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Science News Archive 2011


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.

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.

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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.