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Science News Archive August 2011 - Page 20


Page 20 of 27

New technology revives biofuels

A consortium of universities, small companies, and bigger players in the energy sector has developed a novel approach to reviving biofuels. The project focuses on redesigning engines to adapt to non-conventional fuels, resulting in less noisy and longer-lasting engines.

SourceEUREKA·DateAug 9, 2011

The machinery for recombination is part of the chromosome structure

A research team led by Franz Klein has analyzed the mechanism of meiosis at high resolution, finding that DNA-break machines are tightly associated with chromosomal axis regions. This discovery sheds light on how breaks on chromosomes impede other breaks in their vicinity and how shape changes influence the function of these machines.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalCell·DateAug 9, 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.

Indian Ocean pirates impede climate observations

CSIRO scientists rely on international cooperation to deploy Argo ocean and climate monitoring instruments, as Somali pirates operate in the region. The program offers crucial data for understanding Australian and south Asian weather patterns.

SourceCSIRO Australia·DateAug 9, 2011

Psychiatrists failing to adequately monitor patients for metabolic side-effects of prescribed drugs

A study published in Psychological Medicine found that psychiatrists are not regularly monitoring patients for metabolic complications associated with antipsychotic medication. The researchers reviewed over 300,000 individuals across five countries and found that only half of patients had blood pressure and triglyceride checks conducted.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateAug 9, 2011

Solar flares: What does it take to be X-class?

X-class flares are the largest explosions in the solar system, producing as much energy as a billion hydrogen bombs. These powerful events can cause long-lasting radiation storms that harm satellites, communications systems, and ground-based technologies.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 9, 2011

Is this how simple life got complicated?

A new study using Saccharomyces cerevisiae found that yeast cells grow and reproduce better in multicellular clumps than singly, especially in dilute sugar solutions. This cooperative behavior increases the chances of each cell taking in enough nutrients to grow and divide.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 9, 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.

Can blaming others make people sick?

Concordia researchers Carsten Wrosch and Jesse Renaud find that persistent bitterness can lead to global feelings of anger and hostility affecting physical health. They propose recognizing bitterness as post-traumatic embitterment disorder (PTED), requiring therapeutic intervention for affected individuals.

SourceConcordia University·DateAug 9, 2011

Polar dinosaur tracks open new trail to past

Paleontologists have found over 20 polar dinosaur tracks in Victoria, Australia, offering insights into the animals' behavior during a period of pronounced global warming. The tracks belong to three different sizes of small theropods and may have been made by three species.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalAlcheringa An Australasian Journal of Palaeontology·DateAug 9, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study builds on plausible scenario for origin of life on Earth

Researchers built upon a previous study to demonstrate how naturally occurring sugars and amino acids can form the building blocks of life. They found that adding simple amino acids allowed only the natural, stable form of RNA precursors to be generated.

SourceUniversity of California - Merced·JournalNature Chemistry·DateAug 9, 2011

Baker's yeast protects against fatal infections

Researchers found that injecting mice with killed baker's yeast protected them from fatal aspergillosis and reduced infection load. The study suggests a 'panfungal' vaccine could protect against multiple fungal infections in immunocompromised individuals.

SourceMicrobiology Society·JournalJournal of Medical Microbiology·DateAug 9, 2011

August 2011 Geosphere highlights

The August 2011 Geosphere issue explores the tectonic influence on the Surveyor Fan and Channel system in the Gulf of Alaska and reviews advancements in measuring currents in submarine canyons. It also delves into the origin and evolution of the Sierra Nevada magmatic arc and the consequences of lithospheric removal in California.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeosphere·DateAug 9, 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.

BIDMC scientists receive Challenge Awards from Prostate Cancer Foundation

Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center are receiving $1 million each from the Prostate Cancer Foundation to develop a vaccine that boosts patients' immune systems against prostate cancer. The goal of this treatment is to directly attack prostate-cancer cells and potentially be less expensive and more easily disseminated.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·DateAug 9, 2011

Curry spice could offer treatment hope for tendinitis

Researchers found that curcumin can suppress inflammation in tendon diseases, potentially reducing reliance on NSAIDs. This natural compound could be used to treat tendinitis and other inflammatory conditions.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 9, 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.

A change in perspective could be all it takes to succeed in school

Research shows that a student's perspective can determine success or failure in school. For students with low working memories, there is little difference in performance related to cortisol production or math anxiety. In contrast, for students with high working memories, a positive outlook can lead to better performance under stress.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalEmotion·DateAug 9, 2011

No strong evidence to support aspirin use for IVF

A systematic review found that taking aspirin during IVF did not increase a woman's chances of becoming pregnant. There is limited evidence on the potential benefits and risks of aspirin use in IVF, with some studies suggesting improved blood flow to the womb and ovaries.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateAug 9, 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.

Narcissists look like good leaders -- but they aren't

A study found that narcissistic leaders inhibit the free exchange of information, leading to poorer decision-making outcomes. Narcissism is not a trait beneficial for everyday leadership in organizations.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 9, 2011

Teaming up to build 3-D nanomaterials

A team of experts from five universities and two government research institutes aims to create new materials for high-performance applications. They plan to build 3D networks of carbon nanotubes and graphene sheets to produce strong electrical and thermal conductivity.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateAug 9, 2011

Fragile Earth explored

The special 'Fragile Earth' field guide examines records and recording tools of geological processes, including plate motions and deep crustal structure. The conference in Munich, Germany, focuses on global to local scales and associated hazards and resources.

SourceGeological Society of America·DateAug 9, 2011

Sneaky squid: Why small males have big sperm

Research found that small 'sneaker' males produce larger sperm than large, competing males. This adaptation allows them to increase their chances of fertilizing female eggs.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateAug 9, 2011
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.

U. Iowa research team finds new genetic cause of blinding eye disease

A University of Iowa research team discovered a new genetic cause of retinitis pigmentosa by analyzing DNA sequencing and induced pluripotent stem cells. The study identified a mutation in the MAK gene as the likely cause of the disease, which affects about 1 in 4,000 people in the US.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 9, 2011

Doctors, women should spend more time discussing mammograms

Women should have open discussions with their doctors about individualized breast cancer screening timing, considering personal preferences, risk factors, and understanding of mammogram benefits and harms. This is particularly important for women under 50, who may be subjected to false positives and unnecessary procedures.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·DateAug 9, 2011

Music reduces anxiety in cancer patients

A new Cochrane systematic review shows that music can reduce anxiety in cancer patients, with positive effects on mood, pain, and quality of life. The results also suggest that music therapy may increase patients' quality of life and have smaller beneficial effects on heart rate and blood pressure.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateAug 9, 2011

Lawson scientist presents joint pain treatment 2.0

Researchers have discovered a dual-action treatment combining steroids within a viscosupplement that provides superior pain relief and improved function. Hydros-TA Joint Therapy shows promise as a next-generation osteoarthritis treatment, offering faster onset and longer-lasting results.

SourceLawson Research Institute·DateAug 9, 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.

Hybrid solar system makes rooftop hydrogen

Duke University engineer Nico Hotz proposes a hybrid system that uses sunlight to heat water and methanol, producing hydrogen more efficiently than current technology. The resulting hydrogen can be stored and used as fuel, making it a promising alternative to fossil fuels.

SourceDuke University·DateAug 9, 2011

Authorship rules for medical journals flouted by pharma industry

The pharmaceutical industry is accused of manipulating medical journal authorship rules to conceal its contributions. Alastair Matheson argues that the current International Committee of Medical Journal Editors guidelines allow for industry exaggeration and downplaying of commercial writers' roles.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 9, 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.

Atlantic herring population trends linked to egg predation by haddock

A new population model explains Atlantic herring population trends driven by haddock egg predation. The study suggests that when haddock populations are high, conservative fishing efforts can trigger severe declines in herring populations due to predation on eggs.

SourceNOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 9, 2011

Forests absorb one-third of our fossil fuel emissions

New research reveals that established forests remove 2.4 billion tonnes of carbon from the atmosphere annually, equivalent to one third of current annual fossil fuel emissions. This is a significant breakthrough demonstrating how forests impact atmospheric CO2 levels through tree growth and expansion.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalScience·DateAug 9, 2011

Meteorites: Tool kits for creating life on Earth

Scientists have discovered nucleobases, building blocks of genetic material, in meteorites that suggest an extraterrestrial origin. The findings, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, indicate that certain meteorites brought these compounds to Earth, providing a possible source for life.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 8, 2011
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.

Body-mounted cameras turn motion capture inside out

Researchers at Disney Research and Carnegie Mellon University have developed a new technique for motion capture using body-mounted cameras. The system uses structure from motion (SfM) to reconstruct an actor's movements in real-time, enabling capturing of complex motions like running or swinging outside.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateAug 8, 2011

Chimpanzees are spontaneously generous after all

Researchers at Yerkes National Primate Research Center have shown that chimpanzees exhibit a significant bias for prosocial behavior, particularly towards partners who are patient. The study's findings confirm the altruistic nature of chimpanzees, suggesting human altruism may not be as rare as previously thought.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 8, 2011

UCLA stem cell scientists uncover for the first time why the human heart can't regenerate itself

Researchers at UCLA have found that adult human cardiac myocytes lose their ability to proliferate due to their primitive state being incompatible with proper heart function. This knowledge could lead to reprogramming a patient's own cardiac myocytes to replace damaged heart muscle, potentially revolutionizing treatments for heart cond...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateAug 8, 2011
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.

Carpal tunnel syndrome patients prefer to share decision-making with their physicians

A new study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that carpal tunnel syndrome patients prefer to share decision-making with their physicians. Patients who had undergone previous surgical procedures, had caregivers, or additional private insurance were more likely to assume an active role in the decision-making process.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateAug 8, 2011

Mosquitoes can't spot a spermless mate

A new study reveals that female mosquitoes cannot detect the fertility status of their mates, making it difficult to control mosquito populations and prevent the spread of malaria. Researchers found that females will mate with both fertile and spermless males, leading to a loss of reproductive opportunities.

SourceImperial College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 8, 2011

Peak oil and public health: Political common ground?

A recent study suggests that a spike in oil prices could bring together conservatives and liberals on energy policy due to its potential impact on public health. 76% of respondents believe oil prices are likely to triple in the next five years, with strong conservatives being the most sensitive to these risks.

SourceAmerican University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateAug 8, 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.

Age and severity of heart failure associated with impairment in verbal memory

A cross-sectional study found that older patients with heart failure and low left ventricle function experience reduced verbal memory performance, particularly delayed recall and recognition. The association between heart failure severity and cognitive impairment is complex and warrants further research.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateAug 8, 2011

NASA's NPP satellite completes comprehensive testing

The NASA National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) Preparatory Project (NPP) has successfully completed its most comprehensive end-to-end compatibility test. The NPP satellite contains a suite of five sensors that will make measurements to continue producing key data products about Earth.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 8, 2011

Researchers use neutrons to spy on the elusive hydronium ion

Los Alamos researchers successfully observed the elusive hydronium ion for the first time using neutrons, revealing its crucial role in enzyme-catalyzed reactions and protein transport. This breakthrough has significant implications for understanding biochemical systems and treating diseases such as acid reflux.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateAug 8, 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.

World survey links religion and happiness -- for some

A global survey suggests that religious people are happier than non-religious individuals in societies facing stress and hardship. However, in more affluent societies with social supports, the relationship between religion and happiness is less clear-cut.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateAug 8, 2011

Flowing structures in soft crystals

Tiny particles in liquids form cluster crystals that exhibit regular structures and flow like strings under mechanical strain, altering viscosity. The behavior is the same for all types of cluster crystals, with critical strains predicted using a simple theoretical model.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 8, 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.