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Science News Archive July 2011


Page 10 of 25

Researchers create the world's most advanced genetic map

The study provides a detailed map of genetic recombination in African Americans, revealing distinct differences from European populations. The researchers identified over two million recombination events, shedding light on the genetic origins of congenital diseases more common in African Americans.

Gene therapy to reverse heart failure ready for clinical trials

Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have demonstrated the long-term therapeutic effectiveness and safety of S100A1 gene therapy in a large animal model of heart failure. The therapy works by restoring normal levels of the calcium-sensing protein, preventing and reversing cardiac dysfunction.

Household smoke increases severity of bronchiolitis in babies

A study by the University of Liverpool found that babies from smoking households are more severely affected by bronchiolitis, requiring oxygen and mechanical ventilation. The research highlights the independent impact of tobacco smoke exposure on disease severity in infants.

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.

E-cigarette or drug delivery device?

Researchers argue that e-cigarettes are crude drug delivery systems for refined nicotine, posing safety concerns due to poor quality control and variability in nicotine content. The devices also have not been sufficiently evaluated in scientific studies, making them ineffective as quitting aids for smokers.

Rock-paper-scissors players are natural copycats

Researchers found that sighted players in rock-paper-scissors games often subconsciously imitate their blindfolded opponents' hand shapes. This automatic imitation increases the chances of a game ending in a draw.

Seaweed as a rich new source of heart-healthy food ingredients

Researchers found that seaweed proteins can reduce blood pressure like ACE inhibitor drugs, and the macroalgae have potential to be used in functional foods. The variety of species and ease of cultivation make them a relatively untapped source of new bioactive compounds.

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.

Add unwanted pregnancy to travails of women in war-torn lands

A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that 30-40% of women in Sudan, Uganda, and Congo do not want more children, yet only 4-16% use modern contraception. This gap highlights the need for increased family planning services in conflict-affected regions.

Sperm coat protein may be key to male infertility

A study by UC Davis researchers found that a significant proportion of men carry defective genes for the sperm coat protein DEFB126, which may significantly affect their fertility. The protein plays a crucial role in allowing sperm to swim through mucus and avoid the immune system.

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.

Movement of black holes powers the universe's brightest lights

A new study by Brigham Young University researchers reveals that black holes' movement, including lateral motion and spin, fuels massive jets of energy known as quasars. The study confirms a long-held theory while introducing a new component: that black holes' lateral movement also powers these jets.

Hebrew U. scientists identify molecular basis for DNA breakage

Researchers at Hebrew University identified the molecular basis for DNA breakage, a key feature of cancer development. The study sheds light on how DNA replication stress leads to breaks, providing new insights into cancer development and potential therapeutic approaches.

Tortoise populations can withstand fires every 30 years

A study by Spanish researchers found that spur-thighed tortoises in Mediterranean environments can withstand fires if they occur every 30 years. However, young tortoises are more susceptible to fire and disappear after each fire due to their limited shell development.

Soil samples reveal urban mercury footprints

A new study reveals that measurable amounts of mercury emitted by coal-fired power plants are deposited in local soil, contaminating regional watersheds and affecting fish populations. The research found hot spots of mercury contamination tied to specific power plants, highlighting the need for better energy production choices.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Reinventing the toilet for safe and affordable sanitation

Scientists at Delft University of Technology are developing a new toilet facility that uses microwave technology to transform human waste into electricity. The process involves drying, gasifying, and generating syngas, which is then fed to a fuel cell stack for electricity production.

Positive teens become healthier adults

A study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that teenagers with high positive well-being had reduced risk of engaging in unhealthy behaviors and reported excellent health in young adulthood. Positive psychological characteristics during adolescence are linked to improved long-term health outcomes.

Resource center focus on jail leadership

The resource center offers core competencies, a mentoring program, and a library with over 400 documents to support effective jail administrators. Key findings include the development of 22 core competencies and a mentoring program to groom experienced leaders and recruit new employees.

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.

Nutrition researchers examine restaurants' calorie counts

A new study by Tufts University researchers found that 19% of restaurant food samples contained at least 100 calories more than listed. Lower-calorie foods purchased in sit-down restaurants also tended to have more calories than stated.

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.

Avian 'Axe effect' attracts attention of females and males

Researchers at Michigan State University discovered that male songbirds use scent to attract both female and male mates through the 'Axe effect'. Female birds preferred the odor of smaller males, while larger males overcompensate with greater amounts of an attractive scent.

Mysterious fossils provide new clues to insect evolution

Scientists uncover ancient fossils of Coxoplectoptera, an insect order that defies classification, offering clues to the evolution of wings and lifestyle. The discovery presents a new hypothesis on the development of insect wings, suggesting they originated from thoracic backplates.

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.

Tropical Storm Dora bringing rough surf to southern Mexico

Tropical Storm Dora has strengthened to near-hurricane strength, expected to bring life-threatening surf and rip currents to southern Mexico. Cloud top temperatures have dropped significantly, indicating increasing convection and thunderstorm activity.

New mouse model for testing cancer drugs

Researchers developed a new mouse model to test cancer drugs by simulating gene inhibition, preventing rapid cell division in cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unaffected. The study published in Nature Communications validates the preclinical relevance and predictive value of the inducible RNAi-based mouse model.

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.

Study of H. pylori treatment in South America reverses trend found in Europe

A randomized trial found that standard triple therapy was more effective than newer four-drug regimens in Latin America, justifying population-wide eradication trials to prevent gastric cancers. However, comment authors disagree, citing potential risks and complications associated with mass eradication programmes.

Heartburn treatment may extend survival in IPF patients

Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) who treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have longer survival rates than those who don't. Treatment for GER may help reduce microaspiration and scarring of lung tissue, leading to improved survival outcomes.

ASTRO announces 2011 Fellows class

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has named 21 esteemed members as its 2011 Fellows, acknowledging their significant contributions to radiation oncology. These distinguished professionals have demonstrated excellence in research, patient care, education, and leadership, making them highly respected in the field.

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 finds some desert birds less affected by wildfires and climate change

A Baylor University study reveals that some desert bird species are more resilient to wildfires and climate change due to changes in their habitat. The research found that three bird species will benefit from the drying of grasslands, reducing the likelihood of intense wildfires, and allowing for easier prey foraging.

Falls may be early sign of Alzheimer's

A study found that participants with high levels of amyloid plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer's, had twice the typical annual rate of falls for their age group. This suggests that falls may be an early indicator of Alzheimer's disease in people with preclinical symptoms.

Evolution of the evolutionarily minded

A new framework for the evolutionary analysis of the mind proposes that humans cannot be accurately portrayed as being adapted only to a Stone Age environment due to recent selection of genes. Experimental evidence suggests that humans utilize general learning rules rather than a modular account of cognition.

New lung-cancer gene found

Cancer biologists have pinpointed a gene that drives progression of small cell lung cancer, an aggressive form of lung cancer. Researchers found the gene to be overexpressed in both mouse and human lung tumors.

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.

Over half of Alzheimer's cases may be preventable, say researchers

A study by Deborah Barnes found that low education, smoking, physical inactivity, depression, mid-life hypertension, diabetes, and mid-life obesity are associated with up to 51% of Alzheimer's cases worldwide. Lifestyle changes such as increasing physical activity and quitting smoking could potentially prevent some cases.

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Does food act physiologically like a 'drug of choice' for some?

A study found that obese and non-obese women experienced reduced calorie consumption when exposed to the same foods in different ways, suggesting meal monotony can lead to decreased caloric intake. The results support the idea that reducing food variety may be an effective strategy for weight loss.

New report shows seniors' economic security falling

A new report reveals that nearly 75% of senior households have limited financial buffers against unexpected events, making them vulnerable to poverty. The situation is expected to worsen if cuts are made to Social Security, which could impact millions of seniors in the US.

Painful legacy of teen sports

Research reveals abnormal femur development in young athletes due to high-intensity sports, leading to osteoarthritis and hip deformity. Athletes are ten times more likely to experience impaired hip function than non-athletes.

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.

How dairy farms contribute to greenhouse gas emissions

Agricultural Research Service scientists monitored emissions from a commercial dairy in southern Idaho, revealing that open-lot pens generate the majority of facility's ammonia, nitrous oxide, and methane emissions. The study provides detailed data on how large-scale dairy facilities contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.

Kidney dopamine regulates blood pressure, life span

Vanderbilt University researchers found that dopamine in the kidneys plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure and life span. The study suggests that targeting the kidney dopamine system may be effective in treating hypertension and progressive kidney diseases.

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.

Gradual bone reduction seen in some pill users

A study by Group Health Research Institute found that oral contraceptives can slow down bone gain in young women, especially those taking higher hormone doses. The study measured bone densities in 301 teen and 305 young adult women who used oral contraceptives, compared to similar women who did not use this method.