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Science News for July 2, 2009


Mexican wives' mental health dives when husbands work in US

A recent study of Mexican women's mental health found that those whose husbands work in the US experience a significant decline in well-being. The research, published in Health Care for Women International, compared the mental health of 47 'sending' and 47 'non-sending' wives.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalHealth Care For Women International·DateJul 2, 2009

New type of El Nino could mean more hurricanes make landfall

A new study suggests that a changing form of El Niño could result in a greater number of hurricanes forming in the Atlantic Ocean. This 'El Niño Modoki' type forms in the Central Pacific, leading to increased storm frequency and potential for landfall along the Gulf coast and Central America.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateJul 2, 2009

Ferns took to the trees and thrived

Researchers at Duke University found that ferns diversified significantly during the Cretaceous period, when flowering plants dominated plant communities. Ferns adapted by developing the ability to live on light with a red spectrum and becoming epiphytes, thriving in tree canopies.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 2, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A rush of blood to the head -- anger increases blood flow

A study found that mental stress causes vasodilation in healthy subjects, resulting in a net increase in brain blood flow. However, individuals with high blood pressure showed no vasodilation or change in brain blood flow under similar conditions.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalCardiovascular Ultrasound·DateJul 2, 2009

A question of height

By analyzing the factors behind the Large Blue's extinction and success, researchers propose using modified countryside management techniques to mitigate climate change. These methods can include letting grass grow longer to maintain soil temperature, providing a breathing space for threatened species to adapt or migrate.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalScience·DateJul 2, 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.

The problem with self-help books: Study shows the negative side to positive self-statements

A recent study in Psychological Science found that repeating positive self-statements can have the opposite effect on individuals with low self-esteem. Those with high self-esteem experienced slight improvements, while those with low self-esteem felt worse about themselves. The researchers suggest that unreasonably positive self-statem...

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 2, 2009

Research reveals what drives lung cancer's spread

Lung cancer's rapid spread is linked to a hyperactive WNT cell-signaling pathway, enabling aggressive tumor growth and poor clinical outcomes. The study identifies two genes activated by WNT that enhance invasion and reinitiation of tumor growth in other organs.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalCell·DateJul 2, 2009

Mars data published in Science this week

The Phoenix Mars Mission provided new details about Mars' water history, including patterns in the ground near the landing site and surprising findings of perchlorate. Researchers discovered ice at varying depths and observed daily weather changes, revealing clues to Martian soil chemistry.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalScience·DateJul 2, 2009

Rampant helper syndrome

Researchers have discovered that the methane-producing molecule deazaflavin is also involved in DNA repair processes in eukaryotes. The discovery challenges the long-held assumption that deazaflavin is unique to methanogenic bacteria, and has significant implications for our understanding of cellular metabolism and DNA repair.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 2, 2009
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.

AGU journal highlights -- July 2, 2009

Climate model simulations suggest the Toba supervolcano's eruption caused a decade of severe volcanic winters, with devastating consequences for humanity and ecosystems. The study also analyzed fault movement during the Wenchuan earthquake, finding that simultaneous ruptures of two faults contributed to the disaster. Additionally, scie...

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 2, 2009

UT scientist receives hemophilia research award

Dr. Keri Smith has received a Career Development Award from the National Hemophilia Foundation to develop a therapy for people with Hemophilia A. Her approach involves altering chemical signals produced by T cells that trigger immune responses, making individuals more receptive to replacement Factor VIII.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·DateJul 2, 2009

Sexist jokes favor the mental mechanisms that justify violence against women

A recent study from the University of Granada found that sexist jokes can favor mental mechanisms that justify violence against women. The research involved a group of male university students who were shown two series of jokes, one with sexist content and another without. Those who watched the sexist jokes showed increased tolerance f...

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalJournal of Interpersonal Violence·DateJul 2, 2009

Integrated optical trap holds particles for on-chip analysis

A new type of optical particle trap has been developed by UCSC researchers to manipulate particles on a chip. This innovation enables the rapid detection and sorting of bacteria and viruses, with potential applications in hospitals and research labs.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalLab on a Chip·DateJul 2, 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.

Perfect pitch study offers window into influences of nature and nurture

A recent study by UCSF scientists has identified a specific region of genes linked to perfect pitch in people of European ancestry. The researchers found that multiple genes contribute to perfect pitch and that different genes may be associated with different ethnic backgrounds.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJul 2, 2009

Second Life data offers window into how trends spread

A study on Second Life data reveals that 50% of gestures making their way through the virtual world were transferred between friends, highlighting the role of social networks in influence. The researchers also found that early adopters and influencers tend to distribute assets differently.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateJul 2, 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.

Overweight kids experience more loneliness, anxiety, MU study finds

A new University of Missouri study found that overweight children, especially girls, show signs of negative consequences like depression, anxiety, and loneliness in kindergarten. The researchers also discovered that these negative feelings worsened over time.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalApplied Developmental Science·DateJul 2, 2009

Climate change and the mystery of the shrinking sheep

A study published in Science found that changing winter conditions are causing Scotland's wild Soay sheep to get smaller. The researchers suggest that this is an ecological response to environmental variation over the last 25 years, rather than evolutionary change.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 2, 2009

Graduate students win prestigious prizes for their work

Three graduate students, Awad Al-Mohy, Jie Chen, and Shun Zhang, receive the award for their outstanding research papers on matrix exponentials, tensor SVD, and interface problems. The prizes include a monetary award, framed certificate, and publication in SIAM journals.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·DateJul 2, 2009

Grant received for eye disorder research

Researchers at the Peninsula Medical School have received a £9,600 grant to continue studying the genetic causes of eye movement disorders. The team aims to identify genes that contribute to loss of eye movement in conditions like Duane syndrome.

SourceThe Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry·DateJul 2, 2009
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Climate change and the mystery of the shrinking sheep

A study found that climate change is causing wild Soay sheep in Scotland to shrink in size, as milder winters make survival conditions less challenging. The 'young mum effect' also plays a role, where young ewes produce smaller offspring.

SourceImperial College London·JournalScience·DateJul 2, 2009

New targeted therapy finds and eliminates deadly leukemia stem cells

Researchers have discovered a molecular tool that selectively attacks human cancer cells, showing promise in treating human acute myeloid leukemia. The therapeutic approach exploits the high expression of CD123 on leukemia stem cells, targeting these critical cells to improve survival rates.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJul 2, 2009

Bioethicists lead call for public debates on future uses of stem cells

A team of bioethicists is urging the public to engage in open discussions about the research and reproductive use of stem cell-derived gametes. The authors recommend guidelines for the development of these cells, including specific consent requirements and oversight rules.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJul 2, 2009

Ben-Gurion U. researchers reveal connection between cancer and human evolution

A team of researchers from Ben-Gurion University discovered a link between the mitochondria genome and an increased susceptibility to complex diseases like cancer. The study analyzed 98 unrelated individuals and found that certain mutations, which were advantageous in ancestral environments, are now associated with disease.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalGenome Research·DateJul 2, 2009
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.

'Jumping gene' diminishes the effect of a new type 2 diabetes risk gene

A new study identifies a genomic fragment that reduces the effect of a type 2 diabetes risk gene in mice. The researchers found that this fragment, known as a 'jumping gene,' diminishes the activity of the risk gene Zfp69. In overweight individuals with diabetes, the human equivalent of this gene is highly active.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJul 2, 2009

New focus on the moon

The LROC camera system has taken its first images of the Moon, revealing detailed topography and subtle features. The instrument is performing exceptionally well, with a resolution of approximately 1.4-meters/pixel, and will soon begin mapping the lunar surface at 50-cm/pixel.

SourceArizona State University·DateJul 2, 2009

Pinpointing origin of gamma rays from a supermassive black hole

Researchers have located the site of relativistic particle acceleration in galaxy M 87, where particles are accelerated to extreme energies and emit gamma rays with trillion-electron Volt energies. The discovery was made possible by combining high-resolution radio and gamma-ray observations using three arrays of telescopes.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalScience·DateJul 2, 2009

Gene's novel role may provide key to treating liver and neurodegenerative diseases

Researchers at the Bioprocessing Technology Institute discovered a novel function of the FAIM gene, which protects immune and liver cells from apoptosis. They propose that manipulating this process could lead to new treatments for liver cirrhosis and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalCell Death and Differentiation·DateJul 2, 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.

LRO's first moon images

LRO's LROC cameras have returned the first lunar images since reaching the moon on June 23, capturing cratered regions in the highlands south of Mare Nubium. The images, taken along the terminator line, show a rugged surface with subtle topography exaggeration.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 2, 2009

MIT and CDC discover why H1N1 flu spreads inefficiently

A team from MIT and the CDC discovered that the new H1N1 strain's surface protein binds to human receptors less effectively than other flu viruses. This restricted binding along with a genetic variation in an H1N1 polymerase enzyme explains why the virus has not spread as efficiently as seasonal flu.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateJul 2, 2009

Learning from locusts

A Queen's University study found that locusts' brain disturbance during a coma-like state shares similarities with human migraines, strokes, and epilepsy. Researchers discovered that manipulating cellular signaling pathways in the brain could potentially modify the severity of these conditions.

SourceQueen's University·DateJul 2, 2009

Plants' internal clock can improve climate-change models

A study published in Ecology Letters reveals that plants' circadian clocks can improve climate change scenarios by accurately predicting CO2 levels and photosynthesis. The internal clock enables plants to adapt to their environment, surviving and reproducing more efficiently.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalEcology Letters·DateJul 2, 2009
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.

Liverpool to strengthen health research in Africa

The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine is launching a £30 million initiative to strengthen health research in Africa. The program will support over 50 institutions across 18 African countries and create postgraduate scholarships for students to research health-related issues.

SourceLiverpool School of Tropical Medicine·DateJul 2, 2009
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.

Pacific Northwest forests could store more carbon, help address greenhouse issues

Scientists at Oregon State University found that Pacific Northwest forests have significant potential to increase carbon storage, with estimated increases of 15% if all forest stands were allowed to increase in age by 50 years. This region accounts for 14% of the live biomass in the entire US and has already sequestered 30-50% of emiss...

SourceOregon State University·JournalEcological Applications·DateJul 2, 2009

MIT researchers find new actions of neurochemicals

Researchers at MIT have identified novel receptors in a tiny worm that can modulate nervous system activity. The discovery could lead to new therapeutic targets for psychiatric disorders such as depression and schizophrenia.

SourceMcGovern Institute for Brain Research·JournalScience·DateJul 2, 2009

Researchers unite to distribute quantum keys

The network, built by 41 organizations, allows for secure transmission of data beyond classical methods using quantum cryptography. The researchers achieved a record-breaking transmission capacity of up to 8 nodes with links ranging from 20 to 83 kilometers.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateJul 2, 2009

Natural compound stops retinopathy

Researchers at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center discovered a natural compound that restores balance in the eye to stop diabetic retinopathy, a disease affecting five million Americans. The treatment prevents leakage, blocks inflammation, and stops unwanted blood vessel growth.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalDiabetes·DateJul 2, 2009

UT multimedia program increases middle school interest in science

The UT HEADS UP program significantly increases middle school students' interest in science, leading to improved achievement scores and increased confidence. The program, which uses multimedia modules and video interviews with science experts, has shown a 7.2% increase in Stanford Achievement Test scores among participants.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalAcademic Medicine·DateJul 2, 2009
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.

Nursery programs for corals receive TLC from NOAA this Independence Day

The Nature Conservancy will coordinate a project to develop large-scale, in-water coral nurseries and restore reefs along Florida's southern coast and in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The program aims to grow 12,000 corals to enhance coral populations at 34 degraded reefs.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·DateJul 2, 2009

UCLA scientists find molecular differences between embryonic stem cells and reprogrammed skin cells

Researchers found distinct gene expression signatures in embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, indicating they are not perfectly similar despite sharing potential to become all body tissues. The study aims to understand the biological significance of these differences and their impact on iPS cell function.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJul 2, 2009

Doubts cast on credibility of some published clinical trials

A study published in BMC's open access journal Trials found that 93% of RCTs published in Chinese medical journals between 1994 and 2005 were flawed, casting doubt on their reliability. Researchers investigated clinical trials on 20 common diseases and found that only 7% met recognized standards for authentic randomization.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalTrials·DateJul 2, 2009

JNCI news brief: Improving the biomarker pipeline for early cancer detection

Several statistical and biological issues need to be addressed to improve biomarker identification for early cancer detection. The author suggests using more frequent specimen collection and the paired availability design to enhance the biomarker pipeline.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJul 2, 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.

Existing Parkinson's disease drug may fight drug-resistant TB

Researchers have discovered that two commercially available drugs used for Parkinson's treatment, entacapone and tolcapone, have potential to treat multi-drug resistant tuberculosis. The study, published in PLOS Computational Biology, uses a novel computational strategy and experimental validation to support this repositioning.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJul 2, 2009

VLBA locates superenergetic bursts near giant black hole

Using a worldwide VLBA collaboration, scientists pinpoint the origin of superenergetic gamma rays coming from M87's core near the supermassive black hole. The discovery sheds light on the mechanisms powering galaxies' energetic jets.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalScience·DateJul 2, 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.

In the eye of the storm: Why some people stayed behind

Researchers compared views of outside observers with perspectives of New Orleans residents who rode out the storm. Despite negative stereotypes, survivors saw themselves as connected to their neighbors and community-oriented.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 2, 2009

Evolution: Crabs go deep to avoid hot water

A study reveals that king crabs' ability to live in low-temperature waters drove their evolution and spread globally, while also influencing the distribution of other marine species. The research, published in the Journal of Biogeography, highlights the importance of temperature in shaping the biology and ecology of deep-sea creatures.

SourceNational Oceanography Centre, UK·JournalJournal of Biogeography·DateJul 2, 2009
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.