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Science News Archive May 2011 - Page 3


Page 3 of 28

More money, better health?

A new study from George Mason University found that greater medical spending among Medicare participants leads to improved overall health and survival rates. The research team analyzed data from over 17,000 beneficiaries and discovered a positive correlation between increased medical care spending and better health outcomes.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalHealth Services Research·DateMay 27, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Assessing the influence of Alaska glaciers is slippery work

The article discusses the complexity and influence of Alaska glaciers, highlighting the need for integrating field observations and glacier simulation models to better understand process changes. Rapid mass loss of Alaska glaciers since the mid-1990s poses a significant threat to coastal communities, particularly in developing countries.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·JournalScience·DateMay 27, 2011

Arthritis patients taking newer treatments do not have an overall increased cancer risk

A recent study published by the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) found that arthritis patients treated with anti-tumour necrosis factor agents do not have an overall increased cancer risk. The nine-year follow-up study showed no significant difference in cancer risk among patients with rheumatoid arthritis, ps...

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateMay 27, 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.

Better viewing through fluorescent nanotubes when peering into innards of a mouse

Researchers at Stanford University have developed an improved imaging method using fluorescent carbon nanotubes that allows them to see centimeters deep into a mouse with far more clarity than conventional dyes provide. This breakthrough enables the simultaneous drug delivery and imaging of internal organs in real-time.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 27, 2011

Falling on deaf ears

Researchers at UCL discovered 'inattentional deafness' when participants focused on tasks requiring high concentration. In experiments, only 2 out of 10 participants missed the tone when judging colors, but 8 out of 10 failed to notice it during length-discrimination tasks.

SourceWellcome Trust·DateMay 27, 2011

Intestinal cell defense mechanism against bacteria

Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt have elucidated the molecular mechanism of autophagy in intestinal cells, revealing how salmonella is marked and digested. Impaired autophagy may be linked to cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalScience·DateMay 27, 2011

Stars help to track space junk

A team of researchers has developed a method to track the movement of geostationary objects in space using the position of stars. This technique can be used with small telescopes and in places that are not very dark, allowing for precise location and orbit determination of GEO satellites.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalAdvances in Space Research·DateMay 27, 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.

The use of placebo in rheumatoid arthritis clinical trials may negatively impact patients

A new study by EULAR suggests that using placebo in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) clinical trials can negatively impact patients. The study analyzed current study designs for new therapies and found that patients in the placebo group experienced no change in medication, forcing them to continue with their former ineffective treatment.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateMay 27, 2011

When it comes to warm-up, less is more

A recent study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that shorter warm-ups can result in less muscle fatigue and improved peak power output. The study suggested that sprint athletes may benefit from adopting a shorter and less strenuous warm-up for better performance.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateMay 27, 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.

Human impacts of rising oceans will extend well beyond coasts

A new study estimates that over 19 million people will be affected by rising sea levels in four regions by 2030. The analysis highlights the importance of considering population movement patterns and demographic vulnerability to better understand environmental impacts.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalPopulation and Environment·DateMay 27, 2011

The fallacy of fine-tuning

Stenger examines the concept of fine-tuning in physics and cosmology, arguing that many claims by theists are based on misunderstanding science. He finds evidence beyond a reasonable doubt that God does not exist, exploring standard models of physics and cosmology to support his argument.

SourcePrometheus Books·DateMay 27, 2011

MDC researchers discover key molecule for stem cell pluripotency

Researchers at the Max Delbrück Center (MDC) have identified E-cadherin as a key molecule enabling embryonic stem cells to differentiate into diverse cell types. The study found that E-cadherin plays a crucial role in maintaining pluripotent stem cells and reprogramming somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalEMBO Reports·DateMay 27, 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.

Researchers butter up the old 'scratch test' to make it tough

Engineers at MIT validate the scratch test as a simple method to assess a material's fracture properties. By analyzing the force and dimensions of scratches, researchers can determine a material's toughness, making it a valuable tool for understanding how materials break.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 26, 2011

July 2011 Geology highlights -- articles posted ahead of print May 24

Researchers studied sediment transfer from land to deep sea using LiDAR and cosmogenic radionuclide-derived erosion rates. They found that sediment fluxes influence landscape evolution and geochemical cycling. Additionally, unique sedimentary desiccation structures were discovered in Bahamian ooid grainstone.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateMay 26, 2011

Precision-tinted lenses offer real migraine relief, reveals new study

Researchers used fMRI to identify how precision-tinted lenses work, finding that they normalize brain activity in patients with migraine headaches. The study showed a 70% improvement in symptoms compared to control lenses, suggesting a potential biomarker for identifying patients who may benefit from tinted lenses.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalCephalalgia·DateMay 26, 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.

Reindeer see a weird and wonderful world of ultraviolet light

Researchers discovered that reindeer can see ultraviolet light, which helps them find food and avoid predators. This unique adaptation allows them to thrive in the harsh arctic environment where humans would be vulnerable to snow blindness.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateMay 26, 2011

Extensive protein interaction network controls gene regulation

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have identified over 11,000 protein interaction networks that control gene regulation in human cells. These networks, which consist of thousands of multi-protein complexes, play a crucial role in regulating the expression of genes and producing proteins.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCell·DateMay 26, 2011

Music therapy relieves fibromyalgia symptoms and improves patients' quality of life

Researchers from the University of Granada have proven that music therapy combined with guided imagery reduces pain, depression, anxiety, and improves sleep among patients suffering from fibromyalgia. The study shows that these techniques enhance well-being and personal power, allowing patients to take part in their own treatment.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalPain Management Nursing·DateMay 26, 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.

Study: Hormone level predicts end of fertility

A study by Dutch researchers has found that a hormone level test can predict when women will reach menopause, enabling them to make informed decisions about family planning and career choices. The test uses Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels to determine an individual's predicted age of menopause.

SourceUniversity Medical Center Utrecht·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMay 26, 2011

New imaging method allows Stanford scientists to identify specific mental states

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine developed a new fMRI technique that can distinguish between different mental states based on synchronized brain network activity. The study used a novel approach to capture brain activity in real-world, self-paced conditions, allowing for more accurate identification of brain states.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateMay 26, 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 confirms link between rheumatoid arthritis and COPD

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are two times more likely to develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) compared to healthy controls. The study controlling for risk factors like smoking and obesity found a significant association, suggesting a link between the two conditions

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateMay 26, 2011

NASA is making hot, way cool

Researchers at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center have developed an electrohydrodynamic (EHD)-based thermal control technology that promises to make it easier and more efficient to remove heat from small spaces. The technology, which uses electric fields to pump coolant through tiny ducts, could benefit a wide range of applications, in...

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 26, 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.

Tinted specs offer real migraine relief, says fMRI study

A new study published in Cephalalgia suggests that precision ophthalmic tints can suppress cortical activation in the brain, reducing migraine symptoms. The lenses significantly reduced discomfort when viewing stressful patterns, with a 70% reduction in distress.

SourceSAGE·JournalCephalalgia·DateMay 26, 2011

Fish oil may have positive effects on mood, alcohol craving, new study shows

A new study reveals that omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil can normalize behavior in mice models of bipolar disorder, reducing depressive symptoms and decreasing alcohol abuse. The researchers also found correlations between molecular changes and biomarkers, paving the way for targeted clinical studies in humans.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateMay 26, 2011

Factors in berry-splitting in blueberries examined

Researchers found that preharvest rainfall and firm fruit are key factors contributing to blueberry splitting. The study also showed that some cultivars, like 'Premier,' have a lower incidence of splitting than others, such as widely grown 'Tifblue.'

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalHortScience·DateMay 26, 2011

Worm study yields insights on humans, parasites and iron deficiency

Researchers at the University of Maryland have identified a protein called HRG-3 that transports heme from the mother's intestine to her developing embryos in C. elegans. This finding could lead to new treatments for parasitic worm infections and iron deficiency, affecting over two billion people worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalCell·DateMay 26, 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.

MIT research: Making materials to order

The new composites have a co-continuous structure, allowing for the combination of materials with different properties. This results in materials that are stiff, strong and tough, as well as damage-tolerant even when subjected to multiple cracks.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 26, 2011

Studies show siginificant benefits of yoga in 2 conditions

A small study on yoga in rheumatoid arthritis patients showed statistically significant improvements in disease activity scores, while another study demonstrated positive effects on the quality of life for patients with fibromyalgia. Yoga practice has been found to reduce anxiety levels and improve overall well-being.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·DateMay 26, 2011

Inside the infant mind

Researchers discovered that babies as young as 12 months old can use their knowledge of basic rules to form expectations about new events. A computational model accurately predicts infants' surprise at unexpected events, suggesting they reason by mentally simulating possible scenarios.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateMay 26, 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.

UCF scientist to chase down asteroid for historic mission

A UCF scientist is part of a historic mission to retrieve the first-ever sample from an asteroid in orbit. The team will navigate unusual gravity fields and rotate quickly to land on the asteroid, collecting pristine space rock for insights into Earth's origins.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·DateMay 26, 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.

'Policing' stops cheaters from dominating groups of cooperative bacteria

Researchers found that cooperative bacteria can evolve behaviors that eliminate fitness advantages derived from cheating within social groups. The 'policing' mechanism allows cooperators to outcompete cheaters in mixed groups, but also strongly benefits cooperator cells in certain contexts.

SourceIndiana University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 26, 2011

Biological circuits for synthetic biology

Researchers aim to create biological circuits using RNA molecules for the engineering of programmable genetic networks. They have successfully eliminated protein requirements and developed a system that can sense RNA input and synthesize output signals, performing logic operations and regulating multiple genes. This breakthrough has si...

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 26, 2011

Cell brings multimedia to life

The latest issue of Cell journal features QR codes connecting readers to author-narrated figure walks and hidden treasures of animated figures, videos, podcasts, and more. This innovative approach improves the reader's experience and conceptualization of scientific content.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateMay 26, 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 finds 2 gene classes linked to new prion formation

Researchers have identified two gene classes associated with new prion formation in yeast, which may provide a genetic key to understanding neurodegenerative disorders like Creutzfeldt-Jakob and Huntington's disease. The study found that genes important for prion generation also increased toxicity in the presence of certain proteins.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMay 26, 2011

UK survey shows differences between clinicians treating rheumatology in pregnancy

A UK survey found variations in approaches to treating women with rheumatic conditions during pregnancy, with some clinicians continuing treatment while others discontinued it. Guidelines for managing this patient population are also lacking, with only 25% of rheumatologists and 6% of obstetricians having locally developed guidelines.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateMay 26, 2011

NASA: Songda becomes a super typhoon

Typhoon Songda intensified into a super typhoon with wind speeds estimated at over 130 knots, causing heavy rainfall and rough seas in the Philippines and nearby regions. NASA's TRMM satellite captured detailed images of the storm's circular eye and rain bands.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 26, 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.

TGen study identifies compounds that could slow down Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at TGen found that naturally occurring plant compounds could slow down Alzheimer's disease by inhibiting a protein linked to memory loss. Harmine and other beta-carboline alkaloids show promise as therapeutic drugs, targeting tau phosphorylation and neurofibrillary tangles.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 26, 2011