symptoms are anxiety-related rather than an actual heart attack.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 28, 2011

Research opens door to vaccines that can circumvent maternal antibodies

Ohio State University researchers have discovered a way to manipulate the immune response to vaccination, enabling effective immunization even when maternal antibodies are present. By using a specific type of antibody, known as IgM, they can activate B cells and stimulate an immune response, potentially improving childhood vaccination ...

SourceOhio State University·JournalBlood·DateFeb 28, 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.

University of Maryland School of Medicine study identifies genes associated with binge drinking

A University of Maryland School of Medicine study identified two genes associated with binge drinking, GABA receptors and TLR4, which may lead to new therapies for excessive alcohol consumption. The study found that manipulating these receptors caused a reduction in binge drinking behavior.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 28, 2011

Blood pressure management: Sleep on it

A study found that daytime sleep can facilitate cardiovascular recovery after mental stress, with participants who slept for at least 45 minutes experiencing lower average blood pressure. The researchers also noted a restorative effect of daytime sleep on sleepiness, with those who slept reporting lower scores.

SourceSpringer·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Medicine·DateFeb 28, 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.

Health benefits of eating tomatoes emerge

Researchers found that tomatoes contain powerful antioxidants like lycopene, which has greater bioavailability after cooking and processing. Tomatoes also have anti-inflammatory functions and a lower risk of certain cancers, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and cognitive dysfunction.

SourceSAGE·JournalAmerican Journal of Lifestyle Medicine·DateFeb 28, 2011

Human stem cells from fat tissue fuse with rat heart cells and beat

Scientists have successfully fused human stem cells derived from fat tissue with muscle cells from rat hearts, forming new muscle cells that beat. This achievement demonstrates the potential for regenerative medicine to heal damaged hearts without transplantation.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateFeb 28, 2011

Researchers reformulate tenofovir vaginal gel for rectal use

Researchers have reformedulated tenofovir gel to make it safe and effective for rectal use, with laboratory tests showing reduced harm to the lining of the rectum and comparable HIV protection. The reformulated gel is now being tested in clinical trials to address concerns about comfort and side effects.

SourceMicrobicide Trials Network·DateFeb 28, 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.

Smartphones -- the grip of death

New research from the University of Bristol's Centre for Communications Research investigates how smartphone grips impact wireless signal strength. Holding a device can lead to a 100-fold reduction in sensitivity and signal fluctuations, impairing service quality.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalIEEE Antennas and Wireless Propagation Letters·DateFeb 28, 2011