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Science News for May 4, 2010


Virginiamycin may reduce feed costs for swine producers

Researchers found that adding virginiamycin to corn-soybean meal feed rations improves ileal amino acid digestibility, enabling pigs to utilize amino acids more efficiently. This increase in digestibility could lead to significant savings on formulation cost and lower diet costs for swine producers.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Animal Science·DateMay 4, 2010

Your arteries may be suffering insulin resistance, too

A new report in Cell Metabolism shows that insulin-resistant blood vessels develop plaques twice as large as normal ones and are more prone to atherosclerosis. Insulin signaling helps prevent fatty plaque buildup, suggesting treatments targeting blood vessels may be beneficial for people with diabetes.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMay 4, 2010

Bugging out: NC State researchers help track wayward pests through mapping

Researchers at NC State University developed a set of guidelines to improve pest-risk mapping, including increasing international collaboration and incorporating climate change. The recommendations aim to increase the accuracy and consistency of pest-risk maps, which inform strategic and tactical management decisions. By addressing unc...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalBioScience·DateMay 4, 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.

Managing the emotions behind eating

Researchers at Temple University's Center for Obesity Research are developing a new weight loss treatment that incorporates skills to address emotional eating. The program helps participants recognize and manage emotional triggers, such as boredom, frustration, or sadness, to break the cycle of overeating.

SourceTemple University·DateMay 4, 2010

How Darwin's little-known work impacts current schizophrenia and autism treatment

Historical research reveals Darwin's pioneering work on human perception of emotional expression, with implications for modern treatment of schizophrenia and autism. Snyder's study of previously unpublished notes shows that Darwin's experiment is a little-known forerunner for an entire modern field of study.

SourceLifespan·JournalJournal of the History of the Neurosciences·DateMay 4, 2010

The art of mindreading -- empathy or rational inference?

Researchers found that the brain's dorsolateral prefrontal cortex plays a key role in rational inference, but not emotions, in 'mindreading'. The study suggests that certain executive functions like cognitive flexibility may be important for processing what someone else is thinking.

SourceElsevier·JournalCortex·DateMay 4, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

AGU journal highlights -- May 4, 2010

Researchers verified reductions in sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide emissions from Chinese power plants using satellite monitoring. The study also predicts the evolution of central Pacific El Niño events, finding links to thermocline depth and its impact on weather patterns.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 4, 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.

High-altitude research advances low-altitude medicine

This special issue of Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases explores the connections between high-altitude medicine and low-altitude diseases. Studies have elucidated fundamental mechanisms involved in lung edema and hypoxic pulmonary hypertension, while also detecting vascular dysfunction in humans.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalProgress in Cardiovascular Diseases·DateMay 4, 2010

Fishing fleet working 17 times harder than in 1880s to make same catch

Researchers found trawl fish landings peaked in 1937 at 14 times higher than today and bottom-living fish availability fell by 94%. The decline in popular fish stocks such as cod, haddock, and plaice is more profound than previously thought. The study suggests a longer period of damage to fisheries has taken place

SourceUniversity of York·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 4, 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.

DNA barcoding exposes fake ferns in international plant trade

A new DNA barcoding technique has found that many garden ferns sold at nurseries are actually exotic species from other parts of the world. The technique identified three species of ferns as mistakenly labeled, with over 50% of collected plants being incorrectly identified.

SourceDuke University·JournalMolecular Ecology Resources·DateMay 4, 2010

Kids with hearing loss in 1 ear fall behind in language skills

A new study has found that children with hearing loss in one ear tend to have poorer oral language scores than their peers with normal hearing. The researchers discovered a significant link between unilateral hearing loss and lower language skills, particularly among disadvantaged children.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMay 4, 2010

Exposure to prenatal smoking may lead to psychiatric problems

Adolescents exposed to prenatal smoking are at a higher risk for use of all psychiatric drugs, especially those treating depression, ADHD, and addiction. Smoking exposure during pregnancy may interfere with brain development, leading to increased need for psychotropic medications in childhood and young adulthood.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateMay 4, 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.

A new biological explanation for sadness in early postpartum

Researchers at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health found that postpartum blues are associated with elevated brain monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) levels in healthy women. Higher MAO-A levels can lead to feelings of sadness as it accelerates the removal of chemicals like serotonin, contributing to depression.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·DateMay 4, 2010

New study ranks countries on environment impact

The University of Adelaide's Environment Institute has ranked countries based on their environmental impact using seven indicators. The study found that total wealth is the most important driver of environmental impact, contradicting the Kuznets curve hypothesis.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 4, 2010

Parents need to be convinced their daughters should receive HPV vaccine

A recent study published in PLOS Medicine found that HPV vaccine uptake among grade 6 girls in British Columbia, Canada is lower than expected. The study suggests that concerns about safety and lack of information are major factors hindering vaccine adoption. Positive parental attitudes towards vaccination and education level can incre...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMay 4, 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.

Some patients with hepatitis B faring better after liver transplant

A Mayo Clinic study reveals a 50% decrease in the number of patients listed for a second liver transplant within three years, indicating improved treatment outcomes for some patients with hepatitis B. Researchers found that new medications have improved ability to control hepatitis B recurrence.

SourceMayo Clinic·DateMay 4, 2010

Fragmented forests result in more snakes, fewer birds

A University of Illinois study monitored rat snakes and bird nests in fragmented forest areas, finding that rats spend more time on edges than thought, making interior nests safer. The study suggests preserving unfragmented forest habitats to conserve birds.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalEcological Applications·DateMay 4, 2010

Equitable access to influenza vaccines not in sight

A PLOS Medicine article examines the challenges of increasing global access to influenza vaccines, citing disagreements between developed and developing countries as a major obstacle. The author calls for further research on ways to address these issues through collective action.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMay 4, 2010

Natural selection for moderate testosterone surprises scientists

A field study found that intermediate testosterone production is associated with increased survival and reproductive success in male dark-eyed juncos. The researchers also discovered that high and low testosterone levels lead to decreased survival rates, contradicting previous expectations.

SourceIndiana University·DateMay 4, 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.

Flaxseed-fed chickens shed light on ovarian cancer

Researchers found that flaxseed-enriched diets decreased late-stage ovarian tumor severity and increased survival rates in hens. The study also showed improved weight control and reduced metastatic spread in hens fed the flaxseed diet, suggesting potential benefits for human ovarian cancer treatment.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalGynecologic Oncology·DateMay 4, 2010

Why is late-life depression harder to treat?

Researchers found that older adults with late-life depression don't respond normally to emotional stimuli, making treatment more challenging. This study highlights the importance of emotion in understanding late-life depression and developing effective therapies.

SourceBaycrest Centre for Geriatric Care·JournalAmerican Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateMay 4, 2010

Illinois research may help patients with intestinal failure, other malabsorptive disorders

Researchers at the University of Illinois have made a breakthrough in understanding how butyrate helps the intestine grow and become more functional. Butyrate increases the creation of intestinal cells and fortifies them by increasing the transcription of a protein called GLUT2, which plays an important role in intestinal function.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition·DateMay 4, 2010

Study examines incidence of gastric cancer

A recent study found that gastric cancer incidence has declined globally over the past 30 years for all age groups and races, except for young white adults. The majority of noncardia gastric cancers are attributed to chronic Helicobacter pylori infection.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMay 4, 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.

Trauma-induced changes to genes may lead to PTSD

Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that traumatic experiences alter genes involved in stress response and immune system, leading to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study identified six to seven times more unmethylated genes in individuals with PTSD, most related to the immune system.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 4, 2010

Definitive diabetes indicator deceptively high in African-American children

Researchers found significant differences in hemoglobin A1c response to blood glucose between African-American and Caucasian children with diabetes. The study suggests that doctors may be misinformed about blood glucose levels in African-American patients, leading to life-threatening hypoglycemia and increased complications.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalDiabetes Care·DateMay 4, 2010

Most patients lack early follow-up care after heart failure hospitalization

A study of over 30,000 Medicare beneficiaries found that fewer than 40% received follow-up care within seven days of discharge. Patients with consistent follow-up were 15% less likely to be readmitted within 30 days. Implementing a simple follow-up system can prevent readmissions and improve patient outcomes.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJAMA·DateMay 4, 2010

Popular diabetes drug works differently than thought

Researchers discovered that metformin disables the mTOR complex through RAG GTPase, rather than activating TSC proteins via AMPK. This finding raises the possibility of using metformin more widely to treat cancer and diseases linked to TSC deficiency.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMay 4, 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.

Pneumonia vaccine does not protect against heart attacks or strokes

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that pneumococcal vaccination has no association with reduced risk of heart attacks or strokes. Researchers used electronic health records to follow 84,170 ethnically diverse California men for an average of five years.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJAMA·DateMay 4, 2010

Researchers find melanoma not caused by early UVA light exposure

A fish model experiment reverses an earlier finding linking early life UVA exposure to melanoma development. The study finds that UVB exposure is a significant cause of melanoma in the model, contradicting previous research. This new evidence sheds light on the role of UVA and UVB in skin cancer.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 4, 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.

Bees that nest in petals

Researchers discovered a rare species of solitary bee that lines its underground nests with petals from various flowers. This unique behavior provides essential nutrients for the larvae's growth and protects them from the harsh winter conditions.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalAmerican Museum Novitates·DateMay 4, 2010

Viruses against cancer

Researchers have found that parvoviruses can completely regress malignant brain tumors in rats and human gliomas. The viruses target cancer cells without affecting healthy tissue, making them a potential new approach to treating glioblastoma.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNeuro-Oncology·DateMay 4, 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.

Scientists outline strategy to limit global warming

Researchers recommend stabilizing carbon dioxide concentrations, fashioning warming-neutral pollution laws, and achieving immediate cooling through reductions in greenhouse gases. The proposed strategies aim to reduce the probability of reaching the temperature threshold to less than 10 percent before 2050.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 4, 2010

Medical home pays off, improving primary care and cutting cost at 2 years

The medical home prototype improved quality of care, patient experiences, and clinician well-being, with significant cost savings through reduced emergency visits and hospitalizations. The study's findings support the model's ability to address healthcare concerns and provide recommendations for implementation.

SourceGroup Health Research Institute·JournalHealth Affairs·DateMay 4, 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.

Researchers find future temperatures could exceed livable limits

Researchers calculated that a warming of 12 degrees Fahrenheit would cause some areas to surpass the wet-bulb temperature limit, while a 21-degree warming would put half of the world's population in an uninhabitable environment. Prolonged temperatures above 95 degrees could be intolerable for hours.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 4, 2010

Fear of pandemic influenza clogs EDs even when disease is not present

A study shows that public fear of disease can lead to overcrowding in emergency departments, even when the actual disease is not present. The American Academy of Pediatrics calls for responsible media coverage of public health emergencies to prevent unnecessary strain on medical facilities.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateMay 4, 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.

Declining social security benefits keep older men in workforce

A new study suggests that declining Social Security benefits are a leading cause of older men staying in the workforce. The study found that between 25 and 50 percent of the increase in labor force participation among men aged 55-69 can be explained by declining benefits.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Human Resources·DateMay 4, 2010

Racial disparities evident in taking sexual histories in emergency departments

A new study reveals racial disparities in emergency department documentation of sexual histories for adolescent girls, with black teens more likely to have their history documented than white teens despite higher STI incidence rates. This finding highlights the need for standardized care and attention to racial disparities in healthcare.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·DateMay 4, 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.

Physical activity reduces the effect of the obesity gene in adolescents

A Spanish study led by researchers shows that regular physical activity during adolescence can reduce the impact of a mutated FTO gene on weight and body fat. The study suggests that even modest amounts of exercise, such as one hour per day, can counteract genetic predispositions to obesity.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateMay 4, 2010

Key mechanism identified in metastatic breast cancer

Researchers at the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center have discovered a key molecular mechanism behind breast tumor cell spread. The finding focuses on Snail's interaction with LSD1 enzyme, which regulates DNA structure and shuts down E-cadherin gene expression, leading to metastasis.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateMay 4, 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.

Less sleep may add up to more pounds in adolescents

A study of 723 adolescents found that shorter sleep duration was related to higher BMI, with stronger associations in boys and middle school students. The research suggests that inadequate sleep may be a risk factor for childhood obesity.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateMay 4, 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.

Important control mechanism behind autoimmune diseases discovered

A team of researchers at Karolinska Institutet has discovered a crucial role for NKT cells in regulating B cell activation and preventing autoimmunity. This finding provides new insights into the mechanisms underlying autoimmune diseases, such as MS and rheumatoid arthritis.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMay 4, 2010

Heart drug effective for treating symptom of muscular dystrophy

Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center found that mexiletine is effective in alleviating myotonia, a central symptom of myotonic dystrophy. The medication reduces muscle stiffness and relaxation time by 38-59% in patients with the condition.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalNeurology·DateMay 4, 2010

H1N1 influenza hits older children

A study found that older children hospitalized with pandemic H1N1 influenza had more severe medical conditions than those with seasonal influenza. Vaccination is crucial for this age group and those with pre-existing conditions to prevent hospitalization.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateMay 4, 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.

Bionic coating could help ships to economize on fuel

Researchers have discovered a way to create superhydrophobic surfaces based on water ferns, which could reduce friction and save up to 1% of global fuel consumption. The coating is made possible by the unique properties of the plant's hairs, which are hydrophobic but also have hydrophilic tips that 'staple' water in place.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 4, 2010

Vancouver Island has one of the highest rates of Cryptococcus infection in the world

Vancouver Island has an unusually high rate of Cryptococcus infection, a rare but deadly disease caused by inhaling toxic fungus from fir trees. Researchers at the University of Calgary have found that a class of approved therapeutic drugs could prevent brain infection by stopping the fungus from crossing the blood-brain barrier.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 4, 2010

ARS scientists identify genetic resistance to rice sheath blight

Researchers at ARS Dale Bumpers National Rice Research Center have identified a genetic region qShB9-2 that controls sheath blight in rice. They also developed a standardized screening technique to detect the disease in seedlings, accelerating the process of identifying resistant germplasm.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalPlant Disease·DateMay 4, 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.

Pay-for-performance programs may worsen medical disparities, study finds

A new study by RAND Corporation suggests that pay-for-performance programs could worsen medical disparities, particularly in communities with lower-income and minority populations. The study found that practices serving these communities would receive lower payments under typical pay-for-performance programs.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalHealth Affairs·DateMay 4, 2010

Polygala balansae, a new bush to Europe, at risk of extinction in Spain

The Polygala balansae, a thorny bush up to 1.5m high, has only one population in Spain, found on 1,920m2 Mediterranean scrubland. It is threatened by habitat fragmentation, human settlement, and biological problems due to low reproductive individuals.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalAnnales Botanici Fennici·DateMay 4, 2010

Male or female? In flies, some cells can't tell

Researchers found that a subset of cells in flies express sex-specific genes, while others remain identical in males and females. This discovery has profound implications for our understanding of sex differences in the animal kingdom and may have relevance to human biology as well.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 4, 2010

By 2030, cardiovascular disease and death rates will surge in China

Researchers predict a significant increase in cardiovascular disease events and deaths in China between 2010 and 2030, driven by demographic changes and rising risk factors. Dramatically reducing smoking and controlling elevated blood pressure could prevent up to 5.7 million deaths by 2030.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMay 4, 2010

Study shows vitamin A supplementation does not reduce maternal mortality

A recent trial in Ghana found that vitamin A supplementation did not reduce maternal mortality, contradicting previous findings from a Nepalese trial. The study showed similar rates of pregnancy-related and all-cause female mortality between the intervention and control groups.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 4, 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.