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Science News for July 8, 2010


AIAA to present technical achievement awards

The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) will present technical achievement awards to recognize outstanding contributions in aerospace power systems and energy efficiency. Edward M. Gaddy and Essam Khalil are among the recipients, honored for their work on space photovoltaics and energy-efficient combustors.

SourceAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics·DateJul 8, 2010

Citizen journalism v. legacy news: The battle for news supremacy

A study by MU researchers found that top citizen websites and bloggers lack staff and financial resources to provide adequate coverage. The team's findings highlight the need for effective journalistic presence in democracy, as many newspapers and broadcast outlets struggle financially.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalNewspaper Research Journal·DateJul 8, 2010

Don't let your termites grow up to be mommies

Researchers identify pheromone blend that prevents termites from becoming queens, balancing colony population. The discovery reveals crucial role of chemical compounds in regulating termite castes, advancing understanding of insect social behavior and colony management.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 8, 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.

Origins of multicellularity: All in the family

A global collaboration found that Volvox and Chlamydomonas algae share a common list of protein parts, suggesting limited innovation in the transition to multicellularity. Key discoveries include increased ECM proteins, cyclin D proteins, and novel gene functions.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience·DateJul 8, 2010

Carnegie Mellon maglev haptic interface wins R&D 100 award

The maglev haptic interface, developed at Carnegie Mellon since 1997, provides highly realistic feedback for users to perceive textures and feel hard contacts. It has applications in controlling remote robots and simulation technologies for dental training and biopsy needle insertion.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateJul 8, 2010

Musical skill reflects working memory capacity in addition to practice time

A study found that pianists' ability to sight-read music is linked to their working memory capacity, not just practice time. Working memory plays a crucial role in musicians' performance, with even significant amounts of practice unable to compensate for poor cognitive abilities.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 8, 2010

Gene knockout makes female mice masculine

Researchers created FucM mouse mutants to investigate the role of the fucose mutarotase enzyme in sexual preference. The study found that female mice with the gene knockout displayed drastically reduced sexual receptivity and altered brain development, leading to masculine-like behavior.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Genetics·DateJul 8, 2010
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Home care equivalent to hospital care for some patients with cystic fibrosis

Researchers found that home care equivalent to hospital care for patients with cystic fibrosis does not compromise lung function recovery, with optimal duration of therapy ranging from 7-10 days. Longer treatment courses do not offer additional benefits.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJul 8, 2010

A fateful pause

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital found a gene that regulates transcriptional elongation, enabling the body to rapidly produce mature red blood cells. This discovery may have implications for treating severe anemia and leukemia by understanding how the body can quickly switch on production of red cells.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalCell·DateJul 8, 2010

President of India to inaugurate ICM 2010

The President of India will inaugurate the International Congress of Mathematicians (ICM) 2010 in Hyderabad, awarding Fields Medal and other prestigious prizes. The ICM is a periodic event bringing together 3000 mathematicians from around the world, marking a significant recognition of India's growing role in mathematics.

SourceICM2010·DateJul 8, 2010

Fireflies blink in synch to send a uniform message

Researchers found that synchronized male flashing is more recognizable to females, suggesting a physiological problem in the females' information processing. This phenomenon helps maintain the fidelity of the signal in crowded areas with many unrecognizable flashes.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalScience·DateJul 8, 2010

Magnets trump metallics

Researchers at Rice University discovered that strong magnetic fields can transform highly conductive carbon nanotubes into semiconductors. By applying a magnetic field, a band gap opens up and the material becomes an insulator.

SourceRice University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 8, 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.

Hereditary kidney disease linked to genetic location

Researchers identified a previously unknown genetic location on chromosome 2p causing familial focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a common cause of kidney failure worldwide. The discovery may provide clues to disease mechanisms and lead to identification of specific and less toxic therapies.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJul 8, 2010

NIH-led scientists find antibodies that prevent most HIV strains from infecting human cells

Researchers have found two human antibodies, VRC01 and VRC02, that can neutralize over 90% of known HIV strains. These antibodies could be used to design improved HIV vaccines or developed as a therapy for HIV infection. The discovery was made using a novel molecular device that targets specific cells making antibodies against HIV.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalScience·DateJul 8, 2010

Baseline PSA predicts risk of death from prostate cancer

Researchers found that men with a baseline PSA of less than 4 had a very low risk of death from prostate cancer, while those with scores of 10 or higher were 11 times more likely to die. The study suggests routine screening among healthy men with normal life expectancy can help identify high-risk patients and save lives.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalCancer·DateJul 8, 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.

Severe angina poses 3 times the coronary artery disease risk for women than men

Women with severe angina are three times more likely to develop severe coronary artery disease than men. The study found that even younger women face a higher risk of developing CAD than men in the same age group. Diabetes and high blood pressure also play a significant role in increasing the risk, particularly among young women.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·DateJul 8, 2010

Wildlife Conservation Society finds wild cat mimicking monkey calls

Researchers documented a wild cat species imitating the call of its intended victim, a small monkey known as a pied tamarin, to draw it within striking range. The behavior was confirmed through observations in the Amazonian forests of Brazil, providing insights into the psychological cunning of wild felids.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalNeotropical Primates·DateJul 8, 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.

Stress of an enriched environment might curb cancer growth

A new study found that an enriched environment can reduce cancer growth in mice by activating a nervous system pathway that decreases leptin levels, a hormone linked to appetite and cancer growth. The effect was observed in models of melanoma and colon cancer, with tumors reduced by up to 80% after three weeks of enrichment.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalCell·DateJul 8, 2010

Scientists reprogram triple-negative breast cancer cells to respond to tamoxifen

Researchers have successfully induced epigenetic reprogramming in human and mouse breast cancer cells, making them more susceptible to tamoxifen treatment. This targeted epigenetic therapy has shown promising results in reversing the growth and invasive properties of triple-negative breast cancer cells.

SourceSamuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 8, 2010

New research shows why some communities embrace environmental conservation and others don't

New research from the University of New Hampshire found that rural areas with high unemployment rates are less likely to support environmental regulations. In contrast, areas with population growth and amenity-driven changes are more likely to favor conservation efforts. The study also reveals classic patterns in views on conservation,...

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalRural Sociology·DateJul 8, 2010

The North Pacific, a global backup generator for past climate change

The North Pacific branch of the conveyor belt circulation changed drastically around 17,000 years ago, potentially buffering the global impacts of the collapsed Atlantic circulation. This reorganization may have contributed to increased atmospheric CO2 concentration and accelerated glacial meltdown.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalScience·DateJul 8, 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.

Conference bursaries make malaria mission possible

Researchers and graduate students from low-income countries can apply for conference bursaries to attend the Parasite to Prevention conference in Edinburgh, UK. The bursaries cover travel, accommodation, and conference registration costs.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·DateJul 8, 2010

Is biopsy avoidable on diagnosis of celiac disease?

A new diagnostic standard based on serology alone could eliminate the need for intestinal biopsy in diagnosing celiac disease. The study finds that combinations of two serology tests can accurately diagnose or rule out the disorder in over 92% of individuals.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateJul 8, 2010

Luteolin stars in study of healthful plant compounds

A recent study has identified luteolin as the most effective inhibitor of TBK1, an enzyme that activates biochemical signals leading to inflammation. Luteolin is found in various plant-based foods and has already been recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalBiochemical Pharmacology·DateJul 8, 2010

Mount Sinai researchers discover new way diseases develop

Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine identified a new way diseases develop through understanding how cells control gene expression. They found that protein DPF3b plays a critical role in the transcription process for muscle growth and heart development.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature·DateJul 8, 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.

Hopkins team discovers sweet way to detect prediabetes

Researchers have discovered a dramatic increase in an enzyme called O-GlcNAcase in the red blood cells of people with diabetes and prediabetes. This enzyme may be used as a diagnostic tool to detect prediabetes at its earliest stages, allowing for potential early intervention.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalDiabetes·DateJul 8, 2010

Instant testing for sore throats wins CIMIT prize

A Cornell University PhD candidate has won the top prize in the 2010 CIMIT Prize in Primary Healthcare competition for his project on DNA nanobarcodes. His technology offers a one-step quick point-of-care test for diagnosing pathogens responsible for pharyngitis, allowing timely and accurate triage of sore throats.

SourceCIMIT·DateJul 8, 2010

What secrets are stored in the roots of corn plants?

The study found significant variation in root systems among various corn genotypes, with regions in the maize genome responsible for inheritance. The team developed innovative technology to analyze root complexity using fractal dimensions and statistical software, allowing them to correlate differences with genetic makeup.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·DateJul 8, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Heat waves could be commonplace in the US by 2039, Stanford study finds

A new study by Stanford University climate scientists predicts that exceptionally long heat waves and hot events will be frequent in the US by 2039, posing risks to agriculture and human health. The researchers used climate models to project a 1.8-degree Fahrenheit increase in global temperature, leading to more intense heat extremes.

SourceStanford University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 8, 2010

Teen moms more likely to have premature babies

Researchers found teenage mothers more likely to have premature babies due to biological immaturity and social factors. The study highlights the importance of antenatal care and post-natal contraception for pregnant teenagers.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Pregnancy and Childbirth·DateJul 8, 2010

Mojoceratops: New dinosaur species named for flamboyant frill

A new dinosaur species with a heart-shaped frill has been discovered in Canada's Alberta and Saskatchewan provinces, named Mojoceratops perifania. The species is related to Triceratops but appeared 10 million years earlier, survived for only one million years.

SourceYale University·JournalJournal of Paleontology·DateJul 8, 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 chemical to make brain cells grow

Researchers discovered a chemical that promotes brain cell growth, potentially leading to new treatments for Alzheimer's and neurodegenerative diseases. The substance protects newborn neurons from dying off, giving them better odds of becoming functional cells.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateJul 8, 2010

Perfusion CT may be used as a noninvasive tool in detection of hepatic toxicity

A study found that perfusion CT can detect hemodynamic changes in liver tissue, indicating drug-induced hepatic damage. The research team correlated perfusion CT parameters with ALT levels and treatment cycles, revealing increased HPI and MTT in patients undergoing chemotherapy.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateJul 8, 2010

A research study analyzes the disclosure of corporate press releases

A study found that corporate press releases are not associated with positive or negative company performance, as companies with negative results also use these releases to improve their image. The researchers suggest cultural and financial factors contribute to this phenomenon.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalInternational Business Review·DateJul 8, 2010

NIH-supported finding on cocaine addiction: Tiny molecule, big promise

Researchers discovered a specific microRNA sequence, microRNA-212, that protects rats from cocaine addiction by regulating CREB signaling. This finding suggests microRNAs may play a crucial role in vulnerability to addiction, offering new promise for anti-addiction medications.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalNature·DateJul 8, 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.

JILA team finds new parallel between cold gases and 'hot' superconductors

JILA team finds similar behavior in ultracold atomic gases and high-temperature superconductors, supporting the idea that studying superfluidity in atomic gases can help understand complicated superconductors. The discovery lends support to the concept of a 'pseudo-gap region' where atom pairing occurs above critical temperature.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature Physics·DateJul 8, 2010

A healthy mind makes a healthy body in teens

A new study published in Applied Research in Quality of Life found that positive emotions and life satisfaction are strong predictors of physical health in teenagers. Researchers analyzed data from 401 students aged 12-14 and found that subjective well-being was a significant unique predictor of physical health outcomes.

SourceSpringer·JournalApplied Research in Quality of Life·DateJul 8, 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.

Researchers use nanoparticles to shrink tumors in mice

Researchers use mesoporous silica nanoparticles to store and deliver chemotherapeutic drugs, effectively suppressing tumors in mice. The treatment led to significant tumor regression and minimal toxicity.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalSmall·DateJul 8, 2010

NIH funds 10 international centers of excellence for malaria research

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has funded 10 international centers for excellence in malaria research, with a focus on cutting-edge research in endemic areas. The program aims to generate critical knowledge, tools, and evidence-based strategies to support intervention and control programs in regions most affe...

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateJul 8, 2010

OU researcher developing novel therapy for Alzheimer's disease

A University of Oklahoma researcher is developing a novel therapy for Alzheimer's disease by targeting the toxic plaque in the brain. The therapy uses biopharmaceutical proteases that can degrade thousands of plaque molecules, potentially delivering a catalytic benefit even if only small amounts pass through the cell barrier.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·DateJul 8, 2010

UC San Diego to lead new malaria research center in South America

The University of California, San Diego will lead a seven-year, $9.2 million NIH grant-funded effort to study and understand the complete disease cycle of malaria in the Amazon basin. The goal is to comprehensively address the ongoing public health problem of malaria, which affects over 3 billion people worldwide.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateJul 8, 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.

Antibody may help treat and prevent influenza outbreaks

Researchers have discovered a monoclonal antibody that is effective against multiple strains of influenza, including Avian H5N1, seasonal H1N1, and the 2009 Swine H1N1 influenza. The antibody targets a conserved region of the viral coat protein, providing broad-spectrum protection against various flu strains.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJul 8, 2010

Novel ion trap with optical fiber could link atoms and light in quantum networks

Physicists at NIST have demonstrated an ion trap with a built-in optical fiber, enabling the measurement of quantum information stored in ions. The device simplifies quantum computer design and paves the way for swapping information between matter and light in future quantum networks.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 8, 2010

New surgery improves outcomes for severe flat foot deformity

Patients with stage IV flat foot deformity experience improved alignment, reduced arthritis, and enhanced mobility after a new surgery developed at Hospital for Special Surgery. The study shows promising results, including the maintenance of correction nine years post-surgery.

SourceHospital for Special Surgery·DateJul 8, 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.

Who is likely to become a bully, victim or both?

Poor problem-solving skills are a significant predictor of both bullying and being a victim, according to new research. The study found that boys bully more than girls, and individuals with academic troubles are more likely to become bullies.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalSchool Psychology Quarterly·DateJul 8, 2010

'Magical thinking' about islands is an illusion

A Tel Aviv University biologist challenges the idea that islands have unique evolutionary patterns, citing research that shows no extraordinary effects of isolation. He found that evolutionary processes on islands are not different from those on mainland ecosystems, contradicting popular myths about island-bred creatures.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateJul 8, 2010

Vitamin B3 as a novel approach to treat fungal infections

Researchers have discovered that vitamin B3 can inhibit the growth of Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus, two major human pathogens. The study found that nicotinamide, a form of vitamin B3, can reduce virulence in both normal and drug-resistant strains of C. albicans.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature Medicine·DateJul 8, 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.

Simple diagnostic tool predicts type 2 diabetes in Southeast Asians

A simple diagnostic tool predicts type 2 diabetes in Vietnamese individuals based on high systolic blood pressure and waist-to-hip ratio. The prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes is estimated to be around 11% for men and 12% for women, with approximately 350,000 people affected in Ho Chi Minh City.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalDiabetologia·DateJul 8, 2010

Endoscopic ultrasound evaluation is associated with improved outcomes in pancreatic cancer patients

A new study finds that endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is associated with improved outcomes in patients with localized pancreatic cancer. EUS evaluation was found to improve overall survival, possibly due to earlier cancer detection and more selective surgery. The study analyzed a large population-based cancer registry and demonstrated the...

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateJul 8, 2010

Heart beat may provide clues to kidney health

A study found individuals with high resting heart rates and low beat-to-beat heart rate variability have a higher risk of developing kidney disease. The autonomic nervous system's behavior may be a sentinel marker for late-stage kidney disease.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJul 8, 2010

Intercellular communication: From 'cable-phone' to 'cell-phone'?

A team of scientists reveals that microRNAs (miRNAs) can be secretly packaged by cells and delivered to target cells, regulating their functions. This discovery expands our understanding of miRNA's role in mediating intercellular/interorgan communication.

SourceNanjing University School of Life Sciences·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJul 8, 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.

Housing upgrade shrinks tumors in mice with cancer

Researchers found that social interaction and a richer living environment significantly reduced tumor mass and volume in mice with cancer. The study suggests that low-stress, mentally stimulating environments may be beneficial for cancer treatment.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateJul 8, 2010

Rain of giant gas clouds create active galactic nuclei

Researchers have discovered a connection between giant gas clouds and the formation of active galactic nuclei, which power the bright centers of some galaxies. The study suggests that gas clouds can either be consumed by supermassive black holes or give birth to new stars, leading to increased activity.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJul 8, 2010

ESMO publishes updated guidelines on cancer care

The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) has published updated clinical practice guidelines for cancer care, providing vital information on diagnosis, treatment plans, and follow-up. The new guidelines cover various tumor types and include expanded sections on cardiotoxicity and fertility considerations.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateJul 8, 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.

Mental decline thwarted in aging rats

Researchers found a compound called P7C3 that improves newborn neuron survival and reduces programmed cell death in the brain's memory hub. This discovery offers new hope for treating Alzheimer's disease by targeting the underlying neuroprotective mechanism.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalCell·DateJul 8, 2010

Ferns and fog on the forest floor

Researchers found that ferns in the northern end of the redwood forest ecosystem are better equipped to absorb fog water than those in the southern region. This has important implications for the structure of plant communities and how ecosystems function during drought periods. The study suggests that native ferns may be able to acclim...

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateJul 8, 2010

HPV DNA testing over 50 percent more sensitive than cytology testing

A community-based study found HPV DNA testing to be over 50% more sensitive than cytology testing for detecting precancers and cervical cancers. The study involved 50,000 women and revealed a significant reduction in precancer rates among HPV DNA-positive women.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalCancer Causes & Control·DateJul 8, 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.

Small molecule boosts production of brain cells, protects new cells from dying

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered a compound called P7C3 that preserves newly created brain cells and boosts learning and memory in animal studies. The study found that P7C3 protects newborn neurons from dying, restoring normal structure and function of the hippocampus in knockout mice.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalCell·DateJul 8, 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.