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Science News Archive June 2010 - Page 10


Page 10 of 24

Using the notion of 'accounting periods' for time as well as money

Researchers examine how consumers think about money and time, finding that accounting periods affect tracking of temporal costs. The study reveals people are more likely to return to an event if they spent time on it during the same accounting period, not when spending money.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJun 21, 2010

Life of plastic solar cell jumps from hours to 8 months

A team of researchers at the University of Alberta developed a longer-lasting plastic solar cell by applying a polymer coating to an electrode. The coating helped prevent chemical leaching, allowing the solar cell to operate for up to 500 hours and then continue working for another seven months.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJun 21, 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.

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome have higher BPA blood levels

A new study finds women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have higher bisphenol A (BPA) blood levels, associated with increased male hormones and reproductive problems. The study suggests that women with PCOS should limit their exposure to BPA due to its potential adverse effects on hormone balance.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateJun 21, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UCI researchers develop world's first plastic antibodies

UCI chemists develop synthetic antibodies that block bee venom by encasing melittin, a peptide causing cells to rupture. These 'plastic antibodies' offer a promising alternative to natural antibodies for treating medical conditions, with potential applications in fighting deadly toxins and pathogens.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 21, 2010

Gender-bending fish problem in Colorado creek mitigated by treatment plant upgrade

A recent study led by the University of Colorado at Boulder found that upgrading a wastewater treatment plant in Colorado has mitigated the problem of male fish becoming feminized due to chemical contaminants. The team observed no effects on male sex characteristics after 28 days of exposure to effluent water, contradicting previous fi...

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·DateJun 21, 2010

Babies' first bacteria depend on birthing method, says new study

A new study indicates that babies born vaginally have bacterial communities resembling their mother's vaginal bacteria, while C-section newborns have common skin bacterial communities. This finding has potential implications for infant health as they grow and develop.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 21, 2010

Cycad pest uses small size to hide from predators

Researchers have found that a tiny alien insect pest called cycad aulacaspis scale (CAS) can hide in hard-to-reach areas of native cycad plants, allowing it to evade natural enemies. The study's findings suggest the need for a new biological control organism that can target CAS in its secret hiding places.

SourceUniversity of Guam·JournalHortScience·DateJun 21, 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.

A possible role for Smurf1 in pulmonary arterial hypertension

Researchers found that Smurf1 is elevated in animal models of PAH and can degrade BMP receptors, leading to excessive growth of vascular cells. This suggests Smurf1 may be an attractive therapeutic target to block disease progression.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology and Medicine·JournalExperimental Biology and Medicine·DateJun 21, 2010

Brain signs of schizophrenia found in babies

Brain signs of schizophrenia found in babies with larger brains and lateral ventricles in high-risk group, differing from girls in the study. Early detection could lead to new approaches to prevent or treat the disease.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateJun 21, 2010

Insight into cells could lead to new approach to medicines

Researchers discovered a complex network of cell proteins that work together, suggesting medicines should target groups rather than individual proteins. This study, published in Science, has the potential to develop more effective treatments for illnesses.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalScience·DateJun 21, 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.

Compost filter socks improve runoff from croplands

A two-year field study found that compost filter socks reduced sediment concentration by 49% in runoff from tilled fields, but had no effect on no-till fields. The filter socks also decreased herbicide alachlor and glyphosate concentrations by 18% and 5%, respectively.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateJun 21, 2010

Ear tubes appear safe for children with cochlear implants

A study found that ear tubes do not increase the risk of complications in children with cochlear implants. The authors suggest that ear tube management does not adversely affect outcomes in pediatric ears. The study included 78 ears from 62 children, with no cases of meningitis or removal of cochlear implants due to infection.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateJun 21, 2010

Ocean stirring and plankton patchiness

Computer simulations reveal how ocean stirring and mixing create filamentary structures in plankton patches, resisting dispersal. The research, supported by the Natural Environmental Research Council and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, provides new insights into plankton patchiness.

SourceNational Oceanography Centre, UK·JournalPhysical Review E·DateJun 21, 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.

Flame retardant linked to altered thyroid hormone levels during pregnancy

A new study found that pregnant women with higher blood levels of a common flame retardant had altered thyroid hormone levels, which could impact fetal growth and brain development. The study linked exposure to these chemicals to decreased TSH levels and an increased risk of subclinical hyperthyroidism.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateJun 21, 2010

Adults with newly diagnosed diabetes at risk of liver disease

A 13-year study found a higher incidence rate of serious liver disease in adults with newly diagnosed diabetes compared to non-diabetic controls. The study suggests that insulin resistance and fatty load in the liver may contribute to liver disease in people with diabetes.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJun 21, 2010

1000 Genomes Project releases pilot data

The project has released pilot data on human genetic variation from 2,500 people worldwide. Researchers have discovered that rare variations account for much of the burden of disease in the human population.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·DateJun 21, 2010
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Lemurs lose weight with 'life-extending' supplement

Resveratrol supplementation has been shown to decrease energy intake by 13% and increase resting metabolic rate by 29% in mouse lemurs. The study demonstrates the compound's potential effects on obesity therapies, providing novel information on its impact on energy metabolism.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Physiology·DateJun 21, 2010

Loneliness, poor health appear to be linked

Two University of Arizona studies find that loneliness is a matter of perception and can be linked to poor health. Stress serves a crucial function for lonely individuals, who tend to have fewer close connections and manage daily stressors poorly.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalHealth Communication·DateJun 21, 2010

ARS and New Mexico scientists take a long look at livestock and locoweed

Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists collaborated with New Mexico State University (NMSU) researchers to study locoweed poisoning in US livestock. The team developed grazing management guidelines to minimize losses, recommending restrictions on locoweed access during critical periods.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalRangelands·DateJun 21, 2010

Humans have a mighty bite

A new study found that early modern humans didn't need tools or cooking to process hard foods; instead, they may have lost ability to eat tough items like tubers or leaves. Modern humans have efficient bites using less-powerful jaw muscles, contrary to previous suggestions about a weaker bite in favor of a larger brain.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·DateJun 21, 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.

Increasing potato production

Researchers found that improving soil structure was a significant variable contributing to positive potato yield. Supplementing traditional soil sampling with spectral measurement provided detailed insights into how the potato crop interacts with its environment.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateJun 21, 2010

How lead exposure damages the brain: New research fills in the picture

A new study reveals that lead exposure damages brain function by disrupting the normal formation of synapses and altering the levels of key proteins involved in neurotransmitter release. The research provides a comprehensive mechanism for how lead ions impair brain development and function throughout life.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalToxicological Sciences·DateJun 21, 2010

More than skin deep, tanning product of sun's rays

Researchers found that tanning is a response to varying levels of ultraviolet radiation, particularly in middle and high latitudes. This adaptation helps protect humans from harmful effects of sunlight, including vitamin D deficiency and folate destruction.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 21, 2010

Study examines, compares bacteria in the nose and throat

Researchers analyzed bacterial populations in the noses and throats of seven healthy adults using two culture-independent methods. They found distinct differences between nasal and throat bacteria, with some groups more prevalent in one area than the other.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateJun 21, 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.

Inconspicuous consumption: Insiders vs. outsiders

A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that high-end consumers often spend lavishly on products with subtle brand signals to avoid confusion and maintain exclusivity. The authors analyzed handbags and sunglasses, revealing a higher percentage of branded products among mid-range prices compared to luxury categories.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJun 21, 2010

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute develop new method for mass-producing graphene

A new technique enables large-scale production of high-quality graphene at room temperature using a molecular wedge, resulting in undamaged graphene dispersed in water. The researchers used the graphene to build chemical sensors and ultracapacitors with high-performance applications in environmental sensing and energy storage.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalNano Letters·DateJun 21, 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.

Harmful bacteria carried by pigeons

Researchers found Campylobacter jejuni and Chlamydophila psittaci in 69.1% and 52.6% of pigeons in Madrid, respectively. These bacteria can cause diarrhea in humans through aerosols, direct contact, or contaminated food and water.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalActa Veterinaria Scandinavica·DateJun 21, 2010

Physician-journalist guidelines proposed in wake of Haiti earthquake

The article proposes three rules for physician-journalists covering disasters, including prioritizing medical emergencies over reporting duties and seeking parental consent before featuring children on news reports. These guidelines aim to balance the dual responsibilities of physician-reporters and protect their patients from exploita...

SourceSAGE·JournalElectronic News·DateJun 21, 2010

New drugs to relieve cancer pain

Researchers have discovered a new group of drugs that could provide effective cancer pain relief with minimal side effects. The drugs, developed in collaboration between the Universities of Leicester and Ferrara, act on two targets simultaneously to reduce tolerance.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·DateJun 21, 2010

Country action is needed for maternal and child health in Africa

Two new articles analyze the current status of maternal, newborn, and child health in Africa, identifying interventions that hold the greatest potential for preventing maternal and child deaths. The studies conclude that prioritizing high-impact outreach interventions could save millions of lives and cost an estimated $1.21 per capita.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 21, 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.

JDR increases its 5-Year SIF and remains number one dental journal of 64 in its category

The Journal of Dental Research (JDR) has maintained its number one ranking in the 'Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine' category, according to the new 2009 Five-Year Scientific Impact Factor (SIF) rankings. The JDR's SIF increased from 3.966 to 4.195, demonstrating its continued importance and relevance in the field.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateJun 21, 2010

Seasonality of child abuse a myth

A new study of child homicides found that fatalities are evenly distributed across all months, contradicting widespread notions of increased risk during winter holidays. Experts emphasize that prevention efforts should be a year-round priority, as common stressors on caregivers like tantrums and accidents occur throughout the year.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateJun 21, 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.

Some types of arousal can lead to unhealthy choices

Research found that certain types of arousal can lead to unhealthy food choices and less-healthy decisions. Arousal interfered with the beneficial effect of positive mood on resistance to temptation, especially in situations requiring mental energy.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJun 21, 2010

Scientists announce discovery of 3.6 million-year-old relative of 'Lucy'

Researchers announce the discovery of a 3.6 million-year-old partial skeleton, nicknamed 'Kadanuumuu', which is almost as proficient in walking on two legs as modern humans. The finding confirms advanced human-like walking occurred much earlier than previously thought.

SourceCleveland Museum of Natural History·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 21, 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.

Tumor suppressor APC could stop cancer through its effect on actin cytoskeleton

Researchers found APC plays a crucial role in renovating the actin cytoskeleton by triggering actin assembly, offering a second way mutations in APC could lead to cancer. The study suggests APC's impact on the cytoskeleton may contribute to cancer development, especially when its actin-binding section is mutated.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateJun 21, 2010

Caltech geologist investigates canyon carved in just 3 days in Texas flood

A team of researchers used aerial photographs and field measurements to analyze the Canyon Lake flood, which excavated a 2.2-kilometer-long canyon in just three days. The study offers insight into ancient megafloods on both Earth and Mars, with findings that challenge traditional views of river canyon formation.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJun 20, 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.

Penn bioengineers create simulator to test blood platelets in virtual heart attacks

A team of bioengineers from the University of Pennsylvania Institute for Medicine and Engineering developed a simulator to predict how blood platelets respond to various conditions during a heart attack or stroke. The model accurately predicted intracellular calcium signaling responses, even distinguishing between different donors.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJun 20, 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.