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Science News for August 11, 2010


Use of specialist retrieval teams to transport sick children to pediatric intensive care units is associated with reduced mortality

A study published in The Lancet found that specialist retrieval teams significantly reduce mortality rates among children transferred to pediatric intensive care units. Children admitted from other hospitals had better outcomes and lower mortality rates when transferred by specialist teams compared to non-specialist transfers.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 11, 2010

Menstrual cramps may alter brain structure

A new study found that menstrual cramps can cause alterations in the brain's gray matter, even when pain is not present. Researchers discovered abnormal changes in specific brain areas involved in pain transmission and regulation, suggesting that the adolescent brain may be vulnerable to menstrual pain.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalPain·DateAug 11, 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.

Research aims to improve speech recognition software

Researchers are working to improve automatic speech recognition technology, aiming for a word-error rate of no more than 10 percent. A new multi-language audio database will be developed using publicly available sources like YouTube, featuring hundreds of speakers in English, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese.

SourceBinghamton University·DateAug 11, 2010
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Spinal muscular atrophy may also affect the heart

Researchers discovered significant structural changes and impaired left-ventricular function in the hearts of SMA mice, along with lower heart rates. Gene therapy approach showed promise in restoring heart rates and preventing dilated cardiomyopathy.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateAug 11, 2010

Tinnitus study looks for cure to 'ringing in the ears'

A $1.7 million NIH grant supports UT Dallas researcher Dr. Michael Kilgard's investigation into nerve stimulation as a long-term cure for tinnitus. The goal is to retrain the brain to ignore nerve signals that simulate ringing, offering a possible permanent end to the condition.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·DateAug 11, 2010

1 in 4 stroke patients stop taking prevention medication within 3 months

A new study found that about 75% of stroke patients continued taking their prescribed medications to prevent a second stroke three months after discharge. However, nearly 20% of patients stopped taking one or more of their medications due to various factors such as understanding and financial hardships.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateAug 11, 2010

People who are angry pay more attention to rewards than threats

A new study found that angry individuals pay more attention to rewarding images than threatening ones. This suggests that anger is associated with a motivation to approach rewards, rather than avoid threats. The research highlights the importance of understanding how emotions influence visual attention and behavior.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 11, 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.

Dark-matter search plunges physicists to new depths

Scientists are deploying a 4-kilogram bubble chamber at SNOLab, Ontario, Canada to detect dark matter particles. The team hopes to establish evidence for dark matter using Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPS) and axions.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·DateAug 11, 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.

Seeing melanoma

A new imaging technique, combining photoacoustic tomography and a smart contrast agent, produces three-dimensional images of melanoma with high accuracy. This enables surgeons to remove only the malignant tissue while maintaining clean margins.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalACS Nano·DateAug 11, 2010

NASA's Aqua Satellite sees Dianmu enter the Sea of Japan

Tropical Storm Dianmu made a quick track over South Korea and entered the Sea of Japan, with NASA's Aqua satellite capturing its infrared image. The storm is transitioning into an extra-tropical storm due to increasing vertical wind shear and cooler sea surface temperatures.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 11, 2010

Energy storage system deals with sudden draws on the grid

Researchers at the University of Leeds have developed an integrated system that stores excess energy and uses it to supply electricity during peak demand. This innovative system cuts greenhouse gas emissions by reducing nitrogen oxide emissions and capturing carbon dioxide in solid form for storage.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalInternational Journal of Energy Research·DateAug 11, 2010

OU professor honored for excellence in chemistry

Donna Nelson, a University of Oklahoma professor, has been selected as a 2010 American Chemical Society Fellow for her contributions to the chemical sciences and outstanding service. She is recognized for her research on minorities in academe and functionalizing single-walled carbon nanotubes.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·DateAug 11, 2010

Using bone marrow stem cells to treat critically ill patients on verge of respiratory failure

A team led by Drs. Michael A. Matthay and Jae W. Lee found that bone marrow stem cells secreted a protein that restored the lung barrier, preventing fluid and other elements from entering the lungs. The study suggests that this therapy may be a viable option for preventing respiratory failure in critically ill patients.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 11, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Research links huntingtin to neurogenesis

New research reveals that abnormal huntingtin protein plays a crucial role in neurogenesis, challenging previous understanding of its function in adult neurons. The study demonstrates htt's involvement in cell division and neurogenesis, shedding light on the pathogenic mechanisms underlying Huntington's disease.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateAug 11, 2010

'Needle-free' intervention as natural vaccine against malaria

A study found that infection with malaria parasites during antibiotic treatment developed a vaccine-like immunity against re-infection. Antibiotics can prevent malaria parasite replication in the liver, allowing the immune system to mount a robust defense against future infections.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 11, 2010

Advance toward earlier detection of melanoma

Scientists have developed a substance to enhance visibility of skin cancer cells during scans, potentially leading to earlier detection and improved survival rates for patients with melanoma. The new technique uses photoacoustic tomography and a bioconjugated gold nanoparticle agent that targets skin cancer cells.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateAug 11, 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.

Research shows sugary drinks do not cause weight gain

A study of 53 overweight women found that consuming sugary drinks in moderation does not lead to weight gain or mood changes. Women instead reduced their voluntary energy intake elsewhere in the diet to balance the calories from the drinks.

SourceSugar Nutrition UK·JournalAppetite·DateAug 11, 2010

Toward safer plastics that lock in potentially harmful plasticizers

Researchers have developed a method to prevent phthalates from migrating from PVC plastics, leading to safer products and reduced health risks. The approach permanently bonds plasticizers to the internal structure of PVC, suppressing migration and improving product durability.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalMacromolecules·DateAug 11, 2010

Best way to pour champagne? 'Down the side' wins first scientific test

A scientific study reveals that pouring champagne down the side of an angled glass preserves more carbon dioxide than pouring straight down the middle. The researchers also found that chilling champagne to 39 degrees Fahrenheit reduces carbon dioxide loss, making 'down-the-side' a winning method for preserving champagne's taste and fizz.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateAug 11, 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.

American Society for Microbiology honors Benjamin tenOever

Benjamin tenOever, a leading expert in microbiology and infectious diseases, has been awarded the 2010 ICAAC Young Investigator Award. His research focuses on understanding the cell's response to infection and developing novel strategies for vaccine and antiviral drug design.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·DateAug 11, 2010

American Society for Microbiology honors Catherine A. Blish

Catherine A. Blish receives ICAAC Young Investigator Award for elucidating neutralizing antibodies in HIV transmission, sponsored by Merck. Her work shows that broad neutralizing antibody responses may not prevent superinfection with a second strain of HIV.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·DateAug 11, 2010

American Society for Microbiology honors Manuela Raffatellu

Manuela Raffatellu, a UC Irvine researcher, received the 2010 ICAAC Young Investigator Award from ASM for her work on Salmonella typhimurium's interaction with the gut. Her research has identified novel roles for early T cell responses and IL-17 in preventing bacterial dissemination.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·DateAug 11, 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.

Scientists achieve highest-resolution MRI of a magnet

Researchers from Ohio State University have achieved the highest-resolution MRI scan of a magnet, revealing its magnetic properties at the nanoscale. This breakthrough could lead to advancements in data storage and biomedical imaging, as well as more efficient computer chips and devices.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature·DateAug 11, 2010

Perceived intentions influence brain response

A study by Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience found that people's brains respond differently to others' actions based on their perceived intentions. When generous behavior is framed as benefiting the group, participants showed a stronger neural response, indicating a greater liking for the action.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateAug 11, 2010

College Of Medicine receives $54 million grant for asthma research

The Penn State College of Medicine has received a $54 million grant to act as the data coordinating center for the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute's AsthmaNet. The NHLBI Asthma Network will conduct multiple clinical trials to address key asthma management questions, with a focus on pediatric and adult populations.

SourcePenn State·DateAug 11, 2010
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.

Making sense of space dust: Researchers explore solar system's origins

UCF physicists analyze space dust using far IR spectroscopy to identify minerals and provide clues about solar system formation and life emergence. The findings will be published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society journal.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 11, 2010

New diabetes risk assessment developed

The University of Leicester has developed an online diabetes risk assessment tool using 7 questions to identify those at high risk. The tool is being used in a number of studies to encourage people to see their doctor and has already been taken by over 21,000 individuals.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·DateAug 11, 2010

Arctic rocks offer new glimpse of primitive Earth

Scientists have discovered a new window into the Earth's violent past by analyzing geochemical evidence from volcanic rocks on Baffin Island. The study suggests that the primitive mantle, which dates back to just tens of millions of years after the Earth's formation, was already depleted in incompatible elements compared to chondrites.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature·DateAug 11, 2010

Oldest Earth mantle reservoir discovered

Researchers found evidence for the oldest Earth mantle reservoir on Baffin Island, dating back to between 4.55 and 4.45 billion years ago. The discovery suggests an alternative to the traditional chondritic model of the Earth's composition.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature·DateAug 11, 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 paper offers breakthrough on blinking molecules phenomenon

Researchers have developed a model that confirms correlation between on and off periods in blinking phenomena, providing insights into the physical mechanism behind the vast range of emission times. The finding has potential applications in quantum dot imaging, cancer cell detection, and display screen development.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalNano Letters·DateAug 11, 2010

NOAA scientists uncover oscillating patterns in clouds

A NOAA study found that clouds exhibit oscillating patterns influenced by precipitation, creating regular rainfall events. The discovery highlights the impact of aerosols on large-scale cloud structure and climate change, suggesting a more complex understanding of interactions between aerosols and clouds.

SourceNOAA Headquarters·JournalNature·DateAug 11, 2010

VIB and UGent researchers identify key mechanisms of cell division in plants

Researchers have discovered over 100 new proteins involved in plant cell division, revealing the machinery behind this process for the first time. The newly developed Tandem Affinity Purification (TAP) Platform enables rapid unraveling of protein interactions, advancing crop yield optimization.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·DateAug 11, 2010

Deathstalker scorpion venom could improve gene therapy for brain cancer

Scientists have developed a new approach to deliver therapeutic genes into brain cancer cells, using chlorotoxin from deathstalker scorpion venom and nanoparticles of iron oxide. This method has shown promise in inducing nearly twice the amount of gene expression in brain cancer cells compared to traditional approaches.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateAug 11, 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.

Rain contributes to cycling patterns of clouds

Researchers demonstrate how rain causes air movement that breaks down and builds up cloud walls, forming honeycomb clouds with self-organizing patterns. These clouds cycle regularly due to the interaction between rising and falling air, resulting in shifting showers over time.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateAug 11, 2010

Inherited brain activity predicts childhood risk for anxiety

A new study led by Ned H. Kalin of the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health found that increased brain activity in the amygdala and anterior hippocampus can predict anxious temperament in young primates. This discovery may lead to new strategies for early detection and treatment of at-risk children.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature·DateAug 11, 2010

Lithium shows no benefit for people with ALS

A new study published in Neurology found that lithium is not effective in treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) due to a high dropout rate and serious side effects. The research involved 171 people with ALS, but showed no difference between those receiving therapeutic or subtherapeutic doses of lithium.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateAug 11, 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.

'New' human adenovirus may not make for good vaccines, after all

A recent study by The Wistar Institute found that the newly identified human adenovirus AdHu26 commonly infects people, particularly those in Sub-Saharan Africa, rendering it an unlikely candidate as a vaccine carrier. In contrast, chimpanzee adenoviruses demonstrate similar functionality and are considered superior for mass vaccination.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalJournal of Virology·DateAug 11, 2010

Practical screening method from USDA to speed up scab-resistant wheat breeding

A USDA study uses near infrared light technology to quickly evaluate individual kernels of wheat and barley for resistance to scab disease. This allows breeders to rapidly select for resistant varieties, minimizing yield losses and promoting international food security.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalJournal of Near Infrared Spectroscopy·DateAug 11, 2010

Study shows behaviors and attitudes towards oral sex are changing

A study by University of Alberta researcher Brea Malacad reveals shifting behaviors and attitudes towards oral sex among young women. The findings indicate that while some view oral sex as less intimate than intercourse, others see it as equally or more intimate. Additionally, the research highlights the need for sex educators to catch...

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalThe European Journal of Contraception & Reproductive Health Care·DateAug 11, 2010

American Society for Microbiology honors Carol Iversen

Carol Iversen received the 2010 ICAAC Young Investigator Award for her research on Enterobacter sakazakii taxonomy. Her work led to the creation of a new genus Cronobacter, which has improved detection and isolation of the bacteria.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·DateAug 11, 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.

NIH launches effort to define markers of human immune responses

The National Institutes of Health has launched a nationwide research initiative to define changes in the human immune system using human studies. The effort aims to improve vaccine safety, effectiveness, and overall therapeutic outcomes for various infections and diseases.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateAug 11, 2010

American Society for Microbiology honors Thomas J. Walsh

Dr. Thomas J. Walsh, Director of the Transplantation-Oncology Infectious Diseases Program at Weill Cornell Medical College, has been selected as the 2010 laureate of the sanofi-aventis ICAAC Award for his groundbreaking work on antifungal pharmacology and therapeutics.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·DateAug 11, 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.