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Science News for May 11, 2012


Barley takes a leaf out of reindeer's book in the land of the midnight sun

Researchers have found a genetic mutation in Scandinavian barley varieties that disrupts the circadian clock, allowing them to flower earlier than southern counterparts. This adaptation enables crops to thrive in regions with short growing seasons, providing new tools for breeding and developing more resilient crops.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 11, 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.

Low-cost nanosheet catalyst discovered to split hydrogen from water

Scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory have developed a new electrocatalyst that efficiently generates hydrogen gas from water without using platinum. The novel nickel-molybdenum-nitride nanosheet catalyst outperforms traditional non-noble metal compounds and has the potential to unlock sustainable energy alternatives.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 11, 2012

2 Grand Challenges Explorations grants for global health

Northwestern University researchers have received two Grand Challenges Explorations grants to develop new compounds for malaria treatment and biosensors for low-cost diagnoses. The projects aim to improve the health of people in developing countries using synthetic biology techniques.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateMay 11, 2012

In metallic glasses, researchers find a few new atomic structures

Scientists at University of Wisconsin-Madison and Iowa State University have discovered a new nanometer-scale atomic structure in solid metallic materials known as metallic glasses. The findings provide insight into the properties of these materials, including ductility and formability.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 11, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Program to coordinate regional systems to speed heart attack care

A new program will coordinate regional systems to reduce time from heart attack to treatment, building on the successful Mission: Lifeline program. The Regional Systems of Care Demonstration Project aims to develop coordinated, regional systems of care that start at the 911 call and include ambulance transport and hospital treatment.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·DateMay 11, 2012

Gene therapy for hearing loss: Potential and limitations

Researchers have shown that gene therapy can induce the formation of extra sensory hair cells in young mice, but this approach has limitations in older animals. Introducing a specific gene called Atoh1 into the cochleae of young mice can produce electrical signals and connect with neurons.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·DateMay 11, 2012

Highly targeted irradiation as good as whole breast radiotherapy in early stage cancer

A randomized trial found that highly targeted irradiation had equally good results as whole breast radiotherapy in early stage cancer, with a lower risk of adverse effects. The treatment reduced the rate of local recurrence by 0.8% and improved cosmetic outcomes by 18%, making it a potential game-changer for breast cancer patients.

SourceEuropean Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO)·DateMay 11, 2012

Bacteria study of male adolescents reveals new insights into urinary tract health

A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that male adolescents have bacteria in their urinary tracts, which are similar to those found in young women. The researchers discovered that the types of bacteria on the penis differ from those in the urethra and that circumcision status affects bacterial composition.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 11, 2012
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-fat diet lowered blood sugar and improved blood lipids in diabetics

A two-year study found that a high-fat diet improved glycaemic control and increased 'good' cholesterol in patients with Type 2 diabetes. The low-carbohydrate group experienced significant weight loss and reduced blood sugar levels, while the low-fat group showed minimal improvements despite similar weight loss.

SourceLinköping University·JournalDiabetologia·DateMay 11, 2012

Lack of basic evidence hampering prevention of sudden heart attacks in sport

A lack of basic evidence is hindering the prevention of sudden heart attacks in sports, with a need to track all incidents like Fabrice Muamba's on-pitch collapse. Reliable data collection and cooperation among sporting organisations are essential to mitigate risks and improve understanding of the condition.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateMay 11, 2012

Vitamin K2: New hope for Parkinson's patients?

Researchers found that vitamin K2 can restore energy production in defective mitochondria, similar to those found in Parkinson's patients. This discovery offers potential treatment options for patients with the disease.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalScience·DateMay 11, 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.

Study raises questions about use of anti-epilepsy drugs in newborns

A Georgetown University Medical Center study found that phenobarbital stunts neuronal growth, leading to cognitive abnormalities in rats. The researchers suggest that anti-epilepsy drugs may not be as benign as thought and could have long-lasting impacts on brain function.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateMay 11, 2012

Rutgers team discovers novel approach to stimulate immune cells

Researchers at Rutgers University have discovered a new way to stimulate the activity of immune cell opiate receptors, leading to efficient tumor cell clearance. The study builds upon previous research showing that replenishing endorphins can prevent stress and immune problems in fetal alcohol-exposed test subjects.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMay 11, 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.

Study shows benefit of new maintenance therapy for multiple myeloma

A new maintenance therapy, lenalidomide, has been shown to improve outcomes for patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who have undergone a stem cell transplant. The study found that patients treated with lenalidomide had a 59% chance of surviving free of disease progression after three years.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 11, 2012

Revenue-driven surgery drives patients home too early

Researchers found a correlation between bed shortages and higher readmission rates, suggesting patients were discharged too early. The study recommends better planning and logistical solutions to prevent these problems.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalHealth Care Management Science·DateMay 11, 2012

Mild traumatic brain injury may contribute to brain network dysfunction

Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University found that mild TBI can cause structural disruption of axons and alter neuronal firing patterns. This discovery advances research on posttraumatic disorders and enables better understanding of long-lasting neurological issues following a head injury.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·DateMay 11, 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.

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.

Undocumented Latino youth turn to activism to combat obstacles

A study by UCI anthropologist Leo Chavez details experiences of young undocumented immigrants, finding they often become involved in campaigns to change the law due to societal perception as disposable. The study found that these individuals face social constraints, limited economic opportunities and lower levels of education compared ...

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalCurrent Anthropology·DateMay 11, 2012

Scientists find differences in naked mole rat's protein disposers

Researchers found that naked mole rats have a greater number of proteasomes and higher protein-disposal activity in liver cells, enabling them to maintain good health. The discovery provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the animal's exceptional ability to resist aging.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 11, 2012

A*STAR scientists discover 'switch' to boost anti-viral response to fight infectious diseases

Researchers from A*STAR identified the molecular switch Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) that triggers innate immunity and activates potent virus killers, enabling effective responses to dengue and influenza viruses. The discovery paves the way for developing anti-viral drugs targeting BTK.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 11, 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.

Electronic medical record tool cuts down on unnecessary CT scans in ER patients with abdominal pain

A new tool embedded in patients' electronic medical records helps reduce the use of CT scans among ER patients with abdominal pain, resulting in a 10% decrease in potentially unnecessary tests. The study found no increase in hospital admissions, suggesting the tool is effective in balancing diagnosis accuracy with patient safety.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateMay 11, 2012

Cancer in the elderly: Research fails to keep up with demographic change

Researchers found that almost half of patients with head and neck cancers had other health-related problems at the same time, affecting survival rates and quality of life. The analysis emphasizes the importance of taking a multidisciplinary approach to cancer in the elderly, considering co-morbidities when deciding on treatment.

SourceEuropean Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO)·DateMay 11, 2012