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Science News for March 23, 2011


Rapid etching X-rayed

Researchers at Kiel University developed a method to track atomic-scale changes during etching and coating, revealing uniform metal removal. The technique enabled detection of reactions within milliseconds, providing insights into industrially employed processes.

SourceKiel University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 23, 2011

'Knowing it in your gut' is real

Researchers found that gut bacteria influence how the brain is wired for learning and memory, leading to anxiety-like behavior. The study also suggests that targeting the immune system and gut function could lead to new therapies for psychiatric illnesses.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalNeurogastroenterology & Motility·DateMar 23, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers find similarities in brain activity for both habits and goals

A study by researchers at New York University found overlapping neurological mechanisms between goal-directed actions and habitual behaviors. The findings suggest that the brain's systems for different behaviors are more intertwined than previously thought, paving the way for addressing addiction and similar maladies.

SourceNew York University·JournalNeuron·DateMar 23, 2011

Traumatizing your DNA

A Tel Aviv University researcher warns that environmental stressors like pollution and stress can alter gene expression in a way that affects the human genome. This epigenetic inheritance can be passed down to future generations, with potential long-term impacts on health.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalThe Quarterly Review of Biology·DateMar 23, 2011

MIT systems biologists use computer models to predict animal cell behavior

Researchers created a computational model that describes how intestinal cells in mice respond to TNF, revealing the importance of location and protein interactions in cell fate. The study demonstrates the power of systems biology in modeling complex biological systems and predicting disease outcomes.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Signaling·DateMar 23, 2011

The evolution of brain wiring: Navigating to the neocortex

A new study has provided insight into the evolutionary scenario guiding sensory information projections in different species. Researchers discovered that subtle changes in the migration of 'guidepost' neurons underlie major differences in brain connectivity between mammals and nonmammalian vertebrates.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateMar 23, 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.

Arthritis drug could help beat melanoma skin cancer

Researchers have identified leflunomide as a potential treatment for melanoma, a form of skin cancer with high mortality rates. The study found that the drug restricts tumour growth in mouse models, and when combined with another therapy, it achieves almost complete blockage of tumour growth.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNature·DateMar 23, 2011

Molecular muscle: Small parts of a big protein play key roles in building tissues

A team at the Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology found that tiny pieces of a protein called tenascin-C can bind to specific sites on another protein, helping to construct tissue. These small domains may help stop uncontrolled matrix deposition in conditions like fibrosis, making them potential tools for controlling diseases.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 23, 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.

MicroRNAs: A potential new frontier for medicine

New research explores the role of microRNAs in understanding immunoregulation, inflammation, and autoimmune diseases. MicroRNAs are also being investigated as therapeutic targets in cancer and potential biomarkers for various diseases.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalTranslational Research·DateMar 23, 2011

Road traffic pollution doubles risk of rejection after lung transplant

Research tracking lung transplant patients living near roads found they had double the risk of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome and mortality. The study suggests traffic air pollution is a significant risk factor for lung transplant recipients, with proximity to main roads impacting health outcomes.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThorax·DateMar 23, 2011

UC Riverside geneticists to study how plants adapt to a changing environment

Researchers will investigate how transposable elements in rice plants adapt to environmental changes, with implications for understanding TE impact on gene expression and organismal responses. The team aims to document the global impact of a TE burst in any organism and develop resources for tracking TE movement.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateMar 23, 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.

U of M researchers close in on technology for making renewable petroleum

Researchers at University of Minnesota develop technology to convert CO2 into hydrocarbon fuels using bacteria and sunlight, a potential solution to fossil fuel depletion and climate change. The process uses ketones produced by bacteria as feedstock for diesel fuel production.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 23, 2011

Researchers sequence multiple myeloma genome in landmark Nature study

Researchers sequenced the genome of multiple myeloma in a landmark study, identifying mutations in genes involved in protein translation, blood coagulation, and histone methylation. The findings provide new insights into the disease's development and offer potential directions for targeted therapies.

SourceJohn Theurer Cancer Center·JournalNature·DateMar 23, 2011

UCSF team shows how to make skinny worms fat and fat worms skinny

The UCSF team identified a few dozen chemical compounds that alter fat storage in worms, which may be useful for understanding metabolism in other organisms. The discovery demonstrates the value of worm screening as a way to find new targets for human diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMar 23, 2011
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

International laws may be part of maritime piracy problem

Research from North Carolina State University reveals that international laws can create uncertainty and confusion in addressing piracy, leading to inconsistent responses from countries. The existing framework of international laws leaves room for pirates to exploit loopholes and escape justice.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·DateMar 23, 2011

First sex linked to better body image in men, not women

College-age males experience improved self-image after first intercourse, while females become less satisfied. In contrast, women's satisfaction with their appearance increases over the first four years of college, while men's satisfaction decreases.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Adolescence·DateMar 23, 2011

Why salad helps you say yes to 'NO'

Researchers found that supplementing rats with nitrate before vessel injury limited damage, while a diet low in nitrate exacerbated it. The study suggests that leafy green diets may benefit vascular health through nitric oxide production.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 23, 2011

Why some children are harmed by mother's alcohol, but others aren't

A gene variation passed on by mothers to their sons makes them vulnerable to fetal alcohol exposure, disrupting thyroid hormone balance and causing behavioral deficits. Researchers propose dietary supplements to reverse or fix enzyme dosage in the brain, potentially treating FASD.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateMar 23, 2011
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.

Long-term study: Robot-assisted prostate surgery is safe

A study of over 3,000 patients found robot-assisted prostate surgery to be safe, with a low major complication rate and no disease recurrence after five years for nearly 87 percent of patients. The study analyzed surgical outcomes from 2005 to 2009 and addressed the lack of standardized reporting in previous literature.

SourceHenry Ford Health·JournalEuropean Urology·DateMar 23, 2011

Physical activity decreases salt's effect on blood pressure

Researchers found that physically active participants experienced less increase in systolic blood pressure on high-salt diets compared to sedentary individuals. The study's findings suggest that increasing physical activity and reducing sodium intake can help lower blood pressure, particularly among those who are more sedentary.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMar 23, 2011

2 new targets for melanoma therapies

Researchers found two new proteins that accelerate melanoma in zebrafish models, SETDB1 and DHODH, which could lead to new treatments. Leflunomide, an arthritis drug, also showed promise by blocking the production of RNA nucleic bases, a key step in cancer cell growth.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature·DateMar 23, 2011
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.

Epigenomic findings illuminate veiled variants

Researchers mapped chromatin marks in nine cell types and linked non-coding SNPs to regulatory networks. This study provides insights into the functions of non-coding regions associated with human disease.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalNature·DateMar 23, 2011

Scientists identify gene responsible for severe skin condition

Researchers have identified a gene, HLA-A*3101, that increases the risk of developing a severe skin reaction to carbamazepine in Caucasian patients. This discovery complements previous findings in Asian patients and may lead to more effective treatment strategies for patients with epilepsy.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 23, 2011

Red tape for clinical trial consent can be lethal: Experts

Researchers argue that current rules requiring written consent in emergency situations are causing unnecessary delays, resulting in patients missing out on life-saving treatments. The study found that up to one sixth of patients in a major clinical trial were denied treatment due to these regulations.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 23, 2011

JCI online early table of contents: March 23, 2011

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh discovered a new nitric oxide pathway that protects against intimal hyperplasia in rats. The study found that supplementing rats with nitrate before vessel injury markedly limited damage, while a diet low in nitrate exacerbated it.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 23, 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.

Psychologists find the meaning of aggression

Researchers found that suppressing emotions while watching disturbing movie scenes led to aggressive behavior in later computerized competitions, contradicting previous studies on fatigue and aggression. The study suggests that controlling oneself can increase aggression.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateMar 23, 2011

Does belief in free will lead to action?

A study published in Psychological Science found that disbelief in free will impairs brain activity before conscious intention, while belief in self-mastery enhances readiness to act. This suggests that believing in one's ability to control their actions may lead to better performance and motivation.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 23, 2011
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Trigger found for autoimmune heart attacks

Scientists at Joslin Diabetes Center have found that a protein called alpha-myosin heavy chain triggers inflammatory heart disease in people with type 1 diabetes. The discovery could lead to diagnostic and therapeutic tools for this condition, which is often fatal.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 23, 2011

Queen's University leads €3 million food safety project

A €3 million research project aims to deliver better ways to ensure the quality and safety of animal feeds in Europe. The QSAFFE project, led by Queen's Centre for Assured, Safe and Traceable Food (ASSET), involves 11 partners from six countries and will work on developing new technology to detect contamination quickly and at low cost.

SourceQueen's University Belfast·DateMar 23, 2011

Lung cancer study finds mentholated cigarettes no more harmful than regular cigarettes

A large prospective study of black and white smokers found that mentholated cigarettes are associated with a lower lung cancer incidence and fewer lung cancer deaths than regular cigarettes. The researchers also found that menthol smokers reported smoking fewer cigarettes per day, but had similar quit rates as non-menthol smokers.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 23, 2011
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.

Even mild stress is linked to long-term disability

A large population-based study found that even mild stress can lead to long-term disability and an inability to work. Higher levels of stress at the start of the study were associated with a significantly greater likelihood of receiving disability benefits, with up to 70% more likely for those with mild stress.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateMar 23, 2011

Larger female hyenas produce more offspring

A study by Michigan State University researchers found that larger female hyenas have more cubs over their lifetime than smaller females. The team developed a novel approach to measuring body size and identified key traits influencing reproductive success, including leg length, shoulder height, and body length.

SourceMichigan State University·DateMar 23, 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.

Study finds no association between mercury exposure and risk of cardiovascular disease

A large-scale Harvard study of over 51,000 men and 121,700 women found no association between mercury exposure and increased risk of coronary heart disease or stroke. Higher levels of mercury exposure were actually linked to lower cardiovascular disease risk, likely due to beneficial effects of fish consumption.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 23, 2011

Cruise ship norovirus outbreak highlights how infections spread

A study on a cruise ship norovirus outbreak found that infected passengers were more likely to have an ill cabin mate and resided or dined on the deck level where a vomiting incident occurred. Quick reporting by sick passengers and crew is crucial in preventing the spread of illness.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateMar 23, 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.

Earning its stripes

A new gene called SETDB1 has been found to promote melanoma growth and invasion in a zebrafish model. The researchers also discovered that SETDB1 is present at high levels in 70% of human melanoma samples, suggesting its potential role in the formation of most cases.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalNature·DateMar 23, 2011

Rice University lab creates self-strengthening nanocomposite

Researchers at Rice University have created a synthetic material that gets stronger from repeated stress much like the body strengthens bones and muscles after repeated workouts. The team found that dynamic stress is necessary to improve the stiffness of the composite, unlike static loads.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateMar 23, 2011

When T cells attack: Insight into the mechanism of myocarditis

Researchers discovered that autoimmune disease myocarditis occurs when immune system targets heart muscle cells expressing alpha myosin, a protein required for contraction. Preventing the disease involves exposing T cells to alpha myosin in thymus, suggesting measurement of alpha-myosin as diagnostic tool and potential therapeutic target

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 23, 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.

Europe-wide survey reveals priorities for end-of-life care

A Europe-wide survey of over 9,000 people across seven countries found that 71% prioritize improving quality of life in their final time, while 4% aim to prolong life and 25% value both equally. The study calls for a shift towards prioritizing patients' needs alongside potentially life-prolonging treatments.

SourceKing's College London·DateMar 23, 2011

First French bulldog with sex reversal identified in Spain

A three-month-old female French bulldog was found to have cryptorchid testicles and a large clitoris, revealing the first ever genetic alteration in this breed. The puppy underwent surgical sterilisation to prevent medical complications.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalReproduction in Domestic Animals·DateMar 23, 2011

Research brings habitat models into the future

Researchers at Michigan State University have created innovative computer models that can accurately monitor changes in wildlife habitats over time. These models utilize remote sensing technology and can be used to track various changes, including the effects of human activities on habitat quality.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Biogeography·DateMar 23, 2011

'Junk food' moms have 'junk food' babies

Research published in The FASEB Journal found that rats whose mothers ate high-fat, high-sugar diets had babies that preferred similar foods. This study suggests that exposure to junk food during pregnancy and breastfeeding may shape a child's eating habits.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateMar 23, 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.

What's mine is virtually yours

A study by University of Bristol academics found that virtual MIMO technology can increase data capacity by up to 50% but also makes things worse for some users in certain scenarios. The researchers propose metrics to determine when to use this technology, highlighting the need for careful design and intelligence in the network.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalIEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation·DateMar 23, 2011

Researchers explore new treatments to end OA

Researchers from North America and Europe will present new osteoarthritis research at the Segal North American Osteoarthritis Workshop (SNOW) on March 25-27. The workshop aims to identify priority interventions that could improve treatment options for OA.

SourceArthritis Foundation·DateMar 23, 2011

Drug prevents Type 2 diabetes in majority of high-risk individuals

A daily pill of pioglitazone prevented type 2 diabetes in more than 70% of participants with obesity and other risk factors. The study also showed a 31% decrease in carotid artery thickening, indicating improved glucose control.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 23, 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.

New method for preparation of high-energy carbon-carbon double bonds

Boston College and MIT researchers developed a new catalytic chemical method to synthesize high-energy carbon-carbon double bonds, expanding the versatility of metal-based catalysts. The method uses molybdenum at its core to produce Z-selective cross metathesis reactions with unprecedented levels of reactivity and selectivity.

SourceBoston College·JournalNature·DateMar 23, 2011

1 in every 5 Spaniards suffers from insomnia

A study published in Sleep Medicine found that 40% of individuals over 65 experience interrupted sleep, leading to primary insomnia. The prevalence of insomnia affects one person in every five, with difficulties falling asleep increasing with age.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalSleep Medicine·DateMar 23, 2011

Religious young adults become obese by middle age

A new study found that normal-weight young adults who frequently attend religious activities are 50% more likely to become obese by middle age. This association holds even after adjusting for demographic factors such as age, race, and education level.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateMar 23, 2011

UC research produces novel sensor with improved detection selectivity

The University of Cincinnati has developed a highly sensitive sensor combining electrochemistry, spectroscopy, and selective partitioning to detect compounds in low concentrations. The three-mode sensor has been tested in various settings, including nuclear waste storage tanks and superfund sites.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateMar 23, 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.

New way to detect epileptic seizures

Researchers at Concordia University have developed a novel algorithm to detect epileptic seizures in real-time, analyzing EEG recordings of patients' brains. The new method has been shown to be highly accurate, detecting every seizure while scoring extremely low false positives rates, and may have applications beyond epilepsy.

SourceConcordia University·DateMar 23, 2011