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Science News for August 4, 2008


Little teeth suggest big jump in primate timeline

The discovery of tiny fossilized teeth from India pushes the primate timeline back by almost 10 million years, revealing a new genus and species of anthropoid primates. The findings suggest these early primates lived on a fruit and insect diet and were no larger than modern dwarf lemurs.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 4, 2008

Teacher-student relationships key to learning health and sex education

A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that students learn more about sensitive subjects like HIV infection and pregnancy prevention when taught by their regular classroom teacher. Students valued the course material more, reported higher quality discussions, and felt more comfortable with their teachers.

SourceOhio State University·JournalHealth Promotion Practice·DateAug 4, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study: verbal aggression may affect children's behavior

A new study by Purdue University researchers found that mothers who use verbally aggressive language with their children tend to direct them less and more negatively. The study, which observed 40 mothers playing with their children aged 3-8, revealed that verbally aggressive mothers were less cooperative and undermined their child's se...

SourcePurdue University·JournalHuman Communication Research·DateAug 4, 2008

Electronic tongue tastes wine variety, vintage

A handheld device, 'electronic tongue', can identify grape variety and vintage of wine at the press of a button. It uses six sensors to detect substances characteristic of specific wines, preserving quality and preventing fraud.

SourceRoyal Society of Chemistry·JournalThe Analyst·DateAug 4, 2008

Beefing up the Sunday roast

Researchers focus on two muscle fibre types to achieve tastier cuts of meat without sacrificing production values. The study aims to identify genes important in slow muscle growth, enabling farmers to breed naturally flavorful and succulent meat.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·DateAug 4, 2008

Estrogen relieves psychotic symptoms in women with schizophrenia

A randomized, double-blind study involving 102 women with schizophrenia found that estrogen estradiol improved psychotic symptoms more effectively than antipsychotic medications alone. No significant difference was observed in negative symptoms, suggesting potential for longer-term treatment or alternative approaches.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateAug 4, 2008

Extinction threat growing for mankind's closest relatives

A comprehensive review of the world's 634 kinds of primates found almost 50% at risk of extinction, with habitat destruction and hunting being major threats. Conservationists highlight successes in helping targeted species recover, but stress the urgent need for reforestation to protect remaining populations.

SourceConservation International·DateAug 4, 2008
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.

Human brains pay a price for being big

Research suggests that schizophrenia may be a by-product of human brain evolution, driven by increased metabolic demands. The study found molecular mechanisms involved in the evolution of human cognitive abilities and identified changes in gene expression and metabolite concentrations in both healthy humans and individuals with schizop...

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalGenome Biology·DateAug 4, 2008

A new look at how memory and spatial cognition are related

Researchers discovered that the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex are not essential for path integration, a key aspect of spatial cognition. The study used memory-impaired patients to test this theory, finding they performed similarly to controls when tracking their start location within short-term memory.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 4, 2008

Memory, depression, insomnia -- and worms?

Researchers have discovered a new way that organisms sense light, which may lead to insights into human sensory perception. The study found that exposing paralyzed worms to ultraviolet light restored normal movement levels in the animals.

SourceOklahoma Medical Research Foundation·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 4, 2008

Great white's mighty bite revealed

Researchers calculated the great white's bite force to be up to 1.8 tonnes, making it more than 20 times harder than a human. The team also estimated the bite force of the extinct giant shark Carcharodon megalodon at 10.8-18.2 tonnes.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalJournal of Zoology·DateAug 4, 2008

Psychiatrists shift away from providing psychotherapy

A recent study found that the provision of psychotherapy by US psychiatrists declined significantly between 1996 and 2005, with a decline in both office-based visits and the percentage of patients receiving therapy. This shift is attributed to reimbursement policies favoring brief medication management visits over psychotherapy.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateAug 4, 2008
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.

The school bully -- does it run in the family?

Research reveals that children raised by authoritarian parents are more prone to act out bullying behavior, while those from nurturing families are less likely to bully. The study also found that middle-income families are less likely to produce bullies than high- or low-income families.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateAug 4, 2008

First national study of diving-related injuries

A nationwide study found that approximately 6,500 children are treated for diving-related injuries annually, with most common injuries occurring at heights under 1 meter. The largest age group affected was 10- to 14-year-olds, who were twice as likely to experience head or neck injuries.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateAug 4, 2008
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.

Researchers explain odd oxygen bonding under pressure

Under high pressure, oxygen molecules interact through their outermost electron clouds, increasing interactions and changing orbital locations. This leads to the formation of molecular clusters like (O2)4 at pressures about 10,000 times atmospheric, with potential applications in new materials and technologies.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 4, 2008
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

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.

Maternal deaths following cesarean delivery can be reduced

Maternal death rates in the US remain constant, but a study suggests reducing cesarean-related deaths by implementing thromboprophylaxis can lower mortality. The risk of death attributable to cesarean delivery is approximately 2/100,000 procedures, which can be significantly reduced with universal thromboembolism prophylaxis.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateAug 4, 2008

Memory, depression, insomnia -- and worms?

A new study has identified a key molecular sensor in worms that allows them to respond to ultraviolet light, which may provide insights into nerve cell communication and learning. The discovery could potentially lead to new treatments for conditions such as depression and sleep disorders.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 4, 2008

Research exposes new target for malaria drugs

A study has identified a specific region of the PfEMP1 protein as crucial for attaching to placental walls, which could lead to new drug targets to prevent malaria-related complications during pregnancy. Researchers hope that mimicking this binding domain with pharmaceuticals may help develop immunity in women living in endemic regions.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 4, 2008
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.

Saving our bees

Ecologists assess the impact of human activity on bee populations and explore alternatives with native bees serving as 'biological insurance.' A study found that areas with extreme fragmentation have smaller bee populations and fewer species.

SourceEcological Society of America·DateAug 4, 2008
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.

Climate change and species distributions

Rising temperatures can lead to an increase in dry, desert-like conditions, affecting species' survival and natural resources. Climate change scientists warn that individual species indicate wider changes at the biome level, potentially altering ecosystem services for humans.

SourceEcological Society of America·DateAug 4, 2008

Key to virulence protein entry into host cells discovered

Researchers from Virginia Tech have identified a region of virulence proteins that enables them to enter the cells of their hosts, suppressing the immune system and allowing infection to progress. The discovery may lead to new approaches for blocking infections by both oomycete and malaria parasites.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 4, 2008
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Why the slow paced world could make it difficult to catch a ball ...

A recent study published in PNAS found that the human brain's perception of fast-moving objects is biased by the slow-paced world around us. This affects our ability to catch balls and make decisions in high-speed environments, with implications for road safety and robotic vision systems.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 4, 2008

Epilepsy drug may help alcoholics recover from dependence, small study suggests

A small pilot study found that gabapentin reduced insomnia in recovering alcoholics and helped them stay away from alcohol more successfully. The study involved 21 insomniacs in recovery from alcohol dependence, with 30% of patients who received gabapentin relapsing to drinking compared to 80% of those on placebo.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateAug 4, 2008
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.

Caltech scientists awarded $20 million to 'Power the Planet'

A $20 million award from the NSF will help Caltech scientists, led by Harry Gray, advance their research on developing nanoscale materials for solar-fuel power plants. The project aims to create efficient catalysts for the oxidation of water to oxygen.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·DateAug 4, 2008

New prognostic model for traumatic brain injury

Researchers created a new prognostic model for traumatic brain injury using patient characteristics from the IMPACT database, including age, motor component of Glasgow coma score, and pupillary reactivity. The model also includes haemoglobin and glucose measurement, providing a more comprehensive prediction of outcomes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 4, 2008
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.

Eating fish may prevent memory loss and stroke in old age

A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that eating broiled or baked tuna and other fish high in omega-3 fatty acids can help prevent silent brain infarcts, which are associated with dementia and stroke. The risk was lower for those who ate these types of fish regularly.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateAug 4, 2008

1 in 10 children using cough, cold medications

Researchers found that at least one cough and cold medication was used by 10.1% of US children in a given week, with exposures to decongestants and antihistamines being the highest. The study also revealed that the use of these medications declined from 12.3% in 1999-2000 to 8.4% in 2005-2006.

SourceBoston University·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateAug 4, 2008

Long-term HIV treatment may reduce risk for atherosclerosis

A study published in the journal AIDS has found that long-term antiretroviral therapy for HIV may offer protection against atherosclerosis. The Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study measured coronary artery calcification in nearly 950 HIV-positive and HIV-negative men, finding CAC scores were almost 60% lower in those on HAART.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalAIDS·DateAug 4, 2008

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

The USPSTF recommends against routine prostate cancer screening for men over 75 due to insufficient evidence. In contrast, the task force found that chronic illness is common among uninsured Americans, affecting an estimated 11.4 million adults with conditions like cardiovascular disease and hypertension.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 4, 2008
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.

HIV infectivity rate commonly used does not take account of multiple risk factors

A study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases found that the common HIV infectivity rate of 1 transmission per 1000 contacts is inaccurate and significantly underestimates actual transmission rates. The study estimated varying degrees of risk, including a 300-fold difference between different types of contact.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateAug 4, 2008

Tevatron experiments double-team Higgs boson

The Tevatron experiments have excluded a mass of 170 GeV for the Higgs boson with 95% probability, restricting possible masses and demonstrating sensitivity to potential signals. The combined data allows experimenters to cross-check and confirm results, improving their chances to observe the Higgs.

SourceDOE/Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory·DateAug 4, 2008

Stanford study uses genetic evidence to trace ancient African migration

Researchers used a genetic technique pioneered at Stanford to analyze Y chromosomes from men in Tanzania and southern Africa. They discovered a novel mutation shared by some men in both locations, implying a common ancestor, and found that pastoralists first tended sheep and cattle in southern Africa around 2,000 years ago. This new ge...

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 4, 2008
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.

A first in integrated nanowire sensor circuitry

Scientists have created the world's first all-integrated sensor circuit based on nanowire arrays, combining light sensors and electronics made of different crystalline materials. The method can be used to reproduce numerous devices with high uniformity.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 4, 2008