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Science News Archive March 2011


Page 23 of 28

Genetic makeup and duration of abuse reduce the brain's neurons in drug addiction

A study at Brookhaven National Laboratory found that genetic factors and the length of time someone abuses drugs can impact brain structure, particularly in areas related to decision-making and learning. This research has implications for treatment strategies and suggests that curtailed drug use may be protective against brain changes.

Laboratory-grown urethras implanted in patients, scientists report

Researchers at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center successfully implanted laboratory-grown urethras in five boys, showing functional results throughout a six-year follow-up period. The engineered tissue replaced damaged segments of the urinary tube, providing an alternative to traditional tissue grafts with high failure rates.

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.

Clinical observation leads to lung cancer discovery

A recent study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology has revealed that pemetrexed, an established chemotherapy drug, can produce significant responses in patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive advanced non-small cell lung cancer. The treatment was found to be effective in over half of these patients, offering n...

Study examines prevalence of eating disorders among adolescents

The study found that eating disorders were common among US adolescents, with high prevalence rates of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder. The researchers also discovered a strong association between eating disorders and social impairment, as well as increased risk of suicidality.

Using a molecular switch to turn on cancer vaccines

Researchers have developed a molecular switch that enables efficient activation of dendritic cells, a crucial step in cancer vaccine development. By combining MyD88 and CD40 signaling pathways, the switch synergistically activates dendritic cells to enhance antitumor efficacy.

Body mass index and risk of death in Chinese population

A Chinese study found that individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 24-25.9 had the lowest risk of death. This contradicts the current definitions of overweight and obesity in white populations, where BMI 22.5-24.9 is considered the lowest risk range.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Evolution drives many plants and animals to be bigger, faster

A new study found that larger body size and earlier seasonal timing confer significant survival advantages in most plants and animals. This 'bigger is better' model of evolution is more common than the rare 'Goldilocks' model, where individuals with moderate traits tend to outperform those that are too small or too large.

DNA better than eyes when counting endangered species

A recent study by Purdue University researchers used genetic methods to count endangered eagles, revealing significantly higher populations than visual counts. The technique identified individual DNA fingerprints for each bird, leading to more accurate estimates of population sizes.

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.

Rehabilitation within a day of knee replacement pays off

Starting rehabilitation within 24 hours of knee arthroplasty surgery can significantly improve pain management, range of motion, and muscle strength. This early intervention also leads to shorter hospital stays, fewer complications, and reduced risk of secondary infections, making it a potential game-changer for patients and hospitals.

New instrument keeps an 'eye' on nanoparticles

The new instrument, developed at UCSB, can detect nanoparticles in fluid at rates of up to half a million particles per second. It measures the volume of each nanoparticle for rapid and precise size analysis of complex mixtures.

Cardiac catheter that can do it all

A new, multifunctional catheter developed by Northwestern University and the University of Illinois can perform all necessary medical devices for cardiac ablation therapy in one minimally invasive procedure. The device combines diagnostic and treatment capabilities, improving clinical arrhythmia therapy by reducing steps and costs.

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.

Gene responsible for severe osteoporosis disorder discovered

Scientists have identified NOTCH2 as the causative gene for Hajdu-Cheney syndrome, a rare disorder characterized by progressive bone loss and osteoporosis. The study provides vital insight into possible causes of osteoporosis and highlights the gene as a potential target for treating the condition.

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.

Leicester leads on heart attack genetic link discovery

A large-scale study led by the University of Leicester has discovered 13 new genes that increase the risk of heart attacks. The research, known as CARDIoGRAM, involved over 140,000 participants and 167 clinicians from around the world.

Scripps Research scientists develop new test for 'pluripotent' stem cells

A new diagnostic test called PluriTest enables researchers to determine the quality of pluripotent stem cell lines with remarkable sensitivity and specificity. The test uses a detailed molecular model of normal pluripotent cells to identify genomic aberrations, alerting scientists to perform additional analysis.

Newly identified cell population key to immune response

Scientists have identified a distinct group of effector regulatory T cells responsible for suppressing immune responses. The discovery has significant repercussions for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, organ transplantation, and cancer, as well as how the efficacy of newly developed drugs is measured.

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.

Landmark study links 13 new genes to heart disease

A massive study has identified 13 new genes linked to coronary artery disease, with most operating through unknown mechanisms. The discovery opens up new avenues for therapies and highlights the complexities of heart disease.

Cancer surgery society presents top honor to Kimberly Duchossois

The Society of Surgical Oncology is presenting the James Ewing Layman's Award to Kimberly Duchossois for her leadership and vision in improving cancer care. Her family's dedication began after her mother died from cancer, leading them to create and endow the American Cancer Society Patient Navigation Services.

Human stem cells transformed into key neurons lost in Alzheimer's

Researchers at Northwestern University have successfully reprogrammed human embryonic stem cells to produce critical neurons lost in Alzheimer's disease. This breakthrough allows for rapid drug testing and the possibility of transplanting these new neurons into people with Alzheimer's, which could help preserve memory function.

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.

Dr. Chin-Teh Sun wins AIAA Chichlow Prize

Dr. Chin-Teh Sun has made significant contributions to the fundamental understanding of impact damage and composite structure failure. He is being honored with the AIAA Chichlow Prize for his groundbreaking research on damage-tolerant design in aerospace materials.

Patients are willing to undergo multiple tests for new cancer treatments

A study by Mayo Clinic and TGen found that patients are willing to undergo many tests for advanced experimental treatment in clinical trials. Patients were most willing to undergo non-invasive tests such as urine, blood, and imaging studies, but less willing to undergo invasive procedures like skin biopsies and MRIs.

New system can warn of tsunamis within minutes

Researchers developed a new system, RTerg, that can identify tsunami earthquakes in real-time, giving local residents minutes to evacuate. The system uses algorithmic tools to analyze seismic data and sends alerts to warning centers, potentially saving lives.

Affordability of batteries key to harnessing wind and solar power

A comprehensive review of electrochemical energy storage systems reveals promising technologies like vanadium redox flow, sodium-beta alumina membrane, lithium-ion, and lead-carbon batteries. These systems can store electrical energy in chemicals and release it upon demand, but affordability is key to widespread deployment.

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.

New research from Psychological Science

New research from Psychological Science shows that attentional task sets modulate subliminal semantic and visuomotor processes differently. High-capacity individuals recover more quickly from distractions than low-capacity individuals.

New microscope produces dazzling 3-D movies of live cells

The new microscope allows researchers to study the dynamic inner lives of living cells without damaging them. It uses a combination of structured illumination and two-photon microscopy to create high-resolution, three-dimensional images of cellular landmarks.

Racial identity tied to happiness, study finds

A recent study at Michigan State University found that individuals with a strong sense of racial identity tend to be happier in life. The research suggests that this connection is particularly pronounced for women, who experience increased happiness due to a stronger sense of belongingness within their racial group.

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.

Can you predict your mate will cheat by their voice?

A study by McMaster University found that people use voice pitch as a warning sign of future betrayal. Women are drawn to men with lower pitches, while men are attracted to women with higher pitches. This evolutionary mechanism helps protect individuals from infidelity and its associated costs.

Some overweight adolescents may be at risk for weak bones

A study of 143 overweight adolescents found those with risk factors like insulin resistance and low HDL cholesterol have less bone mass than their peers. The study suggests that increasing vigorous physical activity can help improve bone mass and reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease.

Loss of key protein boosts neuron loss in ALS

The study found that over one-third of genes affected by TDP-43 are involved in the central nervous system. The protein also affects alternative splicing of many genes, including its own RNA message. This loss of regulation leads to more TDP-43 accumulation and neuron damage.

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.

Creasing to cratering: Voltage breaks down plastic

Researchers developed a protective substrate to observe polymer deformation, revealing creasing-to-cratering phenomenon under increased voltage. This breakthrough could lead to improved durability and efficiency of polymers in electrical applications.

Weight-loss surgery successful in treating overweight adolescents

A new study published in Clinical Obesity reveals that bariatric surgery can result in significant weight loss in severely obese adolescents. The existing evidence suggests that bariatric surgery in older children results in significant weight loss and improvements in comorbidities and quality of life.

Breast cancer survivors at higher risk for falls

Postmenopausal breast cancer survivors are more likely to fall than their peers, according to a new study in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. The research suggests that balance disturbances caused by treatment may contribute to falls in these patients.

Zooming in on the weapons of Salmonella

Researchers have successfully imaged the three-dimensional structure of Salmonella's needle complex with unprecedented precision, shedding light on its deadly mechanism. By combining high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy and advanced imaging software, the team was able to generate a single sharp image from thousands of blurred ones.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

The better off sleep better

A UK study found that people with higher levels of education and married individuals report better sleep quality. Additionally, job satisfaction plays a significant role in determining the quality of sleep, with those who are least satisfied reporting shorter sleep periods. The study also highlights the impact of work-related pressures...

Unique teaching method at UWM earns grant for federal study

The U-Pace program has been shown to increase student performance and close the achievement gap, with minority and low-income students performing better in online courses than in traditionally taught classes. The upcoming study will investigate the program's effectiveness across three disciplines over four years.

Novel mechanism for control of gene expression revealed

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have identified a novel mechanism for controlling gene expression, which is evolutionarily conserved in humans. This process, called transcriptional attenuation, involves the blocking of premature termination complexes to allow genes to be expressed under certain stress conditions.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Vital funding for children's brain tumor research

A new study will investigate 'ependymoma', a rare brain tumour type with low survival rates. The research aims to develop drugs called 'histone deacetylase inhibitors' to re-activate natural defence mechanisms against brain cancer.

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.

The tooth about zinc

A worldwide problem, zinc deficiency can cause health issues; proper denture care and regular dental check-ups are essential for safe use of zinc-based adhesives.