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Science News Archive September 2011 - Page 20


Page 20 of 29

Raising a child doesn't take a village, U-M research shows

Researchers Beverly Strassmann and Wendy Garrard found that children in nuclear families were over four times more likely to die by age 5 if their mothers were dead. In contrast, paternal grandparents did not improve a child's survival due to competing for scarce resources in patrilineal societies.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 12, 2011

Innovating to improve women and children's health

A new report by the United Nations Foundation details a self-sustaining approach to improving women and children's health, using innovative tools and projects. The report aims to engage entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs-in-the-making in all sectors to make a substantial contribution.

SourceUnited Nations Foundation·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 12, 2011

Graphene may open the gate to future terahertz technologies

Researchers from the University of Notre Dame have developed a graphene-based modulator that significantly expands the terahertz signal's modulation range to over 90 percent. This breakthrough replaces traditional metal gates with graphene, enabling more versatile applications in communications, medical imaging, and chemical detection.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateSep 12, 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.

Nuclear detector

Researchers developed semiconductor materials that detect gamma rays, identifying plutonium and uranium. The method uses dimensional reduction to create heavy elements with immobilized electrons, making them suitable for detection.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateSep 12, 2011

X-ray protein probe leads to potential anticancer tactic

Researchers identified FOBISIN, a compound that targets 14-3-3 proteins, which are dysregulated in multiple cancers. X-ray analysis showed FOBISIN permanently bonds to the protein when exposed to radiation, triggering potent anticancer activity

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 12, 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.

Costs, mortality skyrocket following infection in cardiac device recipients

A new study of over 200,000 Medicare beneficiaries found that cardiac device infections result in extremely high costs and patient mortality rates, even after hospital discharge. The study highlights the need for infection prevention as a key component of reducing mortality and morbidity.

SourceKureczka/Martin Associates·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateSep 12, 2011

People in poorer neighborhoods have higher risk of sudden cardiac arrest

A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that people living in poorer neighborhoods are at a higher risk of sudden cardiac arrest. The disparity was particularly pronounced among individuals under 65 years old, with those in lower socioeconomic groups experiencing rates two- to fourfold higher than those in h...

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateSep 12, 2011

'Trojan Horse' particle sneaks chemotherapy in to kill ovarian cancer cells

Researchers have successfully delivered chemotherapy to cancer cells inside tiny microparticles, reducing ovarian cancer tumours by 65 times more than traditional methods. The 'Trojan Horse' approach uses a special protein called CD95 to hijack cancer cells and deliver the chemotherapy cargo.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·JournalBiomaterials·DateSep 12, 2011

1 in 5 Canadians has metabolic syndrome

According to a Canadian Medical Association Journal study, approximately 19% of Canadians have metabolic syndrome. The syndrome is more common among people with lower income and education levels, particularly those with abdominal obesity.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateSep 12, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

BVES butts heads with colorectal cancer

Researchers at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine found that BVES regulates EMT in human colon cancer cells and is silenced via promoter methylation in human colorectal carcinoma. Restoring BVES expression decreased cancer cell characteristics.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 12, 2011

Allowing part-time surgeons may help address workforce shortage

A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that part-time employment models for surgeons can promote retention and address the looming shortages in surgical specialties. By working fewer hours, surgeons may practice more years, alleviating the predicted surgeon shortage by up to 42.5%.

SourceWeber Shandwick Worldwide·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateSep 12, 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.

High medical costs decrease 28 percent after 5 years of Transcendental Meditation practice

A study published in the American Journal of Health Promotion found that consistently practicing Transcendental Meditation resulted in a significant decrease in physician fees for high-cost individuals, with a cumulative reduction of 28% after five years. This technique has major policy implications and could help reduce healthcare costs.

SourceRoth Media·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Promotion·DateSep 12, 2011

Out of the darkness

A special digital issue featuring 150-page four-volume reports from first-person accounts of responders who were thrust into the world spotlight on September 11, 2001. The report highlights the devastating effects of 9/11 on responders' lives and relationships, as well as their reluctance to seek counseling.

SourceElsevier·JournalJEMS Journal of Emergency Medical Services·DateSep 12, 2011

Team finds stable RNA nano-scaffold within virus core

A team of researchers has discovered a thermodynamically stable RNA nanoparticle that can serve as a platform for building larger, multifunctional nanoparticles. This breakthrough could lead to new therapeutic applications in treating cancers and viral infections.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateSep 12, 2011

Spin pumping effect proven for the first time

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum demonstrated spin pumping effect in magnetic layers using ultrafast X-ray scattering. This behavior is crucial for magnetic sensors in hard disk read heads and data storage.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateSep 12, 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.

Polonium poisoning case sheds light on infection control practices

A study on Alexander Litvinenko's care reveals that hospital staff involved in routine daily activities, such as handling patient blood and urine samples, were at higher risk of radiation contamination. The findings suggest that more attention should be given to infection control practices during these daily activities.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateSep 12, 2011

Lung cancer signatures in blood samples may aid in early detection

Researchers have identified protein signatures in mouse blood samples that reflect lung cancer biology in humans, paving the way for better monitoring of tumor progression and potential early detection strategies. The study's findings also suggest that these signatures may be useful in detecting lung cancer at an earlier stage.

SourceCell Press·JournalCancer Cell·DateSep 12, 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.

Proteins could help women avoid thyroid surgery

A study aims to utilize Galectin-3 and HBME-1 proteins as biomarkers for thyroid cancer diagnosis, enabling earlier detection and reducing surgical interventions. The research has the potential to improve patient outcomes by accurately identifying patients at risk of cancer.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateSep 12, 2011

Physicist detects movement of macromolecules engineered into our food

A team of researchers led by Professor Rikard Blunck has discovered the molecular mechanism behind toxin proteins engineered into food to kill insects. The study uses a novel technique involving fluorescent light to analyze the protein's structure and behavior in artificial cell membranes.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJournal of General Physiology·DateSep 12, 2011

September/October 2011 Annals of Family Medicine Tip Sheet

The tip sheet highlights common barriers to depression disclosure among patients, including concerns about antidepressant prescriptions and confidentiality. It also explores the widespread use of NSAIDs by patients with chronic kidney disease, despite warnings against their use. Additionally, the article critiques long-established coro...

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateSep 12, 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.

Novel drug combination offers therapeutic promise for hard-to-treat cancers

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have identified a new combination of targeted therapies that successfully treat two aggressive tumor types: neurofibromatosis type 1 and KRAS-mutant lung cancer. The treatment promotes dramatic tumor regression by targeting cancer cells from two different angles.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalCancer Cell·DateSep 12, 2011

3 in 1: team finds the gene responsible for three forms of childhood neurodegenerative diseases

A Montreal-led international team identified the mutated gene POLR3A as responsible for three forms of leukodystrophies, a group of childhood-onset neurodegenerative disorders. The findings provide crucial insights into diagnostic tests and genetic counseling, as well as potential therapeutic strategies to replace defective genes.

SourceMcGill University·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateSep 12, 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.

Fish oil reduces effectiveness of chemotherapy

Researchers at University Medical Center Utrecht discovered that fish oil supplements containing omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can induce resistance to a broad spectrum of chemotherapies. The study found that the body's own protective substances, which are also present in fish oil, can block the effect of chemotherapy.

SourceUniversity Medical Center Utrecht·JournalCancer Cell·DateSep 12, 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.

Study reveals link between high cholesterol and Alzheimer's disease

A recent study has found a significant link between high cholesterol levels and the presence of brain plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease. Researchers tested 2,587 people aged 40-79 and found that those with high cholesterol had significantly more brain plaques than those with normal or lower cholesterol levels.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateSep 12, 2011

MIT: In plane view

Researchers create detection tool that spots flight glitches without prior knowledge of parameters to check. The technique uses cluster analysis to identify abnormal flights, allowing analysts to further inspect reports and prevent potential accidents.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateSep 12, 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.

Gene therapy kills breast cancer stem cells, boosts chemotherapy

Researchers developed a gene therapy that targets breast cancer stem cells, eliminating them and increasing chemotherapy effectiveness. The therapy, VISA-claudin4-BikDD, was shown to reduce tumor volume by 75% and extend survival in mice.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCancer Cell·DateSep 12, 2011

New world record for Danish nano researchers

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have achieved a world record in nano research by tracking the largest contraction in an inorganic molecule ever recorded. The study used time-dissolved X-ray scattering to measure the contraction of Iridium atoms, resulting in a 62% increase over the previous record.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalInorganic Chemistry·DateSep 12, 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.

JCI online early table of contents: Sept. 12, 2011

Researchers have identified the protein BVES as a suppressor of colorectal cancer progression and suggest it could be a therapeutic or preventative target. Modulating BVES expression was found to decrease cancer cell characteristics in human colon cancer cells, providing rational for targeting BVES in individuals with colorectal cancer.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 12, 2011

High-fat diet and lack of enzyme can lead to heart disease in mice

Researchers found that mice without the HDAC3 enzyme experience rapid thickening of the heart muscle and heart failure on a high-fat diet. This molecular link has implications for people on Western diets and combating heart disease.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateSep 12, 2011

MU study finds quitting smoking enhances personality change

Researchers found that quitting smoking is associated with a decrease in impulsivity and neuroticism in young adults. Those who quit smoking also showed the biggest declines in these traits from ages 18 to 25. The study suggests targeting anti-smoking efforts at impulsivity may help young people stop smoking.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateSep 12, 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.

Ferroelectrics could pave way for ultra-low power computing

Researchers at UC Berkeley have demonstrated negative capacitance in ferroelectric materials, a phenomenon that can amplify charge for a given voltage. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize computing by enabling the creation of low-power transistors without compromising performance.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateSep 12, 2011

Day/night cycle even more important to life than previously suspected

Researchers found that the circadian cycle, regulating day-night rhythms, drives gene expression in mussels more than previously thought. The tidal cycle's influence was less significant, with 80-90% of genes showing rhythmic expression linked to the circadian cycle.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 12, 2011

Tinnitus discovery could lead to new ways to stop the ringing

Neuroscientists at UC Berkeley have discovered a new approach to treating tinnitus by retraining the brain, targeting areas that have lost input from the ear. The study also found that drugs can boost inhibitors to reduce spontaneous firing of idle neurons in the auditory cortex.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 12, 2011

Unique study shows efficacy of imaging technology in evaluating heart drug dalcetrapib

Researchers used MRI and PET/CT to prove the efficacy of dalcetrapib in preventing atherosclerosis progression and reducing vascular inflammation over 24 months. The study found significant reductions in atherosclerotic disease progression and arterial inflammation, suggesting a promising new treatment for cardiovascular disease.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 12, 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.

MUTE -- Efficient city car, showcase for electromobility research

The MUTE project presents a purely electric, energy-efficient vehicle with low weight and advanced technology. Researchers from TU Muenchen created an agile two-seater with a range of at least 100 kilometers, featuring a torque vectoring differential for improved safety and dynamics.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·DateSep 12, 2011