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Science News for July 29, 2008


Mud pots signal possible extension of San Andreas Fault

A linear string of mud pots and volcanoes indicates a surface evidence for the southern extension of the San Andreas Fault. Researchers identified 33 geothermal features forming a clear pattern, revealing a planar rift extending to considerable depth in the crust.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateJul 29, 2008

Gaining advantages from childhood experience

Researchers found that rats exposed to novelty during infancy had better social competitiveness and reduced stress responses compared to those with no novel experiences. Consistency of maternal care was also linked to offspring's adaptability. These findings suggest early life experience plays a crucial role in shaping human development.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 29, 2008

Frankincense provides relief to arthritis sufferers

A randomized, double-blinded trial of 70 patients found that taking an enriched extract of Indian Frankincense significantly improved osteoarthritis symptoms within seven days. The study suggests that AKBA, the most active ingredient in the plant, has anti-inflammatory properties and may be effective for treating knee osteoarthritis.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalArthritis Research & Therapy·DateJul 29, 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.

Obesity predisposition traced to the brain's reward system

A new study reveals a link between obesity predisposition and defective dopamine signaling in the brain's reward system. The mesolimbic system, which secretes dopamine, is found to have lower baseline levels and reduced stimulated release in obesity-prone rats.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJul 29, 2008

Acidification of the sea hampers reproduction of marine species

A study by Swedish researchers found that acidification reduces sea urchin fertility by 25%, affecting larval development and population growth. The findings highlight the devastating impact of ocean acidification on marine animal life, with far-reaching consequences for commercially and ecologically important species.

SourceSwedish Research Council·DateJul 29, 2008

Alzheimer's disease patients show improvement in trial of new drug

A new study published in The Lancet Neurology found that a small dose of the drug PBT2 improved cognitive function in early-stage Alzheimer's patients, reducing amyloid-beta levels by approximately 13% compared to placebo. The study suggests that PBT2 may have a significant effect on the underlying pathology of Alzheimer's disease.

SourceImperial College London·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateJul 29, 2008

Evolution of skull and mandible shape in cats

Sabertoothed and modern cats evolved distinct adaptations to killing, with the former having radically different skulls due to selective pressures for a precise shearing action. Modern cats' skull shape varies depending on size, but their anatomy shows a gradual transition from smallest to largest species.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 29, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Improved estrogen reception may sharpen fuzzy memory

Researchers at the University of Florida have discovered a way to improve thought processes in female mice by recharging a naturally occurring estrogen receptor in the brain. This breakthrough suggests that drugs can be developed to offset cognitive decline related to low estrogen levels, protecting against neurological diseases.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalMolecular Therapy·DateJul 29, 2008

Mucous breakthrough in mice holds promise for cystic fibrosis

Researchers have discovered a gene that helps clear mucous in the lungs and digestive system of people with cystic fibrosis. By correcting abnormal levels of this gene, they were able to prevent blockages and improve survival rates in mice with CF.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateJul 29, 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.

1/5 of British adult survivors of childhood cancer smoke despite hazards

A recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that nearly a third of British adult survivors of childhood cancer have been regular smokers at some point in their lives. Smoking is an additional source of risk for this population due to long-term effects of original cancer and treatment, as well as genet...

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJul 29, 2008

Let the cat keep chasing the mouse

An international research team developed a model to identify suitable habitats and corridors for the European wildcat. Almost half of Rheinland-Pfalz is considered suitable habitat, enabling a maximum population of 1600 females.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalBiological Conservation·DateJul 29, 2008

The buzz of the chase

Researchers from Queen Mary University of London have applied Geographic Profiling (GP) technique to bumblebees to analyze their foraging behavior. The study revealed that bees create a 'buffer zone' around their hive to reduce the risk of predators and parasites.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateJul 29, 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.

Summer heat too hot for you? What is comfortable?

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that fruit flies use TRPA1 to sense single degree changes in the comfortable range, adapting to different temperatures through a multistep process. This discovery raises the possibility that mammals may also be able to sense small changes in internal body temperature.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJul 29, 2008

Pandemic research receives $1.6M funding boost

A McMaster University researcher will work with isolated Hutterite communities to understand the transmission of pandemic diseases like influenza. The team aims to detect flu viruses in humans and pigs, and use computer modeling to analyze virus transmission.

SourceMcMaster University·DateJul 29, 2008

New disease-fighting nanoparticles look like miniature pastries

Researchers developed nanobialys, spherical particles that can deliver drugs and imaging agents directly to tumors and plaques. The manganese-based nanoparticles are safer than gadolinium-containing particles and have shown promise in animal studies.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 29, 2008

UCSF researchers identify virus behind mysterious parrot disease

Researchers at UCSF have identified a new virus, Avian Bornavirus (ABV), as the cause of Proventricular Dilation Disease (PDD) in parrots and exotic birds. The discovery could have profound consequences on conservation efforts for endangered species like the Spix's Macaw.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalVirology Journal·DateJul 29, 2008

UF study: Isthmus of Panama formed as result of plate tectonics

A new University of Florida study reveals that the Isthmus of Panama was formed by a Central American Peninsula colliding with South America, contradicting previous evidence. The research uses geologic, chemical and biologic methods to date rocks and fossils found in the Gaillard Cut of the Panama Canal.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 29, 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.

Energy industry leaders commit $1.6M to UH petroleum program

Two Fortune 500 oil companies, Devon Energy Corp. and Marathon Oil Corp., have pledged major funding to the University of Houston's Cullen College of Engineering. The funds will support a new undergraduate petroleum engineering program with scholarships, textbooks, and state-of-the-art equipment.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateJul 29, 2008

This old healthy house

Researchers found that living in a walkable neighborhood can reduce the risk of obesity by up to six pounds. The study used census data from Salt Lake County and found that neighborhoods built before 1950 were associated with lower BMI values.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJul 29, 2008

New study finds smoking predicts increased stroke risk for your spouse

A new study found that smoking is associated with a higher risk of stroke in spouses, particularly among never-smokers. Quitting smoking eliminates this risk, suggesting the health benefits of cessation extend beyond individual smokers to their partners.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJul 29, 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.

Killer pulses help characterize special surfaces

Scientists at the University of Illinois have devised a method to characterize special surfaces by using a series of killer laser pulses. The technique measures the distribution of site enhancements on the substrate surface, allowing researchers to design better scattering surfaces for sensor applications.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience·DateJul 29, 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.

2 different breast cancer screening strategies are equally effective

A study comparing two breast cancer screening strategies in Norway and Vermont found that both approaches were equally sensitive for detecting cancer, with similar age-adjusted screening detection rates. However, the recall rate for abnormal mammograms was lower in Norway, while the rate of interval cancers was higher in Vermont.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJul 29, 2008

Scientists determine strength of 'liquid smoke'

Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have created a 3D image of the material referred to as 'liquid smoke,' also known as aerogel. The study reveals that the lattice structure within aerogel is weaker than expected, with a blob and beam structure explaining its low density.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 29, 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.

Searching for shut eye: Penn study identifies possible sleep gene

A recent study published in Science has identified a gene that controls sleep in fruit flies, which may help understand the need for sleep and develop new treatments for insomnia. The Sleepless gene affects homeostatic regulation of sleep, and its mutation led to impaired coordination, restlessness, and reduced lifespan.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience·DateJul 29, 2008
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Also in the July 29 JNCI

A new study finds that patient age, predisposition to heart disease, and prior treatments are associated with an individual's risk of developing heart problems following epirubicin treatment. The researchers recommend lowering the cumulative dose recommended for most patients, with maximum doses ranging from 300 mg/m2 to 900 mg/m2.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJul 29, 2008

Cancer research highlights

Medical physicists are developing new imaging technologies to improve breast cancer detection and treatment. Researchers have also identified ways to predict treatment success using oxygen levels within tumors, and are exploring innovative techniques such as modulated electron therapy for shallow tumor treatment.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateJul 29, 2008

Hiring away star performers from competitors? Don't bother, says INFORMS study

A recent INFORMS study suggests that hiring top talent from competitors may not lead to improved performance. Instead, the performance of stars depends on firm-specific human capital and colleague relationships. The study's findings warn managers against expecting significant gains from hiring stars.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalManagement Science·DateJul 29, 2008

Researchers discover cell's 'quality control' mechanism

A team of researchers has discovered the key component of a human cell's quality control mechanism, known as ERdj5, which plays a crucial role in degrading misfolded proteins. This breakthrough has significant implications for developing new treatments for cystic fibrosis and other hereditary diseases.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience·DateJul 29, 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.

August 2008 GEOSPHERE media highlights

This paper describes network analyses capabilities within GIS to describe and quantify shear zone networks. Meanwhile, structural analysis of rockslide avalanches reveals fault structures as fingerprints for motion and emplacement styles.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeosphere·DateJul 29, 2008

Women end up less happy than men

Research by Anke Plagnol and Richard Easterlin reveals women's life satisfaction drops after age 48, with men excelling in family and finances. Women's unfulfilled desires contribute to lower overall happiness.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of Happiness Studies·DateJul 29, 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.

Nanoparticles + light = dead tumor cells

Researchers have developed a novel method to kill tumor cells using nanoparticles and light. The technique employs quantum dots that emit light when exposed to megavoltage x-rays, which triggers the cancer-killing activity of Photofrin. This approach could be more effective in treating deeply seated tumors than current methods.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateJul 29, 2008

Right place and right time can trigger drinking

Researchers found that physical surroundings where alcohol cues are experienced can greatly influence the ability of those cues to trigger relapse. The study suggests that presenting cues repeatedly in multiple distinct contexts without alcohol can diminish their triggering effect.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJul 29, 2008

European birds flock to warming Britain

Researchers found that warmer temperatures are favouring bird species with southern European ranges, such as the Cirl Bunting and Dartford Warbler, which are becoming more common across Britain. In contrast, northern species like the Fieldfare and Redwing are experiencing declining numbers

SourceDurham University·JournalBiology Letters·DateJul 29, 2008
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.