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Science News for July 2, 2010


Flash, aaaaagh!

A recent study analyzing academic websites across the US found that many are using outdated and insecure Flash applications, leaving them susceptible to hacking. The researchers used a tool provided by Hewlett Packard to scan 250 educational sites, revealing low-level security vulnerabilities in over 20% of cases.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Electronic Security and Digital Forensics·DateJul 2, 2010

Exploratory study: High BMI linked to proximity to convenience stores

Researchers found that women with homes closer to supermarkets tend to have lower BMIs and those within five-minute walk of restaurants have higher BMIs. The study highlights the importance of food environment and built environment in contributing to obesity.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Planning Education and Research·DateJul 2, 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.

CHLA receives $1.65 million grant to study mechanism for meningitis

Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles will investigate how a type of white blood cell called macrophages help bacteria like E. coli accumulate in the blood and enter the brain. This understanding could lead to the development of treatments to prevent meningitis buildup and infection.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·DateJul 2, 2010

Consulting 'Dr. Google'

A recent study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that nearly three-quarters of the top search results for common sports medicine diagnoses were inaccurate. Nonprofit sites scored highest for completeness and correctness, while commercial sites with a financial interest often provided biased information.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateJul 2, 2010

Oil spills raise arsenic levels in the ocean, says new research

Research from Imperial College London found that oil spills can partially block the ocean's natural filtration system, leading to increased arsenic levels in seawater. This can disrupt photosynthesis, genetic alterations, and animal life, creating a toxic threat to aquatic life and ecosystems.

SourceImperial College London·JournalWater Research·DateJul 2, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Cell signaling classification system gives researchers new tool

A new study has developed a computational approach to classify bacterial navigation systems, revealing over a dozen versions and assigning hundreds of species to each. This discovery allows for predicting how individual bacteria use their 'navigation' system to move towards favorable environments.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalScience Signaling·DateJul 2, 2010

UM scientists advance in quantum computing and energy conversion tech

Researchers demonstrate first full quantum control of qubit spin in tiny colloidal nanostructures, advancing quantum computing and energy generation technologies. The discovery enables precise control over light-matter interactions, paving the way for more efficient photovoltaic cells and potential breakthroughs in climate change.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature·DateJul 2, 2010

Terrorist de-radicalization shows promise, comprehensive study finds

A comprehensive study reveals that prison-based de-radicalization programs can be effective in reducing terrorism, particularly when individual approaches are taken. The report highlights the importance of promoting positive influences inside prisons and investing in staff training to combat radicalization.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·DateJul 2, 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.

Search for the bridge to the quantum world

Physicists have proposed a transition from quantum to classical world through decoherence, an evolutionary process similar to Charles Darwin's natural selection. The research uses advanced scanning gate microscopy to measure scars in quantum dots, providing insight into the bridge between the two realms.

SourceArizona State University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 2, 2010

Why you should never arm wrestle a saber-toothed tiger

Researchers found that saber-toothed cat forelimbs were stronger than those of modern felines, with thicker cortical bone and larger diameters, suggesting they used their arms to pin prey before delivering a fatal bite.

SourceNational Evolutionary Synthesis Center (NESCent)·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 2, 2010

Spin-out in cutting-edge light source technology

mLED Ltd develops micro light-emitting diodes (microLEDs) with compact and efficient designs, suitable for various applications including neuroscience, microscopy, and communications. The company aims to deliver platform technology that is robust, reliable, and versatile.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·DateJul 2, 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.

Our brains are more like birds' than we thought

Researchers at UC San Diego discovered that the brains of humans and chickens share comparable regions for analyzing auditory inputs. The study found laminated layers of cells linked by narrow columns in both species, indicating that complex cognitive functions may have evolved from ancient vertebrates.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 2, 2010

Pear pest's chemical 'come hither' identified

Researchers have identified a key component of the female pear psylla's pheromone, which could be used to lure males onto sticky traps or disrupt their mating. This compound, 13 methyl heptacosane, may reduce reliance on insecticides and help mitigate resistance.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalJournal of Chemical Ecology·DateJul 2, 2010

Alex's aftermath brings flash flood watches to Texas

Remnants of Tropical Depression Alex are expected to trigger thunderstorms and heavy rainfall in southern, central, and western Texas, prompting flash flood watches. The National Weather Service notes that additional rainfall will cause flooding and potential flooding through Saturday.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 2, 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.