Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for March 30, 2011


Blood simple circuitry for cyborgs

Researchers developed a biological memristor using human blood, exhibiting memory effects when exposed to voltage polarity and magnitude. The breakthrough demonstrates the potential for creating liquid memristors from human tissues, paving the way for future cyborg devices.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Medical Engineering and Informatics·DateMar 30, 2011

Could HIV-infected organs save lives?

Researchers estimate that lifting the ban on HIV-infected organ donation could provide transplants to 500 patients annually. The study suggests that this change would not only benefit HIV-positive patients but also reduce waiting times for non-HIV infected patients.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateMar 30, 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.

Clinical trial success for Crohn's disease cell therapy

Researchers have successfully treated severe Crohn's disease with a new cell therapy approach using Type 1 regulatory lymphocytes. The preliminary results indicate improved condition and good tolerability, paving the way for further phase 2b clinical trials.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·DateMar 30, 2011

Greater versatility of adult stem cells thanks to 3-D lab experiments

Researchers grew mesenchymal stem cells as tiny spheres to form a variety of cell types, expanding their potential for regenerative medicine. The 3D technique recreates the microscopic environment found in human bodies, allowing MSCs to specialize more rapidly and completely.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·DateMar 30, 2011

A woman's blues bring a relationship down

A study found that depression erodes intimate relationships by impairing partners' ability to perceive each other's thoughts and feelings. The more depressed a woman is, the less accurately she infers her partner's emotions, leading to increased alienation and depression in both partners.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 30, 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.

West Runton Elephant helps unlock the past

Researchers from the University of York and Manchester have extracted protein from a 600,000 year old mammoth fossil, providing a near complete collagen sequence. This breakthrough enables the identification of ancient fossils and opens up new possibilities for studying extinct animals.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalGeochimica et Cosmochimica Acta·DateMar 30, 2011

IOVS publishes consensus findings on meibomian gland dysfunction

A global consensus report defines meibomian gland dysfunction as a chronic, diffuse abnormality affecting the tear film. The report proposes a universal classification system and diagnostic tests to aid clinicians in diagnosing and managing MGD-related disorders.

SourceAssociation for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateMar 30, 2011

Educational development stunted by teenage fatherhood

A new study found that teenage fatherhood significantly impacts young adult outcomes, including a 15-point reduction in high school graduation rates and an 11-point increase in receiving a GED. The experience of teenage fatherhood also increases the likelihood of full-time employment and military service.

SourceWiley·JournalEconomic Inquiry·DateMar 30, 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.

Fatal respiratory infections in endangered gorillas are linked to human contact

A new study found that human metapneumovirus and bacterial pneumonia contributed to the deaths of mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park. The virus was closely related to strains circulating in South Africa, suggesting that tourists may have carried it into the parks.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateMar 30, 2011

Paid access to journal articles not a significant barrier for scientists

A new study in The FASEB Journal found that free access to scientific journal articles does not increase their citations, contradicting the widely-held 'open access citation advantage' theory. The research suggests that open access articles are seen by more readers but not cited more frequently.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateMar 30, 2011

Scientists unlock mystery of how the 22nd amino acid is produced

Researchers at Ohio State University used mass spectrometry to discover that pyrrolysine is produced through a simple series of chemical reactions involving two lysine molecules. The finding provides a more complete understanding of how amino acids are made and offers new insights into the biosynthesis pathway.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature·DateMar 30, 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.

Having trouble achieving work-life balance? Knowing your strategies is key

Research from the University of Toronto Scarborough found that traditional problem-focused approaches to work-life balance can cause more problems due to stress and exhaustion. In contrast, avoiding conflicts by taking breaks can lead to reduced conflict between life roles and improved satisfaction with life.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateMar 30, 2011

Lack of motivation, equipment main barriers for exercise for boys

A study from Michigan State University suggests that lack of motivation and equipment are the primary barriers to physical activity among adolescent boys. An after-school exercise program may help overcome this decrease in exercise, according to researcher Lorraine Robbins.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalThe Journal of School Nursing·DateMar 30, 2011

HIV protein unveils vaccine target

Researchers discovered that HIV envelope protein complex can be exposed to raise more broadly cross-reactive antibodies against HIV. This finding could lead to the development of effective vaccines against HIV and AIDS.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 30, 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 make the leap to whole-cell simulations

A team of researchers has built a computer model of a bacterial cell's crowded interior, accurately simulating the behavior of living cells in response to environmental stimuli. By analyzing the distribution of molecules within the cell, they found that molecular crowding affects individual molecule movement and chemical reactions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMar 30, 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.

Virtual reality, smells to help recovering war vets

A new therapy program using virtual reality and scents like smoke and spices helps servicemen recover from wartime experiences. Researchers seek to reduce flashbacks and anxiety in veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·DateMar 30, 2011

Navy announces 2011 Young Investigator Program Awards

The Navy has awarded $10.8 million to 21 young researchers at 18 academic institutions as part of the 2011 Young Investigator Program. The program supports outstanding faculty researchers in STEM fields, with annual research grants of approximately $170,000 for three years.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateMar 30, 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.

Researchers publish molecular disease model for melanoma

The molecular disease model for melanoma (MDMM) classifies the disease into molecular subtypes and provides treatment guidelines for each subtype. The MDMM is maintained online and updated continuously based on input from the melanoma community.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 30, 2011

Research explores link between asthma and smoking

A study published in Journal of Health Psychology found that individuals with asthma are 1.26 times more likely to be smokers and twice as likely to be nicotine dependent than those without asthma. The researchers suggest addressing tobacco use and dependence in relation to asthma care.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Health Psychology·DateMar 30, 2011

'Spincasting' holds promise for creation of nanoparticle thin films

Researchers at North Carolina State University have successfully created ordered layers of nanoparticles using spincasting, a technique that utilizes centrifugal force to distribute liquids onto solid substrates. This approach has promising results for the creation of materials with various uses, from optics to electronics.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalLangmuir·DateMar 30, 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.

Study reveals no impact of age on outcome in chronic myeloid leukemia patients treated with imatinib

A study published in Blood reveals that imatinib treatment has no significant impact on the outcome of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients aged 65 and older. The research found that complete hematologic response rates, cytogenetic response rates, and overall survival rates were similar between younger and older patients treated wit...

SourceAmerican Society of Hematology·JournalBlood·DateMar 30, 2011

What the brain saw

Researchers at the Salk Institute have developed a mathematical framework to understand how neurons in the retina encode visual information. The study reveals that only information about pairs of temporal stimulus patterns is relayed to the brain, with higher-order combinations being less important than previously thought.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMar 30, 2011

New approach to leukemia chemotherapy -- is a cure in sight?

A new treatment approach targeting CML stem cells is being tested, offering a potential cure for patients resistant to Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors. Hydroxychloroquine has shown promise in killing cancer cells undergoing autophagy, a state that allows them to survive and return after standard therapy.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·DateMar 30, 2011
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Attacking bowel cancer on 2 fronts

Researchers have identified a gene that controls the behavior of stem cells in the intestine, which can lead to bowel cancers. The team aims to grow healthy stem cells into transplant tissues to replace damaged intestines, potentially treating patients with Crohn's disease and some cancers.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·DateMar 30, 2011

US troops exposed to polluted air in Iraq, researchers report

Researchers report that US military personnel in Iraq are frequently exposed to polluted air with fine particulate matter, exceeding guidelines and posing long-term health threats. Chronic exposure has been linked to various health problems, including increased hospital admissions and cardiovascular disease.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 30, 2011

New research reveals insight into lignin biosynthesis

Laccase enzymes have been found to contribute significantly to lignification in Arabidopsis, playing a central role in the formation of this biopolymer. The study's findings suggest that genetic engineering of laccases could lead to improved saccharification and biofuel production.

SourceAmerican Society of Plant Biologists·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateMar 30, 2011

Being in a good mood may lead to poor memory

Researchers at the University of Missouri found that being in a good mood decreases working memory capacity. Participants who watched a comedy routine showed improved moods but struggled with memory recall, highlighting the negative impact of positive mood on working memory storage.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalCognition & Emotion·DateMar 30, 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.

Tet further revealed: Studies track protein relevant to stem cells, cancer

Studies reveal Tet protein maintains pluripotency in stem cells by silencing differentiation genes while activating pluripotency genes. The protein's product, 5-hydroxymethylcytosine, plays a crucial role in regulating transcription and is the first genome-wide location of its role in development and disease.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature·DateMar 30, 2011

UT Southwestern research advances fight against kidney cancer

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered genetic pathways that selectively starve kidney cancer cells. The study found that inactivating the von Hippel-Lindau gene can block cells from using oxygen to generate energy, forcing them to use alternative methods such as glycolysis.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalOncogene·DateMar 30, 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.

Diet-exercise combo best for obese seniors

A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that combining diet and exercise improves physical performance by 21% in obese seniors, compared to 12% with weight loss alone and 15% with exercise alone. This combination also leads to significant improvements in strength, balance, and quality of life.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 30, 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.

UCLA study finds cholesterol regulator plays key role in development of liver scarring, cirrhosis

A new study by UCLA researchers has found that a key regulator of cholesterol and fat metabolism in the liver also plays a crucial role in the development of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. LXRs, master regulators of cholesterol and inflammatory gene expression, control the fibrosis-making cells of the liver.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateMar 30, 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.

Study: Emissions trading doesn't cause pollution 'hot spots'

A new study by Indiana University professor Evan Ringquist finds that emissions trading programs do not create heavily polluted areas in minority and low-income communities. The study analyzed data from the sulfur dioxide allowance trading program and found no evidence of 'hot spots' or increased pollution in these areas.

SourceIndiana University·JournalSocial Science Quarterly·DateMar 30, 2011

Hidden elm population may hold genes to combat Dutch elm disease

USDA scientists have discovered a previously unknown population of American elms that carry genes for resistance to Dutch elm disease. The diploid trees were found in the wild and may hold the key to combating the disease, which has killed millions of trees since its arrival in the US in 1931.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateMar 30, 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.

Study finds surprising gender differences related to sexual harassment

A Michigan State University study found that women who view sexual harassment as merely bothersome do not experience distress, unlike those who see it as frightening. For men, however, sexual harassment is distressing regardless of perception. The research surveyed over 6,000 women and men in the military.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateMar 30, 2011

Drug cocktail offers new hope for hepatitis C patients

A new three-drug cocktail has been shown to eliminate the hepatitis C virus in patients more effectively than the current two-drug regimen, with significantly higher rates of sustained virologic response. This breakthrough treatment offers new hope for patients who have not responded to previous therapy.

SourceHenry Ford Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 30, 2011

GSA Bulletin highlights: New research posted March 2- April 1, 2011

Researchers investigate widespread basement erosion during late Paleocene-early Eocene in Laramide Rocky Mountains. Additionally, they explore anomalous clastic wedge development and V-shaped conjugate strike-slip faults with implications for planetary geology.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeological Society of America Bulletin·DateMar 30, 2011

Combination of 2 hormones increases height in girls with Turner syndrome

A decades-long study demonstrates that low doses of estrogen combined with growth hormone in prepubescent girls with Turner syndrome has a synergistic effect on growth, increasing their height and improving cognitive functioning. The treatment also shows benefits for psychosocial development.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 30, 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.

Game changer: Hepatitis C drug may revolutionize treatment

A new hepatitis C drug, boceprevir, has shown significant promise in treating patients with hard-to-treat cases. The study found that the drug helped cure more patients than traditional treatment methods within 36 weeks.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 30, 2011

Mucus: Fighting the war against pollutants

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have found that mucus can facilitate the penetration of toxic substances into cells, potentially leading to new treatments for diseases like cancer. The study suggests a new approach for delivering hydrophobic drugs, which could be absorbed through the lungs or digestive system.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalChemical Research in Toxicology·DateMar 30, 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.