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Science News for April 1, 2011


E. coli an unlikely contaminant of plant vascular systems

USDA scientists tracked E. coli's journey from soil to leafy greens, finding the pathogen's survival in roots is sporadic and not a significant food safety concern. The study suggests that E. coli is unlikely to become internalized through plant roots, reducing the risk of foodborne illness.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalJournal of Food Protection·DateApr 1, 2011

Penn study suggests another avenue for detecting Alzheimer's disease

A new biomarker for tau-related brain disorders has been identified, suggesting a potential target for drug discovery and biomarker development. Acetylation may play a role in faulty binding of tau to microtubules, contributing to neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 1, 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.

Soy increases radiation's ability to kill lung cancer cells, study shows

A recent study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology found that soy isoflavones can sensitize cancer cells to radiation, increasing killing efficiency while protecting normal lung tissue from damage. Researchers used a soy mixture consisting of genistein, daidzein and glycitein to demonstrate this effect.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateApr 1, 2011

Sugar-grain sized meteorites rocked the climates of early Earth and Mars, according to new study

Scientists suggest that bombardments of micro-meteorites on Earth and Mars four billion years ago led to catastrophic cooling effects, making it hard for early life to thrive. The influx of sulphur dioxide into the atmospheres of both planets could have plunged them into an Arctic winter, lasting millions of years.

SourceImperial College London·JournalGeochimica et Cosmochimica Acta·DateApr 1, 2011

Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior well represented at international meeting

Seven GHSU investigators will present their research on schizophrenia and psychiatric disorders, including Dr. Peter Buckley's National Institutes of Mental Health-funded study on relapse prevention. Researchers also explore potential treatments for stress-induced anxiety behavior and prenatal stress-related neuropsychiatric illnesses.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateApr 1, 2011

Breast health global initiative offers unprecedented tools for developing nations

The Breast Health Global Initiative has published a landmark publication offering diverse but not insurmountable barriers to breast cancer screening and treatment in developing nations. Key findings include the need for public awareness, pathology services, and supportive care services to improve breast health care programs.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalThe Breast·DateApr 1, 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.

Skywalker ensures optimal communication between neurons

The discovery of the Skywalker enzyme reveals a crucial step in vesicle recycling, leading to improved signal transmission and potentially new diagnostics and therapies for Parkinson's disease. Understanding this process may help maintain optimal communication balance between brain cells.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalCell·DateApr 1, 2011

Advance in microchannel manufacturing opens new industry applications

Engineers at Oregon State University have invented a new method to produce low-temperature microchannel heat exchangers using surface-mount adhesives. This technology could make it possible to manufacture these devices less expensive and open up new opportunities for next-generation computers, lasers, and other applications.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Manufacturing Processes·DateApr 1, 2011

'Good cholesterol' nanoparticles seek and destroy cancer cells

Researchers have developed nanoparticles loaded with siRNA to silence cancer-promoting genes in ovarian cancer, selectively shrinking or destroying tumors. The nanoparticles use high-density lipoprotein (HDL) as a delivery vehicle, which is taken up by cancer cells and not healthy tissue.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNeoplasia·DateApr 1, 2011

Green industry knowledge center introduced

The US nursery and greenhouse industry has launched an online knowledge center to promote sustainable practices, providing resources and tools for growers and students. The Green Industry Knowledge Center offers in-depth learning modules on water and nutrient management, irrigation, and substrate handling.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortTechnology·DateApr 1, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Progress toward the clinical application of autologous induced pluripotent stem cells and gene repair therapy for treatment of familial hypercholesterolemia

Researchers successfully reprogrammed diseased human hepatocytes into induced pluripotent stem cells, offering a potentially unlimited source for liver disease treatment. This breakthrough could enable the generation of genetically corrected liver cells via auto-transplantation, avoiding liver transplants and immunosuppression.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of the Liver·DateApr 1, 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.

UGA studies explain spread of invasive ladybugs

A University of Georgia researcher developed new models to explain how invasive Asian ladybugs have quickly spread throughout the country and into Canada. The models predict that invasive species feeding on both lower-level food sources and competing species will spread faster.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalBiology Letters·DateApr 1, 2011

Oil prices affect inflation in Spain more than in the euro zone

A study by Bank of Spain's Research Department finds that Spanish inflation is more heavily affected by oil price changes, with changes in crude prices accounting for over 50% of variability. The study attributes this to lower indirect taxation in Spain.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalEconomic Modelling·DateApr 1, 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.

Research on satellite imagery aims to advance sustainable agriculture

Researchers used satellite imagery and an artificial neural network to classify and monitor irrigated crops, achieving high accuracy rates. The study aims to promote sustainable agricultural practices and reduce water waste in Mediterranean countries.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalJournal of the American Society for Horticultural Science·DateApr 1, 2011

Calculations with 14 quantum bits

Physicists at the University of Innsbruck have achieved a major breakthrough in quantum computation by entangling 14 calcium atoms. This represents a significant increase from their previous record of eight particles and opens up new possibilities for faster computing, atomic clocks, and quantum simulations.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 1, 2011

In vivo RNAi screening identifies new regulators of liver regeneration

In vivo RNAi screening reveals new key players controlling hepatocyte proliferation and regenerative capacity. The study demonstrates increased repopulation efficiency and regenerative capacity in chronically damaged mouse livers after stable knockdown of candidate genes.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of the Liver·DateApr 1, 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.

Many US women have children by more than one man

A national study found that 28% of US women with two or more children have children by more than one man. This prevalence is common among minority women, those living without a partner, and those with low income and education. Multiple partner fertility is tied to marriage and divorce rather than single parenthood.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateApr 1, 2011

Insulin could be Alzheimer's therapy

A low-dose insulin treatment has been found to suppress the expression of four precursor proteins involved in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis. Insulin also showed anti-inflammatory effects on peripheral mononuclear cells, which may lead to a new therapeutic agent for Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateApr 1, 2011

Cat's out of the bag: PUMA contributes to ulcerative colitis

Researchers found that PUMA protein induces apoptosis in intestinal epithelial cells, leading to inflammation and UC development. Increased PUMA levels were detected in diseased tissues of UC patients, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 1, 2011

US CDC issues updated bloodstream infection prevention guidelines

The US CDC has released updated guidelines for preventing intravascular catheter-related infections, aiming to eliminate these deadly and costly healthcare-associated infections. The new guide outlines five key prevention strategies based on scientific evidence, which have been proven successful in reducing infections in hospitals.

SourceAssociation for Professionals in Infection Control·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateApr 1, 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.

Short rotation energy crops could help meet UK's renewable energy targets

Short rotation energy crops on England's unused land could produce enough biomass to meet UK's renewable energy targets without disrupting the food industry or environment. This study found that efficient land use can generate approximately four percent of current UK electricity demand from these crops.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalBiofuels·DateApr 1, 2011

From science fiction to research breakthrough

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a method for drug testing that uses individual living cells on nanowire carpets, with potential applications for neurological problems, cancer, and heart disease.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalSmall·DateApr 1, 2011

JCI online early table of contents: April 1, 2011

Researchers found that the protein PUMA is responsible for inducing apoptosis in intestinal epithelial cells in response to inflammation, suggesting a promising target for ulcerative colitis therapies. Meanwhile, DNA methylation studies revealed targeted gene silencing and potential cancer-initiating events.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 1, 2011

The Population Bomb: How we survived it

Despite 50 years of rapid population growth, the world has successfully produced enough food and reduced poverty. Factors contributing to this include the green revolution, increased investments in education, and urbanization, which have allowed cities to absorb growth without triggering mass starvation.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateApr 1, 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.

Could maple syrup from Canada be the next champion food?

Researchers identified 54 compounds in maple syrup from Canada with antioxidant activity and potential health benefits, including anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects. The study suggests that maple syrup may inhibit enzymes relevant in Type 2 diabetes management.

SourcePadillaCRT·JournalJournal of Functional Foods·DateApr 1, 2011

Got a craving for fast food? Skip the coffee, study says

Researchers found that a fatty meal from fast food doubles blood sugar levels when paired with caffeinated coffee, leading to increased risk for people at risk for diabetes. The study suggests limiting saturated fat intake and decaf coffee consumption may help improve glucose tolerance.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateApr 1, 2011

Gag order: how DNA silencing can promote cancer

Research suggests that specific genes are silenced by DNA methylating enzyme Dnmt3b, similar to those found in human tumors. This targeted silencing may be an initiating event in cancer development.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 1, 2011
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Surprising finding from smoke inhalation study

A study of 60 burn patients found that those who died from their injuries had lower inflammatory responses in their lungs compared to survivors. This unexpected finding may lead to better therapies for improving outcomes in burn care.

SourceLoyola Medicine·DateApr 1, 2011

New opportunities for covalent drugs published by Avila scientists

The article discusses the resurgence of covalent drugs, which have made a major positive impact on human health, and highlights the potential of rational covalent drug design to expand their use. Several rationally designed covalent inhibitors are advancing in clinical development, addressing problems of drug-resistance mutations.

SourceThe Yates Network·JournalNature Reviews Drug Discovery·DateApr 1, 2011

TGen and PBS-Bio presents 2 abstracts at AACR conference

PBS-Bio presents two abstracts at the AACR conference, showing how drugs UNBS1450 and NDC-1308 affect cancer cells. The technology allows real-time measurement of cellular responses to drugs, identifying potential biomarkers for patient selection and drug development.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·DateApr 1, 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.

First vaccine for viral hepatitis C could become a reality

Researchers have made significant progress in developing a vaccine against viral hepatitis C, with encouraging immunogenicity and safety profiles shown in phase I trials. The vaccine has induced strong T-cell responses in both treatment-naive patients and healthy volunteers.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of the Liver·DateApr 1, 2011

April 2011 Geosphere highlights

The April 2011 Geosphere issue features articles on exploring the deep sea, including modeling of submarine cyclic steps, linking tectonism to deep-sea sedimentation, and submarine canyon profiles. New developments in Grenville geology also highlight fresh insights into the Lyon Mountain Granite.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeosphere·DateApr 1, 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.

Sleeping through danger: the dormouse approach to survival

A recent European study found that dormice in certain habitats live longer due to fewer predators and successful avoidance methods. The animals' ability to accumulate fat reserves helps them survive harsh winters.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalEcography·DateApr 1, 2011