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Science News Archive 2011


Page 287 of 311

Could chocolate and oranges help prevent frailty in old age?

Researchers at the University of Nottingham are exploring whether chocolate and orange consumption can slow down muscle loss and frailty in older adults. The study aims to investigate the impact of cocoa and vitamin C on blood flow to leg muscles, with potential implications for improving mobility and reducing fall-related deaths.

For stem cells, a way to keep score

A new method allows for quick and comprehensive characterization of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) and embryonic stem cell lines, enabling high-throughput assessment of quality and differentiation efficiency. The approach yields genome-wide reference maps detailing epigenetic and gene expression landscapes.

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.

Younger immigrants adjust to a new culture faster than do older immigrants

A study found that younger immigrants (under age 15) tend to identify more with their new culture as they settle, whereas older immigrants may struggle to adapt. The researchers surveyed people who immigrated at various ages and found that those who arrived before age 15 quickly came to see themselves as part of the new culture.

First crustacean genome is sequenced

The first crustacean genome has been sequenced, providing insights into the impact of environmental pollutants on freshwater ecosystems. Daphnia pulex, a tiny water flea, serves as an indicator species for detecting toxins and pollutants in the environment.

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 approach to solar cells

Researchers at the University of California - Davis have developed a new approach to solar cells by constructing them from extremely small nanoparticles. The team aims to achieve an efficiency of 42-65%, surpassing the current theoretical maximum of 31%.

Northern Mars landscape actively changing

Scientists have found that the sand dunes in a vast area of northern Mars are changing with both sudden and gradual motions, contrary to previous assumptions. The changes were caused by seasonal carbon-dioxide ice and stronger-than-expected gusts of wind, resulting in sand avalanches and erosion.

Adapting technology to elderly people

The myVitali system enables healthcare professionals to monitor and communicate with larger numbers of people, maintaining independence and quality of life for seniors. It also reduces doctor visits and provides personalized health records.

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.

Discovery may lead to turning back the clock on ovarian cancer

Scientists at Georgia Institute of Technology have found a regulatory RNA called miR-429 that can induce metastatic cancer cells to convert back into less invasive forms. This discovery may allow physicians to treat ovarian cancer more effectively with traditional chemotherapy.

NASA measuring Tropical Storm Yasi's inland rainfall from space

NASA utilized its TRMM satellite to gather data on the rainfall rates of Tropical Cyclone Yasi as it moved through inland Queensland. The storm dropped moderate to heavy rainfall over an area southeast of the Gulf of Carpentaria, posing flash flooding and damaging winds risks.

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.

First evidence for a spherical magnesium-32 nucleus

Researchers confirm existence of spherical magnesium-32 nucleus, contrary to predicted shell structure. The finding has implications for understanding element synthesis in stellar explosions and requires further experiments to refine predictions.

Cell reprogramming leaves a 'footprint' behind

Scientists found reprogramming errors in iPS cells, including a common defect near telomeres and centromeres. These hotspots resist non-CG methylation, but CG islands are affected, potentially limiting the fate of iPS cells.

Generic drug may improve the effectiveness of cancer nanotherapies

A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that low doses of losartan improved the effectiveness of two nanotherapeutic approaches against several types of cancer. Losartan normalized the abnormal extracellular matrix of tumors, allowing for better delivery and efficacy of therapies.

Drugs warning -- check the label

A study found that 15 out of 20 drug classes had inconsistent black box warnings, with some warnings missing from all drugs in the same class. The researchers argue for a more transparent and systematic approach to label design.

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.

Rain in Spain is on the decline

A study by the University of Zaragoza found that Spain's precipitation has declined overall between March and June, reducing the length of the rainy season. The rains are heavier in October in the north west of the country.

Why folic acid may prevent a first heart attack, but not a second

Research found that folic acid lowers homocysteine in the blood, which should reduce heart attack risk. However, clinical trials showed no extra benefit due to high aspirin use by participants. The study suggests folic acid may still be beneficial for those not taking aspirin.

Experiment reaches biology milestone with hard X-ray laser

Researchers at Arizona State University developed a new method to determine biomolecule structures, achieving over 3 million clear diffraction patterns with the Linac Coherent Light Source. This milestone has significant potential for discoveries in biology, medicine, clean energy, and the development of targeted cancer drugs.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Could the humble sea cucumber save our seas?

At Newcastle University, a team led by Professor Selina Stead is investigating the potential of sea cucumbers as natural cleaners on fish farms, reducing waste's impact on ocean floors. The project aims to develop organic farming methods for both sea cucumber food and eco-friendly aquaculture.

Shoo fly: Catnip oil repels bloodsucking flies

A report published in ACS' Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that catnip oil is 99% effective in repelling bloodsucking stable flies. The repellent action lasts for about three hours and has the potential to reduce cattle industry loses by $2 billion annually.

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.

UC San Diego engineers play role in warehouse fire safety

Researchers at UC San Diego have made a breakthrough discovery that can help predict where and how quickly initial fires spread in warehouses. The study focuses on corrugated cardboard, finding that it slows the rate of fire spread due to peeling layers, making it essential for designing warehouse protection systems.

Giant virus, tiny protein crystals show X-ray laser's power and potential

Researchers use X-ray laser to determine 3D structures of proteins and capture single-shot images of viruses, paving the way for snapshots and movies of molecules and microbes in action. The technique has the potential to decipher tens of thousands of protein structures and study infectious 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.

Schizophrenia gene mutation found; target for new drugs

A gene mutation linked to schizophrenia has been identified and shows potential for treating the brain disorder with existing compounds. The mutation impacts a neuropeptide receptor VIPR2, which plays a crucial role in brain development and behavior.

Synthetic materials that behave like mollusk shells

Scientists at Northwestern University have developed new artificial composites inspired by nature's toughest material, nacre. The study reveals the secret to its remarkable properties and demonstrates how to replicate them in man-made materials.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

The 'death switch' in sepsis also promotes survival

A recent study by researchers at Rhode Island Hospital has found that the protein RIP1 plays a dual role in sepsis, promoting both cell death and survival. The study suggests that RIP1 is necessary for survival during septic injury, and its pro-survival trigger may hold key to developing new treatments for sepsis.

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.

Children's genes influence how well they take advantage of education

New research suggests that measures of school effectiveness are partly influenced by genetic factors in students. The study found that changes in student performance over time must be explained not only by the quality of the school environment but also by genetic factors that children bring to the classroom.

Painful hip fractures strike breast cancer survivors

Researchers found that breast cancer treatment contributes to weakened bones in middle-aged women, leading to hip fractures. Six breast cancer survivors were studied over a year, showing difficulty with daily activities despite not having osteoporosis.

Nitrate improves mitochondrial function

New research from Karolinska Institutet shows that nitrate improves mitochondrial function in humans, consuming less oxygen and producing more ATP per molecule. This finding has significant implications for sports physiology and may also have positive effects on diseases involving mitochondrial dysfunction.

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.

Prehabilitation better prepares patients for knee replacement surgery

Researchers at the University of Louisville developed an exercise program that improved leg strength and functional ability in patients with severe knee arthritis before knee replacement surgery. The study found significant gains in strength, but not in walking speed or other functional tasks.

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.

An extra 5 years of life an unexpected benefit of osteoporosis treatment

A recent study found that people taking bisphosphonates for osteoporosis treatment live an extra five years compared to those not receiving the medication. This significant benefit is attributed to bisphosphonates' ability to reduce toxic metal release, which may contribute to improved health outcomes.

Extreme X-ray pulses create unique image of intact virus

Scientists have successfully imaged an intact virus using extremely intensive and ultra-short x-ray pulses from the world's first X-ray free electron laser. This breakthrough technology enhances the possibilities of imaging individual biological molecules too small to study with conventional microscopes.

Screening for cervical cancer low for immigrant women

A study by St. Michael's Hospital found that only one in five South Asian immigrants over 50 had a recent Pap test, compared to 79% of Canadian-born women with high-income neighborhoods and primary care doctors. The low screening rates may be due to cultural factors and lack of awareness about the importance of the test.

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.