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Science News for August 13, 2010


Estrogen not associated with lung cancer incidence and mortality among postmenopausal women

A recent study published in JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that estrogen alone was not associated with increased lung cancer mortality among postmenopausal women. In contrast, combined hormone therapy showed a statistically significant increase in breast cancer incidence and a reduction in colorectal cancer.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 13, 2010

New sporadic prion protein disease identified by Case Western Reserve

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have discovered a new sporadic prion protein disease, Variably protease-sensitive prionopathy (VPSPr), which shares genotype characteristics with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. The abnormal prion protein in VPSPr exhibits distinct characteristics different from other prion diseases.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateAug 13, 2010

Promising results of gene therapy to treat diseases of the eye

Researchers successfully replaced a human gene to preserve photoreceptor function in mice with severe retinal degeneration. The study demonstrates improved function and survival of photoreceptors, validating a potential gene therapy design for patients affected by Leber congenital amaurosis.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHuman Gene Therapy·DateAug 13, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Happy employees may be the key to success ... for organizations

A study of over 2,000 business units found that employee work perceptions predict important organizational outcomes. Employee job satisfaction is linked to higher retention rates, increased customer loyalty, and better financial performance.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateAug 13, 2010

Sensors more accurately map the Chesapeake Bay's forested wetlands

Researchers have developed new maps of the Chesapeake Bay's forested wetlands, increasing accuracy by 30% compared to existing maps. The combined data from LiDAR and SAR sensors reveals previously unknown connections between wetlands, drainage ditches, and ponds.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalWetlands·DateAug 13, 2010

Current directions in schizophrenia research

The latest research on schizophrenia focuses on prenatal factors, neurological development, prognosis, brain abnormalities, social cognition, and promising treatments.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateAug 13, 2010

Language as a window into sociability

Researchers at the Salk Institute found that individuals with Williams syndrome process spoken language differently from those with autism spectrum disorders, which has opposite social profiles. People with Williams syndrome exhibit an abnormally large N400 response indicating sensitivity to semantic aspects of language.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateAug 13, 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.

GEN reports on rediscovered technology to bolster proteomics research

Researchers are leveraging decades-old ultrahigh pressure discoveries to advance proteomics, mass spectrometry, and protein extraction techniques. Pressure-cycling technology (PCT) accelerates glycan release, membrane protein extraction, and other complex processes.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalGenetic Engineering & Biotechnology News·DateAug 13, 2010

ARPA-E funding supports research on carbon dioxide removal from flue gases

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology are using ARPA-E funding to develop cost-effective techniques for removing large volumes of carbon dioxide from flue gases. They will use hollow-fiber composite membranes with nanoporous metal-organic framework materials to separate CO2, with the goal of achieving a 90% removal rate.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateAug 13, 2010

Trojan Horse attack on native lupine

Invasive European beachgrass provides cover for deer mice to feed on Tidestrom's lupine fruits without being detected by birds. A mathematical model of lupine populations predicts that all three populations will go extinct, but if mice eat fewer seeds, the largest population will remain stable.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalEcology·DateAug 13, 2010

Speed electronic medical record adoption via key medical centers, says Management Science

A new study by INFORMS suggests that persuading influential medical centers to adopt electronic medical records can accelerate the adoption of these systems among neighboring hospitals. The research found that targeting well-known, larger, and older hospitals in densely populated regions can significantly increase the rate of adoption.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalManagement Science·DateAug 13, 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.

Evidence of new solar activity from observations of aurora in New Zealand

Researchers from Boston University's Center for Space Physics observed recent auroral displays in high latitudes accompanied by fainter glows in lower latitudes. The team detected signs of a new cycle of solar-terrestrial activity, including Stable Auroral Red (SAR) arcs in the southern hemisphere.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·DateAug 13, 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.

Europe ready to launch 3-D TV outperforming the competition

German and Swiss researchers have developed a 3D LCD flat-screen monitor capable of displaying high-definition images without the need for red and green glasses. The Dualplex Display technology offers improved image quality, reduced eye strain, and wider viewing angles, making it suitable for both consumer and professional markets.

SourceEUREKA·DateAug 13, 2010

Surf your way to a deep ocean research expedition

Researchers from the University of Washington are leading an expedition to study the seafloor and its ecosystems. The team aims to deploy sensors and moorings that will provide real-time data on ocean conditions, enabling scientists to better understand and predict natural phenomena such as hurricanes and tsunamis.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateAug 13, 2010

The nano world of Shrinky Dinks

A Northwestern University team has developed a low-cost, high-throughput method for creating and mass-producing large-area nanoscale patterns using Shrinky Dinks. This solvent-assisted nanoscale embossing (SANE) method offers unprecedented opportunities to manipulate electronic, photonic, and magnetic properties of nanomaterials.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNano Letters·DateAug 13, 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.

Ocean's color affects hurricane paths

A study found that a decrease in chlorophyll concentration, leading to a change in ocean color, can reduce hurricane formation by 70% in the North Pacific. This reduction is due to changes in air circulation patterns and surface water temperature.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 13, 2010

Acetaminophen use in adolescents linked to doubled risk of asthma

Monthly acetaminophen use in adolescents may more than double the risk of asthma, with yearly use associated with a 50% increase. The study found a significant association between acetaminophen use and increased risks of asthma, eczema, and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 13, 2010