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Science News for May 21, 2010


Using remote sensing to track invasive trees

A team of ARS scientists used remote sensing tools to identify invasive Ashe juniper shrubs and trees in central Texas. The study found that the first 10 bands from a MNF transformation were the best for distinguishing Ashe juniper from other mixed woody species.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalInternational Journal of Remote Sensing·DateMay 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.

MSU researchers testing vaccine to help people quit smoking

Researchers at Michigan State University are testing a new NicVAX vaccine to help people quit smoking and avoid relapses. The vaccine works by preventing nicotine from crossing the blood-brain barrier, blocking the addictive pleasure sensation experienced by smokers.

SourceMichigan State University·DateMay 21, 2010

To publish or not to publish? That is the question

A study published in PLoS One investigates the reliability of peer review and its influence on journal editors' decisions to publish or reject research. The results suggest that reviewers agree on manuscript disposition rates barely exceeding chance, while editor decisions are significantly influenced by reviewer recommendations.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 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.

Increased cancer risk of people with type 2 diabetes

A study of 125,126 Swedish citizens with type 2 diabetes found an increased risk of 24 types of cancer, with the highest rates for pancreatic and liver cell cancers. The researchers also discovered a lower risk of prostate cancer among diabetics with a family history of the disease.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalThe Oncologist·DateMay 21, 2010

Corporate health program reduces employee CVD medical, hospital costs

A comprehensive health promotion program developed by CSX Transportation reduced cardiovascular disease-related medical claims from 56.6% to 48.3% and hospital claims from 6% to 4.3%. The program, launched in 2004, included interventions such as biometric screenings, nutrition and exercise coaching, and on-site fitness centers.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMay 21, 2010

Food insecurity increases risk of weight gain and complications during pregnancy

A recent study by the University of Illinois found that food insecurity is associated with a higher body mass index, greater weight gain during pregnancy, and a higher risk for gestational diabetes. Pregnant women who experienced food insecurity were more likely to develop health complications.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association·DateMay 21, 2010

Scientists need to be more proactive, effective at public communication

Scientists need to be more proactive and effective in communicating their research findings to various audiences, including resource users, communities, and the general public. A comprehensive approach to communication used in the establishment of marine reserves can be applied to other areas of science and natural resource management.

SourceOregon State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 21, 2010

MIT researchers develop better way to detect food allergies

A new technology developed by MIT chemical engineer Christopher Love can analyze individual immune cells taken from patients, allowing for precise measurement of the cells' response to allergens. This approach enables faster and more reliable food allergy diagnoses than current tests.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalLab on a Chip·DateMay 21, 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.

Silica cages help anti-cancer antibodies kill tumors in mice

Researchers have developed silica cages that can package anti-cancer antibodies, which significantly slow the growth of tumors and prolong the lives of mice. The treatment also reduces side effects compared to traditional intravenous drips.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 21, 2010

Home monitoring, Web-based tool improves blood pressure control

A pharmacist-led home blood pressure monitoring program supported by the American Heart Association's Heart 360 website improved blood pressure control for patients with uncontrolled hypertension. The program, which used online tools and clinical pharmacy specialists to adjust medications based on proven protocols, resulted in a signif...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMay 21, 2010

Danger in the Internet cafe?

University of Calgary researchers warn of a new computer security threat called Typhoid adware, which can infect laptops in public places like internet cafes. The adware displays advertisements on infected computers without the user's knowledge.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·DateMay 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.

Uncovering lithium's mode of action

Researchers have found that lithium reduces brain inflammation by increasing levels of anti-inflammatory DHA and decreasing pro-inflammatory arachidonic acid. This dual mechanism may explain why lithium is effective in treating bipolar disorder, and could lead to additional therapeutic uses.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateMay 21, 2010

Meaner than fiction: Reality TV high on aggression, study shows

A new study by Brigham Young University found that reality TV shows exhibit more aggression than dramas, comedies, and soap operas. The researchers analyzed 120 hours of programming and identified 52 acts of aggression per hour on reality TV, with 'The Apprentice' topping the list.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media·DateMay 21, 2010

Prenatal exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals linked to breast cancer

A study in mice suggests that prenatal exposure to BPA or DES may program a fetus for life, increasing the risk of breast cancer in adulthood. Higher EZH2 levels are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer in humans, highlighting the potential need for monitoring women exposed to these chemicals.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalHormones and Cancer·DateMay 21, 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.

Systems biology helps to understand hematopoiesis

Researchers used systems biology approaches to study how hematopoietic cells react to high levels of erythropoietin. They found that the cells rapidly take up and break down the hormone, replenishing their receptors in a continuous process. This understanding may lead to developing more effective anemia treatments.

SourceHelmholtz Association·DateMay 21, 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.

NIH funds multicenter 'glue grant' to study enzyme function

A multicenter team of researchers, including scientists at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, has received a NIH 'Glue Grant' to develop a strategy for discovering the structure and function of unknown enzymes. The research may result in new drug targets and lead to new enzymes for industrial reactions.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·DateMay 21, 2010

Intracellular express -- why transport protein molecules have brakes

Researchers at TUM and LMU investigate kinesin-2, a fast motor protein that transports cellular cargoes along microtubules. They find that KLP11 has an autoinhibition mechanism that allows it to control its speed and function in the cell.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 21, 2010