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Science News for June 16, 2010


Blood relations

Researchers at Arizona State University and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center develop a new method to identify biomarkers for ovarian cancer using antibodies. They found 19 distinct scFvs that selectively bound to proteins exclusively found in ovarian cancerous blood serum, providing potential for significant improvements in patie...

SourceArizona State University·JournalMolecular & Cellular Proteomics·DateJun 16, 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.

NIH-supported experimental Marburg vaccine prevents disease 2 days after infection

In a study of rhesus macaques, the experimental Marburg vaccine showed 100% protection when administered 24 hours after lethal exposure, and 66.7% survival rate when treated 48 hours post-infection. The vaccine works by activating the immune system to fight off the target virus.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateJun 16, 2010

Climate changes in the Atlantic can affect drought in distant regions

Researchers from University of Haifa found that North Atlantic Ocean temperature changes can lead to droughts in the Sahel region, and conversely, rising temperatures bring rain. The study analyzed climate parameters over the 20th century, identifying correlations between Atlantic waves and droughts in the region.

SourceUniversity of Haifa·JournalAtmospheric Science Letters·DateJun 16, 2010

Stanford study identifies proteins that modulate life span in worms

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified a group of proteins that regulate the life span of laboratory roundworms. By inhibiting one protein, Ash-2, they found that it extends the worm's life span by up to 30%. The study suggests an intriguing link between longevity and fertility, highlighting the importanc...

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNature·DateJun 16, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Elemental bones

Researchers discovered that human bone samples can act as a biological marker for dozens of metals and toxic elements. The study analyzed rib bones from 84 citizens in a non-industrial region in Russia, finding the presence of 44 additional elements beyond those naturally present in the body.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Environment and Health·DateJun 16, 2010

NSERC awards $3 million for UdeM and Polytechnique training programs

The National Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada has awarded $3 million to the University of Montreal and École Polytechnique to launch training and mentorship programs for young researchers. The program aims to upgrade skills and foster brain-gain by attracting highly qualified students nationally and internationally.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·DateJun 16, 2010

Incidence of malaria jumps when Amazon forests are cut

A recent study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers links deforestation in the Amazon to a significant increase in malaria cases, with a 48% rise reported in areas with a 4% loss of forest cover. The findings suggest that clearing tropical forests creates ideal habitat for mosquitoes that transmit malaria.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateJun 16, 2010
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Researchers predict human visual attention using computer intelligence for the first time

A new study used a computer-based model to predict what types of changes people are more likely to notice, revealing that addition or removal of an object is detected more readily than color changes. The findings have potential applications in designing displays for road signs, emergency services, and security.

SourceAssociation for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology·JournalJournal of Vision·DateJun 16, 2010

Wild sharks, redfish harbor antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Scientists have found antibiotic-resistant bacteria in seven species of sharks and redfish, with the highest occurrence rates in nurse sharks from Belize and Florida Keys. The study highlights a growing problem for human health due to the presence of multidrug-resistant bacteria in marine environments.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine·DateJun 16, 2010

Wild potato germplasm holds key to disease resistance

Geneticists have identified a wild potato species, Solanum verrucosum, with resistance to late blight and early blight. Researchers are working to crossbreed this resistant gene into cultivated potatoes to improve disease resistance.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalPhysiological and Molecular Plant Pathology·DateJun 16, 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.

Tribal internship students energize alternative fuel science

The program aims to educate future tribal leaders on energy resource development and environmental evaluations, focusing on wind and solar energy. Students work on research projects analyzing potential impacts and economic opportunities, creating jobs and revenue for tribal communities.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·DateJun 16, 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.

Using science to identify true soccer stars

Researchers developed a method to quantify player performance in team activities, ranking soccer players based on their contributions. This approach uses network analysis and statistical methods to evaluate player performance, producing results that closely match expert opinions.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 16, 2010

New process is promising for hydrogen fuel cell cars

Researchers develop hydrothermolysis process to store and generate hydrogen for fuel cells in cars, achieving 14% hydrogen yield at near-fuel-cell operating temperatures. The technology has the potential to significantly improve hydrogen storage efficiency and make it more practical for widespread adoption.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAIChE Journal·DateJun 16, 2010

AIDS drugs given to pregnant women block 99 percent of HIV transmission to breastfed babies

In a groundbreaking study, researchers found that antiretroviral drug combinations given to pregnant and breastfeeding women in Botswana prevented 99% of the mothers from transmitting HIV to their infants. The study's findings have significant implications for maternal health and child survival in developing nations.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 16, 2010

Fully epitaxial microcavities

Researchers introduced quantum dots into fully epitaxial nitride laser structures, eliminating the need for hybrid systems. This advancement paves the way to further optimization of lasers and single photon emitters in the visible spectrum region.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 16, 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.

New evidence that smokeless tobacco damages DNA and key enzymes

Smokeless tobacco affects enzyme function and genetic material in liver, kidney, and lungs, altering hormone production and potentially toxic substance breakdown. The study's findings highlight the need for greater awareness of smokeless tobacco's risks, particularly among youth and vulnerable populations.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical Research in Toxicology·DateJun 16, 2010

Geometry affects drift and diffusion across entropic barriers

Research in particle diffusion reveals that periodic constrictions slow down drift and diffusion under weak driving forces. In contrast, strong driving forces induce intermittent transitions between compartments, increasing the diffusion coefficient.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateJun 16, 2010

Consequences of being rich

A new study found that wealth and population density are the primary factors driving invasive species in Europe, surpassing climate and geography. Human activities like trade and travel have led to a surge in introduced species, causing ecosystem disruption and native species displacement.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 16, 2010

Gene mutation increases thromboembolism risk in women taking tamoxifen

A recent study found that women taking tamoxifen for early-stage breast cancer are more likely to carry a gene mutation for clotting if they develop blood clots. The Factor V Leiden genetic mutation is associated with increased thrombosis risk in these patients.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJun 16, 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.

Would you put a tree in your gas tank?

Researchers explore using forest biomass to develop green energy and chemicals, offering a carbon-neutral alternative to petroleum-based plastics. The potential for tree-based green chemicals to replace traditional bioplastics is significant, with eco-friendly benefits and reduced ecological impacts.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Pacific Northwest Research Station·DateJun 16, 2010

Maternal or infant antiretrovirals both effective in preventing HIV transmission through breast milk

A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that giving antiretroviral drugs to HIV-infected breastfeeding mothers is as effective as administering an HIV-fighting syrup to their babies in preventing HIV transmission. Both methods were shown to increase infant HIV-free survival rates.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 16, 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.

Some people do not taste salt like others

Research suggests that genetics play a role in salt taste preference, with some individuals preferring salty foods over others. The study found that supertasters, who experience tastes more intensely, consume more salt due to their sensitivity to bitter tastes.

SourcePenn State·JournalPhysiology & Behavior·DateJun 16, 2010

Crocs and fish the key to human evolution

A diet rich in aquatic foods may have driven brain development in early humans. The discovery provides evidence that consistent amounts of fish were part of the human diet, around two million years ago.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 16, 2010

Alcohol consumption lowers risk of developing several arthritic conditions

A new study found that alcohol consumption is associated with a reduced risk of developing several arthritic conditions. However, the exact nature of this association remains unclear, with some researchers suggesting that moderate alcohol consumption may protect against systemic inflammation.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·DateJun 16, 2010

Flower power makes tropics cooler, wetter

New climate simulations published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B demonstrate flowering plants' crucial role in regulating climate in ever-wet rainforests. Replacing these plants with non-flowering varieties leads to significant decreases in rainfall, underscoring their importance in maintaining tropical ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·DateJun 16, 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.

Montreal researchers shed light on common juvenile cancer

Researchers at the University of Montreal have identified the mechanism behind three cancer-causing genes in acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The study provides insight into the complex interaction between these genes and their contributions to leukemia, which could lead to the development of less invasive cancer therapies.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalGenes & Development·DateJun 16, 2010

Defects in immune system enzyme may increase risk of autoimmune disorders

Researchers found rare variants in the SIAE gene that occur almost nine times more frequently in individuals with autoimmune disorders. These variants interfere with the enzyme's activity or secretion, potentially leading to an increased risk of conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature·DateJun 16, 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.

Specific blood-derived cells promote survival in heart attack model

Researchers found that monocyte-derived cells can induce myocardial protection by reducing cardiac cell apoptosis and enhancing endothelial cell proliferation. The cells also secrete growth factors with anti-inflammatory properties, which help protect heart tissues from programmed cell death.

SourceCell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair·JournalCell Transplantation·DateJun 16, 2010

Insulin peptide may point to a solution for type 1 diabetes

Researchers at National Jewish Health and the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus have identified a precise protein fragment that can trigger diabetes in mice. The finding contradicts conventional wisdom and suggests that poorly presented peptides may cause autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes.

SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 16, 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.

Peering into the never-before-seen

Researchers have achieved unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution in single-shot images of nanoparticulate catalysts, enabling time-resolved imaging of particles as small as 30 nanometers. This breakthrough could greatly improve catalyst efficiency in various processes crucial to energy security.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalChemPhysChem·DateJun 16, 2010

Relying too much on e-mail bad for business, study says

A University of Illinois study found that relying too much on e-mail and videoconferences can lead to a lack of trust among team members, which is critical for successful collaboration. The research suggests that businesses should balance the use of technology with face-to-face meetings to recharge relationships and maintain trust.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateJun 16, 2010

Sickle cell patients should be better monitored for constipation prevention

A Nationwide Children's Hospital study shows that one-third of sickle cell disease patients receiving narcotics were not prescribed laxatives, highlighting the need for increased attention to constipation prophylaxis. The study found that older children and patients with medical admissions were more likely to receive laxatives.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalPediatric Blood & Cancer·DateJun 16, 2010

Shining a light around corners

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have discovered a way to control the curvature of Airy beams, which can be used to sort molecules according to size or quality. This technology has immediate applications in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalNature Photonics·DateJun 16, 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.

LSU professor uses volcanic emissions to study Earth's atmospheric past

Associate Professor Huiming Bao has published research in Nature about massive volcanic eruptions and their atmospheric consequences. The study used computer models and geological data to simulate the sulfur gas oxidation chemistry and atmospheric conditions of North America long before human activities impacted air quality.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalNature·DateJun 16, 2010

Little is understood about alcohol's effect on fetal development, Georgetown researchers say

Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center found that no new medical strategies exist to prevent or treat fetal alcohol syndrome, a disorder caused by alcohol exposure during pregnancy. Despite ongoing research, sensitive diagnostic tools are lacking, and more investigation is needed into biomarkers and prevention programs.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalDevelopmental Neuroscience·DateJun 16, 2010

The secret life of water at very low temperatures

University of Utah chemists confirm the coexistence of ice and liquid water after crystallization at very low temperatures. They found that rapid ice crystallization makes it difficult to follow the process, but computer simulations revealed a critical temperature zone that may be important for understanding cloud formations.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateJun 16, 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.

Chemicals that eased one environmental problem may worsen another

Researchers used a computer model to show how HCFCs break down into oxalic acid, contributing to acid rain. The study highlights concerns over the environmental impact of replacing ozone-depleting substances with more potent greenhouse gases.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry A·DateJun 16, 2010

Tufts graduate students win $10,000 prizes

Four Tufts graduate students have won $10,000 from the Dow Sustainability Innovation Student Challenge for their research into sustainable solutions to global challenges. The winners proposed innovative projects on topics such as clean water access, food security, and animal species decline.

SourceTufts University·DateJun 16, 2010

Heavy metal glass helps light go the distance

A team from Dalian Polytechnic University and City University of Hong Kong developed an experimental glass with heavy metals, which amplifies light signals at a wavelength of 1185 nanometers. The results indicate the potential for this material in both fiber optic networks and lasers.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateJun 16, 2010

June 2010 Geosphere highlights

This issue of Geosphere highlights the geological processes that produce magma pulses and sheets in tabular intrusions. The study reveals a link between shallow igneous intrusions and volcanic activity, demonstrating how intrusive sheeting can destabilize volcano flanks and trigger eruptions.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeosphere·DateJun 16, 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.

Action of modern drug demonstrates how 2 ancient human systems interact

Researchers found that compstatin, a drug that targets the complement system, can reduce blood clotting during dialysis for end-stage kidney disease. In severe sepsis, compstatin also blocks the activation of both complement and coagulation systems, potentially preventing multiple organ failure and death.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalBlood·DateJun 16, 2010

110-foot concrete bridge withstands 8.0 earthquake simulation

A 110-foot long, 200-ton concrete bridge model at the University of Nevada, Reno withstood a powerful earthquake simulation three times more intense than the 1994 Northridge quake. The design and components passed the test with 10 inches of deflection in support columns, remaining standing.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Reno·DateJun 16, 2010

Researchers unzip symptoms of the 'male menopause'

A study identified nine key symptoms associated with late-onset hypogonadism, including decreased sexual function and energy levels. The researchers found that testosterone treatment may only be useful in a small number of cases, highlighting the need for clear diagnosis criteria.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 16, 2010

New insights into volcanic activity on the ocean floor

New research reveals that plate history plays a crucial role in determining volcanic activity, contrary to previous assumptions about mantle temperature. The study found that some regions experienced more volcanic activity than others despite similar geological conditions.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature·DateJun 16, 2010