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Science News Archive March 2012 - Page 31


Page 31 of 32

Artificial 'womb' unlocks secrets of early embryo development

A team led by Professor Kevin Shakesheff has created an artificial 'womb' that allows for the growth of embryos outside the body, revealing new aspects of embryonic development. By observing critical stages in real-time, scientists have gained insights into the process of head formation and the role of pioneer cells in leading migration.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 2, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New 3-D stem cell culture method published in JoVE

Researchers from the University of Victoria have developed a new 3D stem cell culture method, enabling scientists to study cell behavior in conditions similar to those in the body. This breakthrough has significant implications for regenerative medicine and other fields.

SourceThe Journal of Visualized Experiments·JournalJournal of Visualized Experiments·DateMar 2, 2012

NIH asthma outcome measures aim to maximize research investments, reduce disparities

The new measures aim to standardize and improve results from NIH-funded asthma research, helping to reduce disparities in treatment and outcomes. The proposed outcomes categories include symptoms, exacerbations, biomarkers, lung function, quality of life, and healthcare utilization.

SourceThe Merck Childhood Asthma Network, Inc.·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateMar 2, 2012

AGU: Gasoline worse than diesel when it comes to some types of air pollution

A new study by scientists from CIRES and NOAA found that gasoline vehicles produce more secondary organic aerosols (SOA) than diesel vehicles in urban environments, contributing 80% or more to SOA concentrations. This finding suggests a decrease in gasoline emissions could significantly reduce SOA concentrations on a global scale.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMar 2, 2012

R-loops break down gene silencing

Researchers at UC Davis found that R-loops prevent methylation at CG island promoters, which are essential for 60% of human genes. This breakthrough could lead to treatments for autoimmune diseases by reversing cytosine methylation.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalMolecular Cell·DateMar 2, 2012
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.

Video publication goes viral

A scientific method paper and video demonstrating a laboratory technique used to study mitochondrial dysfunctions in Alzheimer's disease and other disorders has gone viral. The technique, which measures the electrical potential across the inner mitochondrial membrane, has been accessed by more than 14,000 scientists worldwide.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalJournal of Visualized Experiments·DateMar 2, 2012

Oceans acidifying faster today than in past 300 million years

The research reveals that ocean acidification is happening at a faster rate than in the past 300 million years, with severe effects on marine organisms. Acidification harms shell-building species like corals and molluscs, as well as phytoplankton species, which are essential to the marine trophic network.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalScience·DateMar 2, 2012

Ozone treated water v. lethal microbial material

A University of Alberta research team discovered that ozone-treated water can eradicate infectious proteins from cattle brain matter, providing a potential solution for decontaminating wastewater and sterilizing neurosurgical equipment. This breakthrough technique offers improved prion removal methods in meat processing plants and surg...

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateMar 2, 2012

Potential new therapeutic target for a subset of aggressive breast cancers

Researchers have found that Plexin-B1 represents a new candidate therapeutic target to treat patients with breast cancer found to overexpress the molecule ErbB-2. Overexpression of ErbB-2 led to activation of Plexin-B1, promoting metastatic cell characteristics in human breast cancer cells and reducing prognosis in human patients.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 1, 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.

How red blood cells get so big -- and the bad things that happen when they don't

Yale researchers found that megakaryocytes grow 10-15 times larger than other blood cells through endomitosis, but a malfunction in this process may lead to leukemia. The discovery reveals the formation of functional platelets and provides clues about what may go awry to transform normal megakaryocytes into malignant leukemia cells.

SourceYale University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateMar 1, 2012

Researchers find sarcoma tumor immune response with combination therapy

A combination therapy of dendritic cell implants and radiotherapy was found to be effective in inducing tumor-specific immune responses in 52.9% of trial patients with high-risk soft tissue sarcomas. The treatment resulted in dramatic increases in immune T cells in the tumors, leading to significant clinical benefits.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·DateMar 1, 2012

First model of how buds grow into leaves

Scientists developed a computer model to accurately emulate leaf growth from a bud, discovering simple rules controlling leaf shape. The model, created using molecular signals and an inbuilt orientation system, can now help identify genes controlling leaf shape and understanding plant development.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalScience·DateMar 1, 2012
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.

Study by UC Santa Barbara researchers suggests that bacteria communicate by touch

A new study suggests that bacteria can communicate through physical contact, using a system of 'cellular communication' to coordinate functions. The researchers found that certain bacteria require specific proteins to bind and interact with each other, facilitating this touch-dependent language.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalGenes & Development·DateMar 1, 2012

Effects of environmental toxicants reach down through generations

A WSU researcher found that environmental toxicants, including jet fuel and pesticides, can cause disease-causing compounds in offspring for up to three generations. The study demonstrates the potential for transgenerational disease development through epigenetic changes.

SourceWashington State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 1, 2012

GPM microwave imager instrument for NASA and JAXA mission arrives at Goddard

The GPM mission, a joint effort between NASA and JAXA, aims to improve climate, weather, and hydrological predictions by providing accurate precipitation measurements from space. The GMI instrument will play a crucial role in measuring precipitation and environmental forecasting, particularly during extreme weather events.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 1, 2012
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.

Solved: The mystery of the nanoscale crop circles

Berkeley Lab scientists create thinnest possible films of gold-silicon eutectic alloys and observe peculiar patterns of circles surrounded by blisters. The team finds that thinner gold layers lead to faster reaction rates and the formation of perfect squares in the center of the circular denuded zones.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 1, 2012

Pioneering research reveals bacterium's secrets

The study has provided novel insights into the regulatory processes that help Bacillus subtilis cells maintain their metabolism in prime condition. It identified 512 new potential genes in the bacterium and has implications for biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and medical industries.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalScience·DateMar 1, 2012
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Diabetes Research Institute develops oxygen-generating biomaterial

Scientists at the Diabetes Research Institute developed an oxygen-generating biomaterial to enhance insulin-producing cell survival. The material, PDMS-CaO2, generates critical oxygen for up to six weeks, mimicking the native pancreas environment.

SourceDiabetes Research Institute Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 1, 2012

Parkinson's disease stopped in animal model

Researchers at UCLA have discovered a novel compound called CLR01 that prevents α-synuclein protein aggregates from forming, stopping their toxicity and even breaking up existing aggregates in the brain. This breakthrough holds promise for slowing or stopping Parkinson's disease progression and may lead to human clinical trials.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNeurotherapeutics·DateMar 1, 2012

Sensitizing tumor cells to radiotherapy

A team of researchers identified a beta-1 integrin signaling pathway crucial for HNSCC resistance to radiotherapy. Inhibiting this pathway sensitized cells to radiation and delayed tumor growth in mice.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 1, 2012

New method for stronger dental implants

Researchers at Linköping University have developed a new method for stronger dental implants by using a drug coating that allows titanium screws to adhere to the bone better and faster. After six months, 15 out of 16 patients showed significantly improved fixation of their treated implants.

SourceLinköping University·JournalBone·DateMar 1, 2012
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.

When one side does not know about the other one

Scientists study the impact of asymmetrical light input on cerebral hemispheric specialization and interhemispheric cooperation in bird embryos. The results show that information exchange is impaired without light-stimulation, which may help understand developmental disorders like ADHD or autism.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 1, 2012

UCLA scientists identify crucial cell and signaling pathway in placental blood stem cell niche

Researchers identified PDGF-B signaling in trophoblasts as a vital component of the placental niche, supporting blood stem cell generation and expansion without promoting differentiation. This discovery provides new insights into regulating EPO expression and governing the fates of blood stem cells during development.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateMar 1, 2012

Millennium Development Goals progress reports overestimate access to safe water

A study by University of Bristol researchers found that relying solely on improved water source type oversimplifies the measure of safety, leading to substantial underestimations in four developing countries. The adjustment increased estimates of people without access to safe drinking water in Ethiopia and Nigeria by millions.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalBulletin of the World Health Organization·DateMar 1, 2012

Long-time diabetics have increased risk of stroke

A study published in Stroke found that long-term diabetics are at a higher risk of stroke, with the risk increasing by 3% each year and tripling for those with diabetes for 10 years or more. The study highlights the chronic nature of diabetes and its impact on blood vessels over time.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMar 1, 2012

A supercharged protein reduces damage from heart attack

A study by UNC Health Care researchers found that a supercharged version of the protective protein focal adhesion kinase (FAK) can reduce heart attack damage by 50% in mice. The enhanced protein, called SuperFAK, was engineered to activate stronger survival signals and deactivate at the right time, reducing permanent heart damage.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·DateMar 1, 2012
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.

Pasta-shaped radio waves beamed across Venice

A team of Italian and Swedish researchers has successfully transmitted two twisted radio waves across the waters of Venice, demonstrating a solution to the problem of radio frequency congestion. By twisting radio waves into fusilli pasta shapes, they were able to transmit multiple channels of information on the same frequency band.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateMar 1, 2012

Postmenopausal women at greater risk of stroke from high trans fat intake

A large study found that postmenopausal women with higher trans fat intake have an increased risk of ischemic stroke. Aspirin use was shown to reduce this risk. The study, published in Annals of Neurology, highlights the importance of following a diet low in trans fats and adding an aspirin regimen to help women reduce their stroke risk.

SourceWiley·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateMar 1, 2012
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Planarian genes that control stem cell biology identified

Scientists at Whitehead Institute have made a breakthrough in understanding planarian stem cells, discovering genes that regulate two main functions: differentiation and renewal. The study, published in Cell Stem Cell, provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying regenerative medicine.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMar 1, 2012

What makes a robot fish attractive? (Hint: It's in the moves)

By mimicking the tail propulsion of a swimming fish, researchers created a biomimetic robotic fish that attracted and led golden shiners. The robot's movement patterns induced slower tail movements in followers, allowing them to benefit from the leader's energy savings.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalInterface·DateMar 1, 2012

Research reveals first evidence of hunting by prehistoric Ohioans

Scientists discovered 13,435- to 13,738-year-old marks on a Jefferson's Ground Sloth femur, indicating prehistoric humans hunted or scavenged the animal. The findings are the oldest evidence of human activity in Ohio and provide new insights into the lives of prehistoric Ohioans.

SourceCleveland Museum of Natural History·JournalWorld Archaeology·DateMar 1, 2012
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Weight-loss surgery safe for obese kidney disease patients

A study published by the American Society of Nephrology found that weight-loss surgery is safe for chronic kidney disease patients who are obese, with complication rates below 10%. Maintaining weight loss remains challenging for CKD patients due to limited exercise abilities and eligibility restrictions for kidney transplants.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMar 1, 2012

On the path to 1 terabit-per-second networks

Japanese researchers have developed a spectrally efficient, scalable elastic optical transport network architecture called SLICE to address growing IP traffic demands. The technology enables adaptive spectrum allocation, providing significant savings of network resources and increased capacity.

SourceOptica·DateMar 1, 2012
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.

Sturdy Scandinavian conifers survived Ice Age

Research reveals that some Scandinavian conifers survived the harsh ice age climate in small ice-free pockets for tens of thousands of years. The study found two distinct types of spruce trees with different histories, which could have economic significance for tree plantation owners.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalScience·DateMar 1, 2012

Aspirin may counteract potential trans fat-related stroke risk in older women

A study of 87,025 postmenopausal women found that those consuming the most trans fats were 39% more likely to have an ischemic stroke. However, regular aspirin use may counteract this risk, with no association found between trans fat consumption and stroke risk among aspirin users.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateMar 1, 2012

Mayo Clinic: Robotic surgery proves successful, less invasive way to treat HPV-related oral cancer

A recent study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that robotic surgery offers a less invasive alternative to traditional treatments for oropharyngeal cancer, resulting in high survival rates and improved patient quality of life. The treatment preserved patients' ability to swallow and maintained excellent speech performance.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateMar 1, 2012

Boys' cynicism towards school increases at upper secondary school

A recent study found that boys' initial enthusiasm for upper secondary school gives way to cynicism and negativity as they progress. Girls experience a sense of inadequacy, which may lead to depression later in life. The study highlights the importance of effective stress management and supportive environments to promote positive growth.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalJournal of Adolescence·DateMar 1, 2012
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.

Ocean acidification rate may be unprecedented, study says

A new study finds that the world's oceans may be turning acidic faster today from human carbon emissions than during four major extinctions in the last 300 million years. This could lead to the loss of organisms such as coral reefs, oysters, and salmon. The ocean acidification rate is at least 10 times faster than 56 million years ago.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalScience·DateMar 1, 2012

Radiation, business and health care policy curricula for US radiation residents show need for improvement

A recent study suggests that US radiation residents' curricula for business practice and health care policy are in need of improvement, with most programs offering variable topics and educational time. The study's findings indicate that current curricula may be suboptimal, highlighting the need for further commitment and innovation.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Radiology·DateMar 1, 2012

Wine experts' ratings may be a wash for many consumers

Researchers found that wine experts were more sensitive to bitter tastes than non-experts, suggesting their ability to discern small differences in wine may be innate. This could mean that expert recommendations are too subtle for average consumers to sense.

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Journal of Enology and Viticulture·DateMar 1, 2012

Should we play hide-and-go-seek with our children's vegetables?

A recent study found that labeling vegetable content in snack foods does not alter taste preference in children. Instead, introducing a variety of vegetables may be more effective in promoting consumption. The study enrolled 68 elementary and middle school children and tested their preferences for labeled versus unlabeled samples.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateMar 1, 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.