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Science News for June 4, 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.

Treatment for headaches and dizziness caused by traumatic brain injury appears promising, study says

A recent study by Michigan physicians found that specialized eyeglass lenses containing prisms can alleviate or eliminate post-concussive symptoms in patients with traumatic brain injury. The treatment targets vertical heterophoria, a binocular vision condition causing headaches, dizziness, anxiety, and other symptoms.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPhysical Medicine and Rehabilitation·DateJun 4, 2010

MSU researchers discover potential genetic factor in eating disorders

A pilot study led by MSU found that higher estradiol levels during puberty may increase the risk of eating disorders. The study suggests a possible biological culprit in the development of eating disorders, which could lead to new treatments and prevention efforts.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateJun 4, 2010

Acute toxicity predicts overall survival in high-grade gliomas

Researchers found that acute neurological toxicity is associated with chronic toxicity and shorter overall survival in high-grade glioma patients. Patients experiencing acute toxicity had a median survival of 7.8 months, compared to 11.8 months for those without.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·DateJun 4, 2010

Introducing the good food guide for cockroaches

Researchers discovered that groups of cockroaches forage for food collectively, leading to a better understanding of their behavior. This finding could lead to the development of more effective pest control methods using pheromones or insecticides.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateJun 4, 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.

Could life survive on Mars? Yes, expert says

A team of researchers has discovered methane-eating bacteria that can thrive in extremely salty and cold environments, similar to those found on Mars. The microbes, which survive by eating methane and breathing sulfate instead of oxygen, have implications for the possibility of life existing on the Red Planet.

SourceMcGill University·DateJun 4, 2010

Gene related to aging plays role in stem cell differentiation

Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University identified a protein interaction controlling the silencing of Oct4, a key transcription factor necessary for embryonic stem cells to remain pluripotent. The study suggests that attenuated stem cell differentiation contributes to aging by leading to organ or tissue function decline.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalAging Cell·DateJun 4, 2010

Green tea extract appears to keep cancer in check in majority of CLL patients

A phase II clinical trial by Mayo Clinic found that green tea extract, specifically epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), had a significant response rate among CLL patients. The study showed that 69% of patients experienced a biological response to EGCG, with notable reductions in blood lymphocyte count and lymph node size.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJun 4, 2010

Gulf oil spill could widen, worsen 'dead zone'

The Gulf oil spill is threatening to worsen and expand the oxygen-depleted region known as the 'dead zone', a phenomenon caused by urban runoff and nitrogen-based fertilizers. Researchers are analyzing water samples to understand the impact of oil on oxygen levels, which could have devastating effects on marine life.

SourceMichigan State University·DateJun 4, 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.

The quest for the modern day Methuselah

A global research team gathered over 600 supercentenarians, nearly 20 of whom lived beyond 115, and created the International Database on Longevity. The study reveals that many of these individuals avoided dementia until shortly before death, sparking interest in understanding the secrets behind their longevity.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·DateJun 4, 2010

How smarter school lunchrooms increase fruit sales

Researchers from Cornell Food and Brand Lab observed a significant increase in fresh fruit sales when displayed in attractive baskets and well-lit areas. The study found that making healthier options more noticeable led to smarter food choices, resulting in increased fruit sales.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·DateJun 4, 2010

Study of microRNA helps NIH scientists unlock secrets of immune cells

Researchers used microsequencing technology to identify various microRNAs in mouse immune cells, revealing their role in regulating protein levels. The study provides a map to the complexity of cellular protein regulation and offers insights into how miRNAs contribute to host defense mechanisms.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases·JournalImmunity·DateJun 4, 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 rust resistance genes added to common beans

Researchers at the United States Department of Agriculture have developed new cultivars of common beans with multiple genes for resistance to fungal diseases, including common bean rust. These resistant varieties are essential for protecting legume crops in the face of evolving strains of the pathogen.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·DateJun 4, 2010

Status symbols of house sparrows

A study by Max-Planck-Gesellschaft researchers found that House sparrow males' bill color is correlated with their testosterone levels, while the size of their badge has no such correlation. This suggests that the badge may be an honest signal of a male's quality rather than his dominance status.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateJun 4, 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.

Climate change linked to major vegetation shifts worldwide

Vegetation around the world is shifting towards poles and equator due to climate change, altering ecosystems and reducing habitat for endangered species. An estimated one-tenth to half of the land mass will be highly vulnerable to vegetation shifts by the end of this century.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateJun 4, 2010