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Science News for January 28, 2011


Researchers discover root cause of blood vessel damage in diabetes

A recent study by Washington University researchers discovered that fatty acid synthase and nitric oxide synthase enzymes interact in endothelial cells to cause blood vessel damage in diabetes. By understanding this mechanism, they hope to develop new treatments for vascular complications of the disease.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJan 28, 2011

Researchers discover age of onset of puberty predicts adult osteoporosis risk

Researchers found that early puberty is associated with greater bone mass, while later puberty results in less, increasing the risk of fracture. This discovery has significant implications for adolescence growth and development, highlighting the importance of timing in shaping adult bone health.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateJan 28, 2011

Voice-saver: Light therapy for early-stage laryngeal cancer

A study from Henry Ford Hospital found that photodynamic therapy can preserve vocal cord function in patients with early-stage laryngeal cancer. The treatment, which uses a powerful laser and light-activated drug, showed consistent trends toward normal vocal cord vibration over several weeks and months.

SourceHenry Ford Health·DateJan 28, 2011

Novel surgery removes rare tumor, rebuilds trachea

A team of surgeons at Henry Ford Hospital has successfully removed a rare malignant immature teratoma from an adult's trachea and rebuilt the airway using tissue and bone from the patient's arm. The patient is now able to speak and swallow normally, with only a temporary tracheostomy tube used for breathing assistance.

SourceHenry Ford Health·DateJan 28, 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.

Vitamin D deficiency alters lung growth and decreases lung function

Researchers found that vitamin D-deficient mice had reduced lung volume, lower airway resistance, and smaller lungs compared to control mice. The study suggests a potential link between vitamin D deficiency and obstructive lung disease, highlighting the need for future studies on prevention and treatment strategies.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJan 28, 2011

'Air laser' may sniff bombs, pollutants from a distance

Researchers at Princeton University developed an air laser that can detect hidden bombs, pollutants, and greenhouse gases from afar. The new technique uses an ultraviolet laser pulse to generate an entirely new beam of light that interacts with molecules in the air, providing a powerful tool for remote measurements.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalScience·DateJan 28, 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.

Pre-surgical stress management boosts immune function, lowers mood disturbance in prostate cancer patients

A new UT MD Anderson study finds that brief pre-surgery stress management training can improve immune outcomes and lower mood disturbances in men with early-stage prostate cancer. The study's results suggest that managing stress has biological as well as psychological benefits, which may have an effect on aspects of disease.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateJan 28, 2011

DNA caught rock 'n rollin'

Researchers at University of Michigan and University of California, Irvine discover DNA's building blocks 'rock and roll,' forming alternative structures with Hoogsteen base pairs. These fleeting states contain new layers of information stored in the genetic code, shedding light on critical interactions between DNA and proteins.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature·DateJan 28, 2011

Antibiotic offers potential for anti-cancer activity

Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine have discovered a potential new anti-cancer treatment using the antibiotic tautomycetin, which targets the cancer-causing enzyme SHP2. This finding offers hope for developing effective treatments against various types of leukemia and solid tumors.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalChemistry & Biology·DateJan 28, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Seeing kidney injury, as it happens

A team of researchers has created a 'reporter mouse' that can detect kidney damage in real-time by generating light, offering a potential solution to current diagnosis methods. The technique uses the NGAL protein, which can report toxic cellular stresses, and meets the criteria for a true biomarker.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature Medicine·DateJan 28, 2011

Study finds presence of peers heightens teens' sensitivity to rewards of a risk

A new study by Temple University psychologists Jason Chein and Laurence Steinberg found that the presence of peers heightens teens' sensitivity to rewards, leading them to take more risks. The researchers used fMRI to measure brain activity in adolescents, young adults, and adults while playing a simulated driving game.

SourceTemple University·JournalDevelopmental Science·DateJan 28, 2011
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

City Tech research team casts light on asteroid deflection

A New York City College of Technology research team has developed a method to deflect asteroids using solar sail technology. The technique involves heating the surface of an asteroid to create a jet stream, which would alter its trajectory and potentially convert an Earth impact into a near miss.

SourceNew York City College of Technology·DateJan 28, 2011

Cancer drug aids the regeneration of spinal cord injuries

Researchers found that Taxol, a cancer drug, can aid in the regeneration of nerve cells after spinal cord injuries. The drug stabilizes microtubules and prevents the production of inhibitory substances in scar tissue, allowing for better nerve cell growth.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateJan 28, 2011

A new appreciation of the ecology-evolution dynamic

A new appreciation of the ecology-evolution dynamic reveals that environmental factors can influence evolutionary changes and shape ecological traits. This emerging field of study highlights the interconnectedness between ecology and evolution, suggesting a feedback loop where ecological changes affect evolution and vice versa.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScience·DateJan 28, 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.

More frequent drought likely in eastern Africa

New research predicts increased frequency of drought in eastern Africa, exacerbating existing food shortages and population growth. Scientists link warming Indian Ocean temperatures to decreased rainfall in the region.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalClimate Dynamics·DateJan 28, 2011

A dash of disorder yields a very efficient photocatalyst

Researchers from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory created a durable and efficient photocatalyst that can collect solar energy to extract hydrogen from water. The disorder-engineered nanocrystal absorbs infrared light, making it attractive for use in clean-energy technologies.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateJan 28, 2011

Retired NFL players misuse painkillers more than general population

A new study published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that retired NFL players misuse painkillers at a higher rate than the general population, with 7% currently using opioid drugs. The study also found that players who experienced undiagnosed concussions were more likely to misused opioids.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateJan 28, 2011

Initiative to tackle malnutrition in Africa

The SUNRAY project aims to identify new ways to address malnutrition in Africa, prioritizing research led by African researchers. The initiative will integrate nutrition research with other sectors to address root causes and avoid 'technical fixes'.

SourceInstitute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp·DateJan 28, 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.

Smoking habits are transmitted from mother to daughter and father to son

Research reveals that smoking habits are transmitted from mother to daughter and father to son, influencing the likelihood of nicotine addiction in offspring. The study found that socio-economic factors account for the transmission of these habits.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalOxford Bulletin of Economics and Statistics·DateJan 28, 2011

Island-scale study reveals climate-change effects

A large-scale experiment by UC Davis ecologists shows that environmental changes can alter how intact ecological communities function, affecting plant and animal species interactions. The study, led by Jonah Piovia-Scott, used seaweed to imitate climate change effects on Caribbean islands.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScience·DateJan 28, 2011

Hormone therapy begun at menopause may pose risk for breast cancer

A large cohort study found that hormone therapy started at menopause increases breast cancer risk, particularly among women who start therapy before or soon after menopause. The study's results support previous findings and provide new insights into the relationship between timing of hormone therapy and breast cancer risk.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 28, 2011