Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive November 2011


Page 7 of 28

$3.8 million grant investigates link between sleep apnea and atrial fibrillation

A $3.8 million grant will investigate the connection between sleep apnea and atrial fibrillation, with the goal of identifying new approaches for prevention and treatment. The study aims to characterize how sleep apnea affects the heart's structure and function, potentially leading to improved outcomes for patients with this condition.

McMaster study calls sodium intake guidelines into question

A McMaster University study found that moderate salt intake was linked to the lowest risk of cardiovascular events, while excessive or low salt intake increased the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other complications. The research calls into question current guidelines recommending low sodium intake.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Awareness biases information processing

A new study found that conscious awareness influences information processing during decision making, leading to non-linear integration strategies. Participants who were aware of the evidence weighted new information based on their existing knowledge.

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.

UT Southwestern team identifies tumor-specific pathway

Researchers discovered a unique metabolic pathway in some tumors, potentially targeting for drug development. The reverse Krebs cycle pathway was found to run counter-clockwise in tumors, providing a new therapeutic target. This breakthrough could lead to effective treatments for certain types of cancer.

The best way to market fine wine: Teach and learn or wine and dine?

A recent study published in Cornell Hospitality Quarterly found that novice wine consumers can be swayed by advertising and create stronger memories when they have a better understanding of the product's background. To combat this, wine producers are advised to combine tasting experiences with educational materials.

New design for mechanical heart valves

Researchers created a new design for mechanical heart valves that closely matches the pattern and rate of blood flow found in healthy hearts. The asymmetric valves improved cardiac function, reducing the effort required by the heart muscle and restoring its regulatory mechanism.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Bat plant could give some cancers a devil of a time

Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center have identified potent compounds in the bat plant that can selectively kill cancer cells. The taccalonolides stabilize microtubules in cancer cells without affecting healthy cells.

Physical activity impacts overall quality of sleep

A new study found that 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week significantly improves sleep quality, with participants feeling less sleepy during the day. The study's results support mounting research linking regular exercise to various health benefits, including improved daytime alertness.

Seals show different levels of parenting skills

Researchers found that seal mothers adopt a wide range of mothering styles, with some being very attentive while others are not. The study also revealed large differences in response to potential dangers among both female and male seals, with no correlation to age or size.

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.

Saving Da Vinci's Last Supper from air pollution

A multi-national team, including USC scientists, found that indoor pollution has been drastically reduced at the church housing the famous painting by 88 and 94 percent. However, fatty lipids from visitors' skin still pose a threat of soiling on the Last Supper, despite strict visitor access regulations.

Dendritic cells protect against acute pancreatitis

Researchers found that high levels of dendritic cells in the pancreas can alleviate cellular stress caused by severe inflammation, while low levels are associated with exacerbated pancreas injury. Dendritic cells play a critical protective role in pancreatic organ survival.

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.

Stigma among HIV-positive women complex and overlapping

A study by Mona Loutfy and colleagues found that women experience a complex system of stigma related to HIV, sexism, racism, homophobia, and sex work. The researchers identified resilience, social networks, and challenging stigma as effective coping strategies.

Herbicide may affect plants thought to be resistant

Researchers found that ABCB4, a protein responsible for moving auxin, also removes excess hormone when it accumulates, potentially affecting root growth. The study suggests that the herbicide 2,4-D may impact plants thought to be resistant due to its effect on this protein.

Babies who eat fish before 9 months are less likely to suffer pre-school wheeze

A Swedish study found that babies who started eating fish before nine months are less likely to suffer from pre-school wheeze. However, children who were treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics in the first week of life or whose mothers took paracetamol during pregnancy faced an increased risk, particularly of multiple-trigger wheeze.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

NASA's NPP satellite acquires first VIIRS image

The Visible Infrared Imager Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) onboard NASA's NPP satellite has acquired its first measurements, capturing high-resolution imagery of Eastern North America. The data will be used to observe the Earth's surface, including fires, ice, ocean color, vegetation, clouds, and land and sea surface temperatures.

P Rex-1 protein key to melanoma metastasis

A team of UNC scientists has identified P-Rex1 protein as a crucial factor in the movement of melanoblasts, leading to melanoma development. The study found that mice lacking this protein are resistant to melanoma metastasis, suggesting P-Rex1 plays an important role in cancer spread.

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.

Chemistry professor links feces and caffeine

A study by Prof. Sébastien Sauvé and colleagues has discovered a strong correlation between the levels of caffeine in water and the level of bacteria, making caffeine a useful indicator of pollution due to sewerage systems.

Why has synesthesia survived evolution?

Researchers find synesthesia is an authentic phenomenon with sensory basis, common among artists and novelists. The 'synesthesia gene' may have evolved to make highly creative individuals more prone to link unrelated ideas.

Post-traumatic stress risk to police officers lower than previously thought

A groundbreaking study by the Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail found that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) risk to police officers is lower than initially thought. Police officers who received interventional support after traumatic events showed reduced symptoms of PTSD.

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.

Olympic Villages: Catalyst for urban renewal, or post-Games hangover?

Cities' grandiose Olympic Village projects often prioritize private sector interests over public good, leading to significant financial burdens on taxpayers. Sociologist Jay Scherer's research highlights the importance of democratic transparency in such partnerships, emphasizing the need for community benefits and fair risk distribution.

The impending revolution of low-power quantum computers

Research on tunnel-FET technology, which exploits the quantum tunnel effect, promises to reduce power consumption of transistors and microprocessors. This breakthrough could lead to ultra-miniaturized, zero-power electronic devices.

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.

Future prostate cancer treatments might be guided by math

A new mathematical model predicts individual patient responses to therapy and identifies optimal treatments for advanced prostate cancer. The model incorporates personalized data, including tumor cell characteristics, to provide more accurate treatment decisions.

A better way to count molecules discovered

A new method for counting molecules has been developed by researchers at Karolinska Institutet, allowing for the accurate measurement of RNA and DNA molecules in cells. This breakthrough enables the counting of absolute numbers of molecules, rather than just relative differences between samples.

Wildlife access critical to children's health

Researchers discovered a powerful connection between loss of wildlife access and micronutrient deficiencies in children. Losing access to wildlife induces a 30% relative increase in anemia prevalence among pre-adolescent children. Conservation efforts are crucial to prevent severe health consequences.

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.

New culprit found in Lou Gehrig's disease

Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered a second faulty gene, sequestosome1, contributing to the degeneration of motor neurons in ALS. The study provides new insights into the disease's progression and potential targets for drug therapies.

BRAF addiction of thyroid cancers makes them therapeutically vulnerable

Researchers have found that thyroid cancers with BRAF mutations are exquisitely dependent on the BRAF signaling pathway for viability. Treatments targeting this pathway can restore radioiodine incorporation, suggesting a new therapeutic approach for patients with BRAF-positive papillary thyroid carcinomas.

Butterfly wings inspire design of water-repellent surface

Researchers created a multilayered silicon structure with air-trapping features that improve water repellency, also absorbing light in the infrared range. This biologically-inspired surface has potential uses in electro-optical devices and chemical sensors.

Ulcer-causing bacteria tamed by defect in cell-targeting ability

Researchers have discovered a defect in the cell-targeting ability of Helicobacter pylori bacteria that leads to reduced inflammation in the stomach. The study found that the bacteria's chemotaxis, or movement towards specific chemicals, plays a crucial role in triggering chronic inflammation.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

IBD patients face increased skin cancer risk

Certain IBD patients may have an increased risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer, particularly those on thiopurine immunosuppressants. Researchers emphasize the need for dermatologic screening and sun protection in these patients.

Mortality rates for pharynx and mouth cancers have decreased

Mortality rates for patients with oral cavity and pharynx cancer have decreased significantly between 1993 and 2007. The largest declines were observed among black men and women with at least 12 years of education, suggesting that improvements in detection, treatment, and risk factors contribute to these decreases.

Ignorance is bliss when it comes to challenging social issues

A new study by the American Psychological Association found that people tend to avoid learning about complex social issues like energy consumption and the environment. This avoidance can lead to increased dependence on and trust in the government to deal with these issues.

Researchers search for culprit behind dry eyes, mouths and more

Georgia Health Sciences University researchers aim to identify early events in Sjögren's syndrome development to improve diagnosis and treatment. The study focuses on immune cells, particularly dendritic cells and T cells, to understand how the disease unfolds.

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.

After 25 years, sustainability is a growing science that's here to stay

Researchers found that sustainability science has become a cohesive global field, doubling in size every 8.3 years, with contributions from over 2,200 cities and 174 countries. The most productive city for sustainability publications was Washington, D.C., surpassing major tech hubs like Boston and the Bay Area.

Johnny Rotten's graffiti: The new heritage?

Researchers discover intact Sex Pistols graffiti on a London flat's walls, arguing it's a powerful representation of punk rebellion. The find challenges traditional notions of heritage and suggests a new approach to conservation.

Lightning sprites are out-of-this-world

Scientists at Tel Aviv University re-created the atmospheres of Jupiter, Saturn, and Venus to study the presence of lightning sprites. The research aims to understand electrical and chemical processes on other planets, potentially indicating the presence of extraterrestrial life.

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.