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Science News Archive October 2011


Page 27 of 28

Higher quality diet associated with reduced risk of some birth defects

A study found that pregnant women with better maternal diet quality had a lower risk of birth defects, including neural tube defects and orofacial clefts. The research used data from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study to examine whether better maternal diet quality was associated with reduced risk for selected birth defects.

'Mirage-effect' helps researchers hide objects

Researchers have developed a cloaking device that utilizes the 'mirage effect' to make objects invisible. The device uses sheets of carbon nanotubes, which can be heated to create a temperature gradient that bends light rays away from the object, making it appear invisible.

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.

Caltech engineers build smart petri dish

The ePetri system revolutionizes cell culture experiments with real-time imaging capabilities, reducing human labor time and improving accuracy. It simplifies medical diagnostic tests, drug screening, and basic research, offering a compact, lightweight microscope alternative.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Fighting prejudice through imitation

A study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology found that watching a person from a different race perform actions reduces implicit prejudice. By mimicking these movements, individuals can activate brain mechanisms contributing to empathy and lower their levels of prejudice.

CSHL team finds evidence for the genetic basis of autism

Scientists at CSHL have discovered that a 27-gene cluster deletion on chromosome 16 causes autism-like features. Mouse models revealed that inheriting fewer copies of these genes leads to behaviors and brain alterations characteristic of autism.

Smoking causes stroke to occur

A study found that smokers are twice as likely to have strokes and almost a decade younger when they do. Quitting smoking reduces stroke risks significantly within 18 months.

Bacteria enter via mucus-making gut cells

A foodborne bacterium invades the body by binding to E-cadherin on goblet cells, which produce slippery mucus. The reorganization required to expel the mucus exposes E-cadherin, allowing Listeria to cause systemic infection.

Examining motherly fears

A new study by sociologists at Rice University and Stanford University explores how neighborhood poverty influences maternal fear of children's outdoor play. Mothers' household economic status, education, employment, and physical/mental health all contribute to their fears.

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.

College football players can cry (a little) if they want to

Researchers found that college football players who display physical affection toward their teammates are happier and more likely to have a mental edge. In contrast, those who conform to traditional male stereotypes tend to have lower self-esteem. The studies suggest that emotional expression may be beneficial for athletes in terms of ...

Researchers review studies on CCSVI-MS link

A review of eight studies found an association between chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency and multiple sclerosis, but poor study quality and inconsistencies hinder definitive conclusions. Further research is needed to clarify the relationship.

Parental weight strongly influences thinness in children

A new study found that children with thinner parents are three times more likely to be thin, with a strong association between parental and child body size. Children of thinner parents were more likely to have the 'skinny' genes, increasing their chances of being naturally thinner.

Raw sewage: Home to millions of undescribed viruses

A study reveals a vast world of unseen viral diversity in raw sewage, home to thousands of novel and undiscovered viruses. The research detected genetic signatures from 234 known viruses, but the majority belong to unknown viruses that may play roles in human health and environmental processes.

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.

Study gauges emotional toll of direct-to-consumer genetic testing

A new study found that patients' worry about disease was modestly elevated one week after genetic testing, but returned to normal levels a year later. Genetic tests also caused people to worry more about unfamiliar diseases like Graves' disease over common ones like diabetes.

Pale people may need vitamin D supplements

Researchers at the University of Leeds found that people with fair skin are more likely to have sub-optimal vitamin D levels. The study suggests that these individuals may need vitamin D supplements to maintain optimal health levels, particularly in areas with limited sunlight.

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.

Vitamin D deficiency common in cancer patients

A study by the American Society for Radiation Oncology found that nearly three-quarters of cancer patients have insufficient vitamin D levels, with those deficient experiencing more advanced cancer. Vitamin D supplementation showed promise in improving serum levels and potentially impacting treatment outcomes.

Nursing home hospitalizations often driven by payer status

A new study reveals that nursing homes often prioritize treating residents with private insurance over those with Medicaid, resulting in higher hospitalization rates and unnecessary care. Medicaid residents are 27% more likely to be hospitalized than private-pay residents, highlighting the financial incentives driving these decisions.

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.

Exotic quantum states: A new research approach

Theoretical physicists have developed a new concept to create exotic topological states using dissipation, which can lead to immune quantum computers. They successfully linked concepts of quantum optics and condensed matter physics, demonstrating the feasibility of this approach.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Mother Nature's oral antibiotics research gets $2.25 million help from NIH

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University aim to develop new treatments using human beta defensins triggered by Fusobacterium nucleatum-associated Beta-Defensin Inducer (FAD-I). FAD-I induces HBD peptides to block bacteria from entering the body, potentially preventing health conditions such as gum disease and tooth loss.

Cell movement provides clues to aggressive breast cancer

A U-M study has identified the p38-gamma molecule as a key regulator of aggressive breast cancer cell movement. By understanding how this molecule influences cell motion, researchers hope to develop targeted therapies that can improve treatment outcomes.

Study reports predictors of poor hand hygiene in an emergency department

A recent study found that receiving care in a hallway bed was the strongest predictor of healthcare providers not washing their hands. The researchers observed providers wearing gloves instead of washing their hands, and workers who transport patients between departments were less likely to wash their hands due to inadequate training.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Priming with DNA vaccine makes avian flu vaccine work better

Researchers found that a DNA vaccine expressing a key H5N1 protein enhanced the immune response to an H5N1 avian influenza vaccine. The prime-boost regimen produced high levels of protective antibodies and broadly neutralizing antibodies against the HA stem, a region relatively constant across many strains of influenza viruses.

Premature birth may increase risk of epilepsy later in life

A recent study published by the American Academy of Neurology found a strong connection between premature birth and an increased risk of developing epilepsy later in life. Adults born prematurely were five times more likely to be hospitalized for epilepsy compared to those born full-term.

Race to nerve regeneration: faster is better

A team of researchers identified a way to speed up the growth of damaged nerves, restoring muscle function in injured mice. The study suggests that increasing nerve growth rates may enhance functional recovery in patients with peripheral nerve damage.

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.

$3.6 million nursing research project promotes exercise for girls

A new program aims to increase physical activity among middle school girls, particularly those from low socioeconomic backgrounds. The Girls on the Move project will expand its successful pilot program to more schools, targeting girls' physical health and well-being.

Prevention measures needed to address major risk of falls after stroke

A study found that almost 60% of people who have a stroke experience one or more falls afterwards, with most occurring in their own homes. To address this risk, experts recommend proactive measures such as assessments to create fall-proof homes and post-stroke rehabilitation to test balance and learn exercises to prevent falls.

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.

Most cancer physicians reach out to bereaved family, caregivers

A study found that most cancer care physicians initiate contact with bereaved family members and caregivers after a patient's death. However, over two-thirds of physicians reported inadequate training in this area during their residency or fellowship. The most common forms of follow-up were sending condolence letters and making telepho...

Nanoparticles seek and destroy glioblastoma in mice

Scientists at Sanford-Burnham and Salk Institute developed a method to combine peptides and nanoparticles to eliminate glioblastoma in previously untreatable mouse models. The nanosystem proved effective in treating two different mouse models, curing most tumors and significantly delaying tumor development.

Potential new treatment for stroke

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified EP4 as a potential new treatment target for stroke. A selective EP4 agonist administered after stroke reduced brain damage and long-term behavioral deficits in mice, suggesting its therapeutic potential.

LA BioMed to unveil new Chronic Diseases Clinical Research Center

LA BioMed has broken ground on a new research center for chronic diseases, consolidating collaborative efforts of investigator groups and serving as the new home for several clinical programs. The $9.7 million grant from NIH will support rapid deployment of shovel-ready projects and create jobs in the local economy.

How the brain makes memories: Rhythmically!

UCLA neuro-physicists discovered an optimal brain 'rhythm' for changing synaptic strength, contrary to previous assumptions. The findings suggest that stimulating synapses at naturally occurring frequencies, not high frequencies, increases synaptic strength and may lead to new therapies for learning disabilities.

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.

Cancer patients in their 60s are tech-savvy

A study by the American Society for Radiation Oncology found that cancer patients in their 60s were more likely to use web-based technology to answer quality of life survey questions. The use of this technology increased survey completion rates from 52% to 90% six months after treatment.

Biomarker for Huntington's disease identified

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital have identified a transcriptional biomarker that may assist in the monitoring of Huntington's disease activity and the evaluation of new medications. The biomarker, H2AFY, is overexpressed in the blood of individuals with Huntington's disease.

In reversing motor nerve damage, time is of the essence

Scientists at Boston Children's Hospital discover that motor nerve fibers can regrow but not communicate with muscle fibers in time. A limited time window exists for nerve regeneration and functional reactivation, highlighting the need for prompt treatment.

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.

In reading facial emotion, context is everything

Researchers argue that context, including conceptual information and cultural background, significantly influences facial emotional perception. Studies show that people can accurately perceive emotions only when context is provided, highlighting the limitations of relying solely on facial expressions.

Brand name advertising clicks with online shoppers

Researchers found that brand names in online search engine advertising campaigns attract more attention and encourage more sales. A study by Penn State researchers discovered that branded keyword phrases combined with branded advertisements generated the highest average sales, 15 times higher than generic ads.

Tick responsible for equine piroplasmosis outbreak identified

Researchers from USDA's Animal Disease Research Unit have identified the cayenne tick as a vector of equine piroplasmosis in a 2009 Texas outbreak. The discovery highlights the potential for the disease to spread internationally, prompting efforts to prevent its spread.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Helium raises resolution of whole cell imaging

New study reveals that helium ion microscopy can image both surface and internal structures in whole cells at nanometer resolutions without the need for metallic coatings or significant loss of resolution.