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Science News Archive February 2011


Page 13 of 25

Peer support offers promise for reducing depression symptoms

A new study by the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System and University of Michigan Health System found that peer support programs reduce symptoms of depression better than traditional care alone. These programs, which involve patients and volunteers sharing information, were also as effective as cognitive behavioral therapy.

Designing new molecular tools to study the life and death of a cancer cell

Research team designed synthetic molecules to study proline residue's role in cancer cell apoptosis by XIAP protein. The results suggest that these tetrapeptide analogs can be further developed into new molecular tools to analyze protein-protein interactions and signal transduction pathways of XIAP in cancer cells.

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.

Rensselaer professor Daniel Lewis receives NSF CAREER Award

Daniel Lewis, a young Rensselaer professor, has received the prestigious NSF CAREER Award to study grain growth in metallic and ceramic materials. His research aims to understand how environmental factors affect material properties and behavior.

How do women fend off domestic violence?

A Concordia University study finds that wealth is not a guaranteed escape from an abusive relationship, but rather one of many factors that can help a woman resist violence. The research also highlights the importance of women's negotiation tactics and challenging societal authority to create effective resistance.

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.

Using chlorhexidine gluconate baths to reduce hospital-acquired infections

A new study from Rhode Island Hospital found a 64 percent decrease in the risk of acquiring an infection from MRSA or VRE when using two percent chlorhexidine gluconate cloths for daily bathing. The study suggests that CHG bathing may be a beneficial infection control intervention for patients outside of ICU settings.

Obesity and knee osteoarthritis shorten healthy years of life

A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that obesity and knee osteoarthritis result in the loss of approximately 86 million healthy years of life among US adults aged 50-84. This loss disproportionately affects Black and Hispanic women, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address these conditions.

Ion-exchange water softeners do not improve eczema in children

A study by Kim Thomas and colleagues found that ion-exchange water softeners do not improve eczema severity scores or symptoms, such as sleep loss and itchiness, in children with moderate to severe eczema. However, parents reported small health benefits and over 50% chose to install a water softener due to perceived improvements.

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.

Unique new probe of proton spin structure at RHIC

Researchers directly measure proton spin contributions from different flavored quarks for the first time. The study suggests that gluons contribute less than expected, leaving the source of spin still unknown.

The lock shapes the key

Scientists at TUM have developed a novel method to observe hydrogen bond formation in protein binding processes. Their model system showed that protein recognition takes place via hydrophobic interaction of the S-protein with two spatially clearly defined areas of the unstructured S-peptide.

Study: Native Hawaiians at higher risk of hemorrhagic stroke at younger age

A new study has found that Native Hawaiians are at a higher risk of hemorrhagic stroke at a younger age compared to other ethnicities. The study, which analyzed data from 573 people hospitalized for intracerebral hemorrhage, also showed that more Native Hawaiians had diabetes, with 35% vs 21% in other racial groups.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Therapy for depression can be delivered effectively by non-specialists

A new study by Durham University shows that patients with severe depression can be treated successfully with behavioural activation, a psychotherapy for depression, by non-specialist mental health staff. The research suggests that this approach could lead to cost-savings for the NHS and alleviate the shortage of specialist therapists.

Hearing loss associated with development of dementia

A study of 639 individuals aged 36-90 found a significant association between hearing loss and dementia. The risk of dementia increased among those with moderate or severe hearing loss, particularly in older adults, who experienced nearly one-third more risk due to hearing loss.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Researchers working toward automating sedation in intensive care units

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a computer system that accurately determines a patient's level of sedation and notifies medical staff of changes. The algorithm achieved a high level of agreement with clinical assessments, showing promise for enhancing patient safety and improving drug delivery in ICU units.

Monitoring killer mice from space

A University of Utah study used satellite imagery to monitor vegetation surges that boost deer mouse populations, predicting hantavirus outbreaks months in advance. The method has potential applications for forecasting rodent-borne illnesses worldwide.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Canada awards top science prizes

Outstanding Canadian researchers were awarded top science prizes for their groundbreaking work in AI, astronomy, and engineering. The awards recognize the research excellence and influence of prominent scientists such as Geoffrey Hinton and Victoria Kaspi.

Stem cell transplants help kidney damage

Researchers found that transplanting autologous renal progenitor cells into rats with kidney damage from pyelonephritis improved kidney structure and function. The study demonstrated benefits for a disease characterized by severe inflammation, renal function impairment, and scarring.

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.

New combination therapy for solid tumors?

Researchers have discovered a compound, ABT-737, that sensitizes hypoxic cancer cells to apoptosis. This compound synergizes with conventional chemotherapeutic agents in tumor-bearing mice, suggesting improved treatment of solid tumors.

An early step in Parkinson's disease: Problems with mitochondria

Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine found that a protein called MEF2D plays a key role inside mitochondria in brain cells, and its impairment is linked to Parkinson's disease progression. The study suggests that problems with MEF2D could represent one of the earliest steps in neurodegeneration.

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.

Obese women may be less likely to develop glaucoma

A study of 3,939 participants found that obesity was associated with higher eye pressure and a lower risk of open-angle glaucoma in women. The authors suggest that high estrogen levels and hormone therapy may be protective against open-angle glaucoma in obese women.

More deep-sea vents discovered

Researchers have discovered four new deep-sea vents in the Southern Ocean, challenging previous assumptions about their distribution and evolution. The vents, found near the South Sandwich Islands, support unique microbial communities and are part of a larger project to study ocean chemistry and life diversity.

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.

Treating the aging knee as an organ

Researchers view the knee as a complex organ to develop more effective treatments for osteoarthritis. The exhibit explores degenerative knee arthritis as a failure of multiple tissue systems.

Fiber intake associated with reduced risk of death

A nine-year study found that high fiber intake was associated with a significantly reduced risk of total death, cardiovascular, infectious, and respiratory diseases in both men and women. Dietary fiber from whole plant foods, such as grains, was particularly beneficial.

GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Extinction predictor 'will help protect coral reefs'

A new predictive method developed by marine scientists has found that a third of reef fishes studied across the Indian Ocean are potentially vulnerable to climate change. The 'extinction risk index' provides coral reef managers with insights to better protect and manage coral reefs, showing local and regional commitment improves prospe...

Hershey scientists improve methods for analysis of healthful cocoa compounds

Scientists at The Hershey Company and their collaborators have developed improved methods for determining flavanol antioxidants in cocoa and chocolate, enabling more accurate and higher values. These new methods will be made generally available to the chocolate industry, promoting uniform standards and applications.

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.

People at risk of diabetes offer clues toward novel drugs

Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center have found a molecular pathway that is activated in people with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. This pathway holds promise as a target for novel diabetes therapies, offering new hope for patients with the disease.

UC San Diego biologists gain new insights into brain circuit wiring

Researchers at UC San Diego discovered that Wnt proteins stimulate planar cell polarity signaling in growth cones, guiding nerves to their proper targets. This finding provides critical understanding of brain wiring mechanisms and may pave the way for nervous system repair and regeneration.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers found that obesity reduces duration and quality of life by 12 percent, while knee osteoarthritis has a similar impact. A new guideline also recommends targeted prevention and treatment strategies for patients with specific characteristics, such as age, race, and functional status.

Drivers engaging in a secondary task may pay more attention to the road

Researchers found that drivers who engage in a secondary task, such as talking on the phone, are more likely to stay focused and avoid accidents. The study suggests that strategically introducing an additional task can improve driver attention and stability, particularly during monotonous driving.

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.

New clinical practice guidelines for noninvasive ventilation

The Canadian Medical Association Journal published new clinical practice guidelines for noninvasive ventilation, addressing its use in various settings. Key findings include recommending noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation as the first choice for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or cardiogenic pulmonary edema.

Cigarette smoking associated with increased risk of developing ALS

A study analyzing data from over 1.1 million participants found that cigarette smoking is associated with an increased risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Smokers had a 42% higher risk of developing ALS compared to non-smokers, while former smokers had a 44% increased risk.

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.