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Science News for June 30, 2010


Cancer drug shows promise for treating a wide range of inflammatory diseases

Research published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology suggests that bortezomib induces cell death only in active and proliferating T cells, leaving resting T cells untouched. This could lead to a new treatment option for inflammatory diseases without affecting all T cells equally.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateJun 30, 2010

Honey as an antibiotic: Scientists identify a secret ingredient in honey that kills bacteria

Researchers identified defensin-1 protein in honey as a potent antibacterial agent, showing promise in treating burns, skin infections, and combating antibiotic-resistant infections. The discovery sheds light on the inner workings of honey bee immune systems, potentially leading to healthier bees.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJun 30, 2010

Real-world proof of hand washing's effectiveness

A new study finds that hand washing can significantly reduce fecal bacteria contamination in stored drinking water, which is crucial for households with limited access to municipal water supply systems. The research discovered nearly 100 times more fecal bacteria in stored water compared to its source in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJun 30, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NASA's TRMM satellite sees heavy rainfall in Hurricane Alex

Heavy rainfall was detected in Hurricane Alex using data from NASA's TRMM satellite on June 29, 2010. The analysis revealed a heavy band of precipitation spiraling into the center of the storm, with rain falling at over 2 inches per hour in some areas.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 30, 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.

Restore hearing thanks to new drug

A new drug called ADAC has been found to restore hearing in rats with noise-induced hearing loss. Early treatment with multiple injections of ADAC significantly attenuated noise-induced hearing loss and improved sensory hair cell survival.

SourceSpringer·DateJun 30, 2010

New cochlear implant could improve outcomes for patients

Researchers developed a new cochlear implant with more electrodes and a thinner, more flexible wire, which can improve the quality of sound and preserve residual hearing. This innovation allows for more precise stimulation of the auditory nerve, resulting in better sound resolution.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateJun 30, 2010

Genetic code 2.0

Researchers at Max-Planck-Gesellschaft successfully integrated three synthetic amino acids into a single protein, allowing for systematic improvement of existing protein qualities. This breakthrough has significant implications for industry and science, enabling the creation of new biological features and tailored proteins with novel p...

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateJun 30, 2010

VIB receives high score from European Research Council

The Flanders Institute for Biotechnology has received a high score from the European Research Council due to its excellent research in biotechnology. The institute supports promising researchers with ERC grants to advance their work and develop new therapies for autoimmune diseases and neurological disorders.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·DateJun 30, 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.

Unpeeling atoms and molecules from the inside out

Researchers at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have successfully controlled individual electrons within simple atoms and molecules by stripping them away using intense pulses of X-ray light. This breakthrough enables the creation of hollow atoms with potential applications in future imaging experiments.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature·DateJun 30, 2010

Apples grow larger when cells don't divide, study shows

Researchers found that a new apple variety, Grand Gala, grows larger due to endoreduplication, where cells make copies of DNA but don't divide. The apples are about 38% heavier and have a diameter 15% larger than regular Galas.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Experimental Botany·DateJun 30, 2010

A butterfly effect in the brain

A recent study by UCL scientists found that the brain is intrinsically unreliable due to high levels of noise. The researchers proposed a rate code strategy as a possible solution to this problem.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature·DateJun 30, 2010

Gerald Fink awarded 2010 Gruber Genetics Prize

Gerald Fink has been recognized with the 2010 Gruber Genetics Prize for his revolutionary transformation technique, enabling gene insertion into yeast cells. This breakthrough allows scientists to study specific genes and produce compounds used in vaccines, antibiotics, and biofuel.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·DateJun 30, 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.

Graphene 2.0: A new approach to making a unique material

Researchers have developed a new method to produce graphene using chemical synthesis, creating a material with improved electronic properties. The new approach allows for the fine-tuning of structures in terms of size, shape, and geometry, making it suitable for commercial mass production.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 30, 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.

Virgin olive oil and a Mediterranean diet fight heart disease by changing how our genes function

A new study in the FASEB Journal suggests that polyphenols in virgin olive oil can down-regulate atherosclerosis-related genes, leading to improved lipid profiles and reduced inflammation. This research provides insight into how specific foods can modify gene expression, offering potential therapeutic benefits for cardiovascular disease.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJun 30, 2010

Melanoma-initiating cell identified by Stanford scientists

Researchers identified a protein marker, CD271, on cancer cells in human melanomas that evade current treatments. The cancer-initiating cells were found to be self-renewing and differentiating into other tumor cell types, making them resistant to therapies.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNature·DateJun 30, 2010

Man-made global warming started with ancient hunters

A new study proposes that early hunters contributed to the demise of mammoths around 15,000 years ago, leading to a significant increase in birch trees and global warming. The researchers estimate that this event may have added up to 0.1 degrees Celsius to the planet's temperature over several centuries.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 30, 2010

Kilimani Sesame has positive impact on children in Tanzania: Johns Hopkins University study

A six-week intervention with Kilimani Sesame content significantly improved cognitive, social and health outcomes in Tanzanian children. The study found that increased exposure to the program led to higher scores on literacy and math tests, as well as greater knowledge about HIV/AIDS and malaria.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Applied Developmental Psychology·DateJun 30, 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.

More than 2 billion people worldwide lack access to surgical services

A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that over 2 billion people worldwide lack access to surgical treatment, with a disproportionate burden on low-income countries. The study highlights the need for better access to surgical services, particularly in emergency situations such as childbirth and road accidents.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 30, 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.

New technique improves efficiency of biofuel production

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a more efficient technique for producing biofuels from woody plants, reducing waste and increasing efficiency. The new method uses gaseous ozone to break down lignin and release carbohydrates, eliminating solid and liquid waste.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·DateJun 30, 2010

Nutrients, viruses and the biological carbon pump

A new study suggests that adding nutrients to the sea could lower viral infection rates among phytoplankton, enhancing the biological carbon pump. This process involves transferring carbon from the atmosphere to the deep ocean, potentially helping mitigate global warming.

SourceNational Oceanography Centre, UK·JournalJournal of Theoretical Biology·DateJun 30, 2010

Molecular signatures may aid fight against pediatric liver disease

Cincinnati Children's Hospital researchers have identified molecular signatures that can classify the vast majority of patients with biliary atresia as inflamed or fibrotic. This helps determine the 'stage' of liver disease, allowing for tailored treatments and potential new therapies.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalGenome Medicine·DateJun 30, 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.

3-legged dogs boost robot research

Scientists studied 3-legged dog movement techniques to develop robots that can adjust to injuries. Dogs with fore-limb amputations used 'compensation strategies' to walk and run, while those with hind-limb amputations showed little adjustment. This research aims to improve robot efficiency and usability.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology·DateJun 30, 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.

Dartmouth researchers contribute to solving a quantum puzzle

Researchers bridge the gap between classical and quantum physics by exploring how the rules of quantum mechanics apply to macroscopic objects. They discovered that vibrations in a crystal can cause electrons to tunnel through barriers, leading to random quantum fluctuations.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalNature·DateJun 30, 2010

Europe leads the world in assisted-reproduction technology

The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology reports that Europe leads the world in Assisted Reproduction Technology (ART), with over 479,000 treatment cycles in 2007. The number of ART treatments has grown by 5-10% per annum over the last 5 years.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateJun 30, 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.

Little E/Z changes make a big difference

Scientists at Max Planck Institute have identified a gene controlling the difference in sex pheromone production between two European Corn Borer races, E and Z. The study found that this genetic variation leads to reproductive isolation, potentially marking the beginning of new species evolution.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalNature·DateJun 30, 2010

Nano-sized advance toward next big treatment era in dentistry

Scientists have developed a multilayered, nano-sized film containing alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone to regenerate dental pulp, potentially revitalizing damaged teeth and reducing the need for root canal procedures. The film has anti-inflammatory properties and increased the number of fibroblasts in dental pulp.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 30, 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.

Flowering and freezing tolerance linked in wheat, study shows

Scientists discovered a connection between flowering and freezing tolerance in wheat, enabling the crop to better withstand winter temperatures. The study found that exposing wheat varieties to non-freezing cold temperatures accelerates flowering time and prepares the plant to tolerate freezing.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·DateJun 30, 2010

Anger drives support for wartime presidents

A study found that anger is the dominant emotion driving the 'rally 'round the flag effect', where Americans surge support for their president during war or conflict. The study showed that anger, not anxiety, triggers and feeds this phenomenon, regardless of initial political leanings.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateJun 30, 2010

Ongoing pregnancy rates from vitrified eggs as good as those from fresh

Researchers have found vitrified eggs produce on-going pregnancies with similar success as freshly harvested oocytes. The study's results will improve egg banking practices, enabling cancer patients and others at risk of infertility to access fertility treatment more safely.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateJun 30, 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.

Beverages leave 'geographic signatures' that can track people's movements

Researchers found that beverage isotopes in hair can serve as chemical fingerprints to pinpoint geographic regions where individuals have been. The study analyzed isotope patterns in bottled water, soda pop, and beer from 33 cities, revealing characteristic 'iso-signatures' for each region.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJun 30, 2010

UC Riverside entomologist to oversee centralized database of bee specimens

A collaborative project is digitizing and consolidating nearly one million specimen records from ten bee collections across the US to create a centralized database. The project aims to understand native bees' roles in agricultural and natural systems and predict risks to bees due to climate change and habitat loss.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateJun 30, 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.

US plan to pay hospitals for performance could hurt those in less-advantaged areas

A nationwide US plan to pay hospitals for performance may exacerbate existing healthcare disparities, as hospitals in under-resourced areas lose funding to those in more affluent regions. The study found that US hospitals in richer economic areas achieved higher clinical process scores than their counterparts in less-advantaged areas.

SourceNew York University·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 30, 2010

Caltech researchers show how active immune tolerance makes pregnancy possible

Researchers found that female immune cells actively produce specific T regulatory cells in response to fetal antigens, protecting the fetus from rejection. This active immune tolerance is essential for successful pregnancies and may provide insights into pregnancy-related conditions such as preeclampsia.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 30, 2010

ARS releases heat-tolerant beans

The US Department of Agriculture has released two new kidney bean germplasm lines, TARS HT-1 and TARS HT-2, that are tolerant to high temperature conditions. These germplasm lines can improve yields under hot summer conditions for farmers in regions prone to high temperature stress.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·DateJun 30, 2010

Eternally green: New eco-friendly cremations and burials

New eco-friendly cremation methods use low-heat processes and break down corpses into soil, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. A corpse composting method turns bodies into natural soil without a sealed casket, providing environmentally friendly burial options

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJun 30, 2010

Pathologists call for new training program to support personalized medicine

Experts in pathology are advocating for a comprehensive training program to integrate genomics and personalized medicine into daily practices. The proposed curriculum would cover laboratory medicine, genetic counseling, and health information technology, enabling pathologists to serve as primary consultants for physicians and patients.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Pathology·DateJun 30, 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.

Exposure to secondhand smoke in the womb has lifelong impact

Newborns of non-smoking mothers exposed to secondhand smoke during pregnancy have genetic mutations that may affect long-term health, including survival, birth weight, and susceptibility to diseases like cancer. The study confirms previous research on the effects of passive smoke on gene expression.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalThe Open Pediatric Medicine Journal·DateJun 30, 2010

Electrons are late starters

Scientists measure delay of tens of attoseconds between light pulse and electron emission, challenging existing models. The findings have important implications for simulating electronic properties of materials.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateJun 30, 2010

Effect of fire on birds evaluated

In European mountains, burning has become a common tool for managing scrubland, but its impact on bird populations is varied. The study found that some species, such as the Dartford warbler, recover more slowly after fire at higher altitudes.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalAnimal Conservation·DateJun 30, 2010

Scientists find direct line from development to growth

Researchers at Duke University have identified a direct connection between plant development and growth, revealing that the Short-root protein controls the activity of genes involved in cell division. This discovery has significant implications for our understanding of growth and development in plants and potentially other species.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature·DateJun 30, 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.

Memory links to 40 winks

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis found that sleep strengthens weak associations in the brain, improving prospective memory and recall of future intentions. The study showed that a good night's sleep helps individuals carry out their plans more effectively by enhancing the link between context and intention.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPsychological Science·DateJun 30, 2010

Breakthrough in understanding cell development

Researchers have discovered a crucial protein controlling cell division and acquisition of characteristics in plants. This breakthrough provides new insights into the co-ordination of cellular processes and may have implications for animal biology and organ formation.

SourceCardiff University·JournalNature·DateJun 30, 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.