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Science News for June 30, 2009


OJ worse for teeth than whitening says Eastman Institute researchers

Researchers at the Eastman Institute found that acidic fruit juices like orange juice decrease tooth enamel hardness by up to 84%. Whitening products have no significant effect on enamel hardness. Poor oral hygiene and frequent consumption of acidic drinks can lead to severe tooth erosion.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJournal of Dentistry·DateJun 30, 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.

Measurements fail to identify TB patients who could benefit from shorter treatment course

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center found that two simple clinical measurements failed to identify TB patients who could benefit from a shorter treatment course. The study involved over 1,000 TB patients in Africa, Brazil, and Asia, but ultimately showed that these measures w...

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJun 30, 2009

Genetic analysis reveals secrets of scorpion venom

Researchers have discovered nine novel poison molecules in the venom of the Scorpiops jendeki scorpion, expanding knowledge of scorpion venoms. The study found ten known types of poisons with diverse modes of action, offering a rich resource for drug development.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Genomics·DateJun 30, 2009

Computational scientist receives prestigious honor

Franco Brezzi, a prominent figure in computational mathematics, has been awarded the 2009 John von Neumann Lecturer honor by SIAM. His work on numerical stability and stabilization techniques has significantly advanced our ability to simulate complex physical phenomena.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·DateJun 30, 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 bird's eye view of art

A study published in Animal Cognition found that pigeons use both color and pattern cues to judge the beauty of art, similar to humans. The birds were trained to recognize 'good' paintings and could discriminate between different textures, such as watercolor and pastel.

SourceSpringer·JournalAnimal Cognition·DateJun 30, 2009

Peer pressure plays major role in environmental behavior

A Michigan State University study suggests that social norms significantly impact Chinese citizens' decisions to participate in conservation programs like Grain to Green. The research found that when neighbors enroll in the program, it encourages others to do so as well.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 30, 2009

Study provides greater understanding of lyme disease-causing bacteria

Researchers analyzed joint fluid samples from patients with Lyme arthritis, identifying bacterial strains and finding correlations between OspC typing and clinical outcomes. The study suggests that certain B. burgdorferi genotypes, particularly RST1, may induce a more marked immune response leading to persistent joint inflammation.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateJun 30, 2009

Spanish scientists develop echo-location in humans

Researchers have successfully developed echolocation in humans, allowing blind individuals to identify objects and navigate their surroundings. The technique involves producing specific tongue clicks to detect echoes, with results showing potential for practical applications beyond aiding the visually impaired.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalActa Acustica united with Acustica·DateJun 30, 2009

Bad medicine

A commentary in JAMA explores how US healthcare's emphasis on providing services can lead to direct and indirect harm. The authors argue that this focus can cause excessive healthcare use and spending, diverting resources away from education and environmental quality.

SourceGroup Health Research Institute·JournalJAMA·DateJun 30, 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.

Imaging study shows decrease in empathic responses to outsiders

Researchers found that perceiving others in pain activates a part of the brain associated with empathy and emotion more if the observer and the observed are the same race. This study confirms an in-group bias in empathic feelings, which has significant implications for understanding real-life social behaviors and interactions.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateJun 30, 2009

Biomarkers' ability to improve prediction of cardiovascular risk is modest

A study of biomarkers found that measuring known biomarkers slightly improves the ability to predict future heart attacks or strokes in healthy individuals. However, this improvement is not significant enough to change preventive therapies. The study suggests that new technologies may lead to personalized cardiovascular risk prediction.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJAMA·DateJun 30, 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.

Single-thawed embryo transfer after PGD does not affect pregnancy rates

Researchers have found that transferring a single embryo at a time after preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and freezing at the blastocyst stage results in comparable pregnancy rates to those for non-biopsied embryos. This approach can reduce multiple pregnancies and their associated complications.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateJun 30, 2009

Anti-biotech groups obstruct forest biotechnology

The development of genetically modified trees is being obstructed by anti-biotech groups and regulations that prioritize process over product. Researchers argue that a regulatory environment focused on scientific case-by-case assessments is necessary to unlock the full potential of forest biotechnology.

SourceOregon State University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJun 30, 2009

Caregivers may benefit from adult day care

Adult day care can help alleviate caregiver stress by lifting responsibility for a few hours, promoting sleep and well-being in those cared for. The study will assess the impact of day care on caregivers' health and stress levels over three years with 180 participants.

SourcePenn State·DateJun 30, 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.

New lab-on-a-chip measures mechanics of bacteria colonies

Researchers at the University of Michigan have devised a microscale tool to study biofilms' mechanical properties, which could lead to designing medical equipment that is more difficult for bacteria to adhere to. The new device measures resistance to pressure and found elasticity and strain hardening responses in bacterial colonies.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalLangmuir·DateJun 30, 2009

Your own private global warming

Researchers found that Antarctic species are already near their upper temperature limit, making them vulnerable to ecological imbalances. Smaller individuals can tolerate higher temperatures, while active predators fare better than sessile species, potentially disrupting the food chain and leading to greater ecosystem damage.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology·DateJun 30, 2009

Cosmetic surgery appeals to men, women with appearance-based rejection sensitivity

A study found that individuals sensitive to rejection based on their physical appearance are more likely to be interested in cosmetic surgery. The study, conducted by researchers at the University at Buffalo, examined the role of appearance-based rejection sensitivity among men and women's interest in cosmetic surgery. Participants who...

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalBody Image·DateJun 30, 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.

University of Leicester researchers discover new fluorescent silicon nanoparticles

Researchers at the University of Leicester have developed a new synthesis method to create fluorescent silicon nanoparticles that can track the uptake of drugs by cells. The nanoparticles, containing just a few hundred silicon atoms, show stable fluorescence over three months and have potential applications in biomedical sensors.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 30, 2009

Reduced ovarian reserve associated with increased risk of trisomic pregnancy

A recent study found that women with diminished ovarian reserve are at increased risk of trisomic pregnancy, regardless of age. The study analyzed data from 19,840 women undergoing fertility treatment in the Netherlands and found a history of ovarian surgery, low egg retrieval, or menopausal status to significantly increase trisomy risk.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·DateJun 30, 2009

Discovery may provide new treatments for alcohol dependence

A new brain mechanism involving ghrelin has been discovered, which could lead to the development of new therapies for alcohol dependence. The study found that blocking ghrelin's actions in the brain reduces alcohol's effects on the reward system.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 30, 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.

Daily sex helps to reduce sperm DNA damage and improve fertility

An Australian study found that daily sex for seven days reduces sperm DNA damage and improves fertility in men with high DNA fragmentation. Men who ejaculated daily showed a significant decrease in DNA damage and an increase in good-quality sperm.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·DateJun 30, 2009

Intense heat killed the universe's would-be galaxies, researchers say

The study found that intense heat from early stars and black holes evaporated gas from small clumps of dark matter, rendering them barren. This natural explanation for galaxy formation supports the view that cold dark matter is the best candidate for the mysterious material believed to make up most of the universe.

SourceDurham University·DateJun 30, 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.

Finding solutions to the chronic nursing shortage

A $2 million research chair has been launched at the University of Western Ontario to tackle the growing nursing shortage in Canada and the US. The Chair will focus on optimizing nurses' scope of practice and educating new graduates for optimal role functioning in evolving healthcare environments.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·DateJun 30, 2009

Using the Internet to help young smokers quit

The University of Illinois Chicago is leading a five-year study to increase demand for evidence-based, Internet-based smoking cessation treatment among young adults. The project aims to develop interactive, Internet-based ads and evaluate their effectiveness in motivating young smokers to use the stop smoking program www.BecomeAnEx.org.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·DateJun 30, 2009

Zooming in to catch the bad guys

A new video 'perfection tool' from Tel Aviv University can enhance raw video images to identify suspects, improving the odds of locating terrorists or identifying criminal suspects. The tool uses algorithms to stabilize images, allowing objects that are really moving to be distinguished from chaotic atmospheric changes.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalOptics Letters·DateJun 30, 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.

Princeton professor to receive prestigious prize in mathematics

Weinan E, a professor at Princeton University, will be awarded the Ralph E. Kleinman Prize for his exceptional work on stochastic partial differential equations and turbulence. He is recognized for his ability to bridge the gap between mathematics and applications, with an impact on various fields such as materials science and physics.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·DateJun 30, 2009

Super-size deposits of frozen carbon threat to climate change

New research reveals that permafrost in the Arctic contains over 1.5 trillion tons of frozen carbon, exceeding previous estimates by a factor of two. Thawing of this carbon can lead to massive releases of greenhouse gases, further exacerbating climate change.

SourceGlobal Carbon Project·JournalGlobal Biogeochemical Cycles·DateJun 30, 2009
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.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome: New light on its causes and its effect on brothers

Researchers found that mothers with elevated blood pressure during pregnancy increased the risk of PCOS in their daughters, while a family history of cardiovascular disease in either parent was also linked to an increased risk. Brothers of women with PCOS are also at greater risk of developing insulin resistance or diabetes.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·DateJun 30, 2009

The sound of light: Innovative technology shatters the barriers of modern light microscopy

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich developed a new technology that allows for high-resolution imaging of tissue depth using sound waves. The technique, called multispectral opto-acoustic tomography, uses flashes of laser light to create small shock waves, which are then analyzed to generate detailed images of internal organs and tissues.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature Photonics·DateJun 30, 2009

UT Austin professor to receive prize for distinguished service

J. Tinsley Oden will be honored at the SIAM Annual Meeting in July for his tireless service to the applied mathematics community. He is being recognized for numerous contributions, including influential agency reports and his work on adaptive modeling.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·DateJun 30, 2009

New test can detect both genetic and chromosomal abnormalities in embryos

A new embryo test can detect both genetic and chromosomal abnormalities, offering a faster and cheaper alternative to current fertility treatments. The test, known as genome-wide karyomapping, can identify diseases caused by specific gene mutations and aneuploidy at the same time.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·DateJun 30, 2009
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.

Risky business: Stressed men more likely to gamble

New research published in PLOS ONE found that men under stress are more likely to engage in risky behavior, including gambling, while stressed women tend to moderate their choices. The study used the Balloon Analogue Risk Task to assess participants' risk-taking tendencies.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 30, 2009

New statistical technique improves precision of nanotechnology data

A new statistical analysis technique, sequential profile adjustment by regression (SPAR), has been developed to improve the precision of nanotechnology data. By identifying and removing systematic bias, noise, and equipment-based artifacts, SPAR can reduce experimental errors and increase confidence in measurements.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 30, 2009

Risk of tuberculosis from arthritis medication examined

A new study examined cases of TB associated with anti-TNF therapy and found that the risk of TB is higher for patients receiving anti-TNF monoclonal antibody therapy. The study also showed that the risk of TB was higher during the first year of anti-TNF treatment, favoring the reactivation of latent TB.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateJun 30, 2009

Vitamin D deficiency is widespead and on the increase

The report reveals widespread vitamin D deficiency across six regions, with severe consequences for health and fracture rates. Prevention strategies must be initiated at a national level to address the issue.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateJun 30, 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.

Current search for heart disease treatment may not be fruitful

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) suggests that C-reactive protein, a commonly used marker for coronary heart disease risk, may not cause the disease. Researchers found no association between genetic variations in the gene coding for C-reactive protein and coronary heart disease risk. Ho...

SourceImperial College London·JournalJAMA·DateJun 30, 2009

Neural stem cell differentiation factor discovered

Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt identified a soluble Notch inhibitor, EGFL7, which blocks neural stem cell self-renewal and promotes differentiation into neurons. The findings offer potential medical applications in tissue development and neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJun 30, 2009

Stirred, not shaken: Bio-inspired cilia mix medical reagents at small scales

Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a prototype that mixes tiny volumes of fluid or creates a current to move small particles, speeding up biomedical reactions. The device uses flexible rubber structures with fingers that mimic biological cilia, overcoming obstacles faced by previous teams.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalLab on a Chip·DateJun 30, 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.

Rotator cuff treatment provides immediate tendonitis relief

A new minimally invasive procedure has been shown to provide immediate symptom relief for patients with rotator cuff tendonitis. The treatment uses ultrasound-guided percutaneous therapy to break up calcium deposits and restore mobility. Results showed significant improvement in pain and mobility, even at long-term follow-up.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateJun 30, 2009

July 2009 Geology and GSA Today media highlights

Research highlights the role of large igneous provinces (LIPs) in shaping Earth's surface, while also uncovering new climate oscillation patterns. Experts analyze topographic metrics to understand hillslope evolution, resolving long-standing debates over porphyroblasts and neptunian eruptions.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateJun 30, 2009

NASA and NOAA's GOES-O satellite successfully launched

The NASA and NOAA GOES-O satellite has successfully launched into space, enhancing weather forecasting and monitoring environmental events globally. The satellite will be renamed GOES-14 after a 24-day orbit adjustment and will provide vital data to the United States.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 30, 2009
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.

The tiny difference in the genes of bacteria

Researchers developed a new diagnostic method using tandem repeats in bacterial genomes to distinguish between pathogens like Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio parahaemolyticus. This technique can identify hundreds of bacteria strains quickly and accurately, helping track disease outbreaks and inform preventive measures.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJun 30, 2009

Largest ever survey of very distant galaxy clusters completed

A team of researchers led by UC Riverside astronomer Gillian Wilson has completed the largest ever survey of very distant galaxy clusters. The SpARCS survey detects galaxy clusters using deep optical observations and infrared data from the Spitzer Space Telescope, revealing about 200 new cluster candidates.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateJun 30, 2009

UB geologists to help communicate the dangers of Colombian volcano

A workshop in Colombia aims to raise awareness and protect communities near the dangerous Galeras volcano through collaboration between scientists, government officials, and local residents. The goal is to develop a consensus on how to mitigate volcanic risks, using existing hazard maps and safety plans with updated research.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·DateJun 30, 2009
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.

NASA debuts the entire 2008 hurricane season in new online video

The online video showcases the entire 2008 hurricane season, including all 17 tropical cyclones, with detailed cloud imagery and storm tracks. The animation is based on six months of GOES imagery at 30-minute intervals and features television production-quality visuals.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 30, 2009

IOM CER Committee releases recs to Congress for health-care priorities, funding

The IOM CER Committee recommends prioritizing research on high-priority topics, including improving the uptake of new knowledge and its translation into better decision-making. The committee aims to create a sustainable national CER initiative that can improve healthcare for individual patients and communities.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 30, 2009

Joint replacement treatment: Using clinical pathways works

A meta-analysis of 6,316 patients found that clinical pathways significantly reduced postoperative complications and shortened hospital stays. This led to lower hospital costs due to better-organized care, which prevents inappropriate care and its associated costs.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medicine·DateJun 30, 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.

UT Austin professor honored with prestigious mathematics award

Mary F. Wheeler, a UT Austin professor, is being recognized for her seminal research in numerical methods for partial differential equations and her leadership in the field of scientific computation. Her work has included developing state-of-the-art algorithms to model societal importance issues in energy and the environment.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·DateJun 30, 2009

A thirst for blood sparks toxic algal blooms

Aggressive algae injure and kill competitors to gain access to their cells' nutrients, similar to blood-sucking insects. This behavior may be a key mechanism in the formation of toxic plankton blooms.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 30, 2009

Study to see if video games can boost thinking skills in elderly

Researchers at NC State University are studying the impact of video games on cognitive functioning in older adults, with a focus on attentional demand, novelty, and social interaction. They plan to develop a prototype game based on their findings to improve memory and thinking skills in the elderly.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·DateJun 30, 2009

Loyola University Chicago professor honored

Rafal Goebel, an Assistant Professor at Loyola University Chicago, will be honored with the SIAM Activity Group on Control and Systems Theory Prize for his contributions to hybrid systems and control theory. The prize recognizes his novel results on well-posedness of solutions and robustness of asymptotic stability in hybrid control sy...

SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·DateJun 30, 2009
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Oral health center has focus on disease as a whole

The University of Adelaide's new Centre of Clinical Research Excellence for Oral Health will investigate the interaction between systemic health and oral disease. The centre will focus on improving dental treatments to manage other diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·DateJun 30, 2009

Brain section multitasks, handling phonetics and decision-making

A new study by Brown University researchers found that the left inferior frontal sulcus brain area processes both phonetic sounds and decision-making tasks. The findings suggest that this region of the brain is a shared resource used for categorizing language and non-language items.

SourceBrown University·JournalPsychological Science·DateJun 30, 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.