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Science News for August 20, 2010


Turning school ground natural areas into environmental labs

The Discovering the Science of the Environment (DSE) program transforms school ground natural areas into outdoor laboratories, allowing students to explore and learn about their environment. Through interactive technology tools and computerized mapping capabilities, DSE aims to inspire future leaders in science, technology, and environ...

SourceIndiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis School of Science·DateAug 20, 2010

ASIR technique reduces radiation dose associated with coronary CTA by 27 percent

The adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR) technique has been shown to reduce the radiation dose associated with coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) by 27 percent. This novel method allows for a reduction in tube current while maintaining diagnostic image quality, demonstrating an additive effect on existing te...

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateAug 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.

Oxytocin: It's a mom and pop thing

Researchers found that oxytocin levels in fathers were not different from those in mothers, suggesting that other aspects of parenthood stimulate oxytocin release in fathers. Oxytocin was also linked to parent-specific styles of interaction, with mothers showing more affectionate parenting and fathers exhibiting more stimulatory contact.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateAug 20, 2010

U of M researchers identify 2 FDA approved drugs that may fight HIV

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have identified two FDA-approved drugs, decitabine and gemcitabine, which, when combined, may be an effective treatment for HIV. The drug combination forces the virus to mutate itself to death, a phenomenon dubbed 'lethal mutagenesis.'

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalJournal of Virology·DateAug 20, 2010

Electronic tracking system can improve follow-up after an abnormal Pap test

Using an electronic medical record (EMR) tracking system can improve follow-up after an abnormal Pap test, leading to increased diagnostic resolution and faster treatment times. The study found that physicians who used this tracking system had significantly shorter times to diagnosis compared to traditional methods.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateAug 20, 2010

Whole-body MRI may help detect suspected child abuse

A study found that whole-body MRI can detect soft-tissue injuries in infants with suspected child abuse. However, its effectiveness in detecting skeletal injuries is limited. The imaging modality may still be useful as a supplement to skeletal surveys in selected cases.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateAug 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.

Limiting ocean acidification under global change

Researchers used computer simulations to predict the impact of mitigation policies on ocean acidification. A peak year of emissions and post-peak reduction rates significantly influence ocean acidity increases by 2100. The study suggests that substantial emission reductions need to occur as soon as possible.

SourceNational Oceanography Centre, UK·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 20, 2010

Researchers advance understanding of enzyme that regulates DNA

Researchers have revealed the mechanisms of the DNA-regulating enzyme PcrA, which controls recombination by removing recombination proteins from the DNA. By combining structure-specific binding and motor function, PcrA reels in DNA and kicks off recombination proteins.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalCell·DateAug 20, 2010

Juelich researchers take a look inside molecules

Researchers at Juelich have developed a method to study the inner structure of molecules using a scanning tunneling microscope, revealing detailed information on atomic irregularities and charge distribution. The technique uses a small molecule with deuterium atoms to enhance sensitivity for organic molecules.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 20, 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.

Cigarette smoke causes harmful changes in the lungs even at the lowest levels

A new study found that even low levels of secondhand smoke and infrequent smoking can cause harmful genetic changes in the lungs, leading to an increased risk of lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The research suggests that no level of smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke is safe.

SourceNewYork-Presbyterian·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 20, 2010

A stable office for the IMU

The Weierstrass Institute at Berlin has been selected to host the permanent office of the International Mathematical Union (IMU), ending a years-long moveable office. A Committee reviewed proposals from institutions worldwide and recommended the Weierstrass Institute as the ideal location for the stable office.

SourceICM2010·DateAug 20, 2010

People don't really like unselfish colleagues

Research found that unselfish workers who volunteer for tasks and take on details are also among those most wanted to be voted off a team. This phenomenon occurs because others perceive these individuals as setting an unrealistic standard, making themselves appear worse by comparison.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateAug 20, 2010

Grant for 'rotten eggs' anti-inflammatory research

A research project at the Peninsula Medical School in Exeter has won a £140,000 grant to study the effect of hydrogen sulfide as an anti-inflammatory agent. The study found that slow and sustained delivery of H2S reduces inflammation by increasing levels of the body's own anti-inflammatory molecules.

SourceThe Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry·DateAug 20, 2010

Winners of the 2010 IMU prizes

The 2010 International Mathematical Union prizes were awarded to four mathematicians: Elon Lindenstrauss, Ngô Bảo Châu, Stanislav Smirnov, and Cédric Villani. Lindenstrauss received the Fields Medal for his work on measure rigidity in ergodic theory and its applications to number theory.

SourceICM2010·DateAug 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.

Big quakes more frequent than thought on San Andreas fault

A recent study by UC Irvine researchers reveals that large ruptures have occurred on the Carrizo Plain portion of the San Andreas fault every 45 to 144 years. The findings contradict previous reports and suggest a more complex earthquake recurrence pattern along the 810-mile fault.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalGeology·DateAug 20, 2010

'Rotten eggs' gas and inflammation in arthritic joints

Hydrogen sulfide has been found to be present in the fluid inside human knee joint synovial fluid and may play a role in reducing inflammation. The study found higher levels of hydrogen sulfide in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, associated with lower inflammation and disease activity.

SourceThe Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry·JournalAnnals of the New York Academy of Sciences·DateAug 20, 2010

Surfing for earthquakes

Researchers have developed a web portal that allows seismologists to study noise for analyzing the Earth's structure, leading to better understanding of earthquakes. The system enables smaller groups to perform complex analysis previously limited to large organizations.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·DateAug 20, 2010

Road signs and traffic signals on DNA

Biophysicists create model to describe nucleosome distribution around transcription start sites, showing that stop signals prevent nucleosome formation. The Tonks model explains the characteristic packing of DNA in cells, shedding light on gene expression and chromatin code.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateAug 20, 2010

New molecular signaling cascade increases glucose uptake

Researchers identified a novel protein called SNARK, which plays a key role in regulating glucose transport during muscle contraction and exercise. The study shows that SNARK mediates contraction-stimulated glucose transport, providing an alternative pathway for increasing glucose uptake in individuals with insulin resistance.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 20, 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.

Street outreach workers an important tool for violence prevention and intervention

A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers finds that street outreach workers are a crucial tool for preventing and intervening in youth violence. The program, run by the United Teen Equality Center (UTEC), incorporates elements like peacemaking, resource provision, and community partnerships to achieve success.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalProgress in Community Health Partnerships Research Education and Action·DateAug 20, 2010

September 2010 Geology and GSA Today highlights

This article highlights various scientific discoveries in September 2010 Geology, including a study on Neoproterozoic ice ages and their impact on the environment. Researchers also investigate stress-driven failure during fracture array growth and explore the relationship between Antarctic glaciation and tropical rain belt migration.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateAug 20, 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.

CEAP study examines nitrogen, copper levels in Bay watershed

A comprehensive CEAP study reveals troublesome nitrogen and copper levels in a major Chesapeake Bay tributary, primarily sourced from agricultural fertilizers. High copper concentrations were found at lower reaches of the river, posing a threat to aquatic life.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateAug 20, 2010