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Science News Archive March 2011 - Page 27


Page 27 of 28

Stem cell study could aid motor neurone disease research

Scientists have discovered a new way to generate human motor nerve cells, helping research into motor neurone disease. This breakthrough enables the creation of different types of motor neurons, allowing researchers to study their vulnerability to disease.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 1, 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.

Freedom to choose leisure activities benefits people with autism

A recreation program that allowed autistic adults to choose their own leisure activities improved their communication and social skills, according to Penn State researchers. Participants scored higher on personality tests than a control group, showing significant improvement in recognizing and labeling emotions.

SourcePenn State·JournalResearch in Autism Spectrum Disorders·DateMar 1, 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.

DREADD-ing your next meal

Researchers found that chronic stimulation of AgRP neurons induces weight gain by increasing food intake, while inhibition inhibits food intake. Stimulating AgRP neurons also triggers intense food seeking behavior.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 1, 2011

2011 Harold M. Weintraub Graduate Student Award recipients announced

The 2011 Harold M. Weintraub Graduate Student Award has been awarded to 12 graduate students from institutes across North America who have made significant contributions to the field of biological sciences. The award recognizes the quality, originality and significance of their research.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·DateMar 1, 2011

Scientists discover genetic switch that increases muscle blood supply

Researchers identified a genetic switch, estrogen-related receptor gamma (ERR gamma), that converts fast twitch fibers into slow twitch fibers with increased blood supply. This discovery offers potential therapeutic avenues for treating critical limb ischemia and other cardiovascular diseases.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMar 1, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Type 2 diabetes linked to single gene mutation in 1 in 10 patients

A multinational study found that a single gene mutation in the HMGA1 gene is responsible for type 2 diabetes in nearly 10 percent of patients of white European ancestry. This defect leads to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, providing a potential test to predict disease risk and identify effective treatment options.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA·DateMar 1, 2011

CROI -- Day 2: Selected highlights of NIH-supported research

Researchers investigated the risks of starting antiretroviral therapy in HIV-infected patients with TB, finding that early ART may not reduce AIDS risk for those with fewer than 250 CD4+ T cells. Microbicide studies showed promise with rectally applied tenofovir gel reducing HIV infection risk in men and women.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateMar 1, 2011

JCI online early table of contents: March 1, 2011

Studies using DREADD technology found that stimulating AgRP neurons induced weight gain and intense food seeking behavior, while inhibiting these neurons inhibited food intake. In another study, researchers discovered a new mechanism explaining growth hormone's role in fatty liver disease, which may lead to the development of novel tre...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 1, 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.

For some kids, corneal transplant improves vision and daily life

Researchers tracked corneal transplant success in young patients and found substantial improvement in vision for most children with keratoconus. The study revealed that infants had lower success rates due to related illnesses, while older children fared better.

SourceAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology·JournalOphthalmology·DateMar 1, 2011

Spotlight on autism research

UK child psychiatrist Sir Michael Rutter reviews the latest scientific developments in autism research, covering clinical features, genetics, environmental factors, and psychological treatments. Despite substantial gains in knowledge, prevention and cure remain major puzzles in autism research.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateMar 1, 2011

Solving the riddle of nature's perfect spring

Researchers have discovered the structure of tropoelastin, a key component of elastin that provides elasticity to human tissues. The molecule has near-perfect elasticity, allowing it to stretch up to eight times its original length and return to its shape with no loss of energy.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 1, 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.

Diversifying crops may protect yields against a more variable climate

Agricultural diversification techniques can help farmers mitigate the effects of climate change by making it harder for pathogens and pests to spread. By growing a broader range of species or varieties, farmers can modulate climate extremes and reduce economic losses.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateMar 1, 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.

Study finds nitric oxide does not help sickle cell pain crisis

A new study involving 150 patients with sickle cell disease found that inhaling nitric oxide gas did not improve outcomes, including reducing pain crisis duration or shortening hospital stays. The study's results contradict previous trials suggesting administration of nitric oxide might shorten sickle cell pain crises.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalJAMA·DateMar 1, 2011

Don't underestimate the power of herbal teas

Researchers from the US Department of Agriculture have found moderate antimicrobial activity and significant antiplatelet-clumping activity in chamomile tea. Peppermint tea has been shown to have strong antioxidant and antiviral actions, while hibiscus tea has lowered blood pressure in pre-hypertensive adults.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·DateMar 1, 2011

Study links vitamin D to lung cancer survival

Researchers found that high levels of CYP24A1 enzyme can predict lung cancer survival, with patients having higher levels experiencing nearly half the survival rate as those with low levels. The study suggests using vitamin D to prevent or delay cancer recurrence after surgery.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateMar 1, 2011

NASA's Glory Satellite scheduled for launch March 4

NASA's Glory satellite is scheduled to launch on March 4 from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. The mission will study the effects of sun particles and aerosols on Earth's climate. The launch also carries three CubeSats, designed and built by university students.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 1, 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.

Nitric oxide does not appear to improve treatment of sickle cell pain-attacks

A study published in JAMA found that inhaling nitric oxide gas for up to 3 days did not shorten the time to resolution of painful crises in patients with sickle cell disease. The treatment, which had shown promise in small trials, failed to demonstrate significant benefits in reducing pain duration or hospitalization length.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMar 1, 2011

New kind of optical fiber developed

Researchers have developed a new class of optical fibers using zinc selenide, enabling more efficient light manipulation and transmission in the infrared spectrum. This breakthrough has potential applications in medical lasers, countermeasure lasers, and environmental monitoring.

SourcePenn State·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 1, 2011

New generation of optical integrated devices for future quantum computers

Researchers from the University of Bristol demonstrated the quantum operation of new components that will enable compact circuits for future photonic quantum computers. These integrated photonic circuits are compact, stable, and low-noise, paving the way for mass production of chips for quantum computers.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 1, 2011
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Research provides new findings on drug delivery with nanoparticles

Researchers have discovered that the coating of nanoparticle surfaces significantly influences immune activation, allowing for more targeted treatment of diseases. The study shows that designing polymers in various ways can drastically change the body's immune response.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalACS Nano·DateMar 1, 2011

New 'frozen smoke' may improve robotic surgery, energy storage

A new carbon material, engineered to be the lightest solid, shows promise in detecting pollutants, improving robotic surgery techniques, and storing energy more efficiently. The material's large surface area allows for great amounts of energy storage, increasing the capacity of lithium batteries.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalACS Nano·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.

Emergency mental health lessons learned from Continental Flight 3407 disaster

Mental health responders to the Continental Flight 3407 disaster share key successes and areas for improvement in disaster response planning. Clear relationships among responders, long-lasting mental health referrals, and efficient communication are highlighted as critical components of effective emergency preparedness.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalDisaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness·DateMar 1, 2011

Regrets? Study examines how people can cope

A new study from Concordia University found that people who focus on others who are worse off with similar regrets tend to experience fewer physical symptoms and improved emotional well-being. The study, published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, suggests that downplaying others' regrets can be a protective coping mechanism.

SourceConcordia University·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateMar 1, 2011

Stronger than steel, novel metals are moldable as plastic

Researchers at Yale University have successfully created complex shapes using newly developed bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) that can be blown molded with unprecedented ease and precision. The BMGs are twice as strong as typical steel, making them a promising material for various applications.

SourceYale University·JournalMaterials Today·DateMar 1, 2011

Turning bacteria into butanol biofuel factories

Researchers have engineered E. coli bacteria to produce n-butanol, a chemical that could be used as a substitute for diesel oil and gasoline. The new genetically altered E. coli produced nearly five grams of n-butanol per liter, about 10 times better than current industrial microbe systems.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMar 1, 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.

Measuring methane

Researchers developed a non-invasive method to measure methane release from cattle, accounting for up to 77% of emissions at a single point in a paddock. The technique uses open-path lasers and global positioning devices to track animal movements and wind speed.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateMar 1, 2011

Answers to a rare and tragic form of epilepsy

A new study reveals that glycogen synthase mistakenly incorporates phosphate molecules into glycogen, leading to the accumulation of 'wrecked' glucose in neurons and the formation of deposits called Lafora bodies. This discovery may lead to a viable therapeutic intervention for Lafora disease, which has no current effective treatment.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·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.

Microscope could 'solve the cause of viruses'

Scientists have developed a microscope that can see objects as small as 50 nanometres, beyond the theoretical limit of optical microscopy. This breakthrough enables potential examination of human cells and live viruses for the first time, revolutionizing cell study and biomedicine.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 1, 2011

Is March Madness always the same?

A Duke University engineer's theory predicts that dominant teams in March Madness and top-ranked universities share similar hierarchies. The constructal law explains how these systems evolve to minimize imperfections and optimize performance.

SourceDuke University·JournalInternational Journal of Design & Nature and Ecodynamics·DateMar 1, 2011

Policies to reduce medical residents' fatigue may compromise quality of training

A study by Mayo Clinic researchers suggests that new duty-hour limitations for medical residents may not address the issue of physician fatigue, but rather compromise the quality of their training. The survey found that many residency program directors are concerned that shortened shifts will disrupt patient care and education.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateMar 1, 2011

New scientific field will study ecological importance of sounds

Researchers at Purdue University are developing a new scientific field that uses soundscapes to understand ecological characteristics and reconnect people with natural sounds. By analyzing the rhythms of natural sounds, scientists can detect early changes in climate, weather patterns, and pollution.

SourcePurdue University·JournalBioScience·DateMar 1, 2011

Shark tracking reveals impressive feats of navigation

Researchers found that tiger sharks can navigate long distances using directed walks, while thresher sharks also exhibit this behavior. Blacktip reef sharks, on the other hand, swim randomly within their small home ranges.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateMar 1, 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.

Abundant ammonia aids life's origins

Researchers found large amounts of ammonia in an asteroid, which could have provided a sustained source of reduced nitrogen essential for life. This discovery has significant implications for the origins-of-life theory and the potential for extraterrestrial life.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 1, 2011

6 different pathways to adulthood

A longitudinal study identifies six different pathways to adulthood among Finnish university students, shaped by career, partnership, and parenthood transitions. The study reveals that young adults with fast or on-time achievement of age-graded developmental tasks experience higher life satisfaction.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalAdvances in Life Course Research·DateMar 1, 2011

New non-surgical autopsy technique set to revolutionize post-mortem practice

A new non-surgical post-mortem technique uses minimally invasive targeted coronary angiography to determine the cause of death in up to 80% of cases. The technique is inexpensive, easy to use, and applicable to natural and unnatural deaths, offering a potential permanent change in autopsy practice.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalInternational Journal of Legal Medicine·DateMar 1, 2011

Which symptoms of PTSD do the most damage?

Research identifies four major PTSD symptoms with varying effects on quality of life, challenging common assumptions about the disorder's impact. Symptoms tied to heightened arousal, such as trouble sleeping and irritability, were found to have a significant association with lower quality of life among PTSD patients.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalPsychiatric Services·DateMar 1, 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.

Intensive adherence counseling with HIV treatment improves patient outcomes

A randomized controlled trial found that intensive adherence counseling reduces poor adherence and virologic treatment failure by up to 59%. Counseling also had no significant effect on mortality or CD4 counts. The study suggests that adherence counseling should be implemented in HIV clinics caring for large numbers of patients.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 1, 2011

Depressing future for men?

As men lose their primary breadwinner roles, depression and marital conflict are likely to increase. Biological and sociological differences may also make it harder for men to care for young children.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·DateMar 1, 2011

How long do stem cells live?

Researchers created a computer program that predicts the lifespan of hematopoietic stem cells, finding that each cell has a set amount of time for self-renewal. This understanding can improve the safety and efficacy of bone marrow transplants and potentially lead to breakthroughs in regenerative medicine.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 1, 2011