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Science News Archive April 2011


Page 7 of 26

Simple fungus reveals clue to immune system protection

Researchers discovered a protein in a single-celled fungus that helps it survive in low-oxygen settings, which may aid humans with compromised immune systems. The discovery identified key genes responsible for the protein's cutting mechanism, offering potential targets for new fungal infection treatments.

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.

Evolution can cause a rapid reduction in genome size

Researchers have decoded the entire genome of lyre-leaved rock cress, a close relative of the thale cress, revealing that its genome is significantly larger. The study found that considerable elements were lost from the thale cress genome, with hundreds of thousands of small deletions accounting for most of the differences in size.

Researchers identify genes causing antimalarial drug resistance

Researchers have identified several genes that may contribute to the malaria parasite's ability to evade antimalarial drugs. One of these genes, PF10_0355, was found to render drug-sensitive parasites more resistant to three standard antimalarial agents when introduced into them.

Salmonella utilize multiple modes of infection

Researchers at Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research found a new Salmonella infection mechanism targeting the actin cytoskeleton and exploiting myosin II motor protein. This approach allows bacteria to pull themselves into host cells without forming ruffles, expanding the known invasion strategies.

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.

Caltech: Learning to tolerate our microbial self

Researchers found that beneficial gut bacteria like Bacteroides fragilis hijack immune cells to prevent inflammation. The bacteria produce a molecule that tricks the immune system into activating regulatory T cells, preventing autoimmune reactions.

Drug effective in treating kidney disease in diabetic patients

Researchers found that an appropriate dose of pirfenidone halted decline and improved kidney function in patients with diabetic nephropathy. The study suggests that the drug may be useful in treating other types of fibrotic diseases, including focal segmental glomerulosclerosis.

Are dietary supplements working against you?

A study found that frequent dietary supplement users engage in less exercise and more hedonic activities due to a sense of invulnerability. This 'curse of licensed self-indulgence' can lead individuals to make poor choices for their health, such as opting for fast food over organic meals.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Severe obesity not seen to increase risk of depression in teens

A three-year study found no link between severe obesity and depressive symptoms among adolescents, but did identify a possible greater vulnerability among white teens. The study suggests that clinicians should be vigilant about assessing for depression in this group, regardless of weight status.

Subset of self-destructive immune cells may selectively drive diabetes

Researchers have identified a distinct population of immune cells that contribute to the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes by helping CD8+ T cells elicit autoimmune responses in the pancreas. This subset of CD4+ T cells produces IL-21 and express CCR9, playing a critical role in autoimmune disease.

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.

MicroRNA mediates gene-diet interaction related to obesity

The study identified a microRNA that may elucidate the biological mechanism behind obesity-related traits in individuals carrying the PLIN4 gene variant. Higher omega-3 fatty acid intakes were associated with lower body mass index and weight in carriers of the gene variant.

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.

GOES-13 sees an extraordinarily early Atlantic low in the tropics

A low pressure area north-northeast of Puerto Rico has been detected by the GOES-13 satellite, located about 460 miles northeast of San Juan, Puerto Rico. The National Hurricane Center gives this system a 20% chance of development into a tropical storm over the next two days before it hits wind shear.

Limit to nanotechnology mass-production?

A leading nanotechnology scientist proposes a 3nm diameter threshold for mass-produced structures, citing unpredictability in bottom-up manufacturing. This challenge raises concerns about the billions invested in nanotechnology research and development.

Electronic medical records speed genetic health studies

Researchers at Northwestern University have found that using electronic medical records to identify patients with diseases can be faster and cheaper than recruiting thousands of participants. The study used data from five national sites to accurately identify patients with five types of diseases, achieving accuracy rates of 73-98%.

Worm studies shed light on human cancers

Researchers discovered a worm protein controlling growth factor secretion, which is linked to human cancers. The study proposes that abnormal growth factor secretion may stimulate cancer formation and offers a potential targeted treatment approach.

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.

Laser sparks revolution in internal combustion engines

Researchers have developed a new laser system that can ignite engine air-fuel mixtures more efficiently than traditional spark plugs. The laser system is made from ceramics and promises less pollution and greater fuel economy, but further testing is needed to make it commercially viable.

Heart drugs could cut blood pressure risks in pregnancy

Researchers investigate whether statins can prevent pre-eclampsia by targeting an enzyme that suppresses two proteins linked to the condition. The study, funded by the Medical Research Council, aims to test the effectiveness of statins in reducing blood pressure risks for pregnant women diagnosed with very early-onset pre-eclampsia.

How can we measure infants' pain after an operation?

Researchers have validated a new 'Llanto' scale to measure infant pain after surgery, providing health staff with a simple and concise tool. The scale assesses factors such as crying patterns, breathing rate, and facial expression, allowing for accurate estimation of the child's suffering.

Repeated stress in pregnancy linked to children's behavior

Research from Research Australia found a link between stressful events during pregnancy and increased risk of behavioral problems in children. The study analyzed the timing, amount, and types of stressors to determine their impact on child behavior outcomes.

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.

Air pollution exposure affects chances of developing premenopausal breast cancer

Research at the University at Buffalo found that early life air pollution exposure and motherhood may alter DNA, increasing premenopausal breast cancer risk. Decreased E-cadherin promoter methylation was associated with higher birth exposure, while increased p16 methylation linked to first child birth in higher-pollution areas.

Study group looks at the future of corporate boards

A report from a blue-ribbon panel recommends guidelines to improve board practices and standards in seven core dimensions: Purpose, Culture, Leadership, Information, Advice, Debate and Self-Renewal. The report aims to foster further review of board structure and function.

How molecules get to the right place at the right time

Researchers have uncovered how yeast cells recognize and assemble cargo mRNA for transport, a process critical for cell function. The discovery sheds new light on the mechanisms underlying molecular transport in both simple and complex organisms.

Ring around the hurricanes: Satellites can predict storm intensity

Researchers developed a method to use passive microwave satellite imagery to monitor hurricane structure and intensity changes, revealing patterns in storm dynamics. This allows for a 30-hour window before a storm hits its maximum strength, enabling forecasters to issue earlier warnings and evacuate areas at risk.

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.

Kids' 'screen time' linked to early markers for cardiovascular disease

A study published in the American Heart Association journal found a strong link between excessive screen time in children and narrowed arteries in the back of their eyes. Children who spent more hours watching TV or playing video games had narrower retinal arteriolar caliber, indicating future cardiovascular risk.

New data shows half of all children with autism wander and bolt from safe places

A new survey by the Interactive Autism Network reveals that approximately half of parents report their child eloping from safe places, peaking at age four. The study highlights critical safety concerns, including increased risk of trauma, injury, or death. Additionally, a new research survey on pregnancy and birth factors associated wi...

Growers rally behind purple flowers to support TGen cancer research

A group of Ohio greenhouse growers partners with the Translational Genomics Research Institute to sell 'denim shock wave petunias' in support of pancreatic cancer awareness. The program aims to raise funds for TGen's globalCure initiative, which seeks to find a cure for pancreatic cancer.

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.

Researchers combine active proteins with material derived from fruit fly

Scientists at Rice University and Texas A&M have developed a method to pattern active proteins into bio-friendly fibers. The new work simplifies the process of making materials with fully functional proteins, opening up possibilities for chemical catalysts, biosensors, tissue engineering, and more.

Melting ice on Arctic islands a major player in sea level rise

A new study found that melting glaciers and ice caps on Canadian Arctic islands play a significant role in sea level rise. The region lost an average of 7 cubic miles of water per year, increasing dramatically to 22 cubic miles during the latter part of the study.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Starting a new metabolic path

Researchers at JBEI have developed a technique called targeted proteomics that enables the rapid identification and quantification of specific proteins in cells or microbes. This technique can help identify bottlenecks in metabolic pathways, leading to improved efficiency and productivity in biofuel and therapeutic drug production.

Low carbohydrate diet may reverse kidney failure in people with diabetes

Researchers from Mount Sinai School of Medicine have found that a ketogenic diet may reverse impaired kidney function in people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. The study, published in PLoS ONE, also identified previously unreported genes associated with diabetes-related kidney failure whose expression was reversed by the diet.

Beams of electrons link Saturn with its moon Enceladus

Researchers at University College London have discovered powerful electron beams flowing back and forth between Saturn and its moon Enceladus, a finding that suggests a universal process similar to Jupiter's moon Io. This discovery was made using the Cassini spacecraft and its CAPS-ELS instrument.

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.

Immigrant screening misses majority of imported latent TB, finds study

A new study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases found that UK immigration screening procedures fail to detect over 70% of latent tuberculosis (TB) cases, with better selection of immigrants to screen increasing detection rates to over 90%. Treating people at an early stage can prevent them from developing active TB and becoming...

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.

A scratched coating heals itself

Scientists at Case Western Reserve University, U.S., have created a polymer-based material that can heal itself when exposed to ultraviolet light. The new materials, called 'metallo-supramolecular polymers,' behave like normal polymers but can be repaired using light.

People fall into 3 categories of gut microbiota

The study classifies gut microbiota into three distinct groups: Bacteroides, Prevotella, and Ruminococcus. This classification is associated with variations in nutrient uptake and medicine efficiency. The research also reveals connections between the gut type and BMI, obesity, and vitamin production.

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.

Common genetic variant linked to pulmonary fibrosis risk

A recent NIH-funded genome study has identified a common genetic variant associated with an increased risk of developing idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and familial interstitial pneumonia. The variant, found in the mucin 5B gene, is present in over half of individuals with IPF/FIP and increases their risk by five- to eightfold.

Toward new medications for chronic brain diseases

Researchers identify small molecule blocking key protein involved in cholesterol production, successfully lowering cholesterol levels in isolated nerve cells and brain slices from mice. The discovery could lead to broader applications in other neurological conditions like Alzheimer's disease.