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Science News Archive October 2011 - Page 27


Page 27 of 28

Faulty intellectual disability genes linked to older dads at conception

Research published in the Journal of Medical Genetics found that faulty intellectual disability genes are largely paternal in origin and more common in children born to older fathers. The study analyzed rare copy number variations (CNVs) in over 3,500 people with intellectual disabilities.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Medical Genetics·DateOct 3, 2011

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateOct 3, 2011

'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.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNanotechnology·DateOct 3, 2011

Social media sites may reveal information about problem drinking among college students

A study published in Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine found that college students who display references to intoxication or problem drinking on their Facebook profiles are more likely to report alcohol-related injuries. The study suggests using social media monitoring as a tool for identifying at-risk students, potentiall...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateOct 3, 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.

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.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 3, 2011
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.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Scarborough·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology·DateOct 3, 2011

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.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 3, 2011

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.

SourceHeart and Stroke Foundation of Canada·DateOct 3, 2011

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.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateOct 3, 2011

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.

SourceRice University·JournalFamily Relations·DateOct 3, 2011
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.

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 ...

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalPsychology of Men & Masculinity·DateOct 3, 2011

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.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateOct 3, 2011

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.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateOct 3, 2011

Some link between CCSVI and MS but quality of evidence prevents definitive conclusion

A meta-analysis found a strong association between CCSVI and multiple sclerosis, but the low quality of included studies prevents a definitive conclusion. The variation in study results suggests that factors such as sample size, ultrasound techniques, and training of operators may contribute to the heterogeneity.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateOct 3, 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.

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.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateOct 3, 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.

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.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateOct 3, 2011

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.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalCancer Causes & Control·DateOct 3, 2011

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.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·DateOct 3, 2011

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.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalMedical Care Research and Review·DateOct 3, 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.

Rebooting the system: Immune cells repair damaged lung tissues after flu infection

Researchers discovered that a previously unrecognized population of immune cells in the lungs orchestrate the body's repair response following flu infection. The activation of these cells is central to tissue repair at lung surfaces and could promote wound healing following other respiratory infections.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Immunology·DateOct 3, 2011

Employers less likely to interview openly gay men for job openings: Study

A new study by András Tilcsik found that employers are 40% less likely to grant an interview to openly gay men compared to their heterosexual counterparts. The study, which analyzed over 1,700 job openings, revealed significant barriers in the hiring process for gay applicants.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalAmerican Journal of Sociology·DateOct 3, 2011

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.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalNature Physics·DateOct 3, 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.

Combination HPV diagnostic test for head and neck cancer outperformed other tests

A combination of P16 immunohistochemistry and DNA qPCR has been found to accurately determine oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, a form of head and neck cancer derived from HPV16. This test outperforms existing methods with high sensitivity and specificity, making it a valuable tool for clinicians.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateOct 3, 2011

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.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateOct 3, 2011

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.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCancer Research·DateOct 3, 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.

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.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateOct 3, 2011

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.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateOct 3, 2011

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.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateOct 3, 2011

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.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 3, 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.

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.

SourceHeart and Stroke Foundation of Canada·DateOct 3, 2011

Overall quality of pregnant woman’s diet affects risk for two birth defects, Stanford study shows

A new Stanford University study found that the overall quality of a pregnant woman's diet is linked to a lower risk of two types of serious birth defects. Women who ate better before and during pregnancy had fewer infants with brain and spinal cord malformations or orofacial clefts, such as cleft lip and palate.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateOct 3, 2011

Referral to talking therapies may cut use of health services and sick leave

Research suggests that referring patients with mental health problems to talking therapies reduces their use of healthcare services and sick leave. Patients who received therapy had fewer hospital admissions, outpatient appointments, and emergency care services, but were prescribed more antidepressants.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateOct 3, 2011

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...

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·DateOct 3, 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.

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.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 3, 2011

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.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 3, 2011

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.

SourceLA BioMed·DateOct 3, 2011

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalFrontiers in Computational Neuroscience·DateOct 3, 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.

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.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·DateOct 3, 2011

Study in Lancet finds use of hormonal contraception doubles HIV risk

A University of Washington-led study found that using hormonal contraception increases an HIV-uninfected woman's chances of becoming infected by double. Women with HIV who use hormonal contraception are also twice as likely to transmit the virus to their male partners.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateOct 3, 2011

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.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 3, 2011

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.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 3, 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.

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.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateOct 3, 2011

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalInternational Journal of Electronic Commerce·DateOct 3, 2011

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.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateOct 3, 2011

Forest structure, services and biodiversity may be lost even as form remains

Despite maintaining a forest's physical appearance, its ecological, economic and cultural values can still be lost due to changes in structure and biodiversity. Researchers warn that traditional forestry practices, such as clear-cutting, can lead to the disappearance of critical forest structures and stages.

SourceOregon State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 3, 2011
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.

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.

SourceCell Press·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateOct 3, 2011