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Science News Archive March 2011 - Page 22


Page 22 of 28
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.

Diabetes belt identified in southern United States

Researchers identified a 'diabetes belt' of 644 counties in 15 southeastern states with high prevalence rates, linked to sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and non-modifiable factors. Community design changes can promote physical activity and healthy lifestyles to reduce diabetes risk.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMar 7, 2011

Jefferson study shows physician's empathy directly associated with positive clinical outcomes

A landmark study by Thomas Jefferson University researchers found a direct association between physicians' empathy and their patients' positive clinical outcomes. The study, published in Academic Medicine, suggests that empathic engagement in patient care contributes to better treatment adherence and more desirable clinical results.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalAcademic Medicine·DateMar 7, 2011

Loss of plant diversity threatens Earth's life-support systems

A comprehensive analysis of 574 field and laboratory studies reveals that plant communities with many species are nearly 1.5 times more productive than those with only one species. This suggests that biodiversity is essential for maintaining the functioning of ecosystems, particularly in estuaries like Chesapeake Bay.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateMar 7, 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.

People would rather let bad things happen than cause them, especially if someone is watching

A new study suggests that people are more likely to allow something bad to happen rather than causing it, especially if they know someone will judge them. The researchers found that participants were more willing to let a timer run out, resulting in less money for themselves, when they knew someone was watching and would penalize them.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 7, 2011

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

A new study predicts the spread of cholera in Haiti and identifies effective control strategies. The researchers' model suggests a three percent risk reduction in infection through vaccination, which is twice the impact of providing clean water.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 7, 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.

Text messaging helps smokers break the habit

Researchers found that text messaging is at least as effective as handheld devices in measuring smoking urges and resisting cravings, with tailored interventions tailored to individuals' response-inhibition capacities. The study also identified key brain regions involved in response inhibition.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 7, 2011

Iowa State, Ames Lab researcher hunts for green catalysts

L. Keith Woo is searching for cleaner chemical reactions by studying iron porphyrins, a type of enzyme that catalyzes oxidation and electron transfer reactions. His research aims to develop more efficient catalysts that promote reactions at lower pressures and temperatures, reducing waste and creating safer alternatives.

SourceIowa State University·DateMar 7, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Increased, mandatory screenings help identify more kids with emotional/behavioral problems

A new court-ordered mental health screening program led to a significant increase in children being identified as behaviorally and emotionally at risk. The number of screens completed and referrals for mental health evaluations also increased, highlighting the importance of routine screening in identifying childhood psychosocial issues.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateMar 7, 2011

Helicobacter pylori infection linked to decreased iron levels in otherwise healthy children, according to research at UTHealth

Researchers at UTHealth discovered that children with asymptomatic H. pylori infections have lower iron levels compared to those without the infection. The study found that even in healthy children, the bacterium causes a decrease in iron storage, which may have long-term health consequences.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJournal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition·DateMar 7, 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.

Sleepy connected Americans

A National Sleep Foundation poll found that 43% of Americans report rarely getting a good night's sleep on weeknights due to pervasive technology use before bedtime. The study highlights the impact of screens and interactive technologies on sleep habits, particularly in younger generations.

SourceNational Sleep Foundation·DateMar 7, 2011

Flipping a switch on neuron activity

Researchers at the University of California and Germany have developed light-sensing modules to attach to neuronal molecules, allowing for real-time study of complex cascades. This breakthrough enables selective activation of individual classes of molecules, paving the way for new treatments for vision impairments.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateMar 7, 2011

The underemployed -- increasing and overlooked

A study by University of Nevada, Reno researchers finds that underemployment is a complex phenomenon with broad effects on individuals, organizations, and society. The study identifies eight dimensions of underemployment, affecting up to one in three employees, with difficult situations like the recession leading to its occurrence.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Reno·JournalJournal of Management·DateMar 7, 2011

Protecting ecosystems, pollution remediation goals of research at UH

Researchers use computer simulations to study clonal plant communities and their impact on ecosystems, aiming to design ideal prairies for pollution cleanup and species preservation. The project utilizes volunteer computing resources from over 10,000 volunteers worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalEcological Modelling·DateMar 7, 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.

Pathology study tracks uterine changes with mifepristone

A recent pathology study suggests that mifepristone could be a therapeutic option for women with severe uterine fibroid symptoms. The research confirms that the drug does not trigger cancerous lesions in the uterus, but rather causes benign changes such as fluid-filled glands and abnormal blood vessels.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalHuman Pathology·DateMar 7, 2011

You are what your mother ate

Poor diet during pregnancy increases offspring's vulnerability to aging effects, leading to increased risk of type 2 diabetes and age-related diseases. The study reveals a novel mechanism by which maternal diet interacts with epigenetics to influence gene expression in offspring throughout life.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 7, 2011

JCI online early table of contents: March 7, 2011

Researchers create a molecular switch that enhances DC-mediated tumor antigen-specific T cell responses, improving the efficacy of cancer vaccines. Additionally, they find that reducing Tie1 levels attenuates the development of lesions in atherosclerosis models, highlighting a potential new target for therapy.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 7, 2011

Universal screening programs can uncover abuse, study finds

A new study confirms that universal screening programs for domestic abuse increase the number of women acknowledging abuse, with effective programs having support services and training for staff. The study reverses previous thinking on the value of such programs.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateMar 7, 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.

Web use doesn't encourage belief in political rumors, but e-mail does

A new study by Ohio State University researcher R. Kelly Garrett found that using the internet generally doesn't make people more likely to believe political rumors, but e-mail does. E-mails from friends and family are more likely to be believed than online sources like websites and blogs.

SourceOhio State University·JournalHuman Communication Research·DateMar 7, 2011

New perspective diminishes racial bias in pain treatment

A new study found that empathy significantly reduces racial bias in pain treatment, with a 98% decrease in treatment disparities for college students and a 55% decrease among nurses. By asking participants to imagine their patients' feelings, the researchers were able to mitigate unconscious biases.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalPain·DateMar 7, 2011

Stretchable balloon electronics get to the heart of cardiac medicine

A team of researchers has successfully integrated stretchable electronics technology with standard endocardial balloon catheters, enabling both mapping and ablation functions in a single device. The device features an array of sensors to measure cardiac activity, temperature, blood flow, and pressure.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 7, 2011

Political narratives on race, southern identity influence national elections

Researchers found that Republican and Democratic narratives about the American South shaped the way Americans view themselves. Dr. Christina Moss argues that these narratives effectively marginalized African-Americans by defining regional identity in terms of white voters' control over power.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalSouthern Communication Journal·DateMar 7, 2011

A new stem cell enters the mix: Induced conditional self-renewing progenitor cells

Researchers developed induced conditional self-renewing progenitor cells, which can differentiate into active neurons and other brain cell types. The new stem cell approach shows promising results in an adult rat model of intracerebral hemorrhagic stroke, with no adverse effects observed over five months.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 7, 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.

Berkeley Lab researchers illuminate laminin's role in cancer formation

Researchers have shown how laminin influences genetic information inside a cell's nucleus, while its destruction plays a detrimental role in tumor development. The study also identifies laminin-111 as the regulator of nuclear actin, a key mediator of epithelial cell quiescence.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Cell Science·DateMar 7, 2011

Monitoring waste in groundwater (without all the waste)

A new device called the in situ sampler (IS2) is being used to monitor waste in groundwater without generating significant amounts of hazardous waste. The IS2 boasts extremely low detection limits and produces no wastewater, making it a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional methods.

SourceArizona State University·DateMar 7, 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.

Ohio State study: Targeted ovarian cancer therapy not cost-effective

A new study published in Journal of Clinical Oncology found that adding targeted therapy bevacizumab to treatment for advanced ovarian cancer patients is not cost-effective. The researchers analyzed a clinical trial and found that the additional survival benefit was offset by high costs.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateMar 7, 2011

$38.4M NHMRC program grants extend cancer and blood cell research

Researchers at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute will receive $21.3 million to study genetic changes in cancer and develop new diagnosis, treatment, and prevention approaches. The institute will also lead a $17.1 million program to study blood cell production and function.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·DateMar 7, 2011

University of Maryland School of Medicine publishes scientific paper on 2001 anthrax attacks

Researchers from the Institute for Genome Sciences used genomics and microbiology to investigate the 2001 anthrax attacks, tracing the spores back to a flask containing Bacillus anthracis. The investigation led to the identification of Bruce Ivins as the perpetrator, marking the first use of microbial forensics in a criminal case.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 7, 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.

Older parents are happier with more children

Research reveals a global trend where parents over 30 feel unhappy with each additional child, but those aged 40+ are happier than their peers until they have four or more children. Older parents tend to be happier than childless couples when they reach adulthood and can benefit from their financial support.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPopulation and Development Review·DateMar 7, 2011

2 proteins play key roles in Burkitt's lymphoma

Researchers at Sbarro Health Research Organization have discovered a new mechanism for INK4/ARF protein inactivation in Burkitt's lymphoma. The study suggests that reactivating tumor suppressor genes p16 and p14 could lead to the inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis, offering potential new treatment avenues.

SourceSbarro Health Research Organization·JournalCell Cycle·DateMar 7, 2011

A study reveals the keys to the locomotion of snails

Researchers characterize snail locomotion and find that mucus properties are not crucial for movement. The study's findings have potential applications in designing biomimetic robots that can move on fluid surfaces.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateMar 7, 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.

Parents important for keeping adolescents off alcohol

A new thesis from Karolinska Institutet highlights the importance of parental involvement in preventing adolescent alcohol consumption. Adolescents who exhibit risky behavior at an early age are more likely to develop high consumption patterns and associated health problems. Parents can make a significant difference by strengthening th...

SourceKarolinska Institutet·DateMar 7, 2011

International Women's Day provides a 'red alert' for women's hearts

A recent study published in the European Heart Journal found that women are underutilized of guideline-recommended treatments for heart disease compared to men. The disparity is attributed to various factors including age, congestive heart failure, and physician decision-making.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateMar 7, 2011

Research sheds light on fat digestibility in pigs

Recent research from the University of Illinois found that different types of diets affect endogenous losses of fat in pigs. The study measured endogenous losses to determine true digestibility of both intact and extracted corn oil, revealing that intact fat was less digestible than extracted fat.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Animal Science·DateMar 7, 2011

Psychosocially hazardous neighborhoods associated with worse cognitive function in some older adults

A study found that older adults with the APOE ε4 allele who reside in psychosocially hazardous neighborhoods exhibit poorer cognitive performance in various domains, including processing speed and executive function. The presence of APOE ε4 alleles in African American populations also showed a significant impact on cognitive function.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateMar 7, 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.

Teaching robots to move like humans

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology found that when robots move in a more human-like fashion, people can better recognize what the robot is doing and mimic it themselves. The study used motion-capture technology to program a robot to perform human movements, resulting in improved human-robot interaction.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateMar 7, 2011

Suggesting genes' friends, Facebook-style

Scientists have developed a new method to understand how different genes interact and affect cellular processes. The technique enables the identification of genes that influence each other's effects, similar to Facebook suggesting friend pairs, which could help predict patient outcomes and adapt treatments for diseases like cancer.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature Methods·DateMar 7, 2011

Ultra fast photodetectors out of carbon nanotubes

Researchers at TUM developed a new method to measure photocurrent in nanoscale photodetectors with picosecond precision, enabling faster detection of electrons. This breakthrough has significant implications for the development of optoelectronic components such as nanoscale photodetectors and solar cells.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 7, 2011

High levels of 'good' cholesterol may cut bowel cancer risk

Research suggests that high levels of 'good' cholesterol (HDL) are associated with a reduced risk of bowel cancer. The association remains intact even after accounting for other factors such as inflammation, insulin resistance, and oxygen free radicals. HDL may alter the inflammatory process in some way, according to the study's authors.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalGut·DateMar 7, 2011

How sweet it is: Why your taste cells love sugar so much

A new study reveals that taste cells have several additional sugar detectors beyond the previously known sweet receptor, indicating a complex mechanism for detecting sugars. The presence of these sensors may help regulate sensitivity to sweet taste under different nutritional conditions.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 7, 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.

Genome sequencing used to assess a novel form of Clostridium botulinum

Scientists have sequenced the genome of a novel form of Clostridium botulinum, which produces an unusual neurotoxin that poses a similar threat to other strains. The complete genome sequence has been deposited in EMBL/Genbank, providing valuable insights into the organism's structure and potential implications for food safety.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalJournal of Bacteriology·DateMar 7, 2011

HIT's impact on health disparities: Will it help or harm?

A recent roundtable discussion highlights the dual benefits and drawbacks of health information technology in addressing health disparities. While HIT has the potential to improve care for all populations, particularly those with chronic conditions, it may inadvertently widen existing disparities if not accessible to less advantaged gr...

SourceAmerican Medical Informatics Association·DateMar 7, 2011

Rockefeller Scientists discover new compound that rids cells of Alzheimer protein debris

Scientists from Rockefeller University have discovered a new compound, SMER28, which stimulates autophagy and effectively slows down the accumulation of beta-amyloid protein aggregates in rat and mice cells. This approach offers a radically different method to treat Alzheimer's disease and other degenerative diseases.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateMar 7, 2011