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Science News Archive March 2011 - Page 26


Page 26 of 28

NIH-funded study shows early brain effects of HIV in mouse model

A new mouse model closely resembles the human body's reaction to early HIV infection, showing inflammatory responses, changes in brain cells, and neuronal loss. The study is a breakthrough in understanding how HIV affects brain functioning in its initial stages.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·DateMar 2, 2011

Mutations found in human induced pluripotent stem cells

Researchers discovered protein-coding point mutations in all 22 hiPSC lines, with an estimated six mutations per exome. The findings suggest that genetic screening of hiPSCs before clinical use is crucial to ensure their safety and accuracy.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·DateMar 2, 2011

Blood protein in lung cancer could improve diagnosis and treatment

A recent study discovered a blood protein linked to lung adenocarcinoma, which could serve as a diagnostic marker for the disease. Elevated levels of serum amyloid A (SAA) were found in patients with lung cancer, making it a promising target for developing drugs that stop cancer spread.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateMar 2, 2011

Research suggests alcohol consumption helps stave off dementia

A study of 23 longitudinal studies found that light-to-moderate alcohol consumption was associated with lower incidence rates of overall dementia and Alzheimer's disease. However, the impact on vascular dementia and cognitive decline is unclear.

SourceOxford University Press UK·JournalAge and Ageing·DateMar 2, 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.

Trust, clarity and openness in the workplace

A study by D. Keith Denton highlights the importance of creating an atmosphere of trust in the workplace to improve communication and reduce dissatisfaction. Face-to-face communication is found to be more effective than other channels, allowing for true dialogue to occur.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Productivity and Quality Management·DateMar 2, 2011

4 new species of Zombie ant fungi discovered in Brazilian rainforest

Four new species of fungus have been discovered in the Brazilian rainforest, infecting ants and manipulating their behavior to secure prime locations for spore dispersal. The study sheds light on the complex interactions between parasites and fragmented habitats, providing tools for further research into disease dynamics.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 2, 2011

Sustaining the biodiversity of the western Great Plains

Fire, cattle, and prairie dogs play a crucial role in maintaining the diversity of vegetation on the western Great Plains. This mosaic of diverse vegetation supports various wildlife species, including declining populations of grassland birds and ground-nesting birds.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·DateMar 2, 2011
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.

Joint pain in children: Is it just a sore knee, or ... ?

A literature review finds lab tests and imaging have limited value in diagnosing JIA due to false positives; a full physical exam and patient history are crucial for accurate diagnosis

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateMar 2, 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.

Penn physicists develop scalable method for making graphene

Researchers at Penn have created high-quality graphene that covers over 95% of its surface area using readily available materials and manufacturing processes. The production process can be scaled up to industrial levels, reducing costs and increasing flexibility.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateMar 2, 2011

CROI -- Day 3: Selected highlights of NIH-supported research

The iPrEx study found daily oral Truvada effective in preventing HIV infection in gay and bisexual men and transgender women. Researchers also discovered small but significant decreases in bone mineral density among those taking Truvada compared to a placebo.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateMar 2, 2011

Study shows ibuprofen may reduce risk of developing Parkinson's disease

A new Harvard School of Public Health study found that adults who regularly take ibuprofen have a lower risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The researchers analyzed data from nearly 99,000 women and 37,000 men, finding that ibuprofen use was associated with a 38% reduced risk of Parkinson's disease.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNeurology·DateMar 2, 2011

Solar mystery solved

Computer simulations suggest that changes in plasma flow within the Sun, which resembles ocean currents, contribute to prolonged solar minima. The team discovered that a faster flow during the first half of the solar cycle can lead to an extended period without sunspots and weak polar magnetic fields.

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·JournalNature·DateMar 2, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Clouds amplify ecological light pollution

Research by physicists and ecologists found that overcast skies are up to three times brighter than clear nights, amplifying ecological light pollution in urban ecosystems. The study highlights the need to consider cloud cover when assessing biological impact of light pollution.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 2, 2011

Potassium levels possible key to racial disparity in Type 2 diabetes

Researchers found lower potassium levels associated with higher diabetes risk in African-Americans, who are twice as likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Increasing potassium levels through diet or supplements could potentially prevent the most common form of diabetes.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMar 2, 2011

New growth inhibitors more effective in plants, less toxic to people

Researchers created a new class of plant growth regulators that block auxin transport, controlling growth processes without hormonal activity or toxicity concerns. The inhibitors are expected to reduce environmental impact and safety risks associated with current growth regulators.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 2, 2011

Penn researchers find new role for cancer protein p53

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that protein p53 controls glucose metabolism, enabling cells to grow uncontrollably in tumors. This discovery may lead to new cancer therapeutics by targeting an inefficient metabolic pathway.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateMar 2, 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.

Research shows how bacteria communicate with each other

Researchers at Hebrew University identified a previously uncharacterized type of bacterial communication mediated by nanotubes that bridge neighboring cells. This mechanism enables bacteria to exchange small molecules, proteins, and even small genetic elements, facilitating the acquisition of new features such as antibiotic resistance.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalCell·DateMar 2, 2011

New MIT developments in quantum computing

Researchers at MIT propose an experiment using a large number of photons and beam splitters to calculate complex distributions. The challenge lies in simulating the sampling process, which is currently computationally intractable.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateMar 2, 2011

Black holes: a model for superconductors?

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a model for interacting electrons in unconventional superconductors by mimicking the behavior of charged black holes. This work resolves the Mott problem, which has puzzled physicists for decades, and sheds light on the origin of superconductivity in copper oxide materials.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 2, 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.

Jekyll and Hyde: Cells' executioner can also stave off death

Caspase 8, long viewed as an executioner of cellular suicide, has a surprising dual function: initiating apoptosis and restraining an independent programmed death pathway. The enzyme's absence can be compensated by RIP3, allowing mice to develop normally and potentially offering new therapeutic avenues for diseases.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature·DateMar 2, 2011

Parents rationalize the economic cost of children by exaggerating their parental joy

A study by Richard Eibach and Steven Mock found that parents who focus on the financial costs of parenthood tend to idealize parenting more, while those considering both costs and benefits report lower enjoyment in other activities. The researchers suggest this myth is a modern psychological phenomenon linked to changing societal values.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 2, 2011

Combined molecular study techniques reveal more about DNA proteins

Scientists have developed an instrument that tracks protein conformation and translocation with nanoscale precision. This breakthrough enables researchers to study proteins that regulate DNA replication and transcription, revealing new insights into their mechanisms.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Methods·DateMar 2, 2011

An appeal to the caregiving values of rural women for breast cancer prevention

A study published in the Journal of Consumer Affairs found that rural Appalachian women are more likely to perform breast health self-examinations and seek medical attention when their caregiving responsibilities are recognized. The research suggests that appealing to their strength as caretakers encourages them to take care of themsel...

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Consumer Affairs·DateMar 2, 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.

Dude, you throw like a crybaby!

A UCLA study found that body language is more likely to be judged as masculine when it conveys anger and as feminine when it conveys sadness during baseball tosses. Researchers used technology to disguise the actors' sex and presented videos to observers, who made judgments about their emotions and gender.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalCognition·DateMar 2, 2011

Just like me: Online training helpers more effective when they resemble students

A study by North Carolina State University found that superficial similarities between training participants and helper agents enhance performance. Participants reported better engagement and focus when the helper's communication style matched their own, leading to improved learning outcomes.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateMar 2, 2011

Worms strike see-saw balance in disease resistance

Researchers found that C. elegans worms gain resistance to one microbe at the cost of becoming more vulnerable to another, highlighting a see-saw balance between immunity to different diseases across the animal kingdom.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 2, 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.

Study in PLoS: Intensive adherence counseling to HIV treatment improves patient outcomes

A study published in PLoS Medicine found that intensive adherence counseling significantly reduces poor adherence and virologic treatment failure in patients with HIV. Patients receiving counseling were 29% less likely to experience poor adherence, and those receiving early counseling had a 59% lower risk of viral failure.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 2, 2011

Researchers focus on human cells for spinal cord injury repair

Researchers have discovered that specific human astrocytes derived from stem cells can repair damaged nervous systems and promote locomotor function in spinal cord injured rats. The study reveals the importance of creating beneficial cell types through tissue culture before transplantation, providing a potential new avenue for treating...

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 2, 2011

Shift work may be associated with decreased risk of skin cancer

A recent study published in JNCI found that shift work may be associated with a reduced risk of skin cancer in women. The researchers analyzed data from the Nurses' Health Study and discovered that rotating night shifts were linked to a lower risk of skin cancer, particularly melanoma. Darker-haired women had the lowest risk.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 2, 2011

6-month drug regimen cuts HIV risk for breastfeeding infants, NIH study finds

A 6-month daily dose of the antiretroviral drug nevirapine significantly reduced HIV transmission through breast milk to infants of HIV-infected mothers. The extended regimen achieved a 54% reduction in HIV transmission risk compared to six-week treatment, while preserving health benefits of extended breastfeeding.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateMar 2, 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.

Scientists unravel the mysterious mechanics of spider silk

Researchers have uncovered the key to spider silk's incredible strength and toughness, revealing a serial arrangement of crystalline and amorphous subunits that outperforms random structures. This breakthrough may lead to the design of artificial silk fibers with similar properties.

SourceCell Press·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateMar 1, 2011

Hospital use of virtual colonoscopy is on the rise, study suggests

A recent study found that hospital use of computed tomographic colonography (CTC), also known as virtual colonoscopy, is increasing. In 2008, 17% of hospitals offered CTC, up from 13% in 2005, with many citing a desire to provide alternative screening options for frail patients and those with failed optical colonoscopy.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Radiology·DateMar 1, 2011

New hope for lowering cholesterol

A team of researchers has discovered a new enzyme, squalene mono-oxygenase (SM), that plays a key role in cholesterol production. Inhibiting SM may lead to more effective treatments with fewer side effects than current medications.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMar 1, 2011

Gene variations associated with risk of type 2 diabetes

Research reveals that specific gene variants, particularly IVS5-13insC, are linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes in individuals of white European ancestry. The study's findings suggest that these genetic variations could serve as early predictive markers for insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMar 1, 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.

Scientists reveal new insights into tendon injury

Researchers found a thin layer of epithelial cells on healthy tendons that prevent adhesion formation. Mice with defective cells developed tendon adhesions, highlighting the importance of tissue surface integrity.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 1, 2011

Tanning bed exposure can be deadly when complicated by medication reactions

A study by Indiana University School of Medicine found that tanning bed radiation can cause severe skin reactions, including toxic epidermal necrolysis, a life-threatening condition. The researchers advise caution when using tanning beds to treat undiagnosed skin conditions.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalArchives of Dermatology·DateMar 1, 2011

$46 million boost to UK's biggest study of babies and young children

The £46 million study will track the lives of over 90,000 UK babies and their families, examining factors such as social disadvantage, environmental pollutants, and parenting style. The research aims to understand how biological and environmental influences shape children's health, development, and future life chances.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateMar 1, 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.

$1 million USDA grant aims to reduce obesity in preschoolers

The University of Illinois Chicago has received a $950,000 USDA grant to integrate obesity-prevention strategies into programs for low-income families. The program, Hip-Hop to Health, was previously found effective in reducing body mass index in minority children and will now be tested with an additional population.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·DateMar 1, 2011

For alcoholics, new help in abstaining -- without thinking about it

A new study published in Psychological Science finds that a short-term regime called cognitive-bias modification can help heavy drinkers change their impulsive responses to temptation, leading to improved treatment outcomes. The technique involves video-game-like tasks and was found to reduce relapse rates among alcoholics.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 1, 2011

Scientists unravel the mysterious mechanics of spider silk

Researchers deciphered the molecular structure behind spider silk's remarkable mechanical properties, discovering that soft amorphous subunits contribute to its elasticity and crystalline subunits determine its maximal toughness. The study's findings may aid in designing artificial silk fibers with improved performance.

SourceCell Press·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateMar 1, 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.

UCSF researchers uncover hormone pathway to fatty liver disease

UCSF researchers have discovered a crucial hormone pathway that contributes to the development of fatty liver disease. By disrupting this pathway, they found that fat accumulation in the liver can occur even without alcohol consumption. The study's findings may lead to the development of new therapeutic drugs targeting this pathway.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 1, 2011

Quality of life significantly increases after uterine fibroid treatment

A new study found that uterine fibroid treatment significantly improved quality of life for women, with non-minimally invasive options such as MRgFUS showing better outcomes. The study surveyed over 197 women who underwent different treatments, including hysterectomy and UAE.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateMar 1, 2011

New online resource offers teachers wealth of Middle East material

The 'Teaching the Middle East' online resource provides comprehensive and objective teaching materials on topics ranging from prehistory to modern states. It features articles written by University of Chicago faculty, lesson plans, and links to additional resources, aiming to dispel stereotypes and promote understanding.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·DateMar 1, 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.

ASA launches new journal focused on mental health and illness

The American Sociological Association has launched a new journal dedicated to researching the sociology of mental health and illness. The journal features original studies applying sociological concepts to understand the social origins of mental health and illness.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalSociety and Mental Health·DateMar 1, 2011