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Science News for March 11, 2010


Survey shows lack of confidence in national hurricane response planning

A recent survey conducted by LSU's Public Policy Research Lab found that only 30% of respondents believe the federal government has a well-developed plan for hurricane response. In contrast, 80% of residents have their own well-developed plans, indicating a recognition of the need for individual preparedness.

SourceLouisiana State University·DateMar 11, 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.

Children with chronic respiratory illness are vulnerable to critical H1N1

A new study published in Pediatric Critical Care Medicine found that children with chronic illnesses are more likely to develop severe H1N1 infections. With careful management, pediatric ICUs can meet increased demands during a pandemic. Researchers also modeled PICU surge capacity and found it should be adequate with adaptable planning.

SourceSociety of Critical Care Medicine·JournalPediatric Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 11, 2010

OHSU team discovers powerful molecule regulator in blood pressure control system

A research team at Oregon Health & Science University has discovered that nitric oxide is a powerful regulator of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a molecule involved in the development and function of the nervous system. This finding could play a significant role in preventing and treating high blood pressure.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalJournal of Neuroscience Research·DateMar 11, 2010

University of Minnesota discovery gives insight into brain 'replay' process

Researchers have discovered that the brain's hippocampus replay process is a complex cognitive function that helps animals learn and maintain their internal representation of the world. This process involves replaying experiences, even those previously unencountered, to create connections within the cognitive map.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalNeuron·DateMar 11, 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.

Hubert's remnants still raining on southern Madagascar

NASA's Aqua satellite revealed strong thunderstorms in Hubert's remnants, which continue to bring heavy rainfall and gusty winds to southeast and south-central Madagascar. Residents can expect moderate to heavy rainfall over the next couple of days.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 11, 2010

Tropical Storm Tomas calls for alerts in south Pacific

The Fiji Meteorological Service has issued a tropical cyclone alert for the South Pacific islands of Wallis and Futuna, citing Tropical Storm Tomas. The storm is expected to strengthen further and become a cyclone in the next day or two.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 11, 2010

Insects and sex: 'Educational help' from the museum

Scientists at the Phyletic Museum of Jena University are using MicroCT imaging to analyze insect genital morphology. The research aims to shed light on the key-lock principle, which explains how male and female reproductive organs fit together, and instead reveals that it's a result of sexual selection.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·DateMar 11, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

MRC scientists announce advance in understanding body's natural defenses

Researchers at the University of Leicester have made a new discovery about how the body fights certain types of cancer and autoimmune diseases. A newly discovered protein, HVCN1, regulates antibody production and can be targeted for therapies to treat conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalNature Immunology·DateMar 11, 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.

Mother knows best -- even before birth

Researchers found that birds leave messages in the egg that influence the development of their chicks' begging behavior. The messages can affect the chick's weight gain and survival after hatching.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience·DateMar 11, 2010

Conservationists urge treaty panel to reject ivory sale by Tanzania, Zambia

International conservationists warn that allowing Tanzania and Zambia to sell their stockpiled ivory could lead to increased slaughter of elephants throughout Africa. The team argues that the two countries have not met the necessary criteria to demonstrate their elephant populations are secure and law enforcement is effective in combat...

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience·DateMar 11, 2010

3 FASTSAT instruments pass tests

Three NASA scientific instruments, MINI-ME, PISA, and TTI, have completed environmental testing and passed critical tests, paving the way for their launch on the FASTSAT-HSV01 satellite. The instruments will study Earth's atmosphere and space weather, improving global predictions.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 11, 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.

Knee replacement in elderly patients shown to improve balance

A study found that knee replacement surgery significantly improves dynamic balance and quality of life in elderly patients with severe osteoarthritis. The results reinforced the importance of balance in maintaining function and independence, especially for those with knee problems.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateMar 11, 2010

Barrier in mosquito midgut protects invading pathogens

Scientists found that a protein barrier in mosquito midgut prevents disease-causing agents like the Plasmodium malaria parasite from infecting mosquitoes. Disrupting this barrier could trigger immune defenses to protect insects from infection, potentially informing new strategies for blocking malaria transmission.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalScience·DateMar 11, 2010

New Alzheimer's test offers better opportunities for early detection

Researchers at the University of Tennessee have developed a new Alzheimer's test called CST, which is more than 95 percent effective in detecting cognitive abnormalities. The test is designed to be simple and accessible for medical professionals and patients, providing an objective way to determine the presence of Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·DateMar 11, 2010

Why female moths are big and beautiful

Researchers found that female moths outgrow their male counterparts by initiating a developmental change later in life, resulting in larger adult moths. This study provides insight into the evolution of sexual size dimorphism in moths, highlighting the importance of early developmental stages in determining adult body size.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·DateMar 11, 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.

Diabetes' link to eating disorders explored

Researchers explore the link between diabetes treatment and eating disorders, finding that insulin therapy can cause weight gain, increase hunger, and dysregulate appetite hormones. This can lead to unhealthy behaviors such as skipping or reducing insulin doses, which can exacerbate diabetes complications.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalDiabetes Care·DateMar 11, 2010

Clean sampling from bioreactors

bbi-biotech offers a novel sampling system that extracts sterile samples from bioreactors without dead volume, ensuring representative and contamination-free samples. The bioPROBE MK1 system facilitates at-line analysis and real-time monitoring of process status, enabling immediate regulation and optimization.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·DateMar 11, 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.

Traces of the past: Computer algorithm able to 'read' memories

A computer algorithm was able to predict which film a volunteer was recalling based on their brain activity, suggesting that memories are recorded in regular patterns. The key areas involved in recording episodic memories were the hippocampus and its immediate neighbors.

SourceWellcome Trust·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 11, 2010

Get up, get out and go: NC State research tackles childhood obesity

A study by NC State researchers found that programs promoting physical activity at national parks increase awareness and participation among youth. The program, Get Up, Get Out and Go!, showed a significant increase in awareness and intention to visit a national park after implementation.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Physical Activity and Health·DateMar 11, 2010

More maize ethanol may boost greenhouse gas emissions

Researchers found that increased production of maize-derived ethanol in the US could lead to significant land-use changes, resulting in higher carbon dioxide emissions. The study suggests that these indirect effects may cancel out any benefits from reducing global warming.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateMar 11, 2010

Effort aims to spike breast cancer with new approach

A new clinical trial at the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center uses molecular profiling to identify specific treatments for refractory breast cancer. The trial aims to keep cancer under control for longer periods and potentially shrink tumors.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·DateMar 11, 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.

Yellow fever strikes monkey populations in South America

A study by Argentine scientists reveals that yellow fever outbreaks in howler monkey populations in northeastern Argentina have tragic conservation implications for the endangered brown howler monkey. The research emphasizes the importance of wildlife monitoring as an early detection method for pathogens affecting both animals and humans.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Primatology·DateMar 11, 2010

Quantum dots spotlight DNA-repair proteins in motion, says Pitt expert

DNA-repair proteins efficiently scan the genome for errors by jumping and sliding between DNA molecules, with paused motion representing complexes checking for structural abnormalities. The study reveals an important mechanism for maintaining genomic integrity.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalMolecular Cell·DateMar 11, 2010

Communication often fumbled during patient hand-offs in hospital

A study found that important information is not fully conveyed during hospital hand-offs, even when physicians rate their communication as successful. Researchers emphasize the importance of educating doctors about effective communication skills and highlight the risks of increased hand-offs due to restricted work hours.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMar 11, 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.

Can we detect quantum behavior in viruses?

A German-Spanish research group has developed an experiment to test for quantum properties in objects composed of one billion atoms, including the flu virus. This technique could potentially allow researchers to study life and consciousness in the context of quantum mechanics.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateMar 11, 2010

VAI researchers develop tool to help study prostate cancer

Researchers at Van Andel Institute developed a new model to study prostate cancer, finding that normal secretory cells depend on E-cadherin binding for survival, unlike cancer cells which rely on androgen. This discovery could lead to therapies targeting tumor cells without harming normal cells.

SourceVan Andel Research Institute·JournalJournal of Cell Science·DateMar 11, 2010

An end to lice: The effectiveness of a new oral treatment has been demonstrated

A new oral treatment has been shown to be effective in 95% of cases against head lice, providing a real therapeutic alternative to conventional anti-lice lotions. The study used oral Ivermectin administered at 400 μg per kilogram and found significant improvements compared to traditional malathion lotion treatments.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 11, 2010

Study: Kidney disease a big risk for younger, low-income minorities

A recent study highlights the disproportionate burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) on younger minority adults receiving medical care in healthcare safety net settings. The study found that poor, minority adults with moderate to severe CKD are two to four times more likely to progress to kidney failure than non-Hispanic whites.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMar 11, 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.

Researchers discover brain tumor's 'grow-or-go' switch

Glioblastoma cells use miR-451 to sense glucose availability, slowing cell proliferation and increasing migration. High miR-451 levels correlate with shorter survival, suggesting the molecule as a biomarker for predicting patient prognosis.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalMolecular Cell·DateMar 11, 2010

ARS sends third seed shipment to Norway seed vault

The US Department of Agriculture's ARS has sent its third seed shipment to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway, including a wild Russian strawberry collected from bear territory. The vault aims to store over 500,000 plant accessions for long-term preservation.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·DateMar 11, 2010

Study reinforces role of AED Vimpat (lacosamide) (C-V) as add-on treatment for POS

A Phase III clinical study published online in Epilepsia found that Vimpat (lacosamide) demonstrated significantly fewer partial-onset seizures versus placebo in adults living with epilepsy. The study showed that patients taking Vimpat had greater reductions in seizure frequency and a higher 50% responder rate compared to placebo.

SourceCooney Waters Group, Inc.·JournalEpilepsia·DateMar 11, 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.

The scientific brain

Researchers found that the primary visual cortex responds smaller when images are predictable, indicating an active prediction process. This challenges the classical view of passive cascades in visual perception.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·DateMar 11, 2010

New imaging technology brings trace chemicals into focus

Scientists at Arizona State University have developed a new imaging technology that can detect tiny particles of explosives, proteins, and heavy metals. This technique combines optical microscopy with electrochemical detection to provide a detailed map of the surface under study.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience·DateMar 11, 2010

American Society for Microbiology honors Rachel J. Dutton

Rachel J. Dutton received the Raymond W. Sarber Award for her research on disulfide bond formation pathways across bacterial genomes. Her discovery of an alternative VKOR homologue in Mycobacterium tuberculosis has implications for understanding bacterial protein stability and anticoagulant resistance.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·DateMar 11, 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.

Scavenging energy waste to turn water into hydrogen fuel

Scientists at UW-Madison have designed a method to harness small amounts of wasted energy to produce usable hydrogen fuel. The process uses the piezoelectric effect to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen, achieving an impressive 18% efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateMar 11, 2010

Elsevier launches Journal of Family Business Strategy

The Journal of Family Business Strategy aims to contribute new knowledge and understanding to the field of family business. The journal publishes research that addresses how family influences business and vice versa.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Family Business Strategy·DateMar 11, 2010

Shari'a as discourse

This book brings together scholars to explore the intellectual and legal traditions of Shari'a, examining how it is expressed in a European context. Key findings include the intersection of Shari'a and secular laws, as well as the diverse interpretations of Islamic jurisprudence.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·DateMar 11, 2010

Researchers characterize stem cell function

Researchers at Northwestern University characterized a special type of stem cell, endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), to see if they can behave as endothelial cells in the body when cultured on a bioengineered surface. The study shows promise for improving surgery success rates for peripheral arterial disease.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalStem Cells·DateMar 11, 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.

Who does what on Wikipedia?

A University of Arizona professor and graduate student found that Wikipedia's quality relies heavily on collaboration between contributors. They identified seven roles that contribute to high-quality entries: all-round contributors, starters, content justifiers, and copy editors.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·DateMar 11, 2010

To Arctic animals, time of day really doesn't matter

A new study reveals that Arctic reindeer have evolved to bypass their internal biological rhythms, relying instead on light and dark cycles to regulate hormone levels. This adaptation allows them to thrive in environments with no reliable light-dark cycle.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 11, 2010

Mother's flu during pregnancy may increase baby's risk of schizophrenia

A study found that rhesus monkey babies born to mothers with flu during pregnancy had smaller brains and brain changes similar to those in human patients with schizophrenia. This suggests a possible increased risk of schizophrenia in human babies whose mothers had the flu while pregnant.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateMar 11, 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.

Back to the future for computers: A return to the 1980s?

Emerging optical technologies will enable warehouse-scale computing data centers, allowing users to access their data from anywhere and at any time. Google's Cedric Lam highlights the importance of low-cost, high-bandwidth, and high-density optical fiber interconnects in powering cloud computing.

SourceOptica·DateMar 11, 2010

Aquatic 'dead zones' contributing to climate change

Increased frequency and intensity of oxygen-deprived 'dead zones' along the world's coasts contribute to climate change by emitting nitrous oxide into the atmosphere, exacerbating global warming. The production of nitrous oxide in these waters can lead to ozone holes and increased UV radiation exposure.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·JournalScience·DateMar 11, 2010

New alterations found in young adults with type 2 diabetes

Researchers discovered mitochondrial protein and gene anomalies in young obese subjects with type 2 diabetes, leading to insulin resistance and reduced physical exercise response. The study highlights the need for specific treatments for each patient subtype.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalDiabetes Care·DateMar 11, 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.

Human cells exhibit foraging behavior like amoebae and bacteria

Researchers found that human cells follow a bimodal correlated random walk pattern when moving in search of nutrients and growth factors. This discovery provides a general framework for analyzing cell movement, with potential applications in predicting the effectiveness of untested therapies.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 11, 2010