Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2011 - Page 38


Page 38 of 311

MSU researchers help African farmers cope with climate change

A team of MSU researchers is working on a project to link climate change to coping strategies and impacts on food production, security, and incomes for farm families in Zambia and Kenya. The study will provide new information on how climate change affects farming households and their responses.

SourceMichigan State University·DateNov 14, 2011

NIH-funded twin study finds occupational chemical exposure may be linked to Parkinson's risk

A recent NIH-funded twin study found a significant link between occupational chemical exposure and the development of Parkinson's disease. The study, published in Annals of Neurology, suggests that two common solvents, trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PERC), may increase Parkinson's risk sixfold and ninefold, respectively...

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateNov 14, 2011

UC research shows art imitates life -- the 'hard' life, that is

Researchers found that photos taken by police and fashion agents share similar characteristics, highlighting the universality of image-making processes. The study suggests that both fields use documentary portraits to fix identities motivated by transformation, with similar lighting, poses, branding, and record-keeping.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateNov 14, 2011

Adolescent alcohol consumption and breast cancer

A new study found a significant association between adolescent alcohol consumption and increased risk of benign breast disease among girls with a family history of breast cancer. Consuming more alcohol was linked to a higher risk, particularly in those with rapid height growth spurts.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateNov 14, 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.

Loss of weight associated with chronic illness may soon have first treatment

Scientists at Oregon Health & Science University have identified a definitive role for the brain in regulating involuntary muscle mass loss associated with chronic illnesses. The process is driven by a signaling system that controls stress responses and cortisol release.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateNov 14, 2011

Air pollution a culprit in worsening drought and flooding

A new study finds that air pollution increases precipitation in wet regions while decreasing it in dry regions, exacerbating severe storms. The research provides clear evidence of aerosols' impact on weather and climate, with significant implications for water resource management.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature Geoscience·DateNov 14, 2011

An about-face on electrical conductivity at the interface

Researchers propose a new explanation for electrical conductivity at polar-nonpolar oxides, suggesting that atomic mixing and rearrangement occurs at the interface. They found that lanthanum and chromium crossed over to the nonpolar side in equal amounts, making conduction impossible.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 14, 2011

New technique enables study of 'challenging' proteins

Researchers have developed a new technique that can identify protein structures in just hours, revolutionizing the pharmaceutical industry. The enhanced NMR spectroscopy method using dynamic nuclear polarisation (DNP) enables significant structural data to be gained from small biological samples.

SourceUniversity of Hull·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateNov 14, 2011
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.

Nature and nurture work together to shape the brain

Research demonstrates that life experiences can be transmitted from one generation to the next through epigenetics, affecting brain plasticity and behavior. This new knowledge has implications for understanding the cognitive benefits of motherhood and how environmental factors influence brain development in offspring.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateNov 14, 2011

Enzyme boosts metabolism, prevents weight gain in mice

Scientists engineer mice to express human enzyme IKKbeta in fat tissue, significantly slowing weight gain and improving metabolism. The study suggests obesity is worse than inflammation for insulin resistance, offering new clues about the connections among obesity, inflammation, and type 2 diabetes.

SourceBrown University·JournalEndocrinology·DateNov 14, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

JCI online early table of contents: Nov. 14, 2011

Researchers discovered a molecular pathway driven by PDGFR-alpha that promotes the aggressive nature of a significant proportion of glioblastomas. Overexpressed in GBMs, this pathway triggers signaling cascades leading to tumor growth and invasion. Manipulating Dock180 phosphorylation disrupts this pathway, resulting in failed tumor pr...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 14, 2011

Research examines a growing immigrant population's self employment in the US

Research by University of Cincinnati professor Leila Rodriguez examines business strategies and networking patterns among Nigerian immigrants in New York City. The study reveals that these entrepreneurs adapt African business models to Western strategies, maintaining social distance with suppliers, customers, and employees.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateNov 14, 2011

1 in 5 Americans has hearing loss

A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that nearly 30 million Americans have severe hearing loss, with prevalence doubling every decade. The finding suggests that many more people than previously thought are affected by this condition, which has significant consequences for cognitive decline and physical functioning.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateNov 14, 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.

How smart managers make dumb decisions and why shareholders encourage them: Rotman paper

A new study from the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management finds that smart managers engage in earnings manipulation and insider trading due to limited capacity and ethical weaknesses. The study suggests that choosing less ethical managers may be in the best interests of current shareholders but not future ones.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalJournal of Accounting and Public Policy·DateNov 14, 2011

Nice guys can finish first

A new Harvard study found that dynamic social networks encourage cooperation and friendliness, while selfish behavior can lead to exclusion from the group. Players who re-wired their social connections were more willing to form new relationships with generous individuals.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 14, 2011

New study finds that even the cleanest wastewater contributes to more 'super bacteria'

A new University of Minnesota study reveals that even treated municipal wastewater can contribute significantly to antibiotic-resistant bacteria in surface waters. Researchers found that quantities of these bacteria were typically 20-fold higher near the site where treated wastewater was released into Duluth-Superior Harbor.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateNov 14, 2011

Self-organized pituitary-like tissue from mouse ES cells

Researchers have successfully differentiated mouse ES cells into a tissue resembling the adenohypophysis, the hormone-secreting component of the pituitary gland. The self-organized tissue exhibits functional hormone secretion and can compensate for pituitary function in mice.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature·DateNov 14, 2011

'Intelligent design' theme of Art of Science exhibit

The exhibit features research images that capture the exquisite harmony of natural systems, including a field rabbit regulating its body temperature and a simulation of galaxy birth. The competition aimed to reframe the concept of intelligent design, focusing on the beauty of both nature and engineered designs.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·DateNov 14, 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.

Canada needs a vaccine seroepidemiology surveillance system

A vaccine seroepidemiology surveillance system would help track vaccine coverage, identify trends, and predict outbreaks in Canada. This system is crucial for informing vaccine policy and improving the country's immunization programs.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 14, 2011

High childhood IQ linked to subsequent illicit drug use

Research found a strong link between high childhood IQ and subsequent illicit drug use, particularly among women. High IQ scores at age 5 or 10 were associated with increased use of cannabis, cocaine, and other drugs by age 30.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateNov 14, 2011

No double standards for natural health products

The natural health products industry lacks robust regulation, putting consumers at risk. The authors argue that uniform regulations can protect consumers while allowing choice.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 14, 2011

Fetal stem cells from placenta may help maternal heart recover from injury

Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine discovered fetal stem cells in the placenta can migrate to and repair damaged maternal hearts after a heart attack. The study found that these cells reprogram into beating heart cells, providing a potential therapeutic agent for cardiac regeneration.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·DateNov 14, 2011

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Research found that higher CHADS2 scores are associated with increased risks of stroke, systemic embolism, and major bleeding in A-Fib patients taking oral anticoagulants. Additionally, a study on warfarin patients suggests a 12-week monitoring interval is non-inferior to the current four-week schedule.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateNov 14, 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 journal on disruptive science and technology launching in 2012

The new journal will publish groundbreaking research in bimonthly installments, featuring innovations in science and engineering that can improve society. It aims to accelerate the development of enabling science and engineering to drive disruptive innovation.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalDisruptive Science and Technology·DateNov 14, 2011

Scripps Research scientists find potential Achilles' heel on Lassa fever and related viruses

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have determined the atomic structure of a protein used by the Lassa fever virus to replicate within infected cells. The study reveals an unexpected molecular crevice where the viral protein grips viral genes, making it a target for potential antiviral drugs.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 14, 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.

Newly identified gene mutation adds to melanoma risk

Researchers identified a novel gene mutation in the MITF gene that increases the risk of both inherited and sporadic cases of malignant melanoma. The mutation, known as E318K, was found to block sumoylation of MITF, leading to overactivity and significantly increasing melanoma risk.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature·DateNov 13, 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.

Low vitamin C levels may raise heart failure patients' risk

Research found that heart failure patients with low vitamin C intake had shorter intervals without major cardiac issues or death and were more likely to die from cardiovascular disease. Inflammation pathways in heart failure may contribute to poor health outcomes.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateNov 13, 2011

Anti-clotting drug lowers risks in acute coronary syndrome treatment

Researchers found that adding the oral anti-clotting drug rivaroxaban to standard medical treatment for acute coronary syndrome lowered the risk of death, heart attack, or stroke by an average of 16 percent. This improvement in survival rates is comparable to the benefits seen since the introduction of aspirin.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 13, 2011

HDAC inhibitor may overcome resistance to common breast cancer drug

Researchers found that introducing a novel histone deacetylase inhibitor can reverse tumor's survival strategy and stop resistance, leading to higher cell death rates. This approach may prevent hormone therapy resistance in patients with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateNov 13, 2011

Patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy live into their 90s

A study found that hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients can survive to the age of 90, with most deaths unrelated to the disease. The study analyzed data from 1,297 HCM patients and showed a greater proportion of patients reaching 90 years or older than expected in the general population.

SourceMinneapolis Heart Institute Foundation·DateNov 13, 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.

Antifolates show promise against NSCLC subtype

A recent study found that antifolate drugs may be effective against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with specific mutations in the KRAS gene. The treatment can stop the KRAS gene from being expressed, leading to cancer cell death.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateNov 13, 2011

Rising air pollution worsens drought, flooding, UMD-led study shows

A new study led by University of Maryland researchers found that air pollution increases the intensity of severe storms in wet regions while reducing precipitation in dry regions. The study's findings have significant economic and water resource implications for regions across the US and globally.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature Geoscience·DateNov 13, 2011

Professional dental cleanings may reduce risk of heart attack, stroke

A study by the American Heart Association found that frequent professional tooth scaling can lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Participants who received regular cleanings had a 24% lower risk of heart attack and 13% lower risk of stroke compared to those who never received dental care.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateNov 13, 2011

A more flexible window into the brain

A new microelectronic device developed by a Penn-led team can record brain activity at high resolutions, revolutionizing brain-computer interfaces for treating neurological and psychiatric illnesses. The device's flexibility and multiplexed nanosensors enable precise mapping of brain networks underlying normal function and disease.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateNov 13, 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.

BUSM: Severe sepsis, new-onset AF associated with increased risk of hospital stroke, death

A recent study by researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found that severe sepsis and new-onset atrial fibrillation are associated with a higher risk of hospital stroke and death. Patients diagnosed with these conditions during hospitalization had three times the risk of stroke and a seven percent increased risk of mortality.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateNov 13, 2011

Paying for sex and 'playing dead' - the deceitful gift-giving spider

New research shows that male nursery web spiders offer 'worthless' gifts to potential mates, which females promptly reject. Despite this, the act of giving a gift still increases mating success for males. The study suggests that both males and females assess the value of gifts and adjust their behavior accordingly.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateNov 13, 2011

Bacterial genes tell the tale of an outbreak's evolution

Researchers sequenced bacterial genomes to understand how a pathogen evolves in response to human defenses and medical treatment. The study found widespread purifying selection, but also identified specific genes that showed strong evidence of positive selection.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature Genetics·DateNov 13, 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.

Future obesity may be predicted at 3.5 years of age

Researchers identified two key factors increasing the risk of childhood obesity: mothers' weight and smoking during pregnancy. Children born to overweight or smoking mothers were more likely to develop high-rising BMI trajectories, with over 50% obese by middle childhood.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateNov 13, 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.

Combination therapy shows potent tumor growth inhibition in preclinical studies

A combination of REGN910 and aflibercept has been shown to inhibit tumor growth more effectively than single-agent therapies, with significant improvements in antitumor effects observed in animal models. The treatment also induced increased tumor hypoxia, leading to rapid cell death and dramatic regression in colorectal tumors.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateNov 13, 2011

Tamoxifen resistance -- and how to defeat it

UCSF researchers have discovered the molecular basis for tamoxifen resistance and found a potential way to defeat it. They showed that cells can develop resistance through epigenetic modification, specifically by elevating expression of the 'survival' gene AKT.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·DateNov 13, 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.

Abused girls may have higher risk of heart disease, stroke as adults

Research suggests that sexually and physically abused girls may have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and strokes as adults. The study found that women who experienced severe physical abuse or forced sex in childhood had a significantly increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateNov 13, 2011