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Science News for July 22, 2010


California team gets up to $122 million for Energy Innovation Hub

A multidisciplinary team of scientists, led by Caltech's Nathan S. Lewis, will partner with institutions like Berkeley Lab to develop a method to produce fuels directly from sunlight. The goal is to simulate nature's photosynthetic apparatus for practical energy production.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·DateJul 22, 2010

Graphene oxide gets green

Rice University scientists have created an eco-friendly method for mass-producing graphene oxide, a crucial component in various industries. The new process uses common chemicals to produce the material, eliminating toxic gases and making it safer for large-scale production.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateJul 22, 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.

Not enough hours in the day for endangered apes

A recent study reveals that a warming climate may cause African apes to lose up to 50% of their habitats due to increased time spent resting. Researchers found that climate change alone can lead to significant habitat loss, making it crucial to ensure safe havens for conservation efforts.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Biogeography·DateJul 22, 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.

Detector technology could help NASA find Earth-like exoplanets

Rochester Institute of Technology scientist Don Figer is developing a new detector technology that can directly image and characterize exoplanets, potentially finding smaller, rocky planets like Earth. This technology could reduce detection time by one-third and overcome current limitations.

SourceRochester Institute of Technology·DateJul 22, 2010

Study finds structural brain alterations in patients with irritable bowel syndrome

Research shows that IBS is associated with both decreases and increases in grey matter density in key brain areas involved in attention, emotion regulation, and pain inhibition. These findings suggest a 'brain-gut disorder' component and move beyond the traditional view of IBS as a functional syndrome.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateJul 22, 2010

Nanowick at heart of new system to cool 'power electronics'

Researchers have developed a new ultrathin cooling technology that can efficiently cool 'power electronics' in military and automotive systems. The miniature device uses copper spheres and carbon nanotubes to passively wick a coolant, handling up to 550 watts per square centimeter of heat.

SourcePurdue University·JournalInternational Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer·DateJul 22, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Final instruments on NASA climate/weather satellite integrated

The NPP satellite will collect and distribute remotely sensed data on land, ocean, and atmosphere, providing atmospheric and sea surface temperatures, humidity, and ozone measurements. The CrIS instrument will combine with the Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder to provide global atmospheric temperature, moisture, and pressure profiles.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 22, 2010

New Zealand women suffer long delays for abortions

Researchers found that over 50% of women terminated their pregnancy on or after the tenth week, with many waiting too long for the procedure. The study highlights the need for clinics and referring doctors to reduce waiting times and improve services.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalReproductive Health·DateJul 22, 2010

Stanford releases open-source camera software

The Frankencamera platform allows users to control photographic and computational hardware on cameras, creating new imaging applications. Researchers share six sample apps, including low-light imaging and lucky imaging, that demonstrate the platform's potential.

SourceStanford University·DateJul 22, 2010

Key compound of ozone destruction detected

Scientists from KIT have successfully measured the chlorine compound ClOOCl in the ozone layer, confirming its role in stratospheric ozone destruction. This discovery disproves doubts on polar ozone chemistry expressed by American researchers.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateJul 22, 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.

Resident scientists

Seven Northwestern graduate students will be 'resident scientists' at Chicago-area middle and high schools, integrating their research into the science curricula. The program aims to train graduate students in communicating complex research to people of all ages and bring computational thinking into the K-12 classroom.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateJul 22, 2010

Breakdown of bone keeps blood sugar in check, new study finds

Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center discovered that bone resorption plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels. The study suggests that stimulating the release of insulin and improving glucose uptake in cells could be a new target for type 2 diabetes treatment.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalCell·DateJul 22, 2010

Scientists discover how deadly fungal microbes enter host cells

A research team at Virginia Tech has discovered a fundamental entry mechanism for fungal microbes to infect plants and cause disease. Special disease-related proteins, known as effectors, bind to a specific lipid molecule found on the cell surface before entering the cell.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalCell·DateJul 22, 2010

Highest X-ray energy used to probe materials

Researchers used an XFEL to probe nitrogen gas at up to 8 keV, a record-high X-ray energy. The study revealed the interaction between nitrogen gas and the XFEL beam, including electron dynamics and space charge effects. Understanding these dynamics will change our understanding of chemistry, physics, and materials science.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 22, 2010

Study suggests link between metabolic disease, bone mass in mice

A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that insulin is required for normal bone development and may provide a link between bone health and metabolic diseases like diabetes. The study suggests that insulin action in bone provides a critical signal that links metabolism and metabolic disease with bone health.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell·DateJul 22, 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.

Vitamins needed to help celiacs stave off bone disease

Children with celiac disease are at risk for poor bone health, but adding vitamins K and D to their diets can reduce this risk. Incorporating physical activity into daily routines also boosts bone strength and Vitamin D intake through outdoor exercise.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·DateJul 22, 2010
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Stopping anemia drug may be wiser than reducing dose to normalize hemoglobin levels

Researchers found that discontinuing epoetin was more effective than reducing dose in normalizing hemoglobin levels, but also increased risk of lower-than-recommended levels. Study results suggest a balance between administering epoetin and achieving target hemoglobin levels is necessary for kidney disease patients.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJul 22, 2010

SIRT1 gene important for memory

A study led by the University of Southern California found that SIRT1 protein is essential for recall in mice, but over-expression did not improve performance; instead, it raised questions about supplementing with sirtuin activators.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateJul 22, 2010

Study links more time spent sitting to higher risk of death

A study from American Cancer Society researchers found that more time spent sitting is associated with a higher risk of mortality, particularly in women. The association remained virtually unchanged after adjusting for physical activity level, suggesting that reducing sedentary behavior can help lower death rates.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateJul 22, 2010

Irradiating stem cell niche doubles survival in brain cancer patients

A study found that high-dose radiation targeting the neural stem cell niche in brain cancer patients doubles their progression-free survival time. Patients who received higher doses experienced 15 months of progression-free survival, while those with lower or no doses had 7.2 months.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalBMC Cancer·DateJul 22, 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.

Quantum mechanics not in jeopardy

Researchers have confirmed an axiom in quantum physics by ruling out the existence of higher-order interferences experimentally. This confirms the accuracy of Born's law, a key principle in quantum mechanics that proposes interference occurs in pairs of possibilities.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalScience·DateJul 22, 2010

Pounding particles to create Neptune's water in the lab

Researchers plan to use FAIR facility in Germany to expose water molecules to heavy ion beams, generating extreme pressure conditions similar to Neptune's core. This will allow scientists to observe 'superionic' state of water, a hybrid phase with oxygen lattice and hydrogen liquid.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateJul 22, 2010

Mother-to-child HIV transmission rate falling, but more can be done

The mother-to-child HIV transmission rate has dropped significantly since the advent of powerful therapies, with fewer than 10 babies born with the disease annually in Florida. Despite progress, there are still missed opportunities for prevention, particularly among women with mental health issues or substance abuse problems.

SourceUniversity of Florida·DateJul 22, 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.

A blood test for depression?

Researchers discovered a set of seven genes in whole blood that can diagnose major depressive disorder (MDD) with high accuracy. This breakthrough could lead to unbiased diagnosis and reduce stigma associated with mental health problems, ultimately helping patients receive better treatment.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJul 22, 2010

Unique means of animal locomotion reported for first time

Biologists at Tufts University have discovered a novel 'two-body' system of locomotion in the crawling tobacco hawkmoth caterpillar, where its gut moves independently of the surrounding body wall. This finding may offer valuable insights for designing soft-bodied robots and re-examining the role of soft tissues in human biomechanics.

SourceTufts University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 22, 2010

Gene linked to aging also linked to Alzheimer's

Researchers at MIT discovered a link between SIRT1 gene and amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's patients, finding that SIRT1 controls production of devastating protein fragments. Overproduction of SIRT1 in mice with Alzheimer's symptoms improved learning and memory deficits, while deletion exacerbated them.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCell·DateJul 22, 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.

Study describes health effects of occupational exposures in Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant workers

A five-year study found significantly lower death rates from all causes and cancer in Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant workers compared to the US population. However, death from lymphatic and bone marrow cancers was slightly above national rates. Security workers had higher overall death rates than other employees.

SourceUniversity of Louisville·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateJul 22, 2010

Important clue to understanding the pathogenesis of ciliary disorders

Researchers have identified a gene that regulates the disassembly of primary cilia in living organisms, leading to defects in left-right asymmetry and organ function. The study provides new insights into the molecular basis of ciliary diseases, which affect multiple organ systems and can lead to severe clinical symptoms.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJul 22, 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.

Study links African ancestry to high-risk breast cancer

Researchers found that African women are more likely to develop triple-negative breast cancer, a condition characterized by the absence of estrogen and progesterone receptors. The study suggests that African ancestry may be associated with a higher risk of hereditary predisposition for breast cancer related to BRCA1 gene mutations.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCancer·DateJul 22, 2010

New global report launched by the International AIDS Society recommends a new paradigm for treating injecting drug users: 'Seek, test, treat and retain'

The International AIDS Society launches a new report recommending a science-based approach to scaling up treatment and prevention of HIV amongst Injecting Drug Users (IDUs). The 'Seek, test, treat and retain' model advocates for expanding outreach, testing, treatment, and retention services within the criminal justice system.

SourceInternational AIDS Society·DateJul 22, 2010

Science article has implications for all rapidly developing fields

A new study by Jorge Contreras explores the 15-year struggle over data-release decisions in human genome research, highlighting a balancing act between researchers' needs and data users' rights. The study's findings have implications for various scientific fields beyond genomics, including climate change and chemistry.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalScience·DateJul 22, 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.

Premature death less likely than end stage renal disease for African-Americans with kidney disease

African Americans with hypertensive nephrosclerosis have a higher rate of developing end stage renal disease (ESRD) than dying prematurely, according to a new study. The study analyzed data from the African American Study of Kidney Disease and Hypertension (AASK) trial and cohort phase, finding that ESRD rates exceeded mortality rates ...

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJul 22, 2010

Misuse of anesthesia could cause hepatitis virus transmission

A new study published in Gastroenterology highlights the risk of hepatitis B and C virus transmission through contaminated anesthesia. Reuse of syringes and medication vials without proper sterilization can lead to viral transmission, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to sterile techniques in healthcare settings.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateJul 22, 2010

UT MD Anderson study ties abnormal cells in blood to lung cancer

A novel approach detects genetically abnormal cells in the blood of non-small cell lung cancer patients, increasing with disease severity. The study suggests that these circulating cells could be used to diagnose lung cancer earlier and monitor response to therapy.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateJul 22, 2010

Could diabetes be in your bones?

Two new studies reveal a key molecular link between bone remodeling and metabolism, finding that osteocalcin levels are tied to insulin resistance and glucose intolerance. Osteocalcin treatment improves symptoms in mice with diabetes-like conditions.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateJul 22, 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.

For pandas, there is a mountain high enough, there is a valley low enough

Research on giant pandas in China's Xiaoxiangling and Daxiangling mountains shows physical barriers can isolate genetic groups. Gene flow is crucial for maintaining genetic diversity and is negatively affected by habitat fragmentation. Reconnecting habitats could restore population viability of the endangered species.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Genetics·DateJul 22, 2010

Math model of colon inflammation singles out dangerous immune cells

Researchers at Virginia Tech have created a mathematical model of colon inflammation that identifies pro-inflammatory macrophages as key culprits for unregulated inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease. The model allows scientists to explore cellular and molecular changes underlying chronic inflammation, identify intervention points...

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJournal of Theoretical Biology·DateJul 22, 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.

Women, but not men, who are exposed to radiation therapy as children much more prone to stillbirths or baby death when attempting to have children

A new study published in The Lancet found that women who underwent radiation therapy as children are more likely to experience stillbirths or baby deaths when attempting to conceive. In contrast, no increased risk was found for men exposed to similar levels of radiation. The authors suggest that uterine damage may be the primary factor...

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 22, 2010

Researchers find genetic link to children's emotional problems precipitated by bullying

Researchers have discovered a genetic variation that moderates whether victims of bullying develop emotional problems. The study, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, found that a specific gene variant affects the severity of emotional distress in bullied children.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateJul 22, 2010

Customers less tolerant of employee rudeness than incompetence

A study published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that consumers witnessing employee incivility, even when it's directed at another employee, form negative impressions of the company. The researchers suggest that promoting employee civility through training and setting zero-tolerance expectations can enhance customer behavior.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJul 22, 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.

Gut movements in caterpillars inspire soft-body robot design

Research team discovers unique gut sliding movement in caterpillars, which inspires design of soft material robots. These 'softbots' can move without visible leg translations and are suitable for search-and-rescue operations and space applications.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 22, 2010