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Science News Archive 2011 - Page 31


Page 31 of 311

Poor recycling of BACE1 enzyme could promote Alzheimer's disease

A study published in The Journal of Cell Biology found that poor recycling of the BACE1 enzyme could promote Alzheimer's disease. Reduced levels of the retromer component VPS35 led to enhanced BACE1 activity and increased Abeta protein formation, contributing to disease progression.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateNov 21, 2011

NASA Goddard employee wins 2011 Presidential SAVE Award

Matthew Ritsko, a Financial Manager at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, won the 2011 Presidential Securing Americans' Value and Efficiency (SAVE) award for his proposal to create a 'lending library' of space tools and hardware. The idea garnered over 19,000 votes from more than 48,000 Americans.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 21, 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.

Ingredients involved in splashing revealed

A team of researchers has discovered that a thin layer of air trapped between the drop and the surface plays a crucial role in splashing. The study reveals a transition regime between spreading and splashing, observed by changing impact velocity or ambient pressure.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateNov 21, 2011

Van Andel Institute study may lead to better, safer drug for diabetes

A recent Van Andel Research Institute study found that decanoic acid acts as a modulator of PPAR receptors, which play a key role in glucose and lipid metabolism. The findings suggest that decanoic acid could be used to design better and safer PPARγ-based drugs for diabetes treatment.

SourceVan Andel Research Institute·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateNov 21, 2011

Chew gum, lose weight

A team of scientists, led by Syracuse University chemist Robert Doyle, has successfully delivered the appetite-suppressing hormone PYY into the bloodstream orally using a vitamin B12 vehicle. The study demonstrates the potential for a natural weight loss supplement in the form of chewing gum.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateNov 21, 2011

New projection shows global food demand doubling by 2050

A new projection suggests global food demand could double by 2050, putting a significant strain on the environment. If poor nations adopt high-yielding technologies and efficient nitrogen fertilizers, however, this burden can be reduced to half a billion acres.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 21, 2011

Critical molecules for hearing and balance discovered

Researchers have identified long-sought genes in sensory hair cells of the inner ear that are essential for converting sound waves into electrical signals. By introducing these genes into deaf mice, scientists were able to restore electrical signals and potentially reverse a type of deafness, paving the way for a gene therapy trial.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 21, 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.

Carbon nanotube forest camouflages 3-D objects

Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a method to make 3D objects invisible using carbon nanotube forests. By growing a forest of low-density aligned carbon nanotubes on top of an object, it can absorb light and scatter reflections, effectively camouflaging its structure.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateNov 21, 2011

Older adults in home health care at elevated risk for unsafe meds

A new study reveals that nearly 40% of seniors receiving home health care are taking potentially inappropriate medications, often due to inadequate communication between physicians. The study highlights the need for improved medication coordination and enhanced physician communication in home health care settings.

SourceNewYork-Presbyterian·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateNov 21, 2011

A new model for understanding biodiversity

McGill researchers have created a unified theory of ecosystem change that considers complex interactions between predators and prey in space and time. Generalist species like foxes play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity by connecting different food webs.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 21, 2011

Time to test assumptions about health effects that guide risk assessment, says toxicologist

A toxicologist at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is urging governments and industries to adopt more evidence-based risk assessments for nuclear radiation and chemical exposure. He argues that the current linear no-threshold model has questionable scientific foundations and should be objectively assessed.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 21, 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.

UT Dallas research widens study of brain's role in tinnitus

Researchers at UT Dallas are studying the brain's response to noise-induced tinnitus, discovering that plasticity in the hippocampus can lead to long-term effects. Exposure to loud noises induces changes in brain function, which could lead to new medical interventions.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·DateNov 21, 2011

Researchers shrink tumors and minimize side effects using tumor-homing peptide to deliver treatment

A team of scientists at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute has developed a new method for delivering cancer drugs directly to tumors, reducing side effects and increasing effectiveness. The technique uses a tumor-homing peptide that targets blood vessels feeding tumors, allowing the drug to be administered with minimal impact o...

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 21, 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.

Southampton professor awarded major funding for Biophotonics programme

A University of Southampton professor has been awarded a European Research Council (ERC) grant to realise tools for fast, low-cost point-of-care clinical diagnostics and chemical analysis in water pollution and food safety. The £2.6m programme aims to advance biophotonics research in near- to mid-infra-red devices.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·DateNov 21, 2011

Rainfall suspected culprit in leaf disease transmission

Rainfall is suspected to trigger the spread of foliar diseases, affecting agriculture and forestry. Researchers studied a single rain droplet's impact on leaves, finding two patterns of droplet ejection that lead to disease transmission. The study provides guidance for farmers on optimal plant spacing to prevent disease spread.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateNov 21, 2011

New research on body parts' sensitivity to environmental changes

A team of Michigan State University scientists has discovered that certain body parts are more sensitive to environmental changes than others. The research, led by Alexander Shingleton, uses fruit flies to study the genetics of body growth and development.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateNov 21, 2011

New research sheds light on how we see family resemblance in faces

A new study published in the Journal of Vision increases our understanding of how the brain processes facial structure and recognizes family resemblance. Researchers found that people can pick out family members despite underlying differences, such as gender or age, by comparing faces to an average face for that gender.

SourceAssociation for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology·JournalJournal of Vision·DateNov 21, 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.

Black elderly more likely than whites to die after intestinal surgery

A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that black senior citizens are 26% more likely to undergo riskier surgery and spend more time in the hospital recovering from intestinal surgery. Despite equal health insurance coverage, black patients experience higher mortality rates and greater healthcare costs.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalArchives of Surgery·DateNov 21, 2011

JCI online early table of contents: Nov. 21, 2011

Researchers identify a new way to boost the aged immune response to flu viruses by inhibiting PGD2. They also discover that targeting BRAF in thyroid cancers could restore the efficacy of RAI therapy. Additionally, exploring EGFR as a therapeutic target for Cushing disease may provide new treatment options.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 21, 2011

Improved method of electrical stimulation could help treat damaged nerves

A new electrochemical-stimulation method could potentially aid in helping patients suffering from nerve paralysis and chronic neurological conditions. The device works by manipulating the concentration of charged ions surrounding the nerve, reducing the risk of unwanted muscle contractions.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalNature Materials·DateNov 21, 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.

Taking bushmeat off the menu could increase child anemia, study finds

A study by UC Berkeley researchers found that bushmeat consumption had a positive effect on children's nutrition, raising concerns about the impact of conservation efforts on local communities. The study estimated that a loss of access to wildlife as a food source would lead to a 29% increase in child anemia.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 21, 2011

NIH researchers identify key proteins of inner ear transduction channel

Researchers have identified two key proteins, TMC1 and TMC2, that are crucial for the inner ear's transduction channel. The study suggests that TMC1 is essential for hearing, while TMC2 is not, but can substitute for it in the vestibular system.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 21, 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.

New medical, research tool possible by probing cell mechanics

Researchers have developed a system to measure the mechanical properties of living cells, which could lead to new ways to diagnose diseases and understand biological processes. The technique uses an atomic force microscope to study three types of cells, including bacteria, human red blood cells, and rat fibroblasts.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 21, 2011

Transparent material breakthrough

Researchers at UTD have successfully produced thermally modulated transparent carbon nanotube sheets, creating a 'mirage effect' similar to an 'invisibility cloak'. This breakthrough could lead to applications such as photo-deflectors and switchable transparency materials.

SourceAir Force Office of Scientific Research·DateNov 21, 2011

Late season Hurricane Kenneth forms in the eastern Pacific

Hurricane Kenneth formed as a tropical depression on November 19 and strengthened into a hurricane by November 21, with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph. The storm is expected to turn west and slow down, with heavy rainfall occurring around its center.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 21, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scripps Research team finds a weak spot on deadly ebolavirus

Researchers have identified an antibody that neutralizes Sudan virus, one of the most deadly human pathogens caused by ebolavirus. The new findings suggest a key spot for neutralizing ebolaviruses, which could lead to the development of effective vaccines and antibody-based therapies.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateNov 20, 2011

A failing sense of smell can be reversed

A new animal study led by NYU Langone researchers shows that the sense of smell can be improved through training. The study found that rats trained to discriminate between similar odors could develop distinct brain activity patterns, while those not trained lost their ability to distinguish.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateNov 20, 2011

Carbon cycling was much smaller during last ice age than in today's climate

Scientists have found that carbon cycling in the terrestrial biosphere was much smaller during the last ice age than in today's warmer climate. The researchers estimate that only about 40 petagrams of carbon were stored in vegetation and soil per year, which is roughly one third of present-day levels.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Geoscience·DateNov 20, 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.

Study finds sex a significant predictor of happiness among married seniors

A new study by Adrienne Jackson found that frequency of sexual activity is a significant predictor of both general and marital happiness among older married individuals. The research, based on data from the 2004 General Social Surveys, revealed that almost 60% of those who engaged in sex more than once a month reported being very happy...

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateNov 20, 2011

Recipient's immune system governs stem cell regeneration

A new study reveals that the recipient's immune system, specifically T-cells, alternately discourages and encourages stem cells to regrow bone and tissue. Administering regulatory T-cells or anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin increases the rate of bone growth and defect repair.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Medicine·DateNov 20, 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.

Huskies lend insight into mercury risk

Researchers found an inverse correlation between mercury exposure and antioxidant status in Alaskan huskies, suggesting potential health risks for indigenous communities. The study highlights the need for monitoring and reducing mercury generation, particularly from coal-generated power plants.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateNov 20, 2011

UGA scientists invent long-lasting, near infrared-emitting material

Researchers at the University of Georgia have developed a new material that emits a long-lasting near-infrared glow after a single minute of exposure to sunlight. The material has potential biomedical applications, including visualizing cancer cells, and can be used for military and law enforcement illumination.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalNature Materials·DateNov 20, 2011

Nerve cells key to making sense of our senses

A team of scientists has unraveled how the brain processes complex sensory signals, using a relatively simple computation performed by single nerve cells. The study confirms and extends a computational theory developed earlier, predicting that neurons fire in a manner predicted by a weighted summation rule.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateNov 20, 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.

Severity of heart attack is dependent on the time of day

A study published in Circulation Research found that the size of a heart attack and subsequent left-ventricular function are significantly different based on the time of day onset of ischemia. The greatest amount of injury to the heart occurs when individuals have a heart attack between 1:00am and 5:00am.

SourceMinneapolis Heart Institute Foundation·JournalCirculation Research·DateNov 20, 2011

Evolutionary practices in schools can benefit at-risk students

A school program based on evolutionary principles helped at-risk high schoolers succeed, with improvements in performance, attendance, and social behavior. The program's design features, including positive group identity and consensus decision-making, were successful in creating a conducive learning environment.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 20, 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.

Discovery of new muscle repair gene

Researchers have discovered a new muscle repair gene, MEGF10, which plays a crucial role in the fusion process of satellite cells. The findings provide accurate genetic testing and diagnosis for devastating conditions affecting muscle function, enabling hope for families affected by progressive muscle disease.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Genetics·DateNov 20, 2011

Walking through doorways causes forgetting, new research shows

Researchers suggest that passing through doorways impairs memory recall due to 'event boundaries,' which compartmentalize decisions made in different rooms. The study found subjects forgot more after walking through a doorway compared to moving across a room.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalQuarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology·DateNov 18, 2011

Heart rate recovery predicts clinical worsening in pulmonary hypertension

A new study found that heart rate recovery at one minute after a six-minute walking distance test is highly predictive of clinical worsening and time to clinical worsening in patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension. Patients with low heart rate recovery were more likely to experience clinical worsening events and had s...

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateNov 18, 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.

The protest vote prevails when a landslide victory is expected

Moderate voters tend to cast protest votes to express discontent, whereas extreme left and right voters rarely do. The study reveals that protest voters show their unhappiness by voting for a party further from their preference, aiming to influence the other party's direction.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalPublic Choice·DateNov 18, 2011

New NASA missions to investigate how Mars turned hostile

Two NASA missions aim to discover what transformed Mars from a potentially habitable planet to its current inhospitable state. The Curiosity rover and the MAVEN mission will explore Martian terrain, atmosphere, and geology to uncover clues about the Red Planet's past climate and potential for life.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 18, 2011

Old drugs find new target for treating brain tumor

Scientists identified a novel gene mutation causing glioblastoma, a common type of malignant brain tumor. Two existing drugs targeting this mutation effectively prolonged the survival of mice, offering new hope for patients.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCancer Research·DateNov 18, 2011

Trainee earns prestigious emergency medicine research award

Alyssa Turner, a pediatric emergency department fellow, has been awarded the Willis Wingert Award for her platform presentation on the impact of ultrasound-guided femoral nerve blocks. Her research found that this technique improves pain control in children with femur fractures and reduces adverse effects.

SourceUniversity of Louisville·DateNov 18, 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.