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Science News for May 28, 2010


Deep subduction of the Indian continental crust beneath Asia

Researchers have discovered that the Indian continental crust was forced down to a depth of at least 200 km under the Asian plate during the Himalayan collision. This finding is significant as it contradicts previous estimates and challenges fundamental parameters of Himalayan tectonics.

SourceNational Oceanography Centre, UK·JournalGeology·DateMay 28, 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.

Canadian research examines effects of scientific claims on oil

A University of Alberta researcher examines three social narratives that prevent people from acting on the effects of oil on the environment. These narratives, including strategic realism, eco-apocalypse, and technological utopianism, hinder effective action despite knowledge of the issue's impact.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalSouth Atlantic Quarterly·DateMay 28, 2010

First Arizona 'Strides for Life' event nets $25,000 for TGen research

The Lung Cancer Research Foundation donated $25,000 to support TGen's lung cancer research, recognizing the institute's groundbreaking work in improving detection and treatment. This marks the second year of the 'Strides for Life' event, which aims to advance lung cancer research.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·DateMay 28, 2010

Robots big and small showcase their skills at NIST Alaskan events

The Virtual Manufacturing Automation Competition and Mobile Microrobotics Challenge demonstrated robotic capabilities for complex tasks like mixed palletizing and microassembly. The competitions aimed to advance robotic skills for future robots in various industries.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateMay 28, 2010

Put more nitrogen into milk, not manure

A study by US Department of Agriculture researchers found that only 20-35% of nitrogen fed to dairy cows is converted into milk, with 16-77% necessary for grass and other pasture plants. The research provides tools to improve nitrogen use efficiency, promoting better practices for farmers and reducing environmental impact.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalEnvironmental Science & Policy·DateMay 28, 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.

Prenatal exposure to BPA and DES may increase breast cancer risk

Researchers at Yale University found that prenatal exposure to BPA and DES can increase an offspring's risk of breast cancer. The chemicals, known as endocrine disruptors, alter gene expression in the breast throughout life, leading to a higher risk of breast cancer in adults.

SourceYale University·JournalHormones and Cancer·DateMay 28, 2010

Rutgers cell biologist pinpoints how RNA viruses copy themselves

Researchers have discovered that certain RNA viruses, including Poliovirus and Hepatitis C virus, copy themselves by seizing a cellular enzyme to create replication factories enriched in phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate (PI4P) lipids. This process enables the viruses to attract and stimulate the enzymes needed for replication.

SourceRutgers University·JournalCell·DateMay 28, 2010

Age is a factor in choosing between two comparable stroke-prevention procedures

Researchers found that two comparable procedures have equal benefits for men and women, but patient age affects outcomes. The study, part of the Carotid Revascularization Endarterectomy vs. Stenting Trial (CREST), shows stenting is more beneficial for younger patients, while surgery is better for older ones.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 28, 2010

New blood thinners can cause dangerous drug interactions

Three new oral blood-thinning drugs may offer significant advantages over Coumadin, but their lack of clinical experience raises concerns about potential interactions. Many adults take multiple prescription drugs, increasing the risk of adverse interactions.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalInternational Journal of Clinical Practice·DateMay 28, 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.

Study begins on air-sea exchanges and their influence on climate

Scientists launch Waves, Aerosols and Gas Exchange Study (WAGES) to investigate air-sea gas exchange and its impact on climate. The two-year project uses the Royal Research Ship James Clark Ross to collect continuous measurements of carbon dioxide, sea-spray aerosol, heat, moisture, and momentum.

SourceNational Oceanography Centre, UK·DateMay 28, 2010

Experimental treatment protects monkeys from lethal Ebola virus post-exposure

Scientists have successfully prevented monkeys exposed to the deadly Ebola virus from dying of hemorrhagic fever using a genetic material-based treatment. The study suggests that such protection could also be possible in humans, offering new hope for combating the highly contagious and lethal disease.

SourceUS Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 28, 2010

New source of stem cells form heart muscle cells, repair damage

Researchers have discovered a new source of stem cells that can form heart muscle cells, which can help repair damaged hearts. The stem cells, called human amniotic membrane-derived mesenchymal cells (hAMCs), were obtained from the amniotic membrane and showed promising results in laboratory studies.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMay 28, 2010

Zeroing in on quantum effects

Physicists use iron oxychalcogenides to study Mott localization in undoped pnictide parent compounds, providing further evidence that these systems are on the verge of Mott localization. This proximity to Mott localization endows the system with strong quantum magnetic fluctuations.

SourceRice University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 28, 2010

Following the sugar right from the start

Researchers have successfully attached imaging probes to glycans in zebrafish embryos just seven hours after fertilization, allowing for the first-ever images of glycan activity on embryonic cells. This new technique enables scientists to study physiological changes during embryogenesis without damaging the embryos.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 28, 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.

Yale researchers develop test to identify 'best' sperm

Researchers at Yale School of Medicine have developed a method to select sperm with the highest DNA integrity, comparable to the egg's natural selection abilities. The test identified a biochemical marker that allows clinicians to choose the best sperm for fertilization, improving male fertility rates.

SourceYale University·JournalJournal of Andrology·DateMay 28, 2010

Post-mortem of a comet

Researchers at the University of Leicester have dissected comet samples to reveal their true composition, shedding light on the Solar System's early stages and water delivery. They found unexpected signs of high-temperature iron oxides, raising questions about comet formation.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·DateMay 28, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Novel protein essential for successful pregnancy

Researchers at Yale University have discovered a novel protein called Preimplantation Factor, which is crucial for successful pregnancy. The protein modulates maternal immunity and promotes early embryo attachment, influencing uterine cell remodeling.

SourceYale University·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateMay 28, 2010

First horned dinosaur from Mexico

The newly discovered Coahuilaceratops magnacuerna is a rhino-sized plant-eater with massive horns up to 4 feet long and weighs around four to five tons. The species provides fresh insights into the Late Cretaceous period in Mexico, offering a new perspective on western North America's ecosystem.

SourceUniversity of Utah·DateMay 28, 2010

Materials Design and Texas Instruments at VLSI Symposia

Materials Design Inc. presents a joint presentation with University of Texas at Dallas, KAUST, and Texas Instruments on the power of atomistic simulation in guiding microelectronics development. The collaboration demonstrates low Vt in CMOS using hybrid cladding layers.

SourceMaterials Design, Inc.·DateMay 28, 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.

New study maps spawning habitat of bluefin tuna in the Gulf of Mexico

A new study published in PLoS ONE has mapped the spawning habitat of bluefin tuna in the Gulf of Mexico, revealing two major hotspot regions where bycatch occurs. These findings suggest that spatial management techniques can protect western Atlantic bluefin tuna on their breeding grounds without compromising the yellowfin tuna fishery.

SourceStanford University - Hopkins Marine Station·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 28, 2010

Student uses pedal power to create novel machine

A student at the University of Sheffield designed a mobile bicycle-powered water pump, called bicibomba movil, to improve irrigation and water distribution for rural residents in Guatemala. The machine can achieve a flow rate of 40 liters per minute on flat ground and has been produced in regular production since its creation.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·DateMay 28, 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.

DFG approves 12 new collaborative research centers

The DFG approved twelve new Collaborative Research Centres to explore various research topics including the molecular interactions of immune response in pneumonia, innovative programming techniques, and materials for bone regeneration. The new centres aim to advance our understanding of complex phenomena and develop new therapies.

SourceDeutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft·DateMay 28, 2010

Drum rhythm on song for World Cup success

A Durham University researcher has developed a new notation system for African drums, allowing people to learn and perform unique rhythms worldwide. The system is used in a song called 'Vuma! Unity, harmony, goal!' promoting rhythm and unity for World Cup success.

SourceDurham University·DateMay 28, 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.

UBC researcher decodes Rembrandt's 'magic'

A UBC researcher has discovered what makes Rembrandt's portraits so captivating by recreating four of the artist's most famous works using computer-rendering programs. The study found that viewers fixated on specific areas of the face, such as the eyes, and preferred portraits with 'eye guiding narrative' techniques.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalLeonardo·DateMay 28, 2010

Many with HIV start care too late

A study of nearly 45,000 patients found that many with HIV in the US and Canada do not receive care early enough, resulting in lower CD4 cell counts. This delay increases the risk of clinical disease progression and ongoing transmission.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateMay 28, 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.

The deep voice of alpha male

A new study published in Springer's journal Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology found that men perceive vocal masculinity as a strong indicator of dominance, but it does not influence their attentiveness to rivals' voices. The researchers also discovered that testosterone levels are linked to dominance ratings.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateMay 28, 2010