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Science News for June 3, 2010


UM School of Medicine study finds vaginal microbes vary among healthy women

A new study led by the University of Maryland School of Medicine reveals that vaginal microbes can vary significantly between healthy women, even among those from the same ethnicity. The research identifies five main groups of microbial communities and finds that certain communities are more common in Hispanic and black women.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 3, 2010

Reducing Alzheimer's-related protein in young brains improves learning in Down syndrome animal model

Researchers found that reducing beta-amyloid levels in young mice with a Down syndrome-like genetic anomaly significantly improved their ability to learn. The study suggests that drugs targeting gamma-secretase may offer therapeutic benefits for children with Down syndrome, who develop cognitive decline and dementia in adulthood.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 3, 2010

Mongooses pass traditions on to their young, too

Researchers found that mongooses in the wild carry out traditions passed down from adults to young through social learning. The study shows that foraging specializations are long-lived and can be transmitted from one generation to the next.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 3, 2010

The biomechanics of information

A new study from Northwestern University's McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science reveals that hunting at a drag-inducing position could be the basis for fish's unusual body shape. The researchers found that the increased cost of movement caused by body tilting was more than counterbalanced by increased sensory performance.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJun 3, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scientists create artificial mini 'black hole'

Researchers in China develop electromagnetic absorbing device for microwave frequencies using metamaterials, demonstrating an absorption rate of 99%. The device traps and converts electromagnetic waves into heat, exhibiting properties similar to an 'electromagnetic black hole',

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateJun 3, 2010

Online games new marketing tool for unhealthy foods

A UC Davis study found that online games and websites marketed to children are predominantly branding tools, with nutrition information often buried or absent. The researchers recommend increased regulation to prevent childhood obesity and promote healthier eating habits.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateJun 3, 2010

Pitt team finds commonly used seizure drug could treat severe genetic liver disease

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have found that a medication used to treat seizures may be able to reverse or prevent the scarring of the liver in children with a genetic disorder. The study, published in Science, shows that carbamazepine can reduce toxic protein accumulation and improve liver function.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalScience·DateJun 3, 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.

Mount Sinai researchers approaching universal treatment for all strains of influenza

Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine have discovered a novel component of the influenza virus that may be the key to developing a universal anti-viral treatment. By inhibiting this component, replication and spread of the virus can be slowed or halted.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 3, 2010

Early Earth haze likely provided ultraviolet shield for planet, says CU-Boulder study

A new study by CU-Boulder researchers suggests that the thick organic haze surrounding early Earth may have protected it from damaging ultraviolet radiation. The haze, composed of methane and nitrogen chemical byproducts, would have blocked UV light but allowed visible light to reach the surface. This finding has significant implicatio...

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalScience·DateJun 3, 2010

Spending time in nature makes people feel more alive, study shows

A series of studies found that spending time in nature significantly increases feelings of vitality and energy, even in indoor settings. The research, led by Richard Ryan, suggests that nature is fuel for the soul and can provide a natural connection to living things, promoting physical and mental health.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalJournal of Environmental Psychology·DateJun 3, 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.

Cell Transplantation reports consistent and successful islet isolations offer diabetes hope

A team of researchers has developed a more consistent method for isolating pancreatic islet cells from brain-dead donors using ductal injection, resulting in three type 1-diabetes patients becoming insulin-independent. The study's success rate surpasses the standard 50% with an impressive 80% clinical islet transplantation rate.

SourceCell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair·JournalCell Transplantation·DateJun 3, 2010

Autism finding could lead to simple urine test for the condition

Researchers at Imperial College London have discovered a distinctive chemical fingerprint in the urine of children with autism, which could lead to a simple non-invasive test for early diagnosis. This finding has the potential to improve the progress of autistic children by enabling them to receive advanced behavioral therapy earlier.

SourceImperial College London·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateJun 3, 2010

New study shows that the major events of the Jewish diaspora can be seen in the genomes of the Jewish people

Researchers at NYU Langone Medical Center found that Jewish communities retained their genetic influences despite migration, exhibiting common genetic threads. The study identified distinct population clusters with shared Middle Eastern ancestry and variable degrees of European and North African intermingling.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJun 3, 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.

How did higher life evolve?

Researchers successfully sequenced the brown algal genome, revealing genes essential for multicellular life and photosynthesis. The study provides insights into the evolution of higher life on Earth.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature·DateJun 3, 2010

Drug substitutes for training in rats, inducing a memory of safety

A team of researchers has discovered a protein that can mimic the effect of training in rats, inducing a memory of safety. The protein, BDNF, supports the growth and survival of neurons and was found to be effective in extinguishing fear memories in rats.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalScience·DateJun 3, 2010

ASGE issues guideline on ethnic issues in endoscopy

The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) has issued guidelines addressing ethnicity and gastrointestinal diseases. The guideline recommends that colorectal cancer screening begin at age 45 for average-risk African-American men and women, emphasizing the importance of early detection in reducing mortality rates.

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateJun 3, 2010

Big Brother in the wild

A study by University of Exeter biologists uses digital video technology, tagging, and DNA fingerprinting to examine the behavior and ancestry of field crickets in their natural environment. The research reveals that dominant males don't always have more mates or offspring, and females can benefit from having multiple partners.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScience·DateJun 3, 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.

Study finds genetic links among Jewish people

A recent study has found that Jewish people from different regions share a common ancestry and distinct genetic traits. The research provides detailed genetic maps of major Jewish subpopulations, which can help understand genetic links to diseases like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJun 3, 2010

2 studies: Social factors, 'super users' and urban emergency departments

A study on frequent users in inner-city emergency departments found that social factors such as transportation, insurance, and healthcare costs were associated with a higher number of visits. Researchers also discovered an 83% increase in visits by frequent users over a 10-year period despite stable insurance coverage.

SourceHenry Ford Health·DateJun 3, 2010

Growth hormone safe for infants with chronic kidney failure

A study by the American Society of Nephrology found that growth hormone therapy improved growth and bone mineral density in infants with chronic kidney failure. Infants treated with growth hormone grew an average of 5.7 inches, while those without treatment grew only 3.7 inches.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJun 3, 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.

Common genetic threads link thousands of years of Jewish ancestry

Researchers have identified distinct Jewish population clusters with shared Middle Eastern ancestry and variable degrees of European and North African genetic intermingling. The study suggests that Jewishness can be identified through genetic analysis and highlights the importance of understanding the complex history of Jewish migrations.

SourceCell Press·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJun 3, 2010

Study: ER computer keyboards and bacteria

A study conducted at Henry Ford Hospital found that keyboard contamination was predominantly in non-treatment areas, suggesting alternative keyboard designs may improve safety in these areas

SourceHenry Ford Health·DateJun 3, 2010

Gates open on understanding potassium channel controls

Researchers have unlocked how potassium channels control electric currents in the body, a crucial process in cell communication and heart function. The study reveals that molecular gates switch conduction on and off in response to physiological signals, clarifying a long-standing mystery.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalCell·DateJun 3, 2010

OSA to launch new journal, Optical Materials Express

The Optical Society (OSA) has launched a new peer-reviewed journal called Optical Materials Express, which will focus on advances in novel optical materials. The journal aims to cover a wide range of topics in optical materials, including biomaterials, detector materials and metamaterials.

SourceOptica·JournalOptical Materials Express·DateJun 3, 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.

New gene therapy proves effective in treating severe heart failure

A new gene therapy called SERCA2a has been shown to be safe and effective in reversing advanced heart failure by stimulating the production of an enzyme that enables the heart to pump more effectively. Patients who received SERCA2a demonstrated improvements in symptoms, heart function, and severity of heart failure.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·DateJun 3, 2010

Names of the 2010 Kavli Prize recipients announced

Eight scientists recognized with Kavli Prizes for discoveries transforming our knowledge of matter, nanotechnology, brain signals, telescopes, and physiological functions. The awards promote public understanding of science and encourage international cooperation.

SourceThe Kavli Foundation·DateJun 3, 2010

Fires in Amazon challenge emission reduction program

New research suggests that reduced deforestation rates in the Amazon may lead to increased fire incidences, potentially offsetting carbon savings from the UN's REDD programme. Sustainable land management practices are needed to prevent this.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScience·DateJun 3, 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.

Fox Chase clinical trial tests first of its kind antibody

Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center are testing a new antibody, MM-111, that targets the HER2/HER3 pathway in patients with advanced breast and gastric cancers. The trial aims to provide an additional therapeutic target within the HER2 pathway and potentially overcome resistance to current HER2-targeted therapies.

SourceFox Chase Cancer Center·DateJun 3, 2010

Only 5 years left for countdown to 2015 -- Brazil and China

Despite accelerated progress in reducing child mortality, maternal mortality remains high. Brazil and China are highlighted as countries on track to meet the targets set out in MDG4 and MDG5. The report emphasizes the need for increased investment in health systems, community-based interventions, and social determinants.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 3, 2010

Good grades? It's all in who you know

A UCLA study reveals that having friends who attend the same school is key to academic success, with students having more in-school friends scoring higher GPAs. The study found associations similar for boys and girls across all ethnic groups.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJournal of Research on Adolescence·DateJun 3, 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.

10 reasons why women and children remain invisible

The Lancet highlights the 10 reasons why women and children are invisible, including a lack of social mission, poor attitudes, inadequate evaluation, and insufficient leadership. The article emphasizes the need for coordination and empowerment to address these issues.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 3, 2010

DMP brings about new design space for virtualization technology

The study introduces Dynamic Memory Paravirtualization (DMP), which dynamically patches binary code in the guest operating system for better performance. DMP reduces virtualization overhead by replacing hot instructions, making it a significant contribution to system virtualization technology.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Information Sciences·DateJun 3, 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.

Chaotic laser brings out higher precision OTDR

A new concept of optical time domain reflectometry (OTDR) based on a chaotic light correlation method has been developed, achieving distance-independent resolutions of up to 25 km. This technique uses broadband chaotic light generated from a laser diode to improve the accuracy of fiber fault location.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Information Sciences·DateJun 3, 2010

Superbug's CPU revealed

The study reveals a small chemical makes Staphylococcus aureus stronger, more infectious and resistant to antibiotics. Shutting down this synthesis renders the bacteria non-functional and non-infectious.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalScience·DateJun 3, 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.

University Hospitals Case Medical Center experts present at ASCO Annual Meeting

Researchers from University Hospitals Case Medical Center will present new clinical research findings on biomarker-driven treatment in stage II colon cancer and the utility of the Vulnerable Elders Survey for predicting sixth-month functional decline among older patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer. Additionally, a study found t...

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·DateJun 3, 2010

Inducing a safety memory in the brain

Scientists found a way to pharmacologically induce a memory of safety in the brain of rats by administering brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) into the prefrontal cortex. This procedure prevented rats from expressing fear to a tone that had been previously paired with a shock, suggesting new treatments for anxiety disorders.

SourceUniversity of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus·JournalScience·DateJun 3, 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.

Pliocene cyprinids from Kunlun Pass Basin, northeastern Tibetan Plateau

Researchers Wang and Chang have found Pliocene cyprinid fish fossils in the Kunlun Pass Basin, suggesting relatively extensive water systems in the area during the Pliocene. The study suggests a more humid climate and less amplitude of uplift compared to previous proposals.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateJun 3, 2010

Inspiratory muscle training and endurance sport performance

A study by Indiana University found that inspiratory muscle training can reduce the oxygen required by breathing muscles during exercise, making more oxygen available for other muscles. This improvement in whole-body endurance performance was previously reported following IMT.

SourceIndiana University·DateJun 3, 2010

Single-particle resonances in a deformed relativistic potential

The study of single-particle resonant states in deformed relativistic potentials is essential for understanding exotic short-lived nuclei far from stability. The research team finds that the admixture of s1/2 component determines the occurrence of single-neutron resonant states as functions of the axial deformation parameter.

SourceScience China Press·DateJun 3, 2010

A community-centric approach to automated service composition

The proposed community-centric approach addresses the challenge of accessing a large collection of services. By leveraging collective intelligence, users can build applications with less effort and cost, refining their goals according to combined knowledge. A web-based prototype evaluates the approach, providing visual access to servic...

SourceScience China Press·DateJun 3, 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.

ARS scientists seek blight-resistant spuds

ARS scientists Rich Novy and Jonathan Whitworth are working on a program to develop new potato lines that resist different biotypes of late blight. The goal is to help growers save on fungicides and other expenses associated with controlling the disease, which can render potatoes unmarketable.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·DateJun 3, 2010

Coral transplantation the simple and cheap solution to reef restoration

A new study published in Restoration Ecology reveals that coral transplantation is an effective and affordable solution for reef restoration. The research team transplanted elkhorn coral fragments onto a damaged reef in the British Virgin Islands, achieving significant growth and survival rates over four years.

SourceWiley·JournalRestoration Ecology·DateJun 3, 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.

Pheromone responsible for male mouse 'sex appeal'

Scientists have identified a key pheromone, darcin, responsible for male mouse 'sex appeal.' This chemical stimulates females to remember individual males and prefer them over others. By understanding the role of darcin, researchers may develop new methods for pest control and gain insights into animal behavior.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalBMC Biology·DateJun 3, 2010

Cysts hold clues to pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic researchers have developed a method to distinguish between pre-cancerous and benign cysts using glycans. This could lead to fewer deaths from pancreatic cancer by detecting and removing pre-cancerous cysts. The study's findings offer new hope for early detection and treatment of the disease.

SourceVan Andel Research Institute·JournalAnnals of Surgery·DateJun 3, 2010

Yangtze River's ancient origins revealed

New research reveals the Yangtze River in China is 40 million years old, challenging previous estimates of its origins. The study, published in Geology, found that the river began cutting the Three Gorges area around 45 million years ago, resulting in a more gradual formation process.

SourceDurham University·JournalGeology·DateJun 3, 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.

Oasis near Death Valley fed by ancient aquifer under Nevada Test Site

A new study by Brigham Young University researchers indicates that an ancient aquifer under the Nevada Test Site is feeding an oasis near Ash Meadows, a site home to unique plant and animal species. The water's journey takes 15,000 years to reach its destination, with radioactive water potentially surfacing in the future.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Hydrology·DateJun 3, 2010

Compression clothing and athletic performance -- functional or fad?

Two studies by Indiana University researchers found little influence of compression garments on running mechanics and economy in highly trained distance runners. While some subjects experienced improvement in their oxygen consumption, it was largely attributed to a psychological component rather than the garment itself.

SourceIndiana University·DateJun 3, 2010

520-day Mars mission simulation

A six-man international crew will undergo a simulated 520-day Mars mission to assess the impact of prolonged isolation on mental health. The study aims to better understand how sleep loss, fatigue, and stress affect performance in long-duration space missions.

SourceNational Space Biomedical Research Institute·DateJun 3, 2010

Link identified between lower IQ scores and attempted suicide in men

A large study of Swedish men found a clear link between lower IQ scores and attempted suicide, with almost 18,000 hospital admissions recorded. The researchers suggest that low IQ may be linked to social disadvantage, poor health behaviors, and reduced resilience to stress, although the exact mechanisms are unclear.

SourceWellcome Trust·DateJun 3, 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.