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Science News Archive January 2011


Page 3 of 22

Altered gene protects some African-Americans from coronary artery disease

Researchers found that a single DNA variation helps protect African-Americans from coronary artery disease, with those having the alternative genetic code having a fivefold reduction in artery narrowing or clogging. The protective effect is even more pronounced when individuals inherit two copies of the guanine gene variant.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Study reveals how fusion protein triggers cancer

Researchers found that fusion protein API2-MALT1 links with enzyme NIK, splitting it in half and making it stronger. This results in cancer-causing activity, with tumors becoming more aggressive and resistant to treatment. Blocking NIK or preventing its stability may halt tumor growth.

Scientists determine what makes an orangutan an orangutan

A team of scientists has mapped the genome of orangutans, providing a new tool for conservation efforts and shedding light on the evolution of primates. The study reveals unique features of the orangutan genome, including fast-evolving genes related to visual perception and metabolic processes.

Protein related to aging holds breast cancer clues

A deficiency in a protein that fends off aging-related cellular damage may set the stage for estrogen and progesterone receptor-positive breast tumors to develop. Researchers have identified a link between this protein and increased levels of reactive oxygen species, providing a potential biomarker for these tumors.

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.

6 million euros for European Diabetes Research Network

The European Diabetes Research Network, funded by the EU, will investigate the possible role of virus infection in causing type 1 diabetes. The network aims to develop a vaccine to prevent diabetes in children and improve diagnosis and patient care.

High school biology teachers reluctant to endorse evolution in class

A recent study found that only 28% of high school biology teachers implement National Research Council recommendations on evolution, while 13% explicitly advocate creationism. The remaining 60% use strategies to avoid controversy, undermining scientific literacy and legitizing creationist arguments.

Opposites may attract, but they don't make better parents

Researchers at the University of Exeter found that zebra finches with like-minded partners raised healthier chicks than those with dissimilar dispositions. The study suggests improved cooperation and coordination of effort may contribute to better parenting outcomes.

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.

New test discovered to better predict breast cancer outcomes

Researchers identified a gene signature that can accurately assess which breast cancer patients are at risk of relapse. The test has the potential to identify low-risk patients who may not require aggressive treatments, balancing risks against benefits.

Stem cells show promise in repairing a child's heart

A study published in Circulation found that heart stem cells from children with congenital heart disease can rebuild damaged hearts in a laboratory setting. The number of heart stem cells decreases with age, but they are highest in neonates and located in the right atrium.

On the hunt for universal intelligence

The study proposes an 'anytime' intelligence test that can be applied to any subject, system, or level of intelligence, providing a universal evaluation framework for human and artificial intelligence. This breakthrough has significant implications for cognitive sciences and the development of future intelligent systems.

OU establishes a new water and sustainability institute

The University of Oklahoma is establishing an Institute for Water and Sustainability, including the Oklahoma Water Survey, to benefit Oklahoma and the nation. The institute will provide research and data for informed decision-making regarding water conservation and use.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The end of our national health service

The Lancet Editorial warns that the UK government's Health and Social Care Bill will fundamentally change the National Health Service (NHS), shifting from a national to individualized care model. The proposed reforms have sparked fears about patient outcomes, access to healthcare, and the overall future of the NHS.

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.

'Catch-up' growth signals revealed

Scientists at the University of Michigan have identified a crucial biochemical pathway involved in catch-up growth, which is triggered by changes in oxygen levels. The research has implications for understanding why babies who experience catch-up growth are at higher risk for later life health problems.

Yearly mammograms from age 40 save 71 percent more lives, study shows

A new study questions US Task Force recommendations for breast cancer screening, finding that starting at a younger age and screening more frequently saves more lives. The research found that women who undergo yearly mammograms between ages 40-49 have a 40% reduction in breast cancer deaths.

Wiley-Blackwell announces partnership with the Wildlife Society

The partnership will bring new benefits to members, including an online-only relaunch of the Wildlife Society Bulletin. Wiley-Blackwell's diverse publication portfolio and global reach make them a natural fit for publishing The Journal of Wildlife Management and Wildlife Monographs.

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.

Notre Dame biologists call for regulation of rare plant sales

A recent study by Notre Dame biologists highlights the growing issue of endangered plants being sold online, often illegally, and moved outside their native range. The researchers warn of the dangers of unchecked species redistribution, which can lead to environmental harm and economic costs, including damage to crops and ecosystems.

Staying 1 strep ahead

Researchers sequenced 240 samples to understand how S. pneumoniae bacteria evolves and adapts genetically in response to human interventions, revealing patterns of adaptation and spread of a drug-resistant lineage. The study suggests that knowing the enemy better could improve infection control measures.

Men more likely to stick with girlfriends who sleep with other women than other men

A recent study from the University of Texas at Austin found that men are more than twice as likely to continue dating a girlfriend who has cheated on them with another woman. In contrast, women show the opposite pattern and are more likely to stay in relationships following a man's infidelity. The researchers suggest that this disparit...

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.

Bacteria possible cause of preterm births

Research suggests that specific bacteria in the placenta during pregnancy may contribute to preterm birth and inflammatory responses. Placentas colonized by bacteria commonly associated with bacterial vaginosis showed elevated pro-inflammatory proteins in newborns, while those colonized by Lactobacillus species had lower levels.

AGU journal highlights -- Jan. 27, 2011

Recent research reveals significant changes in China's lakes over the past several decades, with a decline in lake surface area and number, and creation of new lakes. Climate change and human activity are contributing factors, highlighting the need for more detailed regional studies to confirm these observations.

Baby bliss?

A Norwegian study found that mothers' satisfaction with their relationship during pregnancy is a strong predictor of overall satisfaction, peaking at 6 months old. However, both forms of satisfaction decline over time during infancy and toddlerhood.

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.

How spring-loaded filaree seeds self launch

Researchers discovered that filaree seeds have a spring mechanism that stores energy in their dry awns, which act as springs to launch the seeds by up to 0.5m. This unique mechanism allows the seeds to drill into the ground and germinate, contributing to the plant's success.

Somorjai wins Frontiers of Knowledge Award

Gabor Somorjai has been recognized with the prestigious BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award for his groundbreaking work in surface chemistry and catalysis. His research has led to significant advancements in fields such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and automotive industries.

Discovery could lead to new therapies for asthma, COPD

Researchers have identified a single 'master switch' enzyme, aldose reductase, as crucial in producing excess mucous that clogs airways of people with asthma and COPD. The discovery could lead to improved therapies for the 510 million people worldwide suffering from these diseases.

Surgery for obstructive sleep apnea reduces daytime drowsiness

A new study from Henry Ford Hospital finds that surgery greatly reduces daytime sleepiness in patients with obstructive sleep apnea compared to other non-surgical treatments. The study shows a significant improvement in Epworth Sleepiness Score after surgery, with a 50% reduction in apnea/hypopnea events during sleep.

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.

Victor Chang scientists unlock the 'gates' on sudden cardiac death

Scientists from the Victor Chang Institute have discovered a key clue to understanding why certain medications cause abnormal heart rhythms. By studying the hERG potassium channel, they found that many common drugs bind to this channel when the outer gate is closed, blocking ions and increasing the risk of arrhythmia.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Disparities in physician demographics linked to patient disparities

A recent study found significant disparities between the race of kidney disease patients and physicians who care for them. Increasing diversity among kidney specialists could improve patient trust and care. Recruiting more African Americans into nephrology training programs may alleviate health disparities in ESRD patients.

Memory training explored as strategy for addiction treatment

A study found that memory training can decrease delay discounting in stimulant addicts, which is the tendency to choose short-term rewards over long-term benefits. The researchers believe this could lead to improved rehabilitating brain function and potential therapeutic strategies for addiction treatment.

Fostamatinib proven to be safe but not effective

In a phase II trial, fostamatinib disodium, an oral spleen tyrosine kinase inhibitor, failed to demonstrate efficacy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis who had not responded to biologic agents. However, the drug was found to be safe and showed promise in subgroups of patients with elevated C-reactive protein levels.

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.

Report offers solutions to address decline in US dental faculty

A new report by Indiana University School of Dentistry calls for quick and creative solutions to address the decline in US dental faculty. The report cites widening pay gaps between private practice dentists and clinical professors as a factor in fewer dentists committing to careers in teaching. To reverse the trend, the report recomme...

Infants ascribe social dominance to larger individuals

Research by Harvard University psychologists suggests that infants may be born with an understanding of social hierarchy based on physical size, which helps them navigate their social environment. Infants as young as 8-10 months old demonstrated surprise at depictions of a larger individual yielding to a smaller one.

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.

Organic food in pregnancy -- new study

A recent Norwegian study found that nearly one in ten pregnant women consumes organic food regularly, with organic eggs and vegetables being the most popular choices. Women who consumed organic food were more likely to have higher education, lower incomes, and frequent exercise habits.

ARPA-E grant will fund NC State research on smart grid technologies

North Carolina State University is developing a transformerless intelligent power substation (TIPS) to enable direct interconnection of renewable energy resources and energy storage systems to the grid. The project aims to improve grid power quality and reliability through enhanced communication.

Weighing the costs of disaster

A new report reviews the psychological effects of disasters, finding that less than 30% of adults experience severe, lasting problems, while most people recover from passing distress. Factors influencing recovery include age, socioeconomic status, and economic resources.

New findings show how bacteria undergo genome evolution

Scientists have discovered that bacterial and archaea microbes primarily acquire new genes through horizontal gene transfer, a process responsible for the diversification of protein families. This study highlights the importance of this process in microbial evolution and its role in shaping the biochemical diversity of life.

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.

Researchers identify biomarkers of poor outcomes in preemies

A study by Dr. Ardythe Morrow at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that preterm infants with a specific genetic variant (FUT2) are more likely to experience bad outcomes, including death and sepsis. The researchers identified a link between low levels of 'H antigen' in saliva and increased risk of disease progression.

Universal solvent no match for new self-healing sticky gel

Scientists have developed a synthetic version of the self-healing sticky substance used by mussels to anchor themselves to rocks. The new material exhibits both strength and reversibility through metal bonds, allowing it to repair tears within minutes.