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Science News for June 18, 2010


NASA's TRMM Satellite sees Tropical Depression 2-E dissipating

Tropical Depression 2-E had dissipated off the coast of Mexico by June 18, with NASA's TRMM Satellite revealing waning rainfall and moderate ocean precipitation. The depression's maximum sustained winds were near 30 mph, and its minimum central pressure was 1008 millibars.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 18, 2010

Deadly effect of arsenic in drinking water measured in massive study

A massive 10-year study found that more than 20% of deaths in Bangladesh were attributable to arsenic exposure from contaminated drinking water. Exposure to high levels of arsenic increased mortality risk by nearly 70%, while moderate exposure was linked to chronic disease deaths.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 18, 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.

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.

Partners grieve rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis as much as patients

A UK study reveals that partners of RA patients experience common issues such as emotions and adaptation to the diagnosis. The research highlights the importance of offering support to partners at the time of diagnosis, which can lead to improved emotional outcomes for both parties.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·DateJun 18, 2010

Country economy is a stronger predictor of therapy initiation

A multinational study found that patients in rich countries are three times more likely to receive biologic treatments for rheumatoid arthritis than those in poor countries. The study also showed no impact of macro-economic status on RA patients' perceptions of disease severity, measured by patient-reported outcomes.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·DateJun 18, 2010

Awake sedation for brain surgery may shorten hospital stay

A new study suggests that awake sedation for brain surgery can shorten hospital stays by 3.5 days compared to general anesthesia. The study also found a 36% decrease in post-intensive-care direct cost for cases receiving conscious sedation.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·DateJun 18, 2010
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Lipsitz to receive GSA's 2010 Joseph T. Freeman Award

Lewis Lipsitz has been recognized for his groundbreaking research on abnormal blood pressure regulation and its relationship to falls and syncope in the elderly. The 2010 Joseph T. Freeman Award winner will present a lecture at the GSA's Annual Scientific Meeting.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateJun 18, 2010

Surveillance may be suitable treatment option for patients with low-risk prostate cancer

A new study found that active surveillance is a suitable treatment option for patients with low-risk prostate cancer, resulting in lower mortality rates compared to radical prostatectomy or radiation therapy. After a median follow-up of 8.2 years, the surveillance group had a higher percentage of deaths from competing causes.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJun 18, 2010

Sex lives of patients are negatively affected by rheumatoid arthritis and SLE

Studies from France and Brazil reveal that rheumatic conditions like RA and SLE significantly impact emotional relationships and sexual activity, with many patients unwilling to seek help. Patients often experience physical problems such as decreased libido and joint pain, as well as emotional consequences like guilt and frustration.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·DateJun 18, 2010

Oceanographers call for more ocean observing in Antarctica

Research in the Western Antarctic Peninsula is crucial due to rapid climate change, with 87% of glaciers in retreat and sea ice no longer present. A multi-platform approach combining ships, satellites, and sensors will help quantify heat budgets and understand interactions between ice, atmosphere, and ocean.

SourceRutgers University·JournalScience·DateJun 18, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New role for ancient clock

Researchers at Northwestern University discovered a direct link between the pancreas' molecular clock and insulin production, highlighting its role in regulating glucose homeostasis. The findings suggest that faulty clocks may contribute to the development of diabetes.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature·DateJun 18, 2010

Prize-winning budgeting model aims for more effective marketing spending

The prize-winning budgeting model aims to optimize annual marketing budgets across selected country-product-activity clusters, considering marketing dynamics and product growth potential. The model was developed by Marc Fischer and Sönke Albers for Bayer Healthcare AG in five European markets.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·DateJun 18, 2010

Risk of heart attack in patients

A new study reveals that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients have a two-fold increased risk of myocardial infarction (MI), comparable to diabetes patients. The risk is particularly high in young women with RA, increasing six-fold for those under 50 years old.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·DateJun 18, 2010

Scientists see billions of miles away

A team of scientists led by Jay Pasachoff observed the shiniest object in the solar system, 2002 TX300, a fragment of Haumea, using a network of telescopes. The measurements reveal its icy surface and size, confirming it as a small, reflective body with an age estimated to be around a billion years.

SourceWilliams College·JournalNature·DateJun 18, 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.

Over 2 billion hours served

The Argonne Leadership Computing Facility has reached two billion processor-hours of computations, accelerating research in weeks or months. The ALCF is home to the IBM Blue Gene/P Intrepid, one of the fastest supercomputers in the world for open science.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·DateJun 18, 2010

Retooling the ocean conveyor belt

Researchers are rethinking the ocean conveyor belt model due to its limitations in accounting for eddies and wind field. The overturning of ocean waters may vary between ocean basins and be influenced by climate change, highlighting the need for a revised understanding of this critical process.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience·DateJun 18, 2010

Teenagers want to finish their studies and leave home

Teenagers' primary goal is to finish their studies and leave home, with the most antisocial among them prioritizing social recognition over rules and laws. A study of 488 participants aged 12-18 found that girls placed greater importance on education and interpersonal goals, while boys focused on sporting achievements.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalThe Spanish Journal of Psychology·DateJun 18, 2010

The ultimate cold case: Anthropologist 'bones up' on site of ancient invasion

Dr. Sandra Garvie-Lok, an anthropologist from the University of Alberta, analyzed human remains found in a tunnel in ancient Nemea, Greece, to determine the cause of death. Her findings suggest that the victim was likely an eyewitness to the Slavic invasion and died from injuries sustained during the event.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalInternational Journal of Historical Archaeology·DateJun 18, 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.

Student scientists and engineers develop award-winning rover

Undergraduates from ASU and UMd developed a mobile robot, RAVEN, capable of traversing 20-degree slopes and carrying experiments. The design showcased the fusion of science and engineering, demonstrating that students can successfully integrate both fields to achieve innovative solutions.

SourceArizona State University·DateJun 18, 2010

WHO guidelines on Buruli ulcer need adjustment

Buruli ulcers, caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, require more attention to early diagnosis and treatment. The World Health Organization's guidelines need to be adapted due to low accuracy and high relapse rates in some regions.

SourceInstitute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJun 18, 2010

NASA watching System 94L over Lesser Antilles for development

System 94L is a strong tropical wave associated with heavy showers and thunderstorms, moving west-northwestward over the Lesser Antilles. NASA closely monitors its development, forecasting a low chance of 20% that it will become a tropical cyclone within the next 48 hours.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 18, 2010

Like fireflies, earthquakes may fire in synchrony

Researchers have discovered synchronized faults in California's Mojave Desert and Nevada's mountains, which can lead to simultaneous big quakes. This phenomenon occurs when faults are near their breaking points and aligned in their seismic cycles, changing the way we assess earthquake hazards.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateJun 18, 2010

The key role of the oceans' subpolar regions in the climate control of the tropics is confirmed

A study published in Science reveals that the Northern Pacific and Southern Atlantic's subpolar regions have played a crucial role in shaping tropical climates. This research provides empirical evidence that high-latitude oceans can influence tropical climate patterns, with potential implications for future global warming scenarios.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalScience·DateJun 18, 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.

Model predicts individual's vitamin D needs

A new model developed by researchers predicts an individual's vitamin D requirements based on their skin tone, sun exposure, and dietary habits. The model suggests that individuals with relatively low sun exposure may need additional vitamin D to reach a target blood level of 75 nanomoles per liter.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateJun 18, 2010

Fly cells flock together, follow the light

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine used a laser beam to activate a protein that makes a cluster of fruit fly cells behave like a school of fish, following the lead of one stimulated with light. This study holds potential importance for understanding embryonic development and tumor metastasis.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJun 18, 2010

Children with home computers likely to have lower test scores

A new study by Duke University scholars found that students who have home computers tend to post lower math and reading scores, particularly those from disadvantaged families. The researchers analyzed responses from over 150,000 students and found that the negative effects on test scores were modest but significant.

SourceDuke University·DateJun 18, 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.

Are school wellness policies stuck in the Ice Age?

A study of Mississippi elementary teachers reveals that teachers feel little involvement in implementing their school wellness policies, leading to inadequate nutrition education. Researchers recommend involving teachers in policy making and providing resources to help them incorporate nutrition competencies into their lessons.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateJun 18, 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.