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Science News Archive March 2011


Page 13 of 28

Are the wealthiest countries the smartest countries?

A study published in Psychological Science analyzed test scores from 90 countries, finding a significant correlation between intelligence and economic strength. The researchers discovered that even small increases in cognitive ability among the smartest 5 percent of the population can result in substantial gains in GDP.

New targeted drug helps smokers stub it out

Researchers at the Academy of Finland have developed a new targeted drug that slows down nicotine metabolism, aiming to aid in smoking reduction therapy. The drug inhibits the CYP2A6 enzyme, which metabolizes nicotine, and is being explored as a potential alternative to traditional anti-smoking treatments.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Study indicates vitamin A plays key role in the human body

A recent study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry suggests that vitamin A plays a more direct role than previously believed in various physiological functions. The study found that vitamin A itself is active in activating nuclear receptor TR4, which plays roles in sperm cell production, lipid regulation, and central nervo...

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Liquid biomaterials take stem cell therapy to new level

Researchers at the University of Bristol are developing biologically-engineered synthetic liquid polymers to create a permanent solution for cartilage defects. The injectable gel can form three-dimensional scaffolds that encourage healthy cell growth and tissue repair.

Sealing manifest occlusal caries in permanent teeth -- 2.5-year results

A study of 523 patients aged 6-17 years found that non-operative sealing of manifest occlusal caries lesions resulted in a significant reduction in caries progression and improvement in tooth health. The results indicate the possibility of extending the criteria for non-operative sealing, but further observation is needed.

Dr. Daniel Von Hoff presented with top genomics award from Scripps

Dr. Von Hoff's research and clinical work advance personalized cancer treatment by analyzing patients' DNA sequences to determine the best course of treatment. His work has improved patient outcomes and paved the way for individualized healthcare based on genetic factors.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Tiny 'on-chip detectors' count individual photons

Researchers have successfully integrated tiny detectors called single-photon avalanche diodes (SPAD) onto computer chips, allowing for the detection of individual photons. These detectors have extremely low noise levels, making them ideal for measuring fluorescence in biological imaging applications.

Chemical-free pest management cuts rice waste

A collaborative EUREKA project developed an integrated pest management system, reducing rice waste by over 95% through sustainable technologies. The system uses electronic insect traps, aeration, and modified atmosphere to protect rice during storage, improving quality and food security.

A new evolutionary history of primates

A new evolutionary history of primates reveals complex patterns of species divergence and gene sequence evolution. The analysis provides a validated framework for understanding human adaptation and disease, and sheds light on zoonoses and primate conservation.

Cassini spacecraft observes seasonal rains on Titan

The Cassini spacecraft has observed methane rain on Titan's equatorial deserts, revealing the first current evidence of rain soaking Titan's surface at low latitudes. This finding suggests that recent weather on Titan is similar to Earth's tropical regions.

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.

Today's children do engage in active play

Research suggests that actively engaging children in leisure time can boost their physical activity levels. However, the study found that boys and girls have different preferences for active play due to societal pressures. The researchers also noted that boys tend to have more freedom to roam during active play.

AGU journal highlights -- March 17, 2011

Researchers discover unique ocean current rings off Brazil's coast, with properties including size, speed, depth, and rotation velocity. Additionally, scientists capture detailed profiles of ice water content in the Martian near-surface atmosphere, revealing thickest concentrations at 50 meters above the surface.

Enzyme can steer cells or possibly stop them in their tracks

A study by Albert Einstein College of Medicine researchers found that an enzyme family, katanin, regulates cell motility. Treating this enzyme can encourage cells to migrate in a particular direction to heal wounds. This discovery could lead to new therapeutic agents for conditions like diabetic ulcers and metastatic cancer.

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.

$3.4 million grant awarded to help older people stay mobile

Researchers will recruit 450 people age 70 and older for a five-year study to identify cognitive factors that influence mobility. The study aims to reveal specific abilities and brain structures that correlate with mobility problems, with the goal of preventing mobility decline and disability.

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.

Recycling perlite: New, improved method saves resources

A new method for recycling perlite developed by Louisiana State University researcher Hanna Y. Hanna can save tomato growers a significant amount of money without reducing crop yield. The method, which uses hot water treatment and minimal labor input, reduces recycling cost by up to 50%.

Gardening linked to increased vegetable consumption in older adults

A new study suggests that gardening programs can boost vegetable intake among older adults, with no correlation between time spent gardening and consumption. The research found that gardeners were more likely to consume vegetables than non-gardeners, regardless of age or ability.

Max Planck researchers urge more prominent role for zoos

Scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research propose targeted captive breeding programmes to supplement wild animal protection. The study reveals that up to 25% of endangered mammal species and 20-25% of bird species are kept in zoos, with specialist zoos showing greater breeding success.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Study finds more efficient means of creating, arranging carbon nanofibers

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new method for creating uniform carbon nanofibers, which could enable precise scientific measurement tools and medical imaging devices. The technique uses nickel nanoparticles coated with ligand shells to grow carbon nanofibers of specific sizes.

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.

Researchers develop the first permanent anti-fog coating

The first permanent anti-fog coating has been developed by researchers at Université Laval, eliminating the need for regular reapplication. The coating prevents water droplets from forming on surfaces, maintaining optical properties and durability.

Stephen J. Teach, MD, MPH, part of landmark study on pediatric asthma

A landmark study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that adding omalizumab to asthma therapy reduced severe attacks and improved symptoms in urban children. The study's results have significant implications for treatment strategies and school attendance, particularly in inner-city areas.

NIH study finds omalizumab relieves seasonal asthma attacks in youth

A clinical trial found that adding omalizumab to standard therapy reduced asthma symptoms in children and young people with moderate to severe disease. The study showed a 25% reduction in days with symptoms and a 30% reduction in asthma attacks, as well as a significant decrease in hospitalizations.

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.

Less weight gain found among African-American women in dense urban areas

Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine found that African-American women who live in more densely populated urban areas tend to gain less weight over a six-year period. The study, which analyzed data from the Black Women's Health Study, suggests that policies promoting denser and urban residential development may help ad...

Fossils record ancient migrations and trilobite orgies

Mass trilobite burials record communal behaviors similar to those in modern crustaceans, including molting, mating, and migratory queues. These 'geologic snapshots' preserve life position and molted exoskeletons, providing evidence of rapid burial and minimal disturbance.

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.

Bacterial wipes research study

A recent study published in PubMed found that swiping contaminated plates three times significantly reduced bacterial counts. The mechanical removal of bacteria, not the disinfectant itself, was key to this effect. Saline wipes were found to be as effective as disinfectant wipes when swiped multiple times.

WHOI-led report links sonar to whale strandings

A WHOI-led research team found that beaked whales respond to naval sonar exercises by ceasing foraging and making slow ascents to the surface. The study suggests that whales may require lower exposure thresholds than current regulations, but appropriate monitoring can reduce the risk of stranding.

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.

Solving the bandwidth bottleneck

A team of University of Texas at Austin engineers is working on novel algorithms to enhance the efficiency of mobile video streaming, reducing the demand on wireless networks. The goal is to deliver high-quality videos with fewer bits, while improving network capacity and reducing interference from base stations.

Sirolimus therapy alleviates symptoms of lung disease LAM

A new study sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute found that sirolimus therapy can improve lung function and quality of life in individuals with lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM). The treatment was shown to slow disease progression and improve clinical outcomes in patients with this rare and progressive lung disease.

Study: Multi-tasking on the street not a good idea for older people

Researchers found older adults take significantly longer to cross streets while talking on mobile phones, with heightened cautiousness offering no safety benefits. The study also revealed a significant impairment in street-crossing tasks for older adults engaged in dual activities.

Mothers have a higher sickness absence than fathers

Research reveals mothers have a higher sickness absence rate compared to fathers, with twice as many days paid out after childbirth. Increased gainful employment and caregiving responsibilities for women contribute to the disparity.

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.

Pig model of cystic fibrosis improves understanding of disease

Researchers have created a pig model that genetically replicates the most common form of cystic fibrosis, revealing how the CF protein is misprocessed and leads to disease symptoms. The study suggests that a small amount of active CFTR protein activity is not sufficient to prevent disease in pigs.

Tai chi beats back depression in the elderly, study shows

Researchers found that combining tai chi with standard treatment for depressed elderly adults led to greater improvement in depression levels and quality of life. Participants who took escitalopram and participated in tai chi showed higher remission rates than those receiving health education.

Berkeley Lab scientists control light scattering in graphene

Researchers controlled light scattering in graphene by manipulating quantum pathways, providing a new tool for studying this unique material. By controlling the excitation pathways, they can control the light emission, which has practical applications for controlling electronic states in graphene nanodevices.

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.

Depolarizing the debates about pediatric mental health diagnosis and treatment

A report from The Hastings Center finds that many children with problematic moods and behaviors receive inadequate care due to systemic and cultural pressures. Experts agree that diagnoses have unclear boundaries, leading to disagreements about treatment, but also conclude that environments contribute to problematic behaviors.