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Science News Archive July 2010


Page 4 of 23

Hormonal birth control alters scent communication in primates

A Duke University study found that hormonal contraceptives alter the chemical cues used by ring-tailed lemurs to determine genetic fitness and relatedness. The study also showed that males are less interested in females treated with contraceptives, suggesting potential effects on human mate choice.

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.

Biology, computer science combine efforts to fight cancer

The University of Houston received a $2.4 million grant to fund postdoctoral scientists researching cancer biology and computational disciplines. This multidisciplinary approach aims to tackle the most pressing problems in cancer research.

Eddies against the wall

Recent advances in computing have improved fluid modeling for low Reynolds numbers, but significant challenges remain for high-Reynolds-number flows, crucial in aeronautics and climate modeling.

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.

Women in their 40s have lower mammographic tumor detectability

A study found that mammographic tumor detectability decreases with age, primarily due to denser breast tissue masking tumors. The study suggests that lowered mammographic tumor detectability accounts for 79% of the poorer sensitivity in mammography screening among younger women.

Late preterm births risk respiratory illness

Babies born between 34 and 37 weeks gestation are more likely to experience respiratory issues, with risks decreasing as gestational age approaches full term. Respiratory distress syndrome was found in 11% of 34-week deliveries and transient tachypnea in 6.4% of the same group.

A hop from South America -- tracking Australian marsupials

Research reveals that Australian marsupials descended from a single ancestral South American species, suggesting a simplified migration scenario across Antarctica. The study used retroposon markers to reconstruct the marsupial family tree and confirm this finding.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Cheaper substrates made of oxide materials

Researchers at Taiwan's National Chiao Tung University have made a discovery that opens the door to building electronic components like diodes on various substrates, including plastic, paper, and fabric. They developed a new method to improve the rectification efficiency of oxide diodes by forming nanoscale current paths in oxides.

Alcohol reduces the severity of rheumatoid arthritis

A new study published in Rheumatology found that moderate alcohol consumption may reduce the severity of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and risk. The study, which involved over 1,800 patients, showed a significant inverse association between frequency of alcohol consumption and RA severity.

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.

A future with or without trees

A recent study by Brown-MBL researchers estimates that reducing deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon state could lead to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. The study found that achieving a goal of 89% reduction in deforestation rates by 2020 would result in lower net emissions, with up to 6.3 billion metric tons of CO...

Listeriosis in the developing world may not follow usual pattern

Three unusual cases of patients with listerial meningitis were presented, highlighting that Listeriosis in developing countries does not follow the usual pattern. The cases did not match the typical profile of newborns or elderly individuals, suggesting a different risk factor profile in these regions.

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.

Late preterm births associated with increased risk of respiratory illnesses

A study of over 200,000 deliveries found that late preterm births (34-37 weeks) are associated with a higher risk of severe respiratory illness. The risk decreases with advancing gestational age, with the lowest risk at 38-40 weeks. Early ultrasound confirmation and mode of delivery may help prevent neonatal morbidity.

Background music can impair performance, cites new study

Researchers from <i>Applied Cognitive Psychology</i> found that listening to music can impair cognitive performance during tasks, even when participants enjoy the music. The study suggests that the acoustical variation in musical environments affects recall and mental arithmetic.

HIV in maternal and child heath

The PLOS Medicine editors argue for a more integrated approach to addressing HIV in maternal and child health. Concurrent crises of maternal and child health and HIV require cooperation to address effectively.

Waste chip fat fuels hydrogen economy

Researchers at the University of Leeds have found an innovative process to produce hydrogen from used cooking oil, generating some of the energy needed and producing a nearly carbon-neutral byproduct. This breakthrough technology has the potential to power cars, large-scale power plants, and even reduce energy loss during transmission.

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.

Can you ask a pig if his glass is half full?

Researchers from Newcastle University have found that pigs' moods reflect their level of contentment, influenced by their living environment. The study used a technique to 'ask' pigs about their optimism or pessimism, revealing a direct correlation between emotional state and physical space.

The more frequently you log on, the more weight you can keep off

A Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research study found that participants who logged on to an interactive weight management website consistently maintained the most weight loss. Those who used the site at least once a month for two-and-a-half years kept off an average of nine pounds of their original weight loss.

2 catalysts are better than 1

Researchers have successfully used two catalysts to produce valuable compounds for biomedical research. The cooperative catalysis approach allows for rapid, efficient and controlled production of large amounts of a key building block for many pharmaceuticals.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Native-like spider silk produced in metabolically engineered bacterium

Researchers have successfully produced native-like spider silk in a metabolically engineered bacterium, opening up new avenues for sustainable materials and biomedical applications. The artificial fiber exhibits comparable mechanical properties to native spider silk, with high strength, extensibility, and stiffness.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.