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Science News Archive April 2011 - Page 6


Page 6 of 26

Radar shows promise for detecting concussions in athletes and soldiers

Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed a radar system that can detect concussions by analyzing a person's gait pattern. The system, which is faster and less intrusive than existing techniques, uses a 10.5 GHz continuous wave radar to identify anomalies in an individual's walk. This could help coaches and commanders quickly decide i...

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateApr 25, 2011
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.

Rice-born detector finds heaviest antimatter

Physicists at Rice University have detected the heaviest antimatter particle ever observed, antihelium-4, using a time-of-flight detector designed at the institution. The discovery provides new insights into the conditions of the early universe and the existence of antimatter galaxies.

SourceRice University·JournalNature·DateApr 25, 2011

RHIC Physicists Nab New Record for Heaviest Antimatter

Researchers detect 18 examples of antihelium-4, a massive antimatter partner of helium, in data from over 1 billion collisions at RHIC. The discovery could provide crucial insights into the early universe's matter-antimatter balance and the search for bulk antimatter elsewhere.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateApr 24, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Anti-helium discovered in the heart of STAR

The STAR experiment has produced 18 examples of the nucleus of antihelium-4, making it the heaviest antiparticle ever detected. The discovery sheds light on the universe's matter-antimatter imbalance and could lead to breakthroughs in searching for antimatter in space.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateApr 24, 2011

Molecular movements of neural transporters unveiled

Researchers unveil unprecedented detail on how transporter proteins modulate neurotransmitter transfer and recycling. The study reveals the molecular workings of transporter proteins, essential for signaling in neurons, and sheds light on how they respond to binding molecules.

SourceNewYork-Presbyterian·JournalNature·DateApr 24, 2011

RNA dynamics deconstructed

Researchers at the Broad Institute have developed a method to measure how much messenger RNA is produced and degraded, revealing dynamic changes in RNA levels over time. The technique allows for high-resolution and comprehensive views of the RNA lifecycle, enabling scientists to investigate what happens when something goes wrong in cells.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateApr 24, 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.

TGen findings contribute to understanding of diabetic kidney disease

Researchers at TGen found that PVT1 expression levels increased up to 5-fold in response to hyperglycemia, leading to excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix in glomeruli. Knocking down PVT1 reduced ECM protein levels, suggesting a potential molecular mechanism for diabetic nephropathy.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·JournalPublication Library and Information Science·DateApr 22, 2011

IADR/AADR Journal of Dental Research releases studies on oral health inequalities in older people

Two studies published in the Journal of Dental Research found significant income-related inequalities in dental service utilization and tooth loss among Europeans aged 50+ and US adults. Income inequality was associated with higher odds of reporting greater tooth loss, highlighting the need to address social determinants of health.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateApr 22, 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.

Scotland's first marine reserve already producing benefits

The UK's first fully protected marine reserve is already providing positive results for both fishermen and conservationists after only two years in operation. The reserve has seen a significant increase in commercially valuable scallops and several species of algae promoting biodiversity.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalMarine Biology·DateApr 22, 2011

New approach to defeating flu shows promise

Researchers found that pulmonary administration of granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) significantly reduces flu symptoms and prevents death in mice infected with lethal doses of influenza virus. The study suggests a novel method to confer marked resistance to influenza by enhancing innate immune mechanisms.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateApr 22, 2011

SDSC to venture capitalists: Data-intensive supercomputing is here

The San Diego Supercomputer Center is launching a new data-intensive supercomputer system named Gordon, which will have 250 trillion bytes of flash memory and 64 I/O nodes. This new system aims to solve the challenge of storing valuable data and accelerating scientific discovery by providing faster speeds and massive storage capabilities.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateApr 22, 2011

Penn research using frog embryos leads to new understanding of cardiac development

Researchers at University of Pennsylvania have discovered a new understanding of how the heart forms in frog embryos. They found that the blood separation comes from an entirely different part of the embryo, known as the 'second heart field'. This finding has implications for human health, particularly for patients with DiGeorge Syndrome.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalDevelopment·DateApr 22, 2011

Over range of ADHD behavior, genes major force on reading achievement, environment on math

A study by Lee A. Thompson and colleagues found that genetic influence was greater on reading than math, with shared environment influencing math more so than reading. The researchers analyzed the data from twins to determine the similarities in genetic and environmental influence between ADHD symptoms and academic ability.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 22, 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.

Risk of accelerated aging seen in PTSD patients with childhood trauma

Researchers found shorter telomere length in adults with PTSD and a history of childhood trauma, associated with increased risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and autoimmune diseases. The study suggests that childhood trauma may contribute to the development of PTSD and accelerated aging.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateApr 22, 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.

Kidney disease coupled with heart disease common problem in elderly

Chronic kidney disease is common among the elderly and linked to cardiovascular disease. The study found that different formulas for estimating kidney function yield varying prevalence rates, emphasizing the need for a gold standard.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 21, 2011

Meditation may help the brain 'turn down the volume' on distractions

A study from Massachusetts General Hospital found that mindfulness meditation enhances regulation of alpha rhythms, which 'turn down the volume' on distracting information. This improvement allows practitioners to better process new facts and regulate pain perception.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalBrain Research Bulletin·DateApr 21, 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.

Fossil sirenians give scientists new look at ancient climate

Scientists have discovered that low-latitude sites during the Eocene were much wetter than today, challenging previous estimates of water temperature and paleoclimate. This finding, based on isotopic composition of sirenian fossils, could transform our understanding of global climate change.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalScience·DateApr 21, 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.

Standing up for athletes at risk

Tel Aviv University's Dr. Sami Viskin has developed a new test to detect 'sudden death syndrome' in young athletes, which can be done at the patient's bedside using an electrocardiogram (ECG). The test detects a measurable difference in heart rate called the QT interval, which can help doctors identify patients at risk for sudden death.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateApr 21, 2011

DFG establishes 4 new research units

The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) has approved four new research units focused on novel synthesis methods in chemistry, quantum diamonds, minimally invasive surgical procedures in medicine, and economic mechanisms in firms and markets. The Research Units will receive a total of 10.2 million euros over three years.

SourceDeutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft·DateApr 21, 2011

Scientists observe single gene activity in living cells

Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine observed the activity of a single gene in living yeast cells, tracking mRNA production and transcription initiation. The study provides new insights into how genes are regulated in single-celled organisms like yeast, which can inform our understanding of similar processes in humans.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalScience·DateApr 21, 2011

Antidepressants may not improve all symptoms of depression, UT Southwestern researchers find

Researchers analyzed data from the largest study on depression treatment, finding that even responders experience residual symptoms like insomnia and decreased concentration. The study suggests a need for more targeted antidepressant therapies to decrease depressive symptoms and understand their association with concentration.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychopharmacology·DateApr 21, 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.

Giant tortoises show rewilding can work

The introduction of Aldabra tortoises on the island of Mauritius has successfully dispersed ebony seeds, aiding the recovery of a critically endangered tree species. This rewilding experiment demonstrates the potential for restoring extinct interactions in ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 21, 2011

Researchers create functioning synapse using carbon nanotubes

The USC Viterbi team built a carbon nanotube synapse circuit that reproduces neuron input behavior, a significant step towards developing brain prostheses. The fabricated synapse is simplified, but understanding the process of human intelligence could lead to breakthroughs in prosthetic technology and intelligent cars.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateApr 21, 2011

Prenatal pesticide exposure tied to lower IQ in children

Researchers at University of California, Berkeley found a significant association between prenatal organophosphate pesticide exposure and lower intelligence scores in children. The study, which followed 329 children from birth to age 7, suggests that fetal brain development may be more critical than childhood exposure.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateApr 21, 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.

What do you know about that fracture?

A recent study by American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons highlights the lack of knowledge about osteoporosis among certain patient groups, increasing their risk of fractures. Patients with fragility fractures, male individuals, and those who are unemployed or have limited English proficiency tend to know less about osteoporosis.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateApr 21, 2011

A new ending to an old 'tail'

Researchers at the Salk Institute have uncovered a new structural beacon, called the C-tail, which is found in half of all telomeres in alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) tumors. This unique feature may be a key to understanding cancer cell immortality and developing effective treatments.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalMolecular Cell·DateApr 21, 2011

Data miners dig for corrosion resistance

Researchers used data mining to analyze the corrosion-resistant properties of Alloy 22, a key material for nuclear waste containment. They found that the alloy can predict future corrosion patterns under similar environmental conditions.

SourcePenn State·JournalCorrosion Science·DateApr 21, 2011

Early warning system for Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at the University of Strathclyde have developed a new technique that can detect Alzheimer's disease earlier than current methods. This approach uses fluorescence signals to identify clusters of peptide associated with the disease, allowing for potential treatment development and screening patients without needles or wires.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateApr 21, 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.

Say hello to cheaper hydrogen fuel cells

Los Alamos scientists have developed a way to avoid using expensive platinum in hydrogen fuel cells, potentially solving an economic challenge that has hindered widespread use of large-scale systems. The new non-precious-metal catalysts yielded high power output, good efficiency, and promising longevity.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateApr 21, 2011

First articles in new neuroscience journal -- Brain Connectivity -- debut online

The new journal Brain Connectivity debuts with four compelling articles exploring brain connectivity, functional networks, and neurological disorders. Researchers discuss advances in neuroimaging methods, brain activity reconstruction, and white matter studies, shedding light on the organization and development of brain connections.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBrain Connectivity·DateApr 21, 2011

Lawn of native grasses beats traditional lawn for lushness, weed resistance

A study by ecologists at the University of Texas at Austin found that a lawn of regionally native grasses requires less maintenance than traditional turfgrass, providing a lush carpet while outperforming it in weed resistance. The new approach could have a significant impact on pocketbooks and the environment.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalEcological Engineering·DateApr 21, 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.

Wayne State University chosen as Michigan's sole participant in EcoCAR 2

Wayne State University students will explore advanced vehicle solutions to minimize petroleum usage and reduce emissions through research collaboration with industry. The university was chosen as Michigan's sole participant in EcoCAR 2, a three-year competition that aims to inspire and educate the next generation of automotive engineers.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·DateApr 21, 2011

Happiest places have highest suicide rates says new research

A new study found that happy countries like Canada and the US have higher suicide rates than unhappy ones. The researchers believe people in happy places may feel harshly treated by life, leading to increased risk of suicide.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalJournal of Economic Behavior & Organization·DateApr 21, 2011

Students tackle deforestation, win first prize with video game design

Three UH computer science teams won top honors in the National Microsoft Competition with projects addressing environmental sustainability issues. Team Big Impact Bear's 'Forest Gun' prevented and reversed deforestation, while Team AAMP's 'Operation Clean Sweep' raised awareness of water pollution.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateApr 21, 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.

New technique improves sensitivity of PCR pathogen detection

A new procedure devised by USDA scientists increases PCR-based method sensitivity for detecting plant disease organisms, improving diagnostic accuracy and reducing economic harm from asymptomatic seed contamination. The technique, called Bio-PCR, enhances detection rates by 100- to 1,000-fold over conventional methods.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·DateApr 21, 2011

Religion continues to impact voter decision, MU study finds

A University of Missouri study shows that religious beliefs still impact voting patterns, even as church attendance decreases. The study found that religion is a key factor influencing voter turnout and platform preferences, particularly on social issues.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalElectoral Studies·DateApr 21, 2011