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Science News for May 19, 2010


Resistant wheat rebuilds cell walls when attacked by Hessian flies

Researchers found that resistant wheat plants under attack by Hessian fly larvae increase production of surface waxes and cutin, a molecule responsible for rigidity and integrity of epidermal cells. Susceptible plants have genes turned off, making them more permeable to the larvae.

SourcePurdue University·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateMay 19, 2010

Astronomers discover 'defiant' new supernova

The discovery of SN2005E reveals a supernova whose origin cannot be explained by any previously known mechanism. It is rich in helium and surprisingly different from typical white dwarf systems.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature·DateMay 19, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Over-diagnosis of bipolar disorder and disability payments -- a link?

A study from Rhode Island Hospital found that patients over-diagnosed with bipolar disorder were more likely to receive disability payments for a longer period. The researchers propose a link between the two, suggesting that clinicians may over-diagnose bipolar disorder in complex, chronically ill patients seeking secondary gain.

SourceLifespan·JournalThe Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease·DateMay 19, 2010

New microneedle antimicrobial techniques may foster medical tech innovation

Researchers developed two new approaches to incorporate antimicrobial properties into microneedles, improving their safety and effectiveness in portable medical devices. The techniques prevent microbial growth without affecting skin cell growth, paving the way for widespread adoption of microneedles in outpatient treatments.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·DateMay 19, 2010

The making of a queen: Road to royalty begins early in paper wasps

Researchers found that gene activity and protein levels in young paper wasp larvae predispose them to one caste or the other. Queens have high levels of proteins enabling survival and reproduction, while workers are shorter-lived and biased toward the worker role.

SourceNational Evolutionary Synthesis Center (NESCent)·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 19, 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.

Disease control, not climate change, key to future of malaria

A recent study suggests that current malaria interventions could have a more dramatic positive effect on reducing the spread of malaria than negative effects caused by climate change. The research found that disease control measures such as insecticide-treated bed nets and modern antimalarial drugs can potentially counteract the effect...

SourceWellcome Trust·JournalNature·DateMay 19, 2010

Nuclear magnetic resonance aids in drug design

A new study uses Nuclear Magnetic Resonance to predict how flexibility affects drug-like properties, enabling systematic manipulation of candidate drug molecules. The research aims to overcome issues of resistance, transportation, and oral bioavailability in drug design.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 19, 2010

Preschool depression: The importance of early detection of depression in young children

Research highlights the importance of early detection and intervention for preschool depression, which can be a precursor to later childhood depression. Developmental interventions and psychotherapy may be effective in addressing preschool depression, with novel treatments like Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) showing promise.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateMay 19, 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.

New technique enables drug tests via exhaled breath

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet developed a new method for collecting narcotic substances from exhaled breath, which was successful in detecting amphetamine and metamphetamine in all cases of emergency care patients.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of Analytical Toxicology·DateMay 19, 2010

Breaking the logjam: Improving data download from outer space

Researchers used the International Space Station to test reconfigurable field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and power converters, providing insights into high-energy radiation effects on computing electronics. The experiments aimed to mitigate potentially crippling effects in future processing-architecture designs.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·DateMay 19, 2010

Proposed diagnostic change not enough to help children currently diagnosed with bipolar disorder

A new pediatric DSM category, Temper Dysregulation Disorder with Dysphoria (TDD), aims to better reflect symptoms of children currently diagnosed with bipolar disorder. However, the authors argue that this change alone is not enough to promote flourishing in troubled children and may even lead to increased medication use.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 19, 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.

Irregular medication use puts seniors at risk for falling

A recent study found that older adults who sometimes neglected their medications experienced a 50 percent increased rate of falls compared to those who took their medications as directed. The study, which analyzed data from over 700 seniors in Boston, highlights the importance of medication adherence for preventing falls.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateMay 19, 2010

Scientists release data on potential new treatment targets for malaria

An international team identified over 1,100 new compounds with confirmed activity against the malaria parasite, including two dozen families of molecules that could be candidates for drug development. The researchers launched a public database to share findings and accelerate anti-malarial drug development.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature·DateMay 19, 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.

NASA's Aqua satellite sees Gulf oil slick in sunglint

The Aqua satellite captured a detailed image of the oil slick in sunglint, revealing an uneven shape with varying shades of bright gray-beige. The satellite imagery is being used to track the spread of the oil spill and inform fishing regulations.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 19, 2010

An explosive pair

Researchers identify third type of supernova with unique chemical composition, suggesting a pair of white dwarves are involved. This discovery may explain the prevalence of certain elements in the universe and account for observed concentrations of particles called positrons.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature·DateMay 19, 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.

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.

Possible new class of supernovae puts calcium in your bones

Astronomers have identified a possible new class of supernovae that produces high levels of calcium, which could explain the element's abundance in galaxies and life on Earth. The 'calcium-rich' supernovae were discovered by detecting unusual elements in their spectra.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature·DateMay 19, 2010

Lancet article highlights hope in the tuberculosis

The TB Alliance has made significant progress in developing new TB drugs, with three co-developed by the organization and its partners, and two others currently being tested through the Critical Path to TB Regimens (CPTR) initiative.

SourceGCI Health- TB Alliance·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 19, 2010

Depressed chronic kidney disease patients more likely to face complications

Chronic kidney disease patients with depression are more likely to be hospitalized, progress to long-term dialysis treatments or die within a year compared to those without depression. Depression is associated with poorer health outcomes, including higher rates of hospitalization, dialysis, and mortality.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalJAMA·DateMay 19, 2010

Putting teeth into forensic science

Researchers have found a way to estimate a victim's age at death using their teeth, which can help identify them among multiple possible matches. By analyzing the levels of carbon-14 in tooth enamel, scientists can calculate the birth date and year of death.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalMolecular & Cellular Proteomics·DateMay 19, 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.

Manmade antibodies hold biomedical promise

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a method to create synthetic antibodies that can bind with human proteins with high affinity and specificity. This technique, called synbody construction, involves combining random amino acid sequences to form a binding molecule that can target specific proteins.

SourceArizona State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 19, 2010

Dynamic HIV testing

Researchers developed a dynamic HIV testing device that eliminates human error and requires no technician intervention. The device is 100% accurate, inexpensive, portable, and self-contained, making it suitable for rural clinics and pharmacies in developing countries.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Technology·DateMay 19, 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.

Improved management of severe epilepsy may reduce treatment costs

A new study found that improved treatment of severe epilepsy could significantly reduce the overall cost of the condition. The study analyzed data from 9,163 epilepsy patients and found that non-AED related costs increased disproportionately with disease severity, while AED-related costs remained stable.

SourceCooney Waters Group, Inc.·DateMay 19, 2010

Androgen receptor may explain male dominance in liver cancer

A University of Rochester study found a direct link between the androgen receptor and hepatitis B virus in causing liver cancer, explaining why men get the disease more often than women. Researchers showed that targeting the androgen receptor could lead to new treatment approaches for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 19, 2010

UC Davis study finds new predictor of heart disease in African-Americans

A study by UC Davis researchers has identified a blood component, lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), as a predictor of coronary artery disease in African-Americans. The finding highlights the role of inflammation in vascular disease among this ethnic group and may lead to more targeted treatment approaches.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJournal of Endocrinology and Metabolism·DateMay 19, 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.

Common birds pass on organic seed

A three-year study found wild birds opt for conventional food due to its higher protein content, challenging the notion that organic food is preferred. The study's findings suggest that consumers may be misled about the nutritional benefits of organic food.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·DateMay 19, 2010

Active and healthy schools get kids moving

The Active and Healthy Schools Program, implemented by University of Missouri researchers, has helped increase kids' activity levels, improve attention span, and reduce discipline problems. The program includes regular activity breaks and encourages small changes to create a healthy environment.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·DateMay 19, 2010

New study reveals ways to better inhibit blood clots

Researchers discovered that adding proline and phenylalanine amino acids improves binding rates of synthetic fibrin knobs to holes, leading to a novel peptide mimic with 10-fold higher affinity. The study also identified structural properties contributing to functional knob-hole interactions.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalBlood·DateMay 19, 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.

Particulate air pollution affects heart health

Researchers found that particulate air pollution from PM2.5 exposure can affect heart electrophysiology up to six hours after inhalation, leading to increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Elevated PM2.5 levels may trigger acute cardiac events and contribute to chronic heart disease.

SourcePenn State·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateMay 19, 2010

New steps toward a universal flu vaccine

Researchers have developed a novel influenza vaccine that could represent the next step towards a universal influenza vaccine eliminating seasonal immunizations. The vaccine uses headless hemaglutinin (HA) protein, inducing a broader and more robust immune response in mice.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateMay 19, 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.

Study reveals genetic link to infectious disease susceptibility

Researchers have identified a genetic link between the CISH gene and increased susceptibility to tuberculosis, malaria, and serious bacterial infections. The study found that a single genetic variant in the CISH gene increases disease risk by 18% compared to those without the variant.

SourceWellcome Trust·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 19, 2010

Muscle loss in elderly linked to blood vessels' failure to dilate

Research at the University of Texas Medical Branch found that elderly people's muscles don't respond to insulin by expanding their blood vessels like younger people do. This response is necessary for muscle protein synthesis and growth, with implications for improving strength and health in older adults.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMay 19, 2010

Popular autism diet does not demonstrate behavioral improvement

A tightly controlled University of Rochester study found that eliminating gluten and casein from children with autism had no impact on their behavior, sleep or bowel patterns. Despite this, some subgroups of children may receive benefits from dietary changes, particularly those with significant gastrointestinal symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·DateMay 19, 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.

Gene therapy may be effective in treating PAH

Researchers found that increasing BMPR2 levels reduced pulmonary hypertension and strain on the heart in rat models of the disease. The study suggests that boosting BMPR2 levels could offer a new therapeutic target for treating PAH.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·DateMay 19, 2010

Extending lifespan has mixed effects on learning and memory

Research at Princeton University found that caloric restriction impairs long-term memory in early adulthood but does not further decline it with age. In contrast, reducing insulin signaling improves learning ability and maintains it better with age. The study has implications for treating cognitive decline associated with aging.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 19, 2010

Arizona's smoking ban reduced hospital visits, UA study finds

A University of Arizona study found that the state's 2007 smoking ban led to a significant reduction in hospital admissions for conditions related to secondhand smoke, including acute myocardial infarction, stroke, asthma, and angina. The ban resulted in estimated savings of $16 million in hospital charges.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMay 19, 2010

Low-cost, ultra-fast DNA sequencing brings diagnostic use closer

A new nanopore method for DNA sequencing has been developed by Boston University researchers, enabling ultra-fast and low-cost genetic analysis. The technique uses solid-state nanopores to detect DNA molecules, achieving readout rates of up to 200 bases per second.

SourceBoston University College of Engineering·JournalNano Letters·DateMay 19, 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.

Living wills are poor predictors of actual treatment preferences at the end of life

A recent study published in Journal of Palliative Medicine found that living wills often do not accurately reflect patients' actual treatment preferences at the end of life. The authors propose revising living wills to include more realistic scenarios and estimates of treatment effectiveness to guide advance care decisions.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Palliative Medicine·DateMay 19, 2010

National Geothermal Institute established at University of Nevada, Reno

The National Geothermal Institute will provide training and education in geothermal energy production through a series of short courses and curriculum developed by top geothermal schools. The institute is expected to augment the University of Nevada's Great Basin Center for Geothermal Energy with research and trained graduates.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Reno·DateMay 19, 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.

Enabling video systems to react intelligently to content

The EUREKA ITEA 2 project developed advanced digital technologies for robust analytical algorithms, a scalable platform, and content presentation that adapts to devices, users, and content. Key innovations include automated video content analysis for surveillance, medical diagnostics, and multimedia applications.

SourceEUREKA·DateMay 19, 2010

New methods developed to detect, measure potato phytonutrients

Researchers have created new analytical procedures for detecting and measuring phytonutrient concentrations in potatoes, which may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, respiratory problems, and certain cancers. Phytonutrient levels in potatoes range from 100 to over 1,500 milligrams per 100 grams dry weight.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·DateMay 19, 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.

New method could stop shark oil being used in cosmetics and vaccines

A new method uses isotopic analysis to distinguish olive oil from shark-derived squalene and squalane, a potential solution to stop commercial fraud and protect sharks. The technique could also promote the production of plant-based squalene, discouraging shark fishing.

SourceWiley·JournalRapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry·DateMay 19, 2010

Sari cloth a simple sustainable protector from cholera

A five-year study in Bangladesh found that women's use of sari cloth to filter household water reduced cholera incidence by 48% in their own households. Neighboring households not filtering water also saw a lower incidence of disease, highlighting the indirect benefit of the practice.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateMay 19, 2010

Keeping an ear out for kin

Researchers discovered that bats can differentiate between their own and different species using individualized echolocation calls, similar to how humans recognize voices. This ability may provide an advantage in hunting grounds, while also influencing community-level interactions.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·DateMay 19, 2010

More than 60 percent of teachers have voice problems

A study by researchers at the University of Malaga found that 62.7% of early childhood and primary education teachers suffer from voice disorders on a daily or weekly basis. The study highlights the psychosocial dimensions associated with these disorders, including less social support, role conflict, and reduced respect for their work.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalFolia Phoniatrica et Logopaedica·DateMay 19, 2010

UT study finds viruses in untreated East Tennessee drinking water

A University of Tennessee study found high-risk water sources in East Tennessee contain fecal contamination, including E.coli, coliforms, Bacteroides, and infectious viruses. This highlights a potential health hazard for rural residents who drink untreated groundwater.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalGround Water·DateMay 19, 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.

Semiconductor manufacturing technique holds promise for solar energy

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new method to manufacture thin films of gallium arsenide, a highly efficient semiconductor material, that could expand its applications in solar devices. The technique allows for the production of bulk quantities of material more rapidly and cost effectively.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature·DateMay 19, 2010