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Science News Archive June 2010 - Page 21


Page 21 of 24

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

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
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.

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

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
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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

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
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.

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

Harvard's Wyss Institute uses nature's design principles to create specialized nanofabrics

Bioengineers at the Wyss Institute have developed a new technology to regenerate heart and other tissues by replicating natural design principles. The resulting protein nanofabrics can be customized to generate specific properties, making them ideal for tissue engineering scaffolds and high-performance textiles.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNano Letters·DateJun 2, 2010

Financial literary bailout for the younger generation

A study published in the Journal of Consumer Affairs found that only 27% of young adults (23-28 years old) can answer basic questions about interest rates, inflation, and risk diversification. This lack of financial literacy is influenced by parental education levels and financial habits.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Consumer Affairs·DateJun 2, 2010

NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell physician-scientists present at 2010 American Urological Meeting

Physician-scientists from NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center present several studies at the 2010 American Urological Meeting, including a potential breakthrough in using 5-alpha reductase inhibitors to improve PSA test accuracy for prostate cancer diagnosis. Additionally, they present results on robotic surgery ...

SourceNew York- Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center·DateJun 2, 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.

Results from a study testing methylphenidate for cancer-related fatigue

Researchers tested methylphenidate, a psychostimulant medication, to treat cancer-related fatigue. While the study found no significant difference between treatment and placebo groups, there was a trend of improved satisfaction with treatment among patients receiving methylphenidate, particularly those with stage III/IV cancer.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJun 2, 2010

Physicsts reveal how to cope with frustration

Researchers have simulated frustration in a smallest possible quantum system, revealing its relation to entanglement. The team created a fully controllable frustrated magnetic network with three spins, allowing them to manipulate interactions using laser beams.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature·DateJun 2, 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.

Flow in Earth's mantle moves mountains

Scientists propose that mantle flow, rather than plate boundaries, drives uplift and volcanism in mobile belts. The study identifies two mountain ranges raised almost entirely by mantle flow in Spain and France.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature·DateJun 2, 2010

BSSA tip sheet for June 2010 issue

A revised seismotectonic model for the California Central Coast identifies new faults and reinterprets known ones, highlighting the need for further study to understand seismic hazards. The study also examines how large earthquakes can trigger other large earthquakes on nearby faults, a phenomenon observed in paleoseismic records.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateJun 2, 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.

Red squirrels: Altruists or self-serving survivalists?

A University of Alberta researcher discovered female red squirrels adopt abandoned babies with common genes, ensuring the continuation of their gene pool. This behavior, initially thought to be unique to social animals, reveals a rare instance of altruism in solitary creatures like red squirrels.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 2, 2010

New docs linked to death spike in July

Fatal medication errors peak in July among new medical residents, especially in counties with teaching hospitals. Increased supervision and education on medication safety may reduce these errors.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJun 2, 2010

Snuffing out smoking in those with HIV

The study found that 40-60% of Americans living with HIV/AIDS are smokers, twice the rate in the general population. Researchers emphasize the need for effective interventions to help these individuals quit smoking.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJun 2, 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.

Study: Prostate cancer patients' weight linked to tumor size

A six-year study by researchers at Henry Ford Hospital found that heavier prostate cancer patients have larger tumors. The study of 3,327 patients revealed a direct correlation between BMI and tumor volume, suggesting that obesity may contribute to the aggressive nature of the disease.

SourceHenry Ford Health·DateJun 2, 2010

Telecommuters with flextime stay balanced up to 19 hours longer

Research from Brigham Young University reveals that employees who telecommute and use flexible schedules balance their work and family life better than office workers. The study found that telecommuters can maintain a healthy balance for 57 hours per week, compared to 38 hours for office workers.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·DateJun 2, 2010

Pride, prejudice and the 'Darcin effect'

A team of researchers from the University of Liverpool identified a male pheromone called darcin, which attracts females and is responsible for learned preference for specific males in mice. Darcin consistently doubled the time spent near a male's scent and was shown to stimulate female memory and attraction.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Biology·DateJun 2, 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.

Burger diet boosts kids' asthma and wheeze risk

A large international study found that a burger diet may boost children's risk of asthma and wheeze, particularly in developed nations. Conversely, a Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fish appears to reduce this risk. The study, published in Thorax, analyzed data from over 50,000 children aged 8-12 from 20 countries.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThorax·DateJun 2, 2010

Nature cover study provides new standards for reliable fisheries

A new study in Nature highlights the importance of population diversity within species for maintaining stable fisheries. Without sufficient diversity, fisheries would close more frequently, leading to economic instability. The study emphasizes the need to preserve habitat networks to maintain population diversity.

SourceCommunication Partnership for Science and the Sea·JournalNature·DateJun 2, 2010

AMIA members manage HITECH stimulus grant awards

AMIA members receive workforce and SHARP grants to develop curriculum and train informatics specialists. The grants support the adoption of health IT and electronic health records, aiming to create a high-performing healthcare system.

SourceAmerican Medical Informatics Association·DateJun 2, 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.

A doctor's referral for better fitness

Research by NiCole Keith highlights the need for physicians to consider physical activity levels a vital sign, similar to height and blood pressure. Regular discussions about exercise habits can help reduce stigma and promote healthy behaviors, leading to better weight management outcomes.

SourceIndiana University·DateJun 2, 2010

Single-molecule manipulation for the masses

A new instrument, Centrifuge Force Microscope (CFM), uses centrifugal force to manipulate molecules, offering a low-cost and simple approach to single-molecule manipulation. This technique enables researchers to study the interactions of thousands of molecules simultaneously.

SourceHarvard University·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateJun 2, 2010

Mutant gene link to West Nile virus in horses

A study by University of Adelaide scientists has confirmed that a mutated OAS1 gene increases the vulnerability of horses to the West Nile virus. The findings suggest that genetic mechanisms play a similar role in humans and horses, highlighting the potential for screening valuable horses for the presence of the mutation.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 2, 2010

Bone drug suppresses wandering tumor cells in breast cancer patients

A study published in The Lancet Oncology found that zoledronic acid reduced the number of tumor cells in bone marrow at surgery and improved bone density in women with stage II or III breast cancer. The treatment may also help fight certain types of breast tumors directly.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateJun 2, 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.

Age gap really does matter

A Northwestern University study reveals that successful academics struggle to mentor students during the latter half of their careers. The research, analyzing 60 years of mathematicians and their advisees, found that mentors who advised fewer students had more successful protégés.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature·DateJun 2, 2010

Atmospheric scientists start monthlong air sampling campaign

Researchers will collect data on aerosol particles in the Sacramento Valley from June 2-28, using airplanes, ground instruments, and weather balloons. The goal is to improve computer models simulating climate change by understanding aerosols' role in scattering and absorbing sunlight.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateJun 2, 2010

First paper 'dipstick' test for determining blood type

The new 'dipstick' test uses a special paper strip with antibodies to accurately determine blood type, promising to save millions of lives through successful blood transfusions. The cost-effective method could be particularly useful in veterinary medicine for typing animals' blood in the field.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateJun 2, 2010

Nanoparticle PSA test predicts if prostate cancer will return

A new ultrasensitive PSA test using nanoparticle technology can detect low levels of PSA in the blood that indicate cancer recurrence. The test may provide early and more accurate answers, allowing doctors to act at the earliest and most sensitive time for patients' long-term survival.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateJun 2, 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.

Sun-induced skin cancer: new discovery permits doctors to assess genetic risk

Researchers discovered a chain of molecular events that increase skin cancer risk, enabling doctors to assess genetic risk and develop new sunscreens. The study may lead to genetically tested sunscreens and personalized medicine for individuals carrying MC1R gene changes.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJun 2, 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.

Marmots can teach us about obesity

A Colorado State University biologist discovered a nutrient that activates a neurological pathway driving food intake in hibernating marmots. By releasing the molecule AICAR, researchers found the animals' appetite is stimulated when energy levels within cells are low, mimicking human obesity and eating disorders.

SourceColorado State University·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJun 2, 2010

Nanosponge drug delivery system more effective than direct injection

Researchers developed a nanosponge-based delivery system that is three to five times more effective than direct injection in reducing tumor growth. The system uses biodegradable particles with predictable release characteristics, making it an attractive alternative for targeted cancer therapy.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalCancer Research·DateJun 2, 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.

On a roll: Designing the next rover to explore Mars

A new computer model developed by NC State University researchers allows engineers to test different vehicle designs for a Mars rover. The model takes into account various conditions such as wind and terrain, enabling informed decisions about the final design characteristics.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Spacecraft and Rockets·DateJun 2, 2010

New culture dish could advance human embryonic stem cell research

Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a new synthetic stem cell growth matrix that overcomes major challenges in human embryonic stem cell research. The new coating, made from a water-soluble gel, has been shown to support long-term growth and maintenance of pluripotency in human embryonic stem cells.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJun 2, 2010

Scientists clarify origins of potato germplasm Neo-Tuberosum

A recent study reveals that the Neo-Tuberosum potato germplasm has its roots in Chile, challenging the long-held notion of its origins in the Andes. The Chilean potato's adaptation to long-day conditions made it a pre-adapted species for growth in other regions.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·DateJun 2, 2010