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Science News Archive August 2011


Page 8 of 27

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.

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.

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.

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.

'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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Controlling magnetism with electric fields

Researchers developed a multiferroic material that reacts to both magnetic and electric fields at room temperature, fulfilling a long-held dream. The material's ferromagnetic properties were demonstrated using X-ray magnetic circular dichroism, paving the way for more efficient data storage and logical switches.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Newfound hijacked proteins linked to salmonella virulence

Researchers have identified a modification on EF-P protein that boosts bacterial strength and contributes to Salmonella's virulence. The discovery opens doors for new treatments against this foodborne pathogen, which causes severe illnesses and fatalities.

2011 health conditions for travel to Mecca (Hajj) pilgrimage published

The Saudi Ministry of Health has published its 2011 health conditions for travelers to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the Hajj pilgrimage. The guidelines outline the full requirements for entry into Saudi Arabia and aim to protect pilgrims from communicable diseases. Travelers are urged to read the guidelines thoroughly.

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.

Filling without drilling

Researchers at the University of Leeds have developed a peptide-based fluid that reverses tooth decay by stimulating regeneration of damaged tooth tissue. The treatment is applied directly to the affected area, providing a natural and non-invasive solution to filling teeth without drilling.

The importance of the team composition in ICUs

Researchers analyzed data from over 3,000 ICU staff and found a link between female nurse ratios and lower burnout rates. The study also revealed gender-related differences in stress perception and resistance to burnout.

Tobacco companies use corporate social responsibility for political purposes

A study reveals how British American Tobacco used its corporate social responsibility programme to shape UK public health policy, highlighting the need for greater transparency in interactions between governments and industry. The authors argue that this approach has implications for other industrial sectors, such as alcohol and food.

Human gait could soon power portable electronics

A new energy-harvesting technology, reverse electrowetting, converts human motion into electrical power to power mobile electronic devices. This technology could enable footwear-embedded energy harvesters that capture energy produced by humans during walking and convert it into up to 20 watts of electrical power.

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.

No need to nag: study finds doctors' nutrition advice hits home early

A new study by St. Michael's Hospital and the University of Toronto found that hearing dietary advice twice is enough to lower cholesterol levels significantly. The study included 345 participants who received either routine or intensive dietary advice, resulting in similar reductions in LDL 'bad' cholesterol.

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.

Stem cell study offers hope for Parkinson's patients

Researchers have created brain nerve cells affected by Parkinson's using skin samples from a patient with the most progressive form of the disease. This breakthrough study enables scientists to model the condition in a laboratory, shedding light on why certain nerve cells die.

Ancient wild horses help unlock past

A team of researchers has found an abundance of genetic diversity in ancient wild horses, contradicting the idea that modern male horses lack diversity due to intrinsic properties. The study suggests that domestication is the main reason for the low genetic diversity in modern stallions.

How many species on Earth? 8.7 million

The most precise estimate of Earth's species total is based on a novel analytical technique that narrows previous estimates. The study predicts approximately 8.7 million species, with 91% of marine and 86% of land species remaining undiscovered. This new understanding is crucial for conservation efforts and ecosystems services.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Fine art in advertising can backfire

A new study by Boston College and the University of Houston found that fine art in advertising can be demoted to a mere product illustration, leading consumers to take a critical view of its message. Art loses its unique powers of communication when viewed as an ordinary image.

Comparing soybean production methods

A study by USDA-ARS scientist Arnold Bruns compared twin-row and single-row soybean plantings and found that the former yielded more pods per plant without affecting seed yield. Twin-row production resulted in increased yields on both soils, but only minor economic benefits of $75 per hectare. The study highlights the importance of con...

'Open wide' for new stem cell potential

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have discovered that oral mucosa stem cells can be manipulated into fetal-like stem cells with high therapeutic potential for treating neurodegenerative, heart, and autoimmune diseases. The cells can be derived from a small biopsy of tissue and show minimal discomfort and healing time.

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.

Novel cytokine protects mice from colitis

Researchers have discovered a novel cytokine, Interleukin 37 (IL-37), that protects mice from colitis by modulating inflammation. This finding offers a promising approach to treat or control overactive immune systems in humans, particularly for patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

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.

Stop signal for leukemia stem cells

Scientists found that high levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) expression are required for leukemia-initiating cell activity in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). Blocking IGF1R using inhibitors or reducing its expression significantly impaired leukemia stem cells' self-renewal capacity.

Radical change in blood pressure diagnosis and treatment

The new guideline recommends using ambulatory blood pressure monitoring to diagnose high blood pressure, which may lead to a significant reduction in the number of people misdiagnosed with hypertension. The approach is expected to be cost-effective and save money by targeting treatment at those who need it.

Living on the edge of poverty and national parks

A 10-year study of people living around Kibale National Park in Uganda found that most households became better off, with improved access to clean drinking water, livestock, and shelter. However, 10% sold or lost their land, highlighting the importance of land as a productive asset for poor communities.

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.

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Social science important for health-systems research

The article highlights the importance of social sciences in Health Policy and Systems Research (HPSR), emphasizing approaches to generalization, policy learning, and enhanced research quality. Social science perspectives are vital for acknowledging the complex nature of health policies and systems.

Storing vertebrates in the cloud

The project, called VertNet, aims to make online storage of vertebrate collections from around the world more accessible. This will enable academic researchers and citizen scientists to search and explore the vast collections more easily.