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Science News Archive October 2011


Page 22 of 28

Genencor scientist wins prestigious Enzyme Engineering Award

David A. Estell, a Genencor researcher, received the Enzyme Engineering Award for his work on protein engineering and developing efficient proprietary technology for producing advanced biofuels. He has also initiated new technology development and holds over 70 issued U.S. patents.

Physicians treating Latinos have high hurdles to jump, study shows

A study by UCLA researchers found that primary care physicians who treat Latino patients are less likely to believe they can provide high-quality care. The challenges include inadequate time with patients, lack of affordability, non-adherence to treatments, and difficulties in communication. Implementing the Affordable Care Act may add...

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Engineering team heads to Antarctica to explore hidden lake

A British engineering team is embarking on a scientific mission to collect water and sediment samples from a subglacial lake in Antarctica. The 'deep-field' research mission aims to find new forms of microbial life and provide clues about the Earth's past climate, with potential implications for understanding the evolution of life on o...

Drug prevents bone loss side effects of breast cancer medication

A new study has found that zoledronic acid can prevent and treat bone loss in postmenopausal breast cancer patients taking aromatase inhibitors. The five-year study showed significant increases in bone density when the drug was administered upfront, but also found that initiating treatment even after bone loss developed was beneficial.

Peanut allergy turned off by tricking immune system

Researchers have developed a method to create tolerance in the immune system by attaching peanut proteins onto blood cells and reintroducing them. This approach has shown promise in preventing life-threatening allergic reactions. By tricking the immune system, researchers hope to target multiple food allergies at once.

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.

Physicists turn liquid into solid using an electric field

Researchers at Georgia Tech discovered that a strong electric field can induce solidification in liquid droplets of formamide, forming crystallites. The study used molecular dynamics simulations to track the evolution of materials systems and found that increasing the field strength led to shape transitions and eventually solidification.

Common medications can contribute to lower urinary tract symptoms in men

A Kaiser Permanente study found that antidepressants, diuretics, bronchodilators, antihistamines, and sympathomimetics can cause lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men. The study examined data from over 63,000 ethnically diverse men and found associations between specific medication classes and LUTS severity.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Research finding may lead to new treatments for obesity and Type 2 diabetes

Scientists at UC Metabolic Diseases Institute discover that targeted inhibition of CB1 receptor can increase calorie burning in brown adipose tissue, leading to reduced body weight and blood glucose. Further study aims to find a safer and more effective drug strategy for glucose regulation and weight loss.

Giant kraken lair discovered

Researchers have discovered a remarkable fossil site in Nevada where the remains of nine 45-foot-long ichthyosaurs suggest an even larger and more cunning sea monster existed: a Triassic kraken. The evidence implies that this ancient cephalopod was capable of intelligent manipulation of bones and preyed on these massive reptiles.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New technique unlocks secrets of ancient ocean

Researchers from Arizona State University developed a new geochemical technique to study the Earth's largest mass extinction event. The study found that the period of oceanic anoxia was much shorter than previously estimated, occurring at most tens of thousands of years before the extinction event.

Can antivirulence drugs stop infections without causing resistance?

A new study reveals that antivirulence drugs can suppress resistance in pathogens by targeting social interactions and cooperation. Laboratory simulations showed that resistant strains will not overtake sensitive strains when therapies target cell-to-cell communication, allowing antivirulence therapies to work even when resistance arises.

'SIRT(ain)' benefit of reducing calories

A team of researchers has identified Sirt1 as a crucial protein linking caloric restriction to improved insulin action in skeletal muscle. This finding provides new targets for therapeutics to reduce insulin resistance and lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Mayo Clinic study identifies earliest stages of Alzheimer's disease

A Mayo Clinic study recommends adding categories to more effectively identify and treat people with preclinical Alzheimer's disease, a long latent stage of the disease. The researchers suggest two additional sub-groups: Stage 0 (normal biomarkers and no cognitive impairment) and SNAP patients (with suspected non-AD pathophysiology).

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.

Researchers study aging's effect on the brain

Research by biologists at the University of York has revealed that under stressful conditions, synapses can grow excessively, potentially contributing to dysfunction. This finding has strong implications for neuronal function as brains age and adds significantly to our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases.

Water channels in the body help cells remain in balance

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have discovered a modified aquaporin, AQP10, which is more stable due to its carbohydrate structure. This stability makes it potentially useful for treating diseases such as eczema and cancer.

Combination therapies for drug-resistant cancers

Researchers identified a potential combination therapy to effectively use receptor tyrosine kinases inhibitors for KRAS mutant colorectal cancers by combining with MEK/ERK signaling pathway inhibitors. This approach could offer new treatment options for individuals with KRAS mutant cancers.

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 program to expand, enhance use of LIDAR sensing technology

Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new computer program that enables highway construction engineers to analyze soil movements caused by active landslides and erosion in real-time. This technology uses LIDAR to better assess and deal with these issues, ultimately improving construction quality and safety.

Graphene's 'Big Mac' creates next generation of chips

Researchers at the University of Manchester have created a graphene 'Big Mac' structure that isolates graphene from environmental influences, allowing for better electronic properties. This breakthrough enables the potential replacement of silicon chips in computers with graphene-based transistors.

Novel technique uses RNA interference to block inflammation

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed a novel technique using RNA interference to block inflammation in animal models of several disorders. The technique targets specific inflammatory cells that contribute to conditions such as heart disease and cancer, reducing damage and improving survival rates.

Progress in quantum computing, qubit by qubit

Researchers at Harvard University have successfully controlled the rate of photon emission from luminescent imperfections in diamond, a crucial step towards developing scalable quantum networks. The breakthrough uses nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond to emit red photons at room temperature.

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.

Small molecules can starve cancer cells

Researchers have discovered a small molecule, microRNA-101, that can block autophagy in cancer cells, making them more sensitive to treatment with the anti-hormone Tamoxifen. This breakthrough has significant clinical relevance for treating breast cancer.

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.

Professor Doug Hilton wins Milstein Award for cytokine research

Professor Hilton's receipt of the award recognises his research into how cytokines signal between cells, including the discovery of many molecules involved in this process. He has made significant contributions to our understanding of cytokine biology and its applications in cancer, infectious diseases, and autoimmune conditions.

Health effects of financial crisis: Omens of a Greek tragedy

Healthcare access in Greece declined during the financial crisis, with long waiting times and supply-side problems contributing to reduced doctor consultations. This led to increased hospital admissions, suicides, and other alarming indicators such as rising HIV infections and heroin use.

Star packs big gamma-ray jolt, researchers discover

Researchers have discovered gamma rays with unprecedented energies from the Crab Pulsar in the Crab Nebula, contradicting existing theories. The findings suggest a different mechanism for producing these high-energy particles, which could be detected by the VERITAS observatory.

If you don't snooze, do you lose?

A University of Wisconsin-Madison study suggests that short-term sleep restriction in adolescent mice prevented balanced growth and depletion of brain synapses, which may have lasting consequences for the wiring of the brain. The study's findings could be relevant to mental illnesses like schizophrenia that often start during adolescence.

New membrane lipid measuring technique may help fight disease

Researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago have created a biosensor to measure membrane lipid levels, which can act as switches turning on or off protein-protein interactions. This technique allows for real-time quantification and monitoring of lipid molecules, potentially leading to new pathways for disease treatment.

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.

Smarter toxins help crops fight resistant pests

A UA-led team of researchers discovered a new edge in overcoming resistance to certain pests by modifying the structure of crop-protecting proteins called Bt toxins. The modified toxins were found to be effective against some resistant strains, but not always working as expected and requiring further testing.

Brain imaging reveals why we remain optimistic in the face of reality

Research shows that optimistic individuals tend to filter out negative information, updating their estimates only when the new data is better than expected. This faulty frontal lobe function can lead to unrealistic predictions and a lack of caution, with potential downsides for mental health and decision-making.

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.

Study tracks mutations causing CDA II back to the Roman Empire

Researchers analyzed SEC23B gene mutations in CDA II patients and found that two variants, R14W and E109K, are more common in Italian population. The R14W variant is believed to have originated 3,000 years ago in Southern Italy, while E109K may have originated in the Middle East around 2,400 years ago.

New research: Are global honey bee declines caused by diesel pollution?

Scientists investigate whether diesel nanoparticles are affecting bees' brains, causing them to lose their way back to the hive. The study aims to understand how tiny particles in diesel fumes could be contributing to bee colony collapse, which has economic and ecological implications for global pollination.

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.

Learning to live in mountain lion country

Researchers at Stanford University used remote wildlife cameras to confirm mountain lion activity in the preserve, with seasonal patterns and human-lion encounters explored. The study suggests that mountain lions are present about 24% of the time, posing a low risk to humans.

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.

Astrophysics and extinctions: News about planet-threatening events

A new study suggests that short-hard interstellar radiation events could have a significant impact on life on Earth, depleting the ozone layer and allowing deadly ultraviolet radiation to penetrate. The rate of these events is estimated to be about once per 100 million years, with potential effects on extinctions in the fossil record.

Prague's 88 nature reserves threatened by invasive plant species

The study found that archaeophytes, introduced since Neolithic agriculture, are positively affected by arable land availability at low altitudinal ranges. Invasive neophyte species harbor 67% of Prague's nature reserves, including many shrubs and trees with high invasion potential.

UNC researcher to help lead new esophageal cancer network

A University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill researcher is leading a collaborative network to study the genetic determinants of Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma. The network aims to develop new methods for identifying individuals at risk, early detection, and monitoring Barrett's esophagus progression.

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.

Survey gives clues to origin of Type Ia supernovae

A new survey suggests that many Type Ia supernovae result from the merger of two white dwarf stars, challenging previous theories about their origins. The study, which analyzed data from distant exploding stars, found that these events may be more common than previously thought and could provide insights into the history of the universe.

Babies show sense of fairness, altruism as early as 15 months

A new study found that babies at 15 months old can distinguish between fair and unfair food distribution, with those showing a greater willingness to share displaying increased sensitivity to such violations. This suggests that early childhood is an essential period for nurturing human egalitarianism and cooperation.