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Science News for February 3, 2010


Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Enlisting a drug discovery technique in the battle against global warming

Scientists are exploring a new approach to carbon capture technology using proteins that can catalyze reactions with carbon dioxide in an environmentally friendly way. This method has the potential to be more cost-effective and produce less hazardous waste than existing technologies.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnergy & Fuels·DateFeb 3, 2010

Electronic health records need better monitoring, UT prof reports

A UT professor calls for coordinated oversight to monitor electronic health record systems, citing concerns over patient safety and quality of care. The proposed framework involves a five-stage approach to evaluate system design and implementation issues.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 3, 2010

Madly mapping the universe

Researchers have developed MADmap, a new software tool that improves the mapping of the cosmic microwave background by accounting for noise in the data. The software uses a special code to weight and account for colored noise, which is a known characteristic of bolometers used to measure radiation at certain wavelengths.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateFeb 3, 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.

Pay it forward: Elevation leads to altruistic behavior

A new study found that elevation can lead to actual helping behavior, as participants who watched uplifting videos were more willing to volunteer for another study. The researchers also observed that elevation increased the amount of time participants spent helping in a subsequent experiment.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 3, 2010

Now a hurricane, Oli passing Bora Bora

NASA's Aqua satellite captured infrared images of Oli as it passed by, revealing better organization and a well-defined eye. Infrared imagery showed deep convection over the storm's center, with waves 20 feet high in the open ocean.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 3, 2010

NIFA awards funding for animal health and production research

NIFA awarded $24 million in grants to study animal health, reproduction, breeding, genetics, and nutrition. The grants aim to improve the agriculture industry's competitiveness and reduce the use of antibiotics and hormones.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·DateFeb 3, 2010

Caltech physicist named National Security Science and Engineering Faculty Fellow

H. Jeff Kimble, a Caltech professor of physics, has been awarded a $4.2 million National Security Science and Engineering Faculty Fellowship to conduct unclassified research on topics of interest to the DoD. The grant will support his research program exploring quantum networks and phenomena in quantum information science.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·DateFeb 3, 2010

Older female cancer survivors have added health issues compared to their counterparts

A recent study published in Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that older married women who survived cancer had more health problems than their non-cancer counterparts. The study, which matched women for age, ethnicity, and race, revealed higher levels of fatigue, physical limitations, and depression among cancer survivors.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateFeb 3, 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.

Mother's exposure to bisphenol A may increase children's chances of asthma

Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch found that offspring of female mice exposed to BPA developed significant signs of asthma. The study suggests a link between maternal BPA exposure and childhood asthma, highlighting the need for further human epidemiological studies.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateFeb 3, 2010

Targeted prevention stopped spread of H1N1 at Alabama boys camp

A targeted preventive approach using Tamiflu and strict hand hygiene measures contained the outbreak of H1N1 influenza among 171 campers. The plan, developed by Dr. David Kimberlin and implemented in 2009, successfully prevented illness in all campers, including those at high risk.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateFeb 3, 2010

Plant derivative could help refine cancer treatment

Researchers at Medical College of Georgia have discovered celastrol's potential to target cancer cells by inhibiting the heat shock protein 90. Celastrol induces protein clustering, which inactivates it, helping to reduce cancer growth. Future studies aim to use more potent derivatives in combination with other therapeutic agents.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateFeb 3, 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.

Some morbidly obese people are missing genes, shows new research

A study published in Nature found that around seven in every thousand morbidly obese people are missing a section of their DNA containing approximately 30 genes. This genetic variation is linked to severe obesity and can be identified through genetic testing.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature·DateFeb 3, 2010

Scientists find ideal target for malaria therapy

Researchers have discovered a key enzyme that allows the malaria parasite to take over human red blood cells. Plasmepsin V is essential for the parasite's ability to secrete proteins into the host erythrocyte.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature·DateFeb 3, 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.

GEN Feb. 1 issue features special focus on epigenetics

Epigenetics is recognized as a key factor in understanding complex biological variations. The February 1 GEN issue provides coverage of the latest research on histone modification, DNA methylation, and imprinting.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalGenetic Engineering & Biotechnology News·DateFeb 3, 2010

Smart coating opens door to safer hip, knee and dental implants

Researchers at North Carolina State University developed a smart coating to improve bond between implants and bone, reducing rejection and infection risks. The coating promotes bone growth and releases antimicrobial silver particles to prevent infections.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalActa Biomaterialia·DateFeb 3, 2010

Study shows male erectile dysfunction drug enhances fetal growth in female sheep

Researchers found that Viagra can aid fetal development in pregnant female sheep by enhancing blood flow and supplying vital nutrients. The study's results suggest that the medication may have similar benefits for humans, particularly in preventing low birth-weight babies and related health issues.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateFeb 3, 2010

Imaging method for eye disease used to eye art forgeries

Scientists use optical coherence tomography to analyze artworks, uncovering forged signatures and altered inscriptions. This technique enables detection of subtle changes in easel paintings without damaging the artwork.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAccounts of Chemical Research·DateFeb 3, 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.

NASA's Aqua Satellite sees Tropical Depression Fami fading fast

NASA's Aqua satellite captured an infrared image of Tropical Depression Fami on Feb. 3, showing the storm elongating and losing its circulation after crossing Madagascar. The system has dissipated significantly due to friction from mountainous terrain, with only a slight chance it could briefly regain life.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 3, 2010

Malaria's key survival protein identified, offering drug hope

Researchers at Walter and Eliza Hall Institute have identified Plasmepsin V as a key survival protein used by the malaria parasite to transform human red blood cells. This discovery offers a clear target for developing a new class of anti-malarial drugs that destroy the parasite, providing hope for combating the disease.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalNature·DateFeb 3, 2010

Brain dopamine receptor density correlates with social status

A new study found that increased social status and support correlate with higher dopamine D2/D3 receptor density in the brain's striatum. This suggests people with greater social status experience life as more rewarding and stimulating due to more targets for dopamine action.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateFeb 3, 2010

Welch Foundation honors Orth as 'rising star' in chemistry

Dr. Kim Orth's pioneering work focuses on mechanisms bacteria use to cause disease, expanding the frontiers of chemistry through innovative research. Her discoveries have important implications in medicine, especially in understanding and treating infectious diseases.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·DateFeb 3, 2010

From music to sports: Autonomy fosters passion among kids

A Canadian study links parenting style to children's relationships with hobbies, finding autonomy fosters passion while control predicts obsessive behavior. The research team evaluated over 500 participants between six and 38 years old.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJournal of Personality·DateFeb 3, 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.

Bad news for mosquitoes: Yale study may lead to better traps, repellents

Researchers have found 27 scent receptors in malaria-transmitting mosquitoes that detect compounds in human sweat. This discovery may lead to the development of new ways to combat malaria by repelling or confusing the mosquitoes. The study's findings could also inform the creation of more effective traps and repellents.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateFeb 3, 2010

Secrets to superb malting barleys explored by ARS researchers

Researchers at the Agricultural Research Service's malting barley laboratory are studying the enzymes produced by barley grains as they germinate. They have found that the balance of these enzymes can impact the malt's flavor and other qualities, leading to improved malting barleys for the future.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalCereal Chemistry·DateFeb 3, 2010

Black carbon a significant factor in melting of Himalayan glaciers

A study found that black carbon aerosols from India are a major contributor to the decline in snow and ice cover on the Himalayan glaciers. The research suggests that greenhouse gases alone are insufficient to explain the melting, with black carbon contributing at least 30% of the impact.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateFeb 3, 2010

JDRF-funded research advances potential for regeneration as a possible cure for type 1 diabetes

Researchers at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies have made a breakthrough in understanding how stress hormones affect insulin-producing cells. The study found that the hormone CRF can increase the rate of cell growth and proliferation, which could potentially lead to new approaches for treating type 1 diabetes.

SourceJDRF·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 3, 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.

Leaves whisper their properties through ultrasound

Plant leaves can be studied using ultrasound in a quick and simple way, revealing properties such as thickness, density, and water content. This method allows for non-contact analysis of leaves, which is useful for diagnosing agricultural and natural systems.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateFeb 3, 2010

Recent immigrants may have lower risk of early stroke

Researchers found that new immigrants to Ontario, Canada had a 30% lower rate of strokes at age 16-65 compared to long-term residents. The study controlled for factors such as income level, smoking, and history of diseases like high blood pressure and diabetes.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateFeb 3, 2010

Scripps Research scientists find two compounds that lay the foundation for a new class of AIDS drug

Researchers identified two compounds that bind to novel parts of the HIV protease enzyme, which could improve potency of existing treatments and combat drug-resistant strains. These findings open a new approach to drug design against HIV protease, targeting non-active sites that may help restore effectiveness against resistant superbugs.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalChemical Biology & Drug Design·DateFeb 3, 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.

Gladstone scientists identify target that may reduce complications of obesity

Researchers at Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease discovered that DGAT1, an enzyme involved in fat storage, protects against diet-induced inflammation and insulin resistance. Enhancing DGAT1's capacity in macrophages may hold therapeutic promise for preventing obesity-related diseases.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 3, 2010

UM School of Medicine scientists find new malaria vaccine is safe and promotes immune response in children

Researchers have developed a new malaria vaccine that has shown strong and long-lasting immune responses in young children, surpassing antibody levels found in adults. The vaccine, FMP2.1/AS02A, targets the blood stage of the disease and was tested in 100 Malian children, with all doses proving safe and well-tolerated.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Medical Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 3, 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.

Merging galaxies create a binary quasar

Researchers have found conclusive evidence of a binary quasar formed by the merger of two galaxies. The discovery uses images from the Carnegie Institution's Magellan telescope in Chile to show tidal tails produced by gravitational attraction, confirming the merger origin for the binary quasar system.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·DateFeb 3, 2010

Scientists find quantum mechanics at work in photosynthesis

Researchers at University of Toronto have found evidence of quantum mechanics in marine algae's ability to optimize photosynthesis. This discovery suggests that energy from absorbed light resides in a state known as coherence, allowing for efficient flow of energy through the system.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature·DateFeb 3, 2010

LSTM begins £0.5 million malaria study in Burkina Faso

A new LSTM-led study aims to investigate the effects of long-term weekly iron and folic acid supplementation on anaemia and malaria risk in young women. The research seeks to strengthen adolescent health services and develop effective preventative programmes for anaemia control.

SourceLiverpool School of Tropical Medicine·DateFeb 3, 2010
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.

Caldeira, Fei and Shirey elected AGU Fellows

Carnegie scientists Kenneth Caldeira, Yingwei Fei and Steven Shirey have been elected AGU Fellows for their exceptional contributions to climate science, geological research and Earth sciences. Their work has significantly advanced scientific understanding of the internal structure of Earth and other planets.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·DateFeb 3, 2010

Back to work policies need gender awareness

Back-to-work policies are losing impact due to their 'gender blind' approach, neglecting the needs of teenage fathers and men working in childcare. The study emphasizes the importance of targeted support for young fathers to address gender inequalities and promote inclusive policies.

SourceSAGE Publications UK·JournalCritical Social Policy·DateFeb 3, 2010

Alternative chemicals ease safety concerns about nonstick, repellent coatings

Researchers have discovered alternative chemicals that are safer and perform just as well as toxic fluorochemicals used in nonstick cookware, repellent clothing, and other products. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is phasing out these chemicals due to their potential health risks.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateFeb 3, 2010

Scientists map epigenome of human stem cells during development

Researchers created a detailed map of the human epigenome during embryonic development, identifying patterns of DNA methylation and its role in regulating gene expression. This breakthrough has significant implications for targeted differentiation of stem cells into specific organs, a crucial consideration for stem cell therapy.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalGenome Research·DateFeb 3, 2010
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Nano imagining takes turn for the better

Rice University researchers have developed a new way to track nanoparticles using gold nanorods and polarization imaging techniques. The technique could provide valuable information about materials, including living systems, that incorporate nanoparticles.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 3, 2010