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Science News Archive October 2011


Page 3 of 28

Scientists measure dream content for the first time

Researchers used lucid dreamers to analyze brain activity during dreaming and found activation in regions relevant to movement planning. The study confirms that dreams are not passive observations but involve brain activity associated with the dream content.

Spin lasers in the fast lane

Researchers in Bochum developed a new concept for ultrafast semiconductor lasers by leveraging the intrinsic angular momentum of electrons called spin. This innovation enables modulation frequencies above 100 GHz, paving the way for high-speed data transmission and future Internet applications.

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.

Measuring the distance of processes

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum have developed a new method to measure the distance between stationary and non-stationary processes, enabling more accurate statistical tests. This approach makes it possible to construct better models for predicting extreme events in time series data.

New therapy shows promise for treating cardiovascular disease

Researchers have discovered a new therapy that increases good cholesterol and lowers triglycerides, showing promise in combating cardiovascular disease. The treatment, which targets microRNA-33, has been shown to increase HDL cholesterol and lower triglyceride levels in non-human primates.

The Lutetia asteroid – a prehistoric relic

Researchers found that the Lutetia asteroid is a dense, intact relic dating back to the solar system's formation. The asteroid's density was calculated using a mathematical method developed by Professor Mikko Kaasalainen, revealing a large and metallic core surrounded by a more porous outer layer.

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.

Scientists prove regular aspirin intake halves cancer risk

A decade-long study found that regular aspirin intake halves the risk of developing hereditary cancers, including bowel and womb cancers. The study involved nearly 1,000 patients and found a 50% reduction in incidences of hereditary cancer among those taking aspirin.

Sexism and gender inequality

A new study published in Psychological Science found that an individual's sexism leads to gender inequality in society, with the largest study to date examining 57 countries. The research suggests that changing individual attitudes is crucial for achieving greater equality.

An antibiotic effect minus resistance

Researchers have discovered a compound that shuts off the DNA valve allowing bacterial invasion and infection, effective against two virulent bacteria affecting plants and humans. The work has attracted interest from private companies testing its commercialization for treatments in plants, animals, and people.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Study finds no link between elderly patient activity and hospital falls

A new study from University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston found that elderly patients who suffered in-hospital falls actually moved around no more than those who did not fall. The researchers analyzed the mobility patterns of patients fitted with electronic devices and found no statistical difference in walking between the groups.

Mapping the formation of an underwater volcano

A young underwater volcano has been mapped in unprecedented precision, reaching a height of 100m with lava tongue flows. The volcano's formation was confirmed by superimposing images from previous oceanographic surveys.

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.

How biological capsules respond under stress

Researchers developed a new statistical method to assess the bending elasticity of biological membranes, improving accuracy by up to 80%. The method uses Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution and has potential applications in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

Prestigious Hartford grants bolster awardees' social work research

The prestigious Hartford Doctoral Fellows Program in Geriatric Social Work has selected twelve outstanding students to conduct research on aging topics. The fellows will receive a $50,000 dissertation grant and matching support from their home institutions to focus on their research projects over the next two years.

Shaping a new culture of research & innovation in Europe

The European Science Foundation's report highlights key findings from a public consultation on the correlation between gender and innovation, emphasizing the importance of addressing leadership gaps and incorporating gender dimensions in research and innovation. The results advocate for increased policy intervention, funding opportunit...

Novel strategy stymies SARS et al.

Researchers have identified a versatile inhibitor that prevents viral replication by targeting host proteins, offering potential new treatments for SARS and other coronaviruses. The compound works without harming the host, and its discovery highlights the importance of collaborative research.

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.

Planets smashed into dust near supermassive black holes

A new theory suggests that high-speed collisions between planets and asteroids near supermassive black holes create microscopic dust clouds. This process blocks harmful radiation, creating a more hospitable environment for life in the galaxy's central region.

Fighting violent gang crime with math

Researchers at UCLA have designed a mathematical algorithm to analyze crime patterns and identify street gangs involved in unsolved violent crimes. The algorithm, which was tested on real data from an East Los Angeles police district, correctly identified the most likely gang rivalries 80% of the time.

Chromosome chaos in serial killer

Scientists discovered a deadly parasite with duplicated, tripled, and quadrupled chromosomes, defying nature's rule. This bizarre occurrence could be an adaptation to survive harsh environmental stresses, such as drug pressure.

Zoning boundaries can make good neighbors in conservation

A recent study from Michigan State University reveals that zoning can be an effective tool for balancing human activities with wildlife habitat. The analysis of a nature reserve in southwestern China shows that zoning ordinances are helping protect endangered giant pandas, but also highlights critical weaknesses such as ambiguous rules...

Trance stare led researchers to discover a genuine hypnotic state

A team of researchers from Aalto University and international partners found a genuine hypnotic state through studying the 'trance stare' associated with hypnosis. The study showed a dramatic reduction in eye movements beyond volitional control, confirming an altered mental state.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Glasgow in the 'good old days'

A Glasgow nostalgia event is exploring the role of nostalgia in shaping individual and community identities through a 'Glasgow Schooldays Remembered' event. Participants will share school-day memories and create photo-essays about their past, with the goal of preserving and passing on memories.

How to unbalance nothingness

Researchers from Jena and Graz calculated the time evolution of the vacuum decay, revealing that particles of matter and antimatter behave in a novel self-focusing way. This breakthrough increases the possibility of discovering these particles in super strong electric fields.

Study finds specific gene linked to cold sore susceptibility

Researchers have identified a human chromosome containing a specific gene associated with susceptibility to herpes simplex labialis (HSL), the common cold sore. The study found a positive link between the frequency of outbreaks, hereditability, and the presence of a specific gene, C21orf91, on chromosome 21.

Lung stem cells offer therapeutic clues

Researchers have cloned human airway stem cells, which can form alveoli tissue and rapidly deploy in lung regeneration. The findings suggest new strategies for enhancing lung regeneration following damage from infection or chronic disease.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Do bacteria age? Biologists discover the answer follows simple economics

A study by University of California, San Diego biologists reveals that bacteria age and use asymmetric division to improve population fitness. By giving more cellular damage to one daughter cell and less to the other, bacteria allow for rejuvenation and diversity in their reproductive investment.

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.

Why some kidney disease patients can't repair blood vessels

Researchers found that patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis have elevated levels of the protein Flt1, which hinders blood vessel repair. This impairment contributes to disease progression and increases the risk of kidney failure in these patients. Inhibiting Flt1 may help improve blood vessel repair and reduce this risk.

Natural killer cells could be key to anthrax defense

Natural killer cells, part of the immune system, can detect and kill anthrax bacteria both inside and outside human cells. The cells' rapid response may provide a crucial boost to treatment, potentially improving antibiotic effects.

Cattle parasite vaccine offers hope to world's poorest farmers

Scientists have developed a vaccine using a harmless parasite to carry medicines into cattle's bloodstream, offering long-term protection against common conditions. The treatment could also be adapted to deliver drug treatments against common cattle diseases.

Research makes it possible to predict how cancers will respond to chemo

Scientists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have developed a test that can predict how effective chemotherapy agents will be against a patient's tumor cells. By measuring the proximity of cancer cells to self-destruction, researchers found that tumors with higher mitochondrial priming are more susceptible to chemotherapy.

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.

ERC Advanced Grant for large-scale study of coastal change

Professor Marcel Stive is conducting a five-year project to produce long-term predictions for coastal change processes using a combination of satellite and video surveillance. The goal is to improve coastal zone planning and management by studying interactions on comprehensive time and space scales.

Promising kidney drug fails in large clinical trial

A promising new drug to protect the kidneys has failed to benefit diabetes patients with kidney disease. The study, which enrolled 1,248 patients, found that sulodexide did not prevent kidney failure or reduce urinary protein excretion in patients with type 2 diabetes and kidney disease.

South Tel Aviv school is a model for language intervention

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a successful language intervention program for children from immigrant and refugee backgrounds, improving comprehension skills, vocabulary, and writing. The program has been implemented with positive results and is now being expanded to other schools globally.

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.

Children suffer unnecessarily from chronic postoperative pain

A new UCI study reveals that many children suffer from chronic postoperative pain, with 13% reporting lingering pain for months after surgery. The researchers emphasize the need for improved pediatric care and effective pain management strategies within 48 hours of surgery.

Insects are scared to death of fish

Researchers at the University of Toronto found that juvenile dragonflies exposed to predatory fish had survival rates 2.5 to 4.3 times less than those not exposed. This stress caused more dragonflies to fail metamorphosis and die, with 11% of larvae dying during this process.

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.

Stem cells repair lung damage after flu infection

Researchers have identified adult stem cells that can regenerate lung tissue, providing hope for new treatments of acute and chronic airway diseases. The findings suggest that the lungs have a remarkable ability to regenerate after infection, with stem cells proliferating rapidly and assembling into alveolar-like structures.

Yeast model connects Alzheimer's disease risk and amyloid beta toxicity

Researchers have identified a dozen genetic modifiers of amyloid beta toxicity in yeast, including several linked to Alzheimer's disease risk by genome-wide association studies. The yeast model also showed that these genes can suppress Aβ-induced neuronal loss in worms and cultured rat neurons.

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.

Lupus classification system too complicated

The current classification system for lupus nephritis is too detailed and may make it harder for clinicians to treat kidney problems in patients with lupus. A new study analyzing data from 86 patients found no significant difference in health outcomes between segmental and global forms of class IV lupus nephritis.

Natural intestinal flora involved in the emergence of multiple sclerosis

Research suggests that natural intestinal flora may play a crucial role in the emergence of multiple sclerosis. Beneficial bacteria can activate immune cells and trigger an overreaction of the immune system in genetically predisposed individuals. This finding has important implications for disease prevention and treatment.

Belief in God cuts two ways, study finds

A study by Kristin Laurin found that reminding people of God decreases their motivation to pursue personal goals, yet improves their ability to resist temptation. Participants who believed in an omniscient entity watching over them were more likely to resist temptations and achieve major life goals.

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.

Climate impact of Arctic Ocean subject of major new study

A new three-year study aims to better understand the Arctic ocean and sea ice system, predicting its future changes and their implications for the UK and globally. The research will investigate how the seasonal removal of sea ice cover affects winds, currents, and ocean temperatures.

Different paths to drug resistance in Leishmania

Researchers found that Leishmania parasites have almost identical DNA sequences within species populations, suggesting a small number of genes cause different symptoms. The parasite's evolutionary success may be driven by genetic abnormalities leading to copy number variation, which increases understanding of drug resistance mechanisms.