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Science News Archive 2011 - Page 57


Page 57 of 311

Study: Women aren't becoming engineers because of confidence issues

A recent study by Erin Cech found that women engineering students develop less confidence in their engineering expertise and career fit compared to men, leading to lower persistence rates. The study suggests that subtle biases and cultural ideologies contribute to this issue.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateOct 25, 2011

Strawberries protect the stomach from alcohol

Research on rats found that strawberry extract reduced stomach damage caused by alcohol consumption. The study suggests that strawberries' antioxidant properties may help prevent gastric illnesses related to free radicals.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 25, 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: Obesity limits effectiveness of flu vaccines

A new study by University of North Carolina Health Care reveals that obesity impairs the immune system's ability to fight flu viruses. The research found that obese individuals experience a decline in antibody levels and defective CD8+ T cells after receiving the annual flu shot, making them more susceptible to flu illness.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateOct 25, 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.

Dividing corn stover makes ethanol conversion more efficient

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a more efficient method for converting corn stover into cellulosic ethanol by separating its three distinct parts: the rind, pith, and leaves. This new approach enables better utilization of enzymes to break down cellulose, resulting in increased ethanol production with reduced costs.

SourcePurdue University·JournalBiotechnology and Bioengineering·DateOct 25, 2011

Land animals, ecosystems walloped after Permian dieoff

A study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B found that land-based vertebrates suffered massive extinctions, with approximately 78% of genera perishing. The survivors formed 'disaster taxa' that dominated their ecological niches, leading to boom-and-bust cycles and instability in ecosystems.

SourceBrown University·DateOct 25, 2011

Gene regulatory protein is reduced in bipolar disorder

Researchers found reduced levels of SP4 protein in the brains of patients with bipolar disorder, which may contribute to altered patterns of nerve cells and cellular structure. Normalization of SP4 levels could be a relevant pharmacological strategy for treating mood disorders.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalBipolar Disorders·DateOct 25, 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.

Blood proteins predict survival in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, Pitt-led team says

A panel of blood proteins can predict patient survival in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, guiding treatment plans and identifying those in urgent need of a lung transplant. The biomarker panel has predictive power that may also help design more effective research trials.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateOct 25, 2011

Peer pressure in preschool children

Researchers found that four-year-olds conformed their public judgment of a situation to the majority of peers despite better knowledge. This conformity plays a crucial role in acquiring group-specific behavior. In the study, only 40% of children conformed at least once, indicating some level of peer pressure on young minds.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalChild Development·DateOct 25, 2011

Students coax yeast cells to add vitamins to bread

A team of Johns Hopkins University students has engineered yeast cells to produce beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, using synthetic biology. Their project, VitaYeast, aims to provide a simple and affordable way to combat severe malnutrition in impoverished areas.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·DateOct 25, 2011

'Southern Pine Beetle II'

The southern pine beetle is the most destructive forest pest in the US, causing significant economic and ecological harm. The new synthesis, Southern Pine Beetle II, updates research on the insect's biology, ecology, and management, providing current state-of-the-art knowledge.

SourceUSDA Forest Service ‑ Southern Research Station·DateOct 25, 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.

Computer scientist cracks mysterious 'Copiale Cipher'

A team of international researchers, led by computer scientist Kevin Knight, has finally broken the 75,000-character Copiale Cipher after centuries. The decoded message reveals rituals and political leanings of an 18th-century German secret society, shedding new light on its role in history.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateOct 25, 2011

High-dose vitamin D may not be better than low-dose vitamin D in treating MS

A six-month randomized controlled trial found no added benefit from high-dose vitamin D over and above ongoing low-dose vitamin D supplementation in treating relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. The study involved 23 participants with MS, who received either high-dose or placebo high-dose vitamin D, and showed no significant differe...

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateOct 24, 2011

Take your blood pressure meds before bed

A study by the American Society of Nephrology found that taking blood pressure-lowering medications at bedtime improves blood pressure control and reduces the risk of heart problems. Patients who took their medications before bed had better outcomes than those who took them in the morning.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateOct 24, 2011

Mentoring programs -- how effective are they?

A new report reviews over 70 mentoring program evaluations and confirms that mentoring programs confer many benefits across behavioral, social, emotional, and academic domains. However, improvements in youth outcomes tend to be modest and it's unclear how well such gains hold up over time.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science in the Public Interest·DateOct 24, 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.

For diabetics, spectroscopy may replace painful pinpricks

Researchers have developed a compact Raman spectrograph that can monitor blood sugar levels without daily finger pricks. The new design is five to 20 times smaller than previous models, enabling the creation of portable devices that could also detect other disease markers and identify cancerous tissue.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateOct 24, 2011

Discovery illuminates elusive proton channel gene in dinoflagellates

A team of scientists led by Thomas E. DeCoursey discovered a gene in dinoflagellates that controls voltage-gated proton channels, found also in humans and other species, with bioluminescence and potential applications in controlling deadly red tides

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 24, 2011

In developing rats, antidepressant exposure linked to brain, behavioral abnormalities

Researchers found that antidepressants given to rats during development led to brain abnormalities and behavioral traits similar to autism spectrum disorder. The study suggests a potential link between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and the rise in developmental disorders in children.

SourceUniversity of Mississippi Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 24, 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.

Monell Center receives $2 million core grant from NIH

The Monell Center has received a $2 million NIH Core grant to enhance technological and research services. The funding will support three Research Cores providing specialized expert services, equipment, and training in chemical senses research techniques.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·DateOct 24, 2011

New device measures viscosity of ketchup and cosmetics

A new device developed at the University of Sheffield enables real-time monitoring of liquid flow and rheology, making it easier to control product properties. The technology ensures that companies producing liquids can incorporate the device into their development process, reducing costs and improving efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalMeasurement Science and Technology·DateOct 24, 2011

Leeds puts Britain on trial

The 'Britain on Trial: Young Voices Speak Out' event brings together young people with leading writers, artists, academics, and activists to discuss challenges and develop ideas for change. Participants create and share their own creative responses to social issues using performance-poetry, art, and drama.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateOct 24, 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.

Deliberate practice: Necessary but not sufficient

Research by Guillermo Campitelli and Fernand Gobet found that deliberate practice is necessary to achieve mastery in skills like chess. However, the duration of practice alone does not guarantee success. Other factors such as intelligence, handedness, and working memory also contribute to an individual's ability to excel in these areas.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateOct 24, 2011

Spinal cord injuries associated with increased risk of heart disease

New research reveals that spinal cord injuries are associated with a higher risk of developing heart disease, particularly in individuals with autonomic dysfunction. The study suggests that screening the autonomic system may be beneficial in evaluating cardiovascular health in spinal cord patients.

SourceHeart and Stroke Foundation of Canada·DateOct 24, 2011

Yoga and stretching exercises beneficial for chronic low back pain

A study found yoga classes to be more effective in reducing symptoms and improving function for patients with chronic low back pain compared to a self-care book. Stretching exercises also showed moderate benefits in reducing back pain, suggesting that the mental component of yoga may not be the primary factor in its effectiveness.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateOct 24, 2011

Antidepressant linked to developmental brain abnormalities in rodents

A study found that rats given a commonly prescribed antidepressant during development exhibited brain abnormalities and behaviors characteristic of autism spectrum disorders. The researchers suggest that taking SSRIs during pregnancy may contribute to the rise in developmental disorders in children.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 24, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Harsh discipline fosters dishonesty in young children

Young children exposed to harsh punishment are more likely to lie and better at telling convincing lies than those from non-punitive schools, a study suggests. The research found that children in punitive environments could deceive even older children, challenging existing theories on cognitive development.

SourceMcGill University·JournalChild Development·DateOct 24, 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.

CHEST 2011: Embargoed studies highlight new asthma research

A new study links obesity to increased airway hyperresponsiveness, indicating that obesity is a risk factor for asthma. Meanwhile, specialists' awareness of asthma guidelines does not necessarily lead to better adherence and implementation of management practices.

SourceAmerican College of Chest Physicians·DateOct 24, 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.

Thomas Jefferson is the first high school to subscribe to the Journal of Visualized Experiments

Thomas Jefferson High School has become the first high school to subscribe to JoVE, a video-based research journal. The school's advanced equipment and digital resources will help students learn complex experimental techniques more effectively. This partnership aims to inspire future scientists by exposing them to cutting-edge research...

SourceThe Journal of Visualized Experiments·JournalJournal of Visualized Experiments·DateOct 24, 2011

CHEST 2011: Embargoed studies highlight new lung cancer and COPD research

A study found Detroit has the highest lung cancer mortality rate in the US, while researchers identified conflicting diagnostic standards for COPD that may lead to overdiagnosis or underdiagnosis. Canadian patients with COPD exacerbations were more likely to delay medical attention compared to international counterparts.

SourceAmerican College of Chest Physicians·DateOct 24, 2011

Blood vessel mapping reveals 4 new 'ZIP codes'

Researchers have identified four new 'ZIP codes' in the human blood vessel network that could help fight cancer, obesity and other diseases. These shared addresses were found to be associated with specific receptors and ligands, opening up new avenues for targeted therapies.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 24, 2011

Residency program focuses on overlooked mental health needs

A new five-year, $1 million grant enables Michigan State University to develop an intensive three-year residency curriculum focused on primary care mental health. The program aims to improve training for primary care physicians in caring for patients with mental health needs.

SourceMichigan State University·DateOct 24, 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.

Consumers don't pay as much attention to nutrition fact labels as they think

A new eye-tracking study found that consumers' self-reported viewing of Nutrition Facts label components was higher than objectively measured viewing. Centrally located labels were viewed more frequently and for longer periods than those located peripherally, with key nutrients nearer the top being viewed most often.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association·DateOct 24, 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.

CHEST 2011: Embargoed studies highlight new sleep disorder research

Researchers found that left-handed individuals are more likely to have bilateral limb movements, a potential indicator of PLMD. Additionally, patients treated with CPAP experience significant weight gain due to reduced energy expenditure. Pregnant women carrying multiples are also at higher risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), while ...

SourceAmerican College of Chest Physicians·DateOct 24, 2011

Perinatal antidepressant stunts brain development in rats

A study funded by the NIH found that perinatal exposure to antidepressants in rats led to stunted brain growth, abnormal behavior, and miswired brain circuitry. The researchers discovered reduced neuronal density and faulty communication between the brain's hemispheres.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 24, 2011

Mechanical stress can help or hinder wound healing depending on time of application

A recent study found that applying mechanical forces to a wound site immediately after healing began can disrupt vascular growth and prevent bone healing. However, delaying the application of mechanical stress until later in the healing process can enhance functional bone regeneration through adaptive remodeling.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 24, 2011

CHEST 2011: Embargoed studies highlight new lung health research

Researchers have identified new lung health concerns, including the escalating use of bath salts as recreational drugs and their potential to cause significant agitation, paranoia, and hallucinations. Additionally, caffeinated alcoholic beverages have been linked to adverse effects in patients with chronic medical conditions.

SourceAmerican College of Chest Physicians·DateOct 24, 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.

Ancient cooking pots reveal gradual transition to agriculture

Researchers analyzed ancient pottery for signs of terrestrial, marine, and freshwater organisms, finding that fish and aquatic resources continued to be exploited after the advent of farming. This suggests a gradual transition from hunting to agriculture in Western Europe, challenging previous assumptions about the abrupt shift.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 24, 2011

NASA caught Tropical Storm Rina forming, strengthening

Tropical Storm Rina is forming and strengthening in the western Caribbean Sea, with heavy rainfall affecting Honduras and the Cayman Islands. The storm has a large area of heavy rainfall extending towards the northeast from eastern Honduras.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 24, 2011

Bath salts emerging as new recreational drugs

Researchers report a significant spike in bath salt-related poisoning incidents, with over 1,700 cases since 2011. The substances' stimulant content can cause violent behavior, hallucinations, and paranoia, highlighting the need for federal regulation.

SourceAmerican College of Chest Physicians·DateOct 24, 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.