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Science News for January 11, 2011


Measles virus, a weapon against cancer?

Researchers have discovered the molecular mechanism of measles virus infection, which could lead to a targeted cancer therapy. The study found that modifying the attachment protein is crucial for infectivity, and this discovery brings the dream of using measles virus as a cancer weapon closer to reality.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJan 11, 2011

Case Western Reserve/UH launch bipolar CHOICE trial site

The Bipolar CHOICE trial will evaluate the real-world advantages and disadvantages of quetiapine compared to lithium for treating outpatients with bipolar disorder. The study aims to inform day-to-day practice in psychiatry with a focus on effectiveness, not just comparing treatments.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateJan 11, 2011

Scientists explain link between chlamydia and ectopic pregnancy

A new study reveals that women who have had chlamydia are at greater risk of an ectopic pregnancy due to a lasting effect of the infection. Researchers found that infected women produce more PROKR2 protein in their Fallopian tubes, increasing the likelihood of implantation.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateJan 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.

Research shows single-patient rooms reduce hospital infections in ICU

A recent study by McGill University Health Centre demonstrates that single-patient rooms in Intensive Care Units (ICU) significantly reduce the acquisition of infections such as C-difficile, Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus. The results show a 50% reduction in infection rates and a 10% decrease in length of stay.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJan 11, 2011

Technique allows researchers to identify key maize genes for increased yield

Scientists at Cornell University have identified the genes related to leaf angle in corn, a key trait for closer planting, leading to an eight-fold increase in yield since the early 1900s. The study used a genomewide association study method to analyze genetic variation across the maize genome and predict traits with high accuracy.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 11, 2011

Acceptable consequences of screening for prostate cancer

A Swedish study found that PSA screening nearly halves prostate cancer mortality after 14 years. However, the screening was associated with a risk of impotence and urinary incontinence, albeit at lower rates than expected.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateJan 11, 2011

Zoster vaccine associated with lower risk of shingles in older adults

The zoster vaccine has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of herpes zoster (shingles) in older adults, with a 55% lower incidence rate compared to unvaccinated individuals. The vaccine was also found to reduce the risk of ophthalmic herpes zoster and hospitalizations coded as herpes zoster.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJan 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.

Polymer membranes with molecular-sized channels that assemble themselves

Researchers have successfully demonstrated a solution-based method for inducing the self-assembly of flexible polymer membranes with highly aligned subnanometer channels. The new technique uses organic nanotubes and block copolymers to fabricate porous thin films with tailored channel sizes and shapes.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNano Letters·DateJan 11, 2011

UMMS researcher honored for contributions to Tay-Sachs research

Dr. Sena-Esteves is investigating gene therapy techniques to replace the faulty gene causing Tay-Sachs Disease, a devastating neurological disorder. He's part of the Tay-Sachs Gene Therapy Consortium aiming to translate current results into a human clinical trial within three years.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·DateJan 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 markers for allergic disorders thanks to analysis of medical databases

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have developed new methods to identify diagnostic markers for allergic disorders by analyzing medical databases. These methods could reduce the need for animal trials and personalize medication, leading to more efficient clinical studies.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJan 11, 2011

Targeting nicotine receptors to treat cognitive impairments in schizophrenia

Research suggests that stimulating alpha-7 nicotinic receptors could enhance cortical function and improve symptoms of schizophrenia. Two studies found that low doses of AZD0328 and DMXB-A produced significant improvements in spatial working memory tasks, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for cognitive impairments.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJan 11, 2011

Our perceptions of masculinity and femininity are swayed by our sense of touch

A recent study published in Psychological Science found that people's perceptions of gender are influenced by their sense of touch. When touched by a hard object, individuals were more likely to categorize neutral faces as male, while soft textures led them to perceive these same faces as female.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJan 11, 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.

Pandemic H1N1 influenza vaccine effective in 2009-10 flu season

A European study funded by the ECDC and coordinated by EpiConcept found that one dose of the pandemic flu vaccine provided good protection against H1N1 influenza, particularly in people under 65 and those without chronic conditions. The authors suggest that future studies should focus on the new trivalent vaccine for the 2010-11 season.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJan 11, 2011

Experts call on India to have a truly universal health-care system by 2020

India faces significant challenges in its public health-care system, including infectious diseases, maternal and child mortality, chronic diseases, and inequities. Experts call for a universal health-care system to be established by 2020, with a focus on improving infrastructure, human resources, and access to care.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 11, 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.

Drugs for hair loss and BPH may result in loss of libido, ED in men

Researchers found that 5a-reductase inhibitors, used to treat BPH and hair loss, can cause significant adverse effects in some individuals, including loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, and depression. The study suggests that caution should be exercised before prescribing these medications to patients.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Sexual Medicine·DateJan 11, 2011

Looking good on greens

Researchers at the University of Nottingham found that consuming fruit and vegetables rich in carotenoids can produce a healthier golden glow. Eating more portions per day can result in a more attractive skin color, as people tend to prefer this appearance over suntans.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalEvolution and Human Behavior·DateJan 11, 2011

Cell Transplantation reports a success in treating end-stage liver disease

Researchers found a statistically significant decrease in peritoneal cavity fluid and clinical and biochemical improvement in many patients. The study suggests that cell transplantation might be clinically significant beyond improving laboratory parameters, potentially through paracrine effects.

SourceCell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair·JournalCell Transplantation·DateJan 11, 2011

Coiled nanowires may hold key to stretchable electronics

Researchers at North Carolina State University have successfully created the first coils of silicon nanowires on a stretchable substrate that can be stretched to more than double their original length. The new design improves the stretchability of electronic materials without compromising their electric functionality.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalACS Nano·DateJan 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.

NIDCR funding to US dental schools diminished from 2005 to 2009

NIDCR funding to US dental schools decreased by 10% between 2005 and 2009, with dollars from other NIH Institutes and Centers increasing 34.6%. This trend may threaten the identity of dental schools as a profession if research infrastructure is not strengthened.

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

Chemical analysis confirms discovery of oldest wine-making equipment ever found

The discovery of an ancient wine production facility in Armenia has confirmed that humans were producing wine 6,100 years ago. The facility, dated between 4100 B.C. and 4000 B.C., included a wine press, fermentation vats, and storage jars, providing the oldest complete archaeological picture of wine production.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateJan 11, 2011

New molecular imaging technologies for detecting cellular processes

A new molecular imaging technology has been developed by researchers at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid to detect live cellular processes. This technology differs from conventional medical imaging, allowing for earlier detection of anomalies and facilitating treatment.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalIEEE Transactions on Nuclear Science·DateJan 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.

NASA's Fermi catches thunderstorms hurling antimatter into space

Scientists using NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope have detected beams of antimatter produced above thunderstorms, a phenomenon never seen before. The detection is attributed to terrestrial gamma-ray flashes (TGFs) associated with lightning and the spacecraft's ability to magnetically connect with distant storms.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 11, 2011

New method for reporting solar data

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a new method for reporting solar data, allowing policymakers and businesses to understand solar resources. The method presents solar data in a geographic information system (GIS) format, providing daily, monthly, and yearly averages.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateJan 11, 2011

Family, friends, social ties influence weight status in young adults

A recent study published in Obesity found that young adults with social connections to overweight friends and family members are more likely to have higher weight status. Researchers also discovered that these individuals who had close relationships with people trying to lose weight themselves were more motivated to do the same.

SourceLifespan·JournalObesity·DateJan 11, 2011

Wildlife biologists use dogs' scat-sniffing talents for good

Researchers trained dogs to detect scat from various species, showing they can accurately locate targets at distances of up to 33 feet. Environmental factors like wind, humidity, and precipitation influenced detection rates, highlighting the need for standardized survey conditions.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalJournal of Wildlife Management·DateJan 11, 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.

Delivering a potent cancer drug with nanoparticles can lessen side effects

Researchers have developed nanoparticles that deliver the cancer drug cisplatin more effectively and safely, reducing its potentially severe side effects. The new particles successfully shrink tumors in mice using only one-third of the conventional dose.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 11, 2011

Old-growth forests are what giant pandas need

A recent study published in Biology Letters indicates that giant pandas are associated with old-growth forests more than any other ecological variable besides bamboo. This finding suggests that conserving both bamboo and old-growth forests is crucial to protect this critically endangered bear species.

SourceSan Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance·JournalBiology Letters·DateJan 11, 2011

UCSD engineers give solar power a boost

Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a more accurate solar map for California, suggesting that west-facing solar panels can increase energy production. By optimizing panel orientation, households and businesses can maximize their solar power output during peak demand hours.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalRenewable Energy·DateJan 11, 2011

Nanodisk gene therapy

Researchers have created a new type of nanoparticle called nanodisks, which can carry genetic material and enter cells quickly without losing its potency. These nanodisks offer a promising alternative to traditional gene therapy vectors, potentially improving therapeutic outcomes.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalBiomaterials·DateJan 11, 2011
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.

Texas A&M study finds courtship affects gene expression in flies

A Texas A&M study shows that genes are activated in fruit flies when they interact with the opposite sex, affecting physiology and behavior. This discovery may lead to insights into disorders such as autism and has significant implications for understanding human social interactions.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalGenetics·DateJan 11, 2011

Trapped sunlight cleans water

Researchers developed a planar microfluidic reactor that harnesses sunlight to break down contaminants in water using photocatalysis. The technology has shown dramatic improvements in efficiency, with plans to scale up the process for industrial water treatment applications.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalBiomicrofluidics·DateJan 11, 2011

Shingles vaccine associated with 55 percent reduced risk of disease

A Kaiser Permanente study found that receiving the herpes zoster vaccine reduced the risk of shingles by 55% in adults 60 years and older. The vaccine also showed effectiveness in preventing shingles in adults over 75, supporting CDC recommendations to offer it to all eligible patients.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJAMA·DateJan 11, 2011
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.

Poker-faced professions take toll on employees

Research from Rice University and other institutions shows that employees in neutral professions spend more energy suppressing emotions, leading to burnout. Neutral expressions also lead to less positive customer reactions and lower ratings.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateJan 11, 2011

New research aims to shut down viral assembly line

A new study aims to shut down the viral assembly line of coronaviruses, a process crucial for their replication. The research focuses on the M protein, which forms the outer shell of the virus and is critical for its pathogenesis.

SourceArizona State University·JournalJournal of Virology·DateJan 11, 2011

New MS target identified by Canadian researchers

Researchers have discovered a new factor in multiple sclerosis (MS) that can serve as a potential target for therapeutics. The study found that inhibiting the molecular switch EMMPRIN reduces MS-like symptoms in mice.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·DateJan 11, 2011
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Study finds more breaks from sitting are good for waistlines and hearts

A recent study found that taking regular breaks while sitting can lower waist circumference and decrease inflammation. The research analyzed data from over 4,700 people and discovered that those who took more breaks had smaller waists and improved cardio-metabolic function.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateJan 11, 2011

10-year roadmap for reaching public health education goals

The Healthy People Curriculum Task Force aims to promote integrated, seamless approaches to education for health, with a focus on interprofessional prevention education. The task force outlines key objectives to increase the inclusion of core clinical prevention and population health content in health professions education.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJan 11, 2011

CT helps identify bullet trajectories

Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) can accurately pinpoint bullet trajectory angles, enabling investigators to determine sniper locations. This technology also has potential benefits in crime scene analysis and patient treatment, according to a recent study.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateJan 11, 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.

Winter sports threaten indigenous mountain birds

The growth of winter tourism in European mountain ranges is threatening the population of indigenous bird species, including the Capercaillie. A recent study found that Capercaillie droppings showed a marked increase in stress hormone levels closer to locations with winter recreation activity.

SourceWiley·JournalIbis·DateJan 11, 2011

First genetic test for predicting IVF success

A new genetic blood test predicts IVF success by identifying the FMR1 gene subtype, with different subtypes associated with varying pregnancy rates. The test also suggests a link between autoimmunity and infertility, potentially informing fertility planning.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 11, 2011

International first: Gas-phase carbonic acid isolated

Researchers from Innsbruck and Vienna have isolated gas-phase carbonic acid, a molecule previously thought to be non-existent. The team used infrared spectroscopy to characterize the molecules and found that they exist in at least three different species.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·DateJan 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.

Off-the-shelf electronics turn up gain on spectroscopy

Researchers have developed a new spectroscopy technique that can distinguish between individual notes and musical ensembles with high accuracy. This breakthrough technology has potential applications in fields such as astronomy, communication signal recovery, and atomic physics.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateJan 11, 2011

US family physicians miss opportunities to discuss IUDs with patients

A national survey of US family physicians found that many have gaps in knowledge about IUDs, are uncomfortable discussing them with patients, and believe their patients would not be receptive. In contrast, those who insert IUDs in their practice tend to be more knowledgeable and confident in discussing the devices with their patients.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalContraception·DateJan 11, 2011

UT researcher discovers water on moon originated from comets

Researchers at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, have discovered that water on the moon may have originated from comets smashing into the moon soon after its formation. This finding suggests that the moon can act as a stepping stone for further space exploration, enabling missions to fuel up with liquid hydrogen and oxygen.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJan 11, 2011

Gene helps plants use less water without biomass loss

Researchers found a genetic mutation in Arabidopsis thaliana that reduces stomata, conserving water while maintaining carbon dioxide intake. The mutant plant exhibits 20% reduced transpiration and increased drought tolerance.

SourcePurdue University·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateJan 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.

Acne bug could be the cause of your infections

Recent research suggests that P. acnes within the body may be the cause of infections, contradicting previous assumptions about contamination from skin. This oversight could lead to incorrect diagnoses and complications if treated with the wrong bug.

SourceWiley·DateJan 11, 2011