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Science News for April 21, 2010


Carbon, nitrogen link may provide new ways to mitigate pollution problems

A University of Colorado at Boulder study found a tight link between nitrogen and carbon in the environment, which may help address regional pollution issues. The research suggests that microbial communities in ecosystems regulate this relationship, with nitrates decreasing in areas with sufficient organic carbon.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature·DateApr 21, 2010

Bizarre matter could find use in quantum computers

Physicists at Rice University and Princeton University have found that ultracold mixes of electrons can have 'topological' properties making them immune to information degradation in quantum computers. The discovery could pave the way for the development of fault-tolerant quantum computers.

SourceRice University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 21, 2010

Tip sheet for seismology conference

Researchers investigate the seismic potential of the Cascadia subduction zone, exploring temporal clustering of earthquakes and the likelihood of a next event by 2060. They also examine slow slip phenomena and landslides, shedding light on precursory patterns that may save lives.

SourceSeismological Society of America·DateApr 21, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Toward a urine test for detecting colon cancer

Scientists developed a urine test for detecting colon cancer by analyzing chemical differences in human urine samples. The study identified 16 substances associated with colon cancer, offering potential for an alternative screening method to colonoscopy.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateApr 21, 2010

Caltech researchers create 'sound bullets'

Researchers at Caltech develop a nonlinear acoustic lens producing highly focused sound bullets for advanced medical imaging, nondestructive evaluation, and potentially even cancer treatment. The device exploits particle contacts to create compact acoustic pulses with high amplitude and low distortion.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 21, 2010

A smart way to charge up

Researchers at Fraunhofer Institute have developed a smart charging station that enables electric vehicles to recharge during periods of low energy demand and high renewable energy production. This system aims to reduce peak loads and maximize the contribution of solar and wind power.

SourceFraunhofer-Gesellschaft·DateApr 21, 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.

Mammographic density and risk of breast cancer

Researchers found that women with a breast density of 75% or higher have a four-to-five-fold increased risk of breast cancer. Decreases in breast density over time may be associated with lower breast cancer risk.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateApr 21, 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.

New drug for migraine treatment: Telcagepant

Telcagepant, a CGRP receptor blocker, provides similar pain relief as triptans but with fewer cardiovascular risks. Topiramate may also prevent migraine attacks in chronic sufferers.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 21, 2010

New evidence in plants shows micro-RNA can move

Researchers have discovered that microRNAs can move from one cell to another, influencing the development of plant tissues. This mobility allows them to regulate gene expression and play an important role in sharpening the boundaries between different plant tissues.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature·DateApr 21, 2010

All-volunteer US military still offers a pathway for young men

Research published in Social Science Quarterly finds that young men from lower-income families and with poor grades are more likely to join the military, citing enhanced life chances. The study suggests that military service may help minimize social inequalities and provide a positive turning point for those at risk.

SourceWiley·JournalSocial Science Quarterly·DateApr 21, 2010

Martial arts training for elderly patients gets the green light

Researchers found that martial arts fall exercises can reduce hip impact forces, making them safe for older adults with osteoporosis if precautions are taken. The study suggests that martial arts training could be a viable option for preventing hip fractures in this population.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Research Notes·DateApr 21, 2010
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.

Color-blind racial ideology linked to racism, both online and offline

A study by University of Illinois professor Brendesha Tynes found that white students with color-blind racial attitudes were more likely not to be offended by racially themed party images, while African-Americans were more likely to be bothered. The research suggests that color-blind racial ideology is detrimental to race relations on ...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Diversity in Higher Education·DateApr 21, 2010

Water, fair and foul

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed an optimal UV wavelength to keep water clean of microorganisms, preventing health threats and reducing bio-fouling. This approach could be used in water treatment plants and desalination facilities to make them more efficient and reduce costs.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalBiofouling·DateApr 21, 2010

Framingham risk assessment doesn't accurately predict coronary artery disease, study suggests

A recent study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that the Framingham risk assessment tool has limited sensitivity in detecting coronary artery disease. In fact, simple observation of coronary calcium presence using CT scans was more effective in identifying patients with substantial atherosclerosis.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateApr 21, 2010

Breeding orchid species creates a new perfume

Researchers developed a novel hybrid of two orchid species, creating a unique scent that attracted a distinct wild bee. The offspring's floral odor was highly attractive to solitary bees unfamiliar with the parent plants' scent.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateApr 21, 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.

Fish oil supplements provide no benefit to brain power

A large trial found no link between fish oil supplements and improved cognitive function in people aged 70-80 years. High intakes of omega-3 fatty acids were observed after two years, but no benefits for memory or concentration were detected.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateApr 21, 2010

Tough girl or sidechick?

A study of female characters in American action films reveals that over 58% are portrayed as submissive to male heroes, while 42% are romantically involved with them. Despite appearances of empowerment, these women often rely on masculine norms and re-articulate gender stereotypes

SourceSpringer·JournalSex Roles·DateApr 21, 2010

NIH-led interagency group identifies research needs to study climate change and human health impacts

A recent NIH-led interagency group report highlights 11 key categories of diseases affected by climate change, including respiratory problems, mental health issues, and cardiovascular disease. The report provides a starting point for federal research to better understand the impact of climate change on human health.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateApr 21, 2010

Research restores credit for an engineering feat

Alfred R. Rives led the design and construction of the iconic bridge, but was denied recognition after joining the Confederacy. New research reveals his crucial role in the project's success.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of Performance of Constructed Facilities·DateApr 21, 2010
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.

Topography of mountains could complicate rates of global warming

A new study finds that complex mountainous terrain can significantly change the effects of global warming over small distances. Researchers used Oregon's H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest data to predict variations in temperature caused by steep hills and valleys.

SourceOregon State University·JournalInternational Journal of Climatology·DateApr 21, 2010

CCTA: Cost-effective, noninvasive alternative to invasive cardiac catheterization for the evaluation of significant CAD

Coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) is a cost-effective alternative to invasive cardiac catheterization, reducing costs by $789 per patient and radiation exposure by minimal amounts. The study suggests that CCTA can effectively triage patients with low CAD risk, potentially eliminating the need for cardiac catheterization.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateApr 21, 2010

Researchers find ethnicity key to accurate obesity measurements

The current BMI standards misclassify many reproductive-age women as 'not obese', particularly whites and Hispanics. The study recommends ethnic-specific BMI cutoff values to produce proper diagnosis of obesity, especially for Hispanic women.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateApr 21, 2010
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.

Sports stars are no role models, say scientists

Research from the University of Manchester and Western Sydney found that sports stars' behavior has little impact on young people's drinking habits. Young people tend to overestimate their friends' drinking, with actual drinking levels influenced more by sport-specific cultural habits.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalDrug and Alcohol Review·DateApr 21, 2010
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.

Ovarian cancer study offers vital clues for new therapies

Researchers have found that patients with hereditary ovarian cancer are more likely to experience secondary tumours in their liver and spleen, despite better overall prognosis. A new approach suggests testing these patients for BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes to ensure tailored treatment.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateApr 21, 2010

Long-distance journeys are out of fashion

Research on blackcap birds found that strong directional selection for lower migratory activity leads to the evolution of partial migratory populations and finally, to non-migratory birds. This reduction in migration distance saves energy and time, allowing birds to occupy better breeding territories and produce multiple broods.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 21, 2010

Chloride channels render nerve cells more excitable

Scientists confirm chloride channel ClC-2's role in regulating nerve cell excitability. A lack of ClC-2 channels increases the excitability of inhibitory cells, which balance the system's sensitivity. The discovery opens new possibilities for brain research and understanding nerve cell communication.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·DateApr 21, 2010

Student research team sequences genome of bacterium discovered in Virginia Tech garden

A team of Virginia Tech students sequenced the genome of a previously unknown bacterium isolated from the university's garden. The nonpathogenic strain belongs to Pseudomonas syringae and has similarities to closely related pathogens, offering insights into disease mechanisms and potential for controlling devastating diseases like snap...

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·DateApr 21, 2010

Discovery of a primate more than 11 million years old

Catalan researchers have found a new species of primate, Pliopithecus canmatensis, in the Vallès-Penedès basin. The discovery sheds light on the evolution and dispersal of this extinct family of primitive Catarrhini primates from Africa to Eurasia.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateApr 21, 2010
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.

Mercury is higher in some tuna species, according to DNA barcoding

New research using DNA barcoding identifies specific tuna species with high mercury levels, which can pose a health risk to frequent fish eaters. The study suggests that consumers can minimize their mercury intake by choosing lower-mercury tuna options like yellowfin, and calls for clearer labeling of tuna species.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalBiology Letters·DateApr 21, 2010

Children who lose a parent to suicide more likely to die the same way

A study led by Johns Hopkins Children's Center found that children who lose a parent to suicide are three times more likely to commit suicide than those with living parents. The researchers also found that these children are nearly twice as likely to be hospitalized for depression and have an increased risk of committing violent crimes.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateApr 21, 2010

Cane toad accelerometry and more

This study uses accelerometry to measure the energy expenditure of cane toads, revealing a higher metabolic rate than previously thought. The research provides valuable data for predictive models to optimize control efficiency in invasive species management.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 21, 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.

New evidence that green tea may help fight glaucoma and other eye diseases

Research confirms green tea catechins penetrate eye tissues, potentially protecting against glaucoma and other eye diseases. The study, published in Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, found that these antioxidants absorbed by the eyes reduced oxidative stress for up to 20 hours.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateApr 21, 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.

Do pressures to publish increase scientists' bias?

A new study analyzes over 1300 papers and finds that researchers based in more productive US states are more likely to report positive results, suggesting a bias towards 'publishable' findings. The results raise concerns about the impact of academic competition on scientific quality.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 21, 2010

Ontogenesis is regulated by moving microRNA molecules

Researchers discovered that microRNAs can move between cells, conveying information and regulating tissue development in plants and animals. This finding has implications for understanding developmental disorders and potential applications in medicine.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature·DateApr 21, 2010

1 big problem with many possible solutions

Researchers from Georgetown University Medical Center are studying multiple ways to address treatment-resistant breast cancers. A third approach involves triggering vulnerable cells to respond to existing treatments, while another study focuses on targeting orphan nuclear receptors to prevent resistance.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·DateApr 21, 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.

Age dramatically delays recovery of the sense of taste

Researchers found that older rats take twice as long to recover their sense of taste compared to younger counterparts. A balanced response between neutrophils and macrophages enhances recovery, but the exact mechanisms are not fully understood.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateApr 21, 2010

University of Nevada School of Medicine physiology professor earns $1.2 million grant over four years to study motility of internal anal sphincter muscle

Professor Kathleen Keef is awarded a four-year, $1.2 million grant from the National Institute of Health to investigate the control of motility in the internal anal sphincter. This research has significant implications for fecal incontinence, affecting millions of Americans and leading to various quality-of-life issues.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Reno·DateApr 21, 2010

How red wine may shield brain from stroke damage

Researchers at Johns Hopkins found that resveratrol increases levels of an enzyme shielding nerve cells in the brain from damage, protecting against ischemic stroke. The study suggests that moderate wine consumption may have a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalExperimental Neurology·DateApr 21, 2010

Patient-physician compatibility increases odds of following doctor's orders

A new study by University of Iowa researchers suggests that patient-physician compatibility affects adherence to doctor's orders and even a patient's health status. When doctors and patients share similar attitudes on control, patients do better in managing their conditions.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateApr 21, 2010

New solar concentrator design

Researchers at University of California, San Diego developed a new solar concentrator design that minimizes materials, alignment, and assembly costs. The innovative system collects sunlight with thousands of small lenses imprinted on a common sheet, reducing the need for individual photovoltaic cells.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalOptics Express·DateApr 21, 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.

Knowledge is power in Penn State blood pressure study

A study led by Penn State researchers found that an educational intervention, combined with home blood pressure monitoring, significantly improved patient knowledge and has the potential to lower blood pressure. The project aims to empower patients with high blood pressure to take control of their health.

SourcePenn State·DateApr 21, 2010

Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans interpreted for practical use

The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend daily physical activity to prevent chronic diseases, with specific guidelines for youth, adults, and older adults. The guidelines emphasize the importance of promoting physical activity in clinical and public health practice.

SourceSAGE·JournalAmerican Journal of Lifestyle Medicine·DateApr 21, 2010