Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive May 2011 - Page 5


Page 5 of 28

New software tool helps evaluate natural cooling options for buildings

A new software tool from NIST assesses the climate suitability of natural ventilation in office buildings, considering adaptive thermal comfort standards and humidity levels. The Climate Suitability Tool provides estimates of ventilation rates and effective cooling hours, aiding architects in designing more efficient ventilation systems.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalEnergy and Buildings·DateMay 25, 2011

Losing more than 15 percent of body weight significantly boosts vitamin D levels in overweight women

A year-long study of 439 overweight-to-obese postmenopausal women found that losing more than 15% of their body weight significantly increases circulating vitamin D levels. This effect is independent of dietary intake and is not linear, with more substantial increases found in those who lose greater amounts of weight.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMay 25, 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.

Trash to treasure: Turning steel-mill waste into bricks

Researchers successfully incorporated Waelz slag into commercial-size bricks using existing equipment, reducing toxic metal leaching. The resulting bricks meet EU quality standards for construction ceramic materials.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalIndustrial & Engineering Chemistry Research·DateMay 25, 2011

Research study reveals profile for female drunk-drivers

A study by University of Nottingham researchers found that female drink-driving offenders are more likely to be older, better-educated, and separated or divorced. Rehabilitation programmes for women can intensify feelings of guilt and shame, leading to reoffending.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalClinical Psychology Review·DateMay 25, 2011

New study provides global analysis of seagrass extinction risk

A new study has assessed the extinction risk of individual seagrass species worldwide, revealing that 10 out of 72 species are at elevated risk of extinction. The research highlights the critical role seagrasses play in maintaining marine ecosystems and human livelihoods.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·JournalBiological Conservation·DateMay 25, 2011

Long-term study of swine flu viruses shows increasing viral diversity

A long-term study reveals that increased transport of live pigs has driven an increase in the diversity of swine influenza viruses found in Hong Kong over the past three decades. The study suggests that this rising diversity may lead to a higher likelihood of swine-to-human transmission, although the risk remains unquantified.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalNature·DateMay 25, 2011

Most labor unions unlikely to follow decertification path of NFL players

A University of Illinois law and labor expert states that ordinary workers can't effectively bargain for better wages and working conditions by decertifying. Collective bargaining is 'so stacked against them,' according to the expert.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalThe Journal of Sports and Entertainment Law·DateMay 25, 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.

Enzyme prevents fatal heart condition associated with athletes

Researchers identify MKK4 enzyme as a potential therapeutic target for treating cardiac arrhythmias caused by cardiac hypertrophy, leading to sudden cardiac death in young athletes. The study reveals how the enzyme prevents arrhythmias by modifying connexin protein, ensuring synchronized heart contractions.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMay 25, 2011

Nearly 1 in 5 young adults has high blood pressure, study shows

A new study by researchers at the University of North Carolina found that nearly 19% of young adults between 24 and 32 years old have elevated blood pressure. The study analyzed data from over 14,000 participants and found significant disparities in hypertension rates among different demographics.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalEpidemiology·DateMay 25, 2011

Listening with 1 atom

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute developed a quantum version of a locked-in amplifier using a single atomic-ion detector, achieving spatial resolution of just a few nanometers. This technique improves the sensitivity of quantum sensors by around 100 times.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature·DateMay 25, 2011

Caltech-led team debunks theory on end of 'Snowball Earth' ice age

A Caltech-led team has debunked a long-held theory about the end of the Marinoan ice age, also known as the "Snowball Earth" ice age. The team found that rocks used as key geologic evidence were formed deep within Earth millions of years after the ice age ended

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateMay 25, 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.

Vitamin D increases speed of sperm cells

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen found a positive correlation between serum vitamin D levels and sperm motility in healthy men. Laboratory stimulation with activated vitamin D also increased forward movement of human spermatooza, sparking new hypotheses about the role of vitamin D in male reproduction.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateMay 25, 2011

'I can hear a building over there'

Researchers found blind echolocators' brains process clicks and echoes in the 'visual' part of their brain, enabling independence. Sighted controls did not show similar echo-related activity.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 25, 2011

Clinical trial of malaria vaccine begins in Africa

A clinical trial of the malaria vaccine RTS,S has begun in Africa to assess its effectiveness when administered to newborn babies as part of national immunisation programmes. The study aims to improve the vaccine's performance by examining its impact at different stages between birth and nine months of age.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·DateMay 25, 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.

Quantum sensor tracked in human cells could aid drug discovery

Researchers at the University of Melbourne have successfully tracked a quantum atom inside a living human cell, paving the way for new drug discovery methods. The sensor detects biological processes at a molecular level, providing critical information about drug delivery and uptake.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMay 25, 2011

Pelvic widening continues throughout a person's lifetime, UNC study

Researchers at the University of North Carolina discovered that the pelvis continues to widen as people age from 20-79, leading to an estimated three-inch increase in waist size. This finding suggests that pelvic growth contributes to increased body weight and body fat accumulation over time.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJournal of Orthopaedic Research®·DateMay 25, 2011

Recycling of Alzheimer's proteins could be key to new treatments

Researchers have discovered that proteins in Alzheimer's fibrils can recycle and detach, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies. The study found that Aβ40 molecules recycle more frequently than Aβ42, suggesting a potential target for modulating recycling and treating the disease.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 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.

Cosmic explosion is new candidate for most distant object in the universe

A gamma-ray burst, GRB 090429B, has been identified as a potential candidate for the most distant object in the universe at an estimated distance of 13.14 billion light years. The burst was detected by NASA's Swift satellite and is believed to be extremely likely, with a 99.3% chance, to be the most distant cosmic explosion.

SourcePenn State·DateMay 25, 2011

Tufts graduate students receive $10,000 prizes

Three teams of Tufts graduate students have won $10,000 from the Dow Sustainability Innovation Student Challenge Award program for their research on clean water, renewable energy, and green medical technologies. The winners will use their prize money to develop solutions to pressing global challenges.

SourceTufts University·DateMay 25, 2011

Mars formed rapidly into runt of planetary litter

A new study published in Nature suggests Mars developed rapidly into a small planet due to its rapid formation. Scientists used the radioactive decay of hafnium to tungsten in meteorites as a chronometer and found that Mars likely didn't collide with other embryos to form an Earth-like planet.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature·DateMay 25, 2011

2020 vision of vaccines for malaria, TB and HIV/AIDS

Vaccine development for 'big three' diseases is being accelerated by new approaches like systems biology and structure-based antigen design. Systems biology enables the capture of massive biological data to predict vaccine behavior.

SourceThe Center for Infectious Disease Research·JournalNature·DateMay 25, 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.

Thoughts that win

A meta-analysis of 32 sport psychological studies found that self-talk improves sport performance, but different types of self-talk work better for different tasks. Instructional self-talk is more effective for fine skills, while motivational self-talk boosts confidence for endurance tasks.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateMay 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.

Targeted adalimumab treatment can optimize long-term outcomes for patients with early RA

A study of 1032 patients with early RA found that initial treatment with adalimumab plus methotrexate provided high levels of disease control, with 44% achieving sustained low disease activity. Patients who continued treatment maintained good clinical and radiographic responses, even after withdrawing treatment.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateMay 25, 2011

Global warming may affect the capacity of trees to store carbon, MBL study finds

A MBL study found that warming causes more nitrogen to become available to trees, allowing them to grow faster and store more carbon. This is a positive effect on carbon storage, but the overall impact of global warming on forest ecosystems will also depend on other factors such as water availability and atmospheric CO2 concentration

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 25, 2011

From the rustbelt: An iron-based flow battery

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University are creating an iron-based flow battery to store energy from wind turbines and solar panels. The battery could supply electricity when demand is high, making it a useful alternative to pumped hydro and compressed air systems.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateMay 25, 2011

Defect in graphene may present bouquet of possibilities

Researchers at NIST have identified a class of decorative defects in graphene that could alter its unique properties, including strength and conductivity. The discovery may lead to the development of more resilient materials.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review B·DateMay 25, 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.

'Sweet wheat' for tastier and more healthful baking

Researchers developed a mutant form of wheat called 'sweet wheat', which contains more sugars and healthful carbohydrates than regular wheat. The new flour may provide health benefits when used in foods like breads and cakes.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateMay 25, 2011

NIST 'nanowire' measurements could improve computer memory

A new study by NIST and George Mason University researchers may have found the optimal characteristics for a type of computer memory based on nanowires. The technology has the potential to store information faster and at lower voltage, making it suitable for applications such as portable computers and cell phones.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNanotechnology·DateMay 25, 2011

US study shows that tofacitinib is an efficacious treatment for active RA

A Phase III study presented at EULAR 2011 found that tofacitinib achieved significant improvements in symptoms and activity scores for patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA), including improved ACR20 responses in 58.3% of patients, and a higher proportion of patients achieving ACR50 and ACR70 responses compared to placebo

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateMay 25, 2011

The Spitzer photo atlas of galactic 'train wrecks'

Astronomers have created an atlas of galactic 'train wrecks' to understand the collision process and form, growth, and evolution of galaxies. The study combines data from Spitzer Space Telescope and Galaxy Evolution Explorer to analyze areas where stars are forming rapidly.

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·DateMay 25, 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.

Study shows 19 percent of young adults have high blood pressure

A recent study analyzing over 14,000 young adults found that nearly 19% have high blood pressure. The analysis contradicts previous estimates from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which reported only 4% of adults in this age group having high blood pressure.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalEpidemiology·DateMay 25, 2011

NASA's TRMM satellite sees a well-organized, major Typhoon Songda

Typhoon Songda intensified into a major typhoon over the northern Philippines due to warm sea surface temperatures and low wind shear. The TRMM satellite provided detailed rainfall analysis using its Microwave Imager and Precipitation Radar instruments, showing well-organized bands of heavy rainfall converging into the storm.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 25, 2011

Large NIH funded rehabilitation study looks at getting stroke patients back on their feet

The study, which compared two types of physical therapy, found that patients who received at-home strength and balance training made significant improvements in walking speed and mobility, with results lasting up to one year. The findings suggest that conventional wisdom about recovery being limited to six months may be incorrect.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 25, 2011

AIAA to present technical awards at June conference in Honolulu

The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics will present technical achievement awards at a June conference in Honolulu. Notable recipients include Dr. Hans Hornung, Dr. Chul Park, Preston A. Henne, and Dr. Ramesh Agarwal for their contributions to fluid dynamics, aerodynamics, and thermophysics.

SourceAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics·DateMay 25, 2011

Oncologists hold key to curbing cancer costs

Researchers suggest 10 changes medical oncologists can make to flatten costs, maintain or improve care, and save money for future medical advances. The authors also emphasize the need for open communication between doctors and patients about end-of-life care.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 25, 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 shows elderly drivers support competency tests

A study found that 71% of elderly drivers supported mandatory retesting based on age, while 68% believed family members should decide if a license is revoked. The research aims to develop a screening test to identify higher-risk drivers and establish advance directives for driving decisions.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·DateMay 25, 2011

Many patients fail to properly take oral chemo, leading to complications

A recent study by Michigan State University found that many patients struggle to take oral chemotherapy properly, leading to complications and premature death. The study highlights the need for healthcare providers to monitor and facilitate adherence through identifying barriers and implementing strategies to overcome them.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalSeminars in Oncology Nursing·DateMay 25, 2011

New tool aims to improve measurement of primary care depression outcomes

A new tool, REMIT, has been developed to improve the measurement of primary care depression outcomes. The tool adds a patient's subjective sense of recovery to existing measurements, showing that about one-third of patients with mild depression were not in remission, as their PHQ score would indicate.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalGeneral Hospital Psychiatry·DateMay 25, 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.

Nanoengineers invent new biomaterial that more closely mimics human tissue

A new biomaterial more closely mimics native human tissue, exhibiting negative Poisson's ratio and maintaining its shape when stretched. The breakthrough enables the creation of biocompatible tissue patches for repairing damaged heart walls, blood vessels, and skin.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMay 25, 2011

Drug may help overwrite bad memories

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that metyrapone, a stress hormone-reducing drug, can impair memory recall of negative events by manipulating cortisol levels close to formation. This could lead to a better understanding of how to treat post-traumatic stress disorder

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMay 25, 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.

Autism changes molecular structure of the brain, UCLA study finds

A UCLA study has identified a common molecular signature in autistic brains, shedding light on the disorder's origins. Researchers found consistent differences in gene expression patterns between autistic and healthy brains, particularly in the cerebral cortex.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature·DateMay 25, 2011

OGI awards summer research fellowships to 7 Ontario students

The Ontario Genomics Institute has awarded fellowships to seven Ontario students to conduct original research projects in various fields of genomics. The fellows will gain a deeper understanding of the impact of genomics on human and animal health, agriculture, and sustainable energy.

SourceOntario Genomics Institute·DateMay 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.

High-fat diet during pregnancy programs child for future diabetes

A new University of Illinois study published in the Journal of Physiology found that a high-fat diet during pregnancy programs a woman's baby for future diabetes. Exposure to such a diet modifies gene expression in the livers of offspring, increasing the likelihood of early insulin resistance and diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateMay 25, 2011