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Science News for September 30, 2008


Canada's shores saved animals from devastating climate change

Researchers solved part of the mystery of where marine organisms recovered after the Permian-Triassic extinction event. The shorelines of ancient Alberta and British Columbia provided a refuge for these organisms, indicating locally well-oxygenated conditions in an ocean otherwise characterized by widespread anoxia.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalGeology·DateSep 30, 2008

Gender is a relative term in politics, MU study finds

A University of Missouri study found that female and male candidates adapt to each other's traditional communication styles when debating head-to-head. Female candidates were more likely to use 'masculine' traits and issue personal attacks, while males adopted 'feminine' strategies and addressed women's issues.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalCommunication Studies·DateSep 30, 2008

An accurate picture of ice loss in Greenland

Researchers from TU Delft and CSR have developed a method to create an accurate picture of Greenland's ice loss, revealing a half-millimeter-rise in global sea levels per year. The study also shows that the ice loss is advancing towards the North of Greenland, particularly on the west coast.

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 30, 2008

CU-Boulder space scientists set for second spacecraft flyby of Mercury

MESSENGER spacecraft will make its second flyby of Mercury on Oct. 6, providing a region unseen before by spacecraft and revealing details about the planet's atmosphere and surface. The mission aims to gather data and images from Mercury for about 90 minutes, including observations in the far ultraviolet portion of the light spectrum.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·DateSep 30, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Treatment window expanded

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that patients can still benefit from dissolving blood clots in the brain up to 4.5 hours after a stroke. The study, known as ECASS 3, involved 826 patients who received either the thrombolytic drug alteplase or a placebo, with better response rates and no increased mort...

SourceHeidelberg University Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 30, 2008

Direct recording shows brain signal persists even in dreamless sleep

Researchers have discovered a persistent brain signal that never switches off, suggesting its role in supporting cognitive functions and maintaining the brain's structure. This low-frequency signal is thought to be more fundamental than previously identified gamma frequency activity.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 30, 2008

When cells go bad

Researchers found that when a single telomere is lost, it can cause many abnormalities in a cell's chromosomes, leading to cancer. A new treatment route for cancer may be possible by interfering with the process of adding new telomeres.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalGenetics·DateSep 30, 2008

When particles are so small that they seep right through skin

Researchers have found that nanoparticles can pass through human skin, especially when damaged, raising concerns about their safety. The study, led by Dr. Lisa DeLouise, used mice as a model and showed that nanoparticles accumulate in skin folds and around hair follicles.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalNano Letters·DateSep 30, 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.

Captain Birdseye's robotic nose

Researchers from Matis-Icelandic Food Research developed a PCR-based technique to detect bacteria causing stinky fish smell in just five hours, four times faster than traditional methods. This innovation enables the fish industry to monitor contamination by spoilage bacteria more efficiently.

SourceRoyal Society of Chemistry·JournalJournal of Environmental Monitoring·DateSep 30, 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 shows 3 genes associated with increased risk of gout

A study found three genes associated with an increased risk of gout, enabling the development of a genetic risk score that can predict those at highest risk. This score could facilitate early and targeted treatments, improving outcomes for individuals affected by gout.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 30, 2008

Caltech scientists find cells coordinate gene activity with FM bursts

Researchers found that cells tune gene expression using discrete bursts of activation, proportional to the frequency of nuclear localization pulses. This 'bang bang' regulation controls gene expression, with genes affected in proportion to the number or frequency of these jumps.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateSep 30, 2008

Eureka! How distractions facilitate creative problem-solving

New research finds that distractions can aid in solving complex problems through unconscious thought, but conscious thought is necessary for applying solutions. In contrast, easier problems may require focused attention to find the solution.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateSep 30, 2008

Researchers create first model for retina receptors

Scientists have created the first genetic research model for a microscopic part of the eye that causes blindness. The new model aims to test drug compounds and therapeutic agents to prolong the life of receptor cells and delay or prevent blindness.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateSep 30, 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.

Walking forum report shows need to expand physical activity in schools

The University of Illinois report 'We Move the Kids' recommends integrating physical activity throughout the curriculum, beyond traditional P.E. classes, to promote healthy habits and combat obesity. Experts suggest innovative strategies like pedometer tracking, rewards, and goal-setting to encourage kids to be physically active.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateSep 30, 2008

The green Sahara, a desert in bloom

Researchers discovered three periods of high vegetation cover in the Sahara Desert over the past 120,000 years, tied to changes in Earth's rotation axis and increased precipitation. Computer model simulations support these findings, suggesting a potential expansion of vegetation in the region under human-driven climate change.

SourceKiel University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateSep 30, 2008

MRI spots DCIS in mice

Researchers developed a new MRI technique that can detect tiny breast cancers, including ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), in mice. The method has shown promising results in detecting small tumors less than 300 microns in diameter and distended milk ducts with cancer.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalPhysics in Medicine and Biology·DateSep 30, 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.

Don't ask, don't tell doesn't work in prenatal care

A new study found that obstetrical care providers are not comfortable discussing substance abuse with pregnant patients unless specifically asked. The researchers call for providers to learn about drug and alcohol cessation programs and ask questions to engage women in discussions about risks. This could lead to better health outcomes ...

SourceIndiana University·JournalPatient Education and Counseling·DateSep 30, 2008

Study finds young children can develop full-blown OCD

A new study by Lifespan researchers found that young children as young as four can develop full-blown obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and exhibit similar characteristics to older kids. The study, published in the Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment, analyzed 58 children with OCD between the ages of four and eight.

SourceLifespan·JournalJournal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment·DateSep 30, 2008

Smoking increases depression in women, Australian study reveals

A new study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry reveals that women who smoke are at greater risk of developing major depressive disorder. Smoking was found to more than double the likelihood of developing depression for heavy smokers compared to non-smokers.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·DateSep 30, 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.

Mass extinctions and the evolution of dinosaurs

Dinosaurs survived two mass extinctions before evolving into diverse species, taking up to 50 million years to dominate ecosystems. The research challenges the traditional view of rapid expansion and diversification.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalBiology Letters·DateSep 30, 2008

New genes linked to gout

Researchers identified two new genes and confirmed a third's role in increased uric acid levels, associated with up to 40-fold gout risk. Genetic testing may one day identify individuals at risk before symptoms develop.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 30, 2008

Algal biomonitor

A DNA test can detect harmful algal blooms across the globe, reducing economic impact on fisheries, recreational activities, and aquaculture sites. Factors such as climate change and pollution contribute to algal bloom occurrences.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Environment and Pollution·DateSep 30, 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.

A new 10-year vision for glaucoma

The article discusses a global summit of leading glaucoma specialists who gathered to discuss key needs and opportunities in advancing therapies for patients. The summit highlighted the need to advance beyond traditional IOP-lowering therapies and explore new approaches, including innovative drug delivery systems and novel biomarkers.

SourceResolute Communications·DateSep 30, 2008

Ecologists allay fears for farmland birds from wind turbines

A new study found that wind turbines do not significantly affect the distribution of seed-eating birds and corvids. However, common pheasants were the only species whose distribution was impacted by the turbines. This research is crucial for reconciling EU energy targets with biodiversity conservation efforts.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateSep 30, 2008

NCI renews M. D. Anderson core grant; peers bestow outstanding rating

The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center has received a $52.7 million Cancer Center Support Grant from the NCI for five years, supporting 19 specific research programs and 24 shared-resource services. This renewal is part of two steps toward maintaining its comprehensive cancer center designation.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·DateSep 30, 2008

Most adults under 50 unlikely need colorectal screening

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center found that young adults without family history of bowel disease have few pre-cancerous polyps. Screening guidelines recommend colonoscopies starting at age 50, but the study suggests African Americans should consider colonoscopy over sigmoidoscopy.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateSep 30, 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.

Glanceable dashboard takes a measure of physician communication

A new touch-screen kiosk lets patients quickly answer questions about their physician encounter, displaying a colorful measure on a monitor. The study collects data for eight weeks in primary care practice sites, aiming to determine if physicians will change their behavior to get more positive feedback from patients.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateSep 30, 2008

Possible cause of antisocial behavior identified

A study by the University of Cambridge found a link between lower cortisol levels and antisocial behavior in male adolescents. The research suggests that antisocial behavior may be linked to physiological symptoms, including a chemical imbalance of cortisol in the brain and body.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateSep 30, 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.

Extra copies of EGFR gene signal poor prognosis for vulvar cancer

A study from Massachusetts General Hospital found that women with vulvar carcinoma and extra copies of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene are at increased risk of dying from their cancer. EGFR amplification is associated with poor survival rates, making targeted therapies a promising treatment option.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalGynecologic Oncology·DateSep 30, 2008

Colon cancer link to obesity uncovered

A new JAMA study reveals a genetic link between obesity and colon cancer risk, showing those with a common genetic variant of ADIPOQ carry up to 30% reduced risk. This finding may lead to improved screening and early detection for colon cancer through lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalJAMA·DateSep 30, 2008

Society's lack of food allergies impacts those afflicted with food allergies

Parents of children with food allergies experience high levels of anxiety and daily challenges due to lack of understanding from the general public and physicians. The study aims to increase knowledge among key groups to improve health and lives of children and families affected by food allergies.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·DateSep 30, 2008

Immigrant children from poor countries academically outperform those from developed countries

Research by Mark Levels and colleagues reveals that economic development in an immigrant's home country positively impacts their child's academic success. Immigrant children from small communities or politically unstable countries face educational disadvantage, emphasizing the need for targeted programs to support their potential.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateSep 30, 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.

Birth size is a marker of susceptibility to breast cancer later in life

A study found that birth weight is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer later in life, particularly among women living in developed countries. The analysis of over 600,000 women revealed a 7% increase in risk for every 0.5 kg increment in birth weight.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 30, 2008

Psychologists show experience may be the best teacher for infants

Researchers at the University of Washington found that 10-month-old infants who used a plastic cane to retrieve a toy were better able to understand another person's goal than those who only watched. The study suggests that active, hands-on experience is more effective for learning than observation.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateSep 30, 2008