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Science News for July 15, 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.

Growing up amid war affects children's moral development

A new study by researchers at the University of Utah found that Colombian children living in war zones exhibited a complex moral understanding, with most rejecting theft and harm but accepting it as a means to an end. The study highlights potential vulnerabilities in children's moral lives during times of conflict.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateJul 15, 2008

Forensic patients with tattoos more likely to have antisocial personality disorder

Research suggests that forensic psychiatric inpatients with tattoos are at a higher risk of having Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD), as well as experiencing histories of suicide attempts, substance abuse, and sexual abuse. The study found that 73% of patients with tattoos had ASPD, compared to 29% of those without tattoos.

SourceWiley·JournalPersonality and Mental Health·DateJul 15, 2008

Freeing light shines promise on energy-efficient lighting

Scientists at the University of Michigan and Princeton University have discovered a way to enhance light output in organic light-emitting devices, emitting approximately 70 lumens from a single watt of power. This innovation pushes more appealing white light, reducing energy consumption and reliance on coal-generated electricity.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Photonics·DateJul 15, 2008

Children's physical activity drops from age 9 to 15, NIH study indicates

A large group of American children showed a significant decline in physical activity between ages 9 and 15, with most failing to reach the daily recommended level of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity. The researchers estimated that physical activity declined by about 40 minutes per day each year until age 15.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·DateJul 15, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Fuel subsidies better spent re-training fishers: UBC researchers

UBC researchers suggest redirecting fuel subsidies from fishing fleets to re-training fishers to address the economic and environmental impact of rising fuel costs. The study found that governments spend $6.4 billion annually on fuel subsidies, which could be better spent supporting sustainable fisheries.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalICES Journal of Marine Science·DateJul 15, 2008

Newly described 'dragon' protein could be key to bird flu cure

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have crystallized and characterized the H5N1 virus's RNA polymerase protein, a crucial component in viral replication. The study reveals an unexpected relationship between two subunits of the protein, which could inspire therapies to prevent the spread of bird flu.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateJul 15, 2008

Researchers generate hydrogen without the carbon footprint

Scientists have developed a new method to produce hydrogen from water and solar energy, reducing the carbon footprint of traditional production methods. The process uses nanotube diodes that can harness the entire spectrum of sunlight, producing hydrogen and oxygen.

SourcePenn State·JournalNano Letters·DateJul 15, 2008

Scientists close in on source of X-rays in lightning

Researchers at UF and FIT used electric field and X-ray detectors to study X-rays emitted by lightning. They found that X-rays are produced just below each step of the 'step leader' process, which helps understand how lightning travels.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 15, 2008
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Stomach bug appears to protect kids from asthma, says NYU study

A new study led by NYU Langone Medical Center researchers found that children who carry Helicobacter pylori are nearly 59% less likely to have asthma. The bacteria, which has co-existed with humans for at least 50,000 years, may strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of allergic reactions.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateJul 15, 2008

LSUHSC study finds high-dose HBO2 therapy extends survival window after cardiopulmonary arrest

Researchers at LSU Health Sciences Center discovered that high-dose hyperbaric oxygen therapy can revive laboratory swine within 25 minutes of cardiac arrest, surpassing the previously thought limit of 16 minutes. This breakthrough may lead to improved survival rates and more definitive treatments for human patients.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalResuscitation·DateJul 15, 2008
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.

Y chromosome study sheds light on Athapaskan migration to southwest US

A genetic study of native North Americans offers new insights into the migration of Athapaskan natives from subarctic northwest America to the southwestern United States. The study found that a small group of Athapaskans successfully assimilated with native groups, leaving a lasting legacy in their language and genes.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateJul 15, 2008

Culture and depression

A new study from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health found that Western cultures tend to emphasize psychological symptoms of depression, while East-Asian cultures emphasize somatic or physical symptoms. The study also revealed a link between cultural differences in thinking styles and symptom reporting.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalJournal of Abnormal Psychology·DateJul 15, 2008

For toy-like NASA robots in Arctic, ice research is child's play

Researchers have developed a network of unmanned, autonomous robots called SnoMotes to collect data on ice sheets and glaciers in the Arctic. These toy-like robots can navigate treacherous terrain and capture real-time measurements of barometric pressure, temperature, and relative humidity.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 15, 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.

Peers important for nutrition education among Latinos

A systematic literature review found that peer nutrition education significantly improves health outcomes among Latinos, including diabetes self-management and breastfeeding. The study highlights the need to formally incorporate peer nutrition educators into healthcare systems to address health disparities.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateJul 15, 2008
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.

Vitamin A pushes breast cancer to form blood vessel cells

Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have discovered that vitamin A can push stem cells in breast cancer tumors to form endothelial cells, leading to the creation of new blood vessels. This finding supports the 'vasculogenic mimicry' theory, which proposes that tumors build their own blood pipelines.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 15, 2008

Study: Regular walking nearly halves elderly disability risk

A University of Georgia study found that participating in a walking exercise program can decrease elderly disability risk by 41% and increase physical function by 25%. The study also showed that walking increased aerobic capacity by 19% compared to a control group.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of Geriatric Physical Therapy·DateJul 15, 2008
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.

Focused Internet services provide better support to breast cancer patients

A study published in the Journal of Communication found that access to an integrated system of internet health resources significantly improved quality of life, perceived social support, and health information management for breast cancer patients. In contrast, providing only a list of URLs or standard care offered little benefit.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Communication·DateJul 15, 2008

Aggressive preschoolers found to have fewer friends than others

New research reveals aggressive preschoolers tend to have less consistent relationships with peers and play with fewer classmates over time. Non-aggressive children, on the other hand, do better at interactions with many peers as they practice social skills and learn to control their behavior.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateJul 15, 2008
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.

UT pathologists believe they have pinpointed Achilles heel of HIV

Researchers at UT Medical School have pinpointed the Achilles heel of HIV in the envelope protein gp120, a region essential for viral attachment to host cells. Engineered antibodies with enzymatic activity, or abzymes, can attack this weak spot, offering new hope for therapeutic intervention and prevention.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalAutoimmunity Reviews·DateJul 15, 2008
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.

Corporations can profit from being environmentally friendly

A new study by George Mason University researcher Nicole Darnall shows that companies can profit from environmentally friendly practices, such as reducing waste and developing green products. The study found that organizations that improve their environmental performance can offset the cost of regulation or even accrue a net gain.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalPublic Administration Review·DateJul 15, 2008

Parents should limit young children's exposure to background TV

A new study found that leaving background TV on can disrupt young children's play behavior, reducing their attention span and toy play time. The research suggests that parents should limit their young children's exposure to adult-oriented television in the home.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateJul 15, 2008

As economy slumps, new study highlights tools for avoiding local government fiscal crises

A new study by Dr. Charles Coe highlights three best practices to prevent local government fiscal crises: monitoring finances, assisting with amelioration, and taking over governance when necessary. Implementing these practices can help states maintain healthy fiscal reserves, anticipate economic changes, and provide public services.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPublic Administration Review·DateJul 15, 2008

Tumor-inhibiting protein could be effective in treating leukemia

Researchers discover that Angiocidin can differentiate leukemia cells into a normal, macrophage-like phenotype, making them susceptible to chemotherapy treatment. The protein also stimulates the immune system by up-regulating genes characteristic of immune cells.

SourceTemple University·JournalCancer Research·DateJul 15, 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.

TG2 identified as potential therapeutic target in chemo-resistant ovarian cancer

Researchers found overexpression of TG2 in ovarian cancer to be associated with increased tumor cell growth, adhesion, resistance to chemotherapy, and lower overall survival rates. Silencing TG2 using siRNA reversed cancer progression, suggesting the protein as a novel therapeutic approach for late-stage ovarian cancer.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCancer Research·DateJul 15, 2008

Dartmouth researchers discover gene signatures for scleroderma

Researchers identified four distinct molecular subtypes in patients with scleroderma, offering new hope for better diagnosis and targeted therapies. The study uses gene expression patterns to classify patients, which could help predict disease progression and treatment response.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 15, 2008

How birds spot the cuckoo in the nest

A team of scientists found that blackcap birds can distinguish between genuine and fake cuckoo eggs by altering the UV reflectivity. The study, published in The Journal of Experimental Biology, shows that when blackcap eggs are coated with a UV blocker or Vaseline, they are rejected by the parents.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJul 15, 2008

Environmental pollutant has sex-skewing effect

Women exposed to high levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are more likely to give birth to female children. A study found that for every one microgram of PCBs per liter of serum, the chance of having a male child fell by 7%. The researchers suggest that high maternal PCB concentrations may favor fertilization by female sperm or ...

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalEnvironmental Health·DateJul 15, 2008
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.

Full-day kindergarteners' reading, math gains fade by 3rd grade

Children in full-day kindergarten have initial academic benefits over part-day kindergarten, but poverty and home environment issues erode these advantages soon after leaving kindergarten. The study's findings highlight the importance of family characteristics in explaining why full-day programs' benefits fade quickly.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateJul 15, 2008

Turning on hormone tap could aid osteoporosis fight

Researchers have discovered a potential new drug that 'opens the taps' for hormone release, potentially stimulating new bone growth. The approach involves stimulating parathyroids, tiny glands controlling PTH hormone, which could lead to increased calcium levels and bone formation.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·DateJul 15, 2008

Improved culture system for hepatitis C virus infection

A University of California, San Diego researcher has created a novel culture system that models HCV infection in human liver cells, providing a realistic environment to test new treatments. This breakthrough enables the screening of possible therapies for HCV, which affects approximately 170 million people worldwide.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 15, 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.

Gaining ground on sickle cell disease

Researchers identified five gene variants that could predict sickle cell disease severity and offer potential therapeutic targets. These variants influence fetal hemoglobin levels, which affect symptom severity in the disease.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 15, 2008

Bees go 'off-color' when they are sickly

A new study from the University of Leicester found that bumble-bees' impaired immune response leads to reduced learning abilities and altered behavior when infected. This research has important implications for understanding bee colony survival and the decline of wild bumble-bee species.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalBiology Letters·DateJul 15, 2008

Frogs with disease-resistance genes may escape extinction

Researchers identified certain genes that enable frogs to develop resistance to harmful bacteria and disease. The discovery may provide new strategies for protecting frog populations in the wild by selectively breeding individuals with known disease-resistance genes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 15, 2008

Diabetes could be a hidden condition for heart disease patients

A recent study published in Diabetes Care found high levels of oxidative stress in coronary heart disease patients without type 2 diabetes were actually indicative of overt diabetes. This discovery highlights the importance of considering glucose abnormality as a potential underlying condition for heart disease.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalDiabetes Care·DateJul 15, 2008
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.

Immigrant youths explore identity in high school

A new study explores how immigrant adolescents navigate their ethnic identities during high school. Most choose hyphenated labels and change them over time, highlighting the importance of this period in shaping their identities.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateJul 15, 2008

Pollination habits of endangered Texas rice revealed to help preservation

A recent study published in The Southwestern Naturalist has shed light on the pollination habits of endangered Texas wild-rice (Zizania texana), revealing that pollen can only travel about 30 inches away from a parent plant. This information will be crucial for conservation efforts to reintroduce and propagate this rare aquatic grass.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalThe Southwestern Naturalist·DateJul 15, 2008

Study shows 28,000-year-old Europeans' DNA was like ours

A 28,000-year-old Cro-Magnoid individual from Southern Italy exhibits anatomical and genetic characteristics similar to those of modern Europeans. The study challenges the long-held assumption that Neandertals are the ancestors of modern Europeans.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 15, 2008

The epigenetics of increasing weight through the generations

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered that maternal obesity can amplify obesity in successive generations through epigenetic changes. The study found that genetically identical mice on a standard diet gained weight with each generation, while those on a methyl-supplemented diet remained lean.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateJul 15, 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.