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Science News for June 22, 2010


NASA's TRMM satellite sees Hurricane Celia's moderate rainfall

The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite has observed moderate rainfall around the center of Hurricane Celia, with maximum sustained winds near 105 miles per hour. Celia's wind shear is expected to relax in the next 24 hours, allowing it to strengthen into a Category Three hurricane.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 22, 2010

In elevated carbon dioxide, soybeans stumble but cheatgrass keeps on truckin'

Researchers found that cheatgrass has a competitive edge over soybeans due to its better-suited biochemistry under elevated carbon dioxide concentrations. The study highlights the potential risks of rising CO2 levels for agriculture, as some plants may be harmed by increased atmospheric carbon dioxide.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 22, 2010

Genome sequence may lead to better methods to target lice

Researchers at Purdue University have successfully mapped the genome of the body louse, a human parasite that spreads through contact. The study identified key receptors in the louse's nervous system, which could be targeted for developing new, effective insecticides to combat head lice resistance.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Danish children at risk from psychotropic medicines

A study found that psychotropic medications were associated with 429 adverse drug reactions in Danish children under 17, with serious reactions including birth defects and neonatal withdrawal syndrome. The researchers called for tighter controls on the prescription of these medicines to pregnant women.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Research Notes·DateJun 22, 2010

Genetic septet in control of blood platelet clotting

Researchers found a group of seven genes that significantly impact platelet clumping, offering new targets for developing diagnostic tests and treatments for arterial disease. The study used data from two large studies to identify the genetic factors behind blood clotting, providing insights into promoting healing and stalling disease ...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Genetics·DateJun 22, 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.

AGU journal highlights -- June 22, 2010

A recent study found that the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) explanation for global warming is flawed, with ENSO contributing less than a third of the signal. Meanwhile, researchers question whether permafrost thaw poses a reduced risk to global warming due to its potential impact on greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 22, 2010

Wireless vs. wireless

Researchers found that 3G networks benefit from increasing Wi-Fi coverage percentage, particularly in densely populated areas. Conversely, Wi-Fi has an advantage when market penetration rates are high but coverage areas are limited.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Mobile Communications·DateJun 22, 2010

American team of scientists help protect Guatemala's Lake Atitlan

A team of American scientists from the University of Nevada, Reno, is working to find solutions to Guatemala's Lake Atitlan's algae bloom problem. They are building on research started in the 1970s and have collected data and samples from the lake, including sediment cores and near-shore sampling.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Reno·DateJun 22, 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.

Striped mice -- the neighbors from hell

Researchers found that breeding males were more aggressive towards neighboring males than strangers, potentially to protect paternity. The study suggests the 'Nasty Neighbor' phenomenon helps limit territorial costs.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalFrontiers in Zoology·DateJun 22, 2010

Filtering donor blood reduces heart, lung complications

Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center discovered that filtering donor blood reduces cardiopulmonary complications in patients who received a transfusion. The study found an 83% decrease in acute lung injury and a 49% decline in circulatory overload.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalTransfusion·DateJun 22, 2010

Chlordecone exposure and risk of prostate cancer

Researchers found significant association between chlordecone exposure and prostate cancer risk, with higher risk seen in individuals with family history or exposure to Western lifestyle. Genetic susceptibility factors may play a role in this relationship.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJun 22, 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.

Sequencing of the human body louse genome

The sequencing of the human body louse genome reveals a surprisingly complete insect repertoire despite its obligate parasitic lifestyle. The compact genome contains 10,773 protein-coding genes and 57 microRNAs, providing valuable insights into host-parasite interactions and potential control methods.

SourceSwiss Institute of Bioinformatics·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2010

Chemical element 114: A first at GSI

At GSI Helmholtzzentrum, researchers successfully produced and observed element 114, with a preliminary atomic number of 114. The production rate was higher than ever measured for this element, paving the way for future studies.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 22, 2010

Incidence and reproduction numbers of pertussis

Analyses of serological and social contact data reveal that childhood vaccination against pertussis has led to a shift in the disease's burden, with adolescents and adults becoming reservoirs for asymptomatic infection. The study suggests that life-long protection through a vaccine could potentially eliminate pertussis.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 22, 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.

Genetically modified cell procedure may prove useful in treating kidney failure

Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine successfully treated acute kidney injury in laboratory experiments using genetically reprogrammed cells producing a protein that aids kidney development. The treatment, administered intravenously, showed significant improvements in kidney function and reduced physical damage.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·DateJun 22, 2010

Environmental scandal in Chile

Researchers discover rapid expansion of salmon farms in Chile's protected National Park, posing a significant threat to native sea lions and the entire ecosystem. The farms' waste, medication, and noise pollution are causing devastating impacts on the region's biodiversity.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateJun 22, 2010

New areas prone to moderate earthquakes identified in Iberian Peninsula

Researchers have identified zones in the Iberian Peninsula with potential for moderate earthquakes, including parts of the Cordillera Cantábrica and Pyrenees regions. The study uses morphostructural zoning method to analyze topographic, geological, and geophysical data.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalRENDICONTI LINCEI·DateJun 22, 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.

Study finds mixed results on effectiveness of surgical care improvement measures

A study analyzed data on surgical care improvement measures and found that when considered as a composite infection-prevention score, these measures were associated with lower probabilities of postoperative infection. However, adherence to individual measures was not significantly linked to reduced risk of infection. The study suggests...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJun 22, 2010

Early results from the world's brightest X-ray source

Researchers at SLAC's Linac Coherent Light Source use the facility's bright, brief flash to study how x-rays strip electrons from nitrogen atoms. The results show that nitrogen molecules absorb less x-ray radiation with shorter flashes, enabling snapshots of ultra-fast chemical and molecular processes.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 22, 2010

New vaccine strategies could safely control Rift Valley fever

Experimental vaccines developed with these approaches produced strong immune responses in mice, potentially safer than the only available RVF vaccine. Researchers are hopeful that these new strategies may be advantageous to controlling RVF, providing a safer alternative to existing live virus vaccines.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJun 22, 2010

Viral protein structure study offers HIV therapy hope

Researchers at NPL have confirmed a definitive structure of an HIV protein, shedding light on its infection mechanism. This discovery may lead to better treatments for people affected by HIV.

SourceNational Physical Laboratory·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry B·DateJun 22, 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.

Organic pesticides not always 'greener' choice, study finds

A University of Guelph study found that organic pesticides can be less effective and more environmentally damaging than conventional pesticides. The research compared the effectiveness and impact of six pesticides on soybean crops, with organic products requiring higher doses to control aphid populations.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 22, 2010

'BC5' material shows superhard, superconducting potential

Researchers have discovered a diamond-like material BC5 with exceptional hardness and resistance to fracture, as well as superconducting properties. The material's unique structure and properties make it suitable for designing new superconducting nano-electromechanical systems and high-pressure devices.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateJun 22, 2010

Report describes the physics of the 'bends'

A new study published in the Journal of Chemical Physics suggests that decompression sickness is caused by the formation and loss of small gas bubbles in soft tissues. The researchers propose a model where these bubbles are stabilized by pockets of reduced pressure, allowing them to persist despite their expected collapse.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateJun 22, 2010

NJIT professor heads panel studying sudden car acceleration

A 13-member panel led by NJIT professor Louis J. Lanzerotti is reviewing electronic systems across the auto industry to identify possible causes of unintended acceleration in vehicles. The study, which began June 30 and July 1, 2010, aims to provide insights into the recall of over eight million Toyotas due to sudden acceleration.

SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·DateJun 22, 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.

Defective signaling pathway leads to vascular malformations in the brain

Researchers identified a defective signaling pathway that leads to the development of vascular malformations in the brain. The study suggests that targeting this pathway may lead to new treatments for cerebral cavernomas, including the use of anticancer drugs.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2010

Brain structure corresponds to personality

A recent study found that brain structure corresponds to specific personality traits, with conscientious people having a larger lateral prefrontal cortex and extraverted individuals having a larger medial orbitofrontal cortex. The Big Five personality factors were also linked to distinct brain regions.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJun 22, 2010

Growing brain is particularly flexible

The brain is highly flexible during growth, with neuronal connections restructured through self-organisational processes. The number of nerve cells remains unchanged, but non-neuronal cells increase, enabling the visual cortex to adapt to new experiences.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2010

Gut bacteria could be key indicator of colon cancer risk

Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill discovered a link between altered gut microbiota and colon cancer, finding higher bacterial diversity and richness in individuals with adenomas. The study suggests that manipulating the microbiota through diet could help prevent colon cancer.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalGut Microbes·DateJun 22, 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.

Discovery of controlled swarm in bacteria

A study led by Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona researchers reveals a new mechanism controlling bacterial swarming and its interaction with the DNA repair system. The discovery could lead to designing new strategies to increase antibiotic sensitivity in pathogenic bacteria.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalInfection and Immunity·DateJun 22, 2010

Schools still failing to promote positive attitudes toward disabled people

A recent study found that only 30% of primary schools in the UK have a Disability Equality Scheme (DES) in place to promote positive attitudes towards disabled people. The research also showed that children often misunderstand disability and its implications, with many believing that disabled people cannot marry or have children.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateJun 22, 2010

New design for motorcycle engines powered by compressed air

Researchers in India have designed a new motorcycle engine that uses compressed air to turn an air turbine, generating power for up to 40 minutes. The technology has the potential to significantly reduce emissions in areas where motorcycles are a major source of transportation.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateJun 22, 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.

Research from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute professor offers clues to Alzheimer's disease

A study by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute professor Peter M. Tessier has found that an organic compound in red wine, resveratrol, can neutralize the toxic effects of proteins linked to Alzheimer's disease. The research provides insights into the structural differences between toxic and benign peptide arrangements.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJun 22, 2010

Liquid crystals light way to better data storage

Scientists have developed a stable, rewritable memory device that exploits liquid crystal properties to store and erase data. The device uses anchoring transition and is bi-stable, retaining its orientation without needing power.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateJun 22, 2010

Turning off the air conditioning helps save fuel

A study by Empa found that car air conditioning systems account for up to 30% of fuel consumption in hot climates, but turning off the system when the temperature drops below 18°C can save two-thirds of this extra consumption. The study also found that diesel vehicles consume less fuel with air conditioning on than petrol engines.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJun 22, 2010

Computer fun helps improve girls' food choices, fitness

A preliminary study using comic strips to educate African-American girls aged 8-10 showed high log-on rates and statistically significant increases in fruit consumption and physical activity. The program aims to be expanded to a larger group of volunteers with the goal of developing a version for Hispanic girls.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateJun 22, 2010

Stanford's Woods Institute awards new round of Environmental Venture Projects

The Woods Institute for the Environment at Stanford University has awarded four new Environmental Venture Projects (EVP) grants worth $787,013 over two years. The projects focus on addressing environmental challenges in East Africa and India, including the impact of wildlife loss and climate change on human health and agriculture.

SourceStanford University·DateJun 22, 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.

Adaptation is (not) in the eye of the beholder

Researchers used DNA barcoding to reveal that parasites infecting freshwater fish mostly specialize on specific hosts, except for those targeting the eyes which can infect many different species and even frogs. This discovery may have practical benefits for wildlife managers and fish farmers.

SourceWiley·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateJun 22, 2010

Noninvasive combination technique may reduce number of breast biopsies

Researchers developed a noninvasive combination technique that uses ultrasound-guided optical tomography to distinguish early-stage cancers from benign lesions in the breast. The study found that the technique was effective in identifying malignant lesions with high sensitivity and specificity, particularly in smaller lesions.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateJun 22, 2010

Quantum gas in free fall

Scientists from the Max Planck Institute and University of Hanover generate a Bose-Einstein condensate in zero gravity, extending measurement time by over tenfold. The experiment uses an atom chip to study the effects of gravitational fields on quantum gases.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateJun 22, 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.

No link between early childhood cancers and living near mobile phone base station during pregnancy, says study

A study by Imperial College London found no association between mothers living near mobile phone base stations during pregnancy and their child's risk of developing cancer before age five. The researchers analyzed data from almost 7,000 children and estimated radio frequency exposures to mobile phone base stations over nine months of p...

SourceImperial College London·DateJun 22, 2010

Inheriting and bequeathing in Europe

Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Comparative and International Private Law propose extending the right of bequeather to choose the governing law, making it easier for beneficiaries of migrant workers to settle their estates. The proposal aims to standardize international inheritance laws across EU countries.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·DateJun 22, 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.