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Science News Archive April 2011


Page 15 of 26

Aviation safety: New computer tool forecasts icing hazards

A new computer-generated forecast provides pilots with critical weather information on the likelihood of encountering in-flight icing conditions. The Forecast Icing Product with Severity (FIP-Severity) offers 12-hour forecasts that help users plan safe flight paths, reducing accidents and costs related to icing hazards.

Midwest ISO wins INFORMS Edelman Award

Midwest ISO's energy market designs and launch led to significant value creation through improved reliability and efficiencies, with estimated savings of $2.1-$3.0 billion from 2007-2010 and potentially up to $8.1 billion by 2020.

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.

Tiger-parrots show their true evolutionary stripes

Researchers found tiger-parrots occupy a unique spot on the parrot evolutionary tree, contradicting long-held assumptions about their relationships. This discovery sheds light on the bigger picture of parrot evolution in Australia and New Guinea.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

'Apple a day' advice rooted in science

A new study finds that consuming an apple a day can significantly decrease LDL cholesterol levels by 23% and increase HDL cholesterol by 4%. Additionally, daily apple consumption was found to aid in weight loss of approximately 3.3 lbs over the course of one year.

Gangs don't protect against crime

A study by the Crime Victims' Institute found that gang members are twice as likely to be victims of crime than non-gang members, with increased risks of assault and drive-by shootings.

Weight loss improves memory, according to Kent State researcher

A study by Kent State University researcher John Gunstad found that bariatric surgery patients showed improved memory function 12 weeks after their operations. The researchers tested 150 participants and discovered a link between weight loss and enhanced cognitive abilities.

Hunting for deadly bacteria

Biochemist Yingfu Li and his research team have developed a universal test that can quickly identify any bacteria, reducing the time for detection from days to hours. This breakthrough could help safeguard the health of Canadians and supply industry with a reliable means to bring safe food products to consumers.

The sentinel node dilemma in breast cancer surgery

The sentinel node procedure has evolved to limit surgical overtreatment, but isolated tumor cells and micrometastases have led to increased surgeries. Current studies examine the role of radiotherapy, pathologic protocols, and prognostic impact of these findings on breast cancer patients.

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.

Current biofuels policies are unethical, says report

A report by the Nuffield Council on Bioethics finds current biofuels policies to be unethical due to their impact on the environment and human rights. The council recommends a certification scheme to ensure environmentally sustainable and 'human rights friendly' biofuels.

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.

JCI online early table of contents: April 11, 2011

Researchers have discovered a protein that improves vascular regeneration in mice with heart attacks, and found that manipulating this protein could be used to treat various vascular diseases. Additionally, studies on mouse models have revealed plasticity in the pathways that control insulin secretion, offering new insights into diabet...

Study finds public relatively unconcerned about nanotechnology risks

A new study from North Carolina State University finds that the general public perceives nanoparticles as a relatively low risk, with 60% of respondents viewing them as posing only a slight health risk or none at all. The study compared public perceptions of nanoparticle risks to other environmental and health safety risks.

Social context matters in medical teaching and health care

Weill Cornell researchers highlight the importance of cultural context in medical education and patient care. They argue that social context affects what is taught and how information is received by students, leading to a diverse range of hidden curricula.

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.

Psychologists closing in on causes of claustrophobic fear

A new study led by Emory psychologist Stella Lourenco found a clear relation between claustrophobic fear and basic aspects of spatial perception. People with higher claustrophobic fear have an exaggerated sense of near space surrounding them.

New clue found for Fragile X syndrome-epilepsy link

Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine have discovered a potential mechanism that may contribute to the link between epilepsy and fragile X syndrome. The protein FMRP controls the production of a protein called Kv4.2, which regulates electrical signals in brain cells.

Small molecules inhibit growth of human tumor cells

Researchers at NYU School of Medicine identified three novel small molecules that block a crucial cellular communication pathway regulating cancer growth. The finding could provide the basis for innovative therapies for colorectal cancer and other diseases associated with aberrations in this pathway.

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.

Species unique to single island should not be rare there

A new model of island ecology suggests that most unique island species should be common on their island, contradicting the common perception of rarity. The researchers used data from 35 islands and archipelagos to develop the model, which predicts how many individuals of each species can be expected to see in their natural habitat.

New educational booklet helps patients prepare for a colonoscopy

A new educational booklet developed by UCLA researchers can help patients better prepare for a colonoscopy, increasing the likelihood of a successful procedure. The booklet provides clear instructions and visual aids to aid in bowel preparation, which is crucial for identifying polyps and reducing cancer incidence.

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.

Maternal stress during pregnancy may affect child's obesity

Research suggests that a mother's nutritional or psychological stress during pregnancy and lactation may create a signature on her child's genes that put the child at increased risk for obesity later in life. Female offspring are more susceptible to developing abdominal fat, prediabetes, and impaired glucose metabolism.

Real-time search market worth more than $30 million a day

Researchers found that real-time search terms have significant economic value, with unique searches generating $33 million in revenue daily. The study, published in Information Processing and Management, suggests a growing market for real-time search, driven by the increasing number of Twitter updates.

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.

Scots carbon emissions could be halved in decades, study suggests

A study suggests that cutting Scotland's greenhouse gas emissions by a half within 20 years is achievable through the use of smart meters, improved recycling, and greener building designs. The researchers recommend carbon capture and storage to reduce emissions from industry and coal-fired power plants.

When the pressure is on, product experts can get facts wrong: UBC study

A recent UBC study reveals that experts with specific product knowledge can make mistakes when relying on their memories to compare products. The researchers found that a feeling of accountability and pressure to give the best recommendations can lead to false recalls, especially in complex goods such as cameras, cars, and computers.

Potential new strategy to reduce catheter blockage

Researchers from the University of Brighton are exploring a new approach to prevent catheter blockage by inhibiting the rise in urinary pH. The study found that biofilm-forming ability may not be the primary factor in catheter blockage, but rather the formation of crystals that can cause blockages.

Birds inherited sense of smell from dinosaurs ... and improved it

Contrary to long-held assumptions, birds developed a better sense of smell than their dinosaur ancestors, suggesting that scent played a crucial role in early bird evolution. The study reveals that ancient birds, like Archaeopteryx, had a sense of smell similar to modern-day pigeons.

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.

Parkinson's exercise study results

Researchers at the University of Maryland found that low-intensity exercise, such as walking on a treadmill for 50 minutes three times a week, can improve mobility and delay disability in Parkinson's patients. The study also showed benefits from stretching and resistance exercises.

NIH funds investigation of inhaled lung cancer treatment

The National Institutes of Health has funded a study to develop an inhaled lung cancer treatment using the drug 5-azacytidine. Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine aim to target premalignant lung cancer by reactivating genes that suppress tumors.

Moderate exercise improves brain blood flow in elderly women

A 3-month study of 16 elderly women found that brisk walking improved brain blood flow by 15% and increased oxygen consumption. The study suggests that vascular health may be linked to brain health, and that moderate exercise can be beneficial in the senior years.

Iraqi refugees at high risk of brain and nervous system disorders

A new study reveals that Iraqi refugees are disproportionately affected by brain and nervous system disorders, with 4% of all registered refugees having a diagnosed condition. The most common diagnoses were epilepsy, back pain, and headache, with many refugees experiencing torture-related injuries.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Loss of cell adhesion protein drives esophageal and oral cancers in mice

A study by University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine investigators shows that mice lacking a key protein develop squamous cell cancers resembling human disease, supporting novel therapies and early detection strategies. The findings settle a 20-year debate and prove the protein's role as a tumor-suppressor.

New target for developing effective anti-depressants

Scientists have discovered how anti-depressants make new brain cells by regulating the glucocorticoid receptor, a key protein involved in stress response. This finding holds promise for developing more effective anti-depressant treatments to combat depression.

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.

Alcohol helps the brain remember, says new study

A new study by neurobiologist Hitoshi Morikawa found that repeated ethanol exposure enhances synaptic plasticity in a key area of the brain. This increased capacity for learning, or 'conditionability,' may help explain why alcoholics become more receptive to forming habits and memories related to food, music, and social situations.

A 'Pacman strategy' to boost the immune system to fight cancer

A new fusion molecule with three parts activates the immune system to attack cancer cells directly, while keeping it dormant until needed. The approach has shown promising results in lab experiments and mice with cancer, inhibiting tumor growth and activating immune cells.

Circadian rhythms spark plants' ability to survive freezing weather

Researchers at Michigan State University have identified the key role of circadian clocks in plant freezing tolerance. The study found that integrating cold-signaling pathways with the circadian clock is crucial for maximum freezing tolerance, paving the way for the development of stress-tolerant crops.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Nasal spray vaccines more effective against flu

Research suggests that combining standard vaccines with interleukin-12 (IL-12) can induce high levels of protection against respiratory pathogens, including influenza virus and pneumococcal bacteria. This method could provide a non-invasive alternative to injections, offering improved protection against flu and other diseases.

Rensselaer Professor Xuegang (Jeff) Ban receives NSF CAREER Award

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute assistant professor Xuegang (Jeff) Ban has received a prestigious NSF CAREER Award to study the potential of mobile devices in monitoring and optimizing traffic systems. His research aims to develop new methods for using cell phone and GPS data to improve traffic congestion and safety.

In it to win it?

A two-year treatment regimen with Naltrexone and complementary treatments like group therapy can keep 80% of gamblers 'gamble-free' over a four-year period. Gambling addiction is a chronic disorder requiring careful monitoring and holistic treatments to avoid relapse.

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.

Fatigue and sleep woes worsen neurocognitive problems in childhood cancer survivors

Research from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study reveals that adults who survived childhood cancer are particularly vulnerable to impaired memory, emotional control, and related skills due to fatigue and sleep problems. The study suggests that periodic screenings for fatigue and sleep disturbances may be beneficial for helping adult c...