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Science News for May 1, 2008


'Dynamic duo' develops framework for Earth's inaccessible interior

Researchers developed a framework to explain mantle motion, challenging previous assumptions and providing new insights into the Earth's inaccessible interior. The model presents a chemically complex inner Earth, sharply contrasting the previously held paradigm of a well-mixed mantle.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience·DateMay 1, 2008

The IARC candidates exposed!

Seven IARC candidate names are publicly disclosed for the first time, sparking concerns over lack of transparency in the election process. The absence of a Search Committee and Scientific Council raises questions about bias and credibility.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 1, 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.

Discovery has implications for heart disease

A study by University of Iowa researchers reveals a new dimension for a key heart enzyme and sheds light on an important biological pathway involved in cell death in heart disease. The team found that oxidation can sustain the enzyme's activity, which is implicated in arrhythmias, hypertrophy, and heart cell death.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalCell·DateMay 1, 2008

Limitations of charcoal as an effective carbon sink

A new study by Swedish researchers suggests that charcoal may not be as effective at sequestering carbon in soils as previously thought. The study found that adding charcoal to forest soil increased the growth of microorganisms, leading to significant losses of native soil organic matter and carbon.

SourceSwedish University of Agricultural Sciences·JournalScience·DateMay 1, 2008

Oxygen depletion: A new form of ocean habitat loss

A new study confirms that oxygen-poor regions in tropical oceans are expanding, limiting habitats for predatory fishes and other marine organisms. The research team analyzed ocean oxygen measurements and found significant declines in tropical oceans between 300 to 700 meters depth over the past 50 years.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience·DateMay 1, 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.

Princeton University survey finds 'pain gap'

A Princeton University survey found that 28% of Americans experience pain at any given moment, with those with less education and lower income spending more time in pain. The study also showed that pain can be a barrier to socializing, working, and overall well-being.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 1, 2008

JCI online early table of contents: May 1, 2008

Researchers have found that tricyclic antidepressants can restore vagal function and reduce intestinal inflammation in individuals with inflammatory bowel disease, particularly those who are also depressed. Genetic mutations linked to permanent neonatal diabetes mellitus have been identified, and bacteria can blunt the responses of inv...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 1, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The sweet world of soil microbiology

Educators use candy to teach soil microbial diversity, resulting in increased student assessment scores and retained concepts. Students base characterizations on physical appearance of candies, exploring ways microorganisms can be defined.

SourceSoil Science Society of America·JournalJournal of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Education·DateMay 1, 2008

Wakame waste

A new study has found a marine bacterium, AW4, that can accelerate the composting process of polluted seaweed, making it a promising method for disposing of toxic wakame waste in oceans. The discovery could provide an effective means of recycling organic substances and reducing pollution.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Biotechnology·DateMay 1, 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.

Woody and aquatic plants pose greatest invasive threat to China

Woody and aquatic plants pose significant threats to China's ecosystems, with the country at risk of catching up with the US in terms of invasive species. China has fewer invasive woody plants than the US, but the introduction of new species via international trade is expected to increase rapidly.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateMay 1, 2008

Study shows power of police and fire officers as injury-prevention messengers

A new study reveals that police and fire officers who give interviews can significantly improve the media's coverage of risk factors and prevention for injuries, accidents, and fires. The study analyzed thousands of hours of local news broadcasts and found that such stories are more likely to include prevention information.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMay 1, 2008

Largest study to date finds benefits of ICDs in children

A recent study analyzing data from 443 patients who received implants found that ICDs are life-saving, but also deliver more inappropriate shocks to children than adults. Inappropriate shocks can be unpleasant and may be caused by difficulties in differentiating normal increases in heart rate from abnormal rhythms.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMay 1, 2008

FSU geochemist challenges key theory regarding Earth's formation

A Florida State University researcher has challenged the long-held 'late veneer hypothesis' regarding the formation of the Earth. By studying palladium distribution at high pressures and temperatures, Humayun's team found that it can be explained by means other than millions of years of meteorite bombardment.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMay 1, 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.

Study finds TV portrayals of mental health professionals influence willingness to seek therapy

TV portrayals of mental health professionals often depict them as incompetent, untrustworthy, and even buffoons, leading to negative perceptions about seeking psychological services. The study suggests that this can contribute to lower intentions to seek therapy, exacerbating the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

SourceIowa State University·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychology·DateMay 1, 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.

Biomarker predicts malignancy potential of HG-PIN lesions in the prostate

Researchers have found a biomarker that can distinguish between HG-PIN lesions destined to become cancerous and those that will remain benign. The PTOV1 gene marker is linked to prostate cancer development and can help determine which men with HG-PIN are at substantial risk of developing prostate cancer.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateMay 1, 2008

More than a quarter of Americans experience pain

A study published in The Lancet found that nearly 30% of men and women reported feeling some level of pain at sampled times. People with lower incomes or less education spent more time in pain and had higher average pain ratings. Pain also imposes significant costs on the healthcare system, economy, and lost productivity.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 1, 2008

Environmental fate of nanoparticles depends on properties of water carrying them

Research found nanoparticles can adhere tightly to soil particles in salty water but flow easily with stabilizers like natural organic compounds. This affects municipal filtration systems' ability to retain nanoparticles, with up to 77% retained by sand and 8-49% by glass beads.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology Research News·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMay 1, 2008

Biomarker predicts malignancy potential of HG-PIN lesions in the prostate

Researchers found a link between PTOV1 gene expression and prostate cancer development in HG-PIN lesions. The study suggests using the biomarker to determine which men with HG-PIN are at substantial risk of developing prostate cancer, potentially saving up to 40% of unnecessary biopsies.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateMay 1, 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.

Spiraling nanotrees offer new twist on growth of nanowires

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a novel method for growing nanowires using spiral-shaped trees. By manipulating crystal defects, they create long, twisting trunks and spiraling branches. This discovery has significant implications for creating new materials with unique properties.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·DateMay 1, 2008

Sleep duration related to having the metabolic syndrome

A new study published in SLEEP journal found that short and long sleep durations are associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome. Adults who slept less than six hours per night had nearly double the odds of developing metabolic syndrome compared to those who slept between seven and eight hours per night.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalSLEEP·DateMay 1, 2008

High blood pressure still sneaking past doctors, Stanford study shows

Despite widespread awareness of high blood pressure's dangers, a Stanford study found major shortfalls in screening, treatment, and control of the disease even with doctor care. Only 39% of treated patients achieved recommended blood pressure levels, highlighting the need for increased routine screenings and personalized treatment plans.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalHYPERTENSION·DateMay 1, 2008

Go Speed Racer! Revving up the world's fastest nanomotors

Scientists have created a new generation of nanomotors that are up to 10 times more powerful than existing motors, with top speeds reaching 94-200 micrometers per second. The innovation uses carbon nanotubes to boost the speed and efficiency of the motors.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateMay 1, 2008

Birdsongs give insights into learning new behaviors

Young songbirds babble before learning to sing, using two separate brain pathways for learning and production. Disabling these pathways reveals surprising similarities with human learning behaviors.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateMay 1, 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.

Women whistleblowers suffer more discrimination, INFORMS-published study suggests

A new study published in Organization Science finds that women who report organizational wrongdoing experience more severe retaliation and discrimination than their male counterparts. The study examined the impact of factors such as power relationships and support from colleagues on the severity of retaliation.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalOrganization Science·DateMay 1, 2008

Obesity worsens impact of asthma

A new study reveals that obesity can exacerbate asthma symptoms by increasing dynamic hyperinflation, making it harder for individuals to breathe. The research found significant differences in lung function between obese and non-obese asthmatic women, highlighting the need for more targeted treatment approaches.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMay 1, 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.

National Inventors Hall of Fame welcomes 2008 inductees

The National Inventors Hall of Fame welcomes its 36th class of inductees for 2008, recognizing inventors who developed groundbreaking technologies such as Bose audio innovations and wrinkle-free cotton. The induction ceremony honors both living and deceased inventors, showcasing their contributions to society.

SourceNational Inventors Hall of Fame·DateMay 1, 2008

Americans hard to contain on potted plant expenditures

A new study by Dr. Terri Starman found that container gardens can increase in value with educational material, and most people prefer those with complementary color harmony for $25. The research suggests retailers should offer more extensive plant care information to cash in on the trend.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalHortScience·DateMay 1, 2008

Researchers explore altruism's unexpected ally -- selfishness

A new study suggests that selfish individuals have a strategy called 'Selfish Punisher' that exploits altruists and punishes other selfish individuals, making it a successful approach in Darwinian terms. Altruism can evolve by natural selection as long as its collective advantage outweighs its local disadvantage.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 1, 2008

Study raises questions about prostate cancer therapies targeting IGF-1

A new study suggests that therapies inhibiting IGF-1 signaling in prostate cancer may not work as expected in tumors with a compromised p53 gene. The research, conducted by investigators at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, found that eliminating IGF-1R expression led to hyperplastic cell growth and proliferation in mouse prostates.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalCancer Research·DateMay 1, 2008
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Global warming linked to caribou-calf mortality

A study by Eric Post at Penn State has found that global warming is causing trophic mismatch in West Greenland's caribou population, where plant growth is advancing ahead of animal births. This phenomenon, linked to climate change, may hinder the species' ability to adapt and persist.

SourcePenn State·DateMay 1, 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.

NICE and its decision not to approve rheumatoid arthritis drug abatacept

The UK's NICE rejected abatacept for treating rheumatoid arthritis due to its estimated cost-effectiveness ratio. Despite being one of the most effective treatments, it was deemed too expensive for the NHS. The decision has raised concerns about balancing clinical efficacy with resource constraints.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 1, 2008

Searching the heavens

The Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope (GLAST) will study the gamma-ray sky in unprecedented detail, revealing extreme astrophysical processes like pulsars and supermassive black holes. The mission aims to comprehend the origin and distribution of dark matter.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalPhysics World·DateMay 1, 2008

In a global economy, trust is a critical commodity

A University of Missouri study found that organizational trust is key to successful joint business ventures. Researchers studied 114 international collaborations and found that trust at three levels: inter-organizational, internal reliance, and among collaborative individuals, was crucial for success.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateMay 1, 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.

Haunted by hallucinations: Children in the PICU traumatized by delusions

A new study finds nearly one-third of children in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) experience hallucinations or delusions, which are associated with higher risk of post-traumatic stress symptoms. The study suggests that sedation and physical environment may play a role in reducing these symptoms.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMay 1, 2008

A consistent, worldwide association between short sleep duration and obesity

A recent study published in the SLEEP journal found a consistent global link between short sleep duration and increased risk of obesity. The research analyzed data from over 630,000 participants across 29 countries, revealing that both children and adults who slept less than average had a higher likelihood of being obese.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalSLEEP·DateMay 1, 2008

May 2008 Ophthalmology highlights

Two studies shed new light on eye health issues: the role of antioxidant supplements in preventing cataract development and their relationship to mortality. Glaucoma research also explores the link between cerebrospinal fluid pressure and optic nerve damage, revealing a potential contributor to glaucoma's progression.

SourceAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology·JournalOphthalmology·DateMay 1, 2008

4 out of 5 high blood pressure related deaths occur in developing world

A study published in The Lancet finds that 4 out of 5 high blood pressure-related deaths occur in the developing world. The research estimates a worldwide burden of disease attributable to hypertension, with 7.6 million premature deaths and 92 million disability-adjusted life years attributed to HBP.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 1, 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.

Carnegie Mellon technique accelerates biological image analysis

A new technique from Carnegie Mellon University speeds up critical steps in automated biological screening methods, improving accuracy and reducing time requirements. The method also enhances the efficiency of the belief propagation algorithm, applicable to fields beyond biology.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalJournal of Machine Learning Research·DateMay 1, 2008

Trends in heart mortality reversing in younger women

A recent study found that coronary heart disease mortality rates among younger women under 50 are increasing despite overall declines since the 20th century. Factors such as high levels of smoking, obesity, and a lack of exercise may be contributing to this trend.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateMay 1, 2008

Link between sleep fragmentation and daytime napping in older adults

A study found that older adults with higher levels of nighttime fragmentation, respiratory symptoms, diabetes, and pain were more likely to nap. Naps can be a reflection of needed sleep, suggesting that health problems may be contributing to disrupted nighttime sleep.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalSLEEP·DateMay 1, 2008

Would tricyclic antidepressants help those with inflammatory bowel disease?

Research suggests tricyclic antidepressant desmethylimipramine can restore vagal function and reduce intestinal inflammation in individuals with inflammatory bowel disease and depression. Decreased vagal signaling and increased macrophage presence in the intestine are key factors in increasing susceptibility to intestinal inflammation.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 1, 2008

Early treatment of stomach infection may prevent cancer

Researchers found that prompt antibiotic treatment of H. pylori infections can reverse damage to the stomach lining and prevent gastric cancer. Treating mice with antibiotics at an early point of infection delayed the development of severe lesions that can lead to cancer.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Research·DateMay 1, 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.

Stanford researchers synthesize compound to flush HIV out of hiding

Researchers at Stanford University have synthesized a compound that can be tailored to flush HIV out of hiding and into the crosshairs for targeted destruction. By synthesizing prostratin and DPP, two compounds found in plants, scientists can now tackle the virus more effectively.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience·DateMay 1, 2008

Genetic breakthrough explains dangerously high blood glucose levels

A genetic breakthrough explains dangerously high blood glucose levels in healthy individuals by identifying a DNA sequence that controls variability. This discovery holds out hope for 'personalized medicine' and may lead to customized treatment based on an individual's unique genetic structure.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience·DateMay 1, 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.

Immunotherapy for peanut allergy should be available in 5 years

Researchers believe immunotherapy could curb the immune response and induce tolerance to peanut allergens, potentially reducing severe reactions. In the next five years, some form of immunotherapy is expected to be available for individuals with peanut allergy.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 1, 2008