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Science News for January 7, 2010


New approach precisely tracks evolution's footprints in the human genome

Researchers devised method to precisely track evolution's influence on human health by identifying key genetic variations under positive natural selection. The study used a new approach called Composite of Multiple Signals (CMS) to pinpoint specific genes and changes in the genome.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalScience·DateJan 7, 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.

Mobile bushfire monitoring

Researchers are developing a smart bushfire monitoring system that uses temperature and humidity sensors connected to GPS and wireless communication technologies. The system offers several benefits over earlier detection methods, including easy adaptability and low initial expense.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Computer Aided Engineering and Technology·DateJan 7, 2010

Zebrafish journal publishes cancer biology special issue

Researchers utilize zebrafish to study human cancer, leveraging transplantable tumors, genetic models, and transgenic fish to understand tumor development and metastasis. The special issue presents innovative approaches for modeling human cancer in zebrafish.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalZebrafish·DateJan 7, 2010

Reluctant hero?

Male cleaner wrasse aggressively chase females who cheat clients, protecting their own dinner interests. This behavior, similar to human 'Robin Hood' tendencies, may not be as charitable as thought.

SourceZoological Society of London·JournalScience·DateJan 7, 2010

Quitline messages that stress benefits of quitting may improve smoking cessation

A new study found that smokers who received gain-framed messaging from quitline specialists had better cessation outcomes than those receiving standard-care messaging. The researchers also established that these specialists could be trained to deliver gain-framed messages with good fidelity.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 7, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

30,000-year-old teeth shed new light on human evolution

A 30,000-year-old child's teeth found in Portugal provide insight into the evolution of modern humans and their relationship with Neanderthals. The analysis reveals that early modern humans had a different dental anatomy compared to recent humans, with greater volumes of dentin and pulp but less enamel.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 7, 2010

Canine compulsive disorder gene identified

Researchers have identified a genetic locus on chromosome 7 associated with canine compulsive disorder (CCD), a condition characterized by repetitive behaviors. The CDH2 gene region is linked to increased risk of CCD in Doberman breeds and may be involved in human OCD and autism spectrum disorders.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJan 7, 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.

Mirror testing at NASA breaks superstitious myths

NASA is developing a primary mirror for the James Webb Space Telescope to study the formation of the universe and its solar system. The mirror will be tested at extreme temperatures to simulate space conditions, with data from three different sizes of segments collected during this test.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 7, 2010

Fossil footprints give land vertebrates a much longer history

New fossil footprints in Poland push back the origin of tetrapods by 18 million years, forcing a reassessment of their evolution. The discovery suggests that early tetrapods inhabited the marine intertidal zone during the early Middle Devonian period and may have first left water to feed on stranded marine life.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature·DateJan 7, 2010

Research examines social, cultural impacts of tourism in southeast Alaska

A recent study by Lee Cerveny investigated the social and cultural impacts of tourism in southeast Alaska, capturing the effects of increased cruise ship travel. The research revealed more than 35 types of partnerships within the Forest Service, indicating a reliance on volunteer organizations to manage natural resources.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Pacific Northwest Research Station·DateJan 7, 2010

New solvent technologies to replace use of harmful toxic acids

Scientists at the University of Leicester have developed environmentally friendly solvents, replacing toxic acids in metal finishing and energy storage processes. The new technologies, including ionic liquids, improve working conditions and reduce environmental impact.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·DateJan 7, 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.

How plants 'feel' the temperature rise

Researchers discovered how plants sense temperature changes by unwrapping their DNA; this discovery could lead to more resilient crops and help explain plant responses to climate change. The study used Arabidopsis thaliana and found that H2A.Z histones play a crucial role in temperature sensing.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateJan 7, 2010

Cold War offered odd benefit -- it limited species invasions

A recent study found that the Cold War's economic isolation led to a decline in introduced bird species in Eastern Europe, while Western Europe experienced an increase. The research highlights the importance of preventing exotic species importation to prevent ecosystem disruption.

SourceOregon State University·JournalBiological Conservation·DateJan 7, 2010

For this microbe, cousins not particularly welcome

Scientists discovered that Myxococcus xanthus cells recognize subtle genetic differences in one another, inhibiting cooperation and promoting competition. This suggests that cooperation may be driven by a desire to maintain evolutionary dominance rather than a shared kinship bond.

SourceIndiana University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 7, 2010

NIH awards $18.3 million in Recovery Act funds to support S.T.E.M. education

The NIH is awarding grants to strengthen S.T.E.M. education nationwide, targeting young people in biomedical careers and improving science literacy in adults and children. The $18.3 million funding supports research to develop practical interventions for tomorrow's classrooms and addresses issues of equity in S.T.E.M. competencies.

SourceNIH/Office of the Director·DateJan 7, 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.

Biologists develop efficient genetic modification of human embryonic stem cells

Researchers have developed an efficient way to genetically modify human embryonic stem cells using bacterial artificial chromosomes, which can increase the yield by up to 20%. This approach enables the rapid development of stem cell lines that can serve as models for human genetic diseases and testbeds for potential treatments.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJan 7, 2010

Volunteering may prevent the elderly from becoming frail

Researchers found that volunteering was associated with lower rates of frailty after three years, even after accounting for physical and cognitive function. The study suggests that participating in volunteer activities may help older adults maintain their health and prevent frailty.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·DateJan 7, 2010

Warmer climate could stifle carbon uptake by trees, says CU-Boulder study

A new University of Colorado at Boulder study finds that warmer climates may reduce the ability of subalpine forests to absorb carbon dioxide. The research suggests that these forests, which store an estimated 70% of the western United States' carbon sink, will be less effective in converting CO2 into biomass due to declining snowpacks.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJan 7, 2010

UCF Alzheimer's discovery could lead to long-sought preventive treatment

University of Central Florida researchers have revealed a previously unknown mechanism that may drive the early brain function deterioration of Alzheimer's victims, potentially leading to preventive treatment. The discovery uses an existing cell research technique to accelerate the search for treatments.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 7, 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.

Scientists' breakthrough in production of biofuels

A team of scientists from the University of Sheffield has created an air-lift loop bioreactor that consumes less than 18% more energy, making it a significant breakthrough in the production of alternative renewable fuels. The device is now being tested with various organizations to reduce energy consumption and costs.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalFood and Bioproducts Processing·DateJan 7, 2010

Eminent group of scientists call for moratorium on issuance of mountaintop mining permits

A group of renowned environmental scientists is urging the US EPA and Army Corps of Engineers to suspend new mountaintop mining permits, citing extensive scientific evidence of permanent environmental harm and increased human health risks. The authors argue that mitigation practices are ineffective in reversing damage and recommend a 2...

SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·JournalScience·DateJan 7, 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.

Rules governing RNA's anatomy revealed

The study reveals that RNA molecules' 3D shapes are dictated by their junctions, similar to how anatomical features define arm motion. The researchers also found that drug molecules interact with RNA in predictable ways, with size being a key factor in determining the preferred orientation.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScience·DateJan 7, 2010

Blood test could improve graft-versus-host disease treatment

Researchers identified a biomarker called elafin that can be measured in a blood test to diagnose bone marrow transplant patients' skin rashes and predict GVHD risk. The test enables doctors to adjust therapy based on patient risk levels, potentially reducing side effects.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 7, 2010

Periodic paralysis study reveals gene causing disorder

Researchers have identified a gene, Kir2.6, underlying the rare genetic disease thyrotoxic hypokalemic periodic paralysis (TPP), which causes temporary muscle paralysis. The finding, published in the journal Cell, illustrates how investigations of rare genetic diseases can drive insights into more common ones.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCell·DateJan 7, 2010

How the Earth survived birth

A new simulation by researchers at the American Museum of Natural History and University of Cambridge shows that regions of outward and inward migration in a protoplanetary disk can safely trap planets on orbits. This helps explain how Earth formed without falling into the Sun.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·DateJan 7, 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.

U of Alberta researchers find mechanism that could prevent or treat deadly peroxisome diseases

Researchers at the University of Alberta have identified a universal mechanism that ensures peroxisomes transfer into cells after division, potentially leading to prevention or treatment of deadly disorders. The discovery has implications for screening carriers and could help babies born with peroxisome disorders survive longer.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateJan 7, 2010

UF urologists use robot to shave time off vasectomy reversal

University of Florida urologists have developed a robot-assisted vasectomy reversal procedure that cuts average surgery time by 20 minutes, comparable to traditional microscope methods. The robotic procedure also shows quicker return of sperm count and improved efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Endourology·DateJan 7, 2010

Each pound at birth lowers risk of developing TB

A study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases found that each additional 1.1 pounds of birth weight decreases tuberculosis risk by 46% among identical twins. The association is stronger for males, with an 87% reduced risk, and sheds light on the developmental origins of health and disease.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateJan 7, 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.

Duda, where'd my spines go?

UC researcher Michal Polak confirms one of Darwin's theories by showing that the spines on Drosophila bipectinata males assist them in copulation. The study found that removing these spines resulted in drastic reductions in ability to copulate and compete for mates.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateJan 7, 2010

Abnormal blood calcium levels deadly for kidney disease patients

A study of 1,243 male US veterans with moderate-to-advanced chronic kidney disease found that both high and low blood calcium levels increased the risk of dying prematurely. High calcium levels were linked to a 31% increased risk, while low levels resulted in a 21% higher mortality rate.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJan 7, 2010

New mechanism underlying cocaine addiction discovered

A key epigenetic process in the brain's pleasure circuits is altered by chronic cocaine exposure, contributing to an acquired preference for cocaine. By reversing this epigenetic change, researchers were able to block gene expression changes and inhibit cocaine preference.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalScience·DateJan 7, 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.

Nanoscience goes 'big'

Researchers have made a breakthrough in engineering nanoscale materials, enabling the creation of large-scale arrays of individual structures with precise locations. This discovery could lead to advancements in sensing, transistors, and other applications.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJan 7, 2010

LSUHSC awarded multimillion dollar grant to reduce pneumonia

Dr. Jay Kolls' research team has identified a unique group of white blood cells that rapidly produce cytokines to increase resistance to pneumonia. The grant will investigate the role of lung epithelium as the primary recipient of these signals and explore how these cells control infection defense in the lung.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·DateJan 7, 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.

Golden ratio discovered in a quantum world

Researchers observed a nanoscale guitar string-like behavior in cobalt niobate, with atomic scale vibrations exhibiting the golden ratio. This discovery reflects a hidden symmetry and special property of the quantum system, with potential implications for future technology.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalScience·DateJan 7, 2010

Childhood vaccine schedule updated, says UAB expert on the author panel

The updated childhood vaccine schedule recommends the H1N1 influenza vaccine for children over 6 months and prioritizes combination vaccines. The revised schedule also includes recommendations for human papillomavirus (HPV) and meningococcal vaccines, aiming to protect against cervical cancer and meningococcal disease.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJan 7, 2010