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Science News Archive November 2011 - Page 9


Page 9 of 28

Southampton professor awarded major funding for Biophotonics programme

A University of Southampton professor has been awarded a European Research Council (ERC) grant to realise tools for fast, low-cost point-of-care clinical diagnostics and chemical analysis in water pollution and food safety. The £2.6m programme aims to advance biophotonics research in near- to mid-infra-red devices.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·DateNov 21, 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.

Rainfall suspected culprit in leaf disease transmission

Rainfall is suspected to trigger the spread of foliar diseases, affecting agriculture and forestry. Researchers studied a single rain droplet's impact on leaves, finding two patterns of droplet ejection that lead to disease transmission. The study provides guidance for farmers on optimal plant spacing to prevent disease spread.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateNov 21, 2011

New research on body parts' sensitivity to environmental changes

A team of Michigan State University scientists has discovered that certain body parts are more sensitive to environmental changes than others. The research, led by Alexander Shingleton, uses fruit flies to study the genetics of body growth and development.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateNov 21, 2011

New research sheds light on how we see family resemblance in faces

A new study published in the Journal of Vision increases our understanding of how the brain processes facial structure and recognizes family resemblance. Researchers found that people can pick out family members despite underlying differences, such as gender or age, by comparing faces to an average face for that gender.

SourceAssociation for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology·JournalJournal of Vision·DateNov 21, 2011

Black elderly more likely than whites to die after intestinal surgery

A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that black senior citizens are 26% more likely to undergo riskier surgery and spend more time in the hospital recovering from intestinal surgery. Despite equal health insurance coverage, black patients experience higher mortality rates and greater healthcare costs.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalArchives of Surgery·DateNov 21, 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.

JCI online early table of contents: Nov. 21, 2011

Researchers identify a new way to boost the aged immune response to flu viruses by inhibiting PGD2. They also discover that targeting BRAF in thyroid cancers could restore the efficacy of RAI therapy. Additionally, exploring EGFR as a therapeutic target for Cushing disease may provide new treatment options.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 21, 2011

Improved method of electrical stimulation could help treat damaged nerves

A new electrochemical-stimulation method could potentially aid in helping patients suffering from nerve paralysis and chronic neurological conditions. The device works by manipulating the concentration of charged ions surrounding the nerve, reducing the risk of unwanted muscle contractions.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalNature Materials·DateNov 21, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Taking bushmeat off the menu could increase child anemia, study finds

A study by UC Berkeley researchers found that bushmeat consumption had a positive effect on children's nutrition, raising concerns about the impact of conservation efforts on local communities. The study estimated that a loss of access to wildlife as a food source would lead to a 29% increase in child anemia.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 21, 2011

NIH researchers identify key proteins of inner ear transduction channel

Researchers have identified two key proteins, TMC1 and TMC2, that are crucial for the inner ear's transduction channel. The study suggests that TMC1 is essential for hearing, while TMC2 is not, but can substitute for it in the vestibular system.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 21, 2011

New medical, research tool possible by probing cell mechanics

Researchers have developed a system to measure the mechanical properties of living cells, which could lead to new ways to diagnose diseases and understand biological processes. The technique uses an atomic force microscope to study three types of cells, including bacteria, human red blood cells, and rat fibroblasts.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 21, 2011

Transparent material breakthrough

Researchers at UTD have successfully produced thermally modulated transparent carbon nanotube sheets, creating a 'mirage effect' similar to an 'invisibility cloak'. This breakthrough could lead to applications such as photo-deflectors and switchable transparency materials.

SourceAir Force Office of Scientific Research·DateNov 21, 2011
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.

Late season Hurricane Kenneth forms in the eastern Pacific

Hurricane Kenneth formed as a tropical depression on November 19 and strengthened into a hurricane by November 21, with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph. The storm is expected to turn west and slow down, with heavy rainfall occurring around its center.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 21, 2011

Scripps Research team finds a weak spot on deadly ebolavirus

Researchers have identified an antibody that neutralizes Sudan virus, one of the most deadly human pathogens caused by ebolavirus. The new findings suggest a key spot for neutralizing ebolaviruses, which could lead to the development of effective vaccines and antibody-based therapies.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateNov 20, 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.

A failing sense of smell can be reversed

A new animal study led by NYU Langone researchers shows that the sense of smell can be improved through training. The study found that rats trained to discriminate between similar odors could develop distinct brain activity patterns, while those not trained lost their ability to distinguish.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateNov 20, 2011

Carbon cycling was much smaller during last ice age than in today's climate

Scientists have found that carbon cycling in the terrestrial biosphere was much smaller during the last ice age than in today's warmer climate. The researchers estimate that only about 40 petagrams of carbon were stored in vegetation and soil per year, which is roughly one third of present-day levels.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Geoscience·DateNov 20, 2011

Study finds sex a significant predictor of happiness among married seniors

A new study by Adrienne Jackson found that frequency of sexual activity is a significant predictor of both general and marital happiness among older married individuals. The research, based on data from the 2004 General Social Surveys, revealed that almost 60% of those who engaged in sex more than once a month reported being very happy...

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateNov 20, 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.

Recipient's immune system governs stem cell regeneration

A new study reveals that the recipient's immune system, specifically T-cells, alternately discourages and encourages stem cells to regrow bone and tissue. Administering regulatory T-cells or anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin increases the rate of bone growth and defect repair.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Medicine·DateNov 20, 2011

Huskies lend insight into mercury risk

Researchers found an inverse correlation between mercury exposure and antioxidant status in Alaskan huskies, suggesting potential health risks for indigenous communities. The study highlights the need for monitoring and reducing mercury generation, particularly from coal-generated power plants.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateNov 20, 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.

UGA scientists invent long-lasting, near infrared-emitting material

Researchers at the University of Georgia have developed a new material that emits a long-lasting near-infrared glow after a single minute of exposure to sunlight. The material has potential biomedical applications, including visualizing cancer cells, and can be used for military and law enforcement illumination.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalNature Materials·DateNov 20, 2011

Nerve cells key to making sense of our senses

A team of scientists has unraveled how the brain processes complex sensory signals, using a relatively simple computation performed by single nerve cells. The study confirms and extends a computational theory developed earlier, predicting that neurons fire in a manner predicted by a weighted summation rule.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateNov 20, 2011

Severity of heart attack is dependent on the time of day

A study published in Circulation Research found that the size of a heart attack and subsequent left-ventricular function are significantly different based on the time of day onset of ischemia. The greatest amount of injury to the heart occurs when individuals have a heart attack between 1:00am and 5:00am.

SourceMinneapolis Heart Institute Foundation·JournalCirculation Research·DateNov 20, 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.

Evolutionary practices in schools can benefit at-risk students

A school program based on evolutionary principles helped at-risk high schoolers succeed, with improvements in performance, attendance, and social behavior. The program's design features, including positive group identity and consensus decision-making, were successful in creating a conducive learning environment.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 20, 2011

Discovery of new muscle repair gene

Researchers have discovered a new muscle repair gene, MEGF10, which plays a crucial role in the fusion process of satellite cells. The findings provide accurate genetic testing and diagnosis for devastating conditions affecting muscle function, enabling hope for families affected by progressive muscle disease.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Genetics·DateNov 20, 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.

Walking through doorways causes forgetting, new research shows

Researchers suggest that passing through doorways impairs memory recall due to 'event boundaries,' which compartmentalize decisions made in different rooms. The study found subjects forgot more after walking through a doorway compared to moving across a room.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalQuarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology·DateNov 18, 2011

Heart rate recovery predicts clinical worsening in pulmonary hypertension

A new study found that heart rate recovery at one minute after a six-minute walking distance test is highly predictive of clinical worsening and time to clinical worsening in patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension. Patients with low heart rate recovery were more likely to experience clinical worsening events and had s...

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateNov 18, 2011

The protest vote prevails when a landslide victory is expected

Moderate voters tend to cast protest votes to express discontent, whereas extreme left and right voters rarely do. The study reveals that protest voters show their unhappiness by voting for a party further from their preference, aiming to influence the other party's direction.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalPublic Choice·DateNov 18, 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.

New NASA missions to investigate how Mars turned hostile

Two NASA missions aim to discover what transformed Mars from a potentially habitable planet to its current inhospitable state. The Curiosity rover and the MAVEN mission will explore Martian terrain, atmosphere, and geology to uncover clues about the Red Planet's past climate and potential for life.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 18, 2011

Old drugs find new target for treating brain tumor

Scientists identified a novel gene mutation causing glioblastoma, a common type of malignant brain tumor. Two existing drugs targeting this mutation effectively prolonged the survival of mice, offering new hope for patients.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCancer Research·DateNov 18, 2011

Trainee earns prestigious emergency medicine research award

Alyssa Turner, a pediatric emergency department fellow, has been awarded the Willis Wingert Award for her platform presentation on the impact of ultrasound-guided femoral nerve blocks. Her research found that this technique improves pain control in children with femur fractures and reduces adverse effects.

SourceUniversity of Louisville·DateNov 18, 2011

A corny turn for biofuels from switchgrass

Researchers at Berkeley Lab introduce a maize gene to switchgrass, doubling starch content and making it easier to extract fermentable sugars. The results offer a promising new approach for improving dedicated bioenergy crops.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 18, 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.

Tweaking a gene makes muscles twice as strong

Researchers have discovered a new way to build muscle by suppressing a natural inhibitor, resulting in mice and worms with super-strong muscles. This breakthrough could lead to treatments for age-related or genetics-related muscle degeneration, as well as applications for athletes and individuals with genetic muscular dystrophy.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell·DateNov 18, 2011

Great Plains river basins threatened by pumping of aquifers

Scientists warn that Great Plains river basins are under threat due to aquifer pumping, which has reduced suitable habitat for native fishes. The study found that only 57% of refuge pools would remain after 35 years under current circumstances.

SourceOregon State University·JournalEcohydrology·DateNov 18, 2011

GOES satellite eyeing late season lows for tropical development

The GOES-13 satellite is monitoring two low-pressure systems: System 90E in the eastern Pacific with a 40% chance of becoming a tropical depression, and an elongated system in the central Atlantic with a 10% chance of development. The satellite imagery shows clouds and showers near the centers of circulation for both systems.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 18, 2011
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.

Metabolic syndrome biomarkers predict lung function impairment after exposure to WTC dust

Researchers found that dyslipidemia and elevated heart rate increased the risk of developing abnormal lung function, while elevated amylin levels reduced this risk. The study suggests that systemic inflammation may play a role in promoting lung function impairment after particulate exposure.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateNov 18, 2011

Protection from severe malaria explained

Researchers discovered that a degradation product of defective hemoglobin blocks the establishment of a trafficking system used by the malaria parasite, preventing circulatory disorders and neurological complications. The study provides new insights into the molecular mechanism behind the protective effect of sickle-cell anemia against...

SourceHeidelberg University Hospital·JournalScience·DateNov 18, 2011

Chalmers scientists create light from vacuum

Scientists at Chalmers University of Technology have succeeded in creating light from vacuum by capturing photons that appear and disappear in the vacuum. The experiment confirms a fundamental principle in quantum mechanics, demonstrating the existence of virtual particles that can become real photons.

SourceSwedish Research Council·JournalNature·DateNov 18, 2011

Enzymatic synthesis of pyrrolysine, the mysterious 22nd amino acid

Researchers at TUM elucidated the structure of PylB, an enzyme crucial for pyrrolysine biosynthesis. The discovery sheds light on how archaebacteria modify existing systems to create tailored amino acids with unique properties.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 18, 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.

ASMBS and ASGE issue white paper on endoscopic bariatric therapies (EBTs)

The ASGE and ASMBS have issued a white paper exploring the role of EBTs in treating obesity. EBTs, such as laparoscopic gastric bypass, adjustable gastric banding, and sleeve gastrectomy, may offer patients an outpatient alternative to traditional bariatric procedures.

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateNov 17, 2011