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Science News for October 29, 2008


1,000 tags reveal mysteries of giant bluefin tuna

The study uses electronic tracking to monitor the movements of Atlantic bluefin tuna, revealing new insights into their migratory patterns, physiology, and population structure. The data show that fish from different populations forage together on common grounds before moving to distinct spawning areas.

SourceTag-A-Giant Foundation (The Ocean Foundation)·DateOct 29, 2008

The upside to allergies: cancer prevention

Researchers found that allergy symptoms may protect against cancer by removing foreign particles and substances from organs that come into contact with them. However, the relationship between asthma and lung cancer is a special case where asthma actually increases lung cancer rates.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalThe Quarterly Review of Biology·DateOct 29, 2008

A picture is worth a thousand locksmiths

Computer scientists at UC San Diego have created a software program that can duplicate keys from photographs, highlighting the vulnerability of key-based security systems. The system uses computer vision techniques to extract the numeric code from the key's bumps and valleys, making it possible to create identical copies.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateOct 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.

Candidate markers for gastric cancer

A study published in World Journal of Gastroenterology has identified twenty-three differentially expressed proteins between gastric cancer and normal tissues, serving as potential candidate markers. These biomarkers may aid in early diagnosis, treatment targets, and patient prognosis.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateOct 29, 2008

A glacier's life

Researchers have developed a numerical model to recreate the Rhône Glacier's state in 1874 and predict its future evolution. The model predicts a significant increase in equilibrium line altitude due to climate change, leading to a 50% loss of volume by 2060 and complete disappearance by 2100.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalJournal of Glaciology·DateOct 29, 2008

In first national survey, patients give low scores to hospitals

A national survey found that patients generally satisfied with their care but identified areas for improvement in pain management and discharge instructions. Hospitals with higher nurse-to-patient ratios and more satisfied patients tend to provide better quality care.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 29, 2008

November 2008 Geology and GSA Today media highlights

A new model for Grand Canyon erosion proposes that tectonic uplift drove incision, while opal formation on Mars suggests interaction with water occurred over a longer period. Fossils from the Burgess Shale have preserved soft tissues through mineralization, providing insights into ancient life.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateOct 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.

Gender affects perceptions of infidelity

A new study explores how men and women perceive online and offline sexual and emotional infidelity, finding that men felt sexual infidelity was more upsetting and women felt emotional infidelity was more upsetting. The results also reveal differences in beliefs about sex and love between men and women.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Marital and Family Therapy·DateOct 29, 2008

2 Dutch researchers analyze striking behavior of Web surfers

Researchers Edgar de Graaf and Jeroen De Knijf analyzed patterns in web surfing behavior to reduce the number of results and improve efficiency in data mining. They developed methods to detect relevant patterns quickly and effectively within large quantities of semi-structured data.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateOct 29, 2008

Obesity, other health problems delay MS diagnosis

A study published in Neurology found that people with obesity and pre-existing health conditions may experience a delay in being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, or have more severe symptoms at diagnosis. The study suggests that doctors should carefully consider new neurological symptoms in patients with chronic diseases.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateOct 29, 2008

Researchers find new chemical key that could unlock hundreds of new antibiotics

Scientists at the University of Warwick have found a novel signalling molecule that could stimulate hundreds of new antibiotic pathways in up to 50% of Streptomyces bacteria. The discovery was made using NMR technology and genome mining, and has potential to unlock new antibiotics to combat growing bacterial resistance.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 29, 2008

Ultrasound shown to exert remote control of brain circuits

Neuroscientists at Arizona State University developed pulsed ultrasound techniques to remotely stimulate brain circuit activity, offering insights into noninvasive neurostimulation of brain circuits. The findings provide a new tool for modulating neural circuit activity, potentially treating post-traumatic stress disorders, traumatic b...

SourceArizona State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 29, 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.

A new Eph receptor tyrosine kinase overexpressed in gastric cancer was found

A new Eph receptor tyrosine kinase, EphA4, is overexpressed in gastric cancer and associated with depth of invasion, recurrence, and poor prognosis. The study also found that EphA4 forms a hetero receptor complex with FGFR1, potentiating FGFR-mediated downstream signal transduction.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateOct 29, 2008

Sniffing out a better chemical sensor

Researchers at NIST have developed an electronic nose that can recognize hundreds of chemical compounds with high accuracy and robustness. The device mimics the biological approach used by animals to detect odors, allowing it to generalize knowledge from familiar smells to unknown ones.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateOct 29, 2008

Workplace obesity program shows modest effects after just 1 year

A workplace obesity program implemented at 12 Dow Chemical Company sites showed modest improvements in health risks, including weight management and decreased blood pressure, after one year. The study, led by Emory University public health researcher Ron Goetzel, examined the effects of environmental interventions on employee health.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·DateOct 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.

Predicting boom and bust ecologies

A University of Calgary researcher has uncovered fundamental rules governing population cycles in natural systems, shedding light on the balancing act between stability and dramatic swings. The study reveals how food availability affects juvenile growth in populations, explaining different types of cycles in predator-prey systems.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNature·DateOct 29, 2008

Media coverage affects how people perceive threat of disease: study

A study from McMaster University found that media coverage greatly influences public perception of infectious diseases, making them appear more threatening. Researchers discovered that diseases receiving frequent press attention, like bird flu, are perceived as more serious than those without similar coverage.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 29, 2008

Global methane levels on the rise again

After eight years of near-zero growth, global methane concentrations have resumed their increase, potentially offsetting the slowing growth rate of carbon dioxide. Methane is a key greenhouse gas, accounting for nearly 20% of global warming since the industrial revolution.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateOct 29, 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.

Scientists find evidence of tsunamis on Indian Ocean shores long before 2004

Researchers have uncovered evidence of at least three previous major tsunamis in the Indian Ocean over the past 2,800 years, with the most recent occurring between 550 and 700 years ago. The findings suggest that a region's tsunami history can serve as a long-term warning system, highlighting the importance of tsunami education.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature·DateOct 29, 2008

Grapes may aid a bunch of heart risk factors, animal study finds

A new University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center study suggests that grapes can lower blood pressure and signs of heart muscle damage, and improve heart function in lab rats. The effect is thought to be due to the high level of phytochemicals - naturally occurring antioxidants - found in grapes.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateOct 29, 2008

Researchers find aggressive phototherapy can improve neurodevelopmental outcomes in some preemies

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that aggressive phototherapy reduced the risk of severe neurodevelopmental impairments in premature infants. The treatment, which involves starting phototherapy early and maintaining it until bilirubin levels are low, showed a 14% reduction in impaired outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 29, 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.

Our cheatin' brain: The brain's clever way of showing us the world as a whole

Scientists found that boundary extension, a type of false memory, occurs quickly when visual input is disrupted, suggesting the role of amodal perception and spatial perception in scene perception. The study suggests that errors in boundary judgment may be beneficial for understanding the world as a coherent whole.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 29, 2008

Facing fears early may reduce childhood anxiety

Research at Mayo Clinic suggests that teaching children to face their fears can improve functioning and complete exercises exposing them to their fears earlier than recommended treatment manuals. In contrast, focusing solely on managing anxieties yields less improvement.

SourceMayo Clinic·DateOct 29, 2008

Genetic link to gender identity

Researchers discovered a significant genetic link between male to female transsexuals and a longer version of the androgen receptor (AR) gene, which modifies testosterone action. This study provides evidence for a biological basis of how gender identity develops.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateOct 29, 2008

Well-known drug (AAT) could overcome obstacles to islet transplantation, BGU professor reports

Researchers have discovered that alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT) can eliminate inflammation in diabetic animals after islet transplantation, allowing the transplanted cells to survive and function for over 120 days. This breakthrough could lead to a safer and more effective treatment for type-1 diabetes patients.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 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.

Predatory bacterial swarm uses rippling motion to reach prey

Researchers discovered that Myxococcus xanthus uses a rippling motion to hunt other bacteria, with the pattern adapting to prey density. The study found that individual cells line up and move in an alternating pattern, producing high and low cell density waves.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 29, 2008

Promoting the healing process after a heart attack

Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt aim to improve heart healing after a heart attack by promoting cellular regeneration. Micro-RNAs may hold the key to discovering new inhibitors to regulate protein synthesis and activate stem cells.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·DateOct 29, 2008

Genetic clock makers at UC San Diego publish their 'timepiece' in Nature

Researchers have developed a synthetic biology advance that creates a stable, fast and programmable genetic clock in E. coli cells. The clock's blink rate changes when temperature, energy source or other environmental conditions change, enabling the detection of environmental information.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·DateOct 29, 2008

Vaginal/Caesarean combo delivery of twins safe, UT Southwestern-led research finds

A two-year study led by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that combining a vaginal delivery with a Caesarean section for the second twin is generally safe. The researchers compared over 1,000 women who underwent this procedure and found that it was associated with a slightly higher risk of infection, but this risk was easily treated.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateOct 29, 2008

Households significantly reduce electricity use when prices rise

A study found that households in California reduced their electricity use by 13% when prices rose, but returned to previous levels once prices fell. Public informational campaigns also played a significant role in conserving energy, with households reducing their use by an additional 7%.

SourceWiley·JournalThe RAND Journal of Economics·DateOct 29, 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.

Human diet gives deadly bacteria a target

A potent bacterial toxin targets human cells expressing Neu5Gc, a sugar incorporated from diet, making humans susceptible to disease. Red meat and dairy products are richest dietary sources of Neu5Gc, increasing the risk of E. coli infection.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature·DateOct 29, 2008

Play at your own risk

A new study by Dr. Navah Ratzon found that amateur athletes are at risk of musculoskeletal problems due to the intensity and repetitive movements involved in their sport. To prevent such damage, experts advise incorporating stretching, balancing exercises, and proper rest into daily routines.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalWork·DateOct 29, 2008

If the diabetes has a direct carcinogenetic effect?

A large population-based case-control study found that patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) have a significantly increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), independent of cofactors. The study suggests that DM2 may be a concourse rather than merely a consequence of the liver tumor.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateOct 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.

Methane gas levels begin to increase again

A team of MIT researchers has detected a new surge in methane levels, ending a decade-long period of stability. The increase is attributed to an imbalance between emissions and destruction, with the majority of emissions coming from the Northern Hemisphere.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateOct 29, 2008

Metal hazard from table wines

A meta-analysis found that many wines contain high levels of metal ions, exceeding the safe threshold and posing potential health risks. The study suggests that these metals may contribute to neurological problems, oxidative damage, and chronic inflammatory diseases.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalChemistry Central Journal·DateOct 29, 2008

November-December 2008 GSA Bulletin media highlights

Researchers investigated ancient soils in Big Bend National Park, Texas, and found increased chemical weathering during the initial Eocene thermal maximum. The study suggests that increased humidity and CO2 levels led to hydrolysis reactions, potentially serving as a negative feedback to reduce atmospheric CO2.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeological Society of America Bulletin·DateOct 29, 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.

MU study identifies patient strategies for managing symptoms of lymphedema

Breast cancer survivors with lymphedema often don't treat their symptoms, with 29-65% of patients taking no action. Patients who do manage their symptoms use a mix of recommended techniques, pharmaceutical treatments, and lay therapies. The study aims to address the gap in treatment and develop effective management techniques.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·DateOct 29, 2008

Caltech-led researchers find negative cues from appearance alone matter for real elections

A Caltech-led study found that voters' brain responses to politicians' appearances, particularly negative aspects, play a significant role in determining election outcomes. The research suggests that negative evaluations based on appearance may influence which candidate will lose an election, more so than positive evaluations.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateOct 29, 2008

Eating red meat sets up target for disease-causing bacteria

Researchers found that eating red meat absorbs human cells with non-human molecules, making them a target for disease-causing bacteria. The study emphasizes the need to eat well-cooked or pasteurized dairy products to avoid food poisoning.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·DateOct 29, 2008

New drug target in obesity: Fat cells make lots of melanin

Researchers found that fat cells in obese people produce melanin in excess, which could lead to the development of new treatments for obesity-related metabolic problems. The discovery was confirmed using additional laboratory tests and may provide a safer alternative to weight loss treatments.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateOct 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.

Nanoscale dimensioning is fast, cheap with new NIST optical technique

A new NIST technique uses an optical microscope to quickly analyze nanoscale dimensions with high sensitivity. The 'Through-focus Scanning Optical Microscope' (TSOM) method has potential applications in nanomanufacturing, semiconductor process control, and biotechnology.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalOptics Letters·DateOct 29, 2008

Powered by olive stones? Turning waste stones into fuel

Researchers convert olive stones into bioethanol using low-cost, eco-friendly process. Yields of 5.7kg ethanol per 100kg of olive stones reached in study published in Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology·DateOct 29, 2008

New study indicates that exercise prevents fatty liver disease

A new study found that exercise can prevent fatty liver disease, with obese individuals at high risk. The researchers discovered that a sudden transition to a sedentary lifestyle can lead to symptoms of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateOct 29, 2008

FSU Historian's Arctic research has him sitting on top of the world

A Florida State University researcher is leading an international team to produce a comprehensive history of the Arctic region from the late 19th century to the present. The team, funded by the European Science Foundation, is conducting a comparative international study of Arctic science and its impact on perceptions of the region.

SourceFlorida State University·DateOct 29, 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.

A card-swipe for medical tests

Researchers have developed a prototype card-swipe device that can test for dozens of diseases simultaneously, detecting as few as 800 microscopic particles. The device uses giant magnetoresistance technology, similar to hard drive reads, and could lead to fast and affordable diagnosis in medical settings.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateOct 29, 2008

African-American Canadians who receive kidney transplants fare better than those in US

A study found that African-Americans in Canada have better health outcomes after receiving a kidney transplant compared to their US counterparts. Despite lower access to transplants, African-American Canadians experienced similar kidney survival rates and longer overall survival rates than Caucasians.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateOct 29, 2008