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Science News Archive September 2011


Page 6 of 29

NIH-funded study connects gene variant to response to asthma drugs

A genetic variant in the GLCCI1 gene may explain why some people with asthma do not respond well to inhaled corticosteroids. Researchers found that individuals with two copies of the variant responded only one-third as well to steroid inhalers as those with regular genes.

'Heat-proof' eggs help turtles cope with hot beaches

A recent study published by the University of Exeter found that green turtle eggs laid on naturally hot beaches withstand high temperatures better than those from cooler beaches. This adaptation allows turtles to thrive in hot environments, making them crucial for species survival in a warming world.

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.

Wanna save? Keep it simple, says paper from Rotman School of Management

A single savings goal is more effective in saving money compared to having multiple goals. This is because it puts individuals in an action-oriented mindset, helping them save more. The study found that multiple goals can lead to people overthinking and making trade-offs, resulting in less savings.

Predicting prognosis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Researchers identified a gene expression profile that can predict prognosis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. The study found two subgroups of patients, one with mild disease and the other with treatment-nonresponsive disease, which will help physicians identify those who need aggressive therapies.

Study of bees links gene regulatory networks in the brain to behavior

Researchers have found that distinct gene regulatory networks in the honey bee brain contribute to specific behaviors, such as foraging and aggression. The study confirmed a close relationship between changes in gene expression and behavior, highlighting the importance of understanding the regulation of brain gene expression.

E-textiles get fashion upgrade with memory-storing fiber

Researchers at NASA developed a flexible memory fabric that can retain information for over 100 days, using copper-oxide fibers as the storage medium. The technology enables e-textiles to detect biomarkers, monitor vital signs, and transmit data to doctors.

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.

Researchers identify new genes that determine breast cancer prognosis

Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center have identified 16 genes involved in iron metabolism that provide better prognostic information than conventional markers. These genes, known as the Iron Regulatory Gene Signature, convey valuable information about breast cancer outcomes.

New technique maps twin faces of smallest Janus nanoparticles

Researchers have created a new technique that accurately maps the surface composition of tiny Janus nanoparticles, allowing for better evaluation of their effectiveness in various applications. The breakthrough enables production of cleanly segregated particles, which are potentially more valuable than chemically uniform ones.

Marker for Alzheimer's disease rises during day and falls with sleep

A daily pattern of rising and falling amyloid beta levels in spinal fluid echoes the sleep cycle, with younger individuals exhibiting stronger highs and lows. As people age, this pattern flattens, potentially providing an opportunity for the body to clear away the Alzheimer's marker.

Study shows decisions over life-sustaining treatment are likely to change

A new study found that 38% of patients with chronic conditions changed their preferences for CPR and mechanical ventilation over a year. Patients' decisions are influenced by factors such as health status, mobility, anxiety, and depression, highlighting the need for regular re-evaluation of advance care planning.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Changing race by changing clothes

A study from Tufts University found that social status cues can alter the perception of race, revealing a complex process influenced by context and pre-existing stereotypes. The researchers used computer simulations to demonstrate how subtle effects of status cues emerge in a system similar to the human brain.

Unequal access to cancer care can no longer be tolerated

The report highlights the urgent need for simplified and integrated patient treatment pathways, new models of care with lower cost bases, and a whole new approach to expensive interventions. Radical action is required to make cancer care fair and affordable for all citizens.

Elderly patients may be undertreated for prostate cancer

A study found that men over 75 with prostate cancer are being undertreated, while those with a single comorbid condition are being overtreated. The study suggests that individual medical problems impact survival more than age alone.

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.

Is gallows humor in medicine wrong?

The article explores the ethics of gallows humor in medicine, with author Katie Watson arguing that some joking between medical professionals can be beneficial. She suggests that the key to deciding when gallows humor is okay lies in understanding the intent and impact of jokes on patients and power dynamics.

Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network receives $12 million AIR-P grant

The Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network has received a $12 million federal grant to continue its work in supporting clinical research, developing best-practice guidelines, and providing tool kits for families and physicians. The funding will also support the development of additional research within the ATN, including clinical trial...

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.

Amphibians: Beware young beetles' deadly 'siren call'

Researchers found that ground beetle larvae use a unique method to attract and feed on amphibians, tricking them into thinking they are tasty prey. This phenomenon has significant implications for understanding the environmental impact of invasive species.

African-American women develop functional challenges earlier than others

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University found that African-American women develop functional health challenges earlier than others, with a faster rate of reported physical limitations. This disparity is linked to intersectional factors such as gender, race/ethnicity, education, and socioeconomic status.

Catalyst discovery has potential to revolutionize chemical industry

A game-changing catalyst has been discovered by University of Alberta researchers, offering a potential solution to the chemical industry's environmental and economic challenges. The new catalyst produces minimal waste and can achieve multiple turnovers, reducing the industry's ecological footprint.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

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.

Sneaking up on the glassy transition of water

Physicists from the University of Pisa and the Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche have put an end to the debate on the glass transition temperature of water. They found that the magic number is approximately 136 Kelvin (-137 Celsius) using a thorough study of water's dynamics, supporting traditional views and refuting recent claims.

New genetic region responsible for testicle development found

Research identifies a new gene regulatory region on chromosome 17 involved in testicle formation in individuals with XX or XY chromosomes. The discovery sheds light on the complex mechanism of human sex development, revealing a missing link in the testis development system.

President honors UCI's Rommie Amaro with Early Career Award

Rommie Amaro, UCI assistant professor of pharmaceutical sciences and computer science, has been selected by President Obama for the Presidential Early Career Award. Her work employs large-scale computing resources to discover new drugs and explore complex biological mechanisms.

Structure of a molecular copy machine

Researchers have determined the architecture of the mitochondrial RNA polymerase, revealing its molecular copy machine mechanism. The discovery provides new insights into the evolution of mitochondria and their genome, shedding light on how they produce energy for cells.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Role of gender in workplace negotiations

A study by Columbia Business School researchers finds that women's lower negotiation outcomes are driven by heightened concerns about social backlash, rather than a lack of capability or motivation. To address this, training programs should focus on coaching role shifting and reframing self-advocacy as other-advocacy.

Research reveals how dynamic changes in methylation can determine cell fate

A study by CSHL and USC researchers reveals that methylation patterns are dynamic and can influence cell fate. The team observed that subtle changes in methylation within specific regions can lead to the activation of genes associated with particular cell types, challenging traditional views on epigenetics.

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.

Sunspot 1302 continues to turn toward Earth

A powerful X1.9-flare has been recorded from sunspot 1302, which is growing and showing no signs of quieting down. The flare could deliver a glancing blow to Earth's magnetic field on September 26.

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.

Location matters: For invasive aquatic species, it's better to start upstream

Researchers found that invasive species like the European green crab may have a major advantage when starting at the upstream edge of their range, particularly in environments with strong prevailing directions of water or wind currents. This can help inform control efforts and conservation strategies for native species.

Asians fighting alcoholism may benefit from new UCLA study

Researchers at UCLA discovered that a gene variant can predict the success of naltrexone treatment for alcoholism in Asians. The OPRM1 gene variant is associated with better clinical outcomes when taking naltrexone, making it an effective medication option for this population.

Breaking chemistry's bad rap

A recent article in Nature Chemistry outlines why chemistry has a tarnished public image, citing 'chemophobia' as the reason. The authors propose five communication strategies to improve public engagement with chemistry, including practice research-driven communication and framing key messages to prompt engagement.

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.

MU researchers find new insight into fatal spinal disease

Researchers at the University of Missouri have identified a key communication breakdown between nerves and muscles that may lead to new treatments for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and other motor neuron diseases. The study found that nerve signals are disrupted before reaching muscle ends, which could inform targeted treatments.

Bold approach could change electronics industry

A team of professors has received $1.5 million to study a groundbreaking idea that could revolutionize the electronics industry by reducing power consumption and increasing computing speed. The approach involves encoding information using collective states formed by charge-density waves, which can help reduce energy needs per computation.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

New hidden heart attack culprit identified in women

Researchers at NYU Langone Health identified a hidden cause of heart attacks in women without significant coronary artery disease. Plaque disruption, a rupture or ulceration of cholesterol plaque in a coronary artery, was found to be the mechanism behind myocardial infarction in some women.

2-dimensional learning

Researchers found that passive viewing of 2D images can lead to sustained changes in nerve cell connections, facilitating the expression of persistent hippocampal long-term depression. This discovery has implications for developing strategies to improve digital learning and reduce apathy towards traditional teaching methods.

Modified vaccine shows promise in preventing malaria

Researchers at Michigan State University have created a new malaria vaccine that combines an immune-stimulating gene with a disabled cold virus, increasing the immune response against the parasite. The vaccine was found to be more effective than previously developed systems in animal models, paving the way for human clinical trials.

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.