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Science News Archive 2011 - Page 288


Page 288 of 311

GSA Bulletin highlights: New research posted Jan. 21-28

Scientists evaluated steady fault slip rate over 25 thousand years along the Altyn Tagh fault, providing constraints for Quaternary slip history. Chironomids were used to record terrestrial temperature changes in Arctic interglacials of the past 200,000 years.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeological Society of America Bulletin·DateFeb 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.

Older adults often excluded from clinical trials

A recent study found that more than half of clinical trials exclude people based on their age or age-related conditions. This exclusion leaves healthcare providers in the dark when determining which treatment will best serve their patients.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateFeb 2, 2011

Field study of smoggy inversions to end

A field study has been conducted to investigate the causes of winter inversions in urban areas like Salt Lake City, which can trap pollutants and lead to poor air quality. The researchers used a range of methods, including weather balloons, cars, and gliders, to collect data on temperature, wind, and moisture.

SourceUniversity of Utah·DateFeb 2, 2011

NIH researchers identify genetic cause of new vascular disease

Researchers at the National Institutes of Health's Undiagnosed Diseases Program have identified a novel disorder characterized by progressive and painful arterial calcification affecting the lower extremities. The condition, associated with mutations in the NT5E gene, has been observed in nine individuals from three unrelated families.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 2, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UMD advance lights possible path to creating next-gen computer chips

University of Maryland researchers introduce a technique called RAPID lithography that uses visible light to create tiny integrated circuits comparable to shorter wavelength radiation. This breakthrough could lead to substantial savings in cost and ease of production for companies like Intel.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature Chemistry·DateFeb 2, 2011

Vegans' elevated heart risk requires omega-3s and B12

A review of vegetarianism's biochemistry finds vegans at elevated risk for blood clots and atherosclerosis. Key nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B12 can mitigate this risk with dietary supplements or fortified foods.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateFeb 2, 2011

Mayo researchers pinpoint how 1 cancer gene functions

A Mayo Clinic research team has pinpointed the function of the MMSET gene, revealing how it enables disease-causing mutations to occur. Normally-functioning MMSET plays a restorative role within the genome, but when impaired, cells lose the correct response to DNA damage.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNature·DateFeb 2, 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.

The human genome's breaking points

A comprehensive analysis of human genomes identified 28,000 structural variants, including over 1,000 gene-altering mutations linked to diseases. The findings shed light on why some parts of the genome mutate more frequently than others.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature·DateFeb 2, 2011

Uterine health more important than egg quality

A new study published in Fertility and Sterility reveals that the health of a woman's uterus is more relevant than egg quality for a successful pregnancy outcome. The research found that babies born from frozen embryo transfer cycles had markedly greater birth weights compared to those born through standard IVF.

SourceTexas Children's Hospital·JournalFertility and Sterility·DateFeb 2, 2011

Rare meteorites reveal Mars collision caused water flow

Scientists have used rare Martian meteorite samples to reveal that a collision on Mars caused water to flow near the planet's surface. The research found veins created during an impact, which suggests that buried ice melted and deposited minerals such as clay and serpentine.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalMeteoritics and Planetary Science·DateFeb 2, 2011

ESA members take part in National Bed Bug Summit

Entomologists presented various methods of bed bug control, emphasizing prevention and non-chemical approaches. The summit highlighted the need for continued research into bed bugs, with a focus on improving public awareness and community involvement in control efforts.

SourceEntomological Society of America·DateFeb 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.

Losing body fat before pregnancy can be beneficial for the baby

Researchers found that obese mothers who lost weight before pregnancy had healthier male offspring with reduced triglycerides and insulin resistance. The study suggests pre-pregnancy dietary intervention can reverse adverse metabolic effects of maternal obesity on offspring.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateFeb 2, 2011

All in the family: Lower back disease may be in your genes

A large-scale study found a significant genetic component in the development of symptomatic lumbar disc disease, with individuals with the condition more likely to have family members with disc disease. The study's findings support a genetic basis for the disease, although shared environmental risks cannot be ruled out.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateFeb 2, 2011

'Red mud' disaster's main threat to crops is not toxic metals

Scientists report that red mud's high alkalinity and salt content are the main threats to crop growth, not toxic metals or radioactivity. Adding gypsum can reduce alkalinity and accelerate salt removal, recommending long-term monitoring of metal levels in crops.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateFeb 2, 2011

New nanoparticles make blood clots visible

New nanoparticles designed to target fibrin in blood clots can be seen with a new type of CT scanner, providing early detection and potential treatment options for heart attacks. This technology has the potential to save lives by quickly identifying unstable plaque and guiding targeted treatments.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 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.

A protein reinforces memory and prevents forgetfulness

A research study published in Nature found that IGF-II protein increases in the brain of rats after a learning session, reinforcing memory and preventing forgetfulness. The protein is essential for memory formation and consolidation, making it a potential target for therapies enhancing cognitive function.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalNature·DateFeb 2, 2011

Migraine surgery offers good long-term outcomes

A study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that nearly 90% of patients experienced at least partial relief from migraine headaches after five years. The surgery targets 'trigger sites' in the muscles or nerves producing pain, with significant improvements in quality of life.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateFeb 2, 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.

MicroRNA cocktail helps turn skin cells into stem cells

A team at Sanford-Burnham identified specific microRNAs that enhance the reprogramming process from skin cells to induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. Adding these miRNAs increases cell survival and improves iPS cell generation.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateFeb 2, 2011

Flash of fresh insight by electrical brain stimulation

Researchers have discovered that electrical stimulation of the anterior temporal lobes can increase an individual's ability to reach fresh insights and solve complex problems. This breakthrough could potentially revolutionize the way we approach creative problem-solving.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 2, 2011
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.

Biologists discover 'control center' for sperm production

A new study has identified DUO1, a genetic hierarchy that governs sperm cell production and fertility in flowering plants. The research found that DUO1 acts as a master switch to ensure twin fertile sperm cells are made in each pollen grain.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateFeb 2, 2011

GOES-13 Satellite sees Groundhog's Day on ice

A massive winter storm hit the US, with some areas receiving record-breaking snowfall. The GOES-13 satellite data suggests that Punxsutawney Phil may not have seen his shadow, potentially altering the traditional Groundhog Day prediction.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 2, 2011

Metabolic syndrome linked to memory loss in older people

A study published in Neurology found that older people with metabolic syndrome are 20% more likely to experience cognitive decline on memory tests. Higher triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol were linked to poorer memory scores.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateFeb 2, 2011
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Six small planets orbiting a sun-like star amaze astronomers

The Kepler-11 system features five inner planets with masses between 2.3 and 13.5 times that of Earth, orbiting within 50 days, and a sixth planet with an orbital period of 118 days. The planets' densities suggest they may be mostly water or hydrogen-helium gases, defying expectations for small hot planets.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNature·DateFeb 2, 2011

New age researchers highlight how man is changing the world

Researchers at University of Leicester introduce the Anthropocene, a geological epoch marked by significant human impact on the environment. The studies highlight effects of population growth, megacities, and fossil fuel use on global warming, sea level rise, and biodiversity.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (A )·DateFeb 2, 2011

Lampreys give clues to evolution of immune system

Primitive lampreys have structures within their gills that play a role similar to the thymus, where T cells develop in mammals and birds. The finding suggests two separate organs for immune cell development preceded the appearance of key features like antibodies and T cell receptors.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature·DateFeb 2, 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.

A cool way to make glass

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have discovered a new way to melt glass by cooling it to near Absolute Zero, using quantum mechanics to defy classical physics. This breakthrough could pave the way for future materials science discoveries.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalNature Physics·DateFeb 2, 2011

Level of tumor protein indicates chances cancer will spread

Researchers found that high levels of a particular protein in cancer cells can predict cancer spread with high accuracy. The protein, CPE-delta N, was measured in tumors and surrounding tissues from patients with liver and rare tumors, with results showing that it can accurately predict metastasis or recurrence.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 1, 2011

Therapeutic AIDS vaccine designed by HIVACAT reduces the viral load in the majority of AIDS patients

A new therapeutic vaccine has shown a significant response in the majority of AIDS patients, with a decrease in viral load. The vaccine, developed by the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona-IDIBAPS, uses patient's own dendritic cells and has achieved an improvement over previous initiatives.

SourceIDIBAPS - Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 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.

3 trials of intermittent preventive treatment for malaria in children

Two trials found that intermittent preventive treatment provided substantial additional protection against clinical malaria, severe malaria, and hospital admissions. A third trial demonstrated the effectiveness of community-based delivery by volunteer village health workers in rural areas.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateFeb 1, 2011

Size of airborne flu virus impacts risk, Virginia Tech researchers say

A study by Virginia Tech researchers found that airborne influenza A viruses can remain suspended in the air for hours and are associated with fine particles less than 2.5 micrometers. The average concentration of viruses was 16,000 per cubic meter of air, which is sufficient to induce infection.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateFeb 1, 2011

High levels of circulating DNA may signal faster progression of lung cancer

Research suggests that high levels of circulating DNA, specifically human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), can indicate a faster progression of lung cancer and lower overall survival. Patients with lower hTERT levels had improved time to progression and higher overall survival rates compared to those with higher levels.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateFeb 1, 2011

New quartet of ant genomes advanced by international collaborative

The genome sequences of four ants - red harvester ant, Argentine ant, fire ant, and leaf-cutter ant - have been published in coordinated releases. The international collaborative effort sped up the advancement of these genome projects, providing insights into social behavior and pest management.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 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.

Where has all the Gulf spill oil gone?

A computer model predicts the environmental fate and impact of oil and chemical dispersant in deepwater spills like the Gulf of Mexico incident. The tool will aid risk assessment and decision-making for scientists managing such disasters.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalEnvironmental Engineering Science·DateFeb 1, 2011

Home and away: Are invasive plant species really that special?

A global collaboration found that invasive plant species often have similar or lower abundance at introduced and native sites, challenging a common assumption. This suggests that biosecurity screening procedures need to be revised to address how species behave in non-native communities.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalEcology Letters·DateFeb 1, 2011

Scientists make key step in the development of a norovirus treatment

Researchers at the University of Southampton successfully crystallized a key norovirus enzyme, paving the way for the development of an antiviral treatment. The breakthrough could help alleviate the significant public health burden caused by noroviruses, which are responsible for one million cases in the UK each year.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalBiochemistry·DateFeb 1, 2011

Breast cancer cells outsmart the immune system and thrive

Researchers discovered that breast cancer cells release heat shock protein 27 (Hsp27), which renders immune cells unresponsive and fuels tumor growth. This finding provides a new treatment target in the fight against breast cancer.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalCancer Research·DateFeb 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.

New study alters long-held beliefs about shingles

A new study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that shingles recurrences are more common than previously thought, occurring in over 5% of patients within eight years. Patients experiencing prolonged pain after the initial episode were more likely to face a recurrence.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateFeb 1, 2011

Video games are good for girls -- if parents play along

Research from Brigham Young University found that girls who played video games with a parent exhibited better behavior, stronger family connections, and improved mental health. The study suggests that co-playing can account for up to 20% of these outcomes.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateFeb 1, 2011

Lung societies unveil new international classification of lung adenocarcinoma

A new international multidisciplinary classification of lung adenocarcinoma has been published by three top lung associations. The classification takes a comprehensive approach, incorporating advances in genetics, clinical information, and molecular studies to improve diagnosis and treatment.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateFeb 1, 2011
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.

Predicting liver cancer spread

A team of researchers has identified a potential biomarker for predicting future metastasis in patients with the most common form of liver cancer. Quantification of the mRNA template for a truncated version of the protein carboxypeptidase E (CPE) was found to predict intrahepatic metastasis with high sensitivity and specificity.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 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.