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Science News Archive 2011 - Page 274


Page 274 of 311

Competing risks analysis highlights new targets in preventing ESRD and death of diabetics

Researchers analyzed data from 592 patients with type 1 diabetes and macroalbuminuria to identify predictors of End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) and pre-ESRD mortality. The study found that poor glycemic control increases ESRD risk but not pre-ESRD mortality, while improved lipid management affects both outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 18, 2011

Doing good with operations research

Karen Smilowitz and her team are applying operations research techniques to promote welfare and equity through efficient delivery of goods and services. They have worked with organizations such as the Mobile C.A.R.E. Foundation to develop models for matching donors and recipients, as well as designing collection and delivery routes.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateFeb 18, 2011

Efficacy of tuberculosis vaccine enhanced

Researchers at VIB and Ghent University have developed a new tuberculosis vaccine that affords better protection against the disease by triggering an immune reaction in the body. The new vaccine works differently from existing vaccines and acquires its extra protective value by emitting signals that provoke inflammation.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalMolecular Medicine·DateFeb 18, 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.

Multiple approaches necessary to tackle world's food problems

To solve the world's food problems, agriculture needs to use resources more efficiently by integrating various sectors and adopting innovative methods. Researchers are exploring ways to grow crops in areas that were previously unused, such as using wastewater to irrigate and fertilize fruit and vegetables.

SourcePenn State·DateFeb 18, 2011

Stretching before a run does not prevent injury

A study of over 2,700 runners found that stretching before running neither prevents nor causes injury. However, runners who normally stretch and suddenly stop or switch routines are more likely to experience injuries, particularly groin pulls, foot/ankle injuries, and knee injuries.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateFeb 18, 2011

'Telecoupling' explains why it's a small (and fast) world, after all

The symposium explores the shrinking distance between humans and nature, with increased trade and technological advancements having significant consequences for environmental sustainability. World-renowned experts will present on the topic of telecoupling, highlighting new dynamics in human-nature interactions.

SourceMichigan State University·DateFeb 18, 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.

Brain function linked to birth size in groundbreaking new study

A new study reveals that children born small with large placentas exhibit more activity on the right side of their brains, linked to mood disorders like depression. This finding suggests that adverse environments during pregnancy can cause long-term changes in brain function.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 18, 2011

CeBIT 2011: Preparing for the unexpected

Researchers at Fraunhofer Institute are developing multi-hazard and multi-channel technologies to create trend-setting warning systems. The PRONTO project uses automatic information collection and assessment to support rescue services in crisis situations.

SourceFraunhofer-Gesellschaft·DateFeb 18, 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.

New model for probing antidepressant actions

A new mouse model has been developed to study selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and their effects on the brain. The model shows that SSRIs target a specific protein in the brain, leading to improved treatment options for depression and potentially shedding light on addiction.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 18, 2011

Unraveling how prion proteins move alon axons in the brain

A study published in Cell identified the motors driving non-infectious prion proteins up and down long neuronal transport pathways. The research sheds light on how these proteins interact with infectious forms to cause disease, potentially aiding therapies for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell·DateFeb 17, 2011

Male fertility is in the bones

Researchers found that osteocalcin produced in bone enhances testosterone production in testes, supporting sperm survival. This discovery links the skeleton to male fertility and may provide insights into unexplained infertility cases.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateFeb 17, 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.

Healthy lifestyle, positive attitude can help improve patient outcomes

Researchers found that patients who smoke, misuse alcohol, have poor blood sugar control, or have a negative mindset prior to surgery are more likely to experience post-operative complications. Quitting smoking and maintaining good lifestyle habits can significantly reduce these risks.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateFeb 17, 2011

Cigarette smoking increases production of mucus in patients with bronchitis

Researchers found that cigarette smoke suppresses protein Bik, leading to sustained mucus cell growth and airway obstruction. The study's findings suggest a potential therapeutic target for reducing excess mucus secretion in chronic bronchitis patients.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateFeb 17, 2011

Residual dipolar couplings unveil structure of small molecules

Researchers unveil structure of small molecules by analyzing residual dipolar couplings in partially aligned samples. This new approach provides valuable structural information, even when traditional methods fail.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 17, 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.

Identification of glaucoma gene brightens view for future therapies

A team of investigators has identified a new candidate gene for primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), the most common form of eye disorder. The gene, ADAMTS10, is involved in processing extracellular matrix and may play a role in regulating aqueous humor outflow.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateFeb 17, 2011

Scientists uncover surprising features of bear hibernation

Black bears experience large decreases in metabolism during hibernation, with metabolic rates remaining suppressed for several weeks after emergence. This finding has significant implications for potential applications in emergency medicine, such as reducing metabolic demand in patients experiencing stroke or trauma.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·JournalScience·DateFeb 17, 2011

Swedish discovery could lead to new stroke therapy

Researchers at Lund University have found a way to activate the sigma-1 receptor protein, which plays a key role in brain recovery after a stroke. This discovery could lead to new and more effective treatments for stroke patients.

SourceLund University·JournalBrain·DateFeb 17, 2011

Catching space weather in the act

The IBEX spacecraft has taken unprecedented photos of the plasma sheet, a complex region surrounding Earth's magnetic field. The images show a plasmoid being ejected into space, providing direct visual evidence of space weather events that can cause auroras and radiation failures.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 17, 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.

Study suggests statins may prevent diabetic-related blindness

Researchers found that statin drugs can prevent free radicals from killing nerves important to maintaining vision in people with diabetes. The study suggests that oral treatment with atorvastatin can restore proper levels of nerve growth factor and preserve neurons in the retina.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalDiabetologia·DateFeb 17, 2011

NASA infrared satellite data see an intensifying Tropical Storm Dianne

NASA's Aqua satellite reveals Tropical Storm Dianne is getting organized, with bands of thunderstorms wrapping into the center indicating strengthening. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center expects Dianne to intensify and move south on Feb. 18 while remaining well west of the Australian coast.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 17, 2011

Choose less contaminating products thanks to eco-labeling

A researcher has developed an eco-labeling system to provide environmental information on product carbon footprints, enabling consumers to make informed choices. The system, based on a method composed of financial accounts, estimates the ecological and carbon footprint of goods and services throughout their life cycle.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalThe International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment·DateFeb 17, 2011

Children in public housing play outdoors more

Researchers discovered that young children living in public housing spend more time playing outdoors than their peers, with a significant link to lower body mass indexes (BMIs). Mothers' perceptions of neighborhood environments also played a key role in predicting children's outdoor playtime and TV watching habits.

SourceRice University·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateFeb 17, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Ben-Gurion U. research leads to improved calcium supplement derived from crustacean shells

A team of BGU researchers has created a unique calcium supplement form that provides higher biological absorption and retention rates. The supplement, derived from unstable calcium carbonate, showed significant benefits in laboratory animals, with improved blood and bone absorption rates.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateFeb 17, 2011

Magma power for geothermal energy?

A team of scientists drilling near an Icelandic volcano hit magma in 2009, resulting in a potentially game-changing discovery for geothermal energy. The team estimated that the steam generated from the magma could power up to 25,000 homes.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalGeology·DateFeb 17, 2011

Checklist cuts lethal ventilator-associated lung infections

A simple checklist designed by Johns Hopkins researchers significantly reduces ventilator-associated pneumonia cases by over 70% in Michigan hospitals. The intervention, combined with education and a culture of patient safety, saves tens of thousands of lives and millions of dollars in healthcare costs.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateFeb 17, 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.

Carnegie Mellon's Matyjaszewski to receive Wolf Prize in Chemistry

Krzysztof Matyjaszewski will be recognized for his groundbreaking research in synthesis of organic materials and controlled radical polymerization. His work has led to the development of innovative materials with tailored functionalities, enabling applications in energy, environment, and biomedicine.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateFeb 17, 2011

Total knee replacement patients functioning well after 20 years

A recent study found that total knee replacement patients retain high levels of functionality 20 years after surgery, defying common concerns about long-term decline. The study revealed that 95% of patients could walk at least five blocks and nearly half had unlimited walking abilities.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateFeb 17, 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.

Shining a light on trypanosome reproduction

Trypanosomes, a distant branch of the eukaryote tree, have been found to reproduce sexually through meiosis, a process previously thought unclear. The study uses fluorescently-tagged proteins to visualize the process inside the tsetse fly.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 17, 2011

Warm weather may hurt thinking skills in people with MS

Research found that individuals with MS performed better on learning and memory tests during cooler days compared to warmer days. The study suggests a link between warm weather and cognitive impairment in people with MS, which could inform life decisions and clinical treatment.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateFeb 17, 2011

The brain as a 'task machine'

Researchers found that the brain area responsible for reading is active in blind individuals who read Braille, challenging the idea of sensory specialization. The study suggests that the brain is a task-oriented system that can adapt to new tasks without prior experience.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 17, 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.

Compact high-temperature superconducting cables demonstrated at NIST

Researchers at NIST have developed compact high-temperature superconducting cables with improved strain tolerance, enabling thinner and more flexible cables for electric power grid applications. The new cables may also be used in scientific and medical equipment, as well as for military applications such as HTS power transmission.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalSuperconductor Science and Technology·DateFeb 17, 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.

Bears uncouple temperature and metabolism for hibernation, new study shows

Researchers discovered that Alaskan black bears only reduce their body temperatures slightly during hibernation, yet experience a dramatic decline in metabolic activity, slowing to 25% of normal rates. The bears' metabolism remained suppressed for several weeks after emerging from hibernation.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 17, 2011

Rewrite the textbooks

Researchers at Northwestern University have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of neuroscience, finding that axons can transmit signals to the cell body and even communicate with each other. This challenges conventional wisdom on how neurons operate, revealing a new layer of complexity in neural communication.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateFeb 17, 2011

The real avatar

Swiss researchers employ virtual reality and brain imaging techniques to investigate the science behind self-consciousness. By immersing subjects in avatar environments, they explore how the brain integrates touch and vision to create a coherent perception of the body.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·DateFeb 17, 2011

Skeleton regulates male fertility

Researchers found that osteocalcin enhances testosterone production, leading to improved sperm count and reproductive success in male mice. The study suggests that low osteocalcin levels may contribute to male infertility in humans.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalCell·DateFeb 17, 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.

Sleeping Trojan horse to aid imaging of diseased cells

Researchers at Cardiff University have developed a 'sleeping Trojan horse' delivery system that enables the efficient transport of metal ions into cells, opening up new possibilities for medical imaging. This innovative approach resolves some of the difficulties associated with traditional 'Trojan Horse' techniques.

SourceCardiff University·JournalChemical Communications·DateFeb 17, 2011

To increase physical activity, focus on how, not why

A new University of Missouri study found that behavior-changing strategies like self-monitoring and goal-setting significantly increased physical activity levels among healthy adults. The research suggests focusing on practical strategies rather than trying to change attitudes or beliefs about exercise.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateFeb 17, 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.

Engineering atomic interfaces for new electronics

A team of scientists has made fundamental discoveries at oxide material interfaces, discovering how to manipulate electrons by inserting a single layer of atoms. The researchers found that the rare-earth element layer creates an electron gas with unique characteristics.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScience·DateFeb 17, 2011

Biomarker discovery may lead to reliable blood test for ectopic pregnancy

Researchers at The Wistar Institute and University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have discovered protein markers that could predict ectopic pregnancies. A panel of biomarkers, weighing individual proteins' relative importance, may create a more sensitive and reliable test for detecting ectopic pregnancies.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateFeb 17, 2011

Neisseria meningitidis disseminates itself by sending out 'scouts'

Researchers at Inserm discovered that Neisseria meningitidis uses a strategy called 'scouting' to disperse from the throat into the bloodstream. This process involves the modification of pilin proteins with phosphoglycerol, which triggers dissemination and allows bacteria to colonize other areas of the throat and cross cell walls.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalScience·DateFeb 17, 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.

Beyond tender loving care: 'TLCs' promise health and happiness

Lifestyle changes such as exercise and spending time in nature can be as effective as medication to treat depression and anxiety. Therapeutic lifestyle changes also promote cognitive function, overall well-being, and social skills, while reducing stress and promoting joy.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalAmerican Psychologist·DateFeb 17, 2011