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Science News Archive November 2012


Page 22 of 23

New finding gives clues for overcoming tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer

Researchers have identified a specific cellular mechanism that may help overcome endocrine therapy-resistance in patients with estrogen-positive breast cancers. A novel molecular 'crosstalk' point between estrogen and HER2 signaling pathways has been found to drive tamoxifen resistance, according to new findings.

Mountain meadows dwindling in the Pacific Northwest

Climate change, fire suppression, and invasive species are threatening mountain meadows in the Pacific Northwest. These ecosystems, once carpeted with grasses, shrubs, and wildflowers, are declining rapidly, with some areas experiencing a 35% increase in tree occupation over just 57 years.

Reactions to everyday stressors predict future health

Researchers found that individuals who dwell on daily stressors and become increasingly upset are more likely to suffer from chronic health issues. The study suggests that learning how to manage stress is key to maintaining good health.

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.

Health project in India saved many mothers and children

A four-year health care project in India's poorest district resulted in a half-fall in infant mortality and a three-quarters reduction in women's death from pregnancy and childbirth complications. Nurse-based clinics expanded access to healthcare, changing attitudes towards patients and leading to increased check-ups and hospital births.

World record for the entanglement of twisted light quanta

Researchers at the University of Vienna have achieved a world record in entangling twisted light quanta, demonstrating a new method for gyrating photons. This breakthrough could lead to entangling and twisting macroscopic objects in two different directions.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Biophysical Society names 5 2013 award recipients

The Biophysical Society has recognized five individuals with its 2013 awards for their significant contributions to biophysics and biomedical research. Carol Robinson and Joseph Zasadzinski received awards for their innovative work on mass spectrometry and lipid structures, respectively.

Developmental bait and switch

A recent study led by Caltech researchers provides new insights into the process of neural crest cell development. The team discovered that DNA-methyltransferase (DNMT) enzyme acts as a switch to determine which cells will remain part of the central nervous system and which will become neural crest cells.

New light on the genetic basis of inflammatory diseases

A large-scale study of over 34,000 individuals has identified 71 new genetic regions linked to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), increasing the total number of discovered regions to 163. The findings highlight the complex interplay between the immune system and microbial infections in IBD.

Plants recognise pathogenic and beneficial microorganisms

Research at CARB has shown that plants use protein receptors to detect modified Nod factors, leading to root nodule development and nitrogen production. Legumes employ a sophisticated detection system to distinguish between pathogenic and beneficial microorganisms.

Stem cells show promise for treating infertility in cancer patients

A promising stem-cell-based approach has been successfully demonstrated in non-human primates, where transplanted spermatogonial stem cells produce functional sperm. Cancer patients who undergo chemotherapy often become infertile due to treatment damage, but preserving and transplanting SSCs may restore fertility.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New target discovered for food allergy treatment

Scientists at National Jewish Health identified a novel target for treating peanut allergies by inhibiting Pim 1 kinase, which increases in the intestines of allergic mice. Treatment with a small molecule inhibitor reduced allergic symptoms, including diarrhea and histamine levels.

Church-going teens go further with school

Research found that church-affiliated teens are more likely to graduate high school and enroll in college, with mentors playing a significant role in their educational success. The study's findings highlight the importance of religious participation and spirituality in achieving higher education attainment.

Softening arteries, protecting the heart

A study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that apolipoprotein E (apoE) plays a key role in maintaining arterial softness. The protein is associated with the production of collagen and other extracellular matrix proteins, which contribute to cardiovascular disease risk.

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.

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.

Scientists create 'endless supply' of myelin-forming cells

Researchers have created a plentiful supply of glial progenitor cells, which produce myelin, by mastering the chemical symphony that instructs them to divide. This breakthrough could lead to treatments for diseases like multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy.

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.

Inflammation and cognition in schizophrenia

A new study explores the impact of the interleukin-1β gene on brain function alterations associated with schizophrenia. The research found that patients with schizophrenia who were homozygous for the C allele showed reduced prefrontal cortex activation, while healthy volunteers did not differ by genotype.

MSU-led team to combat Puerto Rico’s murder epidemic

A Michigan State University-led team is working with Puerto Rican police to improve homicide investigation techniques, aiming to solve more homicides and reduce the murder rate. The goal is to increase clearance rates from 25% to 65% and lower the homicide rate below 20 per 100,000 people.

NASA sees Tropical Depression Nilam blanket southern India

Tropical Depression Nilam has covered southern India with its clouds, stretching from Chennai to Kerala, according to NASA's MODIS image. Heavy rainfall is expected over Rayalaseema, Karnataka, and south coastal Andhra Pradesh before the storm dissipates.

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Gene switch important in cancer discovered

Scientists have discovered that a gene switch regulates the expression of genes and promotes cancer development, according to a study published in Science. The study found that removing a specific region containing a genetic variant increased resistance to tumor formation in mice.

New technique enables high-sensitivity view of cellular functions

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed an ultrasensitive method for detecting sugar molecules, known as Glyco-qPCR. This technique enables a more detailed understanding of cellular functions than genetic or proteomic information can provide, and has the potential to revolutionize the study of glycans.

Music in our ears: The science of timbre

A new study published in PLOS Computational Biology uses a computer model to accurately mimic how the brain processes musical timbre, allowing for better instrument recognition. The researchers found that wind and percussive instruments tend to be most different from each other, with strings and winds being closer together.

A glimpse into neurosurgical risk prevention and the surgical checklist

A recent study in Neurosurgical Focus highlights the importance of preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative processes in reducing neurosurgery-related adverse events. The authors propose a national registry for outcome data and monitoring, as well as standardization of specialized equipment and evidence-based guidelines.

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 protein’s role in helping cells repair DNA damage

Researchers found that TFIIB halts general transcription when DNA damage occurs, enabling cells to prioritize repair and support p53's tumor-suppressing functions. This process allows p53 to bypass the need for TFIIB phosphorylation, activating its target genes vital for DNA damage response.

Sitting still or going hunting: Which works better?

A computer model reveals that marine bacteria benefit from swimming in turbulent seawater, accessing nutrient-rich zones before they are dispersed. The study finds an optimal swimming speed of about 60 micrometers per second, which confers a feeding advantage but also incurs energy costs.

Bridging the gap between genomics and education

The Nowgen Schools Genomics Programme provides free, multi-media resources to update the study of modern genetics in schools and colleges. The resources aim to bring cutting-edge research into the classroom, helping teachers and students explore the impact and potential of modern genetics.

NASA sees Tropical Storm Rosa's rains southeast of center

Tropical Storm Rosa experienced strong convection pushed southeast of its center due to wind shear. The AIRS instrument captured infrared images showing the strongest thunderstorms in that area had cloud tops as cold as -63F (-52C), leading to heavy rain, weakening Rosa's organization.

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.

Bird tree tells new tale of evolution

Researchers have created the world's first family tree linking every known bird species and found that they are accelerating their rate of evolution. The study reveals that birds' speciation rate is increasing, not declining, with no drop-off in tropical regions.

Brain imaging alone cannot diagnose autism

Recent studies claiming to use brain scans for autism diagnosis are flawed and unreliable. Researchers need to conduct large-scale multicenter studies to understand the biological basis of autism.

UNH space scientists to develop state-of-the-art radiation detector

Scientists from UNH's Space Science Center will develop a cutting-edge radiation detector to measure and calculate absorbed dose in matter and tissue resulting from exposure to indirect and direct ionizing radiation. The project aims to aid in understanding the hazards posed by space radiation and protect astronauts on extended missions.

Male fertility can be restored after cancer treatment, says Pitt team

A team of researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine has successfully restored fertility in male primates who became sterile due to cancer drug side effects. The study involved transplanting spermatogonial stem cells into testes, resulting in functional sperm that fertilized eggs and produced early embryos.

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.

How the negative trumps the positive in politics

A recent study by George Bizer and colleagues found that negatively framed political attitudes are stronger than positively framed attitudes, particularly when people process the messages deeply. This effect is strengthened when people think more deeply about the issues involved.

$2.8M grant gives diverse students a healing opportunity

The Initiative for Maximizing Student Development at SDSU is expanding its program with a $2.8M NIH grant, providing opportunities for 30 students in biomedical and behavioral sciences. The program offers top-notch guidance, research, and advancement opportunities to diverse students.

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.

NASA's Fermi measures cosmic 'fog' produced by ancient starlight

Using data from NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope, scientists measured the most accurate amount of starlight in the universe and determined the extragalactic background light (EBL), also known as cosmic fog. The EBL is a fossil radiation field created by ancient starlight that continues to travel through the universe.

Health of kidney disease patients: Diet and blood pressure

Researchers found that adding fruits and vegetables can reduce metabolic acidosis and preserve kidney function in CKD patients. Poor dietary habits and poverty are also linked to an increased risk of kidney disease, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address disparities in care.

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.

Novel technique to produce stem cells from peripheral blood

Researchers at Boston University developed a novel technique to produce human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from peripheral blood, offering an ethical alternative to embryonic stem cells. The method has been published in JoVE and provides a valuable resource for studying rare genetic disorders.

Brain may 'see' more than the eyes, study indicates

Researchers discovered that fruit fly larvae with simple eyes can assemble complex images using rapid head scanning, challenging traditional views on vision. The study suggests the brain plays a crucial role in processing visual input, enabling organisms to recognize details and patterns despite limited visual acuity.

Scientists launch international study of open-fire cooking and air quality

The National Center for Atmospheric Research is launching a three-year, international study to analyze the effects of smoke from traditional cooking methods on human health. The researchers will combine sensors with computer models to examine links between air pollutants and diseases such as meningitis in northern Ghana.

BRI receives Grand Challenges Explorations Grant

Benaroya Research Institute (BRI) has received a $100,000 grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to develop rapid malaria vaccines using synthetic minigene libraries. This innovative approach aims to identify protective target antigens in a fraction of the time required by conventional technologies.

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.

The ins and outs of in-groups and out-groups

New research examines how social groups work, including in-group conformity and prejudice reduction strategies. Studies find that oxytocin stimulates in-group conformity and a small dose of negativity can reduce prejudice toward stigmatized groups.

A next-generation X-ray telescope ready to fly

FOXSI will study nanoflares on the sun using a state-of-the-art x-ray telescope that focuses incoming x-rays. The mission aims to understand energy transfer and coronal heating by observing how these small flares impact the sun's atmosphere.