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Science News Archive June 2011


Page 25 of 28

Could a birth control pill for men be on the horizon?

Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have developed a potential non-steroidal birth control pill for men that prevents conception with reversible male sterility. The compound, which interferes with retinoic acid receptors, showed no apparent side effects and restored fertility soon after drug administration was terminated.

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.

Benefit of targeted lung cancer therapy confirmed

A clinical trial revealed crizotinib's effectiveness in shrinking tumors and improving responses in over 60% of ALK-positive advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients. The treatment has shown dramatic benefits with minimal side effects, opening new avenues for targeted therapy.

Paper and computer workarounds challenge but may improve health IT

Researchers found that clinicians created shadow processes to support their work when the computer system didn't meet their needs. Paper and pen workarounds were common, involving printed consultation notes or electronic spreadsheets outside of the electronic health record.

New strain of MRSA discovered

A new strain of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has been discovered in both human and dairy cow populations. The genetic makeup of the new strain differs from previous strains, making current molecular tests ineffective in detecting it.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Helping the aged during natural disasters

The elderly are more vulnerable to negative impacts of floods and natural disasters due to age-related disabilities and social circumstances. Research highlights the importance of considering age-related needs in emergency preparedness planning to ensure better outcomes.

Bacterial roundabouts determine cell shape

Researchers found that MreB proteins assemble into patches and move in circular paths along the inside of the cell membrane, relying on a functioning cell wall for movement. This discovery opens up new avenues for therapeutic intervention and could lead to urgently needed alternatives to antibiotics.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Combination antibody therapy shows promise in metastatic melanoma

Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute conducted a phase 1 clinical trial using ipilimumab and bevacizumab to treat advanced, inoperable melanomas. The trial showed that the combination of these two drugs was safe and potentially more effective than either drug alone.

How muscle develops: A dance of cellular skeletons

Muscle cell fusion is crucial for understanding normal muscle growth and regeneration after injury or disease. Johns Hopkins researchers discovered the role of a regulatory protein called Blown Fuse in facilitating muscle cell merging by disrupting the WASP-WIP protein duo, which regulates cytoskeleton dynamics.

Cancer survivors can't shake pain, fatigue, insomnia, foggy brain

A Northwestern University study found that cancer survivors experience moderate to severe symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and disturbed sleep, often unaddressed by healthcare providers. Researchers emphasize the need for education programs and tailored interventions to manage these chronic symptoms.

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.

Novel geothermal technology packs a one-two punch against climate change

The novel CO2-plume geothermal system offers advantages over conventional geothermal systems, including increased efficiency and reduced risk of 'short-circuiting'. By using high-pressure CO2 as the underground heat-carrying fluid, CPG can be used in regions where traditional geothermal production is not feasible. This technology also ...

Unexpected results show no benefit from the addition of cetuximab to standard chemotherapy in patients with advanced colorectal cancer, but reveal that a large group of patients could benefit from treatment breaks (COIN trial)

The COIN trial found that standard chemotherapy with cetuximab does not improve progression-free survival or overall survival in patients with advanced colorectal cancer. However, taking treatment breaks without compromising survival improves quality of life for most patients.

ACSM: Weight loss success in a 3-D virtual world

Participants lost similar weight and body fat, but the online group reported greater gains in behaviors promoting healthy lifestyles. They also showed increased confidence in physical activity, even in challenging situations.

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.

Understanding cancer energetics

Cancer cells exploit a unique metabolic pathway fueled by sugar consumption to survive. Researchers identified HIF-1 as controlling gene expression in low-oxygen conditions, with PKM2 playing a crucial role in this process.

Moral responses change as people age

Research shows that moral responses differ across ages, with young children being more inclined to punish perpetrators for intentional harm versus accidental damage. As people mature, their brain's response to moral situations changes, becoming more tempered and reflecting on the values linked to outcomes and actions.

USC researchers discover genetic mutation causing excessive hair growth

Researchers have discovered a chromosomal mutation responsible for a very rare condition called CGH, which causes individuals to grow excess hair on their bodies. The study found that the insertion of chromosome 5 into the X chromosome appears to turn on a gene, likely SOX3, leading to excessive hair growth.

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.

NASA watching 2 areas in the Caribbean, 1 is a rainmaker

A low pressure area in the far western Caribbean Sea shows signs of tropical cyclone development, with a near zero percent chance over the next 48 hours, according to the National Hurricane Center. A second low pressure area is expected to bring heavy rainfall and flash flooding to Jamaica, Haiti, and other parts of the Caribbean.

Fast track to vascular disease

A study found that dendritic cells release CCL17, which drives atherosclerosis by restraining regulatory T-cell homeostasis. The researchers used transgenic mice to demonstrate the role of CCL17 in promoting atherosclerosis.

FSU scientist leads research on AIDS-related cancer

AIDS-related cancer, Kaposi's sarcoma, is a frequent harbinger of HIV, with FSU scientist Dr. Fanxiu Zhu leading research on the human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) to develop targeted therapies. His work focuses on viral proteins, including ORF45, which plays a crucial role in infection and immune evasion.

Emergency department physicians growing weary of frequent users

A survey of 418 ED physicians found that 59% acknowledge less empathy for frequent users, who visit the ED at least 10 times a year. The study highlights the challenges posed by these patients and the need for hospital administrators to develop programs to manage their care.

Vaccine first to show improved survival rates for metastatic melanoma

A clinical trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine reveals that a vaccine combined with Interleukin-2 improves response rate and progression-free survival for patients with advanced melanoma. The vaccine stimulates the immune system to recognize and attack tumor cells, resulting in increased survival rates.

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.

Study links empathy, self-esteem, and autonomy with increased sexual enjoyment

A recent study by Johns Hopkins researchers found a positive association between key developmental assets (self-esteem, autonomy, and empathy) and measures of sexual pleasure among young adults. The findings suggest that these assets may enable individuals to experience higher levels of sexual pleasure, particularly in men.

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.

New strategy to combat cystitis

Researchers have identified a new target for combating cystitis: the thread-like structures on E. coli bacteria that adhere to bladder cells. Understanding this mechanism can lead to the development of new antibiotics, offering hope for treating recurring urinary tract infections.

River mystery solved

Researchers uncover the mechanism by which Didymo 'scrubs' phosphorus from streams and rivers, making it available for growth. This study solves the puzzle of Didymo blooms in low-nutrient waterways.

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.

Climate projections don't accurately reflect soil carbon release

A new study reveals that climate projections don't accurately reflect soil carbon release, leading to potential flaws in global warming predictions. The researchers found that temperature variability affects the amount of carbon released from soils, with higher releases expected at lower latitudes.

Children eat more vegetables when allowed to choose

A University of Granada study found that allowing children to freely choose vegetables leads to an increase in their consumption. Children who were given the option ingested more than 20 grams of veggies daily, representing a significant boost to their overall vegetable intake.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

The blame game in work-family conflict

A new study by Elizabeth M. Poposki explores how individuals attribute work-family conflict, finding that most (64%) blame work and few (6%) blame themselves. The study suggests scheduling conflicts in advance may reduce negative emotional reactions.

Managing forests requires a bird's-eye view

A new forest simulation model helps researchers understand the effects of timber-friendly hardwood regeneration on songbird habitats in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The study found that regeneration in harvest gaps is crucial for forest managers to have choices, with sugar maple regeneration having a significant impact on bird habitat.

Children of divorce fall behind peers in math, social skills

A study found that children of divorce fall behind peers in math and social skills during the divorce period, but not before. The study tracked over 3,500 elementary school students through kindergarten and into early childhood, providing insight into the effects of divorce on young children.

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.

Rett protein needed for adult neuron function

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have found that neurons need the MeCP2 protein throughout their entire existence. Without it, even as an adult, neurons can develop Rett-like behaviors and die prematurely. This discovery opens up new possibilities for treating Rett syndrome patients by providing a steady supply of the protein.

Eating dirt can be good for the belly, researchers find

A comprehensive analysis of human geophagy reveals that eating dirt is a widespread behavior that provides protection against intestinal parasites and pathogens. The study found that people are more likely to consume earth during vulnerable life stages or in environments with high levels of foodborne microbes.

U of T scientist leads international team in quantum physics first

A team of researchers led by University of Toronto physicist Aephraim Steinberg successfully reconstructed the full trajectories of light particles moving through a two-slit interferometer, a historic experiment that has puzzled physicists for decades. This achievement provides new insights into quantum mechanics and its interpretations.

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.

A hot body could help ships reduce drag

A new drag reduction method could help shipping industries reduce energy use and carbon emissions by creating an insulating vapour layer around the ship's hot body. The Leidenfrost effect is used to minimize drag on fast-moving projectiles in water, with potential applications in ocean transport and high-pressure pumping.

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.

Cognitive impairment seen in preschool children with epilepsy

A recent study found that preschool children with epilepsy exhibit significant cognitive impairment, particularly those with early-onset seizures. The study suggests that age at seizure onset is a crucial factor in determining cognitive function, with higher IQ scores associated with later seizure onset.