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Science News for August 12, 2011


Researchers create new experimental vaccine against chikungunya virus

Researchers have created a new candidate vaccine to protect against chikungunya, a mosquito-borne disease that causes intense pain and chronic arthritis. The experimental vaccine, a recombinant live-attenuated vaccine, has shown promising results in lab mice, offering a potential solution to this debilitating infection.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateAug 12, 2011

OU-led research team receives $1.28 million grant from DOE

A University of Oklahoma-led research team has received a $1.28 million grant to improve the efficiency of biofuel production from switchgrass plants. The project aims to identify genetic variations associated with superior conversion qualities and test their correlation in independent populations.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·DateAug 12, 2011

How the visual system constructs moving objects: 1 by 1

Researchers find that our brains process groups of similar characteristics in a sequential manner, with limitations on perceiving multiple groups at once. This illusion has implications for the design of complex graphic systems and our understanding of ordinary vision.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 12, 2011

Positive impact of growing public awareness of obesity epidemic

A nationwide study found that middle school students experienced similar reductions in BMI regardless of whether they received a public health intervention or not. The results suggest that increased awareness and policy changes may be starting to change the trend of rising childhood obesity.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalChildhood Obesity·DateAug 12, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scientists identify mutation in SIGMAR1 gene linked to juvenile ALS

Scientists have identified a mutation in the SIGMAR1 gene associated with juvenile amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), affecting Sigma-1 receptors involved in motor neuron function and disease development. The study suggests that further exploration of this receptor may uncover potential therapeutic targets for ALS.

SourceWiley·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateAug 12, 2011

Withdrawal of CPAP therapy results in rapid recurrence of OSA

Patients with previously diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea who stop using CPAP machines experience a significant increase in symptoms within days, including higher heart rates and blood pressure. The researchers suggest that this finding could improve the efficiency of clinical trials on OSA.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 12, 2011

Social acceptance and rejection: The sweet and the bitter

Research highlights acceptance's importance to humans, while rejection leads to poor physical and mental health. DeWall recommends seeking support after rejection to cope with its negative effects.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateAug 12, 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.

Caltech researchers find that disorder is key to nanotube mystery

Researchers at Caltech used a novel method to calculate the dynamics of water molecules and found that entropy plays a crucial role in explaining why water spontaneously flows into carbon nanotubes. The team discovered three different reasons why water would flow freely into tubes, depending on diameter.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 12, 2011

New treatment option for advanced prostate cancer

Researchers at Lund University have developed a new treatment option for advanced prostate cancer by targeting cancer stem cells with a STAT3-inhibitor. The study found that galiellalactone, a natural compound, has inhibitory effects on the growth of prostate cancer cells and prevents tumour growth and spreading.

SourceLund University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 12, 2011

Tufts computer engineer wins national award for research

Sam Guyer, a Tufts University assistant professor of computer science, has won a $443,000 grant to develop a new approach to improving virtual machines. His research aims to create more efficient software that can balance security and resource usage without sacrificing performance.

SourceTufts University·DateAug 12, 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.

Scientists explore the intersection of health, society and microbial ecology

Scientists present research on healthy microbes, mosquito-borne diseases prevention and E. coli food contamination. Researchers shed light on standing water mosquito breeding in cities and its impact on controlling larval mosquitoes. They also examine the complex relationships between humans and microbes in food production systems.

SourceEcological Society of America·DateAug 12, 2011

Poor growth, delayed puberty and heart problems plague kids with mild kidney disease

A study of 586 children with mildly to moderately impaired kidneys found that they often experienced poor growth, delayed puberty, metabolic problems, and high blood pressure. These conditions can be slowed by more aggressive interventions to improve blood pressure and metabolic abnormalities.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateAug 12, 2011

Study sheds light on late phase of asthma attacks

A study published in Thorax journal found that sensory nerves detect allergens and trigger a 'late asthmatic response' several hours after exposure. Researchers discovered that anticholinergic drugs like tiotropium could alleviate symptoms, offering new potential treatments for asthma patients.

SourceImperial College London·JournalThorax·DateAug 12, 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.

Scientists highlight link between stress and appetite

Researchers discovered that stress induces a re-wiring in the brain, impairing endocannabinoids' ability to regulate food intake and contributing to enhanced food drive. Blocking stress hormones prevented this effect, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for manipulating food intake.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNeuron·DateAug 12, 2011

Religious beliefs shape health care attitudes among US Muslims

A comprehensive survey of American Muslims found that religious beliefs significantly influence their health care attitudes and behaviors. The study highlights the importance of assigning responsibility to God for health and disease, as well as a holistic view of healing involving spiritual and medical agents.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·DateAug 12, 2011

WTC attacks increase subsequent firefighter retirements

A new study by the FDNY reveals that WTC attacks led to more post-9/11 retirements due to respiratory-related illnesses. The increased disability retirements have placed a significant financial burden on the pension system, affecting approximately 10% of the workforce.

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal of Industrial Medicine·DateAug 12, 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.

Better, faster, cheaper: Doing business with the sun

Researchers from Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft develop innovative production methods using lasers to increase efficiency and reduce costs of solar cells. Thin-film solar cells with improved quality and reduced material usage are also being produced.

SourceFraunhofer-Gesellschaft·DateAug 12, 2011

Warning signs predict kidney injury after surgery

Two studies found that three protein measurements can identify high-risk patients for kidney injury after heart surgery. These biomarkers may transform the diagnosis of kidney disease, enabling early interventions and improving patient outcomes.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateAug 12, 2011

Program helps high school students overcome depression and thoughts of suicide

A study published in Journal of School Health found that a suicide prevention program significantly reduced teen suicidal behaviors, with significant decreases in considering, planning, and attempting suicide. The Surviving the Teens program taught self-confidence and positive behavior to help teens cope with stress and depression.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalJournal of School Health·DateAug 12, 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.