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Science News Archive September 2011


Page 14 of 29

Welsh wound test could save NHS

Developed by Cardiff University, the test identifies a wound type based on its gene signature with an initial accuracy rate of 98%. It has the potential to transform service provision and provide the right treatment at the earliest possible opportunity.

Unraveling a new regulator of cystic fibrosis

Researchers have discovered a protein called ubiquitin ligase Nedd4L as a new regulator of cystic fibrosis. Mice lacking Nedd4L in the lung developed cystic fibrosis-like disease, highlighting a promising therapeutic target. Enhancing Nedd4L function or inhibiting ENaC may alleviate symptoms of the disease.

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.

NIH scientists find earliest known evidence of 1918 influenza pandemic

Researchers discovered proteins and genetic material from the 1918 influenza virus in specimens from 37 soldiers, including four who died between May and August 1918. The findings suggest that the virus did not undergo a dramatic change during the pandemic, contributing to unusually high mortality.

Time is of the essence when it comes to stroke treatment

A new image-guided technique may enable more stroke patients to be successfully treated, particularly those living far from specialist medical care. Researchers found no difference in recovery time or 90-day survival rates between patients receiving treatment within six hours of symptom onset.

Primitive birds shared dinosaurs' fate

A new study provides clear evidence that many primitive bird species survived right up until the time of the Chicxulub meteorite impact. The team identified and dated a large collection of bird fossils representing various species, showing diversity in size, beak structure, and other features.

Tumor environment keeps tumor-fighting T cells away

A study reveals that tumors can disable the T cell–attracting protein CCL2 by modifying it with reactive nitrogen species, keeping T cells out. Scientists are now developing RNS-blocking drugs to restore T cell function and potentially enhance cancer 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.

UBC journalism project documents global pain crisis

A UBC journalism project documents severely constrained access to morphine globally, revealing bureaucratic hurdles and the impact of the war on drugs. The Pain Project showcases stories of patients struggling with pain and caregivers who have fought against intractable systems.

Lasers light the path to neuron regeneration

A multidisciplinary approach using laser technology has been successfully employed to fabricate tiny scaffolds for cell delivery and growth in damaged neural tissue. This study demonstrates the potential of direct laser writing in tissue engineering, enabling precise control over scaffold design and structure.

Patient complaints allege doctors fail to disclose risks

A University of Melbourne study found that doctors failed to properly explain complications risks in over 70% of medical negligence cases. The study analyzed nearly 2000 claims and found that surgical procedures were the primary source of complaints.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

The American College of Physicians advocates for a seventh ACGME/ABMS general competency on cost-conscious care. Meanwhile, research on Bisphenol A (BPA) exposure in relation to diabetes remains inconclusive. Additionally, local incidence data may improve the diagnosis of strep throat, which affects millions worldwide each year.

Observed 'live': Water is an active team player for enzymes

Scientists have observed water's retardation of dynamism in biological enzyme substrate compounds, which acts like an 'adhesive' to control metabolic processes. This finding has implications for future drug design and development of medicines.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UCSF study identifies weakness in heart attack therapy

Researchers at UCSF found that bone marrow cells used to treat human hearts after a heart attack are impaired due to inflammation caused by the attack. This discovery may lead to new therapeutic approaches to improve treatment outcomes for heart attack patients.

Deep oceans may mask global warming for years at a time

A new analysis suggests that Earth's deep oceans can absorb enough heat to flatten the rate of global warming for periods of up to a decade. The study used computer simulations and found that ocean layers deeper than 1,000 feet are the main location of the 'missing heat' during these periods.

Emergency treatment for heart attack improving but delays still occur

Despite advancements in treating STEMI patients needing emergency artery-opening procedures, delays continue to occur, particularly during transfers between hospitals. Researchers found that 34.2% of patients experienced delays, with the most frequent reasons being referral hospital delays and cardiac arrest.

New imaging technique visualizes cancer during surgery

A new multispectral fluorescence imaging system has been developed to localize cancer cells during surgery, enabling surgeons to detect small clusters of tumor cells that might otherwise go undetected. In a study on nine patients with ovarian cancer, the system successfully detected and removed all cancer cells in eight cases.

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.

Technology funding makes climate protection cheaper

A new study by Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research finds that financial support for new technologies is necessary to cost-effectively protect the climate. The simulation shows that without targeted funding, high-cost reduction potential energy technologies will struggle to compete with familiar technologies.

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.

Crystal structure shows how motor protein works

The study reveals exactly how dynamin proteins form large assemblies that pinch off bubbles from cell membranes, allowing cells to 'eat' and compartmentalize external items. Understanding these miniature motors may enable the engineering of cells with new functions.

Award winner 'can count fish from space'

Dr Nick Graham, a young researcher at James Cook University, has won the Scopus Young Researcher of the Year Award for his work on predicting fish populations in coral reefs. His research uses satellite data to study the architecture of coral reefs from space, providing valuable insights into how degraded reefs can recover.

Why carbon nanotubes spell trouble for cells

Researchers at Brown University found that carbon nanotubes enter cells tip-first and at a 90-degree angle, often causing repeated inflammation. The team's study suggests that understanding how nanomaterials interact with cells is crucial for designing products that help cells rather than harm them.

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.

Nanoparticles cause brain injury in fish

Scientists have found that nanoparticles can cause brain injury in fish, leading to the formation of vacuoles and nerve cell death. The results may influence policy regulations on environmental protection and human safety.

Researchers sequence dark matter of life

A breakthrough allows scientists to assemble virtually complete genomes from DNA extracted from a single bacterial cell. This opens the door to sequencing bacteria that cannot be cultured in the lab, including those living on the planet's surface and within human bodies.

Minimizing extinctions in a changing climate: New study

A new decision-support model developed by scientists can guide allocation of conservation funding to save more species from extinction. The model incorporates both ecological and economic information, prioritizing conservation activities based on a yearly budget.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Reassurance for dementia sufferers on impact of common drugs

Researchers have found that taking common medications for dementia does not cause further cognitive decline in those already suffering from the condition. The study involved 224 participants with established Alzheimer's dementia and suggests that low doses of certain medications may be safe for people with dementia.

ADHD symptoms worsen quality of life for individuals with autism

Research from Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network found that over half of children and adolescents with autism also have ADHD symptoms, compromising their adaptive abilities and quality of life. The study highlights the importance of identifying and treating ADHD symptoms in individuals with autism.

Catching a breath -- wirelessly

Researchers developed a noninvasive wireless system to measure breathing rates, alerting caregivers if breathing stops. The technique could increase surgery patient safety and reduce infant mortality by detecting sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) without invasive monitoring.

Gamers succeed where scientists fail

A team of gamers solved the molecular structure of a retrovirus enzyme using online game Foldit, achieving results in just three weeks. The breakthrough could lead to the development of new anti-AIDS drugs by targeting specific features on the molecule.

Deep oceans can mask global warming for decade-long periods

A new study suggests that the planet's deep oceans can absorb enough heat to flatten the rate of global warming for periods of up to a decade. The research, based on computer simulations of global climate, points to ocean layers deeper than 1,000 feet as the main location of the 'missing heat'.

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.

Milking the pigeon: extracting the mechanisms involved

Researchers analyzed gene expression profiles in pigeon crops and found genes involved in cell growth, antioxidant production, and immune response. The study reveals the mechanisms behind pigeon 'milk' production, which is essential for young pigeon squabs.

Newest cancer therapies multi-task to eliminate tumors

Research reveals that immunotherapies like CTLA4 strengthen the immune system's attack on cancer by blocking proteins that prevent T cells from activating. The study also shows that these therapies can keep tumors from benefiting from IDO, an enzyme used to suppress the immune response.

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Genetics may explain why calcium increases risk for prostate cancer

Researchers found that high calcium intake increases prostate cancer risk among African-American men genetically predisposed to poor calcium absorption. This study provides insight into the link between diet and disease, suggesting personalized prevention strategies may be possible in the future.

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.

Quantum behavior with a flash

Researchers develop a method using flashes of light to observe quantum features of large objects with unprecedented resolution. By analyzing the dynamics of such behavior, pulsed quantum optomechanics provides a path for investigating whether macroscopic mechanical objects can be used in future quantum technologies.

Temperature controls the genetic message

Researchers found that temperature affects RNA structure, hiding or showing particular sequences that influence the recognition of intronic endings. This allows for alternative protein isoforms to be generated in response to changing temperatures.

MRI research demonstrates ALS attacks multiple parts of the brain

Recent studies by Sanjay Kalra demonstrate that ALS damages neurons in cognitive and behavioral areas of the brain, contradicting previous assumptions. MRI scans reveal decreased levels of neural markers NAA and increased mIns, indicating biological changes responsible for behavioral symptoms.

UC Riverside wins NSF grant to aid women faculty in STEM fields

The University of California, Riverside has received a three-year NSF grant to establish the FORWARD project, aiming to recruit, retain and develop leadership skills of women faculty in STEM disciplines. The program will also create a statewide network for professional and personal support.

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.

Breeding soybeans for improved feed

New research modifies soybean seed to increase phosphorus content, improving animal nutrition and reducing feed costs. The study suggests that low phytate soybean seeds may cause low vigor seedlings, which can be easily addressed through seed treatments.