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Science News for August 1, 2010


Negative effects of sleep restriction may linger after 1 night of recovery sleep

A study suggests that chronic sleep restriction can have lasting effects on neurobehavioral deficits, even with adequate recovery sleep. Researchers found that participants who experienced severe sleep restriction showed persistent impairments in attention and reaction times after a single night of extended sleep.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalSLEEP·DateAug 1, 2010

15,000 beams of light

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new method called beam-pen lithography, which uses tiny beams of light to draw patterns on surfaces. This technology offers a means to rapidly and inexpensively make and prototype circuits, optoelectronics, and medical diagnostics.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateAug 1, 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.

Breeding changing dog brains

Researchers found that short-snouted dog breeds have rotating brains up to 15 degrees, while the olfactory lobe has relocated, affecting smell perception. The study highlights unique plasticity in the canine genome due to human intervention through breeding.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 1, 2010

Mechanical regulation of cell substrates effects stem cell development, adhesion

The researchers created a library of micromolded, hexagonally spaced elastomeric micropost arrays to study the effects of substrate flexibility on stem cell development and adhesion. The system allowed them to modulate the rigidity and flexibility of the substrate surface without changing its adhesive properties.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Methods·DateAug 1, 2010

Epileptic seizures may be linked to an ancient gene family

Researchers identify an ancient gene family regulating nerve excitability in the brain, which may contribute to epileptic seizures. Studies on mice suggest that activating this potassium channel can block seizures, opening up potential new drug targets with fewer side effects.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateAug 1, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Nutritional labeling and point-of-purchase signs influence healthy food choices

Two studies found that US adults who used nutritional labels consumed healthier nutrients, with significant differences in calorie and fat intake. A pilot study also showed that point-of-purchase nutrition information influenced college students' purchasing behaviors, promoting the sale of healthful food items.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association·DateAug 1, 2010

New insights into how stem cells determine what tissue to become

Stem cell differentiation is a crucial process that can be accelerated using a novel type of matrix, adjusting its stiffness without altering its chemical composition. By analyzing traction forces and cellular behavior, researchers predict stem cell differentiation as early as Day 1.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Methods·DateAug 1, 2010

UCSD scientists find gas pedal -- and brake -- for uncontrolled cell growth

Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine identify microRNA miR-132 as the 'gas pedal' controlling uncontrolled blood vessel growth. They develop an anti-miR therapy to restore functionality to the 'brake,' halting disease progression in mouse models of cancer and retinal disorders.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Medicine·DateAug 1, 2010

Purple light means go, ultraviolet light means stop

Researchers at University of Rochester developed a unique light-controlled membrane that can block gas flow when ultraviolet light is applied and allow it to flow when purple light is used. This innovation has potential applications in controlled drug delivery and industrial processing tasks.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·DateAug 1, 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.

Mining bacterial genomes reveals valuable 'hidden' drugs

Scientists used genome mining to discover a novel antibiotic in Streptomyces coelicolor, effective against several bacterial strains. The approach also unlocks potential for discovering new antimicrobials and antitumor agents from other micro-organisms.

SourceMicrobiology Society·JournalMicrobiology·DateAug 1, 2010