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Science News Archive January 2011


Page 16 of 22

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

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.

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.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Federal peer review may be overstretched and error prone

The federal peer review system is under scrutiny for being overwhelmed by an increasing number of funding proposals, leaving room for errors. Experts recommend a calibration system to mitigate these errors, which can occur due to biased reviewers or overconfident assessments.

Nursing home closures concentrated in poorest areas

A new study by Brown University researchers finds that nursing home closures are concentrated in poor, urban areas, leaving millions without choices for long-term care. The closures have been attributed to changing Medicare payment policies and the increasing bifurcation of society into rich and poor.

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.

For non-whites, geography plays key role in colon cancer screening

New research from UC Davis Cancer Center found that colon cancer screening rates vary significantly across geographic regions, with African Americans and Hispanics facing lower rates. In contrast, Asian-Pacific Islanders in Hawaii had the highest screening rates among any group, suggesting potential cultural factors at play.

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 hope in fight against Huntington's disease

Researchers from the University of Leicester and international partners have identified potential new therapeutic targets for Huntington's disease using cutting-edge genetic techniques. The study found that flavonoids can prevent cell death in yeast, suggesting a possible new treatment approach.

Lake Erie hypoxic zone doesn't affect all fish the same, study finds

A Purdue University study found that Lake Erie's large hypoxic zone negatively impacts aquatic life, but not all fish species equally. The study showed that some species, like yellow perch, were less affected, while round goby and rainbow smelt were more significantly impacted by the low oxygen levels.

New method takes snapshots of proteins as they fold

Researchers use temperature jump and fast chemical reaction to capture protein folding process, providing detail needed for accurate predictions. The new method offers hope for improving protein structure predictions, which are crucial for medicine and biotechnology.

Why we need better drug monitoring

A commentary highlights the shortcomings of Canada's current drug surveillance system, citing the off-label use of recombinant activated factor 7 (rFVIIa) as a case in point. The authors emphasize the need for improved collaboration between payers, insurers, and manufacturers to ensure safe monitoring of high-risk drugs.