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Science News for March 2, 2011


'A little off the top' helps NIST map cells with submicrometer resolution

Researchers at NIST and NCI have developed a technique that slices off the top of a cell, making structures accessible for spectroscopic examination. This allows for chemical mapping of cells at submicrometer resolution, potentially enabling early detection of cancer.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateMar 2, 2011

Ibuprofen may lower risk of Parkinson's disease

Research suggests ibuprofen may protect against Parkinson's disease by targeting a specific receptor in the brain. Taking ibuprofen regularly reduced the risk of developing the disease by 38%, according to the study published in Neurology.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateMar 2, 2011

2 new crustaceans discovered in Iberian Peninsula

Two new species of cladocerous crustaceans, Leydigia iberica and Leydigia korovchinskyi, have been discovered in the Iberian Peninsula. These ancient arthropods, dating back to the Permian period, are considered powerful bio-geographic indicators.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalZootaxa·DateMar 2, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Algal antifreeze makes inroads into ice

Researchers found that algal secretions can increase ice salinity and create channels in ice, allowing algae to live and grow. This adaptation may help sea-ice algae thrive in a warmer climate.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 2, 2011

New drug regimens cut HIV spread from mother to infant

Researchers have discovered that adding one or two drugs to the standard ZDV treatment can significantly reduce the risk of HIV transmission from mother to infant. The study found that treatment with two and three drug regimens reduced HIV transmission by more than 50%.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·DateMar 2, 2011

Tobacco smoking impacts teens' brains, UCLA study shows

UCLA researchers found a correlation between nicotine addiction and decreased prefrontal cortex activity in adolescent smokers. The study suggests that smoking can affect brain function, particularly during adolescence when the prefrontal cortex is still developing.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateMar 2, 2011

To bring effective therapies to patients quicker, use the team approach

Researchers propose collaborative clinical trials to revitalize the US research engine, cutting time and costs while increasing approved treatments. The approach involves companies sharing costs to test new therapies or devices, promising safer and more effective treatments sooner.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 2, 2011
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.

Nature study: Jefferson researchers unravel protein's elusive role in embryo and disease development

Scientists from Thomas Jefferson University have discovered that the protein FADD controls multiple cell death pathways, which could lead to better treatment options for autoimmune diseases and cancer. The study found that FADD regulates apoptosis and keeps necrosis at bay, allowing researchers to develop more targeted drugs with fewer...

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalNature·DateMar 2, 2011

Good fungi might prove even better for plant, human health

Researchers have discovered two classes of peptaibols with potential therapeutic value, including antibiotics and growth promoters. The fungus Trichoderma virens produces diverse compounds that can be tested for various applications.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 2, 2011

Federal grant funds OSC support of industrial modeling

The Ohio Supercomputer Center is receiving $2 million from a federal grant to support small- and medium-sized manufacturers in adopting advanced manufacturing technologies. The initiative aims to promote job retention, supply-chain growth, and new exports by providing access to modeling, simulation, and analysis tools.

SourceOhio Supercomputer Center·DateMar 2, 2011
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.

Scientists target aggressive prostate cancer

Scientists have identified a potential target to treat an aggressive type of prostate cancer, known as SPINK1. A 'blocking' antibody to SPINK1 reduced tumor growth by up to 74% in mice. The study suggests that targeting SPINK1 may be effective in treating SPINK1-positive tumors.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 2, 2011

2 languages in peaceful coexistence

A study published in New Journal of Physics analyzed the pattern of populations speaking Castilian and Galician languages in Spain. The researchers found that levels of bilingualism can lead to the steady co-existence of two languages in a stable population.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateMar 2, 2011

Lithosphere: New research posted Feb. 10

Two studies published in Lithosphere suggest the existence of a pre-3.3 billion year old continent in the East Indian Shield, implying a possible original supercontinent. Additionally, measurements of SKS splitting in South America indicate that asthenospheric flow plays a significant role in shaping the upper mantle's anisotropy.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalLithosphere·DateMar 2, 2011

New study suggests ALS could be caused by a retrovirus

A Johns Hopkins Medicine study found that human endogenous retrovirus K (HERV-K) may be responsible for some cases of ALS, a neurodegenerative disease. Researchers identified HERV-K mRNA transcripts in the brains of ALS patients and found that they were present in areas surrounding the motor cortex.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateMar 2, 2011
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.

Depression following miscarriage can continue after healthy birth

Women who experience depression and anxiety after a miscarriage may continue to feel these symptoms after a healthy child is born. The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children found that mental health problems associated with miscarriage or stillbirth do not end with the birth of a healthy baby, but can persist for several years.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·DateMar 2, 2011

Using artificial, cell-like 'honey pots' to entrap deadly viruses

Scientists design artificial protocells with bait proteins that mimic henipavirus receptors, successfully entraping and deactivating experimental analogs of Nipah and Hendra viruses. This innovative technique could lead to the development of new antiviral drugs by exploiting the virus's basic infection mechanism.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 2, 2011

New advances in genetic studies of Fanconi anemia patients

Researchers identified a dominant Indo-European mutation in Spain and its spread to America, linked to high prevalence on La Palma and Brazil. The study mapped over 130 pathogenic mutations, revealing the mutation's impact on DNA repair pathways and cancer risk.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalBlood·DateMar 2, 2011
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.

Effectiveness of wastewater treatment may be damaged during a severe flu pandemic

A study finds that widespread discharge of inefficiently treated wastewater into rivers could occur if existing plans for antiviral and antibiotic use are implemented during a pandemic. This could lead to water quality deterioration at drinking water abstraction points, potentially causing eutrophication and environmental toxicity.

SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateMar 2, 2011

New interpretation of Antarctic ice cores

Researchers at Alfred Wegener Institute expand prevailing theory on climate history by showing local climate changes in southern hemisphere can trigger temperature fluctuations in Antarctica. The study, published in Nature, suggests alternative explanation for historical Earth climate data from Antarctica.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature·DateMar 2, 2011

UK youth are happy after all?

A study of 40,000 UK households reveals that children living in households with the bottom fifth income have similar average life satisfaction scores as those in the top fifth. Family relationships, particularly mother-child relationships, play a significant role in determining young people's happiness.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateMar 2, 2011
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Nanofabrication tools may make silicon optical chips more accessible

The University of Washington is developing design tools and using commercial nanofabrication tools to create inexpensive next-generation silicon-based electro-optical chips. The Air Force Office of Scientific Research is funding this effort to improve data communications, lasers, and detectors.

SourceAir Force Office of Scientific Research·DateMar 2, 2011

Improved lesion detection with time-of-flight PET scans affirmed

Researchers found significant improvements in lesion detection with whole-body TOF FDG PET scans, particularly in larger patients and shorter studies. TOF scans yielded better image signal-to-noise due to travel time consideration, reducing scanning time and patient motion.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateMar 2, 2011

Has the Earth's sixth mass extinction already arrived?

Researchers estimate that if currently threatened species go extinct, the sixth mass extinction could arrive within 3 to 22 centuries. However, they also believe it's not too late to save critically endangered mammals and other species through conservation efforts.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature·DateMar 2, 2011
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 predict age of T cells to improve cancer treatment

By analyzing CD8+ T cells from healthy blood donors, researchers created a statistical model that accurately predicts the age and quality of T cells. This allows clinicians to transfer only young functional cells back into patients' bodies, potentially improving therapeutic outcomes for various cancers.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalMolecular & Cellular Proteomics·DateMar 2, 2011

Fighting cancer at your local Indian restaurant

Researchers at Tel Aviv University discovered that curcumin amplifies the therapeutic activity of anti-inflammatory drugs used to treat colon cancer. This combination has already shown promising results in human clinical trials and may alleviate unwanted side effects.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalTherapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology·DateMar 2, 2011

How much can a cell uptake?

A new study has found that macrophages have a seven-cell uptake threshold, governing the healing process. The researchers also discovered substances informing cells on tissue repair rates and accelerating macrophage transition to immune organs.

SourceUniversity of Haifa·JournalEuropean Journal of Immunology·DateMar 2, 2011
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.

Earth's sixth mass extinction: Is it almost here?

A study published in Nature warns that Earth is on the brink of a mass extinction like those that have occurred five times during the past 540 million years. The study finds cause for hope and alarm, with critically endangered mammals facing an even greater risk of extinction within three generations.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature·DateMar 2, 2011

IL28B gene predicts treatment outcome for liver transplantation patients

Researchers found a significant association between IL28B genotypes and interferon-based antiviral treatment outcomes, as well as graft inflammation caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV). The presence of G-allele serves as a marker for severe HCV-induced graft inflammation and predictor of unsuccessful treatment.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateMar 2, 2011

JQI physicists demonstrate coveted 'spin-orbit coupling' in atomic gases

Physicists at JQI successfully demonstrated spin-orbit coupling in a gas of bosonic rubidium atoms, opening new possibilities for studying fundamental physics. The technique also showed promise for creating novel interactions between fermions, which could lead to breakthroughs in topological quantum computation and superconductivity.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature·DateMar 2, 2011

NIH-funded study shows early brain effects of HIV in mouse model

A new mouse model closely resembles the human body's reaction to early HIV infection, showing inflammatory responses, changes in brain cells, and neuronal loss. The study is a breakthrough in understanding how HIV affects brain functioning in its initial stages.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·DateMar 2, 2011
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.

Mutations found in human induced pluripotent stem cells

Researchers discovered protein-coding point mutations in all 22 hiPSC lines, with an estimated six mutations per exome. The findings suggest that genetic screening of hiPSCs before clinical use is crucial to ensure their safety and accuracy.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·DateMar 2, 2011

Blood protein in lung cancer could improve diagnosis and treatment

A recent study discovered a blood protein linked to lung adenocarcinoma, which could serve as a diagnostic marker for the disease. Elevated levels of serum amyloid A (SAA) were found in patients with lung cancer, making it a promising target for developing drugs that stop cancer spread.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateMar 2, 2011

Research suggests alcohol consumption helps stave off dementia

A study of 23 longitudinal studies found that light-to-moderate alcohol consumption was associated with lower incidence rates of overall dementia and Alzheimer's disease. However, the impact on vascular dementia and cognitive decline is unclear.

SourceOxford University Press UK·JournalAge and Ageing·DateMar 2, 2011

Trust, clarity and openness in the workplace

A study by D. Keith Denton highlights the importance of creating an atmosphere of trust in the workplace to improve communication and reduce dissatisfaction. Face-to-face communication is found to be more effective than other channels, allowing for true dialogue to occur.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Productivity and Quality Management·DateMar 2, 2011
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.

4 new species of Zombie ant fungi discovered in Brazilian rainforest

Four new species of fungus have been discovered in the Brazilian rainforest, infecting ants and manipulating their behavior to secure prime locations for spore dispersal. The study sheds light on the complex interactions between parasites and fragmented habitats, providing tools for further research into disease dynamics.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 2, 2011

Sustaining the biodiversity of the western Great Plains

Fire, cattle, and prairie dogs play a crucial role in maintaining the diversity of vegetation on the western Great Plains. This mosaic of diverse vegetation supports various wildlife species, including declining populations of grassland birds and ground-nesting birds.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·DateMar 2, 2011
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.

Joint pain in children: Is it just a sore knee, or ... ?

A literature review finds lab tests and imaging have limited value in diagnosing JIA due to false positives; a full physical exam and patient history are crucial for accurate diagnosis

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateMar 2, 2011

Penn physicists develop scalable method for making graphene

Researchers at Penn have created high-quality graphene that covers over 95% of its surface area using readily available materials and manufacturing processes. The production process can be scaled up to industrial levels, reducing costs and increasing flexibility.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateMar 2, 2011

CROI -- Day 3: Selected highlights of NIH-supported research

The iPrEx study found daily oral Truvada effective in preventing HIV infection in gay and bisexual men and transgender women. Researchers also discovered small but significant decreases in bone mineral density among those taking Truvada compared to a placebo.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateMar 2, 2011
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.

Study shows ibuprofen may reduce risk of developing Parkinson's disease

A new Harvard School of Public Health study found that adults who regularly take ibuprofen have a lower risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The researchers analyzed data from nearly 99,000 women and 37,000 men, finding that ibuprofen use was associated with a 38% reduced risk of Parkinson's disease.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNeurology·DateMar 2, 2011

Solar mystery solved

Computer simulations suggest that changes in plasma flow within the Sun, which resembles ocean currents, contribute to prolonged solar minima. The team discovered that a faster flow during the first half of the solar cycle can lead to an extended period without sunspots and weak polar magnetic fields.

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·JournalNature·DateMar 2, 2011

Clouds amplify ecological light pollution

Research by physicists and ecologists found that overcast skies are up to three times brighter than clear nights, amplifying ecological light pollution in urban ecosystems. The study highlights the need to consider cloud cover when assessing biological impact of light pollution.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 2, 2011

Potassium levels possible key to racial disparity in Type 2 diabetes

Researchers found lower potassium levels associated with higher diabetes risk in African-Americans, who are twice as likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Increasing potassium levels through diet or supplements could potentially prevent the most common form of diabetes.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMar 2, 2011

New growth inhibitors more effective in plants, less toxic to people

Researchers created a new class of plant growth regulators that block auxin transport, controlling growth processes without hormonal activity or toxicity concerns. The inhibitors are expected to reduce environmental impact and safety risks associated with current growth regulators.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 2, 2011
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.

Penn researchers find new role for cancer protein p53

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that protein p53 controls glucose metabolism, enabling cells to grow uncontrollably in tumors. This discovery may lead to new cancer therapeutics by targeting an inefficient metabolic pathway.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateMar 2, 2011

Research shows how bacteria communicate with each other

Researchers at Hebrew University identified a previously uncharacterized type of bacterial communication mediated by nanotubes that bridge neighboring cells. This mechanism enables bacteria to exchange small molecules, proteins, and even small genetic elements, facilitating the acquisition of new features such as antibiotic resistance.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalCell·DateMar 2, 2011

New MIT developments in quantum computing

Researchers at MIT propose an experiment using a large number of photons and beam splitters to calculate complex distributions. The challenge lies in simulating the sampling process, which is currently computationally intractable.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateMar 2, 2011
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.

Black holes: a model for superconductors?

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a model for interacting electrons in unconventional superconductors by mimicking the behavior of charged black holes. This work resolves the Mott problem, which has puzzled physicists for decades, and sheds light on the origin of superconductivity in copper oxide materials.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 2, 2011

Jekyll and Hyde: Cells' executioner can also stave off death

Caspase 8, long viewed as an executioner of cellular suicide, has a surprising dual function: initiating apoptosis and restraining an independent programmed death pathway. The enzyme's absence can be compensated by RIP3, allowing mice to develop normally and potentially offering new therapeutic avenues for diseases.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature·DateMar 2, 2011

Parents rationalize the economic cost of children by exaggerating their parental joy

A study by Richard Eibach and Steven Mock found that parents who focus on the financial costs of parenthood tend to idealize parenting more, while those considering both costs and benefits report lower enjoyment in other activities. The researchers suggest this myth is a modern psychological phenomenon linked to changing societal values.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 2, 2011
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.

Combined molecular study techniques reveal more about DNA proteins

Scientists have developed an instrument that tracks protein conformation and translocation with nanoscale precision. This breakthrough enables researchers to study proteins that regulate DNA replication and transcription, revealing new insights into their mechanisms.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Methods·DateMar 2, 2011

An appeal to the caregiving values of rural women for breast cancer prevention

A study published in the Journal of Consumer Affairs found that rural Appalachian women are more likely to perform breast health self-examinations and seek medical attention when their caregiving responsibilities are recognized. The research suggests that appealing to their strength as caretakers encourages them to take care of themsel...

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Consumer Affairs·DateMar 2, 2011

Dude, you throw like a crybaby!

A UCLA study found that body language is more likely to be judged as masculine when it conveys anger and as feminine when it conveys sadness during baseball tosses. Researchers used technology to disguise the actors' sex and presented videos to observers, who made judgments about their emotions and gender.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalCognition·DateMar 2, 2011

Just like me: Online training helpers more effective when they resemble students

A study by North Carolina State University found that superficial similarities between training participants and helper agents enhance performance. Participants reported better engagement and focus when the helper's communication style matched their own, leading to improved learning outcomes.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateMar 2, 2011
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Worms strike see-saw balance in disease resistance

Researchers found that C. elegans worms gain resistance to one microbe at the cost of becoming more vulnerable to another, highlighting a see-saw balance between immunity to different diseases across the animal kingdom.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 2, 2011
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Study in PLoS: Intensive adherence counseling to HIV treatment improves patient outcomes

A study published in PLoS Medicine found that intensive adherence counseling significantly reduces poor adherence and virologic treatment failure in patients with HIV. Patients receiving counseling were 29% less likely to experience poor adherence, and those receiving early counseling had a 59% lower risk of viral failure.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 2, 2011

Researchers focus on human cells for spinal cord injury repair

Researchers have discovered that specific human astrocytes derived from stem cells can repair damaged nervous systems and promote locomotor function in spinal cord injured rats. The study reveals the importance of creating beneficial cell types through tissue culture before transplantation, providing a potential new avenue for treating...

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 2, 2011

Shift work may be associated with decreased risk of skin cancer

A recent study published in JNCI found that shift work may be associated with a reduced risk of skin cancer in women. The researchers analyzed data from the Nurses' Health Study and discovered that rotating night shifts were linked to a lower risk of skin cancer, particularly melanoma. Darker-haired women had the lowest risk.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 2, 2011

6-month drug regimen cuts HIV risk for breastfeeding infants, NIH study finds

A 6-month daily dose of the antiretroviral drug nevirapine significantly reduced HIV transmission through breast milk to infants of HIV-infected mothers. The extended regimen achieved a 54% reduction in HIV transmission risk compared to six-week treatment, while preserving health benefits of extended breastfeeding.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateMar 2, 2011