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Science News for April 22, 2012


Life imitates art in health-care recruitment workshop

Dr. Fernando Antelo's workshop uses Frida Kahlo's artwork to stimulate interest in science and healthcare professions, highlighting her passion for science through her medical imagery. The ASBMB annual meeting in San Diego will feature Dr. Antelo's presentation on this innovative approach.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·DateApr 22, 2012

Avocado oil: The 'olive oil of the Americas'?

A Mexican study found that avocado oil's properties can increase yeast cell resistance to harmful free radicals. The antioxidants in avocado oil allow it to thrive even in high concentrations of iron, which produces a large amount of free radicals.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·DateApr 22, 2012
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.

A new diagnosis for Frida Kahlo's infertility

Researchers have diagnosed Frida Kahlo's infertility as Asherman's syndrome, a condition caused by scarring in the uterus following a traumatic injury. The diagnosis is supported by Kahlo's medical history and artwork, which show images of reproductive organs and fertility issues.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·DateApr 22, 2012

NIH scientists link quickly spreading gene to Asian MRSA epidemic

Researchers found that the sasX gene is more prevalent in MRSA strains from China than previously thought, with its frequency increasing significantly over the past decade. The gene plays a pivotal role in establishing MRSA epidemics and may be involved in molecular processes that help bacteria spread and cause disease.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNature Medicine·DateApr 22, 2012
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.

'Housekeeping' mechanism for brain stem cells discovered

A molecular pathway that controls the retention and release of brain stem cells has been identified. The discovery reveals that this pathway is critical for the adhesion of stem cells to their niche and for stem cell maintenance, suggesting a new idea in understanding stem cell regulation.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateApr 22, 2012

Keeping older drivers on the road

Researchers at Newcastle University are using a mobile laboratory car called DriveLAB to develop new technologies to support older drivers. The team is investigating in-vehicle systems that can help keep people driving safely into their 70s, 80s, and beyond.

SourceNewcastle University·DateApr 22, 2012

U of I study: Soy protein alleviates symptoms of fatty liver disease

A University of Illinois study found that soy protein reduces triglycerides and fat accumulation in the liver of obese rats. The researchers believe that soy protein isolate can alleviate the symptoms of fatty liver disease by partially restoring a key signaling pathway.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·DateApr 22, 2012

Avocado oil: The 'olive oil of the Americas'?

Researchers found that avocado oil protects yeast cells from damage caused by free radicals, increasing their resistance to oxidative stress. The study suggests that avocado oil may have a similar protective effect on human health, particularly for individuals with chronic degenerative diseases.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·DateApr 22, 2012
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.

Treatment to benefit African infants at risk of endemic fever

A recent study found that infants in sub-Saharan Africa are at high risk of snail fever infection, which can cause impaired memory, thought, and internal organ damage. The study suggests that a common drug, praziquantel, can safely cure the infection in a single dose.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·DateApr 22, 2012

What did the scientist say to the sommelier? 'Show me the proof!'

A biochemist is presenting his approach to making science accessible to non-science majors through a cooking class. The class combines food preparation with scientific experiments, allowing students to explore the intersection of chemistry and biology in real-world applications.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·DateApr 22, 2012

Forensic science used to determine who's who in pre-Columbian Peru

Researchers used mitochondrial and Y chromosome DNA analysis to determine family relationships and burial traditions of ancient Peru. The study found a 500-year continuity without major impact from European colonization, supporting the idea of ayllu-based communities based on kinship relationships.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Genetics·DateApr 22, 2012

Obtaining key nutrients from canned foods can save consumers money

A market-basket study compared the cost of key nutrients from canned, fresh, frozen and dried varieties of common foods. Canned foods were found to be more affordable and convenient than their fresh counterparts, offering significant savings in terms of preparation time and nutrient content.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·DateApr 22, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Army researcher develops potential vaccine carrier

A new potential vaccine carrier, a microemulsion, has been developed by US Army Maj. Jean M. Muderhwa that is both stable and effective for delivering antigens. The microemulsion, composed of five components, has been found to be transparent and liquid, with no degradation after six months.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·DateApr 22, 2012

Estrogen hormone reveals protective ability after traumatic brain injury

A study led by Dr. Joshua Gatson reveals that estrone, an estrogen hormone, promotes brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) which supports cell survival after traumatic brain injury. The findings indicate a fresh avenue for future research on protective capabilities of estrogen hormones.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·DateApr 22, 2012

Seeking HIV treatment clues in the neem tree

Preliminary data suggests that neem compounds target the HIV protease, a protein essential for virus replication. Researchers hope that further studies will validate these findings and lead to new HIV-AIDS therapies.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·DateApr 22, 2012
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.

New yeast prion helps cells survive

Researchers at RIKEN Brain Science Institute discovered a yeast prion called Mod5 that confers survival advantages by granting cellular resistance to antifungal agents. The study reveals the active role of prion conversion in cellular fitness adaptation, providing new insights into the broader function of prions in living organisms.

SourceRIKEN·JournalScience·DateApr 22, 2012

Unusual protein helps regulate key cell communication pathway

A new research at Washington University School of Medicine has shown how an unusual protein plays a key role in temporarily blocking the movement of ions through channels after a cell fires off an electrical signal. The researchers found that this protein nestles into a receptor inside the channel in a highly specific way, closing it a...

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature·DateApr 22, 2012

New technique may help severely damaged nerves regrow and restore function

Researchers at University of Sheffield have developed a method to assist damaged nerves in repairing naturally, improving chances of restoring sensation and movement in injured limbs. The new technique uses biodegradable synthetic polymer to create guidance conduits that provide physical and chemical cues for nerve growth.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalBiofabrication·DateApr 22, 2012
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.

Not all today's students are 'tech savvy'

Research found that only a small minority of students don't use email or mobile phones, but most struggle with in-depth technology skills. Despite this, students often rely on technologies for social life and leisure rather than study purposes.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateApr 22, 2012

Chemists explain the molecular workings of promising fuel cell electrolyte

Researchers from New York University and the Max Planck Institute reveal that phosphoric acid fuel cells transfer protons in a more streamlined fashion than water-based solutions. This process involves temporary 'proton wires' formed by multiple phosphoric acid molecules, allowing for high proton conductivity.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateApr 22, 2012

Changes in brain's blood flow could cause 'brain freeze'

Researchers link brain freeze to other headache types by studying blood flow in the brain. The study found that an abrupt increase in blood flow in the anterior cerebral artery triggers brain freeze and disappears when it constricts. This finding could lead to new treatments for various headache types.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·DateApr 22, 2012
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.

Controlling heat flow with atomic-level precision

The researchers demonstrated that a single layer of atoms can disrupt or enhance heat flow across an interface between two materials. By adjusting the composition of molecules in contact with the gold layer, they observed a change in heat transfer depending on how strongly the molecule bonded to the gold.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 22, 2012