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Science News Archive September 2011 - Page 13


Page 13 of 29

SURA to honor former NSF director, White House science advisor

Neal F. Lane will receive the SURA Distinguished Friend of Science Award for his efforts to strengthen research in the Southeast and nation. The award honors Lane's contributions to increasing research funding, particularly in the physical sciences.

SourceSoutheastern Universities Research Association·DateSep 19, 2011

Researchers find early savings accounts help low-income kids reach college

Researchers found that starting early savings accounts for low-income children, coupled with financial education, increases the likelihood of these families saving more and their children attending college. This study's findings support policies like Child Development Accounts to increase college attendance and graduation rates.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalAmerican Journal of Education·DateSep 19, 2011

New approach for university and community engagement

Researchers have developed a three-stage strategy to enhance university-community engagement, focusing on social capital building. The approach aims to increase the impact of universities on excluded communities by linking academics with community groups, professionalizing activities, and spinning out initiatives into local communities.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateSep 19, 2011

Study finds that ultrasonic instrument may be helpful for rhinoplasty

A recent study found that the ultrasonic bone aspirator can be a useful tool for cosmetic rhinoplasty, allowing precise removal of bone without damaging surrounding soft tissue. The device showed a positive safety profile and early results warranting further investigation and use.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Facial Plastic Surgery·DateSep 19, 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.

Integrating medication regimens into daily routines can improve adherence

University of Missouri researchers recommend a personal systems approach that focuses on integrating medication taking into daily routines, involving supportive people and tracking adherence. This approach aims to address the high costs associated with non-adherence, including hospitalizations and wasted medications.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalNursing Clinics of North America·DateSep 19, 2011

Collectible toys could lure children to healthy food choices

A study found that preschoolers prefer healthy meals when a collectible toy is part of the set, influencing their perceived taste and likability. 73% of parents support such an approach, while 92% are against using collectible toys with less-healthy fast-food meals.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalJournal of Public Policy & Marketing·DateSep 19, 2011

New thinking on regulation of sex chromosomes in fruit flies

Scientists have challenged long-held assumptions about dosage compensation in male fruit flies, finding no upregulation of X chromosomes in testes cells. The study's findings suggest that dosage compensation may not be essential for male sex cell survival, sparking further investigation into the mechanisms at play.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 19, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

JCI online early table of contents: Sept. 19, 2011

A study on mice shows that reducing IRS2 signaling can slow the progression of Huntington disease. Meanwhile, research also finds that circulating glucose levels can modulate neural control of desire for high-calorie foods in humans. These findings provide potential therapeutic targets and new insights into the biology of obesity.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 19, 2011

Political preferences play different role in dating, mating

A study by Brown University researchers found that people seeking a mate rarely express their political preferences, with women and lower-income individuals less likely to do so. However, once paired, spouses tend to share similar political views, suggesting a potential filter for compatible long-term relationships.

SourceBrown University·JournalEvolution and Human Behavior·DateSep 19, 2011
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.

Association found between stress and breast cancer aggressiveness

Research reveals a strong association between stress and tumor aggressiveness in black and Hispanic breast cancer patients, compared to white patients. The study found that higher levels of psychosocial stress were linked to more aggressive tumors, suggesting potential impact on treatment outcomes.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateSep 19, 2011

Soy peptide + chemo drug block colon cancer's spread to liver

Researchers found that soy peptide lunasin binds to receptors in highly metastatic colon cancer cells, preventing them from attaching to the liver. Combining lunasin with chemotherapy drug oxaliplatin resulted in a sixfold reduction in new tumor sites.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalCancer Letters·DateSep 19, 2011
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Cancer detection from an implantable, flexible LED

A KAIST research team developed a biocompatible, flexible GaN LED that can detect prostate cancer, opening the door for implantable biomedical applications. The technology utilizes a highly efficient and flexible light-emitting device to diagnose diseases, potentially revolutionizing medical treatments.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNano Energy·DateSep 19, 2011
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Black hole, star collisions may illuminate universe's dark side

Researchers at Princeton University and NYU have developed a method to detect the collision of stars with primordial black holes, which are believed to be a source of dark matter. The new technique uses existing solar observation methods to identify subtle vibrations in a star's surface caused by a passing black hole.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 19, 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.

Pediatric brain tumors

Researchers have discovered that the regulatory protein FoxM1 is crucial for the growth of malignant childhood brain tumors, medulloblastomas. The level of FoxM1 expressed in tumor cells significantly correlates with patient survival time, making it a useful prognostic marker to guide treatment strategies.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateSep 19, 2011

Scientists disarm HIV in step towards vaccine

Researchers at Imperial College London discovered that removing cholesterol from HIV's membrane prevents the virus from damaging the immune system. This finding could lead to the development of an effective HIV vaccine by boosting the adaptive response and weakening the innate immune system's overreaction.

SourceImperial College London·JournalBlood·DateSep 19, 2011

Researchers identify components that keep immune system in check

Researchers at University of North Carolina Health Care identified genetic underpinnings of Foxp3-expressing regulatory T cells, crucial for preventing autoimmune and inflammatory disease. The study sheds light on potential therapeutic targets for diseases like type I diabetes, arthritis, and lupus.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalImmunity·DateSep 19, 2011

Continents influenced human migration, spread of technology

A study using genetic analysis found that technology spread more slowly in the Americas than Eurasia, with continental orientation playing a key role. The slow diffusion of crops and technologies in the Americas can be attributed to lower latitudinal gene flow between populations.

SourceBrown University·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateSep 19, 2011
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.

Could engineered fatty particles help prevent AIDS?

Researchers at Children's Hospital Boston developed liposomes that can prevent HIV infection, providing a potential solution for women in resource-poor settings. The innovative technology shows great promise as a safe and effective form of prevention.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalBiomaterials·DateSep 19, 2011

Understanding methane's seabed escape

Researchers have found numerous channels allowing methane to reach the seafloor, and discovered solid hydrate formations that can release gas as the ocean warms. This study aims to improve understanding of methane origins, escape routes, and potential impacts on global climate change.

SourceNational Oceanography Centre, UK·DateSep 19, 2011

How our liver kills 'killer cells'

Scientists at Centenary Institute discovered that liver cells can engulf and destroy T-cells, reducing organ rejection in transplants and potentially fighting hepatitis and other chronic liver diseases. The discovery opens up new approaches to transplant rejection and treatment of liver diseases, which affect millions worldwide.

SourceCentenary Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 19, 2011

Study: Overweight older women have less leg strength, power

A new study from the University of New Hampshire finds that overweight older women have less leg strength and power than normal-weight counterparts, which can lead to increased disability and loss of independence. The study suggests that maintaining a normal weight and improving strength through exercise may help mitigate this risk.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalJournal of Electromyography and Kinesiology·DateSep 19, 2011

The benefits of biotech

Biotech has added billions to farmers' incomes globally, with the four main crops of soybeans, corn, cotton, and canola experiencing significant increases. The study found that biotech benefits were particularly pronounced in developing countries, with GM insect-resistant cotton and herbicide-tolerant soybeans driving these gains.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Biotechnology·DateSep 19, 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.

Size matters: Length of songbirds’ playlists linked to brain region proportions

A study by Cornell University researchers found that songbirds' ability to learn and remember songs is linked to the size and proportion of their brain regions. The research suggests that species with larger higher brain areas relative to lower areas can learn dozens or hundreds of different notes.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 19, 2011

Fast-evolving genes control developmental differences in social insects

A study found that fast-evolving genes in social insects like fire ants and honeybees are responsible for their developmental differences. These genes exhibit elevated rates of evolution, even before they are recruited to produce diverse forms.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 19, 2011

UCSB develops breakthrough technology in identification of prostate cancer cells

A team of researchers at UC Santa Barbara has developed a novel technique using laser spectroscopy and silver nanoparticles to discriminate between cancerous and non-cancerous cells. The technology can help identify unique tumor cells that may spread to other parts of the body, improving diagnosis and treatment outcomes.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 19, 2011

CWRU research examines over-the-counter drug's effect on chemo's side effects

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University are studying whether an over-the-counter medication, Glutamine, can ease chemotherapy side effects for people with blood and bone marrow cancers. The study aims to determine if Glutamine will interfere with chemotherapy or yield no benefits for patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateSep 19, 2011

Scientists develop new potato lines to wage war on wireworms

Researchers have developed new potato lines with genetic resistance to wireworms, a major pest that can cause significant damage to crops. The resistant clones outperformed insecticide-treated potatoes in field trials, suggesting that natural compounds like glycoalkaloids may be protecting the plants.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalJournal of Economic Entomology·DateSep 19, 2011
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.

Shark compound proves potential as drug to treat human viruses, says GUMC researcher

Researchers have discovered that squalamine, a compound isolated from sharks, demonstrates broad-spectrum antiviral activity against human pathogens, including dengue, yellow fever, and hepatitis B, C, and D. The study's findings suggest that squalamine could be explored as a novel human antiviral agent.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 19, 2011
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.

The cellular intricacies of cystic fibrosis

Researchers have developed a technique to observe cystic fibrosis cellular intricacies, revealing the role of CFTR in regulating ENaC activity. The study found that healthy CFTR prevents ENaC overactivity, while defective CFTR allows it to occur.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·DateSep 19, 2011

Diabetes may significantly increase your risk of dementia

A recent study published in Neurology found that people with diabetes are twice as likely to develop dementia as those with normal blood sugar levels. The study, which monitored over 1,000 participants for an average of 11 years, also found that controlling diabetes is crucial to prevent cognitive decline.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateSep 19, 2011

Penn researchers develop new technique for filling gaps in fossil record

University of Pennsylvania researchers have developed a new technique for analyzing phylogenies, showing that the results stand up against known fossil history of whale species. The method allows for changing rates of speciation and extinction over time and among lineages.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 19, 2011

Tests under way on the sunshield for NASA's Webb telescope

NASA is testing an element of the sunshield that will protect the James Webb Space Telescope's mirrors and instruments during its mission. The sunshield will consist of five tennis court-sized layers to allow the telescope to cool to its cryogenic operating temperature.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 19, 2011

Uninsured patients in Mass. still mainly the working poor, despite state's health reform

A new study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that most uninsured patients in Massachusetts are employed but unable to afford employer-sponsored insurance or subsidized state plans. The study suggests that the system of coverage failed those who lost their job, particularly during economic downturns.

SourcePhysicians for a National Health Program·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateSep 19, 2011
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.

Routine screening for depression not recommended

Routine depression screening for primary care patients has been deemed ineffective by researchers, with evidence suggesting it diverts resources away from those who need them most. Consistent treatment for recurrent depression is recommended as a more effective approach.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateSep 19, 2011

Biodiversity helps dilute infectious disease, reduce its severity

Researchers at Oregon State University found that increased species richness decreases the prevalence and severity of infection caused by the deadly chytrid fungus in amphibians. This study provides evidence for the importance of biodiversity in protecting ecosystem function and reducing disease transmission.

SourceOregon State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 19, 2011

Think locally when treating individually

Using local biosurveillance data can improve diagnostic decisions and treatment for patients with communicable diseases. Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital found that incorporating real-time population-level data can help avoid unnecessary antibiotic treatment and correctly diagnose missed cases.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateSep 19, 2011

Fukushima: Reflections 6 months on

Experts analyze Fukushima's current and future impact, highlighting pressing government plans and challenging nuclear energy policies. The article also explores health impacts, media coverage, and the need for upgraded safety measures to prevent similar disasters.

SourceSAGE·JournalBulletin of the Atomic Scientists·DateSep 19, 2011

Uncertain climate models impair long-term climate strategies

Scientists warn that current climate model predictions are unreliable due to measurement uncertainties. A new satellite concept, TRUTHS, aims to improve accuracy by calibrating other satellites and facilitating the establishment of a global network with robust quality guarantees.

SourceNational Physical Laboratory·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (A )·DateSep 19, 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.

New raptor dinosaur takes a licking keeps on ticking

A new species of raptor dinosaur, Talos sampsoni, has been discovered in southern Utah, providing insights into the function of its enlarged talon and revealing a previously unknown level of feathered, bird-like characteristics. The study also sheds light on the behavior of theropod dinosaurs during the Late Cretaceous period.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 19, 2011

Kansas researchers find enriched infant formulas benefit brain and heart

Kansas researchers found that enriched infant formulas fortified with long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) are beneficial for developing brains and hearts. Infants fed these formulas showed improved cognitive advancement and lower heart rates compared to those without LCPUFA.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalPediatric Research·DateSep 19, 2011

MRI technique appears feasible to help identify involvement of jawbone by oral cancer

A preliminary study suggests that the SWIFT MRI technique can accurately detect mandibular invasion by squamous cell carcinoma, allowing for more precise planning and potentially preventing unnecessary removal of the jawbone. The researchers found a high degree of correlation between magnetic resonance images and histopathologic findings.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateSep 19, 2011
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.

Death rate higher in minorities with acute leukemia

Researchers found that minority patients who develop adult leukemia die from it more often than white patients, with blacks having a 45% greater risk of death from ALL and Hispanics having a 46% greater risk. The study used the SEER database to examine statistics from 40,951 patients with acute leukemia over a 10-year period.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateSep 19, 2011