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Science News for June 14, 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.

Recalculating cell sensing

Mobile cells may be more sensitive to chemical signals than thought, following trails with improved accuracy. Researchers found lower-than-expected noise levels in these cells, enabling them to detect and respond to chemical cues more effectively.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 14, 2010

New promising therapy against systemic sclerosis

Researchers at Catholic University of Rome have developed a promising new therapy against systemic sclerosis (scleroderma), an autoimmune disease characterized by skin hardening and organ dysfunction. The treatment targets the immune system's B-cells, reducing side effects associated with traditional immunosuppressive therapies.

SourceCatholic University of Rome·JournalArthritis Research & Therapy·DateJun 14, 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.

AGU journal highlights -- June 14, 2010

Researchers explored how prolonged droughts may affect California's water supply system. The study also revealed the first images of Saturn lightning, providing new insights into the planet's atmosphere. These findings suggest improved water management strategies could mitigate the effects of severe droughts on ecosystems and economies.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 14, 2010

Healthy diet associated with lower risk of cataracts in women

Women who follow a balanced diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals have a lower risk of developing nuclear cataracts. A study of 1,808 women found that healthy diets, which reflect adherence to US dietary guidelines, are more strongly related to the occurrence of nuclear cataracts than other modifiable risk factors.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Ophthalmology·DateJun 14, 2010

New link between pollution, temperature and sleep-disordered breathing

A new study establishes a link between air pollution, temperature increases, and sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), a known cause of cardiovascular diseases. The study found that short-term elevations in temperature were associated with increased severity of SDB, while particulate pollution was linked to poorer sleep quality.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJun 14, 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.

Internationally known neuroblastoma expert reviews progress versus challenging childhood cancer

Recent advances in neuroblastoma research have led to a better understanding of the disease's genetic landscape, including common DNA variations on chromosome 6 and mutations in the ALK gene. Innovative therapies such as immunotherapy trials using monoclonal antibodies and cytokines are also being explored.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 14, 2010

Specially trained nurse practitioner detected same breast abnormalities as surgeon

A study published in the Journal of Advanced Nursing found that specially trained nurse practitioners detected the same breast abnormalities as consultant surgeons in 92% of cases. The research aimed to test the theory that trained nurse practitioners can perform an important role in assessing new patients with symptomatic breast cancer.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Advanced Nursing·DateJun 14, 2010

High-yield agriculture slows pace of global warming, say Stanford researchers

High-yield agriculture has prevented massive amounts of greenhouse gas emissions, equivalent to 590 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide. The research estimates that yield improvements reduced the need to convert forests to farmland, a process that generates significant greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 14, 2010

Cost concerns prevent many cancer survivors from getting medical care

A recent analysis found that 18% of US cancer survivors, equating to over two million individuals, did not receive necessary medical services in the previous year due to financial worries. Cancer survivors under 65 were 55% more likely to delay or forgo all types of medical care than their non-cancer peers.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalCancer·DateJun 14, 2010

First detailed national map of land-cover vegetation released

The USGS has released a detailed national map of land-cover vegetation, which will enable conservation professionals to identify places with suitable habitat for wildlife. The map, produced by the USGS Gap Analysis Program, provides critical data for determining biodiversity status and assessing climate change impacts.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·DateJun 14, 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.

Microfinance tied to economy, MSU-led study finds

A MSU-led study examines the relationship between microfinance institutions and the larger economy, finding that economic growth boosts microbank profits. The research suggests that countries with less manufacturing activity tend to support more successful microfinance operations.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Development Economics·DateJun 14, 2010

Flower power: Marking winners and losers

A new study reveals that a protein called Flower marks weaker cells for elimination, allowing fitter neighbors to dominate. This process of cell competition may provide insight into pathological conditions like cancer and aging.

SourceCell Press·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJun 14, 2010

Adding nucleic acid testing to HIV screening may help identify more people with HIV

Researchers found that adding nucleic acid testing to HIV screening can detect the presence of HIV earlier, increasing detection yield by 23%. A large majority of study participants received negative test results via automated phone or internet systems. The findings suggest that such programs can help control the HIV epidemic.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 14, 2010

Teen boys who attempted suicide more like to abuse partners as adults

A new study found that young men who attempt suicide before age 18 are more likely as adults to be aggressive toward their girlfriends or wives. The research, based on data from 153 males and their romantic partners, highlights the need for intervention with suicidal teens.

SourceOregon State University·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateJun 14, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UCLA scientists teach cultured brain cells to keep time

In a three-year study, UCLA scientists found that networks of brain cells in culture can learn to generate simple timed intervals after being stimulated with patterns. The research provides new insights into how the brain tells time and enhances understanding of its workings.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJun 14, 2010

Diabetic potential to create own insulin

Researchers have discovered that type 1 diabetes patients experience a 10-fold increase in islet cell replication after diagnosis. This finding suggests that immune cells are involved in triggering the replication process. The study offers promising results for developing a therapy to encourage beta cells to reproduce and produce insulin.

SourceThe Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry·JournalDiabetologia·DateJun 14, 2010

Heart pumps save lives

A new thesis from the University of Gothenburg reveals that mechanical heart pumps can significantly improve survival rates among patients with life-threatening heart failure. The treatment has been shown to be particularly effective for young and middle-aged patients, as well as those who are awaiting a heart transplant.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalScandinavian Cardiovascular Journal·DateJun 14, 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.

Study confirms favorable long-term prognosis of epilepsy

A 15-year follow-up study found that children with idiopathic new-onset epilepsy have a higher rate of remission compared to those with remote symptomatic epilepsy. The study concluded that the long-term prognosis of epilepsy is favorable in most children, especially for those with an idiopathic etiology.

SourceWiley·JournalEpilepsia·DateJun 14, 2010

How bacteria boost the immune system

Researchers discovered how bacteria aid digestion and enhance immune function by binding to B lymphocytes. This finding suggests the possibility of using bacterial spores to treat people with weakened or undeveloped immune systems.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateJun 14, 2010

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Alzheimer's disease may not be delayed by lifestyle interventions, while a promising medication, diet, exercise, and cognitive engagement show potential benefits. Ribavirin shows promise in treating Chronic Hepatitis E, and adding nucleic acid testing to HIV screening improves case yield.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 14, 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.

Autism in a test tube?

A recent study from Tel Aviv University found a strong link between IVF treatments and mild to moderate cases of autism. The research suggests that IVF may be solving one problem by creating another. Dr. Ditza Zachor's ongoing research aims to separate out risk factors and investigate the rate of autism in IVF populations.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·DateJun 14, 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.

Aircraft cause precipitation, hole-punch clouds

Research found that aircraft can seed mid-level clouds, causing narrow bands of snow or rain to develop. The study also discovered that water droplets at subfreezing temperatures are key to forming these holes in the clouds.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateJun 14, 2010

New study documents use of hormone progesterone in simple microscopic aquatic animals

A new study reveals that the chemical mediator for sexual reproduction in rotifers is progesterone, a molecule also found in humans and plays a vital role in regulating reproduction. The research has significant evolutionary implications and sheds light on how environment, metabolism, hormones, and behaviors interact.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 14, 2010

Discovery may aid remission of ulcerative colitis

Researchers at McMaster University have identified a chemical, prostaglandin D2, that may trigger remission in patients with ulcerative colitis. Elevated levels of this chemical were found in patients in long-term remission, suggesting it as a key factor in preventing new episodes.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 14, 2010

Scientists create nano-patterned superconducting thin films

A team of scientists created nano-patterned superconducting thin films that can change their electrical resistance in response to an external magnetic field. The discovery could lead to new electronic devices, as the material's fluctuating response to a magnetic field could result in switchable superconducting wires.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 14, 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.

Turning a painkiller into a cancer killer

Researchers at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute have discovered a new application for the painkiller Sulindac as a potential anti-cancer treatment. By binding to the truncated form of nuclear receptor RXRα, Sulindac shuts down cancer cell growth and initiates cell death.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCancer Cell·DateJun 14, 2010

Podcasting language

Researchers suggest podcasting can foster a positive attitude towards learning English as a foreign language due to improved mobile device technologies. However, the factors influencing technology adoption remain crucial for its successful implementation.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Mobile Communications·DateJun 14, 2010

Sleeping sickness study offers insight into human cells

Researchers discovered how the parasite survives in a fly's gut, triggering an enzyme response that adapts its body. This reaction has a corresponding part in human cells, potentially leading to greater understanding of inherited diseases like Zellweger syndrome.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalGenes & Development·DateJun 14, 2010

Tracking phosphorus runoff from livestock manure

A team of scientists has developed an application of rare earth elements to control and track phosphorus runoff from soils receiving livestock manure. The method reduces phosphorus solubility and can be used to label and track soil erosion and sedimentation during storm events.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateJun 14, 2010

Stanford study first to show antibodies involved in nerve repair in injuries

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have discovered that antibodies are critical to the repair of nerve damage in the peripheral nervous system. In a new study, scientists show that certain antibodies can facilitate myelin clearance and nerve regeneration, while others do not.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 14, 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.

Raising the bar for biomolecular modeling

Researchers found that amino acid residues form a barrier to help electron transfer by keeping water molecules away from the bridge, reducing the rate of transfer. This discovery provides fundamental insight into biochemical reactions and has potential applications in genetically modified organisms.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 14, 2010

Spinal cord stimulation may benefit Parkinson's patients

Researchers at Rhode Island Hospital tested spinal cord stimulation in a single patient with Parkinson's disease, finding that low-frequency SCS worsened symptoms while high-frequency SCS improved motor function. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and explore potential benefits of this approach for PD patients.

SourceLifespan·DateJun 14, 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.

Moon whets appetite for water

Scientists have found a much higher water content in the Moon's interior, with concentrations ranging from 64 parts per billion to 5 parts per million. The research suggests that water was preserved from the hot magma present when the Moon formed 4.5 billion years ago.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 14, 2010

Hand study reveals brain's distorted body model

Researchers found that brain's representation of hands is out of sync with reality, with fingers perceived as shorter and hands fatter. The findings may be relevant to psychiatric conditions involving body image.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 14, 2010

JCI online early table of contents: June 14, 2010

Research on prion disease found that structural differences affect transmission between species, while gene therapy showed promise in nonhuman primates. Additionally, the protein periostin was discovered to promote heart valve degeneration by inducing angiogenesis and MMP production.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 14, 2010
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.

Cost concerns prevent many cancer survivors from getting medical care

A new study found that 18% of U.S. cancer survivors, or over two million individuals, are not getting one or more needed medical services because of financial worries. Cancer survivors under 65 were more likely to delay or forgo all types of medical care than their peers without a history of cancer.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalCancer·DateJun 14, 2010

Free clinics provide care for an estimated 2 million Americans annually

An estimated 1.8 million individuals visit free clinics annually, providing a range of preventive and general medical care to 10% of the working-age adult uninsured population. Free clinics rely on charitable donations, civic groups, and corporations as primary funding sources.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJun 14, 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.

Use of unproven mammography tool soars with Medicare coverage

A study by UC Davis researcher Joshua Fenton found that use of computer-aided detection (CAD) in mammography screenings surged after Medicare began covering its cost. The prevalence of CAD increased from 5% to 27% between 2001 and 2003, despite uncertainty over its clinical impact on breast cancer outcomes.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJun 14, 2010

Findings provide new therapeutic route for rare kidney disease

Researchers at the University of Leeds have found a protein, CLC-5, that plays a crucial role in treating Dent's disease, a rare genetic disorder causing kidney stones and failure. The study reveals that faulty CLC-5 delivery impairs endocytosis, leading to vitamin and hormone loss.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateJun 14, 2010

Possible link between sleep-disordered breathing and cardiovascular disease revealed

Research reveals a significant association between sleep-disordered breathing and cardiovascular disease, with pro-thrombotic biomarkers PAI-1 and fibrinogen showing increases in relation to SDB severity. The study suggests that even mild levels of SDB may pose an enhanced risk for cardiovascular disease.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJun 14, 2010

Straw residue helps keep nitrogen on the farm

Research found that adding straw residue to hairy vetch cover crops can reduce legume nitrogen losses, but may lower crop yields. The study revealed that straw residue reduced soil inorganic nitrogen content by an average of 7.3% compared to treatments with only legume residues.

SourcePenn State·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateJun 14, 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.

Reinventing the wheel -- naturally

A Duke University engineer, Adrian Bejan, argues that animal movement is like a natural wheel, distributing stresses uniformly. As animals evolve to move better, they develop fewer legs, allowing them to rise higher with each stride and increase their speed.

SourceDuke University·JournalAmerican Journal of Physics·DateJun 14, 2010

Free clinics fill gaps in health safety net, survey finds

A comprehensive survey of free clinics in the US found that they provide an estimated 3.1 million medical visits and nearly 300,000 dental visits annually, filling gaps in the health safety net for low-income patients.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJun 14, 2010

Does pasture irrigation increase groundwater contamination?

Researchers in New Zealand studied transport of microbes from cow pastures into groundwater supplies and found little to no transport due to spray irrigation application. Spray irrigation was shown to significantly reduce the risk of microbial contamination of groundwater, contradicting previous findings on flood irrigation.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateJun 14, 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.

Sequence and structure key to prion disease transmission

A study by Adriano Aguzzi and Christina Sigurdson found that the local structure of PrPC protein influenced prion transmissibility between different species. The researchers identified a molecular switch controlling interspecies prion disease transmission in mice, providing new insight into food safety risks associated with BSE.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 14, 2010

Delayed arrival of TB-fighting T cells

A new study reveals that certain T cells delay their arrival to fight tuberculosis-causing bacteria, reducing the immune response. Regulatory T cells activate at the same time as effector T cells, hindering the body's ability to combat TB.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJun 14, 2010

High yield crops keep carbon emissions low

A new report found that high-yield crop varieties developed during the Green Revolution have helped keep greenhouse gas emissions at bay, avoiding nearly 600 billion tons of CO2. The study estimated that agricultural research has averted carbon dioxide emissions at a cost of about $4 per ton of CO2.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 14, 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.

Can mental activity protect against memory problems in MS?

A new study published in Neurology found that mentally active lifestyles may reduce the negative effects of brain damage on learning and memory in people with multiple sclerosis. Participants with enriching lifestyles showed better scores on tests of learning and memory despite higher amounts of brain damage.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJun 14, 2010

GOES-15 Solar X-Ray Imager makes a miraculous first light

Scientists and engineers from NASA and NOAA worked together to recover the Solar X-Ray Imager instrument on GOES-15, which finally came online on June 3. The team conducted long-duration turn-on tests and successfully captured several test solar images after overcoming a challenging recovery process.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 14, 2010

Study of severe asthma using CT scans

Researchers at the University of Leicester have found that CT scans can monitor progression of severe asthma and check how it responds to treatment. The study suggests that CT-derived measures of structural changes in lungs and airways may be used as a non-invasive marker for asthma.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·DateJun 14, 2010

Many clinicians may be screening for cervical cancer too frequently

Clinical guidelines recommend screening low-risk women every three years after age 30, but most primary care clinicians advocate for more frequent testing. Annual Pap testing has helped decrease cervical cancer burden, but cost-effectiveness models suggest overuse may increase costs with little improvement in outcomes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJun 14, 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.

Carnivorous mammals track fruit abundance

Researchers found that carnivores can track yearly differences in rowan fruit abundance and prefer the most productive trees. They also helped disperse seeds by picking up fallen fruit, suggesting a symbiotic relationship between carnivorous mammals and plants.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalActa Oecologica·DateJun 14, 2010

Getting to the root of nutrient sensing

Plants perceive nutrient availability through NRT1.1 nitrate transporter stimulation, inducing lateral root growth in nitrate-rich patches. This mechanism regulates root branching by controlling auxin accumulation, demonstrating a connection between nutrient and hormone signaling during organ development.

SourceCell Press·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJun 14, 2010

Taking aim at metastatic lung tumors

A recent study uses genomic analysis to understand complex cellular signals driving lung cancer's deadly spread. The research identifies specific molecules linked to non-small cell lung cancer's (NSCLC) invasive and metastatic processes, providing a basis for effective therapies.

SourceCell Press·JournalCancer Cell·DateJun 14, 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.

Study: Adults take their physical activity on the road

A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that adults' moderate to vigorous physical activity is linked to neighborhood characteristics such as residential housing density and connected streets. Most physical activity occurs within a 1-kilometer buffer zone around their homes.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJun 14, 2010

Online ads can get too close for comfort says new study

A new study published in Marketing Science found that combining eye-catching pop-up graphics with targeted ads can lead to a decrease in consumer recall and purchase plans. The study suggests that high-visibility ads are more effective for consumer recall, while content-linked ads promote higher purchase intentions.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalMarketing Science·DateJun 14, 2010

Tequila and cheese offer lessons for rural economies in developing world

New research on tequila and Comte cheese GIs highlights the importance of product quality, terroir protection, and regional development. The study finds that the tequila GI's lack of guidance on production methods leads to industrialization and erosion of traditional character.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalRural Sociology·DateJun 14, 2010

A manifesto to make innovation deliver for development

A new manifesto calls for a radical change in the global innovation agenda to address poverty, environmental degradation, and inequality. The report recommends policies to increase transparency, accountability, and inclusive innovation, with diverse stakeholders involved.

SourceInstitute of Development Studies·DateJun 14, 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.