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Science News Archive March 2011 - Page 10


Page 10 of 28

More sensitive blood test better at identifying heart attacks

A highly sensitive blood test has been shown to detect heart attacks in a third more patients than previous tests, identifying smaller amounts of heart damage. The test has been found to halve the risk of being readmitted to hospital with another heart attack within a year.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalJAMA·DateMar 22, 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.

UK-Vietnam collaboration to improve world's most important staple food

The UK and Vietnam are collaborating on a major effort to improve flood, drought, salt and pest tolerance in rice, addressing growing population demands and climate change threats. The project will sequence the genomes of 30 rice varieties, developing an important genomics platform for breeding rice with improved traits.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·DateMar 22, 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.

UT MD Anderson receives grant for study of acupuncture in cancer

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is conducting a Phase III randomized clinical trial to examine whether acupuncture can prevent xerostomia, a debilitating side effect of radiation treatment for head and neck cancer. The study aims to determine if true acupuncture effectively prevents radiation-induced xerostomia and im...

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·DateMar 22, 2011

Specific genetic mutations associated with preeclampsia

A study of pregnant women with autoimmune diseases found specific genetic mutations associated with preeclampsia. The research suggests new genetic targets for treatment and potential tests to identify women at risk of developing the condition.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 22, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Simulating tomorrow's accelerators at near the speed of light

Researchers successfully simulated the operation of a laser-plasma wakefield accelerator in three-dimensional detail using the 'boosted-frame' method. This breakthrough enables calculations that were previously beyond the state of the art, reducing computational time by tens of thousands of times.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateMar 22, 2011

Genetic errors linked to life-threatening pregnancy disorder

Researchers identified genetic errors in women with autoimmune diseases and preeclampsia, suggesting new treatments and screening tests. The study found mutations in three genes involved in the immune response to injury, providing a potential link between preeclampsia and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 22, 2011

WSU proves extracellular matrix tugging creates come hither stimulus for cancer migration

A Wayne State University researcher has found that continuous restructuring of the extracellular matrix, which supports tumor weight, enables highly invasive cancer cells to spread to other parts of the body. The study identified fibronectin and cofilin as crucial components required for this mechanical response.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 22, 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.

Digital versus analog control over cortical inhibition

Researchers discovered that membrane potential-dependent modulation of recurrent inhibition is a key mechanism for maintaining dynamic balance of excitation and inhibition in the cortex. This finding has implications for understanding cortical rhythms and preventing abnormal cortical activities during seizures.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 22, 2011

Plant buffers can slow runoff of veterinary antibiotics

Researchers found that plant buffers can slow down the runoff of veterinary antibiotics in surface water, reducing transport by 58-72% for herbicides and 70% for antibiotics. The use of certain species like hybrid poplar can further enhance degradation of deposited antibiotics.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateMar 22, 2011

Research practices must be changed to minimize fraud, deception

The article discusses how fabricated research can lead to tragic consequences, including patients fearing lifesaving interventions and clinicians altering practice. The authors call for changes throughout the research process to adjust expectations for researchers, journals, and the public.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA·DateMar 22, 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.

Study finds reports of domestic violence rise 10 percent after NFL upsets

An analysis of 900 regular-season NFL games found a 10% increase in calls to police reporting men's assaults on their wives or intimate partners following losses by the local team. The researchers suggest that unexpected disappointments, particularly those involving traditional rival teams, may lead to an increase in violent behavior.

SourceOxford University Press UK·JournalThe Quarterly Journal of Economics·DateMar 22, 2011

Protein could be used to treat alcohol effects on pancreas

A Cardiff University-led study has discovered a protein, calmodulin, that protects pancreatic cells against the harmful effects of alcohol. The findings could lead to the development of new treatments for pancreatitis and reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer.

SourceCardiff University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 22, 2011

Experimental radioprotective drug safe for lung cancer patients, says Pitt study

A new oral drug intended to protect healthy tissue from radiation effects has been found safe for use in advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients. The agent, called manganese superoxide dismutase plasmid liposome, boosted antioxidant levels and reduced inflammation without protecting tumor cells.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalHuman Gene Therapy·DateMar 22, 2011

Protein associated with allergic response causes airway changes in asthma patients

Researchers found that interleukin-13 stimulates invasion of airway cells called fibroblasts in asthma patients, leading to increased thickness in airway walls and loss of lung function. The protein acts in combination with other mediators, including TGF-β1 and MMPs, to cause cellular changes that contribute to airway remodeling.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 22, 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.

New online resource on Bacille Calmette-Guerin vaccine

The BCG World Atlas offers detailed information on current and past vaccination policies across over 180 countries. This database aims to improve the care of patients with tuberculosis (TB) by providing useful resources for clinicians, policymakers, and researchers.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 22, 2011

Sign language users read words and see signs simultaneously

A recent study by Penn State researchers found that sign language users can process both English words and American Sign Language (ASL) signs concurrently. When word pairs were matched with similar signs, reaction times were faster and accuracy rates improved compared to control group bilingual speakers.

SourcePenn State·JournalCognition·DateMar 22, 2011

Can non-medical factors trigger sick leave?

A Swedish study found that problems in relationships with colleagues and superiors were more frequent in the days leading up to sick leave. Individuals with minor ailments were also more likely to report sick when they expected a stressful workday ahead, highlighting the impact of work environment on behavior when ill.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateMar 22, 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.

Newly discovered virus implicated in deadly Chinese outbreaks

Researchers have identified a new virus as the cause of deadly outbreaks in six Chinese provinces, with a mortality rate of 12%. The virus, known as Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome virus, is transmitted through tick bites and affects humans without causing human-to-human transmission.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 22, 2011

European coastal pollution is harmful to seals

A European study found harbour seals in the Elbe estuary have high levels of contamination from industrial activities, dredging, and shipping. This highlights the impact of coastal pollution on marine life.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·DateMar 22, 2011

Nanomodified surfaces seal leg implants against infection

Brown University researchers created two nanoscale surfaces that promote skin cell growth on titanium leg implants, sealing the gap where bacteria can enter. The findings show nearly doubled skin cell density within five days, indicating a complete layer of skin has been formed.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Biomedical Materials Research·DateMar 22, 2011

Pre-conception and early pregnancy iron deficiency harms brain

A University of Rochester Medical Center study found that a mother's iron deficiency early in pregnancy can have a long-lasting effect on the child's brain development, even if it's not severe enough to cause anemia. The research suggests that monitoring a pregnant woman's iron status beyond anemia is crucial.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 22, 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.

The informant: a jumping gene

Scientists developed a new method, GROMIT, to study gene regulation by employing a jumping gene as an informant. The technique revealed that each regulatory element can control a broader range of genes than previously thought, and expression levels are fine-tuned at the tissue level.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature Genetics·DateMar 21, 2011

Fault-finding coral reefs can predict the site of coming earthquakes

Researchers used fossil coral reefs and sediment slides to detect historic earthquake patterns, creating an underwater map of the Red Sea floor. This method can be applied anywhere, including Japan and the west coast of the U.S., helping city engineers pinpoint high-risk locations ahead of potential earthquakes.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalGeo-Marine Letters·DateMar 21, 2011

Capitalizing on corruption: Not all companies harmed by corruption

A new study finds that corruption can help companies develop organizational capabilities to operate successfully in corrupt environments, leading to more success when investing internationally. The study identifies various strategies firms use to capitalize on corruption, including political networking and joint venturing.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Management Studies·DateMar 21, 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.

Stem cells may show promise for people with rapidly progressing MS

A long-term study reports the effectiveness of stem cell transplants in replacing bone marrow and reducing disease activity in people with rapidly progressive MS. The treatment showed promising results, with an average improvement in symptoms lasting two years.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateMar 21, 2011

Adolescent brood of women who drank during first trimester more prone to develop conduct disorder

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found that adolescent girls exposed to heavy alcohol use during their first trimester were three times more likely to develop conduct disorder. The study examined 592 adolescents and their mothers or caretakers, utilizing data from a long...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateMar 21, 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.

Webb sunshield like an umbrella on the shores of the universe

The James Webb Space Telescope's sunshield is a complex system of five layers, each less than half the thickness of paper, working together to create an effective SPF of 1,000,000. The sunshield unfurls like a giant beach umbrella to protect the telescope and instruments from solar heat and light.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 21, 2011

Study suggests alternative treatment for bacteria in oysters

Researchers found that exposure to salty water reduces Vibrio vulnificus levels in oysters, potentially providing a low-cost solution to FDA regulations. The study suggests an 'oyster relay' method could be effective in minimizing the presence of the bacterium.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·DateMar 21, 2011

MU researchers use motion sensors to determine equine lameness

A new motion sensor system developed by MU researchers uses sensors on a horse's head, limbs, and tail to detect lameness. This system improves early detection and treatment outcomes for horses with lameness by removing human bias and increasing frequency of motion sampling.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·DateMar 21, 2011

A dose of safflower oil each day might help keep heart disease at bay

A daily dose of safflower oil improved health measures such as good cholesterol, blood sugar, and inflammation in obese postmenopausal women with Type 2 diabetes. The researchers found a significant association between safflower oil supplementation and reduced cardiovascular disease risk.

SourceOhio State University·JournalClinical Nutrition·DateMar 21, 2011

One fish, two fish … reef fish

Marine biologists from the University of Miami have created a probabilistic survey approach to count reef fish, increasing efficiency and accuracy. This framework can support long-term sustainability of reef resources globally, informing management decisions for coral reefs in various regions.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalFisheries Research·DateMar 21, 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.

European guidelines for HIV tropism testing

The European Consensus Group has developed guidelines for HIV tropism testing, which is required before starting maraviroc treatment. The guidelines recommend phenotypic enhanced sensitivity Trofile assay or V3 loop genotypic sequencing for drug-naive patients with toxic side-effects or poor tolerability.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateMar 21, 2011

Deciphering developmental disorders

The Deciphering Developmental Disorders (DDD) Project collects genomic data from 12,000 children with developmental delays or multiple malformations. The goal is to develop clinical tools to unlock genetic reasons for these conditions, enabling doctors to make rapid diagnoses in up to one in five cases.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·DateMar 21, 2011

Critical thinking: How do children learn who to trust?

A UT Dallas researcher is studying how preschool and elementary-age children evaluate information to solve problems and learn critical thinking. The study aims to combat misleading advertising by understanding how children differentiate between reliable and doubtful sources of information.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·DateMar 21, 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.

Spacebound bacteria inspire earthbound remedies

Research on space-bound bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa could lead to improved treatments for people with compromised immune systems. The study reveals that spaceflight affects common regulators in both disease-causing bacteria.

SourceArizona State University·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateMar 21, 2011

New technique could help solve mystery of vanishing bees

Ecologists have developed a new method for rearing honey bee larvae in the laboratory, allowing researchers to study the causes of their decline more effectively. The technique, which uses an artificial plastic honeycomb, has shown high survival rates and improved data analysis capabilities.

SourceWiley·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·DateMar 21, 2011

MARC Travel Awards announced for GSA 26th Fungal Genetics Meeting

The FASEB MARC Program has announced the travel award recipients for the 2011 GSA 26th Fungal Genetics meeting. Three awards totaling $4,950 were conferred to underrepresented minority students and scientists. The program aims to increase diversity in biomedical research.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·DateMar 21, 2011

Traffic accidents linked to increased risk of chronic widespread pain

Research published in Arthritis Care & Research found that traffic accidents increase the likelihood of developing chronic widespread pain by 84%. Individuals with poorer health or psychological issues may be more prone to developing this type of pain following a traumatic event.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateMar 21, 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.