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Science News for February 19, 2010


Local social dynamics key to success of tropical marine conservation areas

Research by Patrick Christie at the University of Washington found that local people's involvement and leadership are crucial for successful conservation efforts. Participatory planning, collaboration between communities and governance conditions play a vital role in managing conflicts and maintaining the health of marine ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateFeb 19, 2010

Carnegie Mellon's Edward S. Rubin to discuss US energy strategies

Carbon capture and storage technology is crucial for reducing CO2 emissions, but its widespread deployment requires a regulatory policy with a market incentive. Rubin argues that effective climate policies are necessary to incentivize the development of cleaner energy alternatives.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateFeb 19, 2010

Better care at any hour for palliative patients

A study published in Palliative Medicine recommends improving communication strategies to enhance palliative care for UK patients. The authors suggest using special notes and electronic summaries to facilitate better care coordination.

SourceSAGE Publications UK·JournalPalliative Medicine·DateFeb 19, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Rockefeller scientist to discuss stress of poverty at AAAS

Researcher Bruce S. McEwen explores how daily life experiences contribute to overall wear and tear, known as allostatic load, which can lead to lifelong health problems. He emphasizes the importance of improving early childhood development through supportive home environments and parental aid.

SourceRockefeller University·DateFeb 19, 2010

AADR awards the 2010 Distinguished Scientist Award to John Greenspan

The American Association for Dental Research (AADR) awarded John Greenspan the 2010 Distinguished Scientist Award for his groundbreaking research on HIV and its impact on oral health. Greenspan is a renowned expert in the field of oral pathology, having made significant contributions to the development of AIDS research.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·DateFeb 19, 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.

Dust in the Earth system

Dr. Karen Kohfeld's research focuses on paleo-climate and the dust cycle, highlighting its importance in understanding land-atmosphere-climate connections. The symposium will explore how changes in the dust cycle affect the oceans, carbon cycle, and human health.

SourceNatural Sciences and Engineering Research Council·DateFeb 19, 2010

Computer games can teach schools some lessons

Research suggests that video games can optimize learning by providing information in a timely manner and creating an environment of 'pleasantly frustrating' challenges. This approach is known as 'situated learning,' where students are immersed in real-world problems to develop deep understanding and critical thinking skills.

SourceArizona State University·DateFeb 19, 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.

Bleeding risk associated with image-guided biopsies is low

A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that the risk of major bleeding after image-guided percutaneous biopsies is low, even among patients taking aspirin. The study reviewed 15,181 biopsies performed over six years and found only 70 hemorrhages (0.5%) within three months of biopsy.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateFeb 19, 2010

More efficient methods of food-recall notices needed

A Michigan State University professor advocates for targeted recall messages via direct phone calls, email, and social media to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses. The expert notes that consumer concern about food safety is on the rise, with three-quarters of Americans believing recalls have increased in the past year.

SourceMichigan State University·DateFeb 19, 2010

AADR presents honorary membership to Senator Tom Harkin

The American Association for Dental Research (AADR) is recognizing Senator Tom Harkin's commitment to National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), doubling the NIH budget and securing $10.4 billion for research.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·DateFeb 19, 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.

More, better biodiesel

A new process developed by UC Davis chemists increases biodiesel yields from oilseed crops like safflower by up to 24%. The method converts both plant oils and carbohydrates into a fuel cocktail that performs better at low temperatures.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalEnergy & Fuels·DateFeb 19, 2010

Scientists identify critical enzyme in healthy heart function

Researchers have identified calcineurin as a critical enzyme in controlling normal development and function of heart cells. The near total absence of calcineurin leads to heart arrhythmia, failure and death in genetically modified mice.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateFeb 19, 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.

Fungal fumes clear out crop pests

Researchers found that a cocktail of compounds from the beneficial fungus Muscodor albus can effectively control destructive pests in crops like wheat and apples. The fungus' volatile organic compounds killed or repelled up to 100% of certain pest species, offering a biologically based solution for pest management.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalCanadian Journal of Microbiology·DateFeb 19, 2010

Scientists unlock mystery in important photosynthesis step

Researchers at Arizona State University and Max Planck Institute have discovered how light initiates electron transfer in the photosystem I reaction center. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more efficient artificial photosynthetic devices, providing a clean source of renewable fuel.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 19, 2010

AADR awards the 2010 Distinguished Mentoring Award to Irwin D. Mandel

Irwin D. Mandel, a renowned researcher and mentor, received the inaugural AADR Distinguished Mentoring Award in 2010. The award recognizes his long-term dedication to fostering and promoting research training and career development among students, trainees, and junior faculty.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·DateFeb 19, 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.

Geoengineering takes a ride in the shipping lanes

Researchers found that introducing aerosols into the model made clouds significantly more reflective, but only in certain situations. The team also tested when to spray seawater aerosols to maximize brightness.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateFeb 19, 2010

Tiny molecules may tell big story about cardiovascular disease risk

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center identified specific metabolic profiles associated with coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and death. The study analyzed metabolites in nearly 10,000 patients and found two sets of metabolites that differentiated between those with and without cardiovascular disease.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalCirculation Cardiovascular Genetics·DateFeb 19, 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.

AADR awards the 2010 Jack Hein Public Service Award to David C. Johnsen

The American Association for Dental Research (AADR) has awarded David C. Johnsen, dean of the University of Iowa College of Dentistry, with the 2010 Jack Hein Public Service Award. Johnsen is recognized for his tireless advocacy for oral health research funding and training.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·DateFeb 19, 2010

New study finds link between marine algae and whale diversity over time

Researchers at George Mason University and the University of Otago found a strong correlation between diatom diversity and whale species diversity over the last 30 million years. The study suggests that changes in ocean productivity may drive variations in whale fossil records, providing new insights into the evolution of modern whales.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalScience·DateFeb 19, 2010

How nerve cells grow

Researchers have discovered a molecular process that controls the growth of nerve cells, allowing them to form complex extensions for signal transmission. The study highlights the importance of Nedd4-1 enzyme in regulating cytoskeleton structure and ensuring normal dendrite growth.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 19, 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.

Farmers' markets offer different strokes for different folks

A University of Illinois study identified five consumer segments at farmers' markets, including enthusiasts, recreational shoppers, and serious buyers. The research found that each market's personality attracts specific people and can be replicated by changing the location or time of day.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalInternational Food and Agribusiness Management Review·DateFeb 19, 2010

Poll: Hypothetical anthrax attack and antibiotics

A national poll found that most Americans would follow public health recommendations to obtain prophylactic antibiotics in response to a hypothetical anthrax attack. However, a significant minority would delay taking the recommended medication, which could put them at greater risk of serious illness.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·DateFeb 19, 2010

Engineering education must break out of 'techie' box

To create sustainable engineers in the 21st century, educators and students must be aware of emerging fields and their global context. This includes developing business skills and understanding social and environmental implications.

SourceArizona State University·DateFeb 19, 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.

Food allergies: The enemy within

The European Commission's Joint Research Centre has released a new guidance document that harmonizes validated testing methods for food allergens, increasing consumer protection and facilitating international trade. This development is crucial for labelling of food products and avoiding allergic reactions.

SourceEuropean Commission Joint Research Centre·DateFeb 19, 2010

Small and mighty cyclone Gelane reaches category 4 strength

Cyclone Gelane has reached category 4 strength in the Southern Indian Ocean, with sustained winds near 143 mph and a compact eye. The storm is expected to move into adverse atmospheric conditions this weekend, leading to weakening and potential rough surf along nearby islands.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 19, 2010

Dust from distant lands may affect climate and health in the Americas and Europe

Recent research suggests that dust storms in the Arctic, possibly caused by receding glaciers, may be depositing soil in northern Europe and North America. This phenomenon could impact local climates and potentially affect human health due to the presence of small particles in the air.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·DateFeb 19, 2010

Pay-for-performance programs show positive impact on low-performing physicians

A new study in the Journal for Healthcare Quality reveals that P4P programs can improve quality of care, especially for selected measures like mammography and childhood immunization. Low performing physicians who used a P4P program improved significantly over time, highlighting the importance of sustaining these programs.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal for Healthcare Quality·DateFeb 19, 2010