Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for March 4, 2011


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.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalStem Cells·DateMar 4, 2011

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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics·DateMar 4, 2011

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.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·JournalCancer·DateMar 4, 2011

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.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMar 4, 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.

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.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalChemical Reviews·DateMar 4, 2011

Depression and anxiety differentially influence physical symptom reporting

A University of Iowa study suggests that people who feel depressed report experiencing a higher number of past symptoms, while those who feel anxious report more symptoms in the present moment. The study highlights the importance of considering mood when making diagnosis and treatment decisions.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateMar 4, 2011

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.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 4, 2011

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.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature Methods·DateMar 4, 2011

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.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalCultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology·DateMar 4, 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.

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.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalEvolutionary Psychology·DateMar 4, 2011

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.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateMar 4, 2011

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.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMar 4, 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.

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.

SourceDuke University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 4, 2011

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.

SourceWiley·JournalClinical Obesity·DateMar 4, 2011

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.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalArchives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation·DateMar 4, 2011
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.

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.

SourceResearch Institute of Molecular Pathology·JournalScience·DateMar 4, 2011

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...

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateMar 4, 2011

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.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin - Milwaukee·DateMar 4, 2011

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.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalCell·DateMar 4, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·DateMar 4, 2011

Observing Arctic ice-edge plankton blooms from space

Researchers used satellite data to observe and monitor ice-edge blooms across the whole Arctic region. They found that ice-edge blooms occurred in all seasonally ice-covered areas and from spring to late summer.

SourceNational Oceanography Centre, UK·JournalBiogeosciences·DateMar 4, 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.

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.

SourceAcademy of General Dentistry·JournalEuropean Journal of General Dentistry·DateMar 4, 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.

Happy hour linked to pub violence

A Cardiff University study found a strong link between happy hour-style drinking promotions and pub violence in the UK. The research suggests that premises with aggressive pricing strategies and lax staff monitoring are more likely to experience high levels of violence.

SourceCardiff University·JournalAlcohol and Alcoholism·DateMar 4, 2011

Environmental impact of animal waste

Researchers found that anaerobic lagoons in North and South Carolina have high levels of nitrogen-cycling genes but low denitrification enzyme activity, leading to acidification and eutrophication of surrounding ecosystems. The study highlights the need for improved waste management practices to minimize environmental harm.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateMar 4, 2011

Bone-creating protein could improve dental implant success

Researchers have found a bone-creating protein that can improve dental implant success when used to augment the maxillary sinus. The protein, BMP, induces superior bone quality and improves chances for successful implants compared to conventional bone grafting.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateMar 4, 2011