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Science News for August 23, 2010


Plants give up some deep secrets of drought resistance

A team of Wisconsin researchers has identified the protein targets in cells of a key hormone that controls how plants respond to environmental stresses such as drought. The study's findings could help underpin the development of new crop plant strains capable of thriving in hotter, dryer climates.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 23, 2010

Math from the heart: Simulating stent design and coating

Suncica Canic develops computer models to simulate stent interactions with blood and cells, improving stent compatibility and reducing complications. Her research aims to help doctors choose the right stents for their patients and optimize stent design for specific procedures.

SourceNIH/National Institute of General Medical Sciences·DateAug 23, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Good vibrations: New atom-scale products on horizon

Researchers at McGill University have discovered a way to control the piezoelectric effect in nanoscale semiconductors called quantum dots. This enables the development of incredibly tiny new products with potential applications in solar power and nanoelectronic devices.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNano Letters·DateAug 23, 2010

Researchers gain focus on a bug with bifocals

The larvae of the sunburst diving beetle have been found to possess bifocal lenses in four of their twelve eyes, allowing for efficient switching between close-up and distance vision. This discovery has implications for biomedical engineering and imaging technology, with potential applications for humans.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 23, 2010

Understanding cancer using the fruit fly

Researchers use fruit flies to study protein modifications that can contribute to cancer development. The study aims to unravel the role of enzyme San in tissue proliferation and cancer growth.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·DateAug 23, 2010
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers found that local fishermen exposed to oil clean-up efforts two years prior showed persistent airway injury, including increased prevalence rates of respiratory symptoms and biomarkers of pulmonary oxidative stress. The study suggests even short-term exposure to oil sediments may have detrimental health effects.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 23, 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.

ORNL scientists help explain graphene mystery

Researchers used quantum molecular dynamics and transmission electron microscopy to discover an intermediate step in the cleaning process. Electron irradiation prevented loop formation, allowing for efficient edge cleaning and improving graphene's suitability for electronics.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 23, 2010

Cost of prostate cancer care varies with initial treatment choice

A new analysis found that prostate cancer treatment choices significantly impact long-term care costs. Watchful waiting had the lowest initial and five-year total costs, while hormonal therapy plus radiation and surgery were associated with higher costs.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalCancer Biology & Therapy·DateAug 23, 2010

UCLA study identifies genetic variation linked to lupus in Asian men

A recent study by UCLA researchers has identified a genetic variation linked to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in Asian men. The findings suggest that this variation on the X chromosome enhances an immune response, increasing the risk of developing lupus in men compared to women.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 23, 2010

Researchers connect APC protein to autism and mental retardation

A protein called APC plays a key role in synapse maturation, and dysfunction prevents the synapse function required for typical learning and memory. Mutations in genes related to neuroligin and neurexin are associated with autism, but little was known about their mechanisms at the synapse.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·DateAug 23, 2010

Alcohol intake increases certain types of breast cancer

A study published in The Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that alcohol consumption is more strongly related to the risk of lobular carcinoma than ductal carcinoma, and more strongly related to hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer than hormone-receptor-negative breast cancer.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 23, 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.

Sensor important to understanding root, seedling development

A new biosensor developed at Purdue University can detect auxin movement in real-time, allowing scientists to better understand how the plant hormone regulates root growth. The sensor uses nanomaterials to create an electrical signal that measures auxin concentration, enabling instantaneous and continuous measurements during root growth.

SourcePurdue University·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateAug 23, 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.

Cactus genes connect modern Mexico to its prehistoric past

A team led by Fabiola Parra has successfully traced the domesticated Gray Ghost Organ Pipe (Stenocereus pruinosus) to its living ancestral species in Mexico's Tehuacán Valley. Genetic analysis reveals evidence of artificial selection, increasing genetic diversity among cacti grown using traditional methods.

SourceOxford University Press UK·JournalAnnals of Botany·DateAug 23, 2010

Sign language speakers' hands, mouths operate separately

A new study on British Sign Language found that signers make different mistakes in the sign and in mouthing, indicating separate brain processing for hand and lip movements. Researchers suggest that this suggests the signer is processing two languages simultaneously.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 23, 2010

Disasters especially tough on people with disabilities, mental disorders

A recent study by the American Psychological Association found that disasters disproportionately affect individuals with disabilities and mental disorders, with significant barriers to housing, transportation, and disaster services still present two years after Hurricane Katrina. Researchers recommend case managers knowledgeable about ...

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalRehabilitation Psychology·DateAug 23, 2010

Health diagnosis made simpler

Researchers at Arizona State University have created a new device that simplifies health diagnosis by detecting diseases quickly and at lower costs. The Integrascope uses superhydrophobic surfaces and LEDs to focus light on tiny particles, allowing for rapid detection of infectious agents or proteins in patient samples.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Precedings·DateAug 23, 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.

Antibiotic may reduce stroke risk and injury in diabetics

Researchers at Medical College of Georgia found that daily minocycline treatment can help diabetics avoid strokes or minimize damage by reducing blood vessel remodeling. This could benefit diabetics who are already at increased risk for bleeding and stroke damage.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJournal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism·DateAug 23, 2010

Body clock drugs could ease psychiatric disorders and jet lag

Researchers have successfully used a drug to reset the body clock of mice, opening up possibilities for treating psychiatric disorders, jet lag, and shift work-related health impacts. The drug works by inhibiting casein kinase 1, a key molecule in the circadian clock mechanism.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 23, 2010

Study offers historic buildings protection from climate change

Engineers at the University of Edinburgh have developed a forecasting method to predict damage caused by weather to historic and modern masonry buildings. This allows conservationists to estimate the impact of long-term climate change on stonework and brickwork, determining the most suitable preservation plan.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·DateAug 23, 2010
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Diabetes can cause a sugar coating that smothers body's immune defences

Research found high glucose levels can form a 'sugar coating' that blocks immune receptors, increasing the risk of chronic bacterial and fungal infections in diabetes patients. This can lead to increased risks of viral infections like influenza and inflammatory conditions like cardiovascular disease.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalImmunobiology·DateAug 23, 2010

Lifting the veil of secrecy surrounding development of new medicines

The Open Source Drug Discovery (OSDD) Consortium is a worldwide scientific community working together to discover and develop new drugs. Key findings include the development of a comprehensive map of Mycobacterium tuberculosis genome, paving the way for a potential new drug for tuberculosis.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 23, 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.

A cluster bomb for cancer care

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a nano-sized vehicle that can deliver chemotherapy drugs directly into cancer cells while avoiding interaction with healthy cells. This technology has the potential to increase the efficiency of chemotherapeutic treatments while reducing their debilitating side effects.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalBiomaterials·DateAug 23, 2010

Powerful new way to control magnetism

Scientists at Rutgers University discovered a material where an electric field controls the overall magnetic properties, leading to ultra-dense data storage. The effect could revolutionize small-scale magnetic bits and potentially lead to more dense storage devices than current terabyte discs.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 23, 2010

Alcohol-based hand disinfectants improve business productivity

A study published in BMC Infectious Diseases found that alcohol-based hand disinfectants significantly reduced incidences of absenteeism due to common colds, fever, and cough. Hand disinfection also reduced on-the-job-productivity-losses and increased workplace health levels.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Infectious Diseases·DateAug 23, 2010
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

New study: More than 20,000 sledding injuries each year

A study by Nationwide Children's Hospital found an average of over 20,000 sledding-related injuries treated in US hospital emergency departments each year. The most common injuries were fractures and cuts/bruises, with a high risk of traumatic brain injury (TBI) during collisions.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateAug 23, 2010

Rectal cancer rates are rising in young individuals

A new analysis found that rectal cancer rates are rising among young people under 40, with a 3.8% annual increase between 1984 and 2005. The study suggests that endoscopic evaluation should be considered for individuals presenting with rectal bleeding or other signs of the disease.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalCancer·DateAug 23, 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.

University of Colorado Denver Business School study shows failure better teacher than success

A new study by University of Colorado Denver Business School researchers found that organizations learn more from failure than success and retain that knowledge longer. The study's findings suggest that managers should treat failures as invaluable learning opportunities, encouraging the open sharing of information about them.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateAug 23, 2010

Canada needs health-care leadership at federal level

The lack of vision at the federal level hinders public health protection and system support. The authors call for sufficient resources, evidence-based healthcare, and national pharmacare strategies.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateAug 23, 2010

Visualizing viruses: new research pinpoints tiny invaders

Researchers have developed a new method for visualizing individual virus particles, enabling a more detailed understanding of these minute pathogens. The technique, known as surface plasmon resonance microscopy, allows for the detection and measurement of viral mass, with a detection limit rivaling conventional methods by three to four...

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 23, 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.

New analysis weighs lost trade, costs to control invasive species against economic damages

Economists Santanu Roy and Lars J. Olson analyze the balance between controlling invasive species and free trade, finding that some restrictions may be necessary to prevent economic damage while allowing for entry when damages are low. Their study provides a qualitative framework for policymakers to determine optimal response strategies.

SourceSouthern Methodist University·JournalJournal of Environmental Economics and Management·DateAug 23, 2010

CSR origins earlier than supposed

The concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) can be traced to The World's Work magazine from November 1900. Arthur W. Page, editor of the magazine, advocated for sustainability, labor rights, and consumer education in his editorials. His actions as a vice president at AT&T further solidified CSR principles.

SourceDick Jones Communications·DateAug 23, 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.

Polyphenol antioxidants inhibit iron absorption

Research by Penn State scientists found that certain polyphenols, such as grape seed extract and EGCG in green tea, inhibit iron absorption. The polyphenols bind to iron in intestinal cells, forming a complex that cannot be transported into the bloodstream.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateAug 23, 2010

2010 Julian Cole Lectureship awarded to John King, University of Nottingham

The Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) awards the Julian Cole Lectureship every four years to recognize outstanding contributions to mathematical characterization and solution of challenging problems. This year, Professor John King received the award for his work on mathematical modeling of tumor growth.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·DateAug 23, 2010

Fermi detects gamma-rays from exploding nova

Astronomers have detected gamma rays from a nova, dispelling the idea that these explosions are not powerful enough to produce high-energy radiation. The newly detected explosion is equivalent to about 1,000 times the energy of the sun.

SourceNaval Research Laboratory·JournalScience·DateAug 23, 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.

What the locals ate 10,000 years ago

Researchers at Brigham Young University have uncovered evidence of a new diet in the North Creek Shelter, a 10,000-year-old archaeological site on the Colorado Plateau. The study reveals that early humans in the region consumed small seeds, including sage brush seeds, as well as deer and other game.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalKIVA·DateAug 23, 2010

AgriLife research identifies wheat streak resistance gene

Researchers have identified a single dominant gene from the Colorado germplasm line that provides resistance to wheat streak mosaic virus. The Wsm2 gene was mapped to chromosome 3B and can be used to track its presence in wheat breeding programs.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalCrop Science·DateAug 23, 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.