Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive September 2011 - Page 5


Page 5 of 29

Killing crop-eating pests: Compounds work by disrupting bugs' winter sleep

Scientists have created compounds that can force corn earworms out of dormancy prematurely, prevent them from entering diapause, or block its termination. This could lead to effective tools for controlling pests and reducing agricultural losses estimated at $2 billion annually in the US.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 27, 2011

Johns Hopkins scientists reveal molecular sculptor of memories

Researchers found that kibra protein is essential for regulating brain circuitry and learning, leading to impaired memory in mice lacking the protein. The study suggests that kibra plays a crucial role in shaping brain connections during learning and memory formation.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateSep 27, 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.

Tendons absorb shocks muscles won't handle

Researchers at Brown University discovered that tendons absorb shocks and store energy, while muscles take on the role of absorbing remaining energy after impact. This finding highlights the critical role of tendons in shock absorption and has implications for the development of synthetic tendons and rehabilitative practices.

SourceBrown University·DateSep 27, 2011

JBEI identify new advanced biofuel as an alternative to diesel fuel

Researchers at JBEI have identified a potential new advanced biofuel, bisabolane, that could replace diesel fuel with lower freezing and cloud points. The biofuel was produced using synthetic biology tools and engineered microbes to create a precursor, bisabolene.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 27, 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.

Researchers identify enzyme that regulates degradation of damaged proteins

A study has identified an enzyme called proteasome phosphatase that regulates the removal of damaged proteins from cells. This process is essential for removing misfolded or damaged proteins from the cell, but a defective proteasome can be catastrophic.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 27, 2011

Window of opportunity to treat some stroke patients may be longer than originally suspected

A literature review suggests that some stroke patients can receive treatment beyond the standard 3-hour window, with brain cells remaining structurally intact and potentially revivable if normal blood flow is restored. This finding could enable doctors to provide better patient care by considering the 'tissue window' rather than just time

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateSep 27, 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.

NJIT to salute smart grid expert, Sotirios G. Ziavras

Sotirios G. Ziavras, a professor at NJIT's Electrical and Computer Engineering department, has received the Excellence in Graduate Instruction Award. He is also an internationally recognized expert in advanced computer architecture, embedded computing systems, and parallel processing.

SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·DateSep 27, 2011

Atypical antipsychotics appear to be effective for only few off-label uses

A systemic review found atypical antipsychotics like aripiprazole, olanzapine, and risperidone to be effective for behavioral symptoms in dementia and generalized anxiety disorder. However, evidence did not support their use for substance abuse or eating disorders, highlighting the need for cautious prescribing.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateSep 27, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Marcellus shale science target of $2.5 million NSF grant

A $2.5 million NSF grant will support a program aimed at enhancing the public's understanding of science, engineering, and energy through community-based activities in Pennsylvania counties with natural gas exploration and production. The project will provide opportunities for residents to gain skills in scientific inquiry and build an...

SourcePenn State·DateSep 27, 2011

Worm 'cell death' discovery could lead to new drugs for deadly parasite

Researchers from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute have identified a 'programmed cell death' pathway in parasitic worms that could one day lead to new treatments for schistosomiasis. The discovery was made by studying programmed cell death in human cells, where the team found similarities with the process in fluke worms.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 27, 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.

High social status makes people more trusting, study finds

Researchers found that high-status individuals tend to trust others more in initial encounters due to positive expectations of others' motives. In a workplace setting, this means that bosses may be more trusting during initial encounters with employees.

SourceOhio State University·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateSep 27, 2011

A labor saving way to monitor vast rangelands

USDA researchers explore the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to monitor changing land-use patterns in western rangelands. The results show that aerial data can be comparable to information gathered through ground-based surveys, with potential applications for erosion control and invasive species monitoring.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalPhotogrammetric Engineering & Remote Sensing·DateSep 27, 2011

Enzymes possible targets for new anti-malaria drugs

Scientists at Virginia Tech and Penn have identified two enzymes, peptidases, as potential targets for new anti-malarial drugs. The researchers developed chemical genetic tools to specifically inhibit these enzymes, blocking hemoglobin degradation and starving the malaria parasite to death.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 27, 2011

Doctor experience matters in carotid artery procedures

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that older patients who underwent carotid artery stenting from lesser experienced physicians had a higher risk of death within 30 days. The study analyzed Medicare data and found that doctors with less than six procedures per year performed worse outcomes.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA·DateSep 27, 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.

Saw palmetto no benefit as prostate remedy

A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that saw palmetto extract did not relieve symptoms of an enlarged prostate, even at high doses. The research involved over 300 men with moderate symptoms and took a placebo or saw palmetto for nearly 17 months.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateSep 27, 2011

New online learning module gives children of domestic violence a voice

A new online training program, Honor Our Voices, aims to elevate the voices of children of domestic violence, enabling service providers to better understand and respond to their needs. The platform presents information on child exposure to domestic violence through engaging stories and research-based practices.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·DateSep 27, 2011
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.

Researchers use carbon nanotubes to make solar cells affordable, flexible

A new material made of carbon nanotubes provides a cost-efficient alternative to current technology, boosting the long-term viability of solar power. The material's mechanical flexibility enables integration into fabrics and clothing, paving the way for portable energy supplies.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateSep 27, 2011

Central Asia's hidden burden of neglected tropical diseases

The region's high rates of parasitic infection are nearly 20 years after the collapse of the Soviet Union, particularly among economically disadvantaged groups. Soil-transmitted helminth infections have been linked to developmental delays and decreased economic productivity in countries like Uzbekistan.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateSep 27, 2011

Cell dysfunction linked to obesity and metabolic disorders

Scientists at Karolinska Institutet found that fat cells in overweight people have a higher capacity for storing fats but a lower capacity for ridding themselves of them. This can lead to an accumulation of triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood, increasing the risk of metabolic diseases.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature·DateSep 26, 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.

Cell Transplantation study shows bone growth from implanted tooth and dental pulp stem cells

Researchers successfully grafted deciduous canine teeth and dental pulp stem cells into parent canines, demonstrating bone regeneration after four weeks. The study found increased immunosuppressive activity of these stem cells, paving the way for potential clinical applications in allogenic in vivo stem cell transplantation.

SourceCell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair·JournalCell Transplantation·DateSep 26, 2011

Researchers uncover gene associated with blood cancers

A genomic study identified the SF3B1 gene as frequently mutated in myelodysplasia, a precursor to leukaemia. The mutation is associated with ring sideroblasts and anaemia, leading to more straightforward diagnosis through a single blood test.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 26, 2011

A treatment for one form of albinism?

Researchers have found that treating mice with OCA-1B, a form of oculocutaneous albinism, with nitisinone improves eye and skin pigmentation. The study suggests that nitisinone could potentially ameliorate vision loss in patients with OCA-1B.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 26, 2011

Glow-in-the-dark millipede says 'stay away'

Biologists have discovered that glow-in-the-dark millipedes use their bioluminescence as a warning signal to avoid attacks by nocturnal predators. In the experiment, four times more non-glowing millipedes showed evidence of predation compared to glowing ones.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 26, 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.

Bone drug is mixed blessing for breast cancer patients

A new trial suggests that zoledronic acid may extend survival in postmenopausal breast cancer patients by boosting disease-free survival rates. However, the drug's effects on younger women are less clear-cut, with some studies indicating a possible adverse impact on recurrence rates outside bone.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 26, 2011

Scientists model the pathways of pain-blocking meds

Researchers created a computer model that calculates the probability of benzocaine molecules entering a cell's membrane based on its composition. The model predicts that membranes made mostly of negatively charged phospholipid DPPS present less barrier to benzocaine, leading to safer and more effective use.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateSep 26, 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.

President to honor high achieving, early career NOAA scientists

Three NOAA scientists, James Morris, Erin Oleson, and David Richardson, have been recognized for their outstanding work in ecology, whale and dolphin research, and fishery dynamics. Their research has significantly advanced our understanding of invasive species, marine conservation, and sustainable fishing practices.

SourceNOAA Headquarters·DateSep 26, 2011

Diabetics' coronary calcium levels strongly linked to heart attack risk

A recent UCI-led study found that diabetics with high levels of coronary calcium are at a strong risk of heart attacks and strokes. The researchers also discovered that individuals with diabetes or metabolic syndrome without evidence of coronary calcium had cardiac-event risks comparable to those without these conditions.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalDiabetes Care·DateSep 26, 2011

UCLA Engineering researchers help develop complete map of mouse genetic variation

Researchers from UCLA's Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science contributed to the development of a comprehensive genetic catalog of 17 strains of mice. The study provides a complete picture of genetic variation in these mouse strains, enabling scientists to accurately predict gene expression levels and identify variant...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature·DateSep 26, 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.

Journalists prefer Twitter, according to a UC3M study

A UC3M study found that Spanish journalists predominantly use Twitter to publish and distribute information, identify trends, and build audience loyalty. However, only a quarter of respondents use Twitter for investigative reporting.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·DateSep 26, 2011

No more tasty surprises

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum developed a new method to calculate the probability of extreme events in finance. The traditional approach ignores the bulk of the relevant data, which can lead to important information being lost. By using this new method, scientists can better predict such events and improve financial models.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalThe Annals of Statistics·DateSep 26, 2011

Fruits and vegetables reduce risks of specific types of colorectal cancers

A new study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that consuming brassica vegetables and apples may lower the risk of proximal colon cancer. In contrast, increasing fruit juice consumption was associated with an increased risk of rectal cancer.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association·DateSep 26, 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.

'Next-generation' optical tweezers trap tightly without overheating

Researchers at Harvard University have developed a new device that can trap tightly and efficiently, eliminating the problem of overheating in traditional optical tweezers. The new plasmonic nanotweezers use light from a laser to create strong forces on nanoscale particles.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 26, 2011

Increased risk of bleeding with combined use of SSRIs and antiplatelet therapy after heart attacks

Patients taking SSRIs with antiplatelet therapy have a higher risk of bleeding compared to those taking ASA alone. The study found that combining an SSRI with ASA increased the risk by 42%, while dual antiplatelet therapy increased the risk by 57%. Women and patients who underwent angioplasty had lower bleeding risks.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateSep 26, 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.

A mother's occupation while pregnant can cause asthma in children

A large-scale study found that mothers exposed to certain agents during pregnancy were more likely to have children with asthma. The Danish National Birth Cohort assessed over 42,696 children and found an association between maternal occupation and asthma prevalence among the children at age 7.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·DateSep 26, 2011