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Science News for November 4, 2011


Birth cohort screening for hepatitis C is cost effective, could save thousands of lives each year

A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine finds that proactive screening for hepatitis C among the birth cohort (1945-1965) is cost-effective and can identify over 800,000 currently unidentified cases. This strategy could save thousands of lives each year compared to current case identification methods.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateNov 4, 2011

Not 1, not 2, not 3, but 4 clones!

Researchers have developed a theory for a quantum cloning machine that can produce four approximate copies of an initial quantum state, overcoming previous limitations to two or three copies. This advancement has significant implications for message encryption systems and analyzing security using shared secret quantum keys.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateNov 4, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Raises and cuts in public sector salaries have a direct effect on the private sector

A study by the Bank of Spain and Pablo de Olavide University found that public sector salary changes directly affect the private sector. The researchers analyzed data from four EU countries, including Italy, Spain, Germany, and France, to determine the extent of this influence. They also highlighted the role of institutional design, su...

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalEmpirical Economics·DateNov 4, 2011

UBC researchers devise new technology to monitor brain aneurysms

UBC researchers have created a monitoring technique for brain aneurysms using platinum implants as antennas to detect blood levels and indicate implant failure. This approach may enable patients to check their condition at home, reducing the need for invasive procedures.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateNov 4, 2011

Brain parasite directly alters brain chemistry

The Toxoplasma parasite affects dopamine production in infected brain cells, leading to increased dopamine levels and changes in behavior. This discovery may provide new insights into treating human neurological disorders such as schizophrenia, ADHD, and Parkinson's disease.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 4, 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.

Common bacteria cause some colon tumors by altering peroxide-producing gene

Research at Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that Bacteroides fragilis causes colon inflammation and increases activity of a gene called spermine oxidase (SMO), leading to DNA damage and tumor formation. A compound blocking SMO enzyme activity prevented DNA damage in cells.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 4, 2011

Nitrogen fertilizers' impact on lawn soils

Researchers measured gaseous nitrogen emissions in US lawns, finding denitrification removes excess nitrogen. Nitrogen removals were equivalent to 15% of annual fertilizer inputs, with most retained in lawn soils. The study's results are encouraging but highlight the need for further work on optimal soil management conditions.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateNov 4, 2011

Coasts' best protection from bioinvaders falling short

A study published in BioScience found that US East and Gulf Coast ports are disproportionately affected by unmanaged ballast water, allowing invasive species to harm local ecosystems. The West Coast is better protected due to more stringent open-ocean exchange practices.

SourceSmithsonian·JournalBioScience·DateNov 4, 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.

Unique bipolar compounds enhance functionality of organic electronics

University of Toronto researchers identify a new class of compounds with phthalimido molecular fragments, exhibiting unique electro-chemical properties. These compounds have the potential to execute all three tasks needed for a functional organic solar cell, including absorbing light, moving electrons and transporting holes.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateNov 4, 2011

NYU Langone experts present at American College of Rheumatology 2011 Annual Meeting

Experts from NYU Langone Medical Center presented new research findings on osteoarthritis, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis at the American College of Rheumatology 2011 Annual Scientific Meeting. A study found that increased prescription of narcotic analgesics for OA in the elderly is associated with increased falls and fractures.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·DateNov 4, 2011

How we create false memories: Assessing memory performance in older adults

A new study investigates how age-related stereotypes influence memory performance in older adults. Researchers found that older adults are more likely to falsely recall unrepresented words due to implicit beliefs about their age. However, by reducing the influence of negative stereotypes, memory performance can be improved.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateNov 4, 2011

Tracing biological pathways

A new chemical process developed by Harvard researchers simplifies the creation of PET tracers, allowing for real-time 3-D images of biological processes. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize drug development and disease diagnosis.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·DateNov 4, 2011

How do green algae react to carbon nanotubes?

Green algae exposed to carbon nanotubes exhibit reduced growth rates and photosynthetic activity, primarily caused by increased shadowing and agglomeration. However, the absence of absorption by the plants indicates that CNTs do not pose a direct toxic threat.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateNov 4, 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.

Molecule serves as a key in some protein interactions

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital identified a chemical known as an acetyl group that serves as a key to mediate protein interactions, which are essential for cell function. The discovery has implications for drug discovery and understanding basic mechanisms governing protein interactions.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalScience·DateNov 4, 2011

Concurrent chemo and radiation confers survival benefit in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients

A phase III trial found that concurrent chemo-radiotherapy significantly improved the 5-year overall survival of patients with stage II nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The treatment regimen resulted in higher progression-free and distant metastasis-free survival rates compared to radiation alone.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateNov 4, 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.

Researchers identify structure of apolipoprotein

Researchers have for the first time obtained an image of the structure and arrangement of apoA-I molecules using x-ray crystallography. This breakthrough may lead to the development of new drugs to treat diseases such as atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateNov 4, 2011

Dead of winter is tough on arthritis sufferers

A Northwestern University study found that winter's shorter days and colder temperatures deter older Chicagoans with arthritis from engaging in daily physical activity. The lack of indoor recreational facilities for lower-income individuals exacerbates this issue, leading to serious health consequences.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Physical Activity and Health·DateNov 4, 2011

Public review begins of world's first standard for geologic storage of CO2

The world's first standard for geologic storage of carbon dioxide is now available for public review, providing essential guidelines for regulators and industry. The draft standard will be considered based on feedback received during the public review period, which ends on December 27.

SourceInternational Performance Assessment Centre for Geological Storage of Carbon Dioxide (IPAC-CO2)·DateNov 4, 2011

Leicester leads the way towards a sustainable lake in Africa

Researchers from the University of Leicester are working with Kenyan partners to develop demonstration projects for an ecologically sustainable source of flowers grown at Lake Naivasha. The project aims to reduce water use, improve ecosystem health, and increase access to clean water for local communities.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·DateNov 4, 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.

Why is the measles virus so contagious?

The measles virus spreads quickly due to its use of the trachea receptor nectine-4, allowing it to contaminate individuals through airborne transmission. This discovery also reveals a potential link between the measles virus and certain cancers, offering new prospects for cancer treatment.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalNature·DateNov 4, 2011

A 2-dimensional electron liquid solidifies in a magnetic field

Physicists at Georgia Tech developed a unified theory describing coexistence of liquid and pinned solid phases of electrons in 2D under magnetic field. The theory predicts transition between phases as field is varied, showing emergence of hexagonal Wigner crystal with enhanced stability due to quantum correlations.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review B·DateNov 4, 2011

Researchers discover why measles spreads so quickly

Researchers discovered measles virus exits host via nectin-4, a biomarker for certain types of cancer. This finding opens up promising new approaches for targeted cancer therapy.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalNature·DateNov 4, 2011

Psychologists stress the importance of memory in preventing relapse after therapy

According to a new article, psychologists recommend making treatment memories stronger through methods like giving more therapy or conducting it in different locations. This approach exploits established principles of learning and has been shown to be effective in reducing relapse rates.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateNov 4, 2011

Awareness and labeling initiatives can benefit inland fisheries

Researchers argue that inland fisheries can be protected by extending sustainable seafood initiatives to freshwater species. Modified approaches would be needed due to smaller and more concentrated fisheries in developing countries.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateNov 4, 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.

New European project launched to address shortcomings in climate data

The European Metrology for Earth Observation and Climate (MetEOC) project aims to enhance the accuracy of climate data by developing a coordinated international capacity. The project will focus on optical domain calibration, ocean color measurements, and ground-based prototype development.

SourceNational Physical Laboratory·DateNov 4, 2011

Protein causes varicose veins

A Heidelberg University Hospital study found that a single protein mediates pathological remodeling processes causing varicose veins. The protein triggers changes in wall architecture, leading to increased cell proliferation and enzyme production.

SourceHeidelberg University Hospital·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateNov 4, 2011

Body weight, sleep-disordered breathing and cognition linked in children

A study published by the American Thoracic Society found a significant link between body weight, sleep-disordered breathing, and cognitive processing in elementary school children. The research suggests that addressing obesity through public health campaigns may have additional benefits for cognitive development and overall health.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateNov 4, 2011

How should society pay for services ecosystems provide?

Ecosystem services have declined by 60% due to land conversion for food and fiber production. Experts recommend market-based solutions, such as cap-and-trade policies and certification schemes, to incentivize sustainable supply of these services.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalScience·DateNov 4, 2011

Biodiversity can promote survival on a warming planet

A new mathematical model simulates the effect of climate change on plant-pollinator relationships. In some cases, evolution can rescue mutually dependent species from extinction, but density and distribution of other species play a crucial role in their survival.

SourceNational Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS)·JournalEcological Applications·DateNov 4, 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.

UA scientists find evidence of Roman period megadrought

Researchers from the University of Arizona have discovered a long-lost megadrought in the southwestern US during the second century AD, lasting nearly 50 years. The study, using tree-ring analysis, reveals a previously unknown drought period that had significant implications for regional climate and water resources.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 4, 2011

Research aims to prevent diabetic kidney failure

Researchers found that blocking arginase-2 activity prevents kidney failure in diabetic mice, offering a new therapeutic approach for diabetic nephropathy. The study also suggests that this inhibition may protect against albuminuria and cardiovascular problems.

SourcePenn State·JournalDiabetes·DateNov 4, 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.

UI researcher to study glaucoma in dogs

A University of Iowa researcher is using a canine model to study the genetic basis of glaucoma. The goal is to identify potential genetic markers that could be used to diagnose and treat humans with the disease.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·DateNov 4, 2011

Low vitamin D levels do not predict the risk of acute exacerbations of COPD

A large prospective cohort study found no relationship between baseline vitamin D levels and the frequency or timing of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in patients with severe COPD. Vitamin D supplementation is unlikely to have an effect on AECOPD risk in these patients.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateNov 4, 2011