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Science News for February 11, 2011


A guide star lets scientists see deep into human tissue

Scientists can now focus light to a controllable position within tissue, overcoming the challenges of scattering in biological tissues. This breakthrough technology uses an ultrasound guide star and time-reversal mirror to create high-resolution images of objects within tissue.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Photonics·DateFeb 11, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UCLA Neurology plays key role in assessing stroke rehabilitation

The UCLA Neurology program played a key role in assessing stroke rehabilitation, finding that patients who received physical therapy at home improved their walking ability comparable to those treated in a clinic. Early locomotor training did not seem to matter, with all groups showing similar gains in walking speed and mobility.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·DateFeb 11, 2011

Pheromone increases foraging honey bees, leads to healthier hives

A new study by Oregon State University researchers found that applying a naturally occurring pheromone to honey bee test colonies increased colony growth and led to healthier hives. The optimal dose of brood pheromone stimulates foragers to collect more pollen, supporting better nutrition within the colony.

SourceOregon State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 11, 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.

New gene test offers personalized treatment for inherited neuromuscular disorder

A new gene test has identified GFPT1 as a crucial cause of Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome (CMS), a rare genetic condition affecting signal transmission between the brain and muscles. The test allows for earlier treatment with cholinesterase inhibitors, offering an effective therapy that can be taken through life.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateFeb 11, 2011

Severely obese women may need to gain less weight during pregnancy

A new study suggests that severely obese women may not need to gain as much weight during pregnancy as current guidelines recommend, without undesirable outcomes. In contrast, obese and non-obese women who gained less weight suffered adverse outcomes, including a higher likelihood of delivering a small-for-gestational-age baby.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·DateFeb 11, 2011

Arctic climate variation under ancient greenhouse conditions

Researchers reconstructed Arctic ocean conditions during Late Cretaceous greenhouse periods, finding periodicities matching modern Arctic climate influences. The findings suggest that natural modes of climate variability, such as ENSO and AO/NAO, may remain unchanged under global warming.

SourceNational Oceanography Centre, UK·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 11, 2011

Leptin resistance may prevent severe lung disease in patients with diabetes

A study found that leptin resistance, common in diabetes, helps prevent the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and acute lung injury (ALI). Leptin resistance reduces the formation of inflexible tissue that develops in ALI and ARDS.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateFeb 11, 2011
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.

IADR/AADR Journal of Dental Research releases large studies on osteonecrosis of the jaw

Two large studies on osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) published in the IADR/AADR Journal of Dental Research investigate risk factors and prevalence. The studies found that bisphosphonate use is strongly associated with ONJ, and patients with oral bisphosphonates are 15.5 times more likely to have ONJ.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateFeb 11, 2011

Preliminary new blood test to detect Alzheimer's disease uncovered

Researchers have developed a novel technology to diagnose Alzheimer's disease from blood samples before symptoms appear, identifying two potential biomarkers with 90% accuracy. This breakthrough could lead to earlier intervention and improved outcomes for patients.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalCell·DateFeb 11, 2011

Few physicians refer patients to cancer clinical trials

A small proportion of adult cancer patients participate in clinical trials due to low physician referrals. Medical and radiation oncologists were more likely to refer patients, as well as those in larger practices and academic appointments.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateFeb 11, 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.

Study looks at getting stroke patients back on their feet

A new study by Duke University researchers has found that home-based physical therapy is an effective way to help stroke survivors regain mobility, with similar results to specialized locomotor training programs. The study, which compared home exercise with body-weight supported treadmill training, found that both approaches led to sig...

SourceDuke University Medical Center·DateFeb 11, 2011

In online dating, blacks more open to romancing whites than vice versa

A recent study by University of California, Berkeley researchers found that blacks are more likely to initiate contact with whites in online dating than the other way around. In contrast, white daters prefer to date within their own race, with a significant disparity in reciprocation rates between black and white participants.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·DateFeb 11, 2011
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Nanoparticles may enhance circulating tumor cell detection

Researchers at Emory and Georgia Tech developed nanoparticles to detect circulating tumor cells in blood samples from 19 head and neck cancer patients, achieving a positive signal for 17 patients. The 'one-tube' SERS technology could be faster and lower in costs than other detection methods.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalCancer Research·DateFeb 11, 2011

Stroke takes 'enormous toll' on Hollywood stars

A study by researchers at UCLA Stroke Center found that strokes and cardiovascular disease exacted an enormous toll on Hollywood stars. The team identified 30 actors who suffered strokes and 39 heart attacks among Oscar nominees between 1927 and 2009, with women accounting for 60% of stroke victims.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·DateFeb 11, 2011

AIBS names emerging public policy leader

Wesley Brooks, a Ph.D. candidate at Rutgers University, received the AIBS Emerging Public Policy Leadership Award for his commitment to fostering dialogue between policymakers and scientists. He will receive a certificate, one-year membership, and a subscription to BioScience.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·DateFeb 11, 2011

Firefly glow: Berkeley Lab scientists develop a hydrogen peroxide probe based on firefly luciferin

Researchers have developed a new bioluminescent probe that enables real-time detection of hydrogen peroxide levels in mice, allowing for the tracking of infectious diseases or cancerous tumors without harm. The PCL-1 probe has provided evidence that hydrogen peroxide is continuously produced even in healthy animals.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 11, 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.

2-timing spacecraft has date with another comet

The Stardust-NExT mission will allow scientists to study the surface of comet Tempel 1 before and after its orbit around the sun, comparing findings with previous probe data. The spacecraft's Dust Flux Monitor Instrument will also collect photographs of a crater left on Tempe 1 by a Deep Impact probe.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·DateFeb 11, 2011

NASA's NPP satellite undergoing flight environmental testing

The NASA National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) Preparatory Project (NPP) climate/weather satellite is successfully completing flight environmental testing. The five-instrument suite will provide continuity of climate observations and enhance weather forecasting capabilities.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 11, 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.

CeBIT 2011: Administration in the cloud

A study by Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft and Hertie School of Governance explores the benefits and risks of cloud computing for public administration in Germany. Researchers are developing application scenarios for interoperable use of cloud-computing technologies, while also creating a Cloud Computing Test Laboratory to test security concepts.

SourceFraunhofer-Gesellschaft·DateFeb 11, 2011

Kids with ADHD much more likely to develop substance abuse problems as they age

A comprehensive review of 27 long-term studies found that children with ADHD are two to three times more likely to develop serious substance abuse problems in adolescence and adulthood. The research, published in Clinical Psychology Review, analyzed data from approximately 4,100 children with ADHD and 6,800 without the disorder.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalClinical Psychology Review·DateFeb 11, 2011

Acute anemia linked to silent strokes in children

Children with acute anemia are at risk of undetected brain damage due to silent strokes, which can cause poor academic performance and severe cognitive impairments. Regular monitoring and timely transfusion may help prevent permanent brain damage in these children.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateFeb 11, 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.

Study yields promising results for patients with stroke

The Locomotor Experience Applied Post-stroke (LEAPS) trial found that 52% of participants experienced improved functional walking ability one year post-stroke, regardless of the type of exercise program they received. Early locomotor training and home-based programs targeting strength and balance achieved similar results.

SourceAmerican Physical Therapy Association·DateFeb 11, 2011

Spanish cities fail to meet legal requirements on paper and container recycling

Despite minimum recycling targets, Spanish cities struggle with paper and container waste separation. Only glass meets the 60% requirement, while plastic and metal waste are far below target. The study highlights the need for more efficient collection systems to increase recycling rates.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalWaste Management·DateFeb 11, 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.

Measuring science investments

A new policy paper by NSF and NIH experts proposes a system to assess the impact of science and technology investments. The system would gather inputs, outputs, and outcomes from various sources in an open fashion.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalScience·DateFeb 11, 2011
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.

Web experts ask scientists to use the Web to improve understanding, sharing of their data in science

Researchers Peter Fox and James Hendler outline a new vision for scientific data visualization, encouraging scientists to adopt web-based approaches. They highlight the advantages of interactive and dynamic visualizations, such as those found on the web, which can facilitate collaboration, reduce costs, and increase accessibility.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalScience·DateFeb 11, 2011

Stroke medicines still unaffordable for some survivors, according to University of Michigan research

Young, uninsured, or Medicare Part D participants face challenges affording medications after stroke, leading to increased risk of future strokes and cardiovascular disease. The study highlights the need for healthcare professionals to screen for cost-related barriers and improve access to affordable medications for post-stroke patients.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateFeb 11, 2011

Researchers map out ice sheets shrinking during Ice Age

A set of maps created by the University of Sheffield have illustrated the pattern and speed of shrinkage of the large ice sheet that covered the British Isles during the last Ice Age. The maps use new information on glacial landforms, such as moraines and drumlins, to predict future ice losses in Greenland and Antarctica.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalQuaternary Science Reviews·DateFeb 11, 2011