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Science News for October 15, 2008


Repair in the developing heart

Researchers demonstrate that female mice with damaged heart cells can still fully function at birth thanks to the proliferation of healthy cells. However, some mice develop heart problems later in life, highlighting the need for further investigation into the gene's influence on adult hearts.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateOct 15, 2008

Ghostly glow reveals galaxy clusters in collision

A team of scientists has discovered a new population of colliding galaxy clusters that were previously undetected at shorter wavelengths. The discovery confirms theoretical predictions about particle acceleration through turbulent waves generated by violent collisions.

SourceNaval Research Laboratory·JournalNature·DateOct 15, 2008

Obtaining kidney transplants abroad carries certain medical risks

A study found that US residents traveling abroad for kidney transplants experienced higher rates of acute rejection and severe infections. The study, which included 33 transplant tourists and 66 comparison patients, noted significant differences in infection types and severities.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateOct 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.

People with autism make more rational decisions, study shows

Research funded by the Wellcome Trust found people with autism spectrum disorders tend to be more consistent in their decision-making due to reduced emotional influence. This attention to detail can help them avoid irrational choices but may hinder social interactions that require gut instincts.

SourceWellcome Trust·DateOct 15, 2008

Gold nanostars outshine the competition

Researchers at NIST discovered gold nanostars exhibit superior optical qualities for SERS, outperforming nanorods and nanospheres for enhanced signal detection. The team created gold nanostars using surface alterations and demonstrated their ability to amplify molecular signatures.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalJournal of Raman Spectroscopy·DateOct 15, 2008

VLT and Rossi XTE satellite probe violently variable black holes

Astronomers have found that magnetic fields are essential for black holes to swallow matter. The variations in visible light and X-rays were found to follow a repeated pattern, indicating that strong magnetic fields store energy near the black hole.

SourceESO·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 15, 2008

Research shows a walk in the park improves attention in children with ADHD

Research conducted at the University of Illinois shows that children with ADHD demonstrate greater attention after a 20-minute walk in a park compared to similar walks in downtown or residential areas. The study found that even small doses of nature exposure can improve symptoms, suggesting a potential long-term benefit.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Attention Disorders·DateOct 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.

Alzheimer's disease research attracts first partner

The Australian Imaging, Biomarker and Lifestyle Flagship Study of Ageing (AIBL) has secured a three-year collaboration with Pfizer Australia, valued at over $1.1 million. The partnership aims to identify blood-based biomarkers for early diagnosis and test new disease-modifying therapies.

SourceCSIRO Australia·DateOct 15, 2008

Providing in-state tuition to undocumented immigrants increases college enrollment

A new study found that providing in-state tuition subsidies increased the college enrollment and educational attainment of non-citizen Mexican young adults by 31% and 33%, respectively. This policy change can potentially improve future economic prospects, productivity, and contributions to the U.S. economy for undocumented youth.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Policy Analysis and Management·DateOct 15, 2008

MIT finds young planets stay hotter longer

A new MIT study suggests that young, hot planets like Earth could stay hotter for millions of years, making them detectable by current telescopes. This extended molten surface would increase the brightness of the planet in infrared light, reducing the contrast with its star and allowing for easier detection.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateOct 15, 2008

Bugs in the gut trigger production of important immune cells, NYU study finds

A new NYU study reveals that specific types of bacteria in the intestine trigger the generation of pro-inflammatory immune cells, which could lead to novel treatments for inflammatory bowel disease and other diseases. The finding adds to research showing that gut flora have a significant impact on human health.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateOct 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.

Sensitive laser instrument could aid search for life on Mars

A new study shows that a sensitive laser instrument developed at the Idaho National Laboratory can detect minuscule traces of cells in Martian minerals. The technique uses a 'point-and-shoot' laser method to preserve more of the rock and reduce contamination risk, with high sensitivity crucial for NASA's search for life on Mars.

SourceDOE/Idaho National Laboratory·JournalGeomicrobiology Journal·DateOct 15, 2008

Link possible between pet food contamination and baby formula contamination

A study published in Toxicological Sciences reveals a possible link between pet food contamination and baby formula contamination, with melamine and cyanuric acid identified as key contaminants. The research suggests that acidification of the urine may be a reasonable treatment option for victims.

SourceOxford University Press UK·JournalToxicological Sciences·DateOct 15, 2008

EMBO honors 59 leading life scientists

EMBO has honored 59 leading life scientists from Europe and around the world with membership, including eight Associate Members. This recognition highlights the significant contributions of these researchers to the field of molecular life sciences.

SourceEMBO·DateOct 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.

Study links nicotine with breast cancer growth and spread

A study published in Cancer Research found that nicotine can promote breast tumor growth and metastasis by binding to nicotinic receptors on mammary cells. The researchers also discovered that nicotine potentiates tumorigenesis when combined with other factors.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Research·DateOct 15, 2008

Turtle doves commit adultery

Researchers discovered a hybrid dove species in Uganda with genes from both parental species, showing functional reproduction. The hybrids' coos are effective in attracting females and defending territories, suggesting they may continue to survive and multiply.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateOct 15, 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.

NASA to Web cast IBEX spacecraft launch on Pegasus rocket Oct. 19

The IBEX spacecraft will conduct high-altitude orbits to investigate and capture images of the interstellar boundary, a region where the solar system meets interstellar space. The two-year mission will provide insights into the dynamic interactions between the hot solar wind and cold expanse of space.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 15, 2008

Disease leads to vision loss more often in men

A new study published in Neurology reveals that men with idiopathic intracranial hypertension are two times more likely to experience severe vision problems than women. The research suggests that men with this condition should have closer monitoring of their eyesight and potentially more aggressive treatment when vision loss is detected.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateOct 15, 2008

'Fishapod' reveals origins of head and neck structures of first land animals

Researchers reveal Tiktaalik roseae's internal head skeleton, showing key intermediate steps in the transformation of the skull that accompanied the shift to life on land. The study demonstrates that the gradual transition from aquatic to terrestrial lifestyles required significant changes in the head and neck structures.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalNature·DateOct 15, 2008

New therapy for heart failure

Researchers have created a new therapy for preventing heart failure by developing a highly selective drug that blocks the production of aldosterone. The compounds were synthesized and tested in cell cultures and rat models, showing promising results.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateOct 15, 2008

School voucher adoption affected by political decision-making

A comparative study reveals that school vouchers were more easily adopted in Sweden due to its efficient parliamentary coalition system, whereas the US federal government's divided power hindered adoption. The study shows how political institutions impact policy-making in education reform.

SourceWiley·JournalGovernance·DateOct 15, 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.

Genetic 'fingerprint' shown to predict liver cancer's return

Researchers have identified a genetic signature in normal tissue surrounding liver tumors that can help predict patient recurrence. This finding has the potential to unlock biological information in millions of clinical samples previously inaccessible to genomic study.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 15, 2008

$2 egg-beater could save lives in developing countries

A low-cost egg-beater-based centrifuge can separate plasma from blood in minutes, used to detect deadly infectious diseases common in developing countries. The device requires no training or electricity and can be sterilized with boiling water.

SourceRoyal Society of Chemistry·JournalLab on a Chip·DateOct 15, 2008

Revealing the evolutionary history of threatened sea turtles

A recent study by American Museum of Natural History scientists clarifies the evolutionary relationships among seven sea turtle species. The researchers found that specialized diets arose independently in three distinct groups of sea turtles, with flatback and green turtles being closely related despite their differing diets.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalMolecular Phylogenetics and Evolution·DateOct 15, 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.

Governments urged to fight global child killer

A new report highlights the urgent need to tackle pneumococcal disease, a leading cause of death among children under five. The UK All-Party Parliamentary Group recommends increasing vaccine availability and healthcare system strengthening in developing countries to reduce child mortality rates.

SourceInternational Vaccine Access Center·DateOct 15, 2008

CSIRO to help provide 'live' video of Mars mission

CSIRO research scientist Dr John Bunton is to receive a NASA Space Act Board Award for his work on a novel 'beamformer' capable of providing a live video link from Mars. His design involves dividing video signal data into narrow channels and summing the data from all 400 antennas to reconstruct a broadband signal.

SourceCSIRO Australia·DateOct 15, 2008

Deal or no deal? The role of emotions in negotiating offers

A study published in Psychological Science found that people who rely on their emotions during negotiations tend to make simpler and cleaner offers, but still achieve good outcomes. This suggests that emotional decision making may be both simpler and more lucrative than traditional calculation-based approaches.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 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.

Origin of Alps-size Antarctic mountain range unknown

A U.S.-led team of scientists will use advanced radar and seismic tools to explore the Gamburtsev Mountain range in Antarctica. They hope to determine how this massive mountain range formed, defying geological understanding, and whether it played a role in shaping the East Antarctic Ice Sheet.

SourcePenn State·DateOct 15, 2008

Traumatic aortic injury -- New England Journal of Medicine review

The minimally invasive endograft procedure enables doctors to fix the artery without making an incision, reducing blood loss and recovery time. This innovative approach has evolved treatment options for blunt aortic injury, stabilizing the injured artery and offering a life-saving option for patients with multiple traumatic injuries.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 15, 2008

Association found among severe obstructive apnea, high fat diets, less physical activity in women

A study of 320 participants with severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) found that they consumed a diet higher in unhealthy fats, protein, and cholesterol compared to those with less severe OSA. Women were more affected by these dietary habits, which may contribute to greater cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateOct 15, 2008

Einstein's relativity survives neutrino test

Physicists tested Einstein's prediction that matter and massless particles would behave the same under different conditions. The experiment, led by Indiana University astrophysicist Stuart Mufson, found no evidence of a violation of Lorentz invariance, confirming relativity's validity.

SourceIndiana University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 15, 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.

Missing person

A new computer program, developed by Krisztian Balog, uses digital trails to quickly and accurately identify missing persons within companies and organizations. The program combines generative language models with learning algorithms to recognize people and organizations in texts.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateOct 15, 2008

21st century detective work reveals how ancient rock got off to a hot start

Scientists have solved the debate about the origin of a 3 billion-year-old rock fragment using a new X-ray technique, revealing it formed in the Earth's mantle at high temperatures. This discovery provides clues about the Earth's early history and internal processes, opening up new avenues for research on the planet's evolution.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature·DateOct 15, 2008

Model against unnecessary use of antibiotics

A Bayesian network model developed by Stefan Visscher distinguishes between patients with and without ventilator-associated pneumonia, predicting the probability of pneumonia, causative bacteria, and optimal antibiotics. The model uses electronic patient file data to enhance reliability and supports ICU physicians in making decisions.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateOct 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.

Brain-nourishing molecule may predict schizophrenia relapse

Researchers found that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels can indicate impending relapse in schizophrenia patients. BDNF levels may drop even before symptoms worsen, suggesting a potential biomarker for early intervention and treatment adjustment.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateOct 15, 2008

New recipe for self-healing plastic includes dash of food additive

Scientists at the University of Illinois have developed a novel self-healing system using a non-toxic food additive to restore damaged polymers. The new repair process, which mimics human wound healing, has achieved 100% healing efficiency in tests.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateOct 15, 2008

Estimate soil texture-by-feel

Estimating soil texture-by-feel is an important skill that impacts land-use decisions and various soil properties. The technique allows researchers to provide quick, reliable estimates of soil texture in the field.

SourceSoil Science Society of America·JournalJournal of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Education·DateOct 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.

Facial expressions say more than 1,000 words

A study by Barkhuysen found that auditory and visual cues together are more effective than separate messages in conveying meaning. Facial expressions also play a crucial role in communication, as seen in the case of Margaret Thatcher who gave subtle signals when finishing speaking to avoid interruptions.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateOct 15, 2008

New study reveals details of evolutionary transition from fish to land animals

A new study published in Nature sheds light on the complex changes that occurred during the transition from aquatic to terrestrial lifestyles, including the evolution of limbs and internal head skeleton. The research reveals that Tiktaalik roseae, a transitional fossil, exhibits features of both fish-like and tetrapod characteristics.

SourceAcademy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University·JournalNature·DateOct 15, 2008

2 ears struck off: 12 marks

The study delves into the Old Frisian compensation tariffs, which linked financial compensation to injuries and insults, preventing blood feuds. Nijdam's research reveals a unique body-centred model of honor that emphasizes the interconnectedness of the human body and surroundings.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateOct 15, 2008

Genetic analysis predicts whether liver cancer likely to recur

Researchers used a new technique to study gene expression in stored liver tissue samples, identifying a tell-tale genetic profile that indicates likelihood of recurrence. The analysis revealed a characteristic gene expression signature in 186 genes that reliably correlated with high tumor recurrence rates.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 15, 2008

Gene screen to identify causes of autism

Researchers used a new genetic screening method, MLPA, on children with autism spectrum disorders to identify known genetic causes of cognitive impairment. The study found efficient identification of well-known genetic disorders and novel genetic changes contributing to ASDs, such as microduplications in chromosomes 15 and 22.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medical Genomics·DateOct 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.

Researchers identify promising gene target for neuroblastoma therapy

Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute identified five new mutations in the ALK gene responsible for growth and survival signals in neuroblastoma cells. A small molecule inhibitor, TAE684, halted proliferation and brought on cell death in test cells with these mutations.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalNature·DateOct 15, 2008

Paperwork: Buckypapers clarify electrical, optical behavior of nanotubes

Scientists at NIST made precise measurements of nanotube concentrations for transparent conducting sheets, revealing the importance of uniform length for high-performance films. The study validated one theory, showing that longer nanotubes become electrically conducting at lower concentrations.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 15, 2008

Global warming threatens Australia's iconic kangaroos

A new study predicts that a two-degree temperature increase could shrink kangaroo populations by 48% and lead to their possible extinction in northern Australia. Climate change is likely to affect habitats, particularly water availability, making it harder for kangaroos to adapt.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalPhysiological and Biochemical Zoology·DateOct 15, 2008

More effective treatment identified for common childhood vision disorder

A new study found that office-based vision therapy by a trained therapist, along with at-home reinforcement, is more effective in treating convergence insufficiency (CI) in children than traditional home-based therapy. The treatment resulted in reduced symptoms and improved vision in nearly 75% of participants.

SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalArchives of Ophthalmology·DateOct 15, 2008

Scientists propose the creation of a new type of seed bank

A new type of seed bank is proposed to gather wild species, capturing evolutionary responses to future changes in climate. This approach will allow detection of the results of calamitous changes and testing of evolutionary predictions.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalBioScience·DateOct 15, 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.

NIH funds 2 new biotech centers to develop neuroimaging technology and protein analysis software

The NIH is funding two new Biomedical Technology Research Centers to develop innovative imaging techniques for diagnosing and treating neurodegenerative diseases. The centers will also create cutting-edge software for identifying and analyzing sets of interacting proteins that are important in various diseases, including cancer.

SourceNIH/National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS)·DateOct 15, 2008

2 Alexander von Humboldt professorships go to LMU Munich

LMU Munich has awarded two Alexander von Humboldt professorships to international scientists Ulrike Gaul and Georgi Dvali, both experts in systems biology and cosmological particle research. The awards bring significant funding and attract top talent to the institution.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·DateOct 15, 2008

Another bailout? Government pension insurer could be next, expert says

The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp., which insures pensions of 44 million American workers and retirees, is facing a $14 billion shortfall that could soar as the economy shutters more businesses. Expert Jeffrey R. Brown predicts a government fix similar to the recent Wall Street bailout as the likely solution.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Economic Perspectives·DateOct 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.

Scientists discover quantum mechanical 'hurricanes' form spontaneously

Researchers at the University of Arizona and University of Queensland create a new form of matter called a Bose-Einstein condensate, which can spontaneously spin up into rotating vortices resembling microscopic quantum mechanical hurricanes. This phenomenon occurs when atoms in the gas cool to near absolute zero.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature·DateOct 15, 2008

10 years on, high-school social skills predict better earnings than test scores

A new study by the University of Illinois found that high school students with good social skills, such as conscientiousness and cooperativeness, earn more than those with similar test scores but fewer social skills. The study's findings challenge traditional views on educational attainment and earnings.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalSocial Science Research·DateOct 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.

Introducing a new generation of inventors

The Lemelson-MIT InvenTeam initiative awards grants to 16 US high schools for inventive projects, fostering STEM skills and encouraging real-world problem-solving. This year's projects include alternative energy solutions, assistive technologies, and innovative agricultural systems.

SourceLemelson-MIT Program·DateOct 15, 2008

Scientists close in on method to fight deadly childhood cancer

Researchers at the University of Florida have discovered a way to short-circuit genetic processes that contribute to neuroblastomas. By targeting the ALK gene, they found that certain mutations can be sensitive to a small molecule inhibitor, potentially leading to new drug treatments.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalNature·DateOct 15, 2008