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Science News for July 23, 2008


Issue 1 of Energy and Environmental Science published on Web

The new interdisciplinary journal focuses on sustainable energy solutions, with a rigorous peer-review process and rapid publication. The inaugural issue features articles on solar cells, hydrogen storage, and thermochemical biofuel production, among others.

SourceRoyal Society of Chemistry·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateJul 23, 2008

News briefs from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons

A study found that large-volume breast reductions in morbidly obese women are as safe as for slimmer patients. Additionally, post-bariatric patients often experience nutritional deficiencies, which can impact wound healing and immune response, prompting plastic surgeons to recommend optimal nutrition.

SourceAmerican Society of Plastic Surgeons·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateJul 23, 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.

Study: Typhoons bury tons of carbon in the oceans

A recent Ohio State University study reveals that a single typhoon in Taiwan buries as much carbon in the ocean as all other rains combined, with 500,000 tons of carbon being washed away during Typhoon Mindulle. This finding could help scientists develop better models of global climate change.

SourceOhio State University·JournalGeology·DateJul 23, 2008

Making patients move requires the right exercise advice

A new study by University of Missouri researcher Vicki Conn found that behavior-changing strategies, such as goal setting and self-monitoring, significantly increased physical activity levels among adults with chronic illnesses. These interventions were more effective than cognitive approaches in motivating patients to exercise.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalPatient Education and Counseling·DateJul 23, 2008

Patient privacy assured by electronic censor

A new software has been developed to delete confidential patient data from medical records, leaving essential information intact. The system was tested on a large database of nursing notes and successfully removed over 94% of sensitive information, with only 0.2% of useful content mistakenly deleted.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making·DateJul 23, 2008

Kidneys donated after cardiac death could reduce disparities for black kidney transplant recipients

Black patients receiving kidneys from black cardiac donors showed better long-term survival compared to those receiving non-black donor kidneys. The study suggests that increased utilization of kidneys donated after cardiac death can help reduce racial disparities in kidney transplantation.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJul 23, 2008
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Amazon outflow is found to power ocean capture of carbon dioxide

A new study reveals that Amazon River's nutrient-rich outflow supports unexpected plant life, trapping atmospheric carbon dioxide. The discovery may alter climate scientists' calculations and suggest alternative sinks for CO2.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 23, 2008

Want a reason to love your lower belly fat? It's rich in stem cells

A study by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons found that lower belly fat contains higher concentrations of adult stem cells than other body areas. This discovery holds promise for future treatments using stem cells to repair or replace damaged tissue, including conditions like breast cancer and Parkinson's disease.

SourceAmerican Society of Plastic Surgeons·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateJul 23, 2008

Exercise could be the heart's fountain of youth

A study found that older people who engaged in endurance exercise training for a year had metabolically younger hearts. Women benefited more than men from the training, with improved glucose uptake and fatty acid metabolism.

SourceWashU Medicine·DateJul 23, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Hurricane preparedness survey: Worries about drinking water and medical care

A recent survey conducted by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that nearly one-third of those affected by Hurricane Katrina report they are very prepared if a major hurricane were to strike their communities in the next six months. Key concerns include having enough fresh water and medical care, with 42% and 41% of respon...

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·DateJul 23, 2008

Costs of climate change, state-by-state: Billions, says UMD

A new series of reports from the University of Maryland's Center for Integrative Environmental Research projects long-term economic impacts of climate change on eight US states, with estimated costs ranging from $1 billion to billions. The studies highlight the need for state and local policy-makers to plan for additional changes ahead.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·DateJul 23, 2008

Slippery customer: A greener antiwear additive for engine oils

Researchers discovered a titanium compound that creates a wear-resistant nanoscale layer on engine parts, making it a potential substitute for traditional phosphorus-based additives. This breakthrough could lead to more environmentally friendly engine oils with improved wear resistance.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalTribology Transactions·DateJul 23, 2008

Peter Ell receives SNM's Georg Charles de Hevesy Nuclear Pioneer Award

Peter J. Ell, director of the institute of nuclear medicine and chair of nuclear medicine at UCL, is awarded the Georg Charles de Hevesy Nuclear Pioneer Award for laying the foundations of nuclear medicine in Europe. The award recognizes his pioneering efforts in developing molecular imaging techniques, including SPECT.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·DateJul 23, 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.

Study suggests human visual system could make powerful computer

A new technique developed by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute professor Mark Changizi harnesses the computing power of our visual system to generate perceptions of digital circuits. By using simple drawings and shading, the visual system can naturally carry out computations and generate outputs.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalPerception·DateJul 23, 2008

Why eating less can help the environment

A study suggests that eating less, especially junk foods, can reduce the US food system's energy consumption by 50 percent. Traditional farming methods, such as organic farming and reduced pesticide use, can also make a significant impact on energy efficiency.

SourceSpringer·JournalHuman Ecology·DateJul 23, 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.

Could preserving biodiversity reduce disease?

The US EPA has funded three interdisciplinary teams to explore the links between biodiversity and human health, focusing on Lyme disease and West Nile encephalitis. Research will investigate how environmental factors and people's behaviors contribute to disease transmission.

SourceU.S. Environmental Protection Agency·DateJul 23, 2008

NIST trumps the clumps: Making biologic drugs safer

Scientists at NIST have developed a technique to accurately measure the formation of protein clumps in biologic drugs, addressing a major concern for quality control and safety. The new method uses electrospray differential mobility analysis (ES-DMA) to quickly resolve particle sizes differing by as little as 0.2 nanometers.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalBiotechnology and Bioengineering·DateJul 23, 2008

Scientists suspect omega-3 fatty acids could slow acute wound healing

A recent study found that omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil supplements increase levels of proteins associated with inflammation, delaying wound healing. The researchers discovered a gender difference in cytokine production, with men experiencing higher levels of inflammatory proteins than women.

SourceOhio State University·JournalWound Repair and Regeneration·DateJul 23, 2008

1 missing gene leads to fruitless mating rituals

Male fruit flies lacking the Gr32a gene become confused in matters of love, attempting sex with other males and females who have already mated. This study reveals the critical role of pheromone signals in determining mating status.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJul 23, 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.

Open access to large-scale drug discovery data

The European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI) will gain free access to large collections of information on drug properties and small molecules after receiving £4.7 million from the Wellcome Trust. This will enable academia to participate in early-stage drug discovery, potentially improving prediction of side effects.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·DateJul 23, 2008

AGU journal highlights -- July 23, 2008

Researchers found that active fire suppression may have reduced carbon storage in western US forests, while a new tracking method revealed the paths of giant volcanic clouds. Additionally, scientists warn of increased frost risks to plants due to changes in temperature fluctuations and average temperatures in a warming climate.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 23, 2008

Toxic chemicals found in common scented laundry products, air fresheners

A University of Washington study reveals that dozens of toxic chemicals are emitted by top-selling laundry products and air fresheners, with none listed on product labels. The study highlights the need for better labeling and reduced exposure to potentially hazardous fragrances.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalEnvironmental Impact Assessment Review·DateJul 23, 2008

No justification for denying obese patients knee replacements

A study of 325 obese patients found they benefited from knee replacements, with improved mobility scores compared to a comparison group. The research suggests that obese patients can undergo the procedure without increased risk, making it unjustified to deny them the surgery.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateJul 23, 2008
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.

Soy foods are associated with lower sperm concentrations

Men who consume soy foods regularly have lower sperm concentrations than those who do not. The association is particularly strong in overweight or obese individuals. Researchers found that men with normal or high sperm counts may be more susceptible to the effects of soy foods, suggesting a possible increased risk of infertility.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateJul 23, 2008

How secure is your network? NIST model knows

The NIST model assigns a probable risk of attack to guide IT managers in securing their networks by analyzing all possible paths that system attackers could penetrate through. This allows decision makers to make wise decisions and investments to protect their network from data breaches.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateJul 23, 2008

Paying to save tropical forests could be a way to reduce global carbon emissions

Wealthy nations willing to spend $1 billion annually could prevent half a billion metric tons of carbon dioxide from being emitted globally over the next 25 years. The program, called 'avoided deforestation,' would put an end to a tenth of tropical deforestation, one of the top contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 23, 2008

Biofilms use chemical weapons

Researchers at the Helmholtz Center for Infection Research discovered that biofilm bacteria use violacein, a pigment produced in response to threats, to neutralize attackers and trigger a suicide mechanism in phagocytes. This finding presents a new avenue for combating human parasites causing diseases like sleeping sickness and malaria.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 23, 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.

Sex and lifespan linked in worms

Researchers discovered that a family of ascarosides controls both sexual attraction and long-lived dauer larva stages in C. elegans worms. This finding represents the first direct link between reproduction and lifespan through small molecules.

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalNature·DateJul 23, 2008

Study shows parasites outweigh predators

A study published in Nature shows that parasites have substantial biomass in ecosystems, sometimes exceeding that of top predators by a factor of 20. This challenges the long-held assumption that free-living organisms like fish and birds dominate biomass in habitats.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature·DateJul 23, 2008

Rutgers biologist to study worms in Amazon, glaciers

Dan Shain's expeditions aim to study the reproductive behavior of giant earthworms and ice worms, shedding light on their unique adaptations. His research seeks to understand complex processes like cocoon secretion and movement patterns over geological time.

SourceRutgers University·DateJul 23, 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.

NIST membrane model may unlock secrets of early-stage Alzheimer's

Researchers created a laboratory model to study Alzheimer's disease mechanisms at the molecular level. The model found that amyloid beta peptides cause a 'leaky' membrane, disrupting normal impulse transmission and leading to cell toxicity.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateJul 23, 2008