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Science News Archive March 2011 - Page 8


Page 8 of 28

Artifacts in Texas predate Clovis culture by 2,500 years, new study shows

Researchers have discovered thousands of human artifacts in Texas that predates Clovis culture by 2,500 years, expanding evidence for earlier cultures in North America. The pre-Clovis toolkit includes biface and blade technology, which may have later been adapted by the Clovis culture.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMar 24, 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.

Mini-stroke doubles risk of heart attack

Patients who have suffered a mini stroke are at twice the risk of heart attack compared to the general population. The study found that the risk of heart attack among TIA patients was about 1 percent per year, double that of people who had never had a TIA.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMar 24, 2011

Could 'training the brain' help children with Tourette syndrome?

Researchers discovered a unique brain development pattern in children with Tourette syndrome, which could lead to new treatment methods through behavioural therapy. The study suggests an alternative to drug-based therapies, offering hope for young people struggling with the condition.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 24, 2011

MRSA infection shown to be seasonal

A new study from Rhode Island Hospital found a significant increase in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections during the summer and autumn months, particularly among pediatric patients. The researchers attribute this seasonal variation to high temperatures and humidity promoting microbial growth on the skin.

SourceLifespan·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 24, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers reveal remarkable fossil

Researchers have discovered a remarkable 525-million-year-old fossil of a 'feathered helmet from beyond the clouds,' offering insights into ancient biology and evolution. The find belongs to a group called pterobranch hemichordates, related to starfish and sea urchins.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 24, 2011

Johns Hopkins scientists link DNA 'end-caps' length to diabetes risk

Researchers found that mice with short telomeres developed higher blood sugar levels and secreted less insulin, mimicking early stages of human diabetes. The study suggests that shorter telomeres may predispose people to age-related diabetes, paving the way for potential biomarkers.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 24, 2011

Study finds remarkable diversity of lichen species in Florida state park

A recent census led by Robert Lücking documented 432 different lichens within one square kilometer of Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, including 18 never before identified and nearly 100 previously not known from North America. The discovery highlights the remarkable biodiversity of lichens in this tropical environment.

SourceField Museum·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.

Good news! Hope makes headlines

Researchers from McGill University found that cancer coverage has increased in Canadian newspapers over the past 20 years, with a greater emphasis on positivity and hope. However, the study also identified a gap in coverage of palliative care and psychological aspects of cancer.

SourceMcGill University·JournalSupportive Care in Cancer·DateMar 24, 2011

Closing in on the pseudogap

A team of scientists has found that the pseudogap in high-temperature superconductors is not a gradual transition to superconductivity, but rather a distinct phase of matter. This discovery challenges current understanding and opens up new possibilities for achieving superconductivity at higher temperatures.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateMar 24, 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.

ESCEO Young Investigators Awards presented at ECCEO11-IOF in Valencia

The ESCEO Young Investigators Awards were presented to Dr. Nick Harvey and Dr. Michaël Hiligsmann for their outstanding contributions to bone and mineral research. Their awards, valued at €2,500, recognize excellence in bone mineral research and are supported by a grant from MSD.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·DateMar 24, 2011

Integral spots matter a millisecond from doom

Astronomers have spotted extremely hot matter near a black hole just milliseconds before it plunges in. The unique observations suggest that some matter may be escaping via highly structured magnetic fields.

SourceEuropean Space Agency·JournalScience·DateMar 24, 2011

Great Depression did not significantly improve life expectancy in the US

A new study by London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found no significant impact of the Great Depression on mortality rates in urban US populations. The study suggests that government responses to economic crises can affect health outcomes, with protective effects observed during periods like the New Deal.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateMar 24, 2011

Recipients of the 2011 Clay Research Awards announced

Yves Benoist and Jean-François Quint received the Clay Research Award for their work on stationary measures and orbit closures. Jonathan Pila won the award for resolving the André-Oort Conjecture in the case of products of modular curves.

SourceThe Clay Mathematics Institute·DateMar 24, 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.

Around 25 percent of health messages in Spanish text books are not based on scientific evidence

A study by Baza Hospital found that 24.6% of health messages in primary and secondary school text books are not based on scientific evidence. The research analyzed 844 messages, with 61% classified as having an unknown level of evidence, and identified high levels of scientific proof in topics like oral health and pregnancy.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalBMC Public Health·DateMar 24, 2011

Acupuncture is equally effective with simulated needles

A study published in PLoS ONE found that simulated acupuncture, also known as placebo, was just as effective as real acupuncture in reducing nausea in cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. The researchers suggested that the benefits may be due to patient expectations and extra care received during treatment.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 24, 2011

Stem cell therapy for age-related macular degeneration -- a step closer to reality

Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have successfully created retinal cells derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells that mimic the eye cells responsible for age-related macular degeneration. The discovery paves the way for potential treatment and regeneration therapies for this debilitating condition.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalStem Cells·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.

Rapid etching X-rayed

Researchers at Kiel University developed a method to track atomic-scale changes during etching and coating, revealing uniform metal removal. The technique enabled detection of reactions within milliseconds, providing insights into industrially employed processes.

SourceKiel University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 23, 2011

'Knowing it in your gut' is real

Researchers found that gut bacteria influence how the brain is wired for learning and memory, leading to anxiety-like behavior. The study also suggests that targeting the immune system and gut function could lead to new therapies for psychiatric illnesses.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalNeurogastroenterology & Motility·DateMar 23, 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.

Researchers find similarities in brain activity for both habits and goals

A study by researchers at New York University found overlapping neurological mechanisms between goal-directed actions and habitual behaviors. The findings suggest that the brain's systems for different behaviors are more intertwined than previously thought, paving the way for addressing addiction and similar maladies.

SourceNew York University·JournalNeuron·DateMar 23, 2011

Traumatizing your DNA

A Tel Aviv University researcher warns that environmental stressors like pollution and stress can alter gene expression in a way that affects the human genome. This epigenetic inheritance can be passed down to future generations, with potential long-term impacts on health.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalThe Quarterly Review of Biology·DateMar 23, 2011

MIT systems biologists use computer models to predict animal cell behavior

Researchers created a computational model that describes how intestinal cells in mice respond to TNF, revealing the importance of location and protein interactions in cell fate. The study demonstrates the power of systems biology in modeling complex biological systems and predicting disease outcomes.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Signaling·DateMar 23, 2011

The evolution of brain wiring: Navigating to the neocortex

A new study has provided insight into the evolutionary scenario guiding sensory information projections in different species. Researchers discovered that subtle changes in the migration of 'guidepost' neurons underlie major differences in brain connectivity between mammals and nonmammalian vertebrates.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateMar 23, 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.

Arthritis drug could help beat melanoma skin cancer

Researchers have identified leflunomide as a potential treatment for melanoma, a form of skin cancer with high mortality rates. The study found that the drug restricts tumour growth in mouse models, and when combined with another therapy, it achieves almost complete blockage of tumour growth.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNature·DateMar 23, 2011

Molecular muscle: Small parts of a big protein play key roles in building tissues

A team at the Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology found that tiny pieces of a protein called tenascin-C can bind to specific sites on another protein, helping to construct tissue. These small domains may help stop uncontrolled matrix deposition in conditions like fibrosis, making them potential tools for controlling diseases.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 23, 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.

MicroRNAs: A potential new frontier for medicine

New research explores the role of microRNAs in understanding immunoregulation, inflammation, and autoimmune diseases. MicroRNAs are also being investigated as therapeutic targets in cancer and potential biomarkers for various diseases.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalTranslational Research·DateMar 23, 2011

Road traffic pollution doubles risk of rejection after lung transplant

Research tracking lung transplant patients living near roads found they had double the risk of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome and mortality. The study suggests traffic air pollution is a significant risk factor for lung transplant recipients, with proximity to main roads impacting health outcomes.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThorax·DateMar 23, 2011

UC Riverside geneticists to study how plants adapt to a changing environment

Researchers will investigate how transposable elements in rice plants adapt to environmental changes, with implications for understanding TE impact on gene expression and organismal responses. The team aims to document the global impact of a TE burst in any organism and develop resources for tracking TE movement.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateMar 23, 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.

U of M researchers close in on technology for making renewable petroleum

Researchers at University of Minnesota develop technology to convert CO2 into hydrocarbon fuels using bacteria and sunlight, a potential solution to fossil fuel depletion and climate change. The process uses ketones produced by bacteria as feedstock for diesel fuel production.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 23, 2011

Researchers sequence multiple myeloma genome in landmark Nature study

Researchers sequenced the genome of multiple myeloma in a landmark study, identifying mutations in genes involved in protein translation, blood coagulation, and histone methylation. The findings provide new insights into the disease's development and offer potential directions for targeted therapies.

SourceJohn Theurer Cancer Center·JournalNature·DateMar 23, 2011

UCSF team shows how to make skinny worms fat and fat worms skinny

The UCSF team identified a few dozen chemical compounds that alter fat storage in worms, which may be useful for understanding metabolism in other organisms. The discovery demonstrates the value of worm screening as a way to find new targets for human diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMar 23, 2011

International laws may be part of maritime piracy problem

Research from North Carolina State University reveals that international laws can create uncertainty and confusion in addressing piracy, leading to inconsistent responses from countries. The existing framework of international laws leaves room for pirates to exploit loopholes and escape justice.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·DateMar 23, 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.

First sex linked to better body image in men, not women

College-age males experience improved self-image after first intercourse, while females become less satisfied. In contrast, women's satisfaction with their appearance increases over the first four years of college, while men's satisfaction decreases.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Adolescence·DateMar 23, 2011

Why salad helps you say yes to 'NO'

Researchers found that supplementing rats with nitrate before vessel injury limited damage, while a diet low in nitrate exacerbated it. The study suggests that leafy green diets may benefit vascular health through nitric oxide production.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 23, 2011

Why some children are harmed by mother's alcohol, but others aren't

A gene variation passed on by mothers to their sons makes them vulnerable to fetal alcohol exposure, disrupting thyroid hormone balance and causing behavioral deficits. Researchers propose dietary supplements to reverse or fix enzyme dosage in the brain, potentially treating FASD.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateMar 23, 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.

Long-term study: Robot-assisted prostate surgery is safe

A study of over 3,000 patients found robot-assisted prostate surgery to be safe, with a low major complication rate and no disease recurrence after five years for nearly 87 percent of patients. The study analyzed surgical outcomes from 2005 to 2009 and addressed the lack of standardized reporting in previous literature.

SourceHenry Ford Health·JournalEuropean Urology·DateMar 23, 2011

Physical activity decreases salt's effect on blood pressure

Researchers found that physically active participants experienced less increase in systolic blood pressure on high-salt diets compared to sedentary individuals. The study's findings suggest that increasing physical activity and reducing sodium intake can help lower blood pressure, particularly among those who are more sedentary.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMar 23, 2011

2 new targets for melanoma therapies

Researchers found two new proteins that accelerate melanoma in zebrafish models, SETDB1 and DHODH, which could lead to new treatments. Leflunomide, an arthritis drug, also showed promise by blocking the production of RNA nucleic bases, a key step in cancer cell growth.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature·DateMar 23, 2011

Epigenomic findings illuminate veiled variants

Researchers mapped chromatin marks in nine cell types and linked non-coding SNPs to regulatory networks. This study provides insights into the functions of non-coding regions associated with human disease.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalNature·DateMar 23, 2011

Scientists identify gene responsible for severe skin condition

Researchers have identified a gene, HLA-A*3101, that increases the risk of developing a severe skin reaction to carbamazepine in Caucasian patients. This discovery complements previous findings in Asian patients and may lead to more effective treatment strategies for patients with epilepsy.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 23, 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.

Red tape for clinical trial consent can be lethal: Experts

Researchers argue that current rules requiring written consent in emergency situations are causing unnecessary delays, resulting in patients missing out on life-saving treatments. The study found that up to one sixth of patients in a major clinical trial were denied treatment due to these regulations.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 23, 2011

JCI online early table of contents: March 23, 2011

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh discovered a new nitric oxide pathway that protects against intimal hyperplasia in rats. The study found that supplementing rats with nitrate before vessel injury markedly limited damage, while a diet low in nitrate exacerbated it.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 23, 2011