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Science News for July 26, 2010


New perspectives on local calcium signaling

Recent advancements in microscopy and buffering have enabled researchers to investigate the speed and termination of calcium signaling in muscle and nerve cells. The new tools allow for a deeper understanding of how these signals initiate and spread.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of General Physiology·DateJul 26, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Most men with low-risk prostate cancer receive aggressive treatment

A study found that men with low-risk prostate cancer often receive aggressive treatment, including surgery or radiation, even if their PSA levels are low. The researchers suggest that lowering the biopsy threshold for men with PSA levels below 4 nanograms per milliliter could lead to an increase in unnecessary treatments.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJul 26, 2010

Hot topic: Improving communications to fight wildfires

Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed methodological protocols to improve information flow during wildfires, enabling more efficient and effective responses. The study found that sharing information is essential to avoid injury or loss of life, protect assets, and maintain vital services.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·DateJul 26, 2010

Many knee and hip replacement patients experience weight decrease after surgery

A study published in Orthopedics found that patients who underwent knee or hip replacement surgery experienced a statistically significant decrease in weight and body mass index (BMI) after surgery. Notably, patients who were obese prior to surgery had the most significant post-surgical weight reductions.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalOrthopedics·DateJul 26, 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.

Heart failure care improved by performance intervention at outpatient cardiology practices

A new performance intervention improved adherence to national guideline-recommended therapies for heart failure patients in an outpatient setting. The program applied clinical decision support tools, structured improvement strategies, and medical chart audits with feedback to help clinicians better provide evidence-based therapies.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCirculation·DateJul 26, 2010

International formula milk marketing code mired in 3 decades of dispute

A child nutrition expert argues that a global code for formula milk marketing has been mired in disputes since its adoption in 1981. The lack of effective national and international governance has hindered efforts to improve maternal, infant, and child nutrition. Effective governance is now needed to replace bitter hostilities.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateJul 26, 2010

Negative stereotypes shown to affect learning, not just performance

A new study by Indiana University researchers found that negative stereotypes can inhibit actual learning, not just performance, in math and science. Women who experience stereotype threat may have reduced learning and struggle to learn complex skills, which could worsen over time.

SourceIndiana University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 26, 2010

JCI table of contents: July 26, 2010

Researchers have developed a new drug that targets peripheral CB1 cannabinoid receptors to improve cardiometabolic risk in mouse models of obesity. The drug inhibits the same protein as rimonabant, but without neurological side effects. This approach may reduce health risks associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 26, 2010

ISHLT issues new guidelines for the care of heart transplant recipients

The International Society of Heart and Lung Transplantation has published comprehensive guidelines for the care of heart transplant recipients. The guidelines cover peri-operative care, rejection management, and long-term issues such as cardiac allograft vasculopathy and immunosuppressive adverse effects.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation·DateJul 26, 2010
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Remembering to forget: The amnesic effect of daydreaming

Researchers discovered that daydreaming about distant memories can improve memory recall and reduce remembering of recent events. Participants who thought about a vacation within the U.S. remembered more words than those who thought about an overseas trip.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 26, 2010

Children with brain injuries have problems with story-telling

Research at the University of Chicago found that children with brain injuries have difficulty developing story-telling skills. The study, published in Developmental Science, compared the language abilities of children with brain injuries to those with typical development. While vocabulary and sentence comprehension were similar, the ch...

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalDevelopmental Science·DateJul 26, 2010

Once bitten, twice shy -- a temperature switch triggers aversive memory

Scientists at the Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology have identified three dopamine-releasing nerve cells essential for associating odors with negative experiences. By manipulating these cells using a temperature switch, they demonstrated that even without an electric shock, fruit flies can learn to avoid specific odors.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 26, 2010

New research: What does your avatar say about you?

Researchers at Concordia University found that avatar-creators tend to create avatars that resemble their own personalities, with physical characteristics like hair length and clothing style providing clues about the creator's traits. This correlation has implications for companies looking to reach both virtual and real-world audiences.

SourceConcordia University·JournalPsychology and Marketing·DateJul 26, 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.

Surgery or stenting for carotid artery disease? Question remains

Researchers compared two treatments for preventing strokes due to carotid artery disease, but found no clear winner. While surgery may be beneficial for patients who have had a stroke or temporary stroke in the past 12 months, stenting offers similar benefits for asymptomatic patients.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJul 26, 2010

Even in good communities, roaming teens a recipe for violence

Researchers found that informal teen gatherings significantly increased violent behavior by adolescents, even in relatively 'good' neighborhoods. High collective efficacy neighborhoods had lower levels of violence when teens were let out unsupervised.

SourceOhio State University·JournalCriminology·DateJul 26, 2010

Higher risk of infection and death in First Nations people on peritoneal dialysis

A Canadian study found First Nations people on peritoneal dialysis experience higher rates of peritonitis and mortality, despite living in either rural or urban areas. The high prevalence of diabetes and obesity among First Nations populations contributes to the growth of kidney disease and renal failure, necessitating dialysis care.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJul 26, 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.

New approach which can help to predict neurodegenerative diseases

Researchers have discovered a domino effect in protein complexes that contribute to neurodegenerative diseases. The study, led by Dr. Aitor Hierro, reveals reduced levels of mutated protein Vps54 disrupt the GARP complex, leading to motorneurodegeneration.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 26, 2010

Production of radioisotopes for research, medicine and engineering

Researchers at Risø National Laboratory are producing radioisotopes for medical diagnostics and therapy, as well as research and development of new technologies. The production has increased significantly due to growing demand from PET-CT scanning, with seven cyclotrons operating in Denmark.

SourceRisoe National Laboratory for Sustainable Energy, the Technical University of Denmark·DateJul 26, 2010

Keeping trains on track

Researchers are collecting high-tech sensing data from various sources to create a reliable early-warning system for train operators. The goal is to predict natural disasters and possible terror attacks on rail lines.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal of Arid Environments·DateJul 26, 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.

UNC Charlotte researchers awarded national award for industrial innovation

A research team from UNC Charlotte and Y-12 National Security Complex developed a method to eliminate long, dangerous strips of metal (chips) in machining ductile materials. The 'Modulated Tool-Path (MTP) Chip Breaking System' produces user-selectable chip lengths and workpiece finishes, preventing injuries and reducing costs.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Charlotte·DateJul 26, 2010

Childhood cancer survivors may have abnormal long-term cardiac function

A study of 601 childhood cancer survivors found that 27% had abnormal cardiac function, with no evidence that sex or certain treatments were risk factors. The study highlights the need for continued monitoring of these patients to prevent further deterioration of cardiac function.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJul 26, 2010

Doctors don't 'get' their patients

A study found that physicians' understanding of patient health beliefs is generally poor, but significantly improves when patients are more actively involved in consultations. Healthcare providers can better tailor treatment recommendations by encouraging patients to express their beliefs and concerns.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJul 26, 2010

Converging weather patterns caused last winter's huge snows

A team of scientists at Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory found that the anomalous winter was caused by two colliding weather events: El Niño and a strong negative phase in the North Atlantic Oscillation. This event led to more snowfall on the East Coast and northwest Europe, contrary to climate change predictions.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 26, 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.

New invention at the Weizmann Institute

A new device developed at the Weizmann Institute uses sniffing technology to enable communication and wheelchair steering for severely disabled individuals. The device was tested on healthy volunteers and quadriplegics, showing promising results in mastering the skill, which can also be used as a 'third hand' for surgeons and pilots.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 26, 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.

One-size-fits-all approach to child custody can endanger moms and kids

A University of Illinois study reveals that child custody evaluators' beliefs can be broadly categorized into two groups, with one prioritizing safety for women and children. Situational violence is the most common type, but intimate terrorism is also prevalent, involving control through threats and monitoring.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Interpersonal Violence·DateJul 26, 2010

Elder care puts strain on adult parent-child relationship

A study of over 2,600 parents and children across six nations found that long-term caretaking duties can strain relationships, while apathy is more detrimental than conflict. Cultural values and economic development play a significant role in shaping the dynamics of intergenerational family relationships.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateJul 26, 2010

Not as Web savvy as you think

A Northwestern University study found that many college students trust websites and search engines ranked high on Google, prioritizing brand recognition over factual accuracy. The study involved 102 students who showed a strong preference for Google and other top brands, even when given hypothetical information-seeking tasks.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateJul 26, 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.

Certain epilepsy drugs may increase risk of suicide

A new study found that newer epilepsy drugs with a higher risk of depression, such as levetiracetam and topiramate, were associated with an increased risk of self-harm or suicidal behavior among people with epilepsy. In contrast, older drugs did not show this increased risk.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJul 26, 2010

NASA satellite improves pollution monitoring

The study reveals that incorporating NASA products into the BASINS model significantly improves water quality model performance. By capturing the effects of water flow during storm periods, the NASA data systems provide a more accurate representation of non-point pollution and improve estimates of water quality.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateJul 26, 2010

First results from Large Hadron Collider announced

The University of Toronto team has broken world records in the search for new particles at the LHC, confirming the Standard Model theory. The team set new limits on the mass of excited quarks, excluding their existence below a certain threshold and reconfirming allegiance to the Standard Model.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·DateJul 26, 2010

Predicting drug responsiveness in cancer patients

Researchers identified a way to predict which cancer patients will respond to everolimus, a treatment targeting the protein mTOR. The presence of KRAS gene mutations is associated with lack of response to treatment, suggesting that looking for PIK3CA and KRAS mutations can help predict patient outcomes.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 26, 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.

Shade-coffee farms support native bees that maintain genetic diversity in tropical forests

A University of Michigan biologist and a colleague at the University of California, Berkeley, found that shade-grown coffee farms support native bees that pollinate native trees and enhance genetic diversity. The study suggests that these bees play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity in tropical regions.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 26, 2010

New mathematical model could aid studies of cardiac muscle

Researchers developed a new mathematical model to predict ventricular function during the cardiac cycle, offering a simpler alternative to existing models. The model, comprising five parameters, may improve treatment options for patients with heart disease and integrate into multi-scale models of working hearts.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of General Physiology·DateJul 26, 2010

Max Planck Innovation awards license for actin marker LifeAct

The novel peptide LifeAct allows for the visualization of actin in living cells, facilitating research into various diseases. This breakthrough technology has the potential to improve our understanding of actin's role in fundamental processes and its involvement in diseases such as polycystic kidney disease and invasive tumors.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·DateJul 26, 2010

Scots engineers prove space pioneer's 25-year-old theory

Engineers at the University of Strathclyde have proven Dr. Robert L Forward's 1984 theory on improving satellite telecommunications by displacing geostationary orbits north or south of the equator. This achievement could lead to increased communications capacity and new Earth observation orbits.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·DateJul 26, 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.

Exposure to early evening sunlight in spring creates teenage night owls

Research at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's Lighting Research Center finds that extended daylight hours in spring delay melatonin onset, leading to teen sleep deprivation. Teenagers should increase morning daylight exposure year-round and decrease evening daylight exposure to ensure sufficient sleep before school.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalChronobiology International·DateJul 26, 2010

Seeing the forest and the trees reveals heart problems

Researchers developed a system using Random Forests, Logistic Model Tree, and Neural Network to diagnose heart problems with high accuracy. The study used publicly available heart rate data and achieved a classification accuracy of 98.17%.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Electronic Healthcare·DateJul 26, 2010

Reducing the health risks of obesity without serious side effects

Researchers have developed a new drug that targets peripheral CB1R, reducing glucose and fat levels in the blood without causing weight loss or neurological side effects. This approach aims to reduce health risks associated with obesity, but caution is needed to ensure the drug does not access the brain.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 26, 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.

Preventing heart problems while keeping a cool head

Researchers at Max Planck Institute discover that flushing phenomenon triggered by nicotinic acid is caused by activation of Langerhans cells and keratinocytes, leading to inflammation and skin redness. Development of novel 'flush inhibitors' could improve treatment outcomes for cardiovascular diseases.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 26, 2010

Treatments for blocked carotid arteries vary by US region

A significant geographic variation was found in the use of carotid endarterectomy and carotid stenting among Medicare beneficiaries, with different regions having varying rates of each procedure. Men and patients with a prior diagnosis of peripheral vascular disease were more likely to undergo carotid revascularization.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJul 26, 2010

Scientists 'reprogram' mouse fat cells into clinically useful stem cells

Researchers have successfully reprogrammed adult mouse fat cells and neural cells to become induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) that can differentiate into various cell types. The study demonstrates that adipose tissue-derived cells are the most amenable to reprogramming, making them a promising source for clinical applications.

SourceCell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair·JournalCell Transplantation·DateJul 26, 2010

Our children aren't sleeping and we're medicating them

A new survey of child psychiatrists reveals that nearly one-third of school-aged and adolescent patients suffer from insomnia, leading to the widespread use of sleep medication. The study suggests that management of insomnia in this population is a common practice, although clinical approaches vary widely.

SourceLifespan·JournalSleep Medicine·DateJul 26, 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.

Plentiful maternal affection in early infancy boosts adult coping skills

Research published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found that maternal affection at 8 months predicts emotional distress in adulthood. The study tracked 482 participants from childhood to adult life, revealing a strong correlation between mother's warmth and child's emotional well-being.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateJul 26, 2010

U of G research reveals how monarchs fly away home

New research reveals that some North American monarchs born in the Midwest and Great Lakes fly directly east over the Appalachians and settle along the eastern seaboard. The study suggests that the viability of east coast populations is highly dependent upon productivity on the other side of the mountains.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalBiology Letters·DateJul 26, 2010

Heart bypass for uncomplicated heart surgery does not reduce neurocognitive function in children

A new study published in Pediatrics found that cardiopulmonary bypass during heart surgery for less complicated congenital heart defects in school-aged children does not affect their cognitive abilities. Researchers compared the outcomes of 35 children who underwent open-heart surgery with non-cardiac surgical patients and non-surgical...

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJul 26, 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.

Emergency care may be failing to spot future suicidal patients

A study found that nearly half of suicides among mental health patients occurred within a year of visiting an emergency department, highlighting the need for better screening and assessment practices. Frequent attendees were more likely to have a history of self-harm and alcohol misuse, underscoring their high risk group status.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalEmergency Medicine Journal·DateJul 26, 2010

Obesity rise linked to disability increase among elderly in Latin America and the Caribbean

Obesity rates among seniors in Latin America and the Caribbean have surged, leading to a significant increase in disability among elderly populations. Current trends suggest that unchecked obesity will result in larger numbers of people vulnerable to chronic medical conditions, straining healthcare resources in poorer countries.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateJul 26, 2010

BU wins $1.6M NIH grant to target protein-protein interactions

A BU team led by Prof. Adrian Whitty aims to create 'drug-like' small molecule inhibitors targeting challenging protein-protein interactions with a $1.6M NIH grant. The goal is to develop new approaches for discovering inhibitors against intracellular proteins critical to human inflammatory diseases and cancers.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·DateJul 26, 2010