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Science News Archive April 2011 - Page 22


Page 22 of 26
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Rejuvenating electron microscopy

UCSD scientists create a new type of genetic tag visible under an electron microscope, allowing for detailed, three-dimensional images of individual cells. The modified protein, dubbed miniSOG, produces abundant singlet oxygen when exposed to blue light, enabling its visualization.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 5, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Reef diversity no insurance against human threats

A recent study analyzed data from almost 2,000 coral reef locations worldwide to determine the link between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. The research found that biomass production decreases with increasing human density, especially in more diverse ecosystems.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 5, 2011

New drug is effective against the most common form of skin cancer

A new study finds that vismodegib, a hedgehog pathway inhibitor, prevents the development of advanced basal cell carcinomas in patients with basal cell nevus syndrome. The treatment also shows promise for patients with an inherited predisposition to basal cell carcinoma.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·DateApr 5, 2011

Penn study sheds light on end of life management of implanted defibrillators

A recent Penn study found that heart patients support discussions about ICD deactivation at the end of life and post-mortem donation for product improvement or reuse. Most patients want their ICDs deactivated in an end-of-life illness, and many support donating their devices to improve global health disparities.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateApr 5, 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.

Top 40 science questions from US conservation policy makers

A group of experts has identified 40 critical environmental questions to guide scientific research and inform natural resource management. These questions aim to balance economic, social, and ecological considerations, facilitating collaboration between researchers and policymakers.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalBioScience·DateApr 5, 2011

Caution for estrogen therapy after hysterectomy

A recent study suggests that estrogen-only hormone therapy may decrease the risk of breast cancer in women who have had a hysterectomy. However, experts caution against long-term use due to unknown consequences and conflicting evidence from previous studies.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateApr 5, 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.

Fox Chase scientists report interplay between cancer and aging in mice

Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center have found a direct correlation between the expression of a key tumor suppressor protein and premature aging in mice. The study suggests that blocking cell proliferation induced by the p16 protein leads to features of premature aging, not just molecular damage.

SourceFox Chase Cancer Center·DateApr 5, 2011

Cellular feast or famine

A study published in Cell Metabolism identifies a previously underappreciated cellular fat storage depot controlled by sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 (SREBP-2), which plays a crucial role in balancing cellular cholesterol levels and regulating autophagy.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCell Metabolism·DateApr 5, 2011

Hookah use widespread among college students

A study by Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center found that 40.3% of college students reported smoking tobacco from a hookah, while 17.4% were current users. Hookah smokers mistakenly believed it to be safer than cigarette smoking, with some even using hookahs as their first tobacco product.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateApr 5, 2011

Diabetes treatment may also provide protection against endometrial cancer

Researchers at the University of Warwick have found that Metformin treatment can decrease the invasiveness of endometrial cancer cells in women with PCOS. The study suggests that long-term use of Metformin may provide protection against endometrial cancer, a significant finding for women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateApr 5, 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.

MU researcher says instructors can reduce cheating by being clear

A University of Missouri study finds that students justify cheating with excuses like 'too hard to do' or 'severe illness'. Instructors can reduce cheating by communicating clear expectations and providing consistent enforcement, according to the researcher.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalResearch in Higher Education·DateApr 5, 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.

Frozen comet had a watery past, University of Arizona scientists find

Scientists discovered minerals requiring liquid water for formation in comet Wild-2, shattering the current paradigm that comets are frozen in time. The discovery provides evidence of a warm water phase and puts an upper limit on temperatures encountered by the comet during its origin.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalGeochimica et Cosmochimica Acta·DateApr 5, 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.

Soy isoflavones not a risk for breast cancer survivors

A recent study published by the American Association for Cancer Research found that consuming soy food did not increase the risk of cancer recurrence or death among breast cancer survivors. In fact, women who consumed more soy isoflavones had a reduced risk of mortality and cancer recurrence compared to those with lower intake levels.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateApr 5, 2011

Starting periods before the age of 10 increases risk of lung complaints in future

A study found that early menstruation (before age 10) increases the risk of lung complaints in adulthood, with southern European women being most affected. Women who started their periods earlier also tend to have lower lung capacity and higher body fat.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateApr 5, 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.

Can diabetes or lipid-lowering medications treat addiction?

Researchers found that thiazolidinediones (TZDs) and fibrates, commonly used to treat type-2 diabetes, may help counteract nicotine and alcohol addiction by activating specific receptors in the brain. These drugs stimulate PPAR-α and PPAR-γ receptors, reducing inflammation and increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateApr 5, 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.

Climate change is making our environment 'bluer'

A study confirms that climate change is causing rapid environmental fluctuations, resulting in 'bluer' environments and higher extinction risks for animals. The research links temperature changes to population dynamics, with bluer populations indicating faster oscillations and lower extinction risks.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateApr 5, 2011

Nanoparticles improve solar collection efficiency

Researchers have mixed nanoparticles into heat-transfer oils to increase the efficiency of solar collectors. This could lead to significant revenue gains for solar power plants. The use of nanoparticles also has potential applications in filtering out pollutants from coal power plants.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateApr 5, 2011

Discovery of protein that alters nutrition of breast cancer cells

The discovery of the SIRT3 protein's role in altering the nutrition of breast cancer cells has significant implications for cancer treatment. By identifying this protein as a 'guardian' of metabolism, researchers may develop targeted therapies to promote its activation and inhibit cancer growth.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalCancer Cell·DateApr 5, 2011

Lithium in drinking water in Andean villages

A new study is planned to investigate the health effects of high lithium levels in drinking water on mothers and children in Andean villages. Researchers have found high levels of arsenic, lithium, and other substances in the drinking water and urine of women studied, which may pose a health risk.

SourceLund University·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateApr 5, 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.

Rejuvenating electron microscopy

Scientists at UCSD and colleagues create a new type of genetic tag visible under electron microscopy, enabling detailed three-dimensional images of individual cells. The breakthrough enhances electron microscopy capabilities, allowing researchers to visualize proteins in unprecedented detail.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 5, 2011

Study shows that modern surgery for scoliosis has good long-term outcomes

Researchers found that modern spinal fusion techniques do not cause significant damage to the spine just below the fused discs, contrary to previous beliefs. Patients who underwent surgery showed good functional scores, balance maintenance, and minimal lower back pain ten years post-operatively.

SourceHospital for Special Surgery·JournalSpine·DateApr 5, 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.

Opioids now most prescribed class of medications

A drastic shift in prescribing patterns has led to a fivefold increase in opioid addiction admissions, with prescriptions for hydrocodone and oxycodone accounting for 84.9% of opioid scripts. Experts recommend comprehensive training and public education to protect vulnerable populations.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateApr 5, 2011

Fewer multiple births in states with insurance coverage for infertility

A new study by Yale researchers found that states with insurance coverage for infertility have significantly lower multiple birth rates. The study analyzed assisted reproductive technology cycle data and found a reduction in twin and triplet births among younger women, leading to improved maternal-fetal health and economic savings.

SourceYale University·JournalFertility and Sterility·DateApr 5, 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.

Researchers identify new role for cilia protein in mitosis

Researchers at UMass Chan Medical School discovered a new function of the cilia protein IFT88 in mitosis, which could contribute to ciliopathies such as primary ciliary dyskinesia and polycystic kidney disease. IFT88 plays a transport role during mitosis, similar to its function in cilia formation.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateApr 4, 2011

Got up on the wrong side of the bed? Your work will show it

A new study found that employee mood affects perceptions of customers and work quality, with positive moods linked to greater verbal fluency and reduced errors. Employees in a bad mood tend to answer fewer calls, need more breaks, and perform less well, while positive customers can help improve their mood.

SourceOhio State University·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateApr 4, 2011
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Dead midges reveal living conditions of fish

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have developed a method to study lake-bottom sediments and infer fish death in acidified lakes. By analyzing microscopic remains of dead midge larvae, they can recreate the history of the lake back to the early 19th century.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJournal of Paleolimnology·DateApr 4, 2011

Caterpillars aren't so bird brained after all

Researchers found that caterpillars position themselves in areas with abundant twigs during the day to avoid detection, but switch to richer feeding grounds at night. This complex behavior shows that masquerading prey use habitat-selection strategies to exploit predators' hunting behavior.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 4, 2011

Aspirin may lower the risk of pancreatic cancer

A large case-control study found that taking aspirin at least once a month can reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer by 26% compared to non-users. The effect was also seen in those taking low-dose aspirin for heart disease prevention, with a 35% lower risk.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateApr 4, 2011

University of Cincinnati team to track tumor DNA through bloodstream

A team of University of Cincinnati researchers is sequencing individual glioblastoma genomes and tracking abnormalities in the bloodstream to establish personalized biomarkers. The study aims to guide treatment efforts and identify new therapeutic targets for this aggressive brain tumor.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateApr 4, 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.

Mars in Spain

Researchers from Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona have discovered formations in Catalonia resembling Mars' giant spring mounds. The study, published in Geodinamica Acta, suggests possible similarities in origin, shedding new light on the search for water on Mars.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalGeodinamica Acta·DateApr 4, 2011