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Science News Archive November 2011 - Page 15


Page 15 of 28

Bats, dolphins, and mole rats inspire advances in ultrasound technology

Tel Aviv University researchers create mathematical models using machine learning and signal processing to improve echo localization and accuracy in medical imaging. The new technology could lead to earlier detection of defects in embryos and non-invasive cancer tumor detection.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateNov 14, 2011

Better batteries

Researchers at Northwestern University have created an electrode that allows lithium-ion batteries to hold a charge up to 10 times greater than current technology. The new technology can also charge 10 times faster, paving the way for more efficient and smaller batteries for electric cars.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateNov 14, 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.

Novel nanocrystals with advanced optical properties developed for use as luminescent biomarkers

The Singapore research team led by Associate Professor Xiaogang Liu developed a synthesis of lanthanide-doped core-shell nanocrystals with advanced optical properties, enabling efficient upconversion and tunable light emission. This breakthrough has significant implications for cancer detection, medical imaging, and therapeutic delivery.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Materials·DateNov 14, 2011

New FASTSAT discoveries paint detailed view of region near Earth

Scientists have compared MINI-ME's observations with those from two other instruments to reveal a host of interrelated phenomena occurring together in the dynamic region. The findings show that oxygen ions course outward along Earth's magnetic field lines, driving ion outflow events.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 14, 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.

November/December 2011 Annals of Family Medicine Tip Sheet

Researchers found that uninsured patients had significantly shorter hospital stays for preventable and non-preventable conditions compared to insured patients. The study highlights the need for equal treatment of all patients regardless of insurance status.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateNov 14, 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.

Text4baby mobile service shows positive results for new moms

A recent study conducted by researchers at UC San Diego Health System found that the text4baby mobile service is increasing users' health knowledge, facilitating interaction with healthcare providers, and improving adherence to appointments and immunizations. The service has already enrolled over 2,200 individuals in San Diego County.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateNov 14, 2011

Insects offer clues to climate variability 10,000 years ago

A new analysis of ancient midge larvae reveals that the region was significantly cooler than expected during the early Holocene epoch. The findings offer a detailed record of temperature variation over the last 10,000 years in Alaska and have important ecological and societal implications.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 14, 2011

Researchers confirm new cancer-causing virus

Researchers confirm cytomegalovirus as a cause of common salivary gland cancers, with implications for human health. The study suggests CMV's role in cancer development and potential new prevention and treatment methods.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalExperimental and Molecular Pathology·DateNov 14, 2011

Girls with family history of breast disease should avoid alcohol

A new study from Washington University School of Medicine finds that adolescent girls with a family history of breast disease have a higher risk of developing benign breast disease as young women, and this risk rises with increasing alcohol consumption. The researchers suggest limiting alcohol intake to lower risk or avoid increasing it.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCancer·DateNov 14, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Poor sleep habits linked to increased risk of fibromyalgia in women

A longitudinal study published in Arthritis & Rheumatism found a strong association between poor sleep habits and the risk of developing fibromyalgia in women. The study, which followed over 12,000 women for ten years, found that women with severe sleep problems were at increased risk of developing fibromyalgia.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateNov 14, 2011

Hysterectomy increases risk for earlier menopause among younger women

A recent study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that hysterectomies increase the risk of early menopause among younger women. The research tracked over 900 women for five years and found that 14.8% experienced menopause, compared to 8% of healthy controls.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateNov 14, 2011

Childhood aggression linked to poorer health in adults

A new study found that childhood aggression is strongly linked to poorer health in adulthood, with increases in medical visits, injuries, and lifestyle-related illnesses. People with lower education levels were more likely to use health services.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 14, 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.

Eliminating co-payments for heart attack medications increases adherence

A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that eliminating copayments for heart attack medications increased patient adherence, reducing major vascular events and healthcare spending. Rates of combined endpoint were not significantly improved, but individual outcomes such as readmission and angina showed significant reductions.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 14, 2011

Punishment of egoistic behavior is not rewarded

A recent study found that people select future social partners based on cooperative behavior, not punishment of egoism. This contradicts the expectation that punishing others for self-interest would be beneficial for one's reputation and relationships.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 14, 2011

New sources found for accumulated dust on Chinese Loess Plateau

Researchers found zircon crystals with ages matching those from western source sites, indicating a dramatic shift in atmospheric winds. The study improves climate modeling by suggesting alternating northwesterly and westerly sources for loess during glacial periods.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalGeology·DateNov 14, 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.

Glioblastoma multiforme in the Dock

A study by Bo Hu and Shi-Yuan Cheng found that PDGFR-alpha overexpression in glioblastomas triggers a signaling cascade promoting tumor growth and invasion. Manipulating Dock180 to block this pathway inhibits PDGFR-alpha's role in glioma tumorigenesis.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 14, 2011

Researchers get $7.5M grant to combat nerve agents

A $7.5 million NIH grant will fund a Center of Excellence at Ohio State University to develop novel enzyme-based antidotes for nerve agents and pesticides. The team aims to create efficient enzymes that can neutralize multiple toxic agents, paving the way for new treatments and preventive measures.

SourceOhio Supercomputer Center·DateNov 14, 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.

Protecting Houston from the next big hurricane

A Rice University-led team recommends building a floodgate across the Houston Ship Channel and adding new levees to protect densely populated areas. The report also suggests creating a 130-mile-long coastal recreation area to utilize wetlands as a natural storm-surge barrier.

SourceRice University·DateNov 14, 2011

Evidence emerges of ancient lake in California's Eel River

Researchers have discovered evidence of a late Pleistocene landslide-dammed lake along California's Eel River, which formed around 22,500 years ago. The lake's existence explains the genetic similarity between two types of ocean-going steelhead trout found in the river today.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 14, 2011

Invasive false brome grass is spreading, but Oregon's insects are biting

Invasive false brome grass has spread rapidly in Oregon, thanks to its ability to evade fungal and mollusk enemies, with generalist insects being the primary attackers. The grass now threatens ecosystems and forests across the state, highlighting the need for public awareness and cleanup efforts to control its spread.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalMycologia·DateNov 14, 2011
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.

Malpractice suits cause psychological distress and career burnout among US surgeons

A Journal of the American College of Surgeons study found that malpractice lawsuits against US surgeons can lead to depression, stress, and professional dissatisfaction. The study also showed that surgical specialties such as neurosurgery and cardiothoracic surgery report high rates of malpractice lawsuits.

SourceWeber Shandwick Worldwide·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateNov 14, 2011

'Stomach flu' may be linked to food allergies

A study by researchers at the Medical College of Wisconsin suggests a possible link between norovirus and food allergies. The team found an immunoglobulin E response to egg protein in mice infected with norovirus, indicating a potential connection between gastrointestinal viruses and allergic diseases like asthma.

SourceMedical College of Wisconsin·JournalThe Open Immunology Journal·DateNov 14, 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.

Genetic evaluation should be part of retinoblastoma care

A study by Baylor College of Medicine reveals the benefits of genetic evaluation in managing retinoblastoma, a childhood eye cancer. The research showed that genetic analysis helped identify hereditary cases and determined at-risk relatives, reducing unnecessary screening.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalArchives of Ophthalmology·DateNov 14, 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.

Evidence of ancient lake in California's Eel River emerges

Scientists at University of Oregon and Caltech discovered a 22,500-year-old landslide dammed the upper reaches of the Eel River, forming a 30-mile-long lake that disappeared over time. The lake's presence may explain genetic similarity among steelhead trout found in the river today.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 14, 2011

University of Miami study rethinks the ocean's role in Pacific climate

A University of Miami study reveals that the Southern Oscillation plays a bigger role in the climate system than previously thought. The research finds that atmospheric pressure, surface temperature, and precipitation are similar across two climate scenarios with static and dynamic oceans.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalJournal of Climate·DateNov 14, 2011

AMD-like lesions delayed in mice fed lower glycemic index diet

A lower glycemic index diet has been shown to delay the development of age-related retinal lesions in mice, which are similar to those seen in Age-Related Macular Degeneration. The study found that mice on a lower GI diet had fewer and less-severe lesions than those on a higher GI diet.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalAging Cell·DateNov 14, 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.

MSU researchers help African farmers cope with climate change

A team of MSU researchers is working on a project to link climate change to coping strategies and impacts on food production, security, and incomes for farm families in Zambia and Kenya. The study will provide new information on how climate change affects farming households and their responses.

SourceMichigan State University·DateNov 14, 2011

NIH-funded twin study finds occupational chemical exposure may be linked to Parkinson's risk

A recent NIH-funded twin study found a significant link between occupational chemical exposure and the development of Parkinson's disease. The study, published in Annals of Neurology, suggests that two common solvents, trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PERC), may increase Parkinson's risk sixfold and ninefold, respectively...

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateNov 14, 2011

UC research shows art imitates life -- the 'hard' life, that is

Researchers found that photos taken by police and fashion agents share similar characteristics, highlighting the universality of image-making processes. The study suggests that both fields use documentary portraits to fix identities motivated by transformation, with similar lighting, poses, branding, and record-keeping.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateNov 14, 2011

Adolescent alcohol consumption and breast cancer

A new study found a significant association between adolescent alcohol consumption and increased risk of benign breast disease among girls with a family history of breast cancer. Consuming more alcohol was linked to a higher risk, particularly in those with rapid height growth spurts.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateNov 14, 2011

Loss of weight associated with chronic illness may soon have first treatment

Scientists at Oregon Health & Science University have identified a definitive role for the brain in regulating involuntary muscle mass loss associated with chronic illnesses. The process is driven by a signaling system that controls stress responses and cortisol release.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateNov 14, 2011
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Air pollution a culprit in worsening drought and flooding

A new study finds that air pollution increases precipitation in wet regions while decreasing it in dry regions, exacerbating severe storms. The research provides clear evidence of aerosols' impact on weather and climate, with significant implications for water resource management.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature Geoscience·DateNov 14, 2011

An about-face on electrical conductivity at the interface

Researchers propose a new explanation for electrical conductivity at polar-nonpolar oxides, suggesting that atomic mixing and rearrangement occurs at the interface. They found that lanthanum and chromium crossed over to the nonpolar side in equal amounts, making conduction impossible.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 14, 2011

New technique enables study of 'challenging' proteins

Researchers have developed a new technique that can identify protein structures in just hours, revolutionizing the pharmaceutical industry. The enhanced NMR spectroscopy method using dynamic nuclear polarisation (DNP) enables significant structural data to be gained from small biological samples.

SourceUniversity of Hull·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateNov 14, 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.

Nature and nurture work together to shape the brain

Research demonstrates that life experiences can be transmitted from one generation to the next through epigenetics, affecting brain plasticity and behavior. This new knowledge has implications for understanding the cognitive benefits of motherhood and how environmental factors influence brain development in offspring.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateNov 14, 2011

Enzyme boosts metabolism, prevents weight gain in mice

Scientists engineer mice to express human enzyme IKKbeta in fat tissue, significantly slowing weight gain and improving metabolism. The study suggests obesity is worse than inflammation for insulin resistance, offering new clues about the connections among obesity, inflammation, and type 2 diabetes.

SourceBrown University·JournalEndocrinology·DateNov 14, 2011

JCI online early table of contents: Nov. 14, 2011

Researchers discovered a molecular pathway driven by PDGFR-alpha that promotes the aggressive nature of a significant proportion of glioblastomas. Overexpressed in GBMs, this pathway triggers signaling cascades leading to tumor growth and invasion. Manipulating Dock180 phosphorylation disrupts this pathway, resulting in failed tumor pr...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 14, 2011