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Science News Archive April 2011 - Page 17


Page 17 of 26

Device proves solar cell potential of high bandgap inorganic nanowire arrays

Researchers successfully fabricate and test a new type of solar cell using inorganic core/shell nanowire structures with high bandgap semiconductors. The device efficiently absorbs visible wavelength light and shows potential as an affordable and durable solar energy solution.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Charlotte·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry·DateApr 11, 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.

Protein could improve recovery from heart attacks

Researchers discovered that injecting DKK2 improved vascular regeneration in a mouse model of myocardial infarction. This suggests potential for pharmacological manipulation to treat various vascular diseases.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 11, 2011

Vitamin D levels associated with age-related macular degeneration

Women under 75 with high vitamin D levels have lower risk of early age-related macular degeneration (AMD), while those with low levels are at increased risk. The study found that women with 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations above 38 nanomoles per liter had a 44% decreased odds of developing AMD.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalArchives of Ophthalmology·DateApr 11, 2011

Haiti cholera epidemic could have been blunted with use of mobile stockpile of oral vaccine

Researchers found that vaccinating 50-70% of people in high-risk areas after the outbreak would reduce morbidity and mortality by roughly 50%. A mobile stockpile of oral cholera vaccine could be deployed to mitigate future epidemics, especially in developing countries with poor sanitation infrastructure.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 11, 2011

Umbilical cord blood-derived stem cells studied for lupus therapy

Researchers found that umbilical cord blood-derived mensenchymal stem cells (uMSCs) can delay renal function deterioration and alleviate symptoms of lupus nephritis. Early transplantation with allogenic MSCs showed the most promising results, supporting their potential use in treating systemic lupus erythematosus.

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

Social wasps show how bigger brains provide complex cognition

Researchers found that larger social wasp bodies are linked to larger brains and more devoted brain tissue for social interactions, learning, and memory. Queens had larger central processing areas than worker wasps.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 11, 2011

Scientists identify a surprising new source of cancer stem cells

Whitehead Institute researchers found that differentiated cells in breast tissue can convert to a stem-cell-like state, challenging scientific dogma. This behavior may have implications for cancer therapeutics and degenerative disease therapy.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·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.

Pharmacogenetics testing offers way to reduce deaths from drug toxicity

A new pharmacogenetics test developed by Dr. Tara Sander can help identify the correct genotype and dosage for individuals, reducing adverse drug reactions and increasing effectiveness. The test has a 96% accuracy rate and holds promise for Personalized Medicine and forensic investigation.

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

Creative, online learning tool helps students tackle real-world problems

ThinkSpace, a computer interface developed at Iowa State University, is helping students tackle real-world problems in the horticulture classroom. The platform leverages the classroom experience into something students can use at work, making connections between theoretical knowledge and practical applications.

SourceIowa State University·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.

Tourism does not harm all caves

Researchers measured heat variations in the cave and found that tourist visits caused minimal temperature increases. The effects of tourism disappeared shortly after the number of tourists fell.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalActa Carsologica·DateApr 11, 2011

Research digs deep into the fracking controversy

Research into fracking in Pennsylvania reveals industry neglect of local communities, chemical cocktail risks, and environmental concerns. The study's findings have sparked a national debate on balancing economic benefits with public health and environmental safety.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·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.

Study provides new way to classify E. coli bacteria and test for fecal contamination

Researchers identified nine environmental E. coli strains indistinguishable from typical E. coli but potentially not representative of true environmental hazards. The findings suggest the need for a new culture-independent, genome-based coliform test to accurately detect non-hazardous environmental types of E. coli.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 11, 2011

Light, chemistry, action -- a new technique to target skin cancers?

Researchers have developed a new technique using light-sensitive molecules and antibodies to target tumour blood vessels, starving cancer cells of oxygen and nutrients. The treatment was shown to completely eradicate some models of skin cancer in clinical trials.

SourceUniversity of Hull·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateApr 11, 2011

Effective pain management crucial to older adults' well-being

Improved pain management can significantly reduce disability in older adults, associated with increased sleep difficulty and numerous problems. Strategies include physical activity, pain protocol interventions, and medication use to optimize patient well-being.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateApr 11, 2011

Managing pain -- a family affair

A study found that parents' pain catastrophizing scores predict their adult children's results, regardless of actual pain levels. This suggests that families may develop a specific cognitive style of dealing with pain. The researchers assessed 285 participants, including 100 patients with chronic pain and their adult children.

SourceSpringer·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Medicine·DateApr 11, 2011
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.

Research shows that some features of human face perception are not uniquely human

A study published in Journal of Vision found that pigeons recognize human faces and emotional expressions in a way similar to humans. The researchers suggest that both specialized and general processes are involved in face recognition, contradicting previous assumptions about uniquely human cognitive processes.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalJournal of Vision·DateApr 11, 2011

Women's voices remain steady throughout the month

A recent study found no significant impact of hormonal status on eight distinct voice parameters in women. The researchers assessed 175 voice samples from 35 participants and used computerized acoustical analysis to measure various voice characteristics.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·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.

Blueberries may inhibit development of fat cells

Researchers found that blueberry polyphenols suppress adipocyte differentiation and reduce lipid content in mice tissue cultures. The highest dose yielded a 73% decrease in lipids.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·DateApr 10, 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.

Drinking during pregnancy increases risk of premature birth

Researchers found drinking during early pregnancy increased risk of premature birth and low birth weight, while heavy drinkers were more likely to have unplanned pregnancies and very premature births. The study emphasized the need for improved detection of alcohol misuse in pregnancy.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Pregnancy and Childbirth·DateApr 10, 2011

West Antarctic warming triggered by warmer sea surface in tropical Pacific

New research shows that warmer sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean drive atmospheric circulation that brings warmer temperatures to West Antarctica during winter and spring. This is driven by a Rossby wave train pattern, which can account for half to all of the observed winter temperature changes in West Antarctica.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature Geoscience·DateApr 10, 2011

Flu helps spread pneumonia

Researchers have found that flu virus infection is necessary for pneumococcal bacteria to efficiently spread between individuals. The study has implications for managing influenza pandemics and reducing pneumococcal infections in young children, who are highly susceptible.

SourceMicrobiology Society·DateApr 10, 2011

The health halo effect: Don't judge a food by its organic label

A study found that organically-labeled foods were perceived as tastier and lower in calories, leading participants to consume more. Researchers confirmed the 'health halo' effect surrounding organic foods, which could influence food choices and consumption.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·DateApr 10, 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.

Electric Yellowstone

The new study creates a detailed image of the Yellowstone plume's electrical conductivity, showing it dips more gently and extends farther east-west. The geoelectric image suggests the plume may be enveloped by a broader sheath of partly molten rock and liquids.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 10, 2011

Experimental drug achieves unprecedented weight loss

In a one-year clinical trial, an investigational combination of drugs achieved unprecedented weight loss of up to 10 percent in obese individuals. The study found significant reductions in blood pressure, hemoglobin A1C, and inflammatory markers, as well as improvements in cholesterol and triglycerides.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 10, 2011

Scripps Research scientists uncover new DNA role in modifying gene function

DNA can alter protein structure and function, leading to targeted therapies for diseases like osteoporosis and cancer. The study used HDX mass spectrometry to detect these long-range structural effects, revealing a complex biochemical dialogue between receptor, ligand, coregulatory proteins, and DNA.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateApr 10, 2011

Insights gained from growing cold-causing virus on sinus tissue

Scientists at University of Wisconsin-Madison have successfully grown a recently discovered species of human rhinovirus (HRV) in culture using nasal tissue. This achievement sheds light on HRV-C, a new member of the HRV family, and its unique growth requirements, which may lead to new antiviral compounds.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Medicine·DateApr 10, 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.

Increased life expectancy discourages religious participation

New research by Dr Elissaios Papyrakis and Dr Geethanjali Selvaretnam suggests that religious organisations should highlight social and spiritual benefits to attract younger members. The study found that life expectancy discourages young people from participating in religion, leading to older congregations.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalInternational Journal of Social Economics·DateApr 10, 2011

Big picture of how interferon-induced genes launch antiviral defenses revealed

A team of researchers from Rockefeller University has carried out a comprehensive evaluation of the antiviral activity of interferon-induced factors, revealing unique subsets of genes that inhibit various viruses. The study found that specific combinations of genes can be more potent than individual ones in suppressing viral replication.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature·DateApr 10, 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.

Positioning enzymes with ease

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a superior method for immobilizing enzymes on surfaces, enabling precise control over their orientation. This technique uses high-affinity peptides to covalently bind enzymes, increasing efficiency and stability.

SourceArizona State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 9, 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.

NIH researchers identify cause and new treatment for common recurrent fever in children

Researchers identified a new treatment for periodic fever syndrome, targeting the body's immune response. The therapy shows promise in reducing fever and inflammation symptoms without increasing flare-ups, differing from current corticosteroid treatment. A larger clinical trial is planned to validate the findings.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 8, 2011

Dopamine controls formation of new brain cells

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered that dopamine controls the formation of new neurons in the adult brain by acting as a switch for stem cells. The study used salamanders, which can recover from Parkinson's-like conditions, to understand how dopamine regulates neural regeneration.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateApr 8, 2011

'Naked' penguins baffle experts

Researchers have observed a rise in 'naked' penguin chicks with feather-loss disorder in both Argentina and South Africa, causing concern among scientists. The disorder is thought to be related to increased energy spent on thermoregulation, potentially linked to pathogens, thyroid disorders, or nutrient imbalances.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalWaterbirds·DateApr 8, 2011

Are invasive plants a threat to native biodiversity? It depends on the spatial scale

A meta-analysis found that invasive plant species cause large losses in biodiversity at small scales but have a negligible impact at broader scales. This contradicts the common view of invasive plants as major threats to native biodiversity. The study suggests that the effect of invasive plants on native species extinctions decreases w...

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateApr 8, 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.

This year's Johan Skytte Prize winners announced

Ronald Inglehart and Pippa Norris awarded for their systematic investigation into human values and value change impacting political behavior, with a focus on religion, gender equality, and global media influence. The prize recognizes their groundbreaking work in highlighting the importance of citizens' values in shaping societal life.

SourceUppsala University·DateApr 8, 2011

Breast-cancer awareness now in national consciousness

New research from the University of Oregon found that breast cancer awareness campaigns have reduced fluctuations in diagnoses, with most cases now linked to routine screenings. The study suggests that increased awareness and advocacy efforts have led to better screening rates among American women.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalJournal of Health Economics·DateApr 8, 2011

What sea squirts can teach us about the heart

Researchers study sea squirts' simple body structure to unravel complex mechanisms of heart formation, shedding light on GATA's role in congenital heart defects. Disrupting GATA function independently in the developing gut preserves heart cell identity, while disrupting it in heart precursor cells causes limbo-like state.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalDevelopmental Biology·DateApr 8, 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.