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Science News Archive March 2011 - Page 17


Page 17 of 28

Rock-paper-scissors tournaments explain ecological diversity

Researchers developed a mathematical model that proposes unlimited biodiversity in ecosystems with multiple competing species. The rock-paper-scissors tournament concept shows how species can co-exist without extinction, depending on the rarity of key species.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 14, 2011

Tumor suppressor blocks viral growth in natural HIV controllers

Elevated p21 protein levels in natural HIV controllers effectively suppress key viral life cycle steps. This ability is associated with increased p21 expression and may be linked to shared mechanisms of immune defense against cancer and HIV.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 14, 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.

Surgical technique helps adult male survivors of childhood cancer regain fertility

A new study shows that a surgical technique called microdissection testicular sperm extraction (TESE) can effectively locate and extract viable sperm in over one-third of adult male childhood cancer survivors who were previously considered sterile. This technique enabled many men to father children with the help of in vitro fertilization.

SourceAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateMar 14, 2011

Seedless cherimoya, the next banana?

Researchers have identified a gene responsible for seedlessness in the sugar apple and its close relation, the cherimoya. This discovery could pave the way for producing seedless varieties of these fruits and potentially other fruit crops.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 14, 2011

Heavy drinking associated with increased risk of death from pancreatic cancer

A long-term study found that consuming three or more drinks a day is associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer death in both men and women. Heavy drinking, specifically liquor consumption, also shows a significant association with pancreatic cancer mortality, particularly among never smokers.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateMar 14, 2011

TRMM maps flooding along US East Coast from massive storm

The TRMM satellite measured record rainfall totals of over 300 mm (~11 inches) in Alabama and Mississippi, with eastern US experiencing 50 mm (~2 inches) or more. Flooding was reported from Louisiana to northern New York, with some areas receiving daily records

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 14, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Zoo researchers provide African sanctuaries road map

Eleven Pan African Sanctuary Alliance (PASA) member facilities are facing increased demand for chimpanzee care, with a projected 56 new arrivals annually. The study provides a roadmap for resource, infrastructure, and financial planning to support their growth and ensure long-term sustainability.

SourceLincoln Park Zoo·JournalInternational Journal of Primatology·DateMar 14, 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.

Vitamin D insufficiency high among patients with early Parkinson disease

A recent study published in Archives of Neurology reveals a high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency among patients with early Parkinson's disease. Contrary to expectations, the researchers found that vitamin D concentrations remained stable over time, suggesting a potential role for long-term insufficiency in the pathogenesis of PD.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateMar 14, 2011

JCI online early table of contents: March 14, 2011

Researchers have discovered that T cells from elite HIV controllers upregulate a protein called p21, which inhibits viral replication. This finding may inform the development of new treatments for patients susceptible to HIV's devastating effects. Meanwhile, two new studies shed light on pediatric brain tumors and lung cancer metastasis.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 14, 2011

Orchid wears the scent of death

Researchers have discovered that the orchid Satyrium pumilum uses carrion mimicry to attract specific species of flies for pollination. The study found that only female flesh-flies were attracted to the orchids, and that scent plays a crucial role in guiding them into the right position to pick up pollen.

SourceOxford University Press UK·JournalAnnals of Botany·DateMar 14, 2011

The impact of sex selection and abortion in China, India and South Korea

The sex ratio at birth is skewed due to son preference and easy access to sex-selective abortions, leading to a significant imbalance between males and females in China, India, and South Korea. The number of males under 20 exceeds the number of females by around 32 million in China.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 14, 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.

'Pre-baby blues' due to lack of support from partner

A Norwegian study found that women unhappy with their relationships were more likely to experience depression during pregnancy. A good relationship, on the other hand, served as a buffer against everyday stresses, helping women cope better with work-related issues, financial problems, or moving house.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateMar 13, 2011

With new method, CSHL team is able to infer how tumors evolve and spread

A new analysis method by CSHL team suggests tumors grow through 'punctuated, clonal expansions,' providing insights into tumor growth and metastasis. By analyzing single cells from breast cancer samples, the researchers inferred three distinct subpopulations of tumor cells, each with highly similar genomic profiles.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature·DateMar 13, 2011

Consortium finds chronic liver cirrhosis clues

Researchers have identified 15 new genetic regions associated with an increased risk of developing primary biliary cirrhosis. The study used genome data from 2,500 patients and 7,500 healthy individuals, tripling the number of known genetic regions to 22.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateMar 13, 2011

Untapped crop data from Africa predicts corn peril if temperatures rise

A new study using Africa's historical crop yield data reveals that corn production will decline by at least 20% for 1 degree Celsius of warming under drought conditions. The research also highlights the importance of combining existing knowledge and data from climate and agriculture communities to improve crop forecasting.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMar 13, 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.

Miniature 'wearable' PET scanner ready for use

A miniature, portable PET scanner has been developed to study brain function and behavior in rats while they are awake and moving freely. This breakthrough technology, dubbed RatCAP, uses a wearable design that counterbalances with springs and motion stabilizers, allowing animals significant freedom of movement.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Methods·DateMar 13, 2011

DCIS patients who get invasive breast cancer have higher mortality

Women with DCIS who develop invasive breast cancer in the same breast have higher mortality rates, study finds. Radiation treatment after lumpectomy reduces risk of ipsilateral invasive breast cancer, while treatment with tamoxifen also offers protection.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 11, 2011

Host change alters toxic cocktail

A fundamental change in the genome of leaf beetles has emerged, resulting in the loss of salicylaldehyde-producing enzyme salicyl alcohol oxidase in birch feeders. This adaptation allows birch beetles to save resources by not producing the enzyme, which is only needed for willow feeders.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 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.

Research suggests HIV-infected patients at higher risk for bone fractures

A recent study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that HIV-infected patients have a higher risk of bone fractures compared to the general US population. The study analyzed data from over 5,800 HIV-infected patients and observed annual fracture rates 1.98-3.69 times greater than the general population.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateMar 11, 2011

Contrary to popular belief, not all cases of chronic pancreatitis are alcohol-induced

A new study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that chronic pancreatitis cases are not exclusively caused by alcohol consumption, with over 50% of patients having no identifiable cause. Genetic factors and environmental interactions may play a role in disease development.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateMar 11, 2011

UCI's Dr. Bang H. Hoang, colleagues recognized for bone cancer research

Dr. Hoang's research aims to understand and explain the underlying mechanisms of tumor progression in osteosarcoma, a type of aggressive bone cancer that often relapses with low survival rates. The award recognizes his work advancing knowledge on how to develop therapies for patients with untreatable sarcomas.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·DateMar 11, 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.

Why are the elderly so vulnerable to pneunomia?

A study published in The Journal of Immunology reveals that the elderly are more susceptible to pneumonia and bacterial infections due to a decline in immune system cells. Researchers have found that macrophages and B cells, which fight bacteria, appear effective but are fewer in number, making them less effective. Developing targeted ...

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateMar 11, 2011

New technology to predict future appearance

A Concordia researcher has developed a highly effective computer program to age photographic images of people's faces, improving the accuracy of age-estimation for missing-child investigations and national security. The technique combines active appearance models and support vector regression to predict future facial appearance.

SourceConcordia University·DateMar 11, 2011

Extra iron doesn't help many pregnant women

A recent study found that daily iron supplements do not significantly increase hemoglobin levels in healthy pregnant women, but can help alleviate iron-poor blood conditions in Africa. Researchers followed over 1,000 pregnant women and discovered that all participants ended with similar iron levels after three months.

SourceInstitute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMar 11, 2011

Simple blood test detects early emphysema in smokers before symptoms appear

A new blood test measures destruction of lung air sacs and can detect early emphysema in smokers, potentially preventing disease progression. The test is a low-cost screening tool that could help the 20% of American adults who smoke or are exposed to secondhand smoke understand their risk of developing this progressive lung disease.

SourceNewYork-Presbyterian·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 11, 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.

New measurement into biological polymer networks

Researchers have developed a new measurement technology to investigate the structure of composite and biological materials, providing microscopic insights into polymeric networks. The rheometer and confocal microscope system enabled visualization of fluorescently labeled actin networks and filming of polymer filaments' movement in 3-D ...

SourceAir Force Office of Scientific Research·DateMar 11, 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.

Less than one-third of children ages 5-15 will wake up to home smoke alarms

An Australian study found that 78% of school-aged children slept through a smoke alarm sounding for 30 seconds. The study highlights the importance of child evacuation in domestic fires, as only half of waking children recognized the alarm's sound. Younger children (5-10 years old) are significantly more at risk.

SourceWiley·JournalFire and Materials·DateMar 11, 2011

Around 40 percent of hake is mislabeled

A study in Spain and Greece found that over 30% of hake products sold in these countries were mislabelled, with African fish often labelled as European or American. The error benefits middlemen, not African fishermen.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateMar 11, 2011

New study shows government spending preferences of Americans

A recent survey by NORC at the University of Chicago found that Americans prioritize education as the top spending category, followed by healthcare. The study, which analyzed data from 2010, also showed a decline in support for increased spending in some categories, despite the economic downturn.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·DateMar 11, 2011

Getting organized: Berkeley Lab study shows how breast cell communities organize into breast tissue

Researchers discovered that human mammary epithelial cells possess lineage-specific intrinsic abilities to self-organize into domains of lineage specificity, maintaining healthy bi-layered branching organization. The study provides insights into the coordination of stem cell differentiation and tissue architecture maintenance.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 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.

Researchers link novel biomarkers to asthma and COPD

Researchers identified four novel biomarkers that can discriminate between healthy controls, asthmatics, and individuals with COPD. These anti-inflammatory proteins may help diagnose respiratory diseases earlier, allowing for more effective treatment.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 11, 2011

Keys to long life

A groundbreaking study by University of California, Riverside researchers found that personality characteristics and social relations from childhood can predict one's risk of dying decades later. The Longevity Project followed over 1,500 bright children for 20 years, revealing that prudence and persistence are key to a long life.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateMar 11, 2011

New method could improve economics of sweetening natural gas

A new method called Antisolvent Swing Regeneration reduces the amount of heat needed during processing, potentially saving at least 10% of energy. This process uses a recyclable binding organic liquid to remove hydrogen sulfide from natural gas.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateMar 11, 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.

Stem cells take cues from fluid in the brain

Scientists found that a protein called Igf2 in the cerebrospinal fluid signals brain cells to multiply during embryonic development. This discovery could lead to new treatments for neurological diseases and cancer by targeting specific areas of the brain, eliminating the need for localized drug delivery.

SourceGeorge Washington University Medical Center·JournalNeuron·DateMar 11, 2011

How incentives can hurt group productivity and shared resources

A study by Columbia Business School professor Stephan Meier found that incentives can decrease public goods contribution and increase free-riding behavior in group environments with informal norm enforcement. The researchers discovered that incentives changed the norm of contribution, making it acceptable to exploit common resources.

SourceColumbia Business School·JournalManagement Science·DateMar 11, 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.

Finding shows potential way to protect neurons in Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, ALS

Researchers found that eliminating caspase-2 prolongs the life of neurons stressed by pesticide chemicals, a potential therapeutic target for neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. Neurons lacking caspase-2 increase autophagy to survive.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 11, 2011

Pitchers bean more batters in the heat of the summer

A new study published in Psychological Science suggests that heat increases feelings of revenge in pitchers, making them more aggressive towards batters who have been hit by a pitch. The researchers found that high temperatures increase the likelihood of retaliation, but not overall aggression in general.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 10, 2011

USDA and Russian scientists develop high-tech crop map

The AgroAtlas project aims to promote world food security in Newly Independent States-countries by providing a geographic distribution of crops, diseases, pests, and wild relatives. The interactive website shows the distributions of 100 crops, 640 crop diseases, and 560 wild crop relatives growing in Russia and neighboring countries.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·DateMar 10, 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.

Trapping prostate cancer cells to keep them from spreading provides hope

Trapping prostate cancer stem cells with self-assembling nanomaterials inhibits colony formation and cell division in vitro. The approach may offer a new treatment strategy for metastatic hormone-refractory prostate cancer by targeting cancer stem cells, which are thought to be the origin of tumor metastasis.

SourceCell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair·JournalCell Transplantation·DateMar 10, 2011