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Science News Archive August 2011


Page 26 of 27

1 species of pathogen can produce 2 distinct biofilms

Researchers have discovered that Candida albicans produces two distinct types of biofilms: a traditional pathogenic one and a second sexual type. The majority of cells forming these biofilms are sexually incompetent, but a minority are sexually competent and form highly permeable biofilms.

New IOF-ISCD review clarifies the use of FRAX in clinical practice

The FRAX tool has been validated in 11 independent cohorts covering over 1 million patient years, providing empirical evidence to guide intervention. However, clinicians should be aware of the tool's limitations, including exclusion of certain risk factors and failure to account for variations in fracture rates within countries.

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.

Mehrotra to receive GSA's 2011 Minority Mentorship Award

Chandra Mehrotra, a professor at the College of St. Scholastica, has been awarded the Task Force on Minority Issues in Gerontology Outstanding Mentorship Award by the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) for his dedication to mentoring minority researchers in aging. He will receive the award at GSA's 64th Annual Scientific Meeting.

Regrowing blood vessels with a potent molecule

Scientists have developed a method to deliver growth factor to regrow blood vessels, which could lead to revolutionary heart disease treatment. The research, published in PNAS, uses a novel delivery system that increases the activity and stability of growth factor.

Pilot study suggests new approach to treat preeclampsia

A novel therapy reducing soluble Flt-1 levels in women with very preterm preeclampsia showed promising results, with two patients experiencing prolonged pregnancies. The treatment's safety and efficacy remain to be confirmed in larger trials.

New link found between obesity and insulin resistance

Scientists at Joslin Diabetes Center have discovered a new connection between obesity and insulin resistance through altered protein splicing. The study suggests that changes in RNA splicing proteins may contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes, offering potential targets for novel diabetes drugs.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Brain chemical may explain why heavy smokers feel sad after quitting

A new study by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health found that heavy smokers who quit experience an increase in MAO-A levels, a mood-related brain protein. This finding may explain why heavy smokers are at high risk for clinical depression and provides potential targets to prevent sad mood during cigarette withdrawal.

Charles to receive GSA's 2011 Richard Kalish Innovative Publication Award

Charles was chosen for her article, 'Strength and Vulnerability Integration: A Model of Emotional Well-Being Across Adulthood,' which presents a strong theory with empirical examples. The Strength and Vulnerability Integration (SAVI) model posits that effective emotion regulation strategies can preserve well-being in older adults.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Dramatic simplification paves the way for building a quantum computer

Scientists at the University of Bristol develop a new technique to dramatically simplify controlled operations in quantum computing. This breakthrough reduces complexity in quantum circuits, enabling more sophisticated algorithms and applications in precision measurement, simulation, and beyond.

£2.5m for dairy research at the University of Nottingham

The University of Nottingham will conduct cutting-edge research on herd welfare, diet, grazing, health, and disease to deliver benefits directly to British dairy farmers. The five-year programme aims to develop programmes for maintaining the health, welfare, and nutritional status of the national dairy herd at world-class standards.

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.

Researchers map minority microbes in the colon

A new study reveals that only a small percentage of microbes in the colon are responsible for breaking down undigested food, with variations in abundance across different regions of the colon. The findings have implications for understanding inflammatory bowel disease and potential targets for treatment.

Neighborhood status influences older women's cognitive function, study finds

A new RAND Corporation study found that older women who live in lower socioeconomic status neighborhoods exhibit lower cognitive functioning compared to those in more affluent areas. The study analyzed data from over 6,000 women and found that neighborhood socioeconomic status was significantly associated with cognitive function.

Are pet owners healthier and happier? Maybe not…

Research on pet ownership has produced conflicting results, with some studies suggesting positive health outcomes but others finding none. Herzog argues that methodological problems and lack of rigorous study design contribute to these inconsistencies.

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.

Cape Cod Bay holds hidden risk for dining North Atlantic right whales

North Atlantic right whales in Cape Cod Bay are at high risk of being struck by boat propellers while feeding on copepods, which school just below the surface. Researchers have found that these whales spend most of their time between the surface and 13 feet below, making them invisible to boats.

What's in a kids meal? Not happy news

A study by UC San Diego researchers found that convenience-driven choices account for 36-51% of a child's daily caloric needs, with meals providing over 50% of recommended sodium intake. The study highlights the need to educate families on making healthier decisions when dining at fast-food restaurants.

TV time: Why children watch multi-screens

A new study examines children's use of multiple screens, finding they often watch TV while interacting with other devices. Children enjoy filling breaks during entertainment with phone calls or texts, and TV is used to provide background entertainment for other activities.

Parents' conflicts affect adopted infants' sleep

Researchers found that marital conflict in adoptive parents can impact their infant's sleep patterns, which becomes regulated during infancy. The study, published in Child Development, suggests that marital instability may set a child up for problematic sleep patterns.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Spiritual retreat can lower depression, raise hope in heart patients

A study found that a 4-day non-denominational spiritual retreat significantly lowered depression in heart patients, while also raising hope. The retreat included meditation, guided imagery, and outdoor activities, leading to immediate improvements in tests measuring depression and hopefulness.

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.

Manipulating light at will

Researchers have created a novel metamaterial structure that can 'steer' second-harmonic light, allowing for unprecedented control over light manipulation. This breakthrough has significant implications for all-optical communications and could transform telecommunications technologies.

Lattice of magnetic vortices

Physicists at Hamburg and Kiel University have found a regular lattice of magnetic skyrmions on a surface, consisting of cycloidal vortex spin structures with exceptional stability. The discovery was made using spin-polarized scanning tunnelling microscopy and confirmed by quantum mechanical calculations.

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.

Monkey see, monkey do? The role of mirror neurons in human behavior

Researchers discuss the function of mirror neurons in humans, including their limited role in understanding speech and unexpected capabilities in understanding minds, particularly in individuals with autism. The study clarifies the limits of mirror neuron functions in humans.

Genetic differences distinguish stomach cancers, treatment response

A recent study published in Gastroenterology has identified two distinct genetic subtypes of stomach cancer that respond differently to chemotherapy. The researchers found that one subtype, intestinal-type, is more responsive to certain treatments, while the other, diffuse-type, requires a different approach.

'The Neighborhood Project' by David Sloan Wilson

David Sloan Wilson's book applies evolutionary theory to urban planning, using natural phenomena like wasps and crows to understand human behavior. He creates a map of Binghamton neighborhoods reflecting civic engagement, providing insights into how cities define us.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Experts offer pointers for optimizing radiation dose in head CT

Radiation dose optimization in head CT scans is crucial for reducing exposure and improving patient safety. Experts recommend using techniques such as lower tube current, automatic exposure control, and scanning at a lower tube voltage to minimize dose without compromising image quality.

WHOI study reports microbes consumed oil in Gulf slick at unexpected rates

Researchers found that bacterial microbes inside the oil slick degraded it at a rate five times faster than those outside, accounting for its disappearance. However, the microbes did not multiply or produce new cells despite consuming energy from respiration, leaving scientists puzzled about their fate.

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.

Down but not out: Rare good surviving cells may boost immunity in aging

Researchers at the University of Arizona College of Medicine have discovered that a select few T cells can better protect against infections like flu due to special features. The study suggests targeting these cells through vaccination could improve protection against disease in older adults.

Elsevier introduces Genome Viewer

Elsevier's Genome Viewer provides interactive gene sequence information from NCBI's databases, allowing readers to hover over genes for specific details and download complete lists of genes and genomes. The tool enhances the reading experience for both authors and readers, enriching article content and improving presentation.

Study finds smoke-free laws don't impact rural or urban economies

A recent study by the University of Kentucky found that smoke-free legislation does not negatively influence local economies in either rural or urban communities. The study, which examined economic data from 2001-2009, showed that smoke-free laws are good for business regardless of location.

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.

Combo therapies tested to overcome drug resistance in melanoma patients

Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center developed combination treatments to combat BRAF gene mutations in melanoma. The study identified optimal combinations of molecules to block key pathways, showing promise for extending treatment effectiveness and improving patient outcomes.

Using math to fight cancer

Scientists from the University of Miami and Germany have created a model to predict cancer tumor growth and progression, which could lead to highly individualized treatment strategies. The model analyzes images of tumor sections and predicts the most likely course of the disease.

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.

Study finds conformity does not equal cooperation

A study by academics at UEA found that people who do not conform are most likely to work together for the public good, while conforming to social norms can actually make people less likely to co-operate. Non-conformists were more willing to invest in a joint project when praised for their investment.

New high-speed 3-D imaging system holds potential for improved cancer screening

Researchers at MIT have developed a new high-speed 3D imaging system based on optical coherence tomography (OCT) technology, enabling real-time visualization of microscopic features in the esophagus and colon. The system promises to improve cancer screening by detecting pre-cancerous changes and guiding endoscopic therapies.

Barrier to effective treatment for seniors -- the cost of medicine

A study found that one in ten elderly Medicare patients skip prescribed medication due to cost, regardless of cancer presence. Cancer survivors and non-survivors show similar rates of cost-related non-adherence, using strategies like generic medications and price comparisons.

Mayo Clinic: Primary physicians may hold key to suicide prevention

Researchers at Mayo Clinic and University of Washington highlight the potential benefits of primary care physicians in establishing treatment plans for patients at risk for suicide. A simple question from a family doctor can be enough to start a person toward help and treatment.

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.

Cold electrons to aid better design of drugs and materials

Researchers from the University of Melbourne have developed a new cold electron source that enables enhanced nanoimaging at the atomic or nanoscale. This technology will aid in designing better drugs and understanding material vulnerabilities, leading to advancements in health and advanced technology industries.