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Science News Archive January 2011 - Page 9


Page 9 of 22

New device may revolutionize computer memory

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new device that can perform both volatile and nonvolatile memory operations. This technology could allow computers to start more quickly and reduce power consumption in server farms.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·DateJan 20, 2011

Unfolding amyloid secrets

Researchers at the University of Leeds have uncovered the first misfold that triggers the formation of amyloid fibres, a critical step in understanding these disease-causing structures. This discovery offers new targets for therapies and may shed light on other protein-related diseases.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJan 20, 2011

NIST puts a new twist on the electron beam

Researchers at NIST have found a way to impart electron waves with high orbital momentum, enabling the study of wider range of materials with atomic-scale resolution. This technique has potential applications in imaging magnetic and biological materials.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalScience·DateJan 20, 2011

War, plague no match for deforestation in driving CO2 buildup

A new study reveals that deforestation has been the largest contributor to global CO2 buildup, with forests re-growing during wars and plagues having a limited impact. The Mongol invasions, however, led to significant carbon absorption due to forest regrowth.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalThe Holocene·DateJan 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.

Thwarting attacks on cell phone mesh networks

Researchers have developed a computer algorithm to identify and block distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks on mobile ad hoc networks in under 22 seconds. The technique can halt 80% of attack traffic and provide a model framework for building better security systems.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Security and Networks·DateJan 20, 2011

Causes of death shifting in patients diagnosed with COPD

A new study reveals that COPD patients on LTOT are at a higher risk of death from non-respiratory causes such as cardiovascular disease. The study found an increase in mortality due to circulatory and digestive organ diseases, emphasizing the importance of optimized diagnostics and treatment.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJan 20, 2011

Gene mutation play a major role in 1 cause of kidney disease

Mutations in INF2 gene are a major cause of autosomal dominant FSGS, leading to kidney failure. Screening for INF2 mutations may be warranted in patients with an autosomal dominant familial history.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJan 20, 2011

If you become unemployed you will earn less in your next job

A study by Spanish researchers found that long-term unemployment has a negative impact on future salaries in Europe, particularly in Spain, Italy, and Portugal. The study analyzed employment mobility and relative losses to salary over seven consecutive years and found that these countries had the most significant effects.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalManchester School·DateJan 20, 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.

Brain's clock influenced by senses

Researchers at University College London found that our sense of time is shaped by sensory input from the environment, allowing us to refine our internal timekeeping. By comparing sensory change to an average rate, we can judge how much time has passed and improve our judgements.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 20, 2011

Gene test shows which bladder cancer patients may have cancer spread

A new gene test can identify which bladder cancer patients may have cancer spread in their lymph nodes, allowing doctors to determine the best course of treatment. The test analyzes 20 genes on tumor biopsies and has shown promising results in a large sample of patients.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateJan 20, 2011

For robust robots, let them be babies first

Researchers created simulated and actual robots that evolve their body forms while learning to walk, resulting in faster adaptation and improved resilience. The evolving robots developed a more robust gait than fixed-body robots, enabling them to better deal with disruptions.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 20, 2011

Stretching the truth: JILA biophysicists help unravel DNA stretching mystery

Researchers at JILA disprove the popular theory that DNA's backbone needs a small gap or loose ends to extend by 70% when subjected to 65 picoNewtons of force. The new study uses a novel test structure to demonstrate that the mechanism behind overstretching is the same for both nicked and intact DNA molecules.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 20, 2011

Uncovering the genetics of prostate cancer

A research project aims to analyze the genomes of 250 prostate cancer patients under 50 to identify genetic mutations that cause and promote the disease. The goal is to produce a comprehensive map of genetic modifications involved in prostate cancer, which may lead to new treatment approaches and diagnostic methods.

SourceHelmholtz Association·DateJan 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.

Eggs show arctic mercury cycling may be linked to ice cover

Researchers found lower MIF mercury isotopes in eggs from northernmost nesting areas with year-round sea ice, while those from southern Alaska without ice reflected greater mass-independent fractionation effects. The study aims to investigate the relationship between ice cover and mercury distribution in the environment.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJan 20, 2011

Dino-era sex riddle solved by new fossil find

Scientists have solved the long-standing problem of pterosaur head crests by discovering a female fossil with an egg, showing females were crestless and males used crests to intimidate rivals. The discovery uses hip size and crest development to sex pterosaurs.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalScience·DateJan 20, 2011

Mammograms: Detecting more than breast cancer, may help assess heart risk in kidney disease patients

Researchers found mammograms show calcifications in the blood vessels of nearly two-thirds of women with end-stage renal disease, potentially contributing to heart disease risk. The study suggests mammograms may be a useful tool for studying cardiovascular disease progression in kidney patients.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJan 20, 2011

Are positive emotions good for your health in old age?

A new review article suggests that positive emotions can protect against poor health in older adults by promoting healthy lifestyle choices, reducing inflammation, and combating stress. These findings imply that a proactive approach to aging may lead to extended years of quality living.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateJan 20, 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.

With chemical modification, stable RNA nanoparticles go 3-D

Scientists have developed a method to create stable three-dimensional RNA nanoparticles by modifying their chemical structure, making them resistant to RNase degradation. This breakthrough has significant implications for the use of RNA in nanotechnology applications, including targeted therapies for cancer and viral infections.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalACS Nano·DateJan 20, 2011

Girls who are bullied are at risk for substance use through depression

A new study has identified a link between bullying and substance use in adolescent girls, primarily through the mechanism of depression. The research, based on data from a nationally representative sample of 1,495 tenth graders, found that bullying can have serious consequences for young girls.

SourceSociety for Prevention Research·JournalPrevention Science·DateJan 19, 2011

U of Alberta researcher working towards pharmacological targets for cholera

A U of Alberta researcher is working towards developing a pharmacological target for cholera by understanding the bacteria's mechanism of infection and survival. He has discovered how Vibrio cholerae uses molecular nano-syringes to infect host cells, providing a potential vaccine target.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 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.

Malaria parasite caught red-handed invading blood cells

Researchers use OMX 3D SIM super resolution microscopy to visualize malaria parasite invasion, revealing key molecular and cellular events. This technology may pave the way for developing new treatments for malaria.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateJan 19, 2011

A mathematical model for moving bottlenecks in road traffic

A mathematical model for moving bottlenecks in road traffic is proposed, taking into account the influence of a slow-moving vehicle on entire traffic flow. The model improves transportation designs and reduces congestion, accidents, and risk management.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·JournalSIAM Journal on Mathematical Analysis·DateJan 19, 2011

Scientists reveal complete structure of HIV's outer shell

Researchers at Scripps Research and UVa determine the structure of HIV's protein package, also known as the capsid. The detailed description provides a roadmap for developing drugs that can disrupt its formation and prevent infection. The study uses X-ray crystallography to reveal the flexibility and mobility of the capsid's components.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature·DateJan 19, 2011

Bedbug genetic study finds possible pesticide-resistance genes

A recent study on bedbugs has identified potential genes associated with pesticide resistance, shedding light on the mechanisms behind their increasing resilience to insecticides. The research may lead to the development of novel control methods that are more effective against these troublesome insects.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 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.

Couples sometimes communicate no better than strangers

A recent study found that married couples and close friends may not communicate as well as they think. The researchers used an experiment to test this idea, finding that accuracy rates for spouses and strangers were statistically identical. Closeness can create the illusion of insight, leading to communication problems.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateJan 19, 2011

Killer paper for next-generation food packaging

Scientists have developed a new food packaging material that uses silver nanoparticles to fight bacteria and extend shelf life. The material has been shown to be effective against E. coli and S. aureus, two common causes of bacterial food poisoning.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalLangmuir·DateJan 19, 2011

Research provides new kidney cancer clues

Researchers have identified a frequently mutated gene, PBRM1, in one in three patients with the most common form of renal cancer. The gene is tied to two previously identified genes on chromosome 3 and plays a role in controlling cell growth and repairing DNA damage.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature·DateJan 19, 2011

Speeding up Mother Nature's very own CO2 mitigation process

Researchers have developed a seawater/mineral carbonate gas scrubber that removes up to 97% of CO2, converting it to dissolved calcium bicarbonate. This can help mitigate ocean acidification and its effects on marine life, such as coral reefs.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJan 19, 2011

Pitt study: End-of-life decisions take longer if patient hasn't shared wishes with family

A study conducted at four US intensive care units found that caregivers who hadn't discussed life support measures with critically ill patients took nearly two weeks longer to make decisions. Patients' loved ones were also more confident as surrogate decision-makers when they perceived high-quality communication with physicians.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·DateJan 19, 2011
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

40-year-old test procedure finds modern niche in developing new medicines

Researchers are leveraging a 40-year-old blood test procedure to develop new lifesaving medications, utilizing modern lab instruments for greater sensitivity. The approach reduces sample requirements, storage, and shipping costs, potentially saving millions of dollars in drug development.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJan 19, 2011

Parental divorce linked to suicidal thoughts

A new study found that adult children of divorce are at higher risk of suicidal thoughts, especially men who experienced parental divorce before age 18. Men from divorced families had more than three times the odds of suicidal ideation compared to men from intact families.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalPsychiatry Research·DateJan 19, 2011

Spike reported in number of people with HIV having a stroke

Research suggests that people with HIV are up to three times more likely to experience a stroke than those without the condition. The study found a 67% increase in stroke hospitalizations among people with HIV, despite a decline in overall stroke rates.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJan 19, 2011

Health-care systems not using best evidence in decision-making

A study by Dr. Sharon Straus found that 55% of adult patients do not receive recommended care, highlighting the need for improved knowledge translation in healthcare. Evidence-based approaches, such as delirium prevention strategies, can lower hospitalization rates and improve patient outcomes.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Epidemiology·DateJan 19, 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.

Students are more likely to retake the SAT if their score ends with '90'

A study published in Psychological Science found that students are more likely to retake the SAT if their score ends with a round number, such as 1290. This phenomenon suggests that people are driven by self-motivation and arbitrary goals, leading them to take major actions like retaking a test.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJan 19, 2011

Strong scientific peer review leads to better science and policy formation

A special issue of Technology & Innovation explores the history, process, and practice of scientific peer review. Key findings include a need for qualified, independent reviewers, transparent processes, and avoiding conflicts of interest to ensure integrity in federal policy formation.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalJournal of Technology and Innovation·DateJan 19, 2011

Triblock spheres provide a simple path to complex structures

University of Illinois researchers developed a simple method to create intricate lattice structures using triblock Janus spheres. The innovative material exhibits self-assembly capabilities, enabling the creation of porous sheets with tailored properties for specialized filtering applications.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature·DateJan 19, 2011
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.

VIMS team glides into polar research

Researchers from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science deployed an underwater glider in the Ross Sea near Antarctica, collecting data on water temperature, salinity, and chlorophyll concentrations. The glider's continuous sampling allows for a better understanding of short-term physical changes and their impact on ocean biology.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·DateJan 19, 2011

PNNL recognized for technology transfer

PNNL has developed power-delivery devices to improve trace gas analysis and create propylene glycol from renewable sources. The lab's IncubATRTM technology enables real-time monitoring of live cells, accelerating scientific discovery and reducing animal testing.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateJan 19, 2011

New mortgage design would minimize home foreclosures

Researchers propose a new adjustable balance mortgage contract that resets the loan balance and monthly payment based on the mortgaged home's market value. This design reduces the economic incentive to default, costing about the same as a typical fixed-rate mortgage.

SourcePenn State·JournalReal Estate Economics·DateJan 19, 2011

How does anesthesia disturb self-perception?

Researchers found that anaesthetizing an arm impairs the ability to distinguish between right and left hands, leading to false sensations and altered body perception. The study aimed to understand how neuronal circuits are reorganized during anesthesia, which could lead to new therapeutic tools for treating phantom limb pain.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalAnesthesiology·DateJan 19, 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.

UCSF team views genome as it turns on and off inside cells

UCSF researchers developed a new approach to examine how cells convert DNA into RNA, bridging a gap in understanding gene expression. The technique enables direct observation of the transcription process at unprecedented resolution, providing insights into gene regulation and function.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature·DateJan 19, 2011

Study suggests possible new treatment for severe 2009 H1N1 infection

A study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases suggests that convalescent plasma therapy may reduce the death rate in patients severely ill with 2009 H1N1 influenza. The treatment showed a 20% mortality rate compared to 55% in non-treated patients, and reduced viral load at a higher rate.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateJan 19, 2011

University of Illinois study confirms glycerin as a feasible feedstuff for swine

The University of Illinois study found that swine diets can include up to 15% glycerin and achieve comparable performance to a conventional corn:soybean diet. However, the study revealed no effect of feeding glycerin on meat quality. The availability and cost of glycerin may impact its use as a feed ingredient.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Animal Science·DateJan 19, 2011

Putting the dead to work for conservation biology

A new review highlights the importance of geohistorical data in conservation biology, providing insights into species responses to climate change. Fossil records show that some species persisted in suitable habitats despite range contractions, while others went extinct due to human activities.

SourcePaleontological Research Institution·DateJan 19, 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.

Sea-level researchers win major funding

A major grant award of £3.3 million has been secured by a Southampton-led consortium project to study past and possible future sea-level rise. The researchers aim to obtain a better picture of how much and how quickly sea level may rise as a result of global warming.

SourceNational Oceanography Centre, UK·DateJan 19, 2011

Hotspots tamed by BEAST

Researchers have developed a single molecule imaging technology called BEAST to map the electromagnetic field inside nano-sized metal hotspots. The results show highly localized fields with exponential shapes that rise steeply to peaks and decay quickly.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateJan 19, 2011

MIT scientists discover cancer-fighting role for cells

Researchers found that endothelial cells lining blood vessels secrete molecules suppressing tumor growth and invasion. The discovery could lead to a new way to treat cancer by implanting these cells adjacent to the tumor.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 19, 2011
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Like humans, amoebae pack a lunch before they travel

Researchers found that about a third of wild-collected Dictyamoeba are 'farmers' who store bacteria as food and thrive in environments where others struggle to find sustenance. The study's findings suggest potential insights into the development of new treatments for diseases like tuberculosis.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature·DateJan 19, 2011

Data matrix codes used to catalogue archaeological heritage

Researchers at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona have implemented a digital cataloguing system that uses data matrix codes to reduce manual registration errors in archaeological heritage. The system, tested on Spanish and African sites, demonstrates substantial advantages over manual coding in terms of speed and reliability.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalJournal of Cultural Heritage·DateJan 19, 2011

Research provides new kidney cancer clues

Researchers have identified a gene, PBRM1, that is mutated in one in three patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), the most common form of kidney cancer. This discovery provides new insights into the biology of renal cancer and may lead to new therapeutic directions for treatment.

SourceVan Andel Research Institute·JournalNature·DateJan 19, 2011

Survey reveals potential innovation gap in the US

A new survey by the Lemelson-MIT Invention Index reveals that American women and men ages 16-25 possess characteristics necessary to become inventors, yet do not see themselves as inventive. Young adults cite access to funding, education, and mentorship as key factors to encourage inventive pursuits.

SourceLemelson-MIT Program·DateJan 19, 2011