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Science News for August 4, 2009


The way you eat may affect your risk for breast cancer

Researchers found that intermittent calorie restriction provided greater protection from mammary tumor development, even with a lower degree of calorie restriction. The study suggests that altering hormone levels, such as insulin and IGF-1, may play a key role in cancer prevention.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Prevention Research·DateAug 4, 2009

Emergency physician judgment on chest pain patients syncs with their outcomes

A study led by Abhinav Chandra found that emergency physicians' estimates of risk for chest pain patients correlate with actual outcomes. The researchers suggest trusting the physician's gut instinct and counseling against discharge when strongly advised, even without compelling data.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateAug 4, 2009
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.

Are kids today truly more autonomous?

A recent study analyzing childrearing advice in popular US magazine Parents found a historical trade-off between children's autonomy in private spaces at home and public spaces outside the home. While children have gained more autonomy in self-expression, they have lost substantial freedom of movement and delayed responsibilities.

SourceSpringer·JournalQualitative Sociology·DateAug 4, 2009

Sustainable agriculture at the ESA Annual Meeting

Perennial crops offer a solution to unsustainable agricultural systems by producing more, requiring less input, and maintaining soil health. Increasing landscape diversity can also boost populations of pests' natural enemies, reducing the need for pesticides.

SourceEcological Society of America·DateAug 4, 2009

Looking at language

A study published in Cortex found that Parkinson's patients struggle with grammatically complex sentences due to degeneration of dopamine-secreting neurons. Eye-tracking data revealed slower response times when processing relative clauses, but not at the end of sentences.

SourceElsevier·JournalCortex·DateAug 4, 2009

Link uncovered between viral RNA and human immune response

Researchers uncover how certain types of viral RNA pairs trigger an enzyme called protein kinase R (PKR) to inhibit viral production. PKR recognizes double-stranded RNAs and stops protein synthesis in infected cells, ultimately causing cell death.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Molecular Biology·DateAug 4, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Neuropathic pain: The sea provides a new hope of relief

A newly discovered compound from a soft coral may hold the key to developing effective treatments for neuropathic pain. The research suggests that inflammation in the nervous system is a major factor in this condition, and the compound has been shown to reduce pain-related activities in isolated microglia and experimental rats.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Pharmacology·DateAug 4, 2009
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.

Goddard-led GEMS mission to explore the polarized universe

The Gravity and Extreme Magnetism Small Explorer (GEMS) mission, led by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, will measure cosmic X-ray polarization. It aims to detect dozens of sources and provide insights into extreme environments, such as black holes and supernova remnants.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 4, 2009

Earth's biogeochemical cycles, once in concert, falling out of sync

Scientists are presenting research on coupled biogeochemical cycles, which study the interactions between Earth's biology, chemistry, and geology. The study highlights the importance of understanding these interconnected processes in addressing human impacts such as global warming and acid rain.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateAug 4, 2009

LSTM leads project to develop HIV/AIDS strategy for Libya

A €1 million grant from the European Commission will support LSTM in developing a national HIV strategy and programme of support for Libya. The project aims to address Libya's priority issues for HIV prevention and care by analyzing data and drawing evidence-based conclusions.

SourceLiverpool School of Tropical Medicine·DateAug 4, 2009
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.

Genetic risk, not anesthesia exposure, impacts cognitive performance

A study of over 2,000 identical twins found that early-life medical problems are associated with an individual's risk for developing learning disabilities, rather than anesthesia exposure. The research suggests that screening for learning problems should take place before surgery.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalTwin Research and Human Genetics·DateAug 4, 2009

Your tools are as good as you think they are

A Tel Aviv University study found that employees' faith in their tools significantly outperforms on exams by about five points. The study suggests that managers can strengthen workers' belief in the utility of their tools to promote successful performance.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal of Management·DateAug 4, 2009

Texas researchers tackle influenza by studying human behavior

Researchers from Texas are creating complex models to simulate the spread of diseases by studying human behavior. The group aims to design effective public health policies that not only utilize resources but also influence individual decision-making to prevent disease transmission.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·DateAug 4, 2009

Pilot study: Workplace yoga and meditation can lower feelings of stress

A pilot study at Ohio State University found that 20 minutes of guided workplace meditation and yoga, combined with six weekly group sessions, can lower feelings of stress by more than 10 percent and improve sleep quality. The intervention increased mindful attention awareness and reduced perceived stress in participants.

SourceOhio State University·JournalHealth Education & Behavior·DateAug 4, 2009
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Brain difference in psychopaths identified

Researchers at King's College London discovered a significant reduction in the integrity of a key brain tract associated with emotions and decision-making in individuals with psychopathy. The findings suggest that biological differences in the brain may underpin psychopathic behavior.

SourceKing's College London·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateAug 4, 2009

$7M grant establishes new UIC center to eliminate health disparities

The new UIC Center of Excellence in Eliminating Health Disparities aims to reduce health disparities in Chicago by conducting research, education, policy changes, and community partnerships. Researchers will focus on prostate and colorectal cancer, as well as breast cancer initiatives.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·DateAug 4, 2009

Bone's material flaws lead to disease

A genetic mutation in a single amino acid causes defective collagen molecules to repel each other, leading to brittle bones and tissue failure. This study uses molecular-based multi-scale analysis to understand the impact of material properties on human disease.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateAug 4, 2009

Older adults subjected to abuse or self-neglect at greater risk of mortality

A recent study published in JAMA found that older adults who experience abuse or self-neglect are at a higher risk of premature death from all causes and heart disease. The study highlights the dire health consequences for these vulnerable individuals, emphasizing the need for early identification and reporting of suspected cases.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalJAMA·DateAug 4, 2009
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.

Perceiving touch and your self outside of your body

A study published in PLOS ONE found that sensations of touch can be felt and mislocalized towards where a virtual body is seen, altering the mapping of touch sensations in space. This research demonstrates the crucial role of brain mechanisms in multisensory processing for conscious experience.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 4, 2009

Scientists isolate protein that may be 'boon' to medicine

Researchers have isolated a unique protein that affects both gene expression and protein transport, which may lead to new medicine treatments. The findings could provide insights into various biological processes, including cell movement and neural networking.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateAug 4, 2009

Extreme BMI cause for concern in liver transplantation

Patients with BMI under 18.5 kg/m2 had higher retransplantation rates due to graft failure, and were more likely to die from hemorrhagic complications or cerebrovascular accidents. Patients with BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2 experienced higher death rates due to infectious complications and cancer.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateAug 4, 2009

Silenced genes as a warning sign of blood cancer

Researchers discovered epigenetic changes in mice with chronic lymphocytic leukemia that occur before disease symptoms appear. These findings suggest an early methylation test could predict cancer development and delay its onset.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 4, 2009
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.

August 2009 Geosphere highlights

Researchers investigate strange river behavior in Arizona, attributing it to ancient tectonic extension. In another paper, scientists study active low-angle normal faults in Mexico, resolving a long-standing controversy on their existence.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeosphere·DateAug 4, 2009

Lead-based consumer paint remains a global public health threat

A new study found that 73% of consumer paint brands from 12 countries exceeded the US standard of 600 ppm for lead in paint, while 69% had levels over 10,000 ppm. The researchers call for a global ban on lead-based paint to protect over three billion people worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateAug 4, 2009

Pitt researchers find promising candidate protein for cancer prevention vaccines

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have discovered a protein called cyclin B1 that is made in excess levels in many cancers. A vaccine targeting this protein may prevent malignancies in high-risk individuals, with promising results in mice vaccinated against it. The study's findings suggest that natural immu...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 4, 2009

Do promises matter to employees? Not as much as we once thought

A new study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that employee emotional reactions and intentions are more influenced by actual benefits and opportunities than promised ones. Organizations should focus on delivering valuable rewards rather than investing time in making promises.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateAug 4, 2009
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Sociologists debate: Are Americans really isolated?

A widely publicized analysis found a near tripling in reports of Americans' social isolation between 1985 and 2004. However, sociologist Claude S. Fischer questions the findings, citing anomalies in the data and contrary results from other studies. Researchers defending their work argue that Fischer's proposed artifact is not credible ...

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateAug 4, 2009

Finding key to cancer drug Gleevec's limitations

A study developed an animal model revealing why imatinib (Gleevec) helps patients with chronic myeloid leukemia survive longer but not prevent disease recurrence. Researchers are now testing combinations of imatinib and other drugs to enhance its power.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCancer Cell·DateAug 4, 2009

Research findings contradict myth of high engineering dropout rate

Engineering programs retain students equally to other majors, and women are just as likely to stick around as their male counterparts. However, a narrow path exists for students to migrate into engineering from other majors, highlighting the need for institutions to adopt universal prerequisites.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Women and Minorities in Science and Engineering·DateAug 4, 2009
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.

Plastics that convert light to electricity could have a big impact

Researchers have developed organic solar cells that can be produced easily and inexpensively as thin films, with the potential to generate electricity from sunlight. By understanding the structure of tiny bubbles and channels inside plastic solar cells, scientists hope to increase efficiency and make them more cost-effective.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNano Letters·DateAug 4, 2009

Autism study finds visual processing 'hinders ability' to read body language

Research at Durham University suggests that people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) struggle to identify emotions from short video clips of body movements without seeing faces or hearing sound. Adults with ASD performed poorly in a test detecting the direction of coherent movement on a screen, attributed to visual processing problems.

SourceDurham University·JournalNeuropsychologia·DateAug 4, 2009

Holding breath for several minutes elevates marker for brain damage

A study has found that divers who hold their breath for several minutes have elevated levels of the protein S100B, which can signal brain damage. However, these levels are temporary and it remains unclear whether prolonged apnea can cause long-term brain damage.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateAug 4, 2009
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.

Hip and back fractures increase mortality rates in people older than 50

A new study published in CMAJ found that hip and back fractures in people aged 50 and older significantly increase mortality rates. Approximately 25% of individuals who develop a hip fracture and 16% who develop a spine fracture will die within 5 years.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateAug 4, 2009

New index offers first science-based definition of nutrient density

A new index, Nutrient-Rich Foods Index (NRF), provides a scientifically-backed measure of nutrient quality in foods and beverages. This approach aims to empower individuals to make informed choices and build a healthier diet by focusing on nutrient-dense options.

SourceEdelman Public Relations, New York·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateAug 4, 2009

The popular insect repellent deet is neurotoxic

Researchers investigated deet's mode of action and toxicity, finding it inhibits the activity of a key central nervous system enzyme, acetycholinesterase, in both insects and mammals. This discovery questions the safety of deet, particularly when used with other chemicals.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Biology·DateAug 4, 2009
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Hip and back fractures increase mortality rates in older adults

A recent study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that approximately 25% of men and women who develop hip fractures will die within five years, as well as 16% of those with spine fractures. The study also highlights the importance of fall prevention strategies, osteoporosis medications, and rehabilitation to re...

SourceMcMaster University·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateAug 4, 2009

UC Riverside releases new citrus variety

The University of California, Riverside has released a new mandarin citrus variety called DaisySL, which is sweet to eat and bears very few seeds. Developed by Mikeal Roose and Timothy Williams, the fruit is finely textured and juicy with a rich flavor, making it a promising addition to commercial production.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateAug 4, 2009

Animal and plant communication at the ESA Annual Meeting

Studies reveal that certain insects can mimic the scent of ants to avoid detection, while pitcher plants' bright colors do not attract prey. Specialists caterpillars also outperform generalists in avoiding predators due to better adaptation to their host plant resources.

SourceEcological Society of America·DateAug 4, 2009