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Science News for March 24, 2011


Penn researchers uncover novel immune therapy for pancreatic cancer

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have discovered a novel way to treat pancreatic cancer by activating the immune system to destroy the cancer's scaffolding. The strategy was tested in a small cohort of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer, resulting in substantial tumor shrinkage and reduced metabolic activity.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience·DateMar 24, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Uncertain future for Joshua trees projected with climate change

A new study projects that climate change will likely eliminate Joshua trees from 90 percent of their current range within 60 to 90 years. The species' ability to migrate via seed dispersal may be severely limited due to its reliance on seed-caching rodents.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalEcological Applications·DateMar 24, 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.

Case Western Reserve orthodontic researchers ask: Where's your retainer?

Researchers found that most orthodontists prescribed removable retainers, with 58.2% opting for these over fixed lingual retainers. Patient compliance was generally high, with 60% wearing retainers more than 10 hours a day in the first three months.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalAmerican Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics·DateMar 24, 2011

Is blood thicker than water?

Researchers challenge Inclusive Fitness Theory, citing flawed assumptions and misrepresentation of data. The debate highlights the importance of rigorous scholarship in scientific inquiry.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalNature·DateMar 24, 2011

Researchers find eye development error causing cataracts, glaucoma

A study by Jackson Laboratory researchers reveals that mutations in the TDRD7 gene can cause juvenile cataracts and glaucoma, linked to a malfunctioning protein affecting eye lens development. The disorder disrupts stress granule production, leaving tissues susceptible to oxidative damage.

SourceJackson Laboratory·JournalScience·DateMar 24, 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.

HIV integration requires use of a host DNA-repair pathway

Researchers found that HIV requires base excision repair proteins to integrate its DNA into the host genome, identifying novel targets for anti-HIV drugs. The study suggests that drugs targeting these cellular proteins may avoid resistance and have fewer side effects.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 24, 2011

New approach to programming may boost 'green' computing

Binghamton University researcher Yu David Liu is developing an energy-aware programming language to encourage green software development. The new approach aims to reduce energy consumption by allowing programmers to express their intentions directly in the code.

SourceBinghamton University·DateMar 24, 2011

Noninvasive brain stimulation may improve swallowing after stroke

A pilot study found that noninvasive brain stimulation improved swallowing ability in stroke patients by at least two points in 86% of those receiving treatment. The treatment, tDCS, showed a statistically significant improvement compared to sham stimulation, with patients increasing their ability to swallow by more than 2.5 points.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMar 24, 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.

Exploding stars and stripes

A pattern of X-ray 'stripes' in the Tycho supernova remnant supports a theory on how magnetic fields amplify near expanding shock waves, accelerating particles to extreme energies. The discovery may provide direct evidence for the production of cosmic rays.

SourceRutgers University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMar 24, 2011

Micro-RNA's contribute to risk for panic disorder

Researchers found that four microRNAs (miR-22, miR-138-2, miR-148a, and miR-488) are associated with panic disorder, regulating genes related to anxiety pathways in the brain. The study suggests a coordinated involvement of multiple risk genes, implying the existence of molecular 'switches' that control gene function.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateMar 24, 2011

Eye movement differs in British and Chinese populations

Researchers found a rare eye movement pattern more common in healthy Chinese individuals than in British participants, challenging the assumption that this pattern is only indicative of underlying neurological issues. This discovery could indicate subtle cultural or genetic influences on brain function, warranting further investigation.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalExperimental Brain Research·DateMar 24, 2011

Against the tide: Currents keep dolphins apart

Researchers from Wildlife Conservation Society and AMNH discover genetic distinct populations of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin formed by currents, surface temperature differences, and environmental barriers. The study sheds light on how environmental factors influence population structure in marine species.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalHeredity·DateMar 24, 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.

Suzaku shows clearest picture yet of Perseus Galaxy Cluster

The study provides the first direct evidence that million-degree gas clouds are tightly gathered in the cluster's outskirts. The Suzaku images reveal that the outer parts of the Perseus cluster contain too many baryons, contradicting earlier studies and galaxy surveys.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalScience·DateMar 24, 2011

Math professor wins National Science Foundation award

Julien Langou receives $400,000 NSF CAREER award to study algorithms and their limitations in numerical simulations. His research aims to better understand how fast the fastest algorithm can execute on a given computing platform.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·DateMar 24, 2011
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.

Just 6 months of hormone therapy doubles survival chances when added to radiotherapy in patients with locally advanced prostate cancer

A new study found that combining 6 months of hormone therapy with radiotherapy significantly improved survival rates for men with locally advanced prostate cancer. The treatment reduced the risk of death from prostate cancer by half and deaths from any cause by a third compared to radiation alone.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateMar 24, 2011

NeuroImage: Multiplexing in the visual brain

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum successfully visualized distinct activity patterns overlaid in primary visual cortex, indicating simultaneous encoding of object orientation and motion direction speed. This breakthrough demonstrates the brain's ability to process multiple visual cues simultaneously.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNeuroImage·DateMar 24, 2011

BrainGate neural interface system reaches 1,000-day performance milestone

A woman with tetraplegia has controlled a computer cursor accurately for over 1,000 days using the BrainGate neural interface system. The system, which decodes brain signals to translate them into digital instructions, has shown promising results in enabling people with paralysis to control external devices.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·DateMar 24, 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.

Cutting carbon dioxide helps prevent drying

Reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations could increase global precipitation and prevent droughts, according to Carnegie Global Ecology scientists. The team's novel explanation shows that cutting CO2 can lead to an increase in thunderstorms and rainfall.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMar 24, 2011

ICUROS study finds international variations in quality of life loss after fracture

A recent study published in Osteoporosis International found substantial initial quality of life loss following osteoporotic fractures, particularly for hip and vertebral fractures. The study, part of the ICUROS international patient-based study, identified significant variations in quality of life loss between countries.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateMar 24, 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.

Study: Teachers unaware of growing gender gaps in classrooms

A study by University of Illinois education professors reveals a growing gender gap in math and reading scores, especially in lower grades. Teachers tend to overestimate girls' math achievement and underestimate boys' reading abilities, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAmerican Educational Research Journal·DateMar 24, 2011

Bryan Roth honored for excellence in clinical pharmacology

Dr. Bryan Roth has received the PhRMA Foundation Award in Excellence in Pharmacology/Toxicology for his groundbreaking research on drug discovery and development. His work aims to understand how central nervous system drugs affect brain neurons and mitigate side effects, particularly for conditions like schizophrenia and depression.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·DateMar 24, 2011

Bats keep separate households

Researchers found that males and females use different foraging grounds, with females relying heavily on lake shores and males using a broader range of resources. The study suggests that conservation efforts should prioritize female needs and account for sex-specific habitat use in monitoring efforts.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalAnimal Conservation·DateMar 24, 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.

iMobot rolls, crawls and creeps

The iMobot robot has four controllable degrees of freedom and can be assembled into larger robots for specific tasks. Researchers hope the technology will speed up university and industry research in robotics.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateMar 24, 2011

Artifacts in Texas predate Clovis culture by 2,500 years, new study shows

Researchers have discovered thousands of human artifacts in Texas that predates Clovis culture by 2,500 years, expanding evidence for earlier cultures in North America. The pre-Clovis toolkit includes biface and blade technology, which may have later been adapted by the Clovis culture.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMar 24, 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.

Mini-stroke doubles risk of heart attack

Patients who have suffered a mini stroke are at twice the risk of heart attack compared to the general population. The study found that the risk of heart attack among TIA patients was about 1 percent per year, double that of people who had never had a TIA.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMar 24, 2011

Could 'training the brain' help children with Tourette syndrome?

Researchers discovered a unique brain development pattern in children with Tourette syndrome, which could lead to new treatment methods through behavioural therapy. The study suggests an alternative to drug-based therapies, offering hope for young people struggling with the condition.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 24, 2011

MRSA infection shown to be seasonal

A new study from Rhode Island Hospital found a significant increase in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections during the summer and autumn months, particularly among pediatric patients. The researchers attribute this seasonal variation to high temperatures and humidity promoting microbial growth on the skin.

SourceLifespan·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 24, 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.

Researchers reveal remarkable fossil

Researchers have discovered a remarkable 525-million-year-old fossil of a 'feathered helmet from beyond the clouds,' offering insights into ancient biology and evolution. The find belongs to a group called pterobranch hemichordates, related to starfish and sea urchins.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 24, 2011

Johns Hopkins scientists link DNA 'end-caps' length to diabetes risk

Researchers found that mice with short telomeres developed higher blood sugar levels and secreted less insulin, mimicking early stages of human diabetes. The study suggests that shorter telomeres may predispose people to age-related diabetes, paving the way for potential biomarkers.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 24, 2011

Study finds remarkable diversity of lichen species in Florida state park

A recent census led by Robert Lücking documented 432 different lichens within one square kilometer of Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, including 18 never before identified and nearly 100 previously not known from North America. The discovery highlights the remarkable biodiversity of lichens in this tropical environment.

SourceField Museum·DateMar 24, 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.

Good news! Hope makes headlines

Researchers from McGill University found that cancer coverage has increased in Canadian newspapers over the past 20 years, with a greater emphasis on positivity and hope. However, the study also identified a gap in coverage of palliative care and psychological aspects of cancer.

SourceMcGill University·JournalSupportive Care in Cancer·DateMar 24, 2011

Closing in on the pseudogap

A team of scientists has found that the pseudogap in high-temperature superconductors is not a gradual transition to superconductivity, but rather a distinct phase of matter. This discovery challenges current understanding and opens up new possibilities for achieving superconductivity at higher temperatures.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateMar 24, 2011

ESCEO Young Investigators Awards presented at ECCEO11-IOF in Valencia

The ESCEO Young Investigators Awards were presented to Dr. Nick Harvey and Dr. Michaël Hiligsmann for their outstanding contributions to bone and mineral research. Their awards, valued at €2,500, recognize excellence in bone mineral research and are supported by a grant from MSD.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·DateMar 24, 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.

Integral spots matter a millisecond from doom

Astronomers have spotted extremely hot matter near a black hole just milliseconds before it plunges in. The unique observations suggest that some matter may be escaping via highly structured magnetic fields.

SourceEuropean Space Agency·JournalScience·DateMar 24, 2011

Great Depression did not significantly improve life expectancy in the US

A new study by London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found no significant impact of the Great Depression on mortality rates in urban US populations. The study suggests that government responses to economic crises can affect health outcomes, with protective effects observed during periods like the New Deal.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateMar 24, 2011

Recipients of the 2011 Clay Research Awards announced

Yves Benoist and Jean-François Quint received the Clay Research Award for their work on stationary measures and orbit closures. Jonathan Pila won the award for resolving the André-Oort Conjecture in the case of products of modular curves.

SourceThe Clay Mathematics Institute·DateMar 24, 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.

Around 25 percent of health messages in Spanish text books are not based on scientific evidence

A study by Baza Hospital found that 24.6% of health messages in primary and secondary school text books are not based on scientific evidence. The research analyzed 844 messages, with 61% classified as having an unknown level of evidence, and identified high levels of scientific proof in topics like oral health and pregnancy.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalBMC Public Health·DateMar 24, 2011

Acupuncture is equally effective with simulated needles

A study published in PLoS ONE found that simulated acupuncture, also known as placebo, was just as effective as real acupuncture in reducing nausea in cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. The researchers suggested that the benefits may be due to patient expectations and extra care received during treatment.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 24, 2011

Stem cell therapy for age-related macular degeneration -- a step closer to reality

Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have successfully created retinal cells derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells that mimic the eye cells responsible for age-related macular degeneration. The discovery paves the way for potential treatment and regeneration therapies for this debilitating condition.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalStem Cells·DateMar 24, 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.