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Science News Archive June 2011


Page 11 of 28

Research reveals unexpected differences in privacy regulations

A new study has found significant variations in privacy regulations across countries, driven by local context and institutional arrangements. The research suggests that events like 9/11 have had a lasting impact on privacy regulation, leading to common solutions at the European level.

Serology studies could inform pandemic flu plans

A community cohort study in Hong Kong found more children than adults were infected with H1N1, but children were less likely to progress to severe disease. Serology studies like this one can help estimate rates of severe disease per infection for revised pandemic preparedness plans.

New curation tool a boon for genetic biologists

Researchers developed BeeSpace Navigator, a free online software that uses semantic indexing to extract gene information from academic papers. The tool allows biologists to create custom searches and filters to find specific data, making it easier to interpret gene function.

Lyme disease tick adapts to life on the (fragmented) prairie

A new study reveals Lyme disease ticks are more adaptable to new habitats than previously thought. Researchers found that deer ticks and the Lyme disease bacteria they host thrive in forests, farms, and prairies of Central Illinois, with a high prevalence of infected ticks on prairie voles.

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.

Cooling system may build eggs' natural defenses against salmonella

Purdue University scientist Kevin Keener's research suggests that rapidly cooling eggs can increase the activity of lysozyme, an enzyme that defends egg whites from bacteria. By re-saturating egg whites with carbon dioxide and altering pH levels, the technology aims to create a safer food product.

Smoking may increase risk of prostate cancer recurrence, death

A new study from Harvard School of Public Health and University of California, San Francisco, found that men with prostate cancer who smoke are at higher risk of disease recurrence and mortality. Smoking was also associated with more aggressive disease at diagnosis.

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 dense is a cell?

Using Archimedes' principle, MIT scientists have devised a method to measure the density of individual cells, which could provide biophysical insight into fundamental cellular processes. The new device rapidly exchanges fluids, allowing for rapid measurement and potentially screening potential cancer drugs.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

UC Riverside neuroscientists' discovery could bring relief to epilepsy sufferers

Researchers at UC Riverside have made a breakthrough discovery in understanding epileptic seizures by developing a computational model that simulates the cortical network. The model shows that restricting chloride increase can lead to faster seizure termination and even make seizures impossible, offering new hope for treating epilepsy.

Fulbright scholar takes ecological theory to Andean heights

A Fulbright scholar is studying the ecological theory of Patagonian lakes in Argentina's Andean heights, focusing on nutrient chemistry and planktonic inhabitants. The research aims to establish a baseline for understanding lake nutrient supplies in 'ancestral,' pre-development conditions.

'My dishwasher is trying to kill me'

A study found 62% of dishwashers contain fungi on the rubber band in door, including polyextremotolerant black yeasts that can tolerate high temperatures, salt concentrations, and detergents. These extremophilic fungi pose a significant risk to human health due to their potential for causing fatal infections.

Let your fingers do the talking: Sexting and infidelity in cyberspace

A new study by Diane Kholos Wysocki and Cheryl Childers found that women are more likely to engage in sexting behaviors and that older men are more likely to cheat in real life. The authors conclude that humans are social creatures who need physical, face-to-face contact in relationships.

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.

Abnormal brain structure linked to chronic cocaine abuse

Researchers discovered widespread loss of grey matter in frontal lobe of cocaine users, associated with greater compulsivity and attention problems. The study also found enlarged basal ganglia reward system, suggesting potential inherited vulnerability to addiction.

UC research provides prescription for healthier hospital supply chains

The University of Cincinnati's research on hospital supply chains offers promising solutions for reducing costs and improving efficiency. By adopting a hybrid model that combines periodic and continuous resupply, hospitals can save up to 18% in labor costs, while also ensuring sufficient inventory levels.

XMRV and chronic fatigue syndrome: The sad end of a story

A new comment published in The Lancet states that numerous studies failed to replicate the findings of a 2009 XMRV detection in CFS patients. Contamination of laboratory reagents is blamed for the association between XMRV and chronic fatigue syndrome, leaving the field without a confirmed cause.

Acute Hepatitis A evades immune system more effectively than chronic cousin

A new study found that acute Hepatitis A virus is more efficient at evading the host's interferon response, allowing it to linger in the body for almost a year. This discovery undermines current theories on chronic Hepatitis C development and highlights the need for further research into Hepatitis-host interactions.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New study uncovers the dangers of portable pools

A new study found that portable pools are more dangerous than parents realize, with most fatalities and near-drownings occurring among young children. The Centers for Injury Research and Policy recommend multiple layers of protection to prevent submersion events.

GPs missing early dementia -- new study

A new study by the University of Leicester found that GPs struggle to identify people in the early stages of dementia, resulting in both missed cases and misidentifications. The research analyzed 15,277 patients with cognitive disorders, identifying a significant number of false positives.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Anti-HIV gel being evaluated in pregnant and breastfeeding women

A new clinical trial is being conducted to evaluate the safety of a promising HIV prevention gel, tenofovir gel, in pregnant and breastfeeding women. The study aims to provide critical information on the safety of using tenofovir gel during pregnancy and lactation.

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.

Is coming out always a good thing?

A study published in Social Psychology and Personality Science found that coming out as lesbian, gay, or bisexual increases emotional well-being, particularly in accepting environments. However, in judgmental contexts, the costs and stigma of identifying as minority outweigh the benefits.

Diagnosed autism is more common in an IT-rich region

A study from University of Cambridge found that autism diagnoses are more common in an IT-rich region. The 'hyper-systemizing' theory suggests that populations enriched for analytical skills, such as engineering and mathematics, may have a higher rate of autism.

Buzz kills

A study published in Addiction journal finds that even low levels of blood-alcohol content are associated with severe injuries and death. The research suggests that buzzed drivers are more likely to speed, be improperly seat-belted, and drive at greater speeds, leading to increased accident severity.

UC research uncovers ancient Mycenaean fortress

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have discovered a well-preserved Late Bronze Age (1500-750 B.C.) fortress in Cyprus, which may have protected an urban economic center from outside threats. The fortress's unique design and location suggest it played a crucial role in the region's history.

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.

Natural Alzheimer's weapon suggests better treatment

Scientists have identified a protective mechanism that tries to collect and detoxify high levels of toxic amyloid beta peptide found in Alzheimer's disease. The molecular chaperone HspB1 works like a waste management company to protect brain cells from damage.

Gay class tourism

A growing interest in 'chav' culture is being studied among middle-class gay men, revealing complex consumer patterns and challenging traditional notions of gay identity. The research also raises questions about the potential impact on working-class homosexual men.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

SURA receives NSF grant for minority physics conference

The Joint Annual Conference of NSBP and NSHP will be held in Austin from September 21-24, providing mentoring for physicists and increasing minority students in physics. The University of Texas at Austin is a Gold Sponsor, supporting the event's diversity goals.

Thunderstorms in Beatriz show strengthening toward hurricane status

Tropical Storm Beatriz is strengthening towards hurricane status, according to NASA satellite imagery, which revealed powerful thunderstorms and cloud tops cooling. The storm is expected to bring excessive rainfall, life-threatening flash floods, and mudslides to southwestern Mexico.

New compact microspectrometer design achieves high resolution and wide bandwidth

A new microspectrometer architecture using compact disc-shaped resonators has achieved high resolution and wide bandwidth, enabling miniaturized spectrometers with improved performance. The device can be integrated with other devices and is suitable for various applications in biological, chemical, medical, and pharmaceutical fields.

Researchers find CDT biomarker ineffective for identifying unhealthy alcohol use

Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine found that measuring carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) biomarker was a poor method for detecting unhealthy drinking among HIV-infected adults. The study suggests that CDT is not sufficiently sensitive for use in screening for unhealthy alcohol use in people with HIV infection.

Improving LED lighting

Researchers have created a smaller, flexible LED light with improved thermal management and increased life-span. The device uses novel manufacturing techniques to reduce temperature and increase efficiency, making it suitable for various applications such as deformable display monitors and biomedical devices.

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.

New study reveals how the immune system responds to hepatitis A virus

A recent study reveals that hepatitis A virus (HAV) evades the innate immune response more effectively than hepatitis C virus (HCV), which causes chronic infections. The research provides critical insights into the nature of HCV's persistence and highlights the importance of understanding how the body responds to these viruses.

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for June 21, 2011

Researchers recommend using multiple blood pressure readings to accurately assess control in patients with hypertension, suggesting home monitoring could improve quality of care. For suspected appendicitis, multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) is recommended as standard preoperative care due to its high sensitivity and specificity....

Signaling pathway is 'executive software' of airway stem cells

Notch signaling pathway plays a crucial role in controlling the differentiation of airway basal stem cells, with high levels leading to secretory cells and low levels resulting in ciliated cells. The findings have implications for developing therapies for airway diseases, which are a leading cause of death worldwide.

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.

In search of a safer, more profitable and more efficient railway system

The First European Forum on Railway Running Gears brought together top professionals to discuss advances in technology and interoperability. Researchers emphasized the importance of strengthening university-industry relationships to improve safety, profitability, and efficiency in the railway industry.

Anti-smoking policies for adults also reduce kids' smoking

A study published in Addiction journal found that comprehensive anti-smoking policies in Australia, particularly those targeting adults, also reduced smoking rates among adolescents. The key to this effect lies in the sustained and well-funded nature of these programs, which directly influence young people's perceptions of smoking.

The myth of the 'queen bee': Work and sexism

A new study published in Psychological Science concludes that female bosses who exhibit 'queen bee' behavior are not inherently nasty, but rather a response to a difficult, male-dominated work environment. The study found that only women with strong gender identities at work resist helping other women rise through the ranks.

Companies that combine exports, research outperform competitors

A study by Penn State researchers found that companies that export and invest in research and development are significantly more productive than those that don't. These firms can gain a competitive edge by learning from their customers and accessing foreign markets.

Urinary incontinence doubles risk of postpartum depression

A recent study published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology found that urinary incontinence after giving birth doubles a woman's risk of developing postpartum depression. The study, which evaluated nearly 1,900 new mothers, identified five key predictors of postpartum depression, including urinary incontinence.

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.

Discoveries in mitochondria open new field of cancer research

The study found two DNA modifications in mitochondrial genomes that regulate gene expression, similar to those in nuclear genomes. This discovery implies a system of gene control in mitochondria, which may contribute to cancer and other age-related diseases.

No injury spike in Bantam bodychecking

A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that introducing bodychecking into Bantam ice hockey does not increase overall injury rates or concussion risk, regardless of prior experience.

Millions with peripheral artery disease not getting vital medications

Research found that millions of adults with peripheral artery disease are not taking cholesterol-lowering and blood pressure-lowering medications, despite having a significantly increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. Taking two or more of these medications was associated with a 65% lower rate of death from all causes.

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.

Exercise training program improves outcomes in 'Grinch Syndrome' patients

Researchers found that exercise training significantly improved physical function scores and social function scores in patients with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). The study also showed that the exercise program restored upright blood circulation, improved kidney function, and dramatically improved quality of life fo...