Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for December 21, 2010


Quitting menthol cigarettes may be harder for some smokers

Research finds that menthol cigarettes are more challenging to quit for certain groups, including teenagers and African-American smokers. Economic pressures may contribute to this difficulty as less affluent smokers are forced to consume fewer cigarettes, leading to increased nicotine intake from each cigarette.

SourcePenn State·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateDec 21, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Smoking may worsen pain for cancer patients

A recent study published in Pain found that cancer patients who smoke experience greater pain than nonsmokers, with increased pain severity and interference with daily activities. Quitting smoking may reduce pain over time, suggesting a potential benefit for cancer patients.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalPain·DateDec 21, 2010

Tumor cells in blood may signal worse prognosis in head and neck cancer patients

A new study suggests that the presence of tumor cells in the circulating blood of patients with squamous cell cancer of the head and neck may predict disease recurrence and reduced survival. The study found a correlation between an increasing number of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and a worse outcome.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateDec 21, 2010

Queen's study debunks myth about popular optical illusion

A recent study by Queen's University researcher Niko Troje reveals that the way people perceive the Silhouette Illusion is not determined by personality or brain type. Instead, the viewer's angle of view plays a crucial role in shaping their perception of the spinning woman.

SourceQueen's University·Journali-Perception·DateDec 21, 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.

Long-lasting chemicals threaten the environment and human health

New research suggests that a large number of high-production-volume chemicals used in US industries are likely to persist in post-treatment sludge and enter the environment. Eleven chemicals were identified as potential hazards to human and environmental health due to their propensity for accumulation and persistence.

SourceArizona State University·JournalJournal of Environmental Monitoring·DateDec 21, 2010

CSHL scientists show in unprecedented detail how cortical nerve cells form synapses with neighbors

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have made a breakthrough in understanding how neural circuits self-assemble. By observing the formation of inhibitory synapses, they found that GABA transmission regulates synaptic adhesion. The discovery sheds light on neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 21, 2010

Biomarkers could predict death in AIDS patients with severe inflammation

Researchers found that patients who developed immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) after starting HIV therapy had specific biomarker patterns in their blood. The study suggests that prediction of IRIS or death may be possible with measurement of pre-antiretroviral therapy serum biomarkers.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateDec 21, 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.

Cornstarch might have ended the Gulf spill agony sooner

A study suggests that adding a shear-thickening polymer like cornstarch to drilling mud could suppress instability, allowing the mud to sink and stop the leak. Physicist Jonathan Katz's idea was initially rejected by BP, but experiments show it might have worked.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 21, 2010

Health systems strengthening needs 10 guiding principles

The article presents a set of 10 guiding principles for health systems strengthening developed from a comprehensive review of the literature and consultation with experts. These principles aim to establish a common foundation for future discussions and strategies in global health systems strengthening.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateDec 21, 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.

New journal promotes computational science education

The Journal of Computational Science Education (JOCSE) promotes the use of computation in education, disseminating unique uses of computation in the classroom. The journal utilizes internet technology to allow for enhanced interactivity and provides an outlet for high-quality papers describing successful computational science instructi...

SourceOhio Supercomputer Center·DateDec 21, 2010

UNH scientists help show potent GHG emissions are 3 times estimated levels

Researchers from UNH found nitrous oxide emissions from global rivers and streams to be three times previous estimates, with waterways contributing significantly to human-caused nitrous oxide emissions. The study highlights the need for continued scientific research on drivers of climate change and potential solutions to reduce emissions.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 21, 2010

Berkeley lab to help China improve energy efficiency of data centers

The Berkeley Lab will work with China to implement energy-efficient practices, such as turning computers around and reducing mechanical cooling. By sharing best practices and case studies, the goal is to reduce carbon emissions and improve the industry's energy performance.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateDec 21, 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.

Smarter systems help busy doctors remember

A new system using electronic health records significantly improves primary care physicians' performance and the health of patients with chronic conditions. The program boosts preventive care in vaccinations and cancer and osteoporosis screenings, increasing rates by up to 10 percentage points.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalMedical Care·DateDec 21, 2010

New Miscanthus hybrid discovery in Japan could open doors for biofuel industry

Researchers have discovered new triploid plants of Miscanthus species in Japan, which could improve the biofuel industry by providing alternative feedstocks. The new hybrids are expected to exhibit phenotypic traits similar to that of the high-yielding Miscanthus x giganteus.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateDec 21, 2010

Boy or girl? Australians think we shouldn't choose

A new study found that most Australians reject sex-selection practices like IVF for selecting a child's sex. The majority of respondents disapproved IVF use for sex selection, with only 11% supporting the legalization of hypothetical blue and pink pills.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalFertility and Sterility·DateDec 21, 2010

Biophysical Society announces winners of 2011 CPOW Travel Awards

The Biophysical Society has announced the winners of its second annual CPOW travel awards, which provide travel grants to postdoctoral fellows presenting posters or oral presentations at the 55th Annual Meeting. The recipients include 10 women biophysicists from various institutions.

SourceBiophysical Society·DateDec 21, 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.

Seeing double: Africa's 2 elephant species

African savanna and forest elephants are two separate species, differing in size and genetic diversity. The study used DNA analysis to prove their separation over millions of years, with implications for conservation efforts.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalPLOS Biology·DateDec 21, 2010

Stress can enhance ordinary, unrelated memories

Researchers found that stress activates memory recall of unrelated experiences in laboratory rats, which may offer insights into post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related conditions. The study's results suggest that traumatic stress can reactivate non-traumatic memories, linking them to the traumatic experience.

SourceNew York University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateDec 21, 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.

Blue-green algae tested for treating ALS

Researchers at University of South Florida found that spirulina supplementation delayed motor symptoms and disease progression in a mouse model of ALS. The study suggests a dual antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect on motor neurons, offering potential clinical benefits for ALS patients.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalThe Open Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Journal·DateDec 21, 2010

Biophysical Society announces winners of 2011 International Travel Awards

The Biophysical Society has announced the winners of its 2011 International Travel Awards, recognizing researchers from around the world for their outstanding scientific contributions. The award aims to promote interaction between American biophysicists and scientists in countries experiencing financial difficulties.

SourceBiophysical Society·DateDec 21, 2010

Mathematical model forecasts fewer workplace accidents in 2011 and 2012

A mathematical model predicts a decline in workplace accidents in Spain from 2011 to 2012, with significant reductions in commute-related accidents. The model forecasts a decrease in fatal and serious accidents, while slight accidents also show a small decline.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalReliability Engineering & System Safety·DateDec 21, 2010

Age plays too big a role in prostate cancer treatment decisions

A new UCSF study reveals that older men with high-risk prostate cancer are frequently under-treated, leading to higher mortality rates. The researchers argue that age should not be a barrier to more aggressive treatments that could lead to potential cures.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateDec 21, 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.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Obesity increases risk of death in severe vehicle crashes, study shows

A new study reveals that moderately and morbidly obese drivers face significantly higher risks of death and non-survival in severe auto accidents. The research found that underweight and normal-weight drivers also had a higher risk of dying from severe crashes compared to slightly overweight drivers.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·DateDec 21, 2010

Prenatal micronutrient supplementation boosts children's cognition in Nepal

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that prenatal iron-folic acid supplementation boosted children's cognition in Nepal. The research showed a positive association between maternal supplementation and improved general intellectual ability, executive function, and fine motor control.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJAMA·DateDec 21, 2010

Being good moms couldn't save the woolly mammoth

Woolly mammoths living north of the Arctic Circle began weaning infants up to three years later than modern African elephants, potentially contributing to their eventual extinction. This adaptation to harsher environment and prolonged nursing may have made them more vulnerable to climate change and human hunting.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·DateDec 21, 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.

Fruit fly study digs deeper into poorly understood details of forming embryos

Scientists identify Fates-shifted protein as key player in Bicoid's degradation, leading to improper embryo formation and misshapen offspring. The study highlights the importance of understanding embryonic development in fruit flies for medical research into human disease and birth defects.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateDec 21, 2010

34 percent of Galician secondary schools exceed maximum recommended radon levels

Researchers found that 34% of Galician secondary schools have radon levels exceeding the EU's maximum recommended limit of 400 Bequerels/m3. The study emphasizes the need for corrective measures to reduce high radon levels, which can be effectively implemented during building construction.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Environmental Radioactivity·DateDec 21, 2010

UH biochemist works to revolutionize ovarian cancer treatment

Preethi Gunaratne's research aims to unleash the body's natural cancer-fighting agents using microRNAs, which have been shown to suppress the growth of cancer cells. Gold nanoparticles are being explored as a potential carrier for these molecules, offering a promising treatment for ovarian cancer with minimal side effects.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateDec 21, 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.

Parents favor genetic testing for melanoma in their children

A study of 61 adults found that 86.9% of parents with a genetic mutation supporting melanoma testing in their children cited increased risk awareness as a reason. Participants believed genetic testing could lead to improved prevention and screening behavior, such as reduced sun exposure and protective clothing use.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalGenetics in Medicine·DateDec 21, 2010