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Science News Archive March 2011 - Page 7


Page 7 of 28

Surprise! Biodiversity and resource use may co-exist in tropical forests

A new study finds that biodiversity can be conserved while resources are used to support local household livelihoods, especially when managed under systems that involve local forest users. The research suggests formalizing the rights of local people to contribute to forest management and governance can promote dual success.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalScience·DateMar 25, 2011

Size matters: Smaller particles could make solar panels more efficient

Researchers have discovered that smaller quantum dots can increase the efficiency of solar panels by generating multiple excitons from a single photon of light. This breakthrough has significant implications for commercial realizations of multiple-exciton generation (MEG) technology.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalACS Nano·DateMar 25, 2011

Inadequate diet can lead to anemia in postmenopausal women

A new study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that inadequate nutrition is a significant risk factor for anemia in postmenopausal women. The study, which analyzed data from over 72,000 women, found that deficiencies in multiple nutrients were associated with a higher risk of persistent anemia.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association·DateMar 25, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Smithsonian scientists help block ship-borne bioinvaders before they dock

A new statistical model helps regulators identify ships carrying unwanted species, enabling more effective screening of ballast water. The model's findings are published in Environmental Science & Technology, providing a promising solution to prevent bioinvaders from causing environmental damage.

SourceSmithsonian·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMar 25, 2011

FDA considers new rules to speed up confirmatory trials of drugs granted accelerated approval

The FDA is considering new rules to speed up confirmatory trials of drugs granted accelerated approval, following a review that found six indications remained on the market without confirmation. The median time between accelerated and regular approval was 3.9 years, with some drugs remaining on the market for over 10 years.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 25, 2011

Asthma drug could help control or treat Alzheimer's disease

Researchers found that Zileuton, an asthma drug, reduced gamma secretase's production of amyloid beta and subsequent plaque buildup in the brain by over 50% in a transgenic mouse model. This breakthrough suggests potential for new Alzheimer's treatment using an FDA-approved medication.

SourceTemple University·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateMar 25, 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.

Study finds weight training safe for pregnant women

A University of Georgia study found a supervised, low-to-moderate intensity weight-lifting exercise program to be safe and beneficial for pregnant women. The research showed that participants increased their strength without experiencing musculoskeletal injuries or significant changes in blood pressure.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of Physical Activity and Health·DateMar 25, 2011

Research team honored for innovative science to advance cancer research

A team of international researchers from Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and University of Washington have made significant contributions to understanding human papillomavirus (HPV) infections. They developed the HPV vaccine, which has the potential to prevent over half a million HPV-associated cancers worldwide.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateMar 25, 2011

Some outcomes of the evolutionary race buck conventional wisdom

Researchers found that long-term mutations are advantageous over short-term fitness gains, leading to the survival of less fit organisms. This unique study provides unprecedented detail on the complexity of evolution and challenges the traditional view of evolutionary success.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalScience·DateMar 25, 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.

AACR honors eminent researchers

The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) is honoring two renowned cancer researchers, Helen Blau and Nathanael Gray, for their groundbreaking contributions to the field. Helen Blau's work on regenerative medicine and cellular plasticity has led to new approaches in modeling diseases and regenerating damaged tissues.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateMar 25, 2011

Stranglers of the tropics -- and beyond

Lianas, found in most tropical lowland forests, are outcompeting trees for sunlight, water, and nutrients. This intense competition is limiting tree growth and survival in these ecosystems.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalEcology Letters·DateMar 25, 2011

Nearly 1 in 4 postmenopausal women with fractures is obese

Obese postmenopausal women are almost as likely to fracture as non-obese women, with specific sites like the upper arm, ankle, and lower leg being more prone to fractures in obese individuals. Poor mobility and a history of early menopause also play significant roles.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateMar 25, 2011
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Penn researchers uncover novel immune therapy for pancreatic cancer

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have discovered a novel way to treat pancreatic cancer by activating the immune system to destroy the cancer's scaffolding. The strategy was tested in a small cohort of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer, resulting in substantial tumor shrinkage and reduced metabolic activity.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience·DateMar 24, 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.

Uncertain future for Joshua trees projected with climate change

A new study projects that climate change will likely eliminate Joshua trees from 90 percent of their current range within 60 to 90 years. The species' ability to migrate via seed dispersal may be severely limited due to its reliance on seed-caching rodents.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalEcological Applications·DateMar 24, 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.

Case Western Reserve orthodontic researchers ask: Where's your retainer?

Researchers found that most orthodontists prescribed removable retainers, with 58.2% opting for these over fixed lingual retainers. Patient compliance was generally high, with 60% wearing retainers more than 10 hours a day in the first three months.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalAmerican Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics·DateMar 24, 2011

Is blood thicker than water?

Researchers challenge Inclusive Fitness Theory, citing flawed assumptions and misrepresentation of data. The debate highlights the importance of rigorous scholarship in scientific inquiry.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalNature·DateMar 24, 2011

Researchers find eye development error causing cataracts, glaucoma

A study by Jackson Laboratory researchers reveals that mutations in the TDRD7 gene can cause juvenile cataracts and glaucoma, linked to a malfunctioning protein affecting eye lens development. The disorder disrupts stress granule production, leaving tissues susceptible to oxidative damage.

SourceJackson Laboratory·JournalScience·DateMar 24, 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.

HIV integration requires use of a host DNA-repair pathway

Researchers found that HIV requires base excision repair proteins to integrate its DNA into the host genome, identifying novel targets for anti-HIV drugs. The study suggests that drugs targeting these cellular proteins may avoid resistance and have fewer side effects.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 24, 2011

New approach to programming may boost 'green' computing

Binghamton University researcher Yu David Liu is developing an energy-aware programming language to encourage green software development. The new approach aims to reduce energy consumption by allowing programmers to express their intentions directly in the code.

SourceBinghamton University·DateMar 24, 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.

Noninvasive brain stimulation may improve swallowing after stroke

A pilot study found that noninvasive brain stimulation improved swallowing ability in stroke patients by at least two points in 86% of those receiving treatment. The treatment, tDCS, showed a statistically significant improvement compared to sham stimulation, with patients increasing their ability to swallow by more than 2.5 points.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMar 24, 2011

Exploding stars and stripes

A pattern of X-ray 'stripes' in the Tycho supernova remnant supports a theory on how magnetic fields amplify near expanding shock waves, accelerating particles to extreme energies. The discovery may provide direct evidence for the production of cosmic rays.

SourceRutgers University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMar 24, 2011

Micro-RNA's contribute to risk for panic disorder

Researchers found that four microRNAs (miR-22, miR-138-2, miR-148a, and miR-488) are associated with panic disorder, regulating genes related to anxiety pathways in the brain. The study suggests a coordinated involvement of multiple risk genes, implying the existence of molecular 'switches' that control gene function.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateMar 24, 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.

Eye movement differs in British and Chinese populations

Researchers found a rare eye movement pattern more common in healthy Chinese individuals than in British participants, challenging the assumption that this pattern is only indicative of underlying neurological issues. This discovery could indicate subtle cultural or genetic influences on brain function, warranting further investigation.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalExperimental Brain Research·DateMar 24, 2011

Against the tide: Currents keep dolphins apart

Researchers from Wildlife Conservation Society and AMNH discover genetic distinct populations of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin formed by currents, surface temperature differences, and environmental barriers. The study sheds light on how environmental factors influence population structure in marine species.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalHeredity·DateMar 24, 2011

Suzaku shows clearest picture yet of Perseus Galaxy Cluster

The study provides the first direct evidence that million-degree gas clouds are tightly gathered in the cluster's outskirts. The Suzaku images reveal that the outer parts of the Perseus cluster contain too many baryons, contradicting earlier studies and galaxy surveys.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalScience·DateMar 24, 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.

Math professor wins National Science Foundation award

Julien Langou receives $400,000 NSF CAREER award to study algorithms and their limitations in numerical simulations. His research aims to better understand how fast the fastest algorithm can execute on a given computing platform.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·DateMar 24, 2011

Just 6 months of hormone therapy doubles survival chances when added to radiotherapy in patients with locally advanced prostate cancer

A new study found that combining 6 months of hormone therapy with radiotherapy significantly improved survival rates for men with locally advanced prostate cancer. The treatment reduced the risk of death from prostate cancer by half and deaths from any cause by a third compared to radiation alone.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateMar 24, 2011

NeuroImage: Multiplexing in the visual brain

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum successfully visualized distinct activity patterns overlaid in primary visual cortex, indicating simultaneous encoding of object orientation and motion direction speed. This breakthrough demonstrates the brain's ability to process multiple visual cues simultaneously.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNeuroImage·DateMar 24, 2011

BrainGate neural interface system reaches 1,000-day performance milestone

A woman with tetraplegia has controlled a computer cursor accurately for over 1,000 days using the BrainGate neural interface system. The system, which decodes brain signals to translate them into digital instructions, has shown promising results in enabling people with paralysis to control external devices.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·DateMar 24, 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.

Cutting carbon dioxide helps prevent drying

Reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations could increase global precipitation and prevent droughts, according to Carnegie Global Ecology scientists. The team's novel explanation shows that cutting CO2 can lead to an increase in thunderstorms and rainfall.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMar 24, 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.

ICUROS study finds international variations in quality of life loss after fracture

A recent study published in Osteoporosis International found substantial initial quality of life loss following osteoporotic fractures, particularly for hip and vertebral fractures. The study, part of the ICUROS international patient-based study, identified significant variations in quality of life loss between countries.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateMar 24, 2011

Study: Teachers unaware of growing gender gaps in classrooms

A study by University of Illinois education professors reveals a growing gender gap in math and reading scores, especially in lower grades. Teachers tend to overestimate girls' math achievement and underestimate boys' reading abilities, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAmerican Educational Research Journal·DateMar 24, 2011

Bryan Roth honored for excellence in clinical pharmacology

Dr. Bryan Roth has received the PhRMA Foundation Award in Excellence in Pharmacology/Toxicology for his groundbreaking research on drug discovery and development. His work aims to understand how central nervous system drugs affect brain neurons and mitigate side effects, particularly for conditions like schizophrenia and depression.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·DateMar 24, 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.

Bats keep separate households

Researchers found that males and females use different foraging grounds, with females relying heavily on lake shores and males using a broader range of resources. The study suggests that conservation efforts should prioritize female needs and account for sex-specific habitat use in monitoring efforts.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalAnimal Conservation·DateMar 24, 2011

iMobot rolls, crawls and creeps

The iMobot robot has four controllable degrees of freedom and can be assembled into larger robots for specific tasks. Researchers hope the technology will speed up university and industry research in robotics.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateMar 24, 2011