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Science News for April 20, 2010


Hops helps reduce ammonia produced by cattle

Agricultural Research Service scientist Michael Flythe has found that hops can inhibit hyper-ammonia-producing bacteria, a key contributor to ammonia production in cattle. This reduction in ammonia production can lead to improved ruminant nutrition and reduced reliance on expensive high-protein supplements.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·DateApr 20, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NASA's Terra satellite keeps eye on Eyjafjallajökull's ash plume

The MODIS instrument on NASA's Terra satellite captured a visible image of the ash plume from Iceland's Eyjafjallajökull volcano, drifting south and east over the Northern Atlantic Ocean. The ash plume appeared lighter in color than previous days, indicating a potential decrease in volcanic activity.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 20, 2010

Study cautions: Psychotropic medications overprescribed to children

A new study warns of the dramatic rise in psychotropic medications for children, with up to eight million children taking one or more drugs. The authors caution that there is little evidence available to warrant the widespread use of these medications for children.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Marital and Family Therapy·DateApr 20, 2010
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.

Vitamin D status not predicted by surrogate markers, UB researchers find

Researchers at the University at Buffalo found that vitamin D supplements, diet, geographic location, demographic information, and lifestyle cannot accurately predict vitamin D concentrations in blood. This means that relying on proxy measures like food intake or latitude of residence to assess cancer risk is not reliable.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateApr 20, 2010

Singapore scientists make breakthrough findings on early embryonic development

Singapore scientists have made significant breakthroughs in understanding early embryonic development using single cell gene expression analysis. The study resolves debates on cellular differentiation events and highlights the importance of fibroblast growth factor signalling in cell fate decisions.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateApr 20, 2010

Alternative turfgrasses show potential for use on golf course fairways

Researchers identified four alternative turfgrass species—bentgrasses and fescues—as promising for use on low-input fairways. These cool-season grasses can survive under conditions of little or no supplemental irrigation, high traffic, and reduced fertility.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateApr 20, 2010

Association of fiber and colorectal cancer risk differs depending on dietary assessment method

Researchers found a significant association between high fiber intake and reduced colorectal cancer risk when using food diaries, but no association was found with food frequency questionnaires. The study suggests that accurate measurement of dietary components remains a challenge in studies of diet and cancer risk.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateApr 20, 2010
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.

Carbon nanotubes boost cancer-fighting cells

Researchers at Yale University found that carbon nanotubes cause T cell antigens to cluster in high concentrations, stimulating the body's natural immune response. This breakthrough could improve current adoptive immunotherapy for cancer treatment by increasing T cell proliferation.

SourceYale University·JournalLangmuir·DateApr 20, 2010

Low-tech cool: Shade trees for subtropical streets

Researchers from National Taiwan University evaluated the cooling effect of trees and bamboo in Taipei, finding that foliage density is key to reducing temperature. The study identified top species like Chinese elm and Rose wood for their high cooling effects, while others were less effective.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateApr 20, 2010
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.

Who is at risk for MRSA?

Long-term elder care residents, HIV-infected and hemodialysis patients are at increased risk of carrying MRSA in their noses. The study found varying quantities of MRSA, with some individuals having as few as 3 colonies and others up to 15 million.

SourceLifespan·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateApr 20, 2010

HSP-90 and vasoregulation in portal hypertension

Researchers investigated the role of Heat Shock Protein-90 (HSP-90) in neural vasoregulation and portal hypertension. They found that HSP-90 is essential for nNOS-mediated vasodilation, a significant finding with potential implications for clinical trials targeting portal hypertension.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateApr 20, 2010

Cover crop mulches tested for no-till organic onions

Researchers found that cowpea produced comparable onion yields to bare ground, while foxtail millet was less effective as a mulch due to its thickness. Soybean meal showed potential as an effective source of nitrogen for organic onion production.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateApr 20, 2010
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 little less force: Making atomic force microscopy work for cells

Researchers have created nanoscale cantilevers that can image individual proteins as they function on cell surfaces without causing damage. The new detection mechanism enables high-resolution imaging in a liquid environment, paving the way for studying biological systems and complex nanostructures.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 20, 2010

New data on the regulation of a protein that is altered in all cancers

Researchers at IRB Barcelona discover that microRNAs regulate Myc protein levels through the molecule Mei-P26, providing new insights into cancer development. The study found that miRNAs affect Myc expression in Drosophila, suggesting a finely tuned mechanism to maintain optimal levels of both.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateApr 20, 2010
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.

An artificial eye on your driving

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed advanced algorithms to enhance camera systems in cars, enabling faster detection of pedestrians and other moving objects. The system can recognize people from other vehicles and create a model that reacts almost instantly, potentially doubling down as a tool for autonomous vehicles.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Pattern Analysis and Machine Intelligence·DateApr 20, 2010

Spirit of ovarian cancer advocate keeps fundraising drive on track

The Anne Rita Monahan Foundation has raised $50,000 for ovarian cancer research at the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen). Funds from the 2nd annual Tea for TEAL event will support the development of a reliable screening test and precision therapy for ovarian cancer.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·DateApr 20, 2010

Does foreign policy help or hinder global health?

The intersection of foreign policy and global health interests can prioritize certain health concerns over others. Global health diplomacy is being used as a means to further foreign policy objectives, such as improving security or projecting power.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 20, 2010
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.

Low heritability of tinnitus

A new study published in Archives of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery reveals that the relative importance of genetic factors in tinnitus is low. The research found that environmental factors account for 89% of tinnitus variance, with only 11% attributed to genetic effects.

SourceNorwegian Institute of Public Health·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateApr 20, 2010

Team finds promising new drug target for Alzheimer's disease

A team of researchers at the University of Illinois has identified a promising new drug target for Alzheimer's disease: the beta-2 adrenergic receptor. The receptor is activated by amyloid-beta, leading to increased activity in affected neurons and eventual cell death.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateApr 20, 2010
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.

Study provides new insights into the implications of autism onset patterns

Children with early developmental warning signs may face lower risk for poor autism outcomes than those who experience a loss of skills, study finds. Researchers examined 2,720 parents and found significant differences in development, symptom severity, and educational needs among children with three patterns of autism onset.

SourceKennedy Krieger Institute·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateApr 20, 2010

EStar Award recognizes innovative supercomputer cooling

Argonne's Blue Gene/P supercomputer has been recognized with an Environmental Sustainability (EStar) award for its energy-saving cooling approach, which reduces electricity costs by up to $25,000 per month. The award highlights the lab's efforts to reduce power consumption and enhance site operations.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·DateApr 20, 2010
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.

Designer threads: New insight into protein fiber assembly

Researchers have gained new insight into protein fiber assembly, providing a potential route to temporal control of fibers with future applications in biotechnology and nanoscale science and medicine. By manipulating conditions, they were able to demonstrate the ability to manipulate fibrous structures with some precision.

SourceCell Press·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateApr 20, 2010

Preoperative/neoadjuvant therapy in pancreatic cancer

A systematic review of 111 studies involving 4,394 patients found that a third could undergo resection after neoadjuvant therapy, with similar survival rates to those judged resectable before treatment. The study suggests including locally advanced/unresectable tumors in neoadjuvant protocols.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 20, 2010
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Scientists sever molecular signals that prolific parasite uses to puppeteer cells

Researchers have discovered the molecular signals used by Toxoplasma gondii to control cell behavior, paving the way for new treatments and vaccines. By disabling these signals, scientists can liberate cells from parasite takeover, potentially improving immune responses and treatment outcomes.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateApr 20, 2010

Alternative strategies to reduce maternal mortality in India

A study by Sue J. Goldie and colleagues finds that better family planning, safe abortion, and improved obstetrical care can reduce maternal mortality in India by 75% in under a decade. Integrated approaches can prevent more than 3 out of 4 maternal deaths.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 20, 2010
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Gastric adenomyoma presenting as melena

A rare case of gastric adenomyoma presented with symptoms of melena, highlighting the importance of considering this condition in differential diagnosis. The diagnosis was confirmed through frozen section analysis, demonstrating its value in avoiding unnecessary radical operations.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateApr 20, 2010

Outcomes of patients dismissed from the hospital with non-cardiac chest pain

Researchers found that patients dismissed from hospital with noncardiac chest pain continue to experience cardiac events, suggesting a need for more aggressive cardiovascular risk factor management. The study also identified a substantial number of cardiac deaths in this population, potentially related to overlapping risk factors.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateApr 20, 2010

Bone-eating worms 30 million years old

Researchers at Kiel University discovered fossil whale bones with 0.5mm circular boreholes matching those of living Osedax worms, dating to 30 million years ago. The findings confirm that boneworms are at least 30 million years old and were feeding on whale bones during this period.

SourceKiel University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 20, 2010
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.

Consumer preferences for Hawaiian orchids revealed

A study by Texas A&M University reveals that Hawaiian consumers prioritize price and size when purchasing orchids, with color being the least important factor. The research found that most respondents could identify the specific species of their purchased orchid, but 42% were unable to do so.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortTechnology·DateApr 20, 2010

Does the weather cause northerners to get more prostate cancer?

Researchers found strong correlation between colder weather, low rainfall, and higher prostate cancer rates in the US. The study suggests that persistent organic pollutants may be to blame, with cold weather slowing their degradation.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalInternational Journal of Health Geographics·DateApr 20, 2010

Advance made in thin-film solar cell technology

Researchers at Oregon State University have made an important breakthrough in producing thin film absorbers for solar cells using continuous flow microreactors. This innovative technology could significantly reduce the cost of solar energy devices and material waste, making it a game-changer for sustainable solar cell manufacturing.

SourceOregon State University·JournalCurrent Applied Physics·DateApr 20, 2010
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.

Among deaths from H1N1, pregnant women appear to have high risk

A study found pregnant women had a disproportionately higher risk of death due to 2009 influenza A(H1N1) in the US. Early antiviral treatment was associated with fewer ICU admissions and deaths. Pregnant women are at increased risk due to changes in their immune, cardiac, and respiratory systems.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateApr 20, 2010

The sweet smell of aging

Researchers identified carbon dioxide as an odorant that alters physiology and affects aging in fruit flies. Flies incapable of smelling CO2 live longer and are resistant to stress. This finding suggests a potential link between sensory perception and aging, with implications for human health.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 20, 2010
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.

Planting depth affects popular landscape tree

A study investigated transplanting practices during container production of lacebark elm, finding that planting at grade during initial production phase resulted in greater growth. Trees planted below or above grade showed reduced growth in subsequent phases, with those planted at or below grade performing better in the landscape.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateApr 20, 2010
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Researchers identify the source of 'noise' in HIV

New research identifies the source of 'noise' in HIV gene expression, finding that transcriptional bursting generates exceptionally high levels of noise. This finding suggests that latency may be fundamental to the HIV life cycle.

SourceCell Press·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateApr 20, 2010

Distance-education students utilize computer-mediated communication

A study by Texas Tech University researchers found that distance-education students use computer-mediated communication to compensate for reduced face-to-face interaction with faculty. The researchers recommend that faculty respond promptly to student emails and phone calls to maintain effective communication, while also providing trai...

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortTechnology·DateApr 20, 2010

Mexico's Indeval wins INFORMS Edelman Award

Indeval, Mexico's Central Securities Depository, won the INFORMS Edelman Award for implementing an operations research-based engine in its Securities Settlement System (SSS). The system settles over $250 billion daily and reduces liquidity requirements by 52%.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·DateApr 20, 2010