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Science News for October 20, 2008


Study: Voters in battleground states more ambivalent about presidential candidates

A new study suggests that heavy advertising by both Democratic and Republican presidential candidates can make voters in battleground states more confused about which candidate to vote for. Ambivalence levels were higher in states with a high number of ads from both parties, while personal characteristics like education and party ident...

SourceOhio State University·JournalPolitical Psychology·DateOct 20, 2008

Birth control has long-term effect on hormone exposure

Researchers discovered that past oral contraceptive use can reduce estrogen levels for years after treatment is stopped, potentially leading to a reduced risk of ovarian and uterine cancers. The study used cynomolgus monkeys and found significant reductions in estrogen metabolites three years after surgical menopause.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·DateOct 20, 2008

What do Obama and Snapple have in common?

Researcher Patricia Turner finds parallels between Barack Obama's false rumors and those surrounding Snapple in the 1990s. These factors contribute to the spread of unsubstantiated hearsay and popular backlash.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateOct 20, 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.

Heart failure patients have higher risk of fractures

Researchers found that heart failure patients have a fourfold higher risk of fracture and six times the risk of hip fracture compared to other heart patients. Heart failure and osteoporosis share common risk factors such as older age, female sex, smoking, and type-2 diabetes.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateOct 20, 2008

Sandia, SES win Popular Mechanics Breakthrough Innovator Award

A joint Sandia/SES award recognized a solar-to-grid system conversion efficiency record of 31.25 percent, surpassing the existing 1984 record of 29.4 percent. The SES Serial #3 solar dish Stirling system achieved this milestone at Sandia's National Solar Thermal Test facility in January 2008.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·DateOct 20, 2008

Sun-damaged skin responds well to laser treatment

Researchers found that photodynamic therapy, combining a topical photosensitizer and laser treatment, increases collagen levels and produces other skin changes in sun-damaged skin. The treatment may be particularly effective for skin with severe sun damage.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalArchives of Dermatology·DateOct 20, 2008

Johns Hopkins researchers detect sweet cacophony while listening to cellular cross-talk

Researchers have discovered a key role of sugar molecules in regulating cellular processes, potentially leading to new treatments for diseases like diabetes, neurodegeneration, and cancer. The findings suggest that sugar molecules can influence protein function and interactions, providing a new target for manipulation by drugs.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 20, 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.

Scientific hunch poised to save thousands from toxic fish poisoning

Researchers have found a potential treatment for ciguatera poisoning using the compound brevenal, which can block the effect of the toxin on sodium channels. Currently, there are few effective treatments available for acute impact of ciguatera poisoning on humans and marine mammals.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 20, 2008

Engineering nanoparticles for maximum strength

Researchers create hollow spherical nanospheres that can withstand extreme stress and deform without losing strength, approaching the theoretical ideal shear strength. The spheres' geometry is engineered to reduce stresses at specific regions, allowing them to transfer stress more efficiently.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 20, 2008

Chest scans may help monitor spread of head and neck cancer in high-risk patients

A study found that chest computed tomography (CT) can detect disease progression involving the lungs in high-risk patients with head and neck cancer. Indeterminate small solitary pulmonary nodules carry a higher risk of being malignant, highlighting the importance of aggressive evaluation and management.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateOct 20, 2008

Penn State-Drexel team wins visual analytics competition

The Penn State-Drexel team developed and applied a set of geographically-enhanced visual analytics tools to address a homeland security information analysis problem. They successfully integrated raw data, results, and findings from four mini-challenges to identify hidden patterns and insights.

SourcePenn State·DateOct 20, 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.

Study compares results of allergy patch tests between children and adults

A study comparing results of allergy patch tests between children and adults found that both groups reacted to various allergens at approximately the same rate. However, children were more likely to react to nickel, cobalt, thimerosal, and lanolin, while adults were more likely to react to neomycin, fragrance mix, M. pereirae, and quat...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Dermatology·DateOct 20, 2008

Evidence-based drug therapy in acute heart attacks

A study found that heart attack patients treated by less experienced physicians had lower use of evidence-based drug therapies compared to those treated by more experienced cardiologists. The researchers recommend developing new methods to standardize prescribing practices, particularly for long-practicing physicians.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateOct 20, 2008

Ruthenium in a clinch

A new ruthenium catalyst allows for the selective synthesis of primary amines directly from alcohols and ammonia under mild conditions. This process avoids toxic reagents and waste products, making it ecologically and economically beneficial.

SourceWiley·DateOct 20, 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.

INFORMS recognizes Saaty with Impact Prize

Thomas L. Saaty, inventor of AHP, revolutionized decision-making with a breakthrough methodology that's widely used in business and government. His work has had a broad practical impact on operations research and related fields.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·DateOct 20, 2008

Nanoscale coating protect products -- and the economy

Researchers at UWM have developed smart coatings that heal shallow pits and fractures on almost any material, preventing further degradation in various industries. The coatings, created by Dr. Carolyn Aita, adjust to conditions within the human body, preventing implant rejection or failure.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin - Milwaukee·DateOct 20, 2008

'A dinosaur dance floor'

Researchers identified over 1,000 dinosaur tracks at a site in the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, providing evidence of wet intervals during the Early Jurassic Period. The site includes rare tail-drag marks, revealing at least four dinosaur species gathered at the watering hole.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalPalaios·DateOct 20, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Nerve repair, biodetectors, proton therapy, microscopic medical devices

Advances in nerve repair, miniature implantable medical devices and proton therapy were showcased at the AVS 55th International Symposium. Researchers developed new technologies to print cells for artificial organs and created microscopic medical devices that can deliver drugs and monitor health.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateOct 20, 2008

Group bragging betrays insecurity, study shows

Researchers found that groups boasting about their status are actually insecure, while those focusing on individual efforts have high social standing. The study's findings have implications for understanding political rallies and football games.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateOct 20, 2008

Revolutionary operation performed live for heart rhythm congress

A revolutionary heart operation technique using cutting-edge technology will be performed on October 20, demonstrating the University of Leicester's world-class credentials in cardiology. Dr. Andre Ng, a leading expert in catheter ablation procedures, will perform the procedure live at the Heart Rhythm Congress.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·DateOct 20, 2008

How neuronal activity leads to Alzheimer's protein cleavage

Researchers investigate how neuronal activity leads to amyloid precursor protein (APP) cleavage and the formation of fibrous plaques in Alzheimer's disease patients. Treatment with a cdk5 inhibitor reduces APP association with BACE microdomains and cleavage.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateOct 20, 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.

Researchers estimate lives lost due to delay in antiretroviral drug use for HIV/AIDS in South Africa

The study estimates that more than 330,000 lives were lost to HIV/AIDS in South Africa between 2000 and 2005 due to the delay in implementing antiretroviral treatment. The researchers also found that an estimated 35,000 babies were born with HIV during this period due to the lack of a mother-to-child transmission prophylaxis program.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalJAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes·DateOct 20, 2008

Scientists map soils on an extinct American volcano

Researchers conducted a high-resolution soil survey of Capulin Volcano National Monument in New Mexico, collecting over 140 soil samples and creating interpolated maps. The study provided valuable insights into the park's soil characteristics, enabling more effective management of natural resources.

SourceSoil Science Society of America·JournalSoil Survey Horizons·DateOct 20, 2008

T cell response to new melanoma antigen linked to relapse-free survival

A study by French researchers found that infused T cells recognize a new protein called meloe-1, which is highly expressed in melanoma cells but not normal skin cells. Meloe-1-specific T cells were more common among patients who remained relapse-free, suggesting this strategy may improve adoptive immunotherapy efficacy.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateOct 20, 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.

Sandia aids cleanup of Iraqi nuclear facilities, rad waste

Sandia scientists train Iraqi professionals to clean up radioactively contaminated sites and safely dispose of radioactive wastes. The program focuses on characterization, cleanup, dismantling nuclear facilities, waste management, and waste disposal at the Al Tuwaitha nuclear complex.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·DateOct 20, 2008

Increased rate of hemangiomas linked to rise in number of low birth weight infants in US

A study found that low birth weight is a significant risk factor for infantile hemangiomas, with a nine-fold increase for every 1.1-pound decrease in birth weight. The number of low birth weight infants has increased significantly in the US, contributing to an estimated 40% rise in infantile hemangioma incidence over the last 20 years.

SourceMedical College of Wisconsin·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateOct 20, 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.

Is tobacco use a disease?

Researchers propose alternative strategies to combat tobacco use, focusing on vulnerable populations such as homeless individuals, Aboriginal people, and those with mental illness. New approaches aim to better understand the underlying factors hindering population-based interventions.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateOct 20, 2008

'Dry cleaning effect' explained by forgetful Yale researcher

A Yale researcher suggests that a competition between brain areas can explain why people forget tasks, such as dropping off dry cleaning. This 'dry cleaning effect' involves the interaction between the striatum and hippocampus, which may be relevant to understanding mental illnesses like obsessive-compulsive disorder.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 20, 2008

Pesticide concentrations decreasing

A new USGS study published in the Journal of Environmental Quality shows that pesticide contamination in groundwater has decreased over the past decade. Only six compounds were detected in ground water from at least 10 wells during the study period, with concentrations less than 0.12 parts per billion.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateOct 20, 2008

Quality of care indicators for heart attack patients

The updated indicators help measure cardiac care quality and identify areas for improvement. Hospitals with better performance on these indicators have lower mortality rates, potentially saving lives.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateOct 20, 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.

New TB test reveals patients at risk, says study

A new blood test has been shown to identify patients at risk of developing active tuberculosis (TB) with greater precision than the traditional skin test. The ELISpot blood test can pinpoint those who need preventative treatment, reducing unnecessary treatments and associated risks.

SourceImperial College London·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateOct 20, 2008

Study: Wildlife need more complex travel plans

A new UC Davis study found that symmetrical systems of wildlife corridors may do less good for natural communities than designs with randomness or asymmetry built in. This research provides insights for land managers and community planners designing corridors, shedding light on what works and what doesn't.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature·DateOct 20, 2008

MU scientist uses tracer to predict ancient ocean circulation

Researchers measured chemical tracers in ancient fish scales and bones to estimate ancient ocean circulation patterns during greenhouse climates. Their findings contradict previous models, proposing sinking of warm waters and enhanced mixing in the Late Cretaceous North Atlantic Ocean.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalGeology·DateOct 20, 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.

Race and insurance status associated with death from trauma

A study of 429,751 trauma patients found that African American and Hispanic patients had significantly higher death rates compared to white patients. Uninsured patients also had a higher death risk, with mortality rates doubling for African American and Hispanic patients compared to white patients.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Surgery·DateOct 20, 2008

Study: Immigrants close earning gap more slowly than previously thought

A study by University of Illinois economist Darren Lubotsky found that immigrants' earnings growth is slower than expected, with only a 10-15% annual increase over their first 20 years in the US. This challenges widely used census-based projections and highlights the need for more accurate data on immigrant earnings.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Political Economy·DateOct 20, 2008

Orange appeal to clean up dirty water

Researchers in Algeria have discovered that orange peel can effectively remove acidic dyes from industrial effluent, blocking sunlight and harming photosynthesizing plant species. The study found that absorption time depends on dye concentration and temperature, with strong dyes absorbed at up to 70 milligrams per gram of orange peel.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Environment and Pollution·DateOct 20, 2008

Tip sheet for Oct. 21, 2008, issue of Annals of Internal Medicine

The USPSTF recommends primary care interventions to promote breastfeeding, with coordinated interventions increasing initiation, duration, and exclusivity. Breastfeeding has substantial health benefits to babies and their mothers, including reduced infections, allergic skin rashes, and type 2 diabetes.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateOct 20, 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.

Contact lenses are home to pathogenic amoebae

A high percentage of contact lens cases in Tenerife are contaminated with pathogenic Acanthamoeba that cannot be killed by normal contact lens solution. The infection is very painful and can cause blindness. Researchers have found that commercial contact lens solutions do not protect against amoebic keratitis.

SourceMicrobiology Society·JournalJournal of Medical Microbiology·DateOct 20, 2008

Light-activated therapy may change skin at molecular level

A study published in Archives of Dermatology found that light-activated therapy increased levels of Ki67, a protein involved in new skin cell growth, and collagen production. Skin thickness also increased after treatment, suggesting improved appearance.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Dermatology·DateOct 20, 2008

The genetic explanation for moles' poor eyesight

Researchers have discovered primary developmental defects in the lens of moles, leading to a disrupted epithelium and disorganized mass of immature fibre cells. Genetic information reveals abnormal gene expression central to eye development, causing incomplete lens fibre completion.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Biology·DateOct 20, 2008

Tick-borne encephalitis virus reveals its access code

Researchers at Rockefeller University Press identified an amino acid switch that flaviviruses use to gain access to cells. The team discovered that mutating one specific histidine residue can completely abolish fusion ability in tick-borne encephalitis virus, a dangerous human pathogen.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateOct 20, 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.

Hypertension disparity linked to environment

A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that nearly 31% of hypertension disparity among African Americans and non-Hispanic whites is attributable to environmental factors. The researchers suggest that social environment plays a greater role in the disparity.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateOct 20, 2008

Research around the North Pole

The German research vessel Polarstern has completed its Arctic expedition, collecting data on the geology of the Arctic area and the development of ocean currents. Researchers discovered large sliding masses beneath the seafloor, indicating significant sediment relocations in the region.

SourceHelmholtz Association·DateOct 20, 2008

Rare corals breed their way out of trouble

New research suggests rare corals can cross-breed with other species to increase genetic diversity and adapt to changing conditions. This finding has raised hopes for the ability of corals to withstand the impacts of climate change.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 20, 2008

Do cell phones increase brain cancer risk?

Recent studies suggest a possible link between long-term cell phone use and increased risk of brain tumors, prompting a call for collaborative research initiatives. Scientists emphasize the need for definitive evidence to determine the risks associated with electromagnetic field exposure from cell phones.

SourceElsevier·JournalSurgical Neurology·DateOct 20, 2008

New study finds first inhabitants of Caribbean brought drug heirlooms with them

A new study found physical evidence of ancient drug paraphernalia in the Caribbean, dated between 400 and 100 B.C., suggesting that the artifacts were transported to the islands as heirlooms. The research team used luminescence dating to analyze ceramic inhaling bowls, which indicated that they were not made using local materials.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateOct 20, 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.

Asbestos mortality: A Canadian export

Asbestos export continues in Canada, violating its own limitations and the WHO's recommendation to end chrysotile mining. The practice contributes significantly to the global health crisis caused by asbestos-related diseases.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateOct 20, 2008

Cosmic lens reveals distant galactic violence

A team of scientists used a natural cosmic lens to capture an image of a distant galaxy in the early Universe. The image shows a massive reservoir of gas and a supermassive black hole feeding a burst of star formation, indicating that the galaxy has collided with another.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·DateOct 20, 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.

New candidate genes for schizophrenia identified

Researchers have identified three new candidate genes for schizophrenia that may contribute to a better understanding of the disease. These genes are associated with brain function and are present in only 1% of schizophrenia patients, suggesting they play a significant role in its development.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateOct 20, 2008

Can exercise prevent a severe stroke?

A recent study found that physically active individuals before suffering a stroke tend to have less severe problems and recover better compared to those who were inactive. The top 25% of people in the study group were two-and-a-half times more likely to suffer a less severe stroke.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateOct 20, 2008

Study sheds new light on dolphin coordination during predation

Researchers discovered that spinner dolphins engage in a choreographed 'dance' to enclose prey, before darting in organized pairs to feed. The study's findings expand knowledge of spinner dolphin behavior and open new avenues for scientific inquiry into underwater ecosystems.

SourceOregon State University·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateOct 20, 2008

McMaster University unveils world's most advanced microscope

The Titan 80-300 Cubed microscope offers unprecedented resolution, allowing for the identification of atoms and probe electrons at the atomic level. This technology will enable advancements in fields such as materials science, energy production, and pharmaceuticals.

SourceMcMaster University·DateOct 20, 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.

New book provides unique view into jihadist mind

The book, 'In Their Own Words: Voices of Jihad,' provides an unusual window into the thinking of Islamic terrorists. It includes translations of writings and speeches from notable jihadis like Osama bin Laden and Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.

SourceRAND Corporation·DateOct 20, 2008

The nose knows: 2 fixation points needed for face recognition

Researchers studied how our brains process faces and found that looking at the nose is crucial for face recognition. The study showed that making two fixations, rather than one, leads to better performance in recognizing faces.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 20, 2008
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

South Africa in grip of strangulation spate

Researchers found that most cases of strangulation occurred early in the morning, often in homes, and were more common among victims who had consumed excessive alcohol. The study revealed a significant correlation between sexual violence and female strangulation rates in South Africa.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateOct 20, 2008

Education protects against pre-Alzheimer's memory loss

A study published in Neurology found that people with more education and mentally demanding occupations had significantly less brain damage from Alzheimer's disease than those with less education and less demanding jobs. Higher education was associated with a stronger brain reserve, allowing it to compensate for damage and maintain fun...

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateOct 20, 2008

Markers of kidney dysfunction are associated with coronary heart disease

A systematic review and meta-analysis found a strong association between proteinuria and the risk of coronary heart disease. The study suggests that markers of kidney dysfunction may be used as indicators for coronary heart disease risk, highlighting the importance of monitoring kidney function in patients with cardiovascular disease.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateOct 20, 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.

Mercury pollution causes immune damage to harbor seals

Researchers found that methylmercury harms T-lymphocytes, key cells in a seal's immune system, and similar results were also observed in human lymphocytes. The study suggests that mercury pollution may have already taken a toll on harbor seals' ability to fight infections.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalEnvironmental Health·DateOct 20, 2008

Respiratory rhythms can help predict insomnia

A recent study published in Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that respiratory rhythms and cortisol levels can predict chronic insomnia in women with metastatic breast cancer. Breathing exercises such as yoga and meditation may help alleviate sleep disruptions, which are common among cancer patients.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateOct 20, 2008

Blue bananas

Ripe bananas exhibit bright blue luminescence when exposed to UV light, attributed to breakdown products of chlorophyll. The intensity of the glow decreases as ripening progresses.

SourceWiley·DateOct 20, 2008