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Science News Archive June 2011


Page 5 of 28

Scientists sequence endangered Tasmanian devil's genome

Researchers use genome sequencing and analysis to identify individuals for captive breeding programs, aiming to maximize genetic diversity and prevent extinction. The study provides insights into the impact of European settlement on Tasmanian devil genomic diversity.

UCLA stem cell scientists discover new airway stem cell

Researchers at UCLA have identified a new stem cell that plays a vital role in repairing the large airways of the lungs. The discovery has implications for understanding airway diseases and developing novel cell-based therapies.

Meta-analysis reveals patterns of bacteria-virus infection networks

A meta-analysis of bacterial-virus interactions reveals a nested structure, with hard-to-infect bacteria infected by generalist viruses and easy-to-infect bacteria attacked by both generalist and specialist viruses. This discovery could improve predictions of microbial population dynamics and community assembly.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

False negative tests in breast cancer may lead to wrong drug choice

Research at Yale University reveals 10-20% of breast cancers classified as ER negative are actually positive, leading to under-treatment and missed opportunities for effective therapies. A new method for standardizing Estrogen Receptor measurement has been developed, which detects the receptor with higher sensitivity and reproducibility.

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.

University of Houston's Biotech Program gets state grant

The University of Houston's Center for Life Sciences Technology has received a $300,000 state grant to continue and expand its research-based education programs in biotechnology. The grant will support the center's mission to provide innovative interdisciplinary training to aspiring professionals and industry workers.

First patients receive lab-grown blood vessels from donor cells

Researchers have successfully implanted lab-grown blood vessels from donor skin cells into patients, a breakthrough that could improve treatment for kidney dialysis and coronary bypass surgery. The vessels withstood high pressure and frequent needle punctures without rejecting the immune system, paving the way for widespread use.

Multidisciplinary integrated care for seniors gives better quality care

A Dutch study published in CMAJ found that multidisciplinary integrated care in residential care facilities resulted in better quality of care for seniors with complex health needs. The study showed improved functional ability, reduced hospital admissions, and enhanced health-related quality of life among participants.

Baseball cheaters can't hide from the laws of physics

Researchers from Washington State University tested common cheating methods in baseball, finding that corked bats result in slower bounces, while juiced balls have nearly identical coefficients of restitution as contemporary ones. Humidors also curb home run production by reducing ball bounce.

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.

Cancer diagnosis isotopes from Garching

The German Federal Ministry of Health has awarded funding for efficient production of cancer diagnostic agent technetium-99m at FRM II in Garching. The goal is to increase specific activity and improve packaging processes.

A little practice can change the brain in a lasting way: Study

A study at McMaster University found that practice can lead to precise and long-lasting changes in the brain's ability to retain information about visual patterns. Researchers observed significant improvements in accuracy rates over time, even when participants were shown new images closely resembling those they had seen previously.

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.

Related studies point to the illusion of the artificial

Two studies suggest diet soft drink consumption may lead to increased risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic conditions. Diet soda users experienced a 70% greater increase in waist circumference compared to non-users.

Metal particle generates new hope for H2 energy

Tiny metallic particles produced by University of Adelaide researchers have been found to efficiently split water into hydrogen and oxygen using solar radiation. This process has the potential to produce cheap, clean, and portable hydrogen energy.

Duke researchers learn how lung fibrosis begins and could be treated

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have discovered a possible new treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) by targeting the invasive type of cell that leads to lung fibrosis. By reducing the production of hyaluronan and blocking its receptor, they were able to prevent fibrosis in living mice.

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.

Disease-resistant oysters call for shift in Bay restoration strategies

A new study by Virginia Institute of Marine Science researchers suggests that disease-resistant oysters are thriving in the high-salinity areas of Chesapeake Bay, where MSX and Dermo parasites thrive. Restoration efforts should focus on these areas to increase resistance, rather than low-salinity refugia.

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.

Living antibiotic effective against Salmonella

A new study reveals that Bdellovibrio can reduce Salmonella bacteria by 90% without harming birds. The research confirms the safety and effectiveness of this natural predator as a potential alternative to antibiotics.

Demonstrating the importance of dynamical systems theory

Researchers used bifurcation diagrams to analyze bursting electrical activity in pancreatic beta cells, finding distinct behavioral patterns under critical parameter regions. Dynamical systems approaches are gaining importance in biology due to their ability to dissect complex systems and understand cell-signaling mechanisms.

Researchers find a keystone nutrient recycler in streams

In a study published in Ecology, researchers found that banded tetras play a keystone role in nutrient recycling due to their diet composition and excretion rates. This finding highlights the importance of conservation efforts in maintaining ecosystem function.

Economic cost of weather may total $485 billion in US

Routine weather events like rain and cooler days can have a significant impact on the US economy, affecting every state. The study found that the mining and agriculture sectors are particularly sensitive to changes in temperature and precipitation.

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.

July 2011 in GSA Today: Clinker geochronology

Researchers used clinker deposits and U-Th/He isotopic dating to determine the pace of recent evolution in the Powder River Basin. The study found that the basin has experienced increasing incision and topographic relief over the last million years, with rates of up to 0.3 km/million years.

Alzheimer's prevention in your pantry

Researchers discovered a compound in cinnamon bark that can inhibit the development of Alzheimer's disease. The extract, called CEppt, slows down the progression of the disease and breaks up toxic amyloid fibers in the brain.

NASA sees Tropical Depression Meari about to cross North Vietnam

Tropical Depression Meari is weakening due to wind shear and cooler sea surface temperatures as it approaches North Korea, with moderate rainfall observed by NASA's TRMM satellite. The system is expected to fall apart over the Hamgyeong Mountain Range, potentially regenerating in the Sea of Japan

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.

Disorderly enzyme is key for antibody diversity

A study by USC researchers reveals that the inefficiency of activation-induced deoxycytidine deaminase is key to generating antibody diversity, a crucial component of the immune system. The enzyme's random process creates mutations in immunoglobulin genes, producing a diverse array of antibodies.

Soluble fiber strikes a blow to belly fat

A new study found that increasing soluble fiber intake can reduce visceral fat by 3.7% over five years and decrease belly fat accumulation rate by 7.4%. Moderate activity, such as vigorous exercise for 30 minutes two to four times a week, is also effective in reducing belly fat.

Greener disaster alerts

Researchers developed a new software that allows wireless sensor networks to run at much lower energy, improving the efficiency of hurricane and other natural disaster warning systems. The technology also enables environmental monitoring and risk identification.

Study: Most parents unaware of teen workplace risks

A new study highlights the importance of parental involvement in helping teenagers understand and prepare for workplace risks. The research found that most parents are unaware of the hazards their teens face on the job, but can play a critical role in ensuring good safety standards by asking the right questions.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

UCI, French researchers find master switch for adult epilepsy

Researchers have identified a central switch responsible for transforming healthy brain cells into epileptic ones. The discovery marks a dramatic change in understanding how temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) develops, revealing the role of epigenetic mechanisms and a master switch-like protein called NRSF.

Black members of Adventist church defy health disparities, study shows

A recent study conducted at Loma Linda University found that black members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church have a significantly better quality of life compared to the average American. They reported lower rates of smoking, drinking, and meat consumption, as well as higher rates of vegetarianism and water consumption.

Study reveals possible brain damage in young adult binge-drinkers

A new University of Cincinnati study found that binge drinking among adolescents and young adults can cause cortical-thinning in the pre-frontal cortex, leading to impaired executive functioning. The research also suggests that greater number of drinks per binge is associated with reduced gray matter thickness.

Researchers share useful lessons learned in evaluating emerging technologies

The NIST researchers developed an evaluative framework called SCORE to assess the performance of systems and their components, providing a unified set of criteria and software tools for emerging technologies evaluation. The framework helps maximize contributions without biasing test results and provides flexibility over time.

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.

Duke team finds new clues to how cancer spreads

A Duke University Medical Center research team has discovered new proteins in blood cells of patients with advanced prostate cancer and metastatic breast cancer. These proteins are associated with embryonic development and may help doctors gauge the progression or response to treatment more accurately.

Study finds peat wildfire smoke linked to heart failure risk

A US EPA study has found that peat wildfire smoke is associated with a significant increase in emergency room visits for respiratory and cardiovascular effects. The study discovered a 37% rise in ER visits for people experiencing symptoms of heart failure during a period of dense smoke exposure.

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.

How cavity-causing microbes invade heart

Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center identified a collagen-binding protein allowing Streptococcus mutans to invade heart tissue, causing endocarditis. The discovery may lead to a screening tool to gauge dental patients' vulnerability.

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.

Team identifies new breast cancer tumor suppressor and how it works

A team of researchers has identified a new breast cancer tumor suppressor called Runx3, which regulates gene expression and targets the estrogen receptor alpha. The study found that Runx3 suppressed breast cancer cell growth and inhibited tumor formation in mice, offering potential benefits for early detection and treatment.

Scientists discover dielectron charging of water nano-droplet

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology and Tel Aviv University discovered dielectron charging of water nano-droplets, where excess electrons form doubly negatively charged clusters. The study reveals a water-splitting process resulting in molecular hydrogen liberation and hydroxide anions formation.

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.

2 talks with teens leads to less marijuana use for at least a year

Researchers found that a brief conversation with an adult led to significant reductions in marijuana use among teenagers who frequently used the drug. The program, called Teen Marijuana Check-Up, was shown to decrease usage by up to 20% over a year, setting a promising model for schools and counselors.

Tiny ring laser accurately detects and counts nanoparticles

A tiny ring laser can detect and count individual nanoparticles with high accuracy, offering a breakthrough in sensing technology. The sensor's effective resolution limit is about one nanometer, making it orders of magnitude more sensitive than earlier passive resonators.

Cedars-Sinai surgeon shows simple cotton swab slashes

A study by Cedars-Sinai surgeon Shirin Towfigh found that daily probing of wounds with a dry cotton swab after surgery dramatically reduced infections in post-operative incision sites. The technique resulted in significantly shorter hospital stays and better cosmetic healing.

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.