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Science News for March 8, 2010


Infectious virus hidden in chromosomes during latency can be passed from parents to children

A team of researchers at the University of South Florida discovered that a common herpesvirus can integrate its DNA into human chromosomes, allowing it to be passed down through generations. This finding raises concerns about disease risk and the potential for viral reactivation in individuals born with the virus's DNA in every cell.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 8, 2010

New insight on how fast nicotine peaks in the brain

Nicotine takes much longer to reach peak brain levels in smokers, contradicting traditional puff-by-puff spikes, and may depend on overall rate of accumulation, habit, and sensory cues. Smokers who eventually experience high nicotine levels without becoming addicted still lack clear explanations for their non-addictive status.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 8, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

'Improved doctor-pharmacist collaboration needed': study

A Canadian study found that collaborative care between family physicians and community pharmacists improved patient outcomes, including increased medication adjustments and lifestyle changes. However, the study showed no significant impact on cholesterol control.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 8, 2010

Farm-to-school programs motivate school food service professionals

A study of farm-to-school programs reveals that school food service professionals are motivated by factors such as student enthusiasm and price, leading to improved nutritional offerings. The programs also benefit farmers by providing a stable market for locally grown produce, helping to promote healthful eating habits among children.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateMar 8, 2010

Musk ox population decline due to climate, not to humans, study finds

A team of scientists has discovered that the drastic decline in Arctic musk ox populations began due to a warming climate rather than human hunting. The researchers used ancient DNA to test for human impacts on musk ox populations and found that humans were not responsible for their decline.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 8, 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.

Deep sedimentation of acantharian cysts -- a reproductive strategy?

Research found that spore-like acantharian cysts rapidly sink from surface waters to the deep ocean, delivering significant amounts of organic matter to the ocean depths. This phenomenon may be part of an extraordinary reproductive strategy allowing juveniles to exploit a seasonal food bonanza.

SourceNational Oceanography Centre, UK·JournalLimnology and Oceanography·DateMar 8, 2010

New research advances voice security technology

Researchers from NC State have developed new speech authentication technology that improves speed and accuracy, paving the way for practical applications in various industries. The technology has the potential to prevent ID theft, fraud, and data protection issues.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·DateMar 8, 2010

Unselfish molecules may have helped give birth to the genetic material of life

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology found that small molecules could act as 'molecular midwives' to help polymers form and select base pairs in DNA. They discovered ethidium assists short oligonucleotides in forming long polymers and can also select the structure of base pairs.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 8, 2010

JCI online early table of contents: March 8, 2010

Recent studies suggest that triggering TLR7 and TLR8 can actually increase tumor cell survival, while a new soluble factor IFN-beta represses tumor growth by limiting blood vessel formation. Additionally, microRNA-31 has been identified as an oncogenic factor promoting lung cancer through the repression of specific tumor suppressor genes.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 8, 2010

Immune cells use bungee of death to kill dangerous cells, shows new research

Researchers at Imperial College London discovered that natural killer cells use membrane nanotubes to ensnare and destroy tumour cells and virus-infected cells. This new mechanism increases the cells' chance of killing their target cells from a distance, significantly improving cancer treatment options.

SourceImperial College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 8, 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.

Strength is shore thing for sea shell scientists

Scientists from the University of Manchester and Leeds have developed a method to combine calcite crystals with polystyrene particles, resulting in a more ductile and tough material. This technique has the potential to be used in crack-resistant building materials and bone replacements.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 8, 2010

Outreach program brings relief to traumatized London bombing survivors

A new mental health outreach programme has successfully identified and treated hundreds of survivors of the 2005 London bombings, strongly suggesting similar programmes need to be included in disaster response plans. The programme highlighted a significant gap in traditional GP referrals for mental healthcare after terrorist attacks.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateMar 8, 2010

The influence of a romantic breakup on self-concept

A recent study found that romantic breakups can lead to reduced self-concept clarity and increased emotional distress. Individuals experience changes in their selves, feeling less clear and smaller after the loss of a partner.

SourceSAGE·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateMar 8, 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.

'Pay it forward' pays off

Researchers from UC San Diego and Harvard found that cooperative behavior is contagious and spreads through a social network. When people benefit from kindness, they are more likely to help others, creating a cascade of cooperation.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 8, 2010

Improvements needed in genomic test result discussions

A new study found that one in three early-stage breast cancer patients felt they didn't fully understand their genomic test result discussions, while a quarter experienced distress. The study suggests there is room for improvement in communicating cancer recurrence risks and treatment decisions with patients.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalCancer·DateMar 8, 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.

Women who drink moderately appear to gain less weight than nondrinkers

Research suggests that moderate alcohol consumption may be associated with a lower risk of becoming overweight or obese. Women who drank less than 40 grams per day had the lowest risk, which was almost 30% lower than that of non-drinkers. This finding contradicts previous research and warrants further investigation.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateMar 8, 2010

NYU, U. of Wurzburg scientists shed new light on how retina's hardware is used in color vision

Researchers at NYU and U. of Würzburg identified how photoreceptor cells in the fruit fly Drosophila use distinct spectral sensitivities for color vision and motion detection. Flies with impaired R7 or R8 photoreceptors showed preferences for specific colors, revealing separate channels for color and motion.

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 8, 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.

Unhealthy foods become less popular with increasing costs

A study of 5,115 young adults found that increased prices for unhealthy foods like soda and pizza led to decreased calorie consumption and weight loss. The researchers estimate that an 18% tax on these foods could result in a decline of roughly 56 calories per person per day.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateMar 8, 2010

Black and Hispanic patients with heart failure less likely to use hospice

A study of Medicare beneficiaries with heart failure found that Black and Hispanic patients were less likely to use hospice care compared to white patients. Cultural differences, lack of trust between patients and physicians, and access issues may contribute to these disparities.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateMar 8, 2010

Spotlight on rare tumors in hunt for new cancer treatments

Researchers at the ESMO Conference on Sarcoma and GIST discuss exciting new science on rare tumors found in muscle, blood vessels, deep skin tissues, nerves, and joints. Novel treatments are emerging for a large number of sarcoma types, targeting initial molecular alterations driving these tumors.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·DateMar 8, 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.

Prostate cancer treatment choices vary based on type of specialist consulted

A study found that prostate cancer treatment options differ based on the type of specialist consulted. Men who see a radiation oncologist are more likely to receive radiation therapy, while those who consult with a urologist with or without a medical oncologist are treated more frequently with hormone therapy, watchful waiting, or radi...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateMar 8, 2010

Engineers deployed to Chile to study earthquake's impacts

A team of US engineers is traveling to Chile to document the effects of a massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake that struck on February 27. The team will focus on soil and geologic conditions, as well as the performance of engineered structures in the quake.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·DateMar 8, 2010

Program could help teens control asthma

Researchers develop culturally-tailored intervention program to reduce tobacco exposure, improve medication adherence and enhance attack readiness. The program has already proven useful in other populations, resulting in significant reductions in emergency department visits, hospitalizations and school absences.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateMar 8, 2010

Seafarers' scourge provides hope for biofuel future

Researchers discovered gribble's digestive system contains enzymes that break down wood polymers, offering clues for industrial conversion. This could lead to the production of biofuels produced with gribble enzymes, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 8, 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.

Editorial: Eye cancer research becomes a collaborative pursuit

Research on ocular cancer has expanded to involve well-designed, multi-center collaborative studies that help continue the advancement of knowledge in the field. These studies allow for large patient recruitment, foster field-wide agreement on terminology, and provide cost savings by avoiding duplication of efforts.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Ophthalmology·DateMar 8, 2010

Cool model for a hot planet

Binghamton University economist Zili Yang's book explores how game theory and integrated assessment models can help mitigate climate change by promoting cooperation among nations. His research argues that climate agreements should be fair and equitable, with industrialized nations contributing their share to address global warming.

SourceBinghamton University·DateMar 8, 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.

How to see through opaque materials

Scientists at ESCPI conducted an experiment to focus light through opaque materials and detect objects hidden behind them. They used a numerical model called a transmission matrix to tailor a beam of light specifically to pass through the material and focus on the other side.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 8, 2010

1-page questionnaire is effective screening tool for common psychiatric disorders

A new 27-item questionnaire, the M-3 checklist, is a valid and effective tool to help primary care doctors screen patients for four common psychiatric illnesses. The checklist was developed by a team of mental health practitioners and experts and was found to be effective in screening for any mood or anxiety disorder 83% of the time.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 8, 2010

Poll reveals sleep differences among ethnic groups

The National Sleep Foundation's Annual Sleep in America poll explores sleep issues among Asians, African-Americans, Hispanics, and whites, revealing significant differences in sleep habits and attitudes. Blacks/African-Americans report the busiest bedtime routines, while Asians get the best sleep and infrequently use sleep aids.

SourceNational Sleep Foundation·DateMar 8, 2010

March/April 2010 Annals of Family Medicine tip sheet

Researchers found that wait time is the most important factor in patients' care-seeking decisions, while high-touch aspects of the patient-centered medical home are more highly correlated with preventive services delivery. Additionally, in-office C-reactive protein testing can help physicians more appropriately prescribe antibiotics fo...

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 8, 2010

Asexual plant reproduction may seed new approach for agriculture

Researchers may be able to induce apomixis in sexually reproducing plants, a process that produces genetically identical seeds without meiosis. This breakthrough has significant implications for crop improvement and could reduce the need for expensive seed purchases.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature·DateMar 8, 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.

Unhappy customers: Everyone has a right to complain, and does

A new study found that consumers from lower-income backgrounds and rural areas are less likely to return products for refunds or exchanges, but this is not due to their socioeconomic status. The researchers recommend supporting consumer empowerment at the public policy level to encourage assertive action against companies.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Consumer Affairs·DateMar 8, 2010

Inadequate surgical provision in African district general hospitals

Two papers investigate surgical provision in eight African district hospitals, revealing low levels of care, few beds, and no specialist surgeons or anaesthetists. The findings highlight a shocking lack of surgical capacity in these settings, with significant implications for healthcare planning in Africa.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 8, 2010

Warning sign for potential anti-cancer approach

A new study suggests that stimulating human lung cancer cells with TLR7 or TLR8 agonists can lead to increased tumor cell survival and resistance to chemotherapy. This approach is being investigated as an adjuvant for anticancer immunotherapies, but caution should be exercised due to these potential risks.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 8, 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.

Deceptive model

Researchers found that human and mouse embryonic stem cells have distinct responses to growth factors, rendering animal models less reliable for preliminary tests. Human ES cells will remain essential for stem cell research due to their superior performance in tissue differentiation.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMar 8, 2010

A full house raises risk of hospital deaths

A new study published in Medical Care found that high hospital occupancy is associated with a 5.6% increased risk of patient death, while nurse staffing levels can decrease this risk by 6%. Weekend admissions also increase the risk of death by 7.5%, while seasonal flu raises it by 11.7%.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalMedical Care·DateMar 8, 2010

Is prenatal screening for rare diseases like spinal muscular atrophy too costly?

A recent study found that prenatal screening for spinal muscular atrophy is not cost-effective due to high costs and limited benefits. The authors estimated that only 12,500 women need to be screened to prevent one case of the disease, which would require a significant investment.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateMar 8, 2010

Study shows potential for using algae to produce human therapeutic proteins

A study published in Plant Biotechnology Journal found that algae can produce human therapeutic proteins such as VEGF, HMGB1, and fibronectin at levels comparable to mammalian cell cultures. This could significantly reduce the cost of expensive treatments for diseases like Multiple Sclerosis and Type 1 diabetes.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPlant Biotechnology·DateMar 8, 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.

New ways to disarm deadly South American hemorrhagic fever viruses

Researchers have discovered exactly how one type of New World hemorrhagic fever virus latches onto and infects human cells, offering a much-needed lead toward new treatments. The finding identifies the apical domain of the transferrin receptor as an attractive target for drugs.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateMar 8, 2010

A possible early glimpse of autism's impact on older siblings

A study suggests a possible early warning sign for autism spectrum disorders in families, with older siblings showing trends of hyperactivity and behavioral problems. Mothers of young autistic children experience more depression and stress than mothers of typically developing children.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalFocus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities·DateMar 8, 2010

Obesity as protection against metabolic syndrome, not its cause

According to Roger Unger, obesity is the body's way of storing lipids in fat tissue to protect other organs. This protective mechanism fails when the body's fat tissue can't handle excess calories, leading to metabolic syndrome. The rise of leptin resistance also plays a key role in this process.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Endocrinology and Metabolism·DateMar 8, 2010

Violent crime 'race gap' narrows, but persists in US

A new study by the University of Maryland and other institutions found that the racial gap in violent crime has narrowed, but still exists, particularly in communities with higher rates of divorce, unemployment, and drug use. The study analyzed data from 80 US cities between 1960 and 2000 and found that the gap most pronounced in these...

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateMar 8, 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.

Nutrition services for older adults at home and in communities

The joint position paper by SNE, ADA, and ASN emphasizes the importance of nutrition programs for older adults living in communities, addressing issues like food insecurity and malnutrition. The recommendations include promoting healthful aging, seeking community resources, and supporting more people staying healthy at home.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateMar 8, 2010

BUSM researchers identify new syndrome

Researchers from BUSM identified a new syndrome, SHAKE (Supplement-associated Hyperammonemia After C(K)achetic Episode), characterized by altered mental status and difficulty walking. The condition can be prevented by discontinuing high protein dietary supplements in patients with poor eating habits.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateMar 8, 2010

Carbon emissions 'outsourced' to developing countries

A new study by Carnegie Institution scientists reveals that many developed countries outsource their carbon emissions to developing countries, with some emitting up to four times more CO2 per person than they consume. The research highlights the need for global climate policy to account for emissions embodied in trade.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 8, 2010

New approach to immune cell analysis seen as first step to better distinguish health and disease

A new mathematical approach, csSAM, allows for accurate and quick characterization of immune cells in human blood, enabling the distinction between health and disease states. This breakthrough method identifies changes in gene expression patterns, overcoming previous obstacles such as cell separation and variation in cell proportions.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNature Methods·DateMar 8, 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 BPA may cause permanent fertility defects, Yale researchers find

Researchers at Yale School of Medicine have discovered that exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA) during pregnancy causes permanent abnormalities in the uterus of offspring. The study found that BPA exposure permanently alters gene expression and DNA modification in the uterus, leading to hyper-responsiveness to estrogens.

SourceYale University·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateMar 8, 2010

Physician-pharmacist collaborative care plans have little impact on clinical outcomes

A study published in Canadian Medical Association Journal found that collaborative care plans involving physicians and pharmacists have little clinical impact on managing lipid control in patients with high cholesterol. The study suggests that this approach may be effective for lifestyle changes, but not for significant clinical outcomes.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 8, 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.

Articles highlight challenges, progress in nervous system cancers

Recent clinical and scientific advancements in nervous system cancers have improved our understanding of molecular changes and new therapies for patients. The March issue of Archives of Neurology features articles on various topics, including increased melanoma risk among Parkinson's disease patients and new insights into glioma risk.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateMar 8, 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.

The soluble factor IFN-beta represses tumor growth

Researchers identified IFN-beta as a natural inhibitor of tumor blood vessel growth, limiting tumor growth and immune cell gene expression. This discovery provides insight into why IFN therapy benefits early cancer development.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 8, 2010

AGU Journal highlights -- March 8, 2010

Scientists find that Arctic sea ice loss is driven by the formation of arches, which block flow and lead to increased ice loss. In Mars, solar wind pulses contribute to atmospheric escape, with bursts occurring in association with corotating interaction regions.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMar 8, 2010

Gene discovered for newly recognized disease in Amish children

Researchers have discovered a gene linked to a newly recognized multisystem autoimmune disorder affecting Amish children, characterized by chronic diarrhea, enlarged organs, and developmental delays. The ITCH gene plays a crucial role in regulating the immune system, and identifying it may lead to effective treatment for these children.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMar 8, 2010

BC psychologist named 2010 Sloan Research Fellow

Sara Cordes, a BC psychologist, receives 2010 Sloan Research Fellowship for her research on infant quantity tracking. The fellowship supports her work in understanding how infants keep track of quantity, with implications for later mathematics competence.

SourceBoston College·DateMar 8, 2010
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Institute for Aging Research study finds racial differences in hospice use for heart failure

A new study from the Institute for Aging Research found that blacks and Hispanics have significantly lower odds of receiving hospice care for advanced heart failure compared to whites. The study highlights the need to ensure equal access to and education about hospice services, particularly for racial and ethnic minorities.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateMar 8, 2010

Geraniums could help control devastating Japanese beetle

Scientists have found that geraniums can paralyze the Japanese beetle, a pest feeding on ornamentals, soybeans, and other crops. The beetles typically recover within 24 hours after being paralyzed, but often succumb to predators under field conditions.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·DateMar 8, 2010