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Science News Archive 2011 - Page 33


Page 33 of 311

Marshall study shows nanoparticles used as additives in diesel fuels can travel from lungs to liver

A recent study by Marshall University researchers discovered that nanoparticles of cerium oxide, commonly used in diesel fuels, can travel from the lungs to the liver and cause damage. The study found a dose-dependent increase in cerium levels in the liver, associated with liver enzyme elevations and histological evidence of liver damage.

SourceMarshall University Research Corporation·JournalInternational Journal of Nanomedicine·DateNov 17, 2011

Researchers discover Achilles' heel in lethal form of prostate cancer

Researchers have identified a genetic vulnerability in an aggressive type of prostate cancer, found in fewer than 2% of tumors but potentially treatable with targeted therapy. The study discovered that a specific drug, PHA-739358, showed dramatic responses in animal models and is now being tested in human trials.

SourceNewYork-Presbyterian·JournalCancer Discovery·DateNov 17, 2011

Corals can sense what's coming

A team of Australian scientists has made a groundbreaking discovery about the mechanism behind coral bleaching, a devastating event caused by rising water temperatures. Corals are able to respond to stress by killing off some cells while strengthening others in an attempt to recover after the hot water has moved on.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·DateNov 17, 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.

Presenteeism: A new word for working when sick

A study by Concordia University found that employees with acute, chronic or episodic illness report higher rates of presenteeism, with caregivers in early education reporting the highest rates. Presenteeism can be influenced by job insecurity and social obligation, but research suggests it may not always be a productive option.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Occupational Health Psychology·DateNov 17, 2011

SLAC research cracks puzzle of enzyme critical to food supply

Researchers identified carbon as the key atom in nitrogenase, an enzyme that converts atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form for living things. The discovery could lead to a more efficient and environmentally friendly method for manufacturing fertilizer.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalScience·DateNov 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.

Researchers watch a next-gen memory bit switch in real time

Engineering researchers have successfully watched a ferroelectric memory bit switch between 0 and 1 states in real time. The breakthrough discovery offers greater storage capacity, faster write speed, and longer lifetimes than current memory designs.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScience·DateNov 17, 2011

UGA researchers develop 'super' yeast that turns pine into ethanol

Researchers at UGA developed a 'super strain' of yeast that can efficiently ferment ethanol from pretreated pine, increasing ethanol production by up to 17.5% compared to previous studies. The new process has the potential to utilize forestry residues and waste, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional biofuels.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·DateNov 17, 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.

Nudity tunes up the brain

Researchers found that nude bodies are processed more efficiently by the brain than clothed bodies, even at an early stage of visual processing. This effect is strongest for pictures of nude female bodies, and may play a role in reproduction.

SourceAcademy of Finland·DateNov 17, 2011

Rivers may aid climate control in cities

Researchers have discovered that rivers in cities can produce a cooling microclimate, helping to reduce overheating temperatures. The University of Sheffield's URSULA project has found that rivers can absorb excess heat from the sun and help cities stay cool, making them a valuable tool for urban planning.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·DateNov 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.

Worms reveal secrets of wound-healing response

Biologists discovered genes in roundworms that signal wound presence and trigger chemical reactions to close cuts. The study also identified a protein that inhibits wound closure, raising hopes for developing treatments.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 17, 2011

Scripps Research scientists identify new class of antimalarial compounds

A team of scientists from Scripps Research Institute has identified a family of chemical compounds that could lead to the development of novel drugs capable of not only alleviating symptoms but also preventing the deadly disease. The new class of compounds is highly effective against malaria parasites in both the blood and liver stages.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalScience·DateNov 17, 2011

Dual-acting class of antimalarial compounds discovered by Novartis with potential to prevent and treat malaria

Researchers at Novartis have discovered a new class of dual-acting antimalarial compounds, the imidazolopiperazines (IZPs), which target both liver and blood infections. These compounds attack the Plasmodium parasite at both stages in its reproduction cycle, showing promise as a next-generation treatment for malaria.

SourceNovartis Institutes for BioMedical Research·JournalScience·DateNov 17, 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.

Combo hormone therapy has increased breast cancer risk over estrogen alone

A recent study found that women taking combination estrogen and progestin menopausal hormone therapy are at a greater risk of developing breast cancer if they experience new onset breast tenderness. In contrast, women on estrogen alone without breast tenderness did not have an increased risk of breast cancer.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalBreast Cancer Research and Treatment·DateNov 17, 2011

Protecting our brains: Tackling delirium

A new national plan aims to improve care for patients with delirium, a poorly understood condition that affects millions of Americans. The plan outlines four goals: improving clinical care, educating healthcare providers, investing in research, and developing a network of delirium professionals.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateNov 17, 2011

Assembly stand completed for NASA's Webb Telescope flight optics

The installation of a giant structural steel optical assembly stand marks the transition to the integration and testing phase for NASA's James Webb Space Telescope. The telescope will observe the most distant objects in the universe, provide images of the first galaxies ever formed, and study planets around distant stars.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 17, 2011

Study explains how heart attack can lead to heart rupture

A new study by University of Iowa researchers pinpoints CaM kinase as the key player in cardiac rupture. Blocking this protein may help prevent cardiac rupture and reduce death risk. The study also found that activated CaM kinase prompts heart muscle cells to produce an enzyme called MMP9, implicated in heart rupture.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalNature Medicine·DateNov 17, 2011
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

A new stent design may put patients at risk

A new stent design has been linked to shortening and deformity in some patients, leading to serious complications. Researchers and clinicians are investigating the issue and working on new recommendations for its use.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Interventional Cardiology·DateNov 17, 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.

What bacteria don't know can hurt them

Bacteria become resistant to antibiotics when starved due to the ability of outer layer cells to sense nutrients, producing a protective mechanism against toxic oxygen radicals. Disrupting this function could improve treatment for infections.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience·DateNov 17, 2011

VLBA observations key to 'complete description' of black hole

For the first time, astronomers have produced a complete description of a black hole using precise measurements. The new information reveals that the black hole is nearly 15 times more massive than our Sun and spinning over 800 times per second.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateNov 17, 2011

Satellite images help species conservation

Researchers used satellite imagery to assess the conservation status of endangered species in the Comoro archipelago, finding that only 9% of the island area is still covered by natural forest. This approach allows for precise estimation of remaining habitat extent and prioritization of future protected areas.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateNov 17, 2011

The brain's zoom button

Researchers discovered a key mechanism in the brain that controls spatial resolution, allowing for precise navigation and memory. By disabling ion channels in grid cells, they found that the brain's maps become coarser, affecting spatial memory and navigation.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalCell·DateNov 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.

'Trans-parency' in the workplace

A new study from Rice University and Pennsylvania State University reveals that transsexual employees who are open about their gender identity in the workplace experience greater job satisfaction and organizational commitment. The research also highlights the importance of a strong support system in fostering a positive work environment.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Vocational Behavior·DateNov 17, 2011

Fatigue linked to safety problems among EMS workers, Pitt study finds

A recent study by University of Pittsburgh researchers found that fatigue and poor sleep quality among emergency medical services (EMS) workers are associated with higher rates of injuries, medical errors, and safety-compromising behaviors. The study suggests that improving sleep quality and reducing fatigue may be key targets for inte...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalPrehospital Emergency Care·DateNov 17, 2011

Recent advance in detonation theory

Researchers Hu et al. developed a new detonation model named the least-action detonation model (LADM) that takes into account complex movement and transport effects, differing from the classical ZND model. The LADM model predicts detonation product particles to be in a stationary state, which has been observed in experiments.

SourceScience China Press·DateNov 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.

Smart swarms of bacteria inspire robotics researchers

Researchers at Tel Aviv University developed a computational model that explains how bacteria move in a swarm, enabling the design of intelligent robots. Bacteria's superior survival skills come from their ability to adjust interactions with peers and utilize short-term memory.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateNov 17, 2011

NIH-funded scientists identify potential malaria drug candidates

Researchers have identified a new class of compounds, known as the imidazolopiperazine (IP) cluster, that could target both liver and blood stages of malaria infection. The IP cluster, including compound GNF179, showed promise in treating malaria-infected mice, extending survival by an average of 19 days.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalScience·DateNov 17, 2011

Study documents toll of smoke inhalation injuries

A recent study published in Critical Care Medicine found that patients with severe smoke inhalation injuries experienced increased inflammation and spent more time on ventilators and in intensive care. The study also found that the severity of smoke-inhalation injury may play a role in the overall pulmonary inflammatory response.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalCritical Care Medicine·DateNov 16, 2011

Rice chemists cram 2 million nanorods into single cancer cell

Researchers at Rice University have successfully loaded over 2 million gold nanorods into a single cancer cell, opening up new possibilities for targeted cancer treatments. The breakthrough involves using a new molecule to replace toxic CTAB with MTAB, allowing for the safe and efficient loading of nanoparticles into cells.

SourceRice University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateNov 16, 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.

European consortium contributes to global standards for 4G technology

A European consortium, led by EUREKA, has developed global standards for 4G technology, which will enable new ecosystems for mobile systems and devices. The consortium brought together major telecommunications companies and research institutes to create faster and more reliable wireless internet connections on smartphones.

SourceEUREKA·DateNov 16, 2011

Forests cooler or warmer than open areas depending on latitude, study finds

A study published in Nature found that forests are warmer than open areas north of 45 degrees latitude due to higher nighttime temperatures and sunlight absorption, but cooler south of 35 degrees latitude. Forests also have climatic benefits for maintaining or increasing forest cover in southern latitudes.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Northern Research Station·JournalNature·DateNov 16, 2011

Exercise may be better than stents for PAD patients

A national study found supervised exercise to be more effective than stenting or medication for improved walking ability in patients with peripheral artery disease. The CLEVER trial showed that supervised exercise improves treadmill walking performance and quality of life, while stents may have mixed benefits.

SourceLifespan·JournalCirculation·DateNov 16, 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.

3 p.m. slump? Why a sugar rush may not be the answer

A new study from the University of Cambridge found that amino acids, found in proteins like egg whites, stimulate orexin neurons more than other nutrients. This discovery has implications for understanding obesity and sleep disorders.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNeuron·DateNov 16, 2011

Blood disorders are a public health issue

Blood disorders are a significant public health concern, affecting at least 1 million Americans, with limited understanding of their magnitude. A proposed public health framework aims to address the needs of people with rare blood disorders, including early screening, education, and access to care.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateNov 16, 2011

Scientists tackle the carbon conundrum

The new US Carbon Cycle Science Plan aims to expand research on the human impact of carbon cycling and climate change. It emphasizes communication and accessible research for policy makers and the public, with a focus on strengthening observation networks and developing numerical models.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·DateNov 16, 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.

Frogs' amazing leaps due to springy tendons

Researchers at Brown University discovered that frogs' stretchy tendons are the key to their impressive jumping abilities. The study shows how the leg muscle shortens and loads energy into the tendon before releasing it to propel the frog forward, enabling them to jump much farther than expected.

SourceBrown University·JournalBiology Letters·DateNov 16, 2011

Communal living of the insect kind

A new model explains the emergence of complex insect societies by positing that workers' selfish interests drive colony formation. This hypothesis suggests that at the early stages of social evolution, workers and queens act primarily in their own self-interest, rather than altruistically helping relatives.

SourceNational Evolutionary Synthesis Center (NESCent)·JournalJournal of Evolutionary Biology·DateNov 16, 2011

ONR maps long-term investment for future Naval requirements

The Office of Naval Research (ONR) has released its latest science and technology strategic plan, emphasizing the importance of autonomous systems and speed-to-fleet in meeting future naval requirements. The plan also highlights initiatives to increase the talent pool of future naval scientists and engineers.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateNov 16, 2011

Discovery may help fight late-stage ovarian cancer

Researchers at University of Guelph discovered a peptide that regresses established late-stage tumours in mouse models of ovarian cancer, improving survival rates. The peptide enhances chemotherapy drug delivery, allowing for lower doses and reduced side effects.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalMolecular Cancer Therapeutics·DateNov 16, 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.

Garlic oil component may form treatment to protect heart

Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine have identified a garlic oil component that can deliver the benefits of hydrogen sulfide to the heart. At low concentrations, diallyl trisulfide has been shown to protect the heart from damage by reducing damaged tissue and lowering reactive oxygen species.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·DateNov 16, 2011
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Study: Mycophenolate is superior to azathioprine as treatment for lupus nephritis

A new study finds mycophenolate mofetil superior to azathioprine as a maintenance therapy for lupus nephritis, with improved patient outcomes and reduced side effects. The study included 227 patients from 19 countries and showed that mycophenolate mofetil was more effective in treating the condition.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 16, 2011

Of mice and men, a common cortical connection

Researchers used magnetic resonance imaging data from 406 adult human twins to confirm the long-standing idea that human cortical regionalization is similar to and consistent with patterns found in other mammals. The study found genetic influences on brain development progress along an anterior-to-posterior scale, with differences base...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNeuron·DateNov 16, 2011