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Science News for August 9, 2010


Inhibiting prostate cancer without disturbing regular body processes

Researchers at McGill University have discovered that the facultative enzyme Mnk plays a key role in developing prostate cancer. By blocking Mnk's activity, mice became resistant to prostate cancer growth, offering hope for targeted treatments.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 9, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers develop magnetic molecular machines to deliver drugs to unhealthy cells

Scientists create a new system that utilizes porous nanomaterials driven by a magnetic core to release drugs inside living cancer cells, improving targeted drug delivery and imaging in cancer treatment. The system has the potential to deliver anti-cancer drugs only to cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 9, 2010

Better understanding of mapmaking in the brain

Scientists have found 'grid cells' for the first time outside of the entorhinal cortex in the rat brain, expanding our knowledge of how the brain generates internal maps. These grid cells work together with other neural cells to create a series of maps that help with navigation and recognition of specific landmarks.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateAug 9, 2010

Injection of bone cement (vertebroplasty) is safe, effective and at an acceptable cost for patients with acute osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures

Vertebroplasty is effective in providing greater pain relief than conservative treatment, resulting in a significant reduction in Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores. Patients experienced immediate and sustained pain relief lasting up to one year, making it a safe option for those with acute fractures.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 9, 2010

Stress gets under our skin

Researchers found that individuals with greater neural sensitivity to social rejection exhibit increased inflammatory activity, which can increase the risk of disorders such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and depression. Chronic inflammation can also lead to cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 9, 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.

BSSA tip sheet for August 2010

Researchers identified two apparent faults cutting young deposits near Olympia, Washington, suggesting recent fault activity and potential earthquake hazards. The study utilizes marine seismic reflection data to explore shallow structures associated with inferred faults in the Tacoma and Olympia areas.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateAug 9, 2010

ROCK(2) 'n' roll target for treating autoimmunity

Researchers have discovered that ROCK2 protein is involved in regulating the production of IL-17 and IL-21, which are linked to autoimmunity. Administration of a ROCK inhibitor has shown promise in reducing disease symptoms and ameliorating conditions in mice models.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 9, 2010

The jellyfish-like salp: Most efficient filter-feeder in the deep, scientists discover

Researchers find salps capture food particles as small as bacteria and phytoplankton, making them hardier and more plentiful than thought. This allows them to play a crucial role in carbon cycling by consuming the entire 'microbial loop' and sinking large amounts of carbon to the ocean bottom.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 9, 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.

UCLA scientists map all mammalian gene interactions

Researchers have created comprehensive genetic interaction maps for mammalian cells, revealing which genes work together and their roles in disease. The study, published in Genome Research, offers valuable information for research and potential therapeutic targets.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalGenome Research·DateAug 9, 2010

Physicians failing to follow recommended heart-failure treatment guidelines, Stanford study finds

A recent Stanford University School of Medicine study found that physicians are losing ground in prescribing recommended medications for treating congestive heart failure. The use of ACE-inhibitors and beta blockers has declined since the early 2000s, with only about one-third of patients receiving these life-saving treatments.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateAug 9, 2010

The salp: Nature's near-perfect little engine just got better

Researchers found salps can capture particles as small as 0.5 microns using a process called direct interception, making them more efficient filter feeders. This ability helps explain their survival in the open ocean and enhances their role in carbon cycling.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 9, 2010

Latino children with asthma less accurate in determining their lung function

A new study reveals that Latino children with asthma often inaccurately perceive their lung function, resulting in increased emergency room visits and hospitalizations. The study's findings suggest that cultural differences, socioeconomic factors, and limited access to healthcare may contribute to these disparities.

SourceLifespan·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 9, 2010

Researchers successfully test new alternative to traditional semiconductors

Scientists at Ohio State University have successfully tested a new type of computer memory that uses the spin of electrons to store data. This innovative technology, known as spintronics, has the potential to increase data storage capacity, reduce power consumption, and enable more portable electronics.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 9, 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.

A 'magnetic' solution to identify and kill tumors

Researchers develop a new method to target cancer tumors using heat and magnets, reducing side effects and damage to healthy tissue. The innovative technique uses biomarkers attached to individual tumors and excites nano-particles with an external magnetic field, killing the tumor cells.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalNanomedicine·DateAug 9, 2010

Human clinical trial of NIH-developed dengue vaccine begins

A new tetravalent vaccine developed by NIAID is being tested in a Phase I human clinical trial to prevent dengue fever. The vaccine, which protects against all four dengue viruses, aims to provide efficient and cost-effective prevention against the mosquito-borne disease.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateAug 9, 2010

An ancient Earth like ours

Researchers have reconstructed the Earth's climate belts between 460 and 445 million years ago, finding patterns that suggest ancient carbon dioxide levels were more modest than thought. The study reveals a 'modern-looking' pattern in ancient oceans, emphasizing the stability of the atmosphere and climate through deep time.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 9, 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.

1 in 4 stroke patients stop taking medication within 3 months

A study published in Archives of Neurology found that nearly 75% of stroke patients remained on their prescribed medications after hospital discharge. Factors associated with persistent medication use included cardiovascular disease, insurance coverage, and understanding the purpose of the medications.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateAug 9, 2010

Carnegie Mellon researchers turn up brightness on fluorescent probes

The development enhances fluoromodule technology by making probes glow five- to seven-times brighter than EGFP, allowing researchers to monitor biological activities in real-time. Dendron-based dyedrons amplify the signal emitted by fluoromodules, providing a single compact protein tag with signal enhancement.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 9, 2010

Demographic disparities found among children with frequent ear infections

Research by UCLA and Harvard University found that white children and those from below the poverty level have higher rates of frequent ear infections. The study's findings highlight racial and socioeconomic disparities in access to healthcare for these vulnerable populations.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalThe Laryngoscope·DateAug 9, 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.

Brain responds same to acute and chronic sleep loss

Researchers found that five nights of restricted sleep produced intense recovery sleep following each wake cycle, with both longer and deeper sleep. Chronic sleep restriction evokes the same brain response as acute total sleep deprivation.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 9, 2010

Biochemist proposes worldwide policy change to step up daily vitamin D intake

A leading international expert in vitamin D, Anthony Norman, recommends increasing daily intake to 2,000-4,000 IU for most adults to maximize health benefits. This could effectively eradicate rickets in infants and reduce the frequency of diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and autoimmune type-1 diabetes.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalExperimental Biology and Medicine·DateAug 9, 2010

Larger waist associated with greater risk of death

A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that larger waist circumferences are associated with a greater risk of dying from any cause. The research, which included over 48,000 men and women, found that very large waists were linked to approximately twice the risk of death, even among those at normal weight.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateAug 9, 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.

Alcohol taxes can reduce death rates among chronic heavy drinkers

A new study published in Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research found that increasing alcohol taxes can significantly reduce death rates from diseases caused by chronic heavy drinking. The study analyzed data from 1969 to 2004 and estimated that adjusting for inflation, would save around 1,500 Floridian lives per year.

SourceBurness·DateAug 9, 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.

Computerized warning system alerts doctors to medications that could harm elderly patients

Researchers developed a specialized CPOE system to alert doctors to potentially hazardous medications for older hospital inpatients. The system resulted in a significant decrease of 20% in orders for flagged medications, highlighting its potential to reduce adverse drug events and improve care for vulnerable elderly patients.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateAug 9, 2010

Popping cells surprise living circuits creators

Researchers found that bacteria cells start dividing normally but unexpectedly 'pop' when the colony reaches a certain density. This phenomenon is linked to the amplification of plasmids in response to cell density, highlighting the importance of considering hidden interactions in engineered gene circuits.

SourceDuke University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 9, 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.

Higher temperatures to slow Asian rice production

A new study found that rising temperatures in Asia will slow rice production, with daily minimum temperature increases cutting yield growth rate by 10-20 percent in several locations. This could lead to food insecurity and poverty for the over three billion people who rely on rice as their staple food.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 9, 2010

How many nanoparticles heat the tumor?

Magnetic nanoparticles are injected into tumors to generate heat for cancer treatment. Magnetic relaxometry measures the relaxation of magnetic moments to determine particle quantity, allowing for selective tumor treatment.

SourcePhysikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB)·JournalPhysics in Medicine and Biology·DateAug 9, 2010

Competing for a mate can shorten lifespan

A new study reveals that men who experience stiff competition for female attention live shorter lives, with mortality rates increasing by 1.6% among those with higher sex ratios. The researchers suspect that this phenomenon is caused by a combination of social and biological factors, including stress and embodiment of the social world.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalDemography·DateAug 9, 2010

Forest fires help power the nitrogen cycle

Recent research found that forest fires stimulate the conversion of ammonia to nitrates, a crucial step in the nitrogen cycle. This process is triggered by charcoal deposition and can continue well after the fire has passed, benefiting coniferous forests in the inland Northwestern US.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateAug 9, 2010

Research examines the price of prison for children

Children of incarcerated parents face increased risks of behavioral problems, substance abuse, and lower academic performance. A strong attachment with alternative caregivers can mitigate these effects, according to research by Julie Poehlmann at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalAttachment & Human Development·DateAug 9, 2010
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Single cell injections

Researchers at Duke University have developed a method for injecting substances into single cells using sharp fluid jets, which may revolutionize stem cell research and cellular-level studies. The technique allows for the introduction of live cells to nontoxic substances without significantly damaging them.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 9, 2010

What makes a good egg and healthy embryo?

Research from Northwestern University found that healthy eggs require high levels of zinc to mature and be fertilized. The study may lead to advances in fertility treatment by enabling doctors to assess the best eggs for successful embryo formation.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateAug 9, 2010

Brain's wiring: More network than pyramid?

USC neuroscientists use new method to trace brain circuits, revealing a distributed network that overcomes local damage and has alternate pathways. The study suggests the brain may be more like the Internet than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 9, 2010

Brain rhythm predicts ability to sleep through a noisy night

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that brain-wave patterns predict the ease of disruption by noise, with participants maintaining consistent spindle rates during sleep. The study aims to develop solutions to help patients stay asleep in noisy environments, such as hospitals.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 9, 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.

Study shows that hitchhiking bacteria can go against the flow

Scientists find that water fleas facilitate bacterial dispersal, allowing microbes to reach inaccessible habitats. The 'conveyor-belt' hypothesis is confirmed through lab and field experiments.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 9, 2010

Greenhouse gas calculator connects farming practices with carbon credits

The Farming Systems Greenhouse Gas Emissions Calculator helps farmers maximize their potential economic returns in greenhouse gas markets. By changing farming practices, users can reduce greenhouse gas losses and gain an economic advantage.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Education·DateAug 9, 2010

A strategy to fix a broken heart

Engineers and physicians at the University of Washington have developed a scaffold that supports the growth and integration of stem cell-derived cardiac muscle cells. The scaffold accelerates oxygen and nutrient supply to transplanted tissue, promoting heart repair and vascular tissue engineering.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 9, 2010

Corporal punishment of children remains common worldwide, UNC studies find

Research led by UNC studies found that corporal punishment is prevalent globally, with 79% of preschool children in the US and varying rates in other countries. Harsh physical discipline was epidemic in all communities, and mothers with fewer education years were more likely to use physical punishment.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateAug 9, 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 'dentist' test to detect oral cancer will save lives

A new test for oral cancer, developed by researchers at the University of Sheffield, uses a brush to collect cells from a patient's mouth and analyzes them in under 20 minutes. This technology has the potential to significantly increase early detection rates and improve patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·DateAug 9, 2010

JCI online early table of contents: Aug. 9, 2010

Researchers at Columbia University have found that ROCK2 may be a good therapeutic target for treating autoimmune disorders, while targeting CD13+ CSCs in liver cancer could provide a new treatment approach. Additionally, scientists at Stanford University developed ways to enhance RNAi efficacy and persistence while decreasing toxicity.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 9, 2010

Schools, communities share responsibility for child nutrition

The American Dietetic Association emphasizes that schools and communities share the responsibility of providing students with access to high-quality, affordable nutritious foods and beverages. Strong wellness policies promote environments that enhance nutrition integrity and help students develop lifelong healthy behaviors.

SourceAmerican Dietetic Association·JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association·DateAug 9, 2010

On-the-job injuries hurt home health care industry

A Penn State study found that home health aides who received training had lower injury rates and higher job satisfaction. Training also reduced turnover intentions, benefiting both employees and organizations. Employees' perceptions of their training and workplace played a crucial role in their risk of injury.

SourcePenn State·DateAug 9, 2010
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

People think immoral behavior is funny -- but only if it also seems benign

A recent study published in Psychological Science found that people find humor in moral violations when they seem harmless or non-threatening. The researchers tested this theory by presenting volunteers with different scenarios and rewarding them with candy bars. They discovered that the situations involving a moral violation were more...

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 9, 2010