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Science News for July 23, 2010


'Super socks' help stem pollution runoff

Researchers have developed a method to remove contaminants from stormwater runoff using 'filter socks' containing compost. The socks captured silt, heavy metals, fertilizers, and petroleum products, reducing levels by up to 99%. Adding flocculation agents improved performance, removing nearly all pollutants and sediment.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateJul 23, 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.

Getting young scientists into the science teacher pipeline

The School of Science at IUPUI is launching a program to encourage science majors to become teachers, addressing the shortage in science educators. Through the Noyce Summer Internship program, freshmen and sophomores share their enthusiasm for science with middle school and high school students.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·DateJul 23, 2010

Gene may hold key to reducing spread of oral cancers

A new study published in the International Journal of Cancer has identified microRNA-138 as a gene that regulates cancer cell migration and may hold the key to reducing the spread of oral cancers. The research found that a reduced level of microRNA-138 is associated with enhanced ability of tongue squamous cell carcinoma cells to spread.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateJul 23, 2010

RNA offers a safer way to reprogram cells

Researchers at MIT have created a new technique using RNA to reprogram human skin cells into an immature state that can develop into any cell type. This approach holds promise for treating diseases by transforming patients' own cells into replacements, while eliminating the risks associated with current DNA-based methods.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 23, 2010

CO2 reduction policies in Spain strengthen the services sector

A study by the Basque Center for Climate Change finds that CO2 reduction policies in Spain strengthen the services sector, while reducing industrial and energy sectors' impact. The policies encourage minor changes in consumption patterns and may lead to emissions reductions through tax creation.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalInvestigación Económica·DateJul 23, 2010

Diabetes monitoring device benefits man and man's best friend

Researchers have successfully used a continuous glucose monitoring device to treat dogs with diabetes, providing greater monitoring capabilities and alleviating the need for multiple blood samples. The device, commonly used in human diabetes treatment, helps veterinarians determine proper insulin dosages and manage diet-related factors.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalDiabetes Technology & Therapeutics·DateJul 23, 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.

Geological Society of America honors diversity

The Geological Society of America recognizes Kateryna Klochko, who developed a new method to accurately reconstruct ancient ocean pH levels. The organization also honors Marilyn Suiter, a pioneer in promoting diversity and inclusion in geoscience education.

SourceGeological Society of America·DateJul 23, 2010

No firm conclusions about HDL cholesterol can be drawn from JUPITER sub-analysis

A recent study analyzing the JUPITER trial found that HDL cholesterol levels are not predictive of residual vascular risk among patients treated with potent statin therapy. This suggests that caution should be displayed when interpreting the results and more data is needed to determine whether raising HDL levels is beneficial.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 23, 2010

Study recommends that parents, physicians share decisions in sex development disorder surgery

A new research paper proposes a six-step decision-making approach to facilitate shared decision-making between parents and physicians for infants born with genetic or anatomical anomalies in sexual development. The process aims to clarify reasons, identify gaps in understanding, and explore values underlying decisions. By working on th...

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJournal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism·DateJul 23, 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.

European Society of Cardiology launches heart-friendly cookery book

The European Society of Cardiology has launched a new cookbook featuring heart-friendly recipes created by leading cardiologists. The book aims to demonstrate that a diverse diet can be achieved without compromising on taste, and includes sections discussing heart health topics and alternative ingredients.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateJul 23, 2010

Inhibiting fatty acids in immune cells decreases atherosclerosis risk

Researchers found that inhibiting fatty acid synthase in macrophages significantly reduces atherosclerosis in mice, suggesting a potential treatment approach. The study identifies key factors that can prevent plaque buildup and may lead to the development of new drugs.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJul 23, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Boost for world-leading microscopy project

Dr Paola Borri's £1.1M award will support her research on optical nanoscopy, enabling detailed study of living cells without fluorescent staining. This technology holds promise for tackling biological and medical problems, such as HIV and cancer research.

SourceCardiff University·DateJul 23, 2010

GOES-13 sees new Tropical Storm Bonnie raining on south Florida

Tropical Storm Bonnie strengthened into a tropical storm, bringing heavy rainfall to south Florida. The GOES-13 satellite provides visible images of the storm's cloud-covered center, and forecasts indicate it will pass near the Florida Keys and southern Florida before moving over the eastern Gulf of Mexico.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 23, 2010

2 Americans launch idea after viewing Afghan farms

A teaching and research program will explore how conflict affects agriculture and natural resource management in conflict-ridden countries. The Howard G. Buffett Foundation Chair in Conflict and Development aims to promote scholarship and understanding of this critical issue.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·DateJul 23, 2010
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Relationships hold key to spiritual care

Researchers found that relationships are a crucial factor in spirituality, with 87% of patients considering spirituality important in their lives. The study recommends focusing on presence, journeying together, and engaging in reciprocal sharing to improve spiritual care.

SourceSAGE Publications UK·JournalPalliative Medicine·DateJul 23, 2010

New hydrolysis model promising tool in cellulosic biofuel studies

Researchers at the Energy Biosciences Institute developed a mechanistic model of enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose, improving understanding of enzyme-substrate interaction. The model tracks individual cellulases and key cellulose surface properties, revealing critical factors affecting enzyme activity and sugar production.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalBiotechnology and Bioengineering·DateJul 23, 2010

ACCORD eye study finds 2 therapies slow diabetic eye disease progression

The ACCORD Eye Study found that intensive blood sugar control and combination lipid therapy with a fibrate and statin slowed diabetic retinopathy progression by about one-third. This study provides evidence for the benefits of these therapies in slowing eye disease progression.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 23, 2010

The healing effects of forests

Forests have been shown to decrease blood pressure, heart rate and muscle tension in natural settings, while also reducing depression, anger and ADHD symptoms.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Pacific Northwest Research Station·DateJul 23, 2010

When the quiet logo speaks volumes

A study by USC Marshall School of Business finds that luxury brands charge more for 'quieter' items with subtle logo placement and size, appealing to patricians. Counterfeiters predominantly copy lower-priced, louder luxury goods, while poseurs are more likely to express intent to purchase counterfeit bags.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateJul 23, 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.