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Science News Archive December 2011 - Page 13


Page 13 of 23

Making copies at the right time

Researchers at the Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia have uncovered a molecular mechanism that enables cells to accurately inherit non-genetic information, such as protein structures. This epigenetic memory is crucial for maintaining genome organization and preventing errors in cell division, which can lead to cancer.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateDec 12, 2011

The paradox of gift giving: More not better, says new study

A new study finds that gift givers who bundle an expensive gift with a smaller item tend for recipients to perceive the overall package as less valuable. This phenomenon, known as the Presenter's Paradox, can be seen in various contexts beyond gift giving, including presentations of information and decision-making processes.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateDec 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.

'PARP' drug sabotages DNA repair in pre-leukemic cells

Scientists at Johns Hopkins have found that PARP inhibitors can block the ability of pre-leukemic cells to repair broken DNA, leading to their self-destruction. The treatment has shown promise in clinical trials for patients with aggressive myeloproliferative disorders.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·DateDec 12, 2011

Weaning transplant recipients from their immunosuppressive drugs

A team of researchers has identified markers that may enable liver transplant recipients to be weaned off their immunosuppressive drugs. Higher blood levels of iron-handling proteins and specific gene expressions in the liver can predict which patients are suitable for drug-weaning protocols.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 12, 2011

JCI online early table of contents: Dec. 12, 2011

Researchers have identified a protein that contributes to brain tumor resistance to chemotherapy, while also developing a way to predict which liver transplant patients can be weaned off immunosuppressive drugs. High levels of APNG in GBM cells correlated with poorer survival rates, suggesting it may serve as a biomarker for treatment ...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 12, 2011

Improved medication use could reduce severe asthma attacks

Researchers found that patients who consistently take their prescribed dose of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) medication can prevent up to a quarter of severe asthma attacks. Taking at least 75% of the prescribed dose is crucial, according to the study.

SourceHenry Ford Health·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateDec 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.

RI Hospital study analyzes link between HIV infection and overdose risk

A study by Rhode Island Hospital researchers found a 74 percent greater risk of overdose among HIV-infected drug users, attributed to biological and behavioral factors. The study suggests that access to medication-assisted therapy, highly active antiretroviral therapy, and naloxone can help reduce this increased risk.

SourceLifespan·JournalAIDS·DateDec 12, 2011

World's tiniest preemies are growing up and doing fine

Two world's smallest surviving babies, Madeline and Rumaisa, have normal motor and language development despite extremely low birth weights. Advances in neonatal care have enabled the survival of smaller newborns, but successful outcomes are not typical for all micropreemies.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateDec 12, 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.

The smallest conceivable switch

Researchers at TUM have developed a molecular switch with a surface area of one square nanometer, controlled by transferring protons within a porphyrin ring. The switch can be set to four distinct states and operated up to 500 times per second.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateDec 12, 2011

A whole new meaning for thinking on your feet

Researchers found that as spider size decreases, brain size increases proportionally, with even the smallest spiders able to weave webs and perform complex behaviors.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalArthropod Structure & Development·DateDec 12, 2011

Study debunks myths about gender and math performance

A recent international data analysis on school mathematics performance found that social and cultural factors, not biology, contribute to the math-gender gap. Countries with better gender equity have higher math scores for both boys and girls.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNotices of the American Mathematical Society·DateDec 12, 2011

World's smallest frogs discovered in New Guinea

Researchers have found two new species of the miniaturized frog genus Paedophryne in southeastern New Guinea. The tiny frogs have reduced digit sizes and inhabit leaf litter, reflecting their adaptation to a unique food source.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateDec 12, 2011

Lawson research team working to personalize cancer care

A new study is assessing the feasibility of identifying specific genetic markers in cancer patients' tumours to deliver more targeted treatments. The Lawson research team has developed a process for analyzing tumour DNA to provide a genetic profile report within three weeks, helping oncologists create tailored treatment plans.

SourceLawson Research Institute·DateDec 12, 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.

Tapping the brain orchestra

Researchers have developed a new method to analyze electrical activity in the brain, enabling better diagnosis and treatment of brain illnesses. The technique can help identify impending seizures and paralysis, allowing for more effective interventions.

SourceNorwegian University of Life Sciences·JournalNeuron·DateDec 12, 2011

Why do people defend unjust, inept, and corrupt systems?

A new article explores how people justify and defend corrupt systems, citing factors such as system threat, dependence, inescapability, and low personal control. The research sheds light on the conditions that make people resistant to change and open to acknowledging its necessity.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateDec 12, 2011

Accelerating adoption of agricultural technology

A recent study surveying tree fruit professionals found that the main concerns about new technologies are equipment cost, reliability of harvest assist systems, and sensor systems. Regional differences were also observed, with eastern US growers emphasizing price points and irrigation concerns.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortTechnology·DateDec 12, 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.

Sleeping giants discovered

Researchers have discovered two massive black holes, each with a mass equivalent to 10 billion suns, in nearby galaxies. These 'sleeping giants' are thought to be remnants of quasars that powered the early universe.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature·DateDec 12, 2011

Jumping droplets take a lot of heat

Duke University engineers developed a way to produce thermal diodes that can transfer heat in both directions, overcoming existing limitations. The method uses self-propelled water droplets to transport heat, enabling applications in energy-efficient solar panels and compact electronics.

SourceDuke University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateDec 12, 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.

A logistics approach to malaria in Africa

A comprehensive supply chain map reveals challenges in accessing anti-malarial drugs in Africa due to economic, political and infrastructural barriers. Local transport options like donkey carts and bicycles should be considered for rural areas.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Logistics Systems and Management·DateDec 12, 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.

The brain on trial

Experts discuss how advances in neuroscience affect the judicial system, from challenging legal policies to aiding in diagnoses of psychological conditions. Brain maturity is a critical issue in assessing teenage crimes, while addiction affects sentencing decisions.

SourceThe Kavli Foundation·DateDec 12, 2011

Babies born with no eyes: Scientists identify genetic cause

Researchers at University College Dublin have identified a genetic alteration causing anophthalmia, a condition where children are born without eyes. The STRA6 gene plays a crucial role in vitamin A transport, and alterations in this gene can lead to eye malformations.

SourceUniversity College Dublin·JournalHuman Mutation·DateDec 12, 2011

Patient isolation associated with hospital delirium: Study

A new study published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology found that patients moved into isolation during hospitalization are nearly twice as likely to develop delirium. The researchers suggest that underlying illness may be the cause of this association.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateDec 12, 2011

Early black holes grew big eating cold, fast food

Researchers recreated universe's first billion years using largest cosmological simulation to date. Thin streams of cold gas flowed into early black holes, causing rapid growth and challenging astrophysical theory.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateDec 12, 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.

Only few seabird species contract avian malaria

Research reveals that most seabirds are free of malaria parasites, but certain groups like frigatebirds and birds with longer fledgling periods are more susceptible. Climate conditions do play a role, but not as expected, with warmer temperatures increasing rates of infection.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalFrontiers in Zoology·DateDec 12, 2011

Exercise/memory research for Parkinson's

Researchers are conducting a study to examine the effects of exercise and computerized memory training on executive function in people with Parkinson's disease. The goal is to determine if these interventions can slow or reverse memory changes and improve cognitive function.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Medical Center·DateDec 12, 2011

How brain tumors invade

Researchers identified a key protein mutation that enables brain tumors to invade healthy brain tissue. Excessive epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signals trigger the production of GBP1, rendering tumors more invasive and allowing them to spread into surrounding tissue.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateDec 12, 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.

Strip-till improves nutrient uptake and yield

Researchers found that strip-till improved nutrient uptake and increased yield in soybeans, but had no impact on yield when fertilizers were applied through broadcast or deep banding methods. Subsurface banding of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers may reduce surface phosphorus levels and offer environmental benefits.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateDec 12, 2011

New strain of lab mice mimics human alcohol consumption patterns

Researchers at IUPUI have created a line of lab mice that prefer alcohol over water and binge drink like humans. These mice can reach blood-alcohol levels of over 260mg/dl, allowing scientists to study the genetic and behavioral determinants of alcoholism.

SourceIndiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis School of Science·JournalAddiction Biology·DateDec 12, 2011

Predicting resistance to brain tumor chemotherapy

A team of researchers identified APNG as a contributor to GBM resistance to temozolomide, with high nuclear expression correlating to poorer survival. Monitoring APNG levels may provide insight into patient response to temozolomide treatment.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 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.

The case of the dying aspens

New research by William Anderegg and colleagues reveals that carbon starvation is unlikely to be the primary cause of tree death during droughts. The study found significant losses of function in the trees' water-transportation systems, especially in the roots, resulting in a 70% loss of water conductivity.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 12, 2011

Test for Alzheimer's disease predicts cognitive decline in Parkinson's disease

Researchers developed a method to detect cognitive decline in Parkinson's patients using MRI brain scans, revealing higher Alzheimer's patterns of atrophy predict worsening cognition. The study found an overlap between the two neurodegenerative diseases, raising hopes for early diagnosis and treatment.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalBrain·DateDec 12, 2011

A rosy future for Pakistan's cut flower industry

A study in Pakistan reveals trends and potential for export-quality rose products, with more than half of growers entering the business in the last five years. However, the industry faces challenges such as outdated production systems, limited greenhouses, and lack of professional education.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortTechnology·DateDec 12, 2011

Immunity against the cold

A team of researchers at UCSF has discovered that tiny immune cells called macrophages can switch on the brown fat in response to cold temperatures, inducing it to burn energy and produce heat. This finding suggests that the immune system plays a role in thermoregulation, potentially leading to new strategies for enhancing metabolism.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature·DateDec 12, 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.

Rare genetic disorder provides clues to development of the pancreas

Researchers discovered a mutation in the GATA6 gene linked to pancreatic agenesis, a rare condition where the pancreas fails to develop. This finding provides insight into how stem cells can be programmed to become pancreatic cells, potentially leading to new treatments for type 1 diabetes.

SourceWellcome Trust·JournalNature Genetics·DateDec 11, 2011

Scar findings could lead to new therapies, Stanford researchers say

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified the molecular pathway through which physical force contributes to scarring in mice. They found that blocking this enzyme can reduce inflammation and fibrosis, offering a potential new approach for treating fibrotic diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis and rheumatoid a...

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateDec 11, 2011

B cell receptor inhibitor causes chronic lymphocytic leukemia remission

A Phase I/II clinical trial for patients with relapsed or resistant chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) showed impressive potential for PCI-32765, a B cell receptor inhibitor, achieving durable remissions and minimal toxicity. The study demonstrated six-month progression-free survival of 90-92%.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·DateDec 11, 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.

A lake fauna in a shot-glass

A Danish research team has developed a new DNA-based method to monitor rare and threatened animal species in freshwater environments, showing it can be effective even for extremely rare populations. The study found a clear correlation between DNA detection and population density, enabling the estimation of population sizes.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateDec 11, 2011