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Science News Archive April 2011 - Page 16


Page 16 of 26

The world's smallest wedding rings

Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt have created two interlocking rings of DNA, measuring 18 nanometers in size, which are suitable as components of molecular machines. The catenan structure is freely pivotable and can be used to arrange and study proteins or other molecules that are too small for direct manipulation.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNano Letters·DateApr 11, 2011

Delhi air quality regulations improve respiratory health

A recent study found that Delhi's radical changes in air quality regulations had a substantial positive effect on the health of city residents. The research used remote sensing imagery to measure the effects of air quality on health, and found that poorer men exhibited significant negative relationships between ambient air and respirat...

SourceBrown University·JournalAtmospheric Environment·DateApr 11, 2011
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Scientists ignore cultural barriers to find the cause of a rare disease

An international team identified a genetic mutation responsible for a hereditary neurological disorder affecting members of a Palestinian family. The researchers used a combination of genome sequencing technology and disease-network analysis to pinpoint the causative mutation, which is found in approximately 1 in 200 Palestinians.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalGenome Research·DateApr 11, 2011

Cancer burden shifts for people with HIV/AIDS

The number of AIDS-defining cancers decreased, while non-AIDS-defining cancers increased significantly between 1991-2005. Lung cancer emerged as the most common malignancy in people with HIV but not AIDS.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateApr 11, 2011

The nauseating taste of bitter

A new study from Monell Center reveals that bitter taste can cause people to report nausea and display stomach activity similar to actual nausea. The body anticipates the consequences of food we eat, responding to toxic tastes with a protective mechanism.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 11, 2011

MRI may contribute to early detection of Alzheimer's

A new MRI study published in Radiology suggests that automated brain volume measurements can predict future memory decline in elderly people with normal cognitive ability. The study found high accuracy rates when considering multiple brain regions, including the temporal and parietal lobes.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateApr 11, 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.

Shootingstars provide clues to likely response of plants to global warming

Researchers studied three species of shootingstars to understand their response to global warming. They found that some species migrated while others adapted in place, with rare species exhibiting distinct genetic histories. This study provides valuable clues for predicting how plants will respond to climate change.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 11, 2011

How do we fight the war against cyber terrorism?

Researchers from US and Iran develop framework to identify cyber-terrorists through web mining and honeypot traps. The framework aims to trace cyber terrorists in real-time, making arrests before debilitating attacks occur.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Internet Technology and Secured Transactions·DateApr 11, 2011

First clinical trial of gene therapy for pain reported by U-M neurologists

Researchers at University of Michigan have developed a novel gene therapy, NP2, that shows promise in providing substantial pain relief for patients with unrelenting cancer-induced pain. The study demonstrates the safety and efficacy of NP2 in reducing pain by up to 80% over four weeks.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateApr 11, 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.

Bitterness induces nausea, swallowing not required

A recent study published in Current Biology reveals that the taste of something extremely bitter can cause nausea and stomach churning, regardless of whether it's swallowed. The researchers found that the body anticipates toxins or anti-nutrients and prepares for them by responding with nausea and stomach contractions.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 11, 2011

Scientists flex their muscles to solve an old problem

An international team of scientists used a powerful synchrotron X-ray technique to observe muscle protein changes inside intact and contracting muscle cells. The results revealed the conformation of myosin molecular motors in resting muscles and the signalling pathway between actin and myosin filaments.

SourceEuropean Synchrotron Radiation Facility·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 11, 2011

Vitamin D may help reduce heart risk in African-Americans

Research suggests Vitamin D supplementation improves vascular endothelial cell health, reducing cardiovascular disease risk in overweight African-American adults. The study found that supplementation with 60,000 IU monthly improved flow-mediated dilation, a key indicator of blood vessel health.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·DateApr 11, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New drug shows potential for treatment-resistant leukemia

A new drug, DCC-2036, has shown potential in treating leukemia patients who have developed resistance to standard treatment. The study found that the drug was effective against human leukemia cells and prolonged survival in a mouse model of CML.

SourceTufts Medical Center·JournalCancer Cell·DateApr 11, 2011

UCSF scientists discover link between inflammation and pancreatic cancer

Researchers at UCSF have discovered a link between inflammation and the early formation of pancreatic cancer. They found that two molecular signals produced in the pancreas during inflammation can help initiate the early stages of cancer, while another protein may be a clinical indicator of cancer stage.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCancer Cell·DateApr 11, 2011

UCSF study on multitasking reveals switching glitch in aging brain

Researchers at UCSF found that older adults have difficulty switching between tasks due to brain network inefficiencies, affecting working memory and multitasking abilities. The study suggests that attention and memory interaction plays a crucial role in this process.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 11, 2011

New sepsis discovery goes straight to the heart to save lives

Researchers found that neutralizing C5a protein fragment can prevent cardiomyopathy in patients with sepsis, offering hope for stopping devastating effects of the disease. The study shows promise for developing new treatments to combat heart failure and improve survival rates.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateApr 11, 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.

Stress wrecks intestinal bacteria, could keep immune system on idle

Research suggests that stress alters the balance of intestinal bacteria, leading to increased levels of immune biomarkers and priming the innate immune system. The study found that antibiotics can reduce this effect, highlighting the role of gut bacteria in modulating stress-induced immune responses.

SourceOhio State University·DateApr 11, 2011

AAN issues new guideline on best treatments for diabetic nerve pain

The American Academy of Neurology has issued a new guideline on the most effective treatments for diabetic nerve pain. Pregabalin was found to be an effective treatment in improving quality of life, while several other treatments including gabapentin, valproate, antidepressants and opioids should also be considered.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateApr 11, 2011

Antibiotic resistance spreads rapidly between bacteria

A recent study reveals that antibiotic resistance genes can quickly spread between different types of bacteria using conjugative plasmids. The research found that these plasmids can adapt to various bacterial species and even combine with other plasmids, increasing the potential for gene transfer.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 11, 2011
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Space jets in a bottle

Italian researchers created space-like conditions in a vessel to confirm the behavior of astrophysical jets, which travel at high speeds and stretch across vast distances. The study found that these jets behave according to Newtonian Dynamics, confirming successful 3D simulations.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateApr 11, 2011

Scientists find method to probe genes of the most common bacterial STI

Scientists have successfully mutated specific genes of Chlamydia bacteria using a new approach called Targeting Induced Local Lesions in Genomes (TILLING). This breakthrough could lead to better understanding of the infections and develop new strategies to prevent and control them.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 11, 2011

Finding may end a 30-year scientific debate

Antifreeze proteins have been found to bind to ice crystals through a specific mechanism involving hydrophobic and hydrophilic groups. This discovery may lead to the development of stronger, more versatile AFPs with commercial applications in various industries.

SourceQueen's University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 11, 2011

Periodontal stem cell transplantation shows promise

Researchers found periodontal ligament stem cells to be the most efficacious in treating advanced gum disease, outperforming other dental stem cell types. The study suggests PDLSCs may offer a new treatment option for periodontitis, a common cause of tooth loss worldwide.

SourceCell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair·JournalCell Transplantation·DateApr 11, 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.

Tiny antibody fragments raised in camels find drug targets in human breast cancer cells

Researchers discovered Camel-raised Nanobody agents that target breast cancer cells, offering a new approach to identifying effective treatments for individual patients. The 'Nanobodies' are robust, small, and easy to produce at low cost, making them a promising tool in the fight against breast cancer.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateApr 11, 2011

Bacteria in wasp antennae produce antibiotic cocktails

Scientists discover that bacteria in wasp antennae produce a cocktail of antibiotics to protect against fungal threats, a strategy similar to human combination therapy. This finding has potential clinical benefits and may yield novel antimicrobial compounds useful for human medicine.

SourceMicrobiology Society·DateApr 11, 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.

OHSU expert co-authors study finding treatment for rare lung disease

Researchers discovered that sirolimus stabilizes lung function and improves quality of life in women with lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), a rare lung disease. OHSU expert Alan Barker co-authored the study, which could also inform cancer treatment.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 11, 2011

Vitamin D may help heart risk in African-Americans

A new study suggests that Vitamin D supplementation can improve vascular endothelial cell function and flow-mediated dilation in overweight African-American adults. This improvement in cardiovascular health can decrease the risk of heart disease.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·DateApr 11, 2011

Corticosteroid use during pregnancy not linked to facial clefts in infants

A recent study found no association between corticosteroid use during pregnancy and orofacial clefts in infants. However, dermatological corticosteroids were linked to an increased risk of cleft lip with or without cleft palate. The study's results add to the safety information for corticosteroids commonly used during pregnancy.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 11, 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.

Distribution of cancers in the HIV/AIDS population is shifting

A new study published by NCI and CDC found a significant shift in the distribution of cancers in the HIV/AIDS population. Cases of AIDS-defining cancers decreased threefold between 1991-95 and 2001-05, while cases of other cancers increased tripled during the same period.

SourceNIH/National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateApr 11, 2011

New diabetes education program yields improved blood sugar control

A new intensive diabetes education program has been shown to improve long-term blood sugar control in low-income, poorly educated diabetics. Participants who received the nine-session problem-solving course saw significant improvements in their hemoglobin A1C levels and reductions in high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateApr 11, 2011

Actions and personality, east and west

A study found that cultural differences in spontaneous trait inference, or inferring personality traits from behavior, are present in both behavioral and neural responses. This suggests that cultural influences shape our immediate responses to others' behaviors, rather than just intentional deliberate effort.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 11, 2011

Physicists discover new way to visualize warped space and time

Researchers have developed conceptual tools to visualize warped space-time, discovering vortex lines and tendex lines that describe gravitational forces. These tools allow for a better understanding of black holes, gravity, and the universe, enabling predictions of gravitational waves and solving long-standing mysteries.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 11, 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.

Researchers find replacement for rare material indium tin oxide

Scientists at Eindhoven University of Technology have developed a new transparent, conducting film made from commonly available materials, offering a rare metal-free alternative to indium tin oxide. The material, produced in water, has an important advantage over ITO: it is environment-friendly and suitable for flexible displays.

SourceEindhoven University of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateApr 11, 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.

Women's voices remain steady throughout the month

Researchers found no significant impact of hormonal status on eight voice parameters, contradicting previous studies. Voice samples taken at different points in the menstrual cycle showed consistent characteristics, regardless of hormonal phase.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·DateApr 11, 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.

Genetic study offers insight into the social lives of bees

Researchers analyzed genes from nine bee species, revealing unique genetic changes associated with eusociality in highly and primitively eusocial bees. These findings suggest that the evolution of eusociality is an independent process, shaped by distinct genetic signatures.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 11, 2011

Mechanism for esophageal cancer uncovered

Researchers discovered that a tumor suppressor gene, p120, can actually contribute to cancer development when it's absent. In mice models, the loss of p120 led to hyperactivated immune systems and pro-tumor generating cells that promoted cancer growth.

SourcePenn State·JournalCancer Cell·DateApr 11, 2011

Clinical study suggests estrogen levels and breast health can be altered

A clinical study suggests that a specific combination of nutritional ingredients, including indole-3 carbinol and vitamin D, may increase the mean urinary concentration of 2-OHE in pre- and post-menopausal women by 110% and 88%, respectively. The supplement was well-tolerated with no adverse side effects.

SourceStrategic Communications·DateApr 11, 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.

How do life-threatening medical conditions in children impact quality of life?

The article explores the complex topic of assessing quality of life in children with life-threatening conditions, highlighting personal essays from patients, parents, and caregivers. The pieces illustrate various challenges and perspectives on disabilities, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding in healthcare.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalCurrent Problems in Pediatric and Adolescent Health Care·DateApr 11, 2011