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Science News Archive February 2011 - Page 8


Page 8 of 25

Groundbreaking technology will revolutionize blood pressure measurement

A new blood pressure measurement device using CASP has been developed to provide more accurate readings than current methods. The device, invented by scientists at the University of Leicester and HealthSTATS International, measures pressure close to the heart, leading to better treatment decisions and patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateFeb 20, 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.

Look after your brain

Swedish scientist Laura Fratiglioni's research shows that active mental, physical, and social activities can preserve cognitive functions and lower the risk of developing dementia. Factors such as blood pressure, weight, and genetics also play a role in determining an individual's risk.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·DateFeb 20, 2011

Macavity wasn't there! How absent reoviruses kill cancer

New research shows reovirus-infected cancer cells release pro-inflammatory proteins that recruit and activate white blood cells, killing cancer. A cellular signalling protein, Ras, is abnormally activated in many cancers, providing a window of opportunity for reovirus infection.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalMolecular Cancer·DateFeb 20, 2011

New assessment of black carbon and tropospheric ozone's role in climate change

The Integrated Assessment of Black Carbon and Tropospheric Ozone identifies emission reduction measures that can immediately protect climate, public health, and ecosystems. Implementing these measures could reduce future global warming by 0.5oC and potentially halve the projected increase in global temperature by 2050.

SourceEuropean Commission Joint Research Centre·DateFeb 20, 2011
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.

Relatives of melanoma patients ignore their skin cancer risk

A new study found that young people with a family history of melanoma are still ignoring sun safety advice, despite being aware of the risks. The research showed that younger women in particular viewed tanning as healthy and were less likely to use sunscreen.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateFeb 20, 2011

Is the link between poverty and water-related disease making rich people sick?

A new study by Kate Mulligan examines the connection between cities, water, and health, finding that even in wealthy cities with excellent public services, dengue fever still spreads due to environmental factors. The research suggests that traditional links between poverty and water-related diseases may be overstated.

SourceNatural Sciences and Engineering Research Council·DateFeb 20, 2011

Failure to tackle UK's alcohol problem could see many thousands of extra liver deaths than in other European countries

The UK's failure to address its alcohol problem could result in a significant increase in liver deaths, with the country facing a projected 77,000 excess deaths over 20 years if it doesn't adopt effective policies. The authors argue that increasing alcohol quality and limiting availability of cheap products can help reduce death rates.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 20, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Plants that can move inspire new adaptive structures

Plant-based researchers are developing adaptive structures inspired by Mimosa's ability to twist, bend, stiffen, and heal. Artificial cells mimic the mechanisms behind plants' nastic motions, leading to innovative technologies like shape-changing robots and morphing wings for airplanes.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateFeb 19, 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.

Super-sharp radio 'eye' remeasuring the universe

Scientists have extended a directly-measured 'yardstick' three times farther into the cosmos using the super-sharp radio vision of the VLBA. New measurements have placed a galaxy at 450 million light-years from Earth, with implications for understanding Dark Energy and the expansion rate of the Universe.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·DateFeb 19, 2011

Hamstring grafts prove more effective in ACL knee reconstruction, study says

A study published by the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine found that patients receiving hamstring tendon grafts had lower rates of pain and mobility issues 15 years after ACL knee reconstruction. The results showed a higher activity level in those with hamstring grafts, with 77% able to perform strenuous activities.

SourceAmerican Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine·DateFeb 19, 2011

AAAS Symposium: New research facilitates scientific knowledge transfer

New research provides urgently needed solutions to resolve the reproducibility crisis in computational science by creating a registry for computational results, open licenses for intellectual property framework, and technical communication methodologies. This enables wider availability of scientific knowledge and detects flawed science.

SourceColumbia University·DateFeb 19, 2011

American Cancer Society honored for work in palliative care

The American Cancer Society has received a Presidential Citation Award from the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine for its efforts in promoting palliative care for patients with cancer. The organization has funded over $7 million in research grants to improve quality of life for patients, survivors, and their families.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·DateFeb 19, 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.

Tip sheet: Caltech researchers presenting at AAAS

At this year's AAAS meeting, Caltech researchers will present topics ranging from solar and renewable energy solutions to the latest advancements in bioengineering. Nathan Lewis will discuss strategies for achieving clean energy goals and generating clean fuels from sunlight and water.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·DateFeb 19, 2011

Enhancing nuclear security: Training and international collaboration

The European Commission's Joint Research Centre has created a European nuclear security training centre to train first responders at the EU level. The centre offers a balanced approach between theoretical lectures and hands-on sessions, covering topics such as nuclear forensics and radiological crime scene management. International col...

SourceEuropean Commission Joint Research Centre·DateFeb 19, 2011
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Mimicking photosynthesis path to solar-derived hydrogen fuel

A Penn State materials chemist has developed an artificial system that mimics photosynthesis to produce solar-derived hydrogen fuel. However, the process remains inefficient and expensive due to recombination of electrons and limited lifetime of the system. The researcher aims to improve efficiency by modeling energy pathways and adjus...

SourcePenn State·DateFeb 19, 2011

Common hip disorder can cause sports hernia

Researchers found that athletes with symptomatic femoro-acetabular impingement (FAI) had a higher incidence of athletic pubalgia and sports hernias. Treating the underlying hip condition can resolve symptoms, allowing patients to return to play.

SourceHospital for Special Surgery·DateFeb 19, 2011

The world’s oldest water?

Deep saline groundwaters in the Witwatersrand Basin show unique chemical signatures that differ from ocean and surface waters, suggesting isolation for a long time. The discovery adds to our understanding of a unique environment with microbial ecosystems that thrive on chemical energy from rock.

SourceNatural Sciences and Engineering Research Council·JournalChemical Geology·DateFeb 19, 2011
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.

Turning to nature for inspiration

Researchers at Northwestern University are developing artificial hair cell sensors that mimic nature's ability to sense vibrations and movement. These biologically inspired sensors have the potential to improve medical device performance, enhance robotic capabilities, and create new consumer goods.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateFeb 19, 2011

OSU to study farming methods to curb, adapt to climate change

Researchers will investigate how climate change affects cereal crops and develop sustainable farming practices. The study aims to improve the long-term viability of cereal-based farming in the region, reducing carbon footprint and mitigating climate change impacts.

SourceOregon State University·DateFeb 18, 2011
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Fountain of youth from the tap

Researchers found a correlation between lithium levels in tap water and lower mortality rates in Japanese municipalities. In experiments with the roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans, lithium treatment led to increased longevity. The findings suggest that low-dose lithium may have life-prolonging effects in humans.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalEuropean Journal of Nutrition·DateFeb 18, 2011

Research universities play a major role in national security

Research universities, like Penn State, host foreign students and visitors, creating security concerns. The National Security Higher Education Advisory Board fosters communication between higher education, the FBI, and federal agencies to promote understanding and cooperation.

SourcePenn State·DateFeb 18, 2011

US will no longer dominate science and research

A global shift in research will reposition the US as a major partner but not leader, according to Penn State researcher Caroline Wagner. The US could benefit from this shift by adopting knowledge-sharing policies with emerging global researchers.

SourcePenn State·DateFeb 18, 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.

Scientists bioengineer a protein to fight leukemia

Researchers have created a bioengineered protein called CD19-L that selectively targets and destroys leukemia cells, including those resistant to chemotherapy. This breakthrough discovery offers new hope for treating childhood leukemia.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalBritish Journal of Haematology·DateFeb 18, 2011

Universal flu vaccine study yields success in mice

A new study has successfully trialed a synthetic universal flu vaccine in mice, providing 100% protection against the H3N2 strain and 20% against the highly pathogenic bird flu. The vaccine uses peptides that trigger an immune response to a region of the flu virus present in all influenza A and B viruses.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalJournal of General Virology·DateFeb 18, 2011

Bad news/good news

A study by Eric Lambin predicts the world may run out of productive agricultural land by 2050 due to rising global demand and land degradation. However, some developing countries have increased their forest cover while enhancing food production through innovation, sound policy, and good governance.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 18, 2011

Europe attracts American researchers

Karolinska Institutet, a leading medical university in Sweden, has attracted top American researcher Juleen Zierath with its high-quality research environment and competitive ERC grant. She focuses on improving diabetes health through clinical research.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·DateFeb 18, 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.

Women are better at forgiving

A Spanish study found that women are more empathetic and better at forgiving than men. The research also showed that parents forgive more than children, with lack of bitterness being the key condition for forgiveness.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalRevista Latinoamericana de Psicología·DateFeb 18, 2011

Biodiversity in danger: Which areas should be protected?

The DOPA observatory combines data on protected areas, species distributions, and socio-economic indicators to generate global environmental indicators and maps. This initiative aims to address anthropogenic pressures on ecosystems and identify new areas for protection.

SourceEuropean Commission Joint Research Centre·DateFeb 18, 2011

Pulmonary embolism after knee arthroscopy: Rare but serious

A new study reveals the risk of pulmonary embolism after outpatient knee arthroscopy is .028 percent, with identified risk factors including age, female gender, and cancer history. The study examined data from 374,033 patients undergoing 418,323 procedures between 1997 and 2006.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateFeb 18, 2011

How nature's patterns form

Researchers studying plant growth discover that universal features exist across various natural systems, including plants and animals. Alan Newell's work focuses on the mathematical models capturing these similarities.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·DateFeb 18, 2011
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.

Study links hypoxia and inflammation in many diseases

A University of Colorado study explores the relationship between hypoxia and inflammation, finding that a protein called HIF plays a key role in the body's response to low oxygen levels. The research may help patients who undergo organ transplants or suffer from infections or cancer

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 18, 2011

Tissue engineering methods earn funding to heal little hearts

Texas Children's Hospital researcher Dr. Jeffrey Jacot receives a National Science Foundation CAREER Award and $450,000 grant to develop tissue engineering therapies using stem cells derived from human amniotic fluid. The goal is to create living heart tissue that can 'patch' or reconstruct hearts with congenital defects.

SourceTexas Children's Hospital·DateFeb 18, 2011

Juggling languages can build better brains

Research suggests that bilingual speakers outperform monolinguals in certain mental abilities, such as editing out irrelevant information and prioritizing tasks. This 'mental juggling' skill allows bilinguals to better navigate between languages and enhances their cognitive flexibility.

SourcePenn State·DateFeb 18, 2011

1 person of 1,900 met AHA's definition of ideal heart health, says University of Pittsburgh study

According to a new study from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, only one out of 1,900 people met the American Heart Association's definition of ideal cardiovascular health. The study evaluated 1,933 participants and found that less than 10% met five or more criteria for heart-healthy behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalCirculation·DateFeb 18, 2011

What's new in hip care?

Studies analyzed Medicare beneficiaries who had elective primary THR for osteoarthritis and found the risk of revision was approximately two percent per year for the first 18 months post-surgery. High-performance hips with improved functional capacity are also being developed for active patients, offering more durable implants.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateFeb 18, 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.

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.

First certified reference material for nanoparticle size analysis

The European Commission Joint Research Centre has developed the world's first certified reference material for nanoparticle size analysis. The material provides a stable benchmark for reliable hazard assessments and process quality control, promoting market confidence and innovation.

SourceEuropean Commission Joint Research Centre·DateFeb 18, 2011

Deep brain stimulation helps severe OCD, but pioneer advises caution

Deep brain stimulation therapy has shown promise in reducing symptoms of severe obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) for a small subset of patients. After years of research, Dr. Benjamin Greenberg presents the longest-term results of the technique, highlighting its potential to improve symptoms and quality of life.

SourceBrown University·DateFeb 18, 2011