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Science News Archive November 2011


Page 26 of 28

Chantix unsuitable for first-line smoking cessation use

A study found that varenicline (Chantix) is associated with a substantially increased risk of reported depression or suicidal behavior compared to other smoking-cessation treatments. The researchers identified 90% of all reported suicides related to smoking cessation drugs since 1998 implicated varenicline.

Mayo researchers discover tactic to delay age-related disorders

Researchers at Mayo Clinic found that eliminating senescent cells can prevent or delay the onset of age-related disorders and disabilities. The study showed that lifelong elimination of these cells delayed age-related disorders such as cataracts and muscle loss, and slowed their progression in already established diseases.

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance now an important first-line test

Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (CMR) has become a critical diagnostic tool in clinical cardiology, providing comprehensive assessments of ventricular function, cardiac morphology, perfusion, viability, and metabolism. CMR offers significant advantages over other imaging modalities, including the absence of ionizing radiation and hig...

Video game playing tied to creativity

A study by Michigan State University found that video game playing boosts creativity in tasks like drawing and writing, but not other technology use. The researchers surveyed nearly 500 middle-school students and used the Torrance Test of Creativity-Figural to gauge their creative abilities.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Graphene applications in electronics and photonics

Graphene's unique properties, including fast electron mobility and high mechanical strength, make it suitable for fast analog electronics. Researchers are working to improve synthetic graphene quality and study its behavior in technology conditions.

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.

Ohio State researchers design a viral vector to treat a genetic form of blindness

Researchers at Ohio State University Medical Center have developed a viral vector designed to deliver a gene into the eyes of people born with an inherited form of blindness. The trial aims to treat choroideremia, a disease affecting 100,000 worldwide, and holds promise for other genetic causes of blindness like retinitis pigmentosa.

Measuring outcome in the treatment of depression via the Web

A new study by Rhode Island Hospital reports that web-based assessments for outcome measurements of patients in treatment for depression are valid and reliable. The researchers also found that patients preferred the Internet version over the paper version, citing it as less burdensome, time-consuming, secure, and accurate.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

When the fat comes out of food, what goes in?

Food processors face challenges in reproducing textures with reduced ingredients, but natural alternatives like plant-based compounds and natural emulsifiers help. The American Chemical Society explores the science behind creating 'light' or '-free' versions of products.

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.

Unraveling the causes of the Ice Age megafauna extinctions

A recent study reveals that neither human activity nor climate change alone caused the Ice Age megafauna extinctions. However, the research suggests that a combination of factors, including humans and climate change, contributed to the loss of large mammal species in Eurasia and North America.

Dirt prevents allergy

Researchers at University of Copenhagen found that children born vaginally with diverse gut bacteria have lower risk of allergies. The study suggests that early exposure to a variety of bacteria is crucial for a healthy immune system, contradicting the long-held notion that bacteria are a threat to public health.

Solar concentrator increases collection with less loss

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratories and Penn State have developed a new solar concentrator design that improves light collection efficiency. The new design achieves near-lossless propagation for several different chromophores, enabling a more than twofold increase in concentration ratio compared to conventional LSCs.

Thousand-color sensor reveals contaminants in Earth and sea

A Tel Aviv University-developed technology uses a hyperspectral camera to analyze the world we live in, detecting contaminants and environmental hazards in real time. The sensor can provide immediate, cost-effective, and accurate monitoring of forests, urban areas, agricultural lands, harbors, or marinas.

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.

UT study: Climate change affects ants and biodiversity

A UT study reveals climate change affects ants' ability to disperse seeds and perform vital ecosystem functions, potentially jeopardizing plant biodiversity. Researchers observed dramatic changes in ant behavior in response to temperature increases.

Researchers reveal potential treatment for sickle cell disease

Researchers have discovered a key trigger for producing normal red blood cells that could lead to a new treatment for those with sickle cell disease. Increasing the expression of proteins TR2 and TR4 more than doubled the level of fetal hemoglobin produced in sickle cell mice, reducing organ damage.

A widely used bee antibiotic may harm rather than help

Researchers discovered that a widely used bee antibiotic increases susceptibility to pesticides, contributing to colony collapse disorder. The study suggests that oxytetracycline interacts with specific proteins in the bees, rendering them more vulnerable to toxic chemicals.

Link between air pollution and cyclone intensity in Arabian Sea

Air pollution linked to stronger cyclones in Arabian Sea, with research suggesting aerosol buildup over India deflects sunlight, creating dimming that enables stronger storms. Scientists note a trend of increasingly strong cyclones in months preceding monsoon season.

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.

Maternal separation stresses the baby

Separating newborns from their mothers stresses the baby, with heart rate variability increasing by 176% and quiet sleep decreasing by 86%. Skin-to-skin contact with mother reduces this stress, but further research is needed to understand its long-term effects.

Manufacturing microscale medical devices for faster tissue engineering

Researchers developed a new method using two-photon polymerization with multiple foci to create finely detailed structures, such as tissue scaffolds and microneedles, more quickly than traditional techniques. This enables faster production of microscale medical devices for tissue engineering applications.

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.

Radiation plus hormone therapy greatly improves survival

Men with locally advanced or high-risk prostate cancer who receive combined radiation and hormone therapy live longer and are less likely to die from their disease. The treatment improved overall survival by 23% and disease-specific survival by 43% compared to hormone therapy alone.

Young and old work together to challenge stereotypes of age

A workshop titled 'Act your Age! Challenging Stereotypes' brings together young children and older adults to explore perceptions of ageing. Through interactive activities, participants develop self-awareness and intergenerational relationships, challenging negative views of older people.

UNH-led project to boost Northeast organic dairy industry

Researchers are exploring ways to enhance farm profitability by extending the grazing season and adding value to milk through flaxseed supplementation, addressing concerns of organic dairy farmers in the Northeast. The project also aims to improve milk quality by sustaining omega-3 fatty acids and CLA concentrations throughout the year.

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.

Major breakthrough improves software reliability and security

A new software system called Peregrine has been developed to improve the reliability and security of multithreaded programs. It uses a deterministic approach to prevent data races and bugs, making it faster than previous systems while not requiring new hardware or languages.

Fruit fly intestine may hold secret to the fountain of youth

Researchers found that boosting a gene in fruit flies' intestinal stem cells extended their lifespan by up to 50% and delayed the aging of their intestine. The study suggests that the gene, PGC-1, can act as a biological dial for slowing the aging process and may serve as a target for new therapies.

New evidence for the earliest modern humans in Europe

A fossil fragment from Kent's Cavern in southern England establishes the presence of modern humans in western Europe by 40,000 years ago. The discovery joins a human skull and lower jaw from Romania, confirming modern humans at both ends of Europe by this date.

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.

Maryland climate plan passes key tests in UMD studies

The University of Maryland Center for Integrative Environmental Research finds that Maryland's Climate Action Plan improves electric reliability while having a negligible impact on manufacturers. The plan is expected to generate new business opportunities and jobs in the green sector, with potential growth in employment opportunities.

Study shows promise for teen suicide prevention

A new study by UCLA researchers shows that a specialized mental health intervention for suicidal youth can significantly improve follow-up treatment rates. The intervention, which involves a family-based crisis-therapy session and telephone support, resulted in higher rates of follow-up treatment compared to standard ED treatment.

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.

Global flu watch: Report of rare flu coinfection in Southeast Asia hot spot

Researchers have confirmed a rare incidence of individuals becoming infected with both seasonal and pandemic strains of the flu at the same time. Experts say this highlights the ongoing risk of distinct flu viruses combining in human hosts, particularly in Southeast Asia where avian influenza and pandemic H1N1 are prevalent.

News tips from the journal mBio

Antibodies have been found to trick certain bacteria into killing each other, providing a new mechanism for bacterial clearance. Additionally, researchers suggest that humoral immunity may play a role in eliminating old seasonal influenza virus strains by inducing an anti-stalk antibody response.

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.

A hormone ensures its future

Researchers discovered a crucial brain area, neuro-hypophysis, where biochemical commands are passed from the brain to the bloodstream. They found that oxytocin, known as the 'hormone of love,' plays a key role in the development of this structure, governing blood vessel formation during embryonic stages.

USC scientist's revolutionary drug pump draws NSF support

USC Associate Professor Ellis Meng is selected for the NSF's Innovation Corps award to develop and commercialize her tiny, implantable medication-delivery system. The system has a better volume efficiency, allowing it to be powered wirelessly and used in animal studies.

MU studies link depression and breast cancer outcomes

A new MU study reveals that depression affects breast cancer survivors, with single women and mothers experiencing higher rates of distress. The research also shows that depressed patients are less likely to adhere to medication regimens, potentially complicating treatment outcomes.

New therapy marks a milestone in fight against cystic fibrosis

A pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial found that ivacaftor provides sustained improvement in lung function, growth, and other signs and symptoms for cystic fibrosis patients. The therapy targets the underlying cause of CF, restoring balance on airway surfaces.

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.

Born to roar

A study published in PLOS ONE reveals that big cats' square-shaped vocal cords allow for louder roars at lower lung pressure, making it easier for the tissue to respond to airflow. This discovery contradicts a long-held theory and could potentially help doctors reconstruct damaged vocal fold tissue.

Solar power could get boost from new light absorption design

Researchers at Northwestern University developed a new material that absorbs a wide range of wavelengths, enabling more efficient solar cells. The innovative trapezoid shape could be replicated in semiconducting materials to lead to thinner, lower-cost, and more efficient solar technology.

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.