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Science News for August 24, 2011


A question of gene silencing

Researchers have created a method for silencing non-protein-coding genes using zinc finger nucleases. This allows for the study of these genes' molecular and cellular functions, which are thought to play a role in cancer development.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalGenome Research·DateAug 24, 2011

Bone marrow transplantation may increase cancer resistance in patients

Researchers discovered the expression of cancer-killer SAC-GFP activity in bone marrow cells after transplantation, suggesting successful transfer and colonization of anti-cancer tissue. The study shows promise for treating primary and metastatic tumors with genetically modified stem cells that secrete potent Par-4/SAC killer proteins.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalCancer Biology & Therapy·DateAug 24, 2011

Landmark law and neuroscience network expands at Vanderbilt

The MacArthur Foundation Research Network on Law and Neuroscience, led by Vanderbilt professor Owen Jones, aims to make neuroscience accessible in America's courtrooms. The network explores effects of modern neuroscience on criminal law, including assessing mental states, capacity, and evidence.

SourceVanderbilt University·DateAug 24, 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.

Cholera pandemic's source discovered

A recent study has traced the source of the current cholera pandemic to an ancestor that first appeared in the Bay of Bengal 40 years ago. The analysis reveals that the bacterium's genetic region SXT acquired around 1982, triggering global transmission from this original source.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature·DateAug 24, 2011

Researchers detail how a distant black hole devoured a star

Two studies reveal that the star was torn apart by intense tides as it approached the black hole, creating an unprecedented outburst of energy. The outburst produced X-rays and radio emissions that pointed straight at Earth, offering insights into relativistic beaming.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature·DateAug 24, 2011

Researcher finds altered cerebella in those with Down syndrome

A researcher has found that individuals with Down syndrome have substantially altered key eye reflexes, leading to poor balance and motor coordination. The study's findings could lead to new tools for assessing the effectiveness of treatments aimed at improving quality of life.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalExperimental Brain Research·DateAug 24, 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.

Mechanism links substance abuse with vulnerability to depression

Repeated cocaine use increases depressive-like responses in a mouse model of depression, linking substance abuse with increased stress-related illnesses. Histone modifications play a key role in this process, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for mood disorders associated with substance abuse.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateAug 24, 2011

Obama: Our 22nd greatest president?

A statistical analysis by Curt Nichols predicts Obama will land at the 22nd spot on expert ranking lists if he serves only one term. He is likely to receive credits for his four years of service and wartime leadership, but may be penalized for failing to lift the nation out of crisis.

SourceBaylor University·DateAug 24, 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.

New Keck award spurs research for low-cost, mass measurements

A new approach enables precise mass measurements of single molecules using molecular oscillators, overcoming limitations of conventional mass spectrometry. The technique allows for fast, miniaturized, and real-time analysis of molecular binding affinity, paving the way for versatile low-cost mass spectrometry measurements.

SourceArizona State University·DateAug 24, 2011

Irene becomes a major hurricane on GOES-13 Satellite video

Hurricane Irene strengthened into a major hurricane on the GOES-13 satellite video, reaching Category 3 status with 115mph winds. The storm is expected to make landfall in eastern North Carolina as a major hurricane, bringing devastating damage and heavy rainfall.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 24, 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.

UCSF study shows greater impact of chemotherapy on fertility

A recent UCSF study analyzes the long-term effects of chemotherapy on women's reproductive health, finding that younger women are more likely to experience early menopause and infertility. The research provides new insights for patients and clinicians, enabling more strategic and personalized counseling about fertility preservation.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCancer·DateAug 24, 2011

Researchers unravel mystery of how we detect life

New research reveals that human beings can visually detect living presence through specific movement cues, including those close to the ground and mimicking real gravitational acceleration. The visual system is keyed into these cues to determine a moving object's life-detection.

SourceQueen's University·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 24, 2011

Protecting cells

Researchers found that a genetic switch in master neurons inhibits the proper functioning of protective cell stress responses, accumulating misfolded and damaged proteins. Restoring this natural ability could offer a new target for therapy, improving cellular health and quality of life.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 24, 2011

Scientists identify point of entry for deadly Ebola virus

Researchers have identified a protein used by Ebola virus to gain entry into cells and begin replicating, providing a new target for antiviral drugs. This discovery may lead to the development of more stable and effective treatments for Ebola hemorrhagic fever (EHF), currently caused by one of the deadliest known viruses affecting humans.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalNature·DateAug 24, 2011

Females choose mates for their personalities, study shows

Researchers found that adventurous females prefer mates with similar outgoing personalities, regardless of physical attributes. This study provides evidence that compatible personalities play a crucial role in partner choice in non-human species.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEthology·DateAug 24, 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.

Study of HIV increase in Pakistan could benefit other research

Researchers studying HIV in Pakistan's general population found the virus has spread beyond at-risk groups to women and children. Genetic analysis suggests the strongest factor of disease spread is through men who sleep with male intravenous drug users.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 24, 2011

George Mason research team uncovers new factor in HIV infection

A George Mason University research team has uncovered a new factor, LIMK, that triggers cell movement essential for HIV infection. The discovery builds upon previous findings and provides a potential therapeutic target to limit or halt HIV infection.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 24, 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.

Eradicating dangerous bacteria may cause permanent harm

Researcher Martin Blaser warns that widespread antibiotic use can cause permanent damage to the body's natural defense system. This can lead to increased susceptibility to infections and disease, as well as conditions like asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, and type 1 diabetes.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature·DateAug 24, 2011

Climate cycles are driving wars, says study

A study found that El Niño boosts temperatures and cuts rainfall, doubling the risk of civil wars in affected tropical countries. The research tracked ENSO from 1950 to 2004 and correlated it with onsets of conflicts, finding that El Niño may have played a role in 21% of civil wars worldwide.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalNature·DateAug 24, 2011

Three-part handoff delivers proteins to membrane surface

A team of researchers has reconstructed and tested a trafficking pathway for hundreds of cell proteins, finding that they can be delivered to the membrane via a simple three-part system. This discovery could have significance for the development of new drugs and bioengineering methods.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalNature·DateAug 24, 2011

GSA Bulletin highlights: New research posted 19 August 2011

Researchers study paleo-hurricane records from South Carolina marshlands and find that spatio-lateral continuity of hurricane deposits is poor. High-precision geochronology of the Chinle Formation provides new insights into early dinosaur evolution and temporal constraints on their evolution.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeological Society of America Bulletin·DateAug 24, 2011

Commonly prescribed antibiotic reduces acute COPD attacks

A new study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has found that adding azithromycin to daily treatment regimens for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can lower frequency and severity of flare-ups. The medication was shown to improve breathing ability and overall well-being in patients with COPD.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 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.

'Time cells' bridge the gap in memories of event sequences

New research finds that hippocampal neurons encode every sequential moment in a series of events, bridging gaps between discontiguous events. The activity of these 'time cells' signals the timing of key events and can differentiate between different types of sequences.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateAug 24, 2011

Recipients of the 2011 Postdoctoral Professional Development and Enrichment Award

The FASEB MARC Program announces the selection of six recipients, who will receive a $3,000 unrestricted career development award and a travel stipend to support their participation in national scientific meetings. The awards aim to increase competitiveness among underrepresented minorities in biomedical research.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·DateAug 24, 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.

Feeding the five thousand -- or was it three?

Researchers claim most crowd estimations are unreliable due to political bias and have devised new methods for estimating static and mobile crowds with reduced margin of error. The 'area x density' method for static crowds and the 'two-inspection-point' method for mobile crowds can provide more accurate estimates

SourceWiley·JournalSignificance·DateAug 24, 2011

Hawaii receives funding for liver cancer research

Researchers at the University of Hawaii Cancer Center and The Queen's Medical Center will analyze gene expression and imaging data to detect liver cancer earlier. They aim to improve patient outcomes and reduce deaths from this deadly disease.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii Cancer Center·DateAug 24, 2011

Novel control of Dengue fever

Researchers have successfully controlled Dengue fever in northern Australia by releasing Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes, which suppress the virus and prevent transmission. The study demonstrates a promising approach to eliminating this disease, with potential applications in other regions.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature·DateAug 24, 2011

How do I remember that I know you know that I know?

People with declarative memory impairment have trouble making common ground in conversation due to their inability to form new declarative memories. In the study, participants with amnesia looked equally at two elephants, showing no benefit from earlier conversations.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 24, 2011
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Common bacterium stops mosquitoes from transmitting dengue virus

A common bacterium, Wolbachia, has been found to prevent the Aedes aegypti mosquito from transmitting the dengue virus, a major public health threat. The discovery offers a promising alternative to current control methods and could have a transformative effect on global health.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature·DateAug 24, 2011

Researchers produce detailed map of gene activity in mouse brain

Researchers have created a detailed map of gene expression in the mouse cerebral cortex, which shares 90% of its genes with humans. The atlas provides insight into how genes work in this complex region of the brain, including correlations between specific genes and human diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·JournalNeuron·DateAug 24, 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.

Stem cells derived from human amniotic fluid hold promise

Researchers have discovered that human amniotic fluid-derived stem cells (hAECs) can differentiate into various cell types, including those found in the lungs. Transplanted hAECs were shown to reduce pulmonary fibrosis and enhance lung regeneration in animal models of lung disease.

SourceCell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair·JournalCell Transplantation·DateAug 24, 2011

Learning information the hard way may be best 'boot camp' for older brains

Researchers found that trial-and-error learning benefits older brains more than errorless learning in certain conceptual tasks. Older adults outperformed younger peers in memory tests when learning through trial-and-error., This challenges the long-held assumption that making mistakes hurts memory performance for older adults.

SourceBaycrest Centre for Geriatric Care·JournalPsychology and Aging·DateAug 24, 2011
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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