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Science News Archive February 2011


Page 1 of 25

NYU physicists develop potent packing process

New York University physicists have developed a method for packing microscopic spheres that can improve various commercial products, such as pharmaceutical lotions and ice cream. The researchers manipulated the properties of emulsions using statistical mechanics and depletion attraction to create materials with desired properties.

Motivation in their work reduces stress among IT consultants

A study by Gothenburg University found that motivated employees experience less stress in their work environment. The research highlights the importance of managers understanding what motivates their IT consultants to reduce turnover and increase profitability.

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.

University of Miami awarded Howard Hughes Medical Institute experiment grant

The University of Miami has received a grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute to design and assess an innovative competency-based premedical curriculum. The new curriculum will focus on integrating basic science concepts with clinical cases to teach students critical thinking skills and prepare them for future medical practice.

Mating mites trapped in amber reveal sex role reversal

A 40-million-year-old extinct mite species reveals a reversal of traditional sex roles, where females have partial or complete control over mating. This finding provides insight into the evolutionary advantages gained by females in controlling aspects of copulation.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

More evidence that Alzheimer's disease may be inherited from your mother

A new study found that individuals with a mother who has Alzheimer's disease are twice as likely to experience gray matter shrinkage and have more whole brain atrophy compared to those with a father or no family history. The research suggests that inheriting the disease from one's mother may be a significant risk factor.

Gene fuelled transporter causes breast cancer cells to self-destruct

Scientists at Queen's University Belfast have developed a gene delivery system that targets and kills breast cancer cells using an innovative nanoparticle transport system. The iNOS gene forces cancer cells to produce poisonous nitric oxide, leading to cell death or increased vulnerability to chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Gay rights movement born in 19th century Germany, scholar says

The modern understanding of homosexuality originated in 19th-century Germany with the Imperial Criminal Code's anti-sodomy law, sparking public inquiry into same-sex eroticism. This led to key components of modern gay rights, including recognizing same-sex attraction as a fundamental aspect of individual biology or psychology.

A grudge match between humanity and death -- who wins?

A recent study by George Mason University psychology professor Todd Kashdan found that mindfulness can neutralize fears of dying and death. Mindful people showed less defensiveness toward others who didn't share their worldview, and were more diplomatic and tolerant when confronted with death-related thoughts.

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.

Research opens door to vaccines that can circumvent maternal antibodies

Ohio State University researchers have discovered a way to manipulate the immune response to vaccination, enabling effective immunization even when maternal antibodies are present. By using a specific type of antibody, known as IgM, they can activate B cells and stimulate an immune response, potentially improving childhood vaccination ...

Increasing processor efficiency by 'shutting off the lights'

Wonyoung Kim's new device can reduce power usage of modern processing chips by shutting off unused parts, enabling longer battery life and lower energy bills. The on-chip voltage regulator also enables faster performance by quickly adjusting power supply.

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.

Blood pressure management: Sleep on it

A study found that daytime sleep can facilitate cardiovascular recovery after mental stress, with participants who slept for at least 45 minutes experiencing lower average blood pressure. The researchers also noted a restorative effect of daytime sleep on sleepiness, with those who slept reporting lower scores.

Health benefits of eating tomatoes emerge

Researchers found that tomatoes contain powerful antioxidants like lycopene, which has greater bioavailability after cooking and processing. Tomatoes also have anti-inflammatory functions and a lower risk of certain cancers, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and cognitive dysfunction.

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.

Researchers reformulate tenofovir vaginal gel for rectal use

Researchers have reformedulated tenofovir gel to make it safe and effective for rectal use, with laboratory tests showing reduced harm to the lining of the rectum and comparable HIV protection. The reformulated gel is now being tested in clinical trials to address concerns about comfort and side effects.

Smartphones -- the grip of death

New research from the University of Bristol's Centre for Communications Research investigates how smartphone grips impact wireless signal strength. Holding a device can lead to a 100-fold reduction in sensitivity and signal fluctuations, impairing service quality.

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.

Intervention helps women manage weight during and after pregnancy

Researchers developed an intervention to help pregnant women control their weight, with normal-weight women more likely to stay at a healthy weight. The program increased the chance of returning to pre-pregnancy weight six months after delivery, but had limited success for obese or overweight women during pregnancy.

Team delivers development aid via cell phone animations

The University of Illinois team produces animated educational videos on topics like insect control and water treatment to reach a larger audience at a fraction of the cost. The initiative uses cell phones as a platform to distribute the content, targeting viewers in both developing and developed countries.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

OSC partners with P&G on modeling and simulation projects

The Ohio Supercomputer Center (OSC) has signed a collaboration agreement with Procter & Gamble (P&G) to work on modeling and simulation projects. This partnership aims to accelerate innovation collaboration between industry and academia, driving economic competitiveness and fostering industry-academic partnerships.

Biomimetic patch to be tested on tricky tendon-to-bone repairs

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a biomimetic patch to improve the success rate of rotator cuff repairs. The patch, which mimics the natural tissue, is designed to guide the healing process along the path it follows during development.

Noise distracts fish from their dinner

A study found that brief exposure to noise playback caused three-spined sticklebacks to make more foraging mistakes and be less efficient in consuming food. The researchers suggest that noise pollution could have a wider range of detrimental effects on fish behavior than previously thought.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Forsyth team gains new insight on childhood dental disease

Researchers at The Forsyth Institute have identified a new pathogen, Scardovia wiggsiae, connected to severe early childhood caries. This bacterium was present in the mouths of children with severe ECC when other known pathogens like Streptococcus mutans were not detected.

Climate change causing demise of lodgepole pine in western North America

A new study projects that climate change will shrink the range of lodgepole pine in western North America by 2080, with the species expected to survive in only 17% of its current range. Warmer temperatures and increased drought are already affecting the species' growth, making it more vulnerable to insect attacks like bark beetles.

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.

Women living with HIV fight challenges through photography

A University of Missouri project empowers women living with HIV to make changes by taking pictures and documenting their lives. The photos help identify social, mental, and physical challenges and possible solutions, enabling the women to resolve issues such as difficult housing situations.

BUSM study shows chemoradiotherapy prior to surgery improves survival

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found that patients with invasive T3 and T4 non-small lung cancer who received chemotherapy before surgery had a significantly improved survival rate. The study, published in the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, showed that median survival was greatest for those who rec...

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.

Researchers develop curious snapshot of powerful retinal pigment and its partners

A team of researchers has discovered that arrestin molecules bind to two rhodopsin molecules in bright light, but one in low light, challenging the long-held assumption of a single binding interaction. This finding has implications for understanding other senses and physiological functions controlled by G-protein coupled receptors.

Fish oil fights weight loss due to chemotherapy

A new analysis found that fish oil supplementation can help combat cancer-related malnutrition, allowing patients to maintain their weight and muscle mass during chemotherapy. The study suggests that fish oil's omega-3 fatty acids may interfere with pathways altered in advanced cancer.

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.

ISU research raises hope for solving Parkinson's disease puzzle

Researchers at Iowa State University have discovered a protein pathway that may hold the key to understanding and treating Parkinson's disease. By modifying the production of a specific protein, they believe it is possible to inhibit the destructive effects on dopamine-producing cells.

The first steps to understanding society

The Understanding Society publication offers a comprehensive snapshot of UK households, exploring regional, national and international change. Key findings include sibling bullying, employment status and well-being, environmental behavior, relationships between partners, and income.

Reviving 100-year-old resting spores of diatoms

Researchers revived resting spores of diatoms that had lain dormant for over 100 years, showing they are genetically stable and can survive extreme conditions. The study found no significant genetic impact from external sources over the past century, highlighting the adaptability of these phytoplankton.

Aetna Foundation funding Boston University obesity research

The Aetna Foundation has funded a two-year study at Boston University School of Medicine to examine the root causes of obesity among African-American women. The study aims to identify small changes individuals can make and policy-level changes that can impact weight gain and obesity.

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.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Gene variant affects stroke prognosis in humans

A recent study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine found that a specific gene variant can predict the severity of disability after a stroke. The Tp53 gene variant influences cell death and is linked to more severe disability in patients who exclusively express the R variant.

Neighborhood barbers can influence black men to seek blood-pressure treatment

A study found that patrons of black-owned barbershops who received regular blood pressure measurements and encouragement from barbers were nearly nine times more likely to see a physician than those who only received hypertension literature. The intervention led to a significant increase in men controlling their hypertension, with rate...

Exploring religion, youth and sexuality

A study of 700 young people from six religious traditions explores how they balance their faith and sexual values. The research reveals a range of perspectives on sexuality, including support for monogamous relationships and varying views on expression.

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.

NIH launches largest oil spill health study

The GuLF STUDY is the largest health study of its kind ever conducted among cleanup workers and volunteers, aiming to understand the health effects of oil spills and exposure to crude oil. The study will enroll 55,000 people and collect data on their physical and mental health, lifestyle, and job history over a period of up to 10 years.